Fall 2024 Nurse Pinning Ceremony Del Mar CollegeTimecodes 0:00 Intro 05:39 Ceremony Host Dr. Casey Moebius 06:38 Opening Remarks Dr. Jennifer McWha 10:33 Recognition of Students Dr. Linda Earwood 16:50 Faculty Speaker Emily Petrikas 25:13 ADN Student Speaker Kristie Raspe 43:58 Pinning of Graduates Nursing Faculty 1:05:25 Florence Nightingale Pledge Graduating Class 1:06:33 Closing Remarks Dr. Casey Moebius

Fall 2024 Honor's Ceremony Del Mar CollegeTimecodes 0:00 Intro 0:09 Welcome Dr. Linda Earwood 02:21 Overview of Alpha Delta a Phi Dr. Mary Borchardt 04:47 Faculty Speaker Diana Keeler 11:08 Faculty Speaker Melody Skinner 13:36 Student Speaker Amber Espiritu 17:46 Symbols of the Nursing Profession Victoria Aguas Garcia 21:25 Awarding of Pins and Cords Faculty Advisors 25:15 Closing Remarks Dr. Mary Borchardt

526 DMC “prospective” graduates march into the American Bank Center arena at 7 p.m. as the Class of Fall 2024. Overall, Del Mar College’s Class of Fall 2024 includes 784 “prospective” graduates who have earned a total of 996 occupational skills awards, certificates, associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees combined. As the college celebrates graduates’ successes, among those individuals “walking the stage” tonight are John Adami, a Broken Arrow, Ok., resident who finished his degree online this semester and is returning after 30 years to finally collect his Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Applied Technology, and Biotechnology major Trinity Storr, who earned a Student Award for Excellence during competition at the National Science Foundation’s 2024 Advanced Technology in Education conference in Washington, D.C., in October. (full release) Before the soon-to-be graduates take center stage to receive those hard-earned rewards, keynote speaker Dr. Robert H. Vela, Jr., President of Texas A&M University-Kingsville, with share his words of wisdom before graduates embark on their next journey. (announcement release) But, the college has planned a special tribute for Dr. Vela before and after he speaks. The Wind Ensemble will play TAMUK’s fight song, “Jalisco,” to recognize the Javelina’s own alma matter. For the 526 DMC graduates donning blue caps and gowns and representing the whole class of 784 program completers this evening, the college’s Winter Commencement is truly a reason to celebrate their success. Del Mar College … own your dreams!

Texas A&M University-Kingsville President Dr. Robert H. Vela, Jr. will provide the keynote address. Dr. Vela is the university’s 22nd President and began serving in that role on June, 15, 2022. His career has been dedicated to promoting access and opportunity to higher education across the state. Previously, Dr. Vela served as President of San Antonio College, one of the largest community colleges in the nation, from 2014 to June 2022. Under his collaborative leadership, he developed a strategic plan that advanced the Alamo Community College District’s goal of transforming San Antonio College into the best community college in the United States. In 2021, the college earned the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, which is the nation’s premier recognition of achievement and performance among America’s community colleges. Dr. Vela has also served in leadership roles at San Jacinto College and Coastal Bend College. He launched his career in higher education at A&M-Kingsville in 1997, serving in various roles that included Upward Bound Program Coordinator and Director of the Teacher Development Center. In 2021, Dr. Vela joined the Board of Directors of Excelencia in Education, an organization accelerating Latino student success in higher education to address the U.S. economy’s need for a highly educated workforce and civic leadership. As a nationally recognized leader in higher education, Dr. Vela has also served as the President of the National Community College Hispanic Council and on the American Association of Community Colleges Board of Directors. Additionally, his credits include receiving the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award in 2018. Dr. Vela has taught courses in higher education administration and leadership, educational leadership and counseling throughout his 20 years in higher education. A native of Alice, Texas, he earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from A&M-Kingsville, and in 2015, Dr. Vela received the Javelina Distinguished Alumni Award.

Regular Meeting of the Del Mar College Board of Regents for Tuesday December 10, 2024.