Article by Richard Guerrero, Jr. The arrival of the fall semester means it’s time for Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) at Del Mar College (DMC). Chock full of cultural explorations and lively activities, HHM at the College includes timely lectures on related topics as well as a film screening and a cooking demonstration to name a few offerings during the four-week observation. The national celebration’s origins date back to the Lyndon B. Johnson Administration, which launched Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, according to The Library of Congress. President Ronald Reagan expanded the celebration to a 30-day period after it was enacted into law in 1988. FREE public events taking place in the Coles Classroom Building on the DMC Heritage Campus (101 Baldwin Blvd.) between Sept. 16 and Oct. 15 have been organized by the College’s Mexican American Studies (MAS) Program and the DMC chapter of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education.  Full details about each event are available on the Viking News “Events” page at vikingnews.delmar.edu/event-calendar/. HMM events at DMC include: • Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff Celebration: Monday, Sept. 16, 11 a.m. to noon, Room 133, Center for Mexican American Studies. DMC will officially kick-off Hispanic Heritage Month with a lively event filled with music, traditional Mexican refreshments and a display of historical posters from the Del Mar College chapter of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education, along with DMC Libraries showcasing a special display y highlighting relevant cultural resource materials. • Political Science Lecture on Border Security: Tuesday, Sept. 24, 1 to 2 p.m., Room 133, Center for Mexican American Studies. DMC Professor of Political Science Dr. Adrian Clark will explain key developments in border politics and policy at both federal and state levels so that attendees can gain a comprehensive understanding of the political dynamics of border security and immigration policies in the United States as they relate to Texas. • Photo Exhibit and Lecture on Migrant Field Workers: Thursday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m. to noon, Room 133, Center for Mexican American Studies. Rosa Linda Reynoso, retired DMC College Relations Office Staff Writer/Editor, will present a compelling exploration of the lives and contributions of migrant field workers, including a powerful photo demonstration paired with her insightful lecture designed to deepen understanding and appreciation for these vital members of our agricultural community. • LatinX Film Screening of “East Side Sushi”: Monday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to noon, Room 108, Languages Lab. This inspiring film takes place in the bustling multicultural backdrop of Los Angeles and follows the journey of a Mexican American woman who defies expectations in the traditionally male-dominated world of sushi-making. As an immigrant striving to carve out her place in this unique industry, she navigates cultural challenges and personal aspirations. • Poetry Reading: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 1-2 p.m., Room 113. “Family, Culture, Nature … and more,” enjoy a live video poetry reading with photos by Elizabeth N. Flores, retired Del Mar College Professor Emeritus of Political Science, who has taken up writing prose as a second career. • “De Generación en Generación: Three Generations of South Texas Chicano/a Artists,” an Art Panel Discussion: Wednesday, Oct. 9, 11 a.m. to noon, Room 133, Center for Mexican American Studies. The panel discussion features guest speakers Dr. Carey Rote with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Dr. Liz Kim with Texas A&M University-Kingsville and Gina Palacios with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. • Cooking Demonstration by Chef Maria Mata: Thursday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m. to noon, Room 108, Languages Lab. Chef Mata and her assistant will cover the history and teach the techniques and secrets behind creating tortillas, an essential staple of Mexican cuisine. • Mexican Flower Making Workshop: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 10-11 a.m., Room 108, Languages Lab. DMC staff will demonstrate the art of creating papel picado, the brightly colored decorative paper craft that involves cutting intricate designs into sheets of tissue paper. Questions? Contact the DMC Department of Social Sciences at 361-698-1228 or email Dr. Isabel Araiza at iaraiza2@delmar.edu.      

Article by Richard Guerrero, Jr. Del Mar Drama alumnus Alex Garza has fond memories of his time working on stage productions under the direction of the late Sue Sellors Finley and current Art & Drama Department Chairman Kim Frederick. Both Del Mar College (DMC) faculty members influenced many students’ pursuits in the theatre arts, and Garza was no exception. As a theatre student in the early 1990s, Garza played the role of love interest Yang Sun in Bertolt Brecht’s dramatic parable, “The Good Woman of Setzuan,” which was directed by Finley. He then played  the pivotal character Lord Macduff in Shakespeare’s classic tragedy “Macbeth,” a Del Mar Drama production directed by Frederick.  Garza says Yang Sun was one of his favorite roles. “Performing in that show was such a memorable and wonderful experience. The play had a great cast that worked incredibly well as an ensemble,” Garza recalled. “The use of platforms surrounding all sides of the theatre space with an interactive audience worked tremendously to create an environmental feel to the show.” This month, Garza returns to his alma mater to lead a two-day student workshop on how to develop content for a solo performance. He’s also performing two one-man sketches in the Sue Sellors Finley Theatre the second day of his visit that’s open to the public.  “An Evening of Solo Theatre” is scheduled on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 7-8:30 p.m. in Finley Theatre in the Fine Arts Center on Del Mar College’s Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus map. Admission is free, and the event is generously sponsored by Del Mar College’s Cultural Programs Committee. For more information, contact the Art & Drama Department Office at 361-698-1216 or drama@delmar.edu.   Garza’s first sketch, “Medea,” is based on the Greek tragedy by Euripides and tells the story of a woman fighting to be heard in a society where she feels betrayed by men and those in power. The second is “Mystery of the Super-Sparkly Diamond,” which was written by Garza himself. In this comic solo piece, Garza will play multiple characters who become caught up in a search for a missing necklace. He says that the work is inspired by his love of movie parodies and adds that it pays tribute to various mystery and detective stories from novels and film. “I wrote this piece several years ago, and in the last few years, I have adapted the script into a solo performance,” he said. A theatre educator himself, Garza has served as a lecturer in theatre/speech at The University of Texas-Pan American as well as taught drama at Coastal Bend College and Austin Community College over the years. After his time at DMC, Garza earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts/English from Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 1994 and a Master of Arts in Theater Arts with a concentration in Acting/Directing two years later. His first love remains the stage, however, and Garza is no stranger to Coastal Bend theater fans. His holiday play, “Abuelita’s Christmas Carol,” which returns to the Aurora Arts Theatre on  Dec. 21, has become a sold-out annual tradition in recent years. Garza’s upcoming visit to DMC marks his first opportunity to visit in his capacity as a professional actor and workshop presenter. Garza noted working with Frederick on “Macbeth” was an amazing experience.   “Kim is a wonderful director with a positive energy, and I enjoyed the challenge of creating a role that demanded rigorous stage combat training and also great emotional depth,” Garza said. “Kim was so encouraging and expressed heartfelt gratitude to his company for their efforts in the production.”  Garza said he is grateful for the opportunity to return to DMC and share his work and experience with the students as well as the community.  “I hope that the workshop and solo performances will be enriching and enjoyable for those participating and those viewing in the audience,” he said. “Part of why I do the type of performing and writing I do is to inspire others through my stories, and I hope I am successful in doing that.”       

Article by DMC College Relations Office During the regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents approved the cancellation of the General Election and certified the three individuals who filed for three available seats on the 2024 general election ballot as elected. Those seats include the District 1 and 3 seats and one At-large seat.  The three individuals submitted their applications for inclusion on the Nov. 5 ballot and were unopposed as of the filing deadline of 5 p.m. on Aug. 19. The Board of Regents announced the Aug. 19 filing deadline on July 26 (access the posted release). The three individuals include: At-large   Anantha Babbili District 1 Rudy Garza, Jr. District 3 Bill Kelly All three Regents will serve a six-year term that runs through 2030.  Candidates that have been declared may not take office until after the canvassing period begins, which is Nov. 8.  Swearing-in of the newly-elected Regents will take place at the December board meeting. The Del Mar College District includes all the area in the Calallen, Corpus Christi, Flour Bluff, Tuloso-Midway and West Oso Independent School Districts. The Del Mar College District map (PDF file), showing the boundaries for board seats is posted on the Board of Regents Election page. The DMC Board of Regents includes nine regents in a modified single-member district configuration. Five regents represent specific geographic districts while four serve at-large.    

Article by Melinda Eddleman (This article has been updated as of Sept. 12, 2024) That sentiment was shared by Gonzalez about how Del Mar College (DMC) provides “opportunity” to high school students with the five rural independent school districts he represents. Preparing Coastal Bend residents to support local economies or that of the whole region is the  College’s key focus not only among traditional college-age and adult students but also among area high school students whether rural or metropolitan. Workforce training and college preparation has become an important part of many area high school students’ daily curriculum as they earn both high school and college credits or credentials of value at the same time. That training or college prep is offered through the College’s Dual Enrollment Program. And this fall semester, the program has reached an all-time record enrollment with 2,959 regional high school students taking DMC courses, a 7.2 percent increase from last fall’s program enrollment of 2,761. UPDATE: The Dual Enrollment Program’s increased participation rate will be included in the College’s 12th Class Day preliminary fall enrollment report due to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board today, Sept. 11. Preliminary figures show that Del Mar College’s overall fall 2024 enrollment, which includes both academic and Continuing Education programs, increased over 12 percent from 10,772 in fall 2023 to this semester’s preliminary enrollment figure of 12,098. Other contributors to increased fall enrollment incudes the launch of the new online Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree program. More than 212 students enrolled in the new program, which targets individuals who have already earned an associate’s degree or current students who plan to complete their associate’s degree and then continue to move forward with earning the College’s second bachelor’s degree offering. Additionally, enrollment is 35 students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or RN to BSN, which the College launched in fall 2021. The Coordinating Board will certify figures in November for final fall 2024 enrollment figure, which is subject to change from today’s reporting. Currently, 43 independent school districts (ISDs), parochial schools and charter schools combined participate with the Dual Enrollment Program, which works with nearly 50 high schools overall among these partners. He noted that the program offers all students in the ninth through twelfth grades attending high schools among participating partners the opportunity to take DMC courses whether they’re through Continuing Education programs to earn industry credentials or Marketable Skills Awards in healthcare, construction, welding or process technology or through the College’s academic programs for workforce preparation with Level I and II Certificates or associate’s degrees or for core course completion for university transfer. “Overall, the College offers 175 programs of study that provide students choices to earn the credentials of value they need for successful academic and career pursuits,” Dr. Rivera added.  Some partners have seen significant growth among students participating in the College’s Dual Enrollment Program, including the Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD). She noted that enrollment among CCISD’s students is typically highest among English, college algebra, economics, welding, and United States history and government courses.   “Whether a student seeks an academic, Career and Technical Education or Continuing Education course, Del Mar is always ready to support our students, campus counselors and parents with the most streamlined transition possible,”  Gonzalez, added, “Del Mar College’s commitment to supporting rural learners aligns perfectly with our mission to break down barriers and create pathways for all students, regardless of their location. Our partnership provides invaluable access and opportunities for RSIZ students to pursue higher education and career readiness. Because of this collaboration, we are able to offer our students a wide range of academic programs, dual credit courses and hands-on training experiences that prepare them for future success.” The RSIZ includes five ISDs––Agua Dulce, Benavides, Brooks County, Freer and Premont––all of which participate with the College’s Dual Enrollment Program. Last fall, the College rolled out the Dual Credit Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program with funding administered through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.  A part of House Bill 8 (HB 8), the Dual Credit FAST program provides greater accessibility to higher education at no cost for students defined as educationally disadvantaged, specifically those who qualified for free or reduced-priced lunch during any of the four school years prior to enrolling in an eligible dual credit course. Del Mar College chose to expand “no cost” tuition and fees to all high school students, including those considered non-qualifying FAST dual credit students who are taking eligible credit and Continuing Education courses and attending one of the partnering ISDs, parochial schools or charter schools in the region. Aransas Pass ISD Superintendent Dr. Glenn Barnes, added, “It has been an excellent experience for Aransas Pass High School to partner with the College, and Dr. Rivera and his staff have been very dedicated to our students and staff with all aspects of registering, obtaining books, training and other factors being a positive experience." No matter if a student is a Buckaroo, Hornet, Longhorn, Panther, Tiger or any other identifiable high school icon, all students taking courses through the DMC Dual Enrollment Program are Vikings and now on their journey to success supported by their high schools and Del Mar College. Vikings … own your dreams! For school or parent inquiries about the DMC Dual Enrollment Program, contact the Early College Programs Office at 361-698-2351 or dualcredit@delmar.edu.      

Article by DMC College Relations Office Tomorrow, Sept. 10, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the College’s Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map. The regular meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m.  A copy of the Agenda Notice and Board Packet is available online at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/agenda-packet-9-10-2024.pdf.    Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html. The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s COVID-19 guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.     

Article by Richard Guerrero, Jr. Whether you’re in the market for a steady career with plenty of work opportunities or looking to improve a few things around your home, the Del Mar College (DMC) Building Trades program booth at the 24th annual Fall Home & Garden Show this weekend has you covered. The show is scheduled at the American Bank Center (ABC), 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd., and runs Friday, Sept. 6, to Sunday, Sept. 8. Show hours are 2 to 6 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m.  to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Open to the general public, show admission is free, and parking in ABC Lots 2, 3 and 5 is also free. Paul Creacy, Interim Chair of DMC’s Department of Architecture, Aviation and Automotive and Instructor of Building Trades, says the Del Mar College Building Trades team will showcase hands-on demonstrations in various skilled trades, such as air conditioning, electrical work, building maintenance, plumbing and appliance repair. The DMC Building Trades booth (No. 528) will feature pro tips and demonstrations in the following areas: HOME MAINTENANCE DEMONSTRATIONS ·      drywall repair ·      light fixture replacement ELECTRICAL DEMONSTRATIONS ·      changing or updating existing wall plugs (including wall plugs with USB chargers) ·      replacing a breaker in an indoor breaker box AIR CONDITIONING DEMONSTRATIONS ·      A/C filter and basic drain maintenance ·      condenser cleaning ·      understanding how A/C systems work PLUMBING DEMONSTRATIONS ·      faucet valve replacement to stop drips ·      faucet aerator cleaning to keep your water stream smooth and splash-free ·      performing a PVC glue-up to ensure a lasting bond and airtight connection on your plumbing pipes ·      PEX Pipe (polyvinyl expansion tubing) basics and why it’s the best choice for plumbing   Creacy added: “We’ll also offer registration for our eight-hour Continuing Education course, ‘Introduction to the Trades,’ which covers essential skills for maintaining a home and provides insights into the critical role of skilled trades in our daily lives.”