Latest DMC News
- Del Mar College moving forward on revitalization of former primary school, facility to be renovated into Workforce Development Center in Aransas CountyArticle 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. While College officials anticipate renovation completion in fall 2025, once done, the 16,016 square-foot center will include classrooms, labs and additional space to house high-demand marketable skills training that builds a sustainable workforce in the Aransas County area. Training strategically targets occupations identified by the Texas Workforce Commission and Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend that meet Aransas County’s local and regional needs, including health sciences, public safety/fire, building trades, light industrial/manufacturing, small business and entrepreneurship, makerspace, CAD/drafting, communications and broadcasting, maritime and general education. Courses will be offered not only by the College’s academic programs but also by Continuing Education and Corporate Services, providing students the opportunity to earn Marketable Skills Awards that can articulate into academic credits leading to Level I and II Certificates, Associate in Arts and Associate in Applied Science degrees and even toward the pursuit of DMC bachelor’s degrees–––the Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. DMC and the Rockport-Fulton Independent School District (ISD) have already partnered over the years to provide students with dual enrollment opportunities. When the Workforce Development Center is complete, the school district’s students will have access to more courses and programs, along with technology and hands-on training equipment, to prepare them to become contributing members of the regional workforce and economy. Academic coursework will also provide students the opportunity to complete programs at Del Mar College or transfer credits to area universities. “Our goal is to continue working with Rockport-Fulton ISD to provide programs that support students locally to advance in their College courses,” says Keas. “Overall, the Workforce Development Center will offer skills training and education that’s unique to the region, in demand by employers and focused on today’s economy. Those opportunities will be available to everyone––young adults seeking a career, adults who want to up-skill and re-skill for essential jobs and those who simply want to re-enter the workforce.” Matthew Busby, DMC Vice President of Development and Donor Advising, notes that many community members have given private donations toward the renovation project––over $438,000. The DMC Foundation will offer scholarships once the center opens, and donations toward supporting scholarship funds and renovation work is currently being accepted. To inquire, contact the DMC Office of Development at 361-698-1317 or foundation@delmar.edu. The partnership to establish the Workforce Development Center was initialized by a $1.7 million U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant that was awarded to Aransas County in early 2021. While ownership of the facility would reside with Aransas County, the College was to handle operations, including furnishing equipment and offering core curriculum courses and workforce training programs. The College received ownership of the center from the County this past summer. Efforts are now underway to transform the facility into the Workforce Development Center. Design work has been completed by Turner | Ramirez Architects and construction to remodel the interior is targeted to begin in January 2025.
- Del Mar College’s Center for Access & Advocacy honors 8 employees during 10th annual Advocate of the Year ceremonyEight individuals were recognized by students for the profound impact they have had on the lives of students with disabilities during the 10th annual Advocate of the Year ceremony at Del Mar College (DMC). Recognition awards were presented by the College’s Center for Access and Advocacy on Oct. 3 in Wolfe Recital Hall on the Heritage Campus. Rita Hernandez, Dean of Student Engagement & Retention, says the ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate faculty and staff members who go above and beyond to help students daily. “These are student-nominated awards – after all, they’re the ones who have received the direct support and who have benefited from it,” Hernandez said. “It’s really great to have a student honor you, so having this ceremony during Disability Awareness Month is a way for us to remember that our faculty and staff are compassionate and really believe in student success.” Dr. Elida Balboa De Leon, DMC Assistant Dean of Student Engagement & Retention, says the efforts these advocates make can increase students’ confidence, improve their academic performance and create a greater sense of belonging within the College’s community. “Our advocates are mentors and role models, serving as a source of guidance for our students. They help navigate academic and personal challenges, De Leon said. “Honoring our advocates celebrates their contributions and reinforces the importance of creating a supportive environment for all students.” The selection process begins with students themselves. DMC students nominate a faculty or staff member that has played a major role in referring them to the Center for Access and Advocacy office for services, following up on their progress once services are provided, and working with the student to ensure understanding of the material taught. The event is held every October during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The Center for Access and Advocacy hosts a month full of activities that highlight and bring disability awareness to students. Advocate of the Year awardees for 2024 are as follows: · Steven Kelm – Basic Construction Safety Program with the Continuing Education Department · Armando Gamez – Carpentry Program with the Continuing Education Department · Albert Curry – Mathematics Department · Darrell Rees – Mathematics Department · Dr. Wissam Atwah – Department of Computer Sciences, Engineering and Advanced Technology · Christi Hill-Troglin – American Sign Language and Interpreting Program · Linda Lugo – American Sign Language and Interpreting Program · Jim Galvan – American Sign Language and Interpreting Program
- DMC Board of Regents holding tour workshop and regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 8Article by DMC College Relations Office Tuesday, Oct. 8, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold a workshop, which encompasses a capital improvement projects tour for Board members and the news media, beginning at 9:30 a.m. starting at the Memorial Building on Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (corner of Ayers St. and Baldwin Blvd.). The tour includes three facilities: the Memorial Building, Viking Hall and the William F. White, Jr. Library. The regular monthly meeting begins at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the College’s Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Online directions and maps for Heritage Campus and the Center for Economic Development are available at www.delmar.edu/becoming-a-viking/discover/tours/locations.html. The regular monthly meeting will be livestreamed. Community members may access the livestream by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m. Copies of both Agenda Notices and the regular meeting Board Packet are available online as follows: • 9:30 a.m. Workshop: delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/bor-workshop-agenda-10-8-2024.pdf • 1 p.m. Regular Meeting: delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-agenda-packet-10-8-24.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. Additionally, 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.
- Del Mar College’s Live Sound class to run board, manage stage for House of Rock’s Outside Stage during Oct. 4 Music WalkArticle by Richard Guerrero Jr. When the long-running Austin psychedelic rock band The Bright Light Social Hour hits the outdoor stage at Music Walk Friday night, Oct. 4, the band’s densely atmospheric sound will be managed by the capable students of Del Mar College’s (DMC) Live Sound (MUSC 1405) class. They’re taught by Alejandro Hernandez, a graduate of the College’s Sound Recording Technology (SRT) program and a professional engineer who tours with local country singer-songwriter Roger Creager. With five studio albums to their credit, The Bright Light Social Hour has toured consistently over the years, providing support for headliners like the incredibly prolific California garage-psych act Osees as well as high-profile, no-introduction-needed acts like The Flaming Lips and Aerosmith. The Bright Light Social Hour has also performed at huge-stage events like Lollapalooza and the Austin City Limits Festival, which reportedly draws nearly half a million music fans annually. The band has a history of drawing near-capacity crowds at the House of Rock during previous appearances. During Music Walk, The Bright Light Social Hour’s set on the Live Sound stage on Starr Street just outside the House of Rock is sure to draw a sizable audience looking to enjoy a sublime performance anchored in a richly nuanced concert sound. No pressure, right? Pressure is precisely the point according to Dr. Paul Bissell, DMC Professor of Sound Recording Technology and Program Coordinator. He says that mixing live music in an unpredictable environment filled with many variables is challenging to say the least, and while technical knowledge and stage management best practices are well-suited to classroom delivery, experience is mandatory. MUSC 1405 student Richard Landeros says he has experienced some of these challenges firsthand. As a freelance audio engineer, Landeros has served as a sound designer and engineer for several marching bands as well as Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps, which is based in Austin. Landeros says that running the Music Walk stage is a great opportunity for the students in the Live Sound class to gain real experience running sound for a large event. “Being put into real-life challenges and pressure of a live gig isn’t something that can be replicated in the classroom,” Landeros notes. Casey Lain, House of Rock co-owner, adds that running live sound is one of the most challenging jobs at a live event because everyone from the performer to the fan in the crowd is counting on a sound engineer to provide a concert-level sound that is equal parts sonic clarity and effective yet controlled volume. “Great sound is expected at every event and will leave a lasting impression,” Lain says. “The Live Sound class at Del Mar is a great way to get into the business. This class helps teach the science behind audio engineering and preps students on the basics of running sound.” Bissell adds that certain concepts tend to resonate more deeply in an experiential setting. “Students can understand the notion that groups are going to be different, but it doesn’t feel tangible,” he says. “Sometimes, it’s knowing when and where the battles are that you need to fight and which ones you’re going to have to push down the road because it’s not going to happen the way you thought. A lot of times in live music, you are responsible but not really in charge.” At Music Walk, the nine Live Sound students will rotate through various assignments during the evening. The entertainment lineup includes locals Funk Rock Stereo, Emma James and Animal Mood, along with the headliner. Each student will take turns running the mixing console as well as manage stage times, assist with equipment change-outs and trouble-shoot on-stage issues. Bissell notes that while the Oct. 4 event is the second year that Live Sound students have run a stage at Music Walk, the history of the Live Sound class’s involvement with downtown events dates back to 2000 when his students ran sound for a stage during the Day of the Dead event. In recent years, Live Sound students have run the board in-house at the House of Rock. For Music Walk’s inaugural kickoff last year, Bissell offered to have Live Sound students run a stage. “We had everything from rock bands to a singer and keyboardist duo to a full mariachi group – it was all over the place,” Bissell says. “This year, it’s mostly rock bands, so focusing on a single style will make it easier for our students.” For his part, Landeros says the SRT program has provided networking opportunities that have helped him move forward in the industry. “I think that along with my work and drive, it is certain to help make my goals happen in the near future,” says Landeros. Lain says that he’s grateful when he hires the College’s Live Sound students whenever the opportunity arises. “I can’t be more thankful for what DMC is doing with the Live Sound class – we have a partnership that has lasted well over a decade,” he says, noting that the venue’s current engineer is a former student of the class and that all the Live Sound students hired by the House of Rock have brought solid technical knowledge to the table. He adds, “Nothing will replace on-the-job training, but the Live Sound class preps students in a way that prepares them for the challenges they will face behind the console.” Bissell says SRT graduates often find work as live sound engineers in other area venues like the Exchange as well as churches. Other graduates own live sound companies like Melon Sound or operate a recording studio like Harbor City Sound Lab. Additional opportunities also exist in the radio and television broadcast industries as well as city government offices. For additional information about the SRT program at Del Mar College, visit https://www.delmar.edu/offices/srt/index.html
- “Greater Tuna” hitting Finley Theatre stage in October with Del Mar Drama professors performing hilarious two-man comedy (UPDATED: VIDEO)Article by Del Mar Drama and Melinda Eddleman October marks a bittersweet production as Del Mar College (DMC) faculty member Kim Frederick and his colleague Carl Yowell perform the hilarious two-man off-Broadway hit comedy, “Greater Tuna,” in the Sue Sellors Finley Theatre Oct. 4-5 and 10-12. Frederick is retiring at the end of the fall semester after 36 years with the College, and “Greater Tuna” will be his last performance as part of Del Mar Drama. Written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard, “Greater Tuna” originated in Austin, Tx., and toured nationally for over 26 years. The lovingly satirical play about small-town Texas life and attitudes features Frederick and Yowell performing all 22 characters and their antics during this not-to-be-missed production. Frederick, who is currently serves as the Art & Drama Department’s Chairman, has taught at the College since 1988 while Yowell began his DMC teaching career in 1995. Both Professors of Drama have performed together in many theatrical fundraising productions over the years, including “The Mystery of Irma Vep” and the “Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged).” “Greater Tuna” will be their final fundraiser together for the Drama Program. Rated PG-13 due to mature content, “Greater Tuna” performances begin at 7:30 p.m. all evenings (Oct. 4-5 and 10-12) in the Finley Theatre, which is located in the Fine Arts Center on the Heritage Campus at 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus map. Tickets are $15 for general admission; $10 for seniors, military and DMC employees; and $5 for DMC students with a valid ID. The Drama Box Office opens one hour before each performance with in-person, day-of-show tickets available. Advance tickets also are available online at delmardrama.ludus.com. An exclusive pre-show fundraising reception called “Tuna Town Social” will be held Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. in the Cain Art Gallery also located in the Fine Arts Center. Guests will be served complimentary champagne and hors d’oeuvres as well as have the chance to meet “Greater Tuna” co-creator Jaston Williams. Tickets for this fundraising reception are $100 with only 75 tickets being sold. A cash bar will be available all production nights with after-show receptions featuring complimentary catering scheduled on Opening Night (Oct. 4), DMC Faculty and Staff Night (Oct. 5), Student Night (Oct. 10 with everyone welcome) and on Oct. 11. Questions? Contact the Drama Office at 361-698-1216 or drama@delmar.edu. You can also visit Del Mar Drama’s theatre page at delmar.edu/theatre. This production has generously been sponsored by Garcia & Richmond, AEP, Snyder & Associates, Weaver & Jacobs Constructors, Inc., The Blanco Agency and Amorette V. Garza-Morales & Manuela Gonzalez. One-hundred percent (100%) of ticket sales and donations will go toward the Drama Program, student enrichment activities and future productions. Of his last production with Del Mar Drama, Frederick notes, “I was fortunate to meet Jaston Williams when I performed ‘Greater Tuna’ at Corpus Christi State University in 1986. The show had such a huge impact on me that I promised I would perform it again before I retire.” If you attend, you’ll not only have a lasting impression by watching the acting talent of two DMC Drama faculty but also be one of the last few to see Frederick onstage during “Greater Tuna.” Get your tickets now! They won’t last!
- DMC Art Program hosting Texas Photographic Society 32: The International Competition, this fall’s exhibit in Cain Art GalleryArticle by Melinda Eddleman Each photographer sees the world differently, and the shots they capture through their lens can reflect their own unique perspective. For this fall’s exhibit in the Del Mar College (DMC) Cain Art Gallery, the Art Program will host the show, Texas Photographic Society 32: The International Competition, beginning this Friday, Sept. 20, with an opening reception that features 49 photographs selected by juror María Beatriz H. Carrión, Assistant Curator of Photographs at the Amon Carter Museum of Art. In Fort Worth. The opening reception runs 6 to 8 p.m. in the Cain Art Gallery, which located in the Fine Arts Center on the College’s Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus ma0. Besides presenting great photography, the event includes a cash bar and complimentary catered food. This event is free and open to the public. For more information about the opening reception and exhibit, contact the DMC Art Program at 361-698-1216 or art@delmar.edu. In addition to curating the exhibit, Carrión chose first-, second- and third-place award winners as well as five honorable mentions from the photographs selected for the final show. Regarding her selection process, Carrión says, “My goal was to highlight as many approaches and subject matter as possible. This year’s winning images embody photography’s ability to capture a moment in time, tell stories and transport us to new places.” Participating photographers, including the winners, are Nina Weinberg Doran (first place), Michael Potts (second place), Patty Robertson (third place), Kipp Baker, Becky Bales, Brandin Barón, Dan Burkholder, Beth Callahan, George Craig, Greg Davis, Rajan Dosaj, Cecelia Feld, Vincent Ferrari, Cynthia Fleury, Justin Fondrie, Ariana Gomez, Dmitriy Gushchin, Travis Hallmark, Michael Hart, Nancy Hines, Roger Hord, Marie Ketring, Steve Knight, Cindy Konits, Donald Kratt, Alison Lake, Jane Lindsay, Erin Mahoney, Ed Malcik, Michael Mallory, Michael McFadden, Alan Mevis, ChengLun Na, Sharon Navage, Martha Peters, Allison Plass, Byron Rogers, Edward L. Rubin, Ricky Sanders, Lance Shields, Denis Sivack, John Skees, Sharon Socol, Beckwith Thompson, Bill Walterman and Carolina Yáñez. Texas Photographic Society 32: The International Competition runs through Nov. 22. And is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. until noon. Note: The photo featured in the banner is “Her Evening Walk” by photographer Ariana Gomez. Titles and photographers of the other photos are available by clicking on the graphic for a pop-up box.
