Signing on the dotted line … nine individuals participate today during signing ceremony for DMC’s Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program
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May
2025
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21:54 PM
Europe/Amsterdam
Nearly 2,140 residents have applied and 1,145 currently accepted since program’s March announcement with application deadline still ahead (Aug. 1); new three-year contract commitment to expedite qualifying students’ associate degree completion
Article by Melinda Eddleman
DMC President and CEO Mark Escamilla and Valdar the Viking_Addressing Ceremony Participants_Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Signing Ceremony_052125
Del Mar College’s (DMC) new Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program is a “game changer” for in-district residents who qualify and are accepted to begin courses this fall. And much like athletes who sign contracts to play at the collegiate or professional level, applicants selected for the program don’t have to worry about paying for their courses, but they do have to “sign on the dotted line” and commit to completing their associate’s degrees within three years as full-time students.
Today, May 21, nine new Vikings participated during a “signing ceremony” symbolizing their new journey in higher education this fall semester and a path to completing their associate’s degrees over the next three years as part of the first cohort to participate in the college’s Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program.
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These students are pioneers. They saw the value of the Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver and chose to take that first step toward their goals. It’s a great opportunity that will change their lives.
Dr. Mark Escamilla, Del Mar College President and Chief Executive Officer
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Valdar the Viking_Juliana Henson_DMC President and CEO Mark Escamilla_Freedom to Dream Tuition Wiaver Signing Ceremony_052125
Juliana Henson (center), a Del Mar College Dual Enrollment student attending the School of Science & technology, signs her three-year contract for the college’s Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver as mascot Valdar the Viking (left) and DMC President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mark Escamilla look on during a May 21 ceremony held on the Heritage Campus in the William F. White, Jr. Library. Henson was one of nine new Vikings who signed contracts during the ceremony. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
Valdar the Viking_Juliana Henson with Viking Pennant_DMC President and CEO Mark Escamilla_Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Contract Signing Ceremony_052125
After signing her three-year contract as part of Del Mar College’s Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program during a May 21 ceremony, Juliana Henson, a DMC Dual Enrollment student who attends the School of Science & Technology, poses with her DMC Vikings pennant with Valdar the Viking (left) and Dr. Mark Escamilla, DMC President and Chief Executive Officer. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
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When the Board of Regents approved the Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver pilot program in March, our hope was that it would open doors for new populations of students. Our hope was well-placed because the response to the Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver has been enormous.
Carol A. Scott, Del Mar College Board of Regents Chair
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Board of Regents Chair Carol Scott and Valdar the Viking_Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Signing Ceremony_052125
She added, “The program truly increases access to higher education for more Coastal Bend residents – like these students. By removing financial barriers, the Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver creates a more level playing field for higher education.”
The Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program covers tuition and some fees using “first-in funding,” which comes from two sources: 1) DMC Foundation funds previously donated for the Viking Promise Program and approved for use to support the pilot program by its Board of Trustees and 2) the revenue generated from the state’s outcomes-based funding model for community colleges established by House Bill 8 in 2023.
The first-in funding model allows students to draw from their financial aid or scholarships as resources to pay for living expenses and other collegiate-related costs––such as books, gear or program-specific uniforms––so they can attend DMC full-time.
“The Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program is making my dreams possible now that I don’t have to worry about paying for classes,” says Marysabel Lopez, who will graduate from high school among West Oso ISD’s Class of 2025 on May 30. “Instead, I can perform my heart out as a Music Education major because my dream is to teach the experience of being a part of music to younger generations.”
Lopez signed her contract May 21, too.
Qualifications for the first cohort include:
All Qualifying Applicants:
• Live in the Del Mar College District (taxing district), which includes the Calallen, Corpus Christi, Flour Bluff, Tuloso-Midway and West Oso Indepe3ndent School Districts.
• Enroll full-time (12 Semester Credit Hours or more).
• Maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average (GPA).
• Enroll in a for-credit program or certificate.
• Commit to a formal agreement or “contract” to complete their studies withing a three-year period.
High School Students:
• Graduating among the Class of 2025 or equivalent.
• Dual Credit students are eligible regardless of the number of Semester Credit Hours they have earned.
Adult Learner:
• First-time-in-college student with12 Semester Credit Hours or lLess.
Valdar the Viking_Joseph Collin_President and CEO Mark Escamilla_Freedom to Dream Contract Signing Ceremony_052125
As an adult learner, 39-year-old Joseph Collin, who previously completed his high school equivalency or General Educational Development (GED) certificate at Del Mar College and earned three Semester Credit Hours toward Liberal Arts studies, plans to earn an Associate in Applied Science in Surgical Technology degree.
Currently a reception group leader and phlebotomist at CSI Plasma, Collin says, “My dream is to become a Surgical First Assistant with specialties in Neurology, but more specifically, I want to focus on the brain and what causes Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.”
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I also want to show my son that it’s never too late to start over and become what you dream.
Joseph Collin, Freedom to Dream Participant and New DMC Viking
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Del Mar College’s Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program can propel Collin and others to do just that…“own their dreams.”
Valdar_Nine Freedom to Dream Ceremony Participants_Regents Chair Carol Scott_DMC President and CEO Mark Escamilla
After Del Mar College Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver contracts were signed by the nine May 21 ceremony participants, the honorees posed for a group picture to celebrate their new journey as DMC Vikings. Pictured from left are DMC mascot Valdar the Viking, Marysabel Lopez, Corazon Alvarez, Alexus Magallan, Sabrina Murillo, Juliana Henson, Vincent Treviño, Levi Garibay, Jonathan Anguiano, Joseph Collin, DMC Board of Regents Chair Carol A. Scott and Dr. Mark Escamilla, DMC President and Chief Executive Officer. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
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
- DMC Board of Regents holding workshop and regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 11Article by DMC College Relations Office Tuesday, Nov. 11, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold a workshop beginning at 10 a.m. and their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the college’s Center for Economic Development located at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map. The college will also livestream the regular meeting. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m. Copies of the Agenda Notices and Board Packets are available online as follows: • 10 a.m. Workshop: www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/workshop-packet-11-11-25.pdf • 1 p.m. Regular Meeting: www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-meeting-board-packet-11-11-25.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 guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.
- Fulfilling the need … Del Mar College Foundation Celebrates Scholars and Donors with 2025 Scholarship Dinner at Hilliard Center on Oct. 30Article by Melinda Eddleman Scholarships mean the world to Del Mar College (DMC) students needing funding assistance to attend. Receiving that help can make the difference between Foundation Scholars achieving their dreams or postponing their education and career goals. In turn, one word describes the philanthropic support that the Del Mar College Foundation receives to assist students through scholarships or emergency funds to fulfill their dreams. It’s generosity. “Freedom to dream is what Del Mar College is all about,” says Matthew Busby, the college’s Vice President of Development and Donor Advising. “Scholarships provided by DMC Foundation supporters are the fuel that empowers students in their journey to dream, earn their education and achieve fulfilling and well-paid jobs.” On Oct. 30, a record 325 DMC students who received scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year attended and thanked their scholarship supporters in-person during the DMC Foundation’s 2025 Scholarship Dinner at the Hilliard Center with CITGO as the Presenting Sponsor. The event grew to 620 participants overall, exceeding last year’s attendance and setting another record. The increased participation is not surprising. Last academic year (2024-2025), more than $2.9 million in total scholarships were awarded by the DMC Foundation to help 1,449 Vikings––another record set. Additionally, 564 students received donor-funded student emergency aid totaling over $158,000. Students’ need for assistance couldn’t be greater, and DMC Foundation representatives noted that more than 3,750 students applied for scholarships in the spring for the current academic year (2025-206). In fact, the college’s fall credit enrollment grew a little over 14 percent to 11,701 students* this semester from last year’s 10,256 in large part to Del Mar College’s Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Program. The DMC Foundation is one of two sources providing first-in funding that’s supporting the pilot program by using previously donated funds for the Viking Promise Program with the Board of Trustee’s approval. * Preliminary, uncertified number reported to Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board on 12th class day. Overall enrollment growth that includes both credit and Continuing Education for fall 2025 is 10 percent and 14,023 students. During the 2025 Scholarship Dinner program, participants watched a special video featuring recorded messages from DMC and Foundation leaders providing encouraging messages, including those from Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Lenora Keas, DMC Foundation Board of Trustees President Sandra Alvarez and Dr. Mark Escamilla, DMC President and Chief Executive Officer. View the video below: Additionally, 2025 Scholarship Dinner attendees watched a second video highlighting donor and Sembradores de Amistad of Corpus Christi President Louis Lopez; DMC Court Reporting Instructor Sonia Trevino, who credits receiving a scholarship that opened doors leading to her success in her professional and as an educator at Del Mar College; and Nursing major Joelle Penny, a current recipient of a scholarship from Sembradores de Amistad of Corpus Christi. Watch their remarks below: Beginning Feb. 1, 2026, the Foundation will start taking scholarship applications for the next academic year, which is 2026-2027, at www.delmar.edu/scholarships/. Donations can be made year-round and Foundation staff have a holistic, philanthropic advising approach. Busby notes, “Creating a scholarship at Del Mar College allows a person’s story to be shared and inspire a student while being the hand-up investment so important for many of our students.” (View stories.) To learn more about the DMC Foundation either as a scholarship applicant or a donor, visit www.delmar.edu/foundation or contact the DMC Office of Development at 361-698-1317 or foundation@delmar.edu.
- Viking Fest 2025 building on success of first festival, bigger and better event set for Nov. 15 on Windward CampusArticle by Richard Guerrero, Jr. Bigger names. More activities. Del Mar College’s second annual Viking Fest is building on the success of the first event held in October 2024. Organizers are putting together an amped-up Viking Fest 2025 scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 15, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Windward Campus (4101 Old Brownsville Rd., 78404). Viking Fest’s transformation has been a labor of love across the entire college from academic programs and student services to the Del Mar College (DMC) Foundation and community partners, says Jason Houlihan, DMC Executive Director of Marketing and Events and the primary organizer of the festival. Houlihan and other organizers anticipate more than 3,000 participants this year. Admission is free with costs for some activities and for concessions sold by participating food trucks. More details about Viking Fest 2025, scheduling and map are available online at www.delmar.edu/vikingfest. or by contacting the DMC College Relations Office at 361-698-1247 or colrel@delmar.edu. As mentioned, West Texas country artist Kat Hasty is the featured performer on the bustling Live Stage that will also include several local acts and DJs all day. Hasty, who has more than 55,000 followers and more than 172,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, released her first album, “The Time of Your Life,” in May. She and her band will headline afternoon entertainment before awards are presented as part of the college’s Fourth Annual Día de los Muertos Welding Competition. Hasty is best known for “Pretty Things,” a spare acoustic tell-off ballad that generated nearly 20 million plays on Spotify and led to tours across the United States and Europe. Her latest singles include “Breakin’ Up the Band” and “The Family Business” – both of which are opening cuts on her “The Time of Your Life” album. Other highlights include a professional 5K run organized by VFit Productions. Viking 5K participants will have a chance to win prizes by showing their Viking spirit in the following categories: · Best Beard · Best Braids · Longest Beard · Longest Braids · Best Overall Viking Costume VFit organizers say that participants will be a “part of history with the first-ever Viking 5K Run through Del Mar College’s Windward Campus with the race beginning with the iconic blowing of the Viking Horn,” noting that the sound will reverberate through the campus streets to wake the Viking spirit and kick off Viking Fest 2025. Runners can still register for the 5K run at v-f-productions.raceentry.com/del-mar-college-viking-5k10k/race-information. There is no fee for the run, and all participants will receive finisher medals with top runners receiving awards in categories designated by age brackets. The festival also features the DMC Welding Applied Technology Program’s Fourth Annual Día de los Muertos Welding Competition for high school and post-secondary education welders, which organizers expect to draw more than 300 competitors who will vie for over $15,000 in scholarships. Spectators are invited to watch contestants work during each division and even quiz DMC Welding faculty about the college’s program and its offerings. And everyone’s invited to catch the Awards Ceremony at 5 p.m. where contest organizers will recognize divisional standouts with prizes and scholarships. Activities throughout the event include over 50 guided mini tours for prospective students, family members and the general community interested in exploring selected academic programs and occupational and technical career training that Del Mar College offers. And what community festival would be complete without inflatables for the younger set? Viking Fest 2025 attendees looking to burn some energy and calories will love spending time in the 28-foot Kraken Dual Slide, trying to keep balance on a mechanical surfboard, and hoping to be the last one standing in the Meltdown zone. In fact, this year’s event includes five activity zones. Viking Fest 2025 is made possible by the following sponsors: Corpus Christi Medical Center, H-E-B, Steel Dynamics, Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority, Pepsi, Adamson & Company, Rally Credit Union, First Community Bank, ArcelorMittal, Gignac & Associates, Gulf Coast Growth Ventures, Schneider Electric and In the Game Funtrackers. Access a downloadable, printable flyer for Viking Fest 2025 located below:
- Retired NASA engineer and author George Salazar presenting free morning seminar covering experiences on Nov. 5 at DMC’s Oso Creek CampusArticle by Melinda Eddleman “Education, dedication and commitment will open doors from dreams and aspirations to once-thought-unreachable destinations despite life’s obstacles.” Those are the words of George Salazar, a Corpus Christi native who as a little boy grew up in an impoverished neighborhood, known as a barrio, and who dreamed of reaching the stars. And, in a way he did. Salazar’s career spans over 40 years with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA, working on projects, such as the International Space Station, the Space Shuttle and the Artemis Human Lander. Now retired since January 2024, the engineer has written a memoir covering his life’s journey from that little boy with big dreams to reaching unexpected heights working on the world’s most advanced space exploration projects among NASA professionals. On Wednesday, Nov. 5, Del Mar College Continuing Education will host an inspiring morning seminar with Salazar sharing a motivating account of his journey told in his memoir, “From the Barrio to NASA: Navigating Life’s Unexpected Challenges.” The FREE three-hour event is scheduled from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Tres Grace Community Room in the Culinary Arts Building on the Oso Creek Campus, 7002 Yorktown Blvd., 78414 (get directions and map). During the seminar, participants who have “From the Barrio to NASA” can have Salazar sign their copy (get the book on Amazon). Questions? Contact Continuing Education staff member Christina Campos at 361-698-2156 or ccampos47@delmar.edu. During his career, Salazar received numerous awards, including the NASA Silver Achievement Medal, John F. Kennedy Astronautics Award and the NASA-Johnson Space Center Engineering Directorate Legacy Award for his contributions to human spaceflight. Other credits include co-authoring several technical papers on spacecraft design, systems engineering and Human Systems Integration. Having attended courses at Del Mar College but graduating from North Harris County College, Salazar received his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Houston and a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from Southern Methodist University. Engineer turned author, Salazar’s passion is now sharing knowledge with students—reaching out to well over 19,000 students through speaking engagements, tutoring and mentoring––and his speaking engagement on Nov. 5 brings that passion to Del Mar College. As noted on Amazon’s book review, “Salazar’s story proves that where you start doesn’t define where you’ll finish.
- Del Mar Drama bringing the laughs in November with popular comedy, “Ken Ludwig’s Leading Ladies,” in Finley TheatreArticle by Richard Guerrero, Jr. You might say the original production of “Ken Ludwign’s Leading Ladies” was a pre-cursor to movies like “Tootsie” and “Mrs. Doubtfire” and even the television sitcom “Bosom Buddies.” Featuring a large cast of nine actors, the production is a fast-paced farcical comedy about two down-on-their luck actors who disguise themselves as long-lost nieces of a dying woman to inherit a fortune only to find themselves in over their heads. Del Mar Drama with Del Mar College’s Art & Drama Department will pull out all the stops in November with their production of “Ken Ludwig’s Leading Ladies” in the Sue Sellors Finley Theatre in the Fine Arts Center on the Heritage Campus (101 Baldwin Blvd., 78404, directions and campus map). The two-weekend run will provide no less than six opportunities to see program’s fall production. Written by award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig (“Lend Me a Tenor” and “Moon Over Buffalo”), ‘Leading Ladies’ is a riotous comedy that blends Shakespearean farce with screwball charm via a series of outrageous disguises, romantic mix-ups and laugh-out-loud situations. “Ken Ludwig’s Leading Ladies” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. Audiences are advised the production contains mature content. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. each evening, including Nov. 7-8 (Friday-Saturday) and Nov. 13-15 (Thursday-Saturday) with a 2 p.m. matinee on Nov. 13. The Nov. 7 opening includes a post-show reception with cash bar and catering by Citrus with a cash bar only Nov. 14 and 15. “Student Night” is scheduled Nov. 13 with free admission for all area students with valid school I.D. The Drama Program will host an inaugural Drama Alumni Reunion on Nov. 8, inviting former students to attend and reconnect during a special VIP pre-show reception. “This is our first alumni event, although former students frequently attend shows,” Yowell noted. “We’ve sent out emails and have published posts on social media, and we’re asking former students to spread the word.” Cost to attend “Ken Ludwig’s Leading Ladies” is $15 general admission; $10 for seniors, military and DMC employees; and $5 for students, and tickets are now available online at delmardrama.ludus.com/200497747. Tickets are also available at the Box Office, which opens at 6:30 p.m. prior to each performance. Proceeds benefit future Del Mar Drama activities and student events. Questions? Contact the Drama Office at 361-698-1216 or drama@delmar.edu. Del Mar Drama majors will perform the principal roles and include Natalie Palacios (Meg), Grant Sykora (Duncan), Giovanni Rodriguez (Doc), Brennen Bellows (Leo), Miguel Cerda (Jack), Logan Barraza (Moose Frank), Aryanna Flores (Audrey), Aiden Berglund (Butch) and Grayson Norval (Florence). Additionally, behind the scenes, 30 students are contributing to set and costume construction, along with another 18 students serving as the backstage running crew during performances. If you’re looking for a few laughs before the holiday season truly starts, Del Mar Drama has the solution. Get your tickets now for “Ken Ludwig’s Leading Ladies” and expect to have a side-splitting good time!
- DMC’s beloved flag football game, rebranded as “turkey bowl,” made a comeback on oct. 24Article by Richard Guerrero, Jr. (updated Nov. 4, 2025, with video) What began as a friendly game of flag football between the Del Mar College (DMC) English and Math Departments in 2008 soon became the annual Viking Bowl until 2015––the last time the event was held. The game returned for a new era on Oct. 24 and with a new name … the “Turkey Bowl.” But this gridiron battle for bragging rights and claiming the customized Turkey Bowl trophy was more than just a game. It was a 90th Anniversary celebration with a Birthday Tailgate Party and fun activities for both the campus and general community to enjoy while watching DMC employees from all three campuses inaugurate the new Astroturf field that the Kinesiology and Education Department will use for intramural sports and future Turkey Bowl games. The event began with the tailgate party, along with fundraising and other activities, at the running track next to the Kinesiology Complex and Gymnasium on the Heritage Campus. DMC students kicked things off with a Victory Lap around the running track surrounding the playing field to celebrate mid-term success. Additionally, before game play started, the National Anthem and Del Mar College’s Alma Mater (spirit song) were sung prior to the coin toss to determine which team held the ball first. Besides the game, half-time was just as entertaining. Students took part in various competitions, including Tug-of-War with the winning team including Fabian Gonzales, Lawson Jones, Lauren Laurel, Troy Salinas and Victoria Vela. Winners of the Football Passing Contest were First Place winner Aaron Deleon, Second Place winner Kayla Alexander and Alexus Broome taking Third Place. Spectators were also treated to performances by the Collegiate High School Dance Team and a DMC cheerleading squad made up of employees. For the pigskin competition between Valdar’s Warriors and the Helm Holders, Dr. Carlos Garanzuay, DMC Assistant Professor of Speech, provided play-by-play calls during the game. Each team featured a mix of faculty and staff from the Heritage, Windward and Oso Creek Campuses to ensure a competitive but fair contest. Coaches received a list of player registrants and conducted a “draft” to select players for each team. La Vockea Wallace, Spirit Coach with the college’s Student Leadership and Campus Life Office, oversaw the selection of referees who officiated the game. More than 120 participants served in various roles, including coaches, team players, referees, water crew, cheerleaders, spirit team, sideline coordinators and Viking volunteers. Omar Villarreal, Director of the Students Success Center and Testing; Eric Moller, Professor of Mathematics; and Lisa Olmos, Counselor in the Counseling Center, served as coaches for Valdar’s Warriors while the Helm Holders were coached by Dr. Kristy Urbick, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology, and Welding Instructor Ryan Gutierrezor. Organizer and Dean of Student Engagement and Retention Rita Hernandez says that various student organizations sold food and other items in the concessions area, and the DMC Foundation was on-hand to provide spirit while sharing information about how to support students and their education. When the dust settled, Valdar’s Warriors proved victorious over the Helm Holders with a final score of 28-14. Albert Hernandez was the MVP for the Warriors while Sydney Saumby was the MVP for the Holders. The college’s bowl game has an extensive history. The first iteration was a flag football game organized between the English and Math Departments and held annually from 2008 through 2010. Two years later, the Viking Bowl was launched as an annual contest pitting then known East Campus against West Campus with the last game held in 2015. Hernandez said the idea to revive the flag football game resurfaced during employee focus groups held as part of the college’s latest strategic plan development. Fellow Turkey Bowl organizer Margot Sorrell, Assistant Instructor in the Stone Writing Center, said that the event was all about building camaraderie. “It’s fun to connect with colleagues and students in a relaxed setting, but this game was high-energy!” Hernandez added that Turkey Bowl 2025 was about Viking pride, teamwork, and celebration where faculty, staff and students came together to honor 90 years of Del Mar excellence. So … get ready for Turkey Bowl 2026! Enjoy highlights from the event below:
