Del Mar College moving forward on revitalization of former primary school, facility to be renovated into Workforce Development Center in Aransas County
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October
2024
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00:27 AM
Europe/Amsterdam
Aransas County and surrounding community residents will benefit through partnership to bring higher education and workforce training closer to home
Article by Melinda Eddleman
The Rockport-Fulton community will soon see a chain-link fence around the perimeter of what was once the Little Bay Primary School, along with a Del Mar College (DMC) sign indicating that renovations are coming soon. The College is moving forward with repurposing the facility into the Workforce Development Center, which will serve Rockport-Fulton, Aransas County and surrounding communities with higher education and workforce training opportunities that support those economies.
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The Workforce Development Center in Aransas County will provide an excellent opportunity to the local community to earn credentials directly tied to a career or in various programs offered by Del Mar College. This Center is the result of Aransas County officials, the Aransas County Partnership Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the College working together to support local economic and workforce development. The new center will give all Aransas County area students access to college and career-track courses close to home.
Lenora Keas, DMC Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
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These generous donations show commitment and a belief that the new Workforce Development Center will change area residents’ lives by improving their standard of living, building a workforce that serves local communities as a whole and reshaping the economy impacted by the hurricane and pandemic over the past seven years. Core educational courses and workforce training through Del Mar College will give those impacted by these events the opportunity to set a new path leading to attaining their goals.
Matthew Busby, DMC Vice President of Development and Donor Advising
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About Del Mar College
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.
Latest DMC News
- Del Mar College Cyber Center cybersecurity internship initiative announced after landing $200K grant from U.S. Commerce Department’s NISTArticle by: Richard Guerrero, Jr. Del Mar College (DMC) is the only awardee in Texas that landed a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) this year. College administrators with the Workforce Development and Corporate Services Department, along with Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend, announced on Oct. 30 details about the $200,000 NIST grant that was awarded earlier in October. Overall, 15 grants totaling $3 million were awarded among 11 states. Darcy Shaw, DMC Cyber Center Program Manager, says, “The NIST grant is creating partnerships to promote cybersecurity education and workforce development because cybersecurity professionals are attaining their education, but they are not getting hired. There’s a very large need for cybersecurity professionals not just throughout the country but in our area and across Texas.” The funds the College received will support NIST’s Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships to Stimulate (RAMPS) initiative in South Texas. NIST seeks to build multistakeholder workforce partnerships among employers, schools and higher education institutions, and other community organizations through its Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development Program through the funding awarding as part of the RAMPS initiative. The two key objectives of the DMC Cyber Center are: · Increase cybersecurity planning, awareness, and compliance · Add skills to cybersecurity students To that end, the DMC Cyber Center RAMPS initiative will utilize paid cybersecurity interns (students from DMC and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) to provide planning and training for business owners in the Coastal Bend starting in January. Small and mid-sized businesses are typically more vulnerable to cyber threats due to fewer resources, Shaw says. Shaw notes that the Cyber Center will host clinics for small and mid-sized businesses that utilize undergraduate students from the DMC Department of Computer Science, along with undergraduate and graduate students with TAMU-CC’s Computer Science and Networking and Information Security programs with the College of Engineering and Computer Science, to provide the following services: · Network mapping · Review and guidance with system security plans and recovery plans · Basic cyber hygiene awareness The College’s Cyber Center will manage South Texas’ initiative, which includes partnerships with Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend, the Coastal Bend Business Innovation Center, QuickStart Business Services, DMC academic programs as well as TAMU-CC. Additionally, partnership also includes the City of Corpus Christi and the Corpus Christi B Corporation (Type B Board). Recently, the Corpus Christi City Council approved a $140,000 grant that also provides funding support for the Cyber Center. Ken Treviño, Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend CEO, says Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend is honored to partner with Del Mar College Cyber Center to open new doors for individuals pursuing cybersecurity careers. “By expanding access to critical training and connecting businesses with skilled professionals, we’re advancing workforce development across the Coastal Bend and supporting the security needs of industries vital to our region,” Treviño says. The DMC Cyber Center RAMPS initiative will allow the Cyber Center to serve Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Live Oak, Refugio, and San Patricio counties. Employees looking to expand their skills set will also have the opportunity to pursue “Grow Your Own” cybersecurity education and certification opportunities through the College’s Cisco Certification occupational track paid for by Skills for Small Business grant funds provided by the Texas Workforce Commission. “We’re uniquely positioned because of Del Mar College’s existing collaborative relationships with the business community (small and large), business resource partners, the City of Corpus Christi, Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend and University partners to foster and support cybersecurity students seeking entry into the workforce,” Shaw says. “Leveraging the Cyber Center’s role in assisting small and mid-sized businesses with cybersecurity planning, awareness and certification addresses the needs of students for applied experience and the needs of businesses for cybersecurity professionals.” NICE, previously known as the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education and overseen by NIST, funds Cyberseek, which is a tool designed for use by employers, educators and students to, provide data on the jobs outlook for the cybersecurity industry. According to Cyberseek analyzed data, only 83 cybersecurity workers were available for every 100 cybersecurity jobs demanded by U.S. employers between September 2023 and August 2024, and there were 457,433 openings that requested cybersecurity-related skills this year (2024). In Texas, the supply/demand ratio of available cybersecurity jobs relative to employer demand in a particular location is 85%, or 2% more than the national average (83%). The Lone Star State has nearly 37,000 job openings this year according to Cyberseek. “The need for a skilled cybersecurity workforce continues to grow,” says Shaw. “That’s our mission by offering the new Cyber Center here at Del Mar College: Addressing area employers’ needs while giving students pursuing the field the opportunity to find local employment as cybersecurity professionals.” Editor's Note: In the banner photo, Dr. David Ma (from left), Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi; Ken Treviño, Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend CEO; Dan Korus, Dean of Workforce Development and Corporate Services at Del Mar College (DMC), DMC Computer Science major Noah Cantu; and Darcy Shaw, Cyber Center Program Manager with the DMC Small Business Development Center, attended the Cyber Center announcement at the DMC Center for Economic Development on Oct. 30.
- Del Mar College’s Counseling Center Celebrates a Decade of Fun, Food, and Info During “Spooktacular” Mental Health & Resource Fair for Students on Oct. 24Article by Richard Guerrero, Jr. For some students, the pressure of keeping up with classes while working and fielding responsibilities at home can seem utterly frightening. The Del Mar College (DMC) Counseling Center, however, is the place that students turn to when life’s challenges prove exceptionally vexing or insurmountable. And, making access to resources addressing the issue a fun experience is something the DMC Counseling Center, along with the Student Engagement and Retention Division, has been doing around Halloween for a decade. DMC Counseling Center staff and partners held their 10th annual Spooktacular Mental Health & Resource Fair on Oct. 24 for the College’s students, including a haunted house and various informational and health services tables throughout the first and second floors of the Harvin Student Center on Heritage Campus. DMC Counseling Center Director Jessica Edwards, M.A., LPC, says the event requires several days to transform the Harvin Student Center into the spooktacular event space that it was. Key to the fair’s success are the agencies who participate in the fair. “These agencies gave out lots of information and free giveaways,” Edwards said. “We had free flu shots courtesy of Walgreens and free pizza for students while supplies last. The Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation provided free health screenings – STI testing – as well. Of course, there also was the haunted maze that students visited to get additional info on alcohol and substance use awareness as well as suicide prevention.” The DMC Counseling Center offers free and confidential counseling services to students all year long. Staff also provide the College’s employees and students with consultations covering the Center’s services, and staff discuss how individuals can get help for themselves or for someone they’re concerned about. “Our center typically has more than 1,000 appointments each year,” Edwards says. “Based off last year’s data, the top three concerns that students reported are anxiety, depression and partner relationship distress; we are seeing a similar trend this year so far. We also assist students who are experiencing a mental health crisis, such as experiencing suicidal ideation. Last year, we assisted 20 students in crisis who either were then stabilized by a counselor or needed support getting to a local mental health hospital.” Among the organizations participating during this year’s fair were the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Amistad Community Health Center, Bayview Behavioral Hospital, Children’s Advocacy Center of the Coastal Bend, Coastal Bend Wellness (including Behavior Health and the Pride Center), Coastal Plains Community Center, Corpus Christi Hope House, Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District, Corpus Christi Police Department Victim Assistance Program, Council on Alcohol + Drug Abuse – Coastal Bend, Youth Continuum of Care Coalition, Counseling and Recovery Services, Family Counseling Services (including Crime Victim Services), Family Endeavor (Veteran Supportive Services), MHP Salud, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Corpus Christi, Nueces Center for Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, Oceans Behavioral Health, South Texas Family Planning & Health Corporation, South Texas Substance Abuse Recovery Services, Texas Adoption Center, Texas Department of Health and Human Services/Texas STAR, Women’s & Men’s Health Services, Women’s Shelter of South Texas (The Purple Door), Walgreens Flu Shot Clinic, Corpus Christi Public Library, Corpus Christi Regional Transportation, Coastal Bend Food Bank, Mobility Management Services – R. E.A. L. Inc., and New Life Direct Primary Care. Del Mar College campus resources participants included the Career Development Department, Center for Access and Advocacy, Financial Aid Services, Learning Resources, Nurse Education Department, Student Success Center, Student Leadership and Campus Life, TRIO Educational Opportunity Center, TRIO Student Support Services, DMC Nursing Department – Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society, Veteran Services and Valdar’s Market, a service provided by DMC in conjunction with the Coastal Bend Food Bank. For freshman Studio Art major Diamond Aguilar, the Spooktacular’s haunted house was her first opportunity to tour just such a creepy, ghoulish space. “I’ve always been so nervous when it comes to haunted houses, so whenever they said there was going to be a haunted house here, I said, ‘OK, I can totally go to that,’” Aguilar said. “I liked the decorations, the colors and the sounds. It was really cool.” Fellow freshman Studio Art major Alexis Camareno said she thought the experience was immersive. “I liked the lighting and how you were able walk around and see things for yourself,” Camareno said. When asked about a favorite feature, both Aguilar and Camareno declared in unison: The library. “There were little potions in there and characters – if you looked around in there, there was a lot to see even though it was a pretty small room,” Camareno said. “Del Mar definitely has a lot of Halloween spirit."
- Del Mar College Foundation Receiving Nearly $1.9 Million City Council-approved Grant to Enhance and Expand High-demand Workforce Training ProgramsArticle by Melinda Eddleman As the Coastal Bend economy continues to grow, the Corpus Christi City Council unanimously approved today a nearly $1.9 million grant to help fill the gap between the number of skilled workers available and local jobs ready to be filled. The direct award to the Del Mar College (DMC) Foundation will support the Enhanced Skills Training for High Demand Careers initiative. The DMC Foundation will use the funds to enhance and expand five existing workforce training programs by acquiring equipment and cutting-edge technology for current and emerging hands-on training that will keep the regional economy globally competitive while producing more graduates whose skills address in-demand workforce needs among area employers. Prior to the City Council’s grant approval, the DMC Foundation’s request for these funds were first vetted and approved with unanimous support by the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation’s Board and the City of Corpus Christi Type A/B Board. Matthew Busby, DMC Vice President of Development and Donor Advising, adds, “Del Mar College is a leader in workforce development and uses labor market information from the State of Texas and Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend to determine and provide training that meets 95 percent of our region’s most in-demand occupations. Today’s grant approval allows for the expansion and upgrades to the programs impacted by these funds, allowing the College to remain on the forefront as the Coastal Bend and its workforce move into the future.” The DMC Foundation will channel grant funds to the following five programs or training areas, including Industrial Instrumentation, the Artificial Intelligence and Geospatial Visualization Lab, Engineering and Robotics, Chemistry Lab Technician and Industrial Machining/Welding. These programs proactively address challenges to both sustain and grow the number of graduates entering the workforce and are designed to shorten the onboarding time for new local hires by producing skilled employees empowered with the necessary critical thinking skills that target the region’s workforce demands. In each case, new equipment will support expanded instruction, increase skills development or add emerging skills training in new areas of industrial and business development. Busby notes, “This investment will enhance students’ educational experience and increase the level of immersive, hands-on training.” More than 1,400 students were majoring in one of the five programs during the Spring 2024 semester with 396 graduates for the 2023-2024 academic year. The goal is to increase total graduates to 472 for 2026. The College’s long-term objective is to enhance and further expand training programs and graduate outcomes to provide more support to local small, medium and large businesses that rely on skilled employees.
- With growth comes possibilities …. Del Mar College Foundation 2024 Scholarship Dinner brings record number of students and scholarship supporters face-to-face at American Bank Center on Oct. 3Article by Melinda Eddleman/Richard Guerrero, Jr. He describes his ArcelorMittal Texas Scholarship as the “fuel for my emotions that drives me to keep going.” Del Mar College (DMC) Process Technology major Jesus Alvarado, Jr. has had a challenging year, including losing his father, but he can’t wait to meet leadership from the company that is supporting his education through their generous donations that inspire Alvarado to keep focused on his dream––a good paying job that allows for balance between work and life, supporting his family, the ability to purchase a home and travel. On Thursday, Oct. 3, Alvarado had the opportunity, along with over 215 other scholarship recipients, to thank in-person their benefactors during the Del Mar College Foundation’s 2024 Scholarship Dinner at the American Bank Center. The 2024-2025 academic year marks record-setting scholarships awarded by the DMC Foundation, totaling over $2.5 million and helping over 1,100 students. DMC Foundation staff noted that 3,281 students applied for scholarships for the current academic year, an indicator that parallels the College’s enrollment growth this fall by more than 12 percent with 12,098 students attending classes. Busby added that since 2020, more than $12,254,265 in DMC Foundation scholarships and privately funded student emergency aid has been awarded to over 9,553 students attending Del Mar College. During the scholarship dinner, Alvarado and two donors, including ArcelorMittal Texas HBI Chief Executive Officer Uwe Leopold and retired Associate Professor Emeritus of Business Drue Jones, were featured during a video as part of programming. Alvarado is no stranger to Del Mar College and first earned an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration from DMC in 2015 before moving on to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree four years later. However, not until Alvarado returned to the College this spring as a Process Technology major and explored his funding options through the DMC Foundation did he receive his first scholarship––the ArcelorMittal Texas Scholarship. As a commuter student who lives in Ingleside and with classes on the Windward Campus, Alvarado said that the scholarship helps him cover various expenses, such as the cost of fuel during his daily treks to and from campus, which averages 60 to 70 miles a day. “My scholarship definitely eases the burden of having to pay for school and helps put some money back into my pocket so I can pay for gas,” he said. In addition to his studies, Alvarado works full time as the Billing, Safety and Compliance Manager for Lydia Ann Channel Fleet, a position he has held since May 2023. Among his duties, he ensures that the facility is compliant with Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards as well as vessels maintaining compliance regulations set forth by the U.S. Coast Guard, creates vessel maintenance plans along with employee training programs and oversees security drills for all boats and facilities. Alvarado also serves among leadership of the Del Mar Chapter of the Industrial Process Technology Association (IPTA), a registered student organization. The club emphasizes the value of teamwork and mutual support to ensure success among its members. “Some of us are a little older, and some of us are younger, but we all have that same dream – that same career path – and we know that we can lean on one another to support each other,” he said about PTA. ArcelorMittal Texas HBI recognizes the type of leadership that Alvarado represents among Del Mar College’s students. “Whenever someone graduates from Del Mar College, usually these [individuals] are leaders and innovators of the future,” Leopold said of why the company supports scholarships through the DMC Foundation. “You not only impact or influence a certain individual, you also have an impact on the community as a whole.” Leopold noted that scholarship donations are not just a good investment but also are a means to “being a good neighbor.” ArcelorMittal Texas HBI has supported student scholarships to build a quality workforce and also provide residents living around them the opportunity to pursue career training that supports ArcelorMittal’s employment needs while providing good jobs. Earlier this year, College and DMC Foundation leadership recognized and celebrated ArcelorMittal Texas HBI for reaching a cumulative “half million dollar mark” in scholarship donations and other support over a four-year period. The Feb. 15 event observed that the company’s investment at that time had impacted the lives of 93 DMC students majoring in the Welding Technology, Process Technology, Industrial Instrumentation and Millwright programs, which are all career training fields stipulated in the criteria to receive the scholarship to fulfill the company’s efforts to build their workforce. Since the February celebration, the DMC Foundation has awarded another $90,000 of ArcelorMittal Texas Scholarships to 30 students, including Alvarado. Jones’ video segment paid tribute to her late father, Corpus Christi Mayor Emeritus and former Corpus Christi Army Depot Commander Luther Jones, and the scholarship she established in his name. She noted that her father was a high school graduate who was running a gas station when he was drafted into military service during World War II; but during his 29-year career with the U.S. Army, he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. His daughter’s fondest memories include when she, her siblings and the late Jones all sat at the dining room table working on school assignments together as her father furthered his own education. “I know the sacrifices he made to improve his life and our lives, and I saw the same thing at Del Mar when I was teaching,” Jones said while recollecting her own childhood and time at DMC. “I saw students who were juggling childcare and work life and community responsibilities and trying to keep everything together long enough to complete their goal.” Additionally, event organizers showed a video in tribute to the late Eugene “Gene” H. Bouligny, who is credited as one of the founders of the DMC Foundation 41 years ago. He is the only DMC Foundation Board of Trustees member to serve twice as President (1987 to 1992 and 1996 to 1997) and generously supported the College through his philanthropic endeavors, including the donation with William “Dusty” Durrill of the former grocery store the College renovated into the DMC Center for Economic Development and Bouligny’s fund-matching challenges that led to millions of dollars given to support scholarships. Beginning Feb. 1, 2025, the Foundation will start taking scholarship applications for the next academic year, which is 2025-2026. Donations can be arranged year-round. To learn more about the DMC Foundation either as a scholarship applicant or a donor, visit www.delmar.edu/foundation, call main line at 361-698-1317 or email foundation@delmar.edu.
- Where Tradition Begins: Del Mar College Hosting First “Viking Fest” Oct. 25 (Updated)Article by DMC College Relations/Adrienne VanBrunt There’s always a “first,” and this year, Del Mar College will make history by hosting its first “Viking Fest” on Friday, Oct. 25. The public is invited to join the festivities from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Windward Campus (4101 Old Brownsville Rd., 78405) for an evening filled with fall fun, engaging activities and the spirit of Viking pride. More than just a fall festival, “Viking Fest” celebrates what it means to be a Viking with this family-friendly event offering entertainment and learning experiences for all ages. The event features a variety of giant inflatables––including a 100-foot obstacle course, pumpkin bounce house, frisbee toss, darts and sports activities like football, baseball, basketball, soccer and golf––carnival games, a car show and live music. The College also will highlight several programs with impressive displays, such as a semi-truck and simulator, an EMT vehicle and a fire truck––all used for training DMC students for successful careers. There’s even a costume contest and Zombie & Monster Walk/Run, so come dressed to impress! “Viking Fest” is a community event with free admission. Tickets sales cover carnival games that support DMC student clubs, food and beverages. Information about the event is available on the Viking Fest Facebook page and the DMC web page, which includes a map showing the event layout and a performance, awards and costume contest schedule. Questions can also be directed to College Relations Marketing & Events Executive Director Jason H. Houlihan at 361-698-1247 or jhouliha@delmar.edu. Leading up to “Viking Fest” that day, the College’s Welding Technology Program will host their third annual Día de los Muertos Welding Competition with area high school, college and trade school students showcasing their skills as they compete for scholarships and other prizes. Competition begins at 10 a.m., and the community is welcome to watch these future professional welders demonstrate what it takes to enter the field. Winners will be announced and awards given at 6 p.m. on the live music stage. But, if you’re more into Zombies and monsters and like to dress up as one, Intramural Sports with the College’s Kinesiology Program will host a one-mile Zombie & Monster Walk/Run with in-person registration beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Coleman Student Center on Boaz Blvd. Individuals can also pre-register online, and the first 50 registrants will receive a complimentary tee-shirt for participating in this free activity. The festival also features live music with the popular Jon Carr Band, known for their lively country and rock tunes. Between sets, DJ DIJIT will keep the atmosphere amped up with upbeat tracks. Stage activities also include the “Viking Fest” Costume Contest at 8 p.m. with all ages welcome to compete. Winners will receive a $50 gift card for best costume. Just added from 5 to 6 p.m., Carson Miller and the Coastal Cowboys will play a set before the Welding Competition awards are announced. And, of course, what is a festival without games? DMC student clubs will host carnival games for exciting giveaways with free candy and $1 ticket purchases in the Coleman Center to cover those activities, along with food and beverages. Each year, the carnival games help the student clubs raise funds for their campus- and community-focused activities. Among clubs participating are the Aviation Maintenance Club, BBQ Club, Dental Assisting Club, Hospitality Chefs Student Association, Phi Mu Alpha Music Fraternity and the Rad Dragons Radiology Club, among many more. As part of this year’s event, student clubs will compete to collect the most tickets at their booths to win one of three top spots for sponsorship prizes to support their initiatives. Viking Fest sponsors include Steel Dynamics, Driscoll Children’s Hospital, Collier, Johnson & Woods, P.C., Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority, Pepsi, Rally Credit Union, ReadyFlo Systems, Schneider Electric, SpawGlass, Turner | Ramirez Architects and Valero. Download the 2024 “Viking Fest” flyer to print and share. On Oct. 25, we look forward to seeing you there!
- DMC Board of Regents get “sneak peek,” tour final three capital improvement program projects funded by 2014 bond referendumArticle by Melinda Eddleman Renovation and repurposing––they can give new life to old buildings. On Oct. 8, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents and administrators, along with architects and contractors, toured three buildings on the Heritage Campus to see the transformation they’ve undergone as part of a $157 million bond referendum for capital improvements on the Heritage and Windward campuses. DMC District taxpayers approved that bond in 2014. The three buildings––Memorial Building, Viking Hall and the William F. White, Jr. Library––represent the final stages of overall renovation and construction projects funded by the bond. Viking Hall, the former Fine Arts Center Music Building, began serving students this past summer and houses programs with the Business Administration and Entrepreneurship Department, including the College’s new Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree. The Memorial Building, which will house the College’s administrative offices, and White Library will open in January 2025. Capital improvement costs for the three buildings the Board toured today represent a total cost of $62,077,131 or almost 40 percent of the $157 million bond. Total costs for each renovation project include $17,776,059 for the Memorial Building, $12,221,464 for Viking Hall and $28,245,275 for White Library. Besides the Memorial Building, Viking Hall and White Library, other Heritage Campus projects funded by the 2014 bond include the construction of the General Academic and Music Building Phase II (GAMBII) and the renovation of a former bookstore at the corner of Ayers and Edwards streets that now serves as the DMC Police Station. Windward Campus projects include the expansion of the Emerging Technology Building and the construction of the Workforce Development Center. Funds from the 2014 bond were also earmarked to develop a masterplan for the College’s Oso Creek Campus on the southside of Corpus Christi. DMC District taxpayers passed a separate bond referendum to fund that campus in 2016.