DMC’s long-running “Speech on the Beach” Tournament brings forensic competitors to Heritage Campus Feb. 7-9
19
February
2025
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18:04 PM
Europe/Amsterdam
Five-member Vocal Vikings forensic team vied against competitors from eight other collegiate institutions in debate, public address and oral interpretation events
Article by: Richard Guerrero, Jr.
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Speech on the Beach Tournament - Speech Program_021925
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.
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- Scouts converge on DMC’s Windward Campus on Feb. 15 to take part in “Merit Badge College”Article by: Melinda Eddleman and Photos by Richard Guerrero, Jr. It was an opportunity to “learn and earn.” We’re talking about Scouting and the 2025 Merit Badge College, which took place on Feb. 15. Once a year, Del Mar College (DMC) hosts the Merit Badge College for Scouts from troops with the South Texas Council Scouting America (STCSA), formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America. Approximately 186 Scouts attended the one-day event that consisted of activities held all over the Windward Campus and took part in classes taught by more than 50 volunteer DMC faculty and staff to earn those coveted Merit Badges for their sashes. The 11- to 17-year-olds, along with their parents and unit leaders, were able to choose from 27 different classes featuring quality programming, including the opportunity to complete rare and hard-to-find Merit Badge classes not found elsewhere. Among the classes that were offered that day were Architecture, Aviation, Camping, Citizenship in Society, Communication, Cooking, Crime Prevention, Dentistry, Digital Technology, Drafting, Electricity, Entrepreneurship, Fingerprinting, Fire Safety, First Aid, Geology, Health Care Professions, Indian Lore, Law, Personal Management, Public Speaking, Traffic Safety, Truck Transportation, Welding and Woodwork. Overall, Scouting America offers 138 Merit Badges that Scouts can earn. For Merit Badge College, participants had the option to choose either an all-day session or two half-day activities from the classes offered that not only touch on life lessons but also potential career paths the Scouts may pursue later on … even at Del Mar College. Revitalized two years ago after a five-year absence, the annual Merit Badge College also gives participants exposure to a college campus. Additionally, DMC will also host the Council Coordinated Meeting, which includes leaders of the South Texas Council and Units from all levels of Scouting, including Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Explorers and Sea Scouts. The South Texas Council operates Scouting America programs in 17 counties in this part of the state. The Merit Badge College is open to Scouts, including boys and girls, and their Troop Leaders. To learn more about the STCSA, visit https://www.southtexasscouting.org/.
- Del Mar College Art Program Opening 59th Annual CAIN National Art Show Feb. 21 with Celebratory Reception with Public InvitedArticle by: Richard Guerrero, Jr. Nearly 70 carefully selected works in 2-D, 3-D and digital media from 21 states await gallery visitors as part of the 59th Annual CAIN National Art Show, which opens with a celebratory reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21. Formerly known as the Annual National Drawing and Small Sculpture Show, the newly renamed CAIN National Art Show is a long-running juried exhibition of contemporary artists from virtually every corner of the United States. “We are proud of what the CAIN National has done for Del Mar College and the Corpus Christi art community,” says Kirstin Dale, DMC Associate Professor of Art, who also serves as the Art Program Coordinator and Gallery Manager. “For six decades, we have built a permanent collection of incredible 2-D and 3-D art, all of which is available for the public to view.” The Friday evening opening reception and two-month art show are located in the Joseph A. Cain Memorial Art Gallery of the Fine Arts Center on the college’s Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get directions and campus map. The 59th Annual CAIN National Art Show runs through April 25 with gallery hours scheduled Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays by appointment. Both the reception and show are free and open to the public. The Feb. 21 reception features catering by Citrus Bistro and a cash bar. During the event, three prize-winning artworks will be announced, and these selections will be added to Del Mar College’s permanent art collection. The event is also part of the college’s 90th Anniversary observances scheduled through the fall 2025 semester. For more information about the 59th Annual CAIN National Art Show, visit the gallery’s website at delmar.edu/gallery or contact the Art Program at art@delmar.edu or 361-698-1216. The CAIN National Art Show features a wide array of works selected by 2025 juror Alejandro Macias, a distinguished painter and draftsman with a notable career in the arts. Macias, who has garnered recognition for his artistic achievements, including prestigious residencies at the Vermont Studio Center, The Studios at MASS MoCA and Uncool Artist in Brooklyn, New York, recently received the Lehmann Emerging Artist Award. His solo exhibitions have been held at Texas venues, such as the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts in Lubbock and Presa House Gallery in San Antonio as well as the Tucson Museum of Art in Arizona and Latch-Key Gallery in New York City. A Brownsville, Texas, native, Macias is an Assistant Professor of Painting and Drawing at the University of Arizona School of Art in Tucson. Macias describes a two-pronged approach to curating DMC’s national exhibition, saying, “I am often seeking works that speak to me and help me remember what matters most in my life: family, place, identity, cultural empowerment and sociopolitical concerns affecting our country today. On the other hand, I also value works that are playful, mysterious and aesthetically and technically proficient.” Prior to the Friday opening reception, Macias will deliver a lecture where he will discuss his artwork, perspectives and insights. The lecture is scheduled in Richardson Performance Hall on Heritage Campus on Thursday, Feb. 20, starting at 11 a.m. This year’s CAIN National Art Show attracted record-breaking number of submissions to date – 1,020. A total of 64 artists who submitted 67 works (a little less than 7 percent) were selected. Artists from 21 states spanning from California to Maine are represented, including 34 Texas-based artists with five from Corpus Christi. Additionally, three of the selected artists are alumni of Del Mar College’s Art Program. The exhibition will showcase: · 17 paintings · 11 drawings · 17 sculptures · 2 photographs · 9 ceramic works · 2 prints · 2 digital media works · 6 alternative media pieces Macias hopes the exhibition leaves a lasting impact on gallery visitors. “My hope is that any viewer that gets to see this work together leaves the exhibition inspired and altered. I truly believe that art can heal, transcend and disseminate across time, culture, race and religion,” he said.
- DMC launches 90th Anniversary observances, holds grand opening for renovated Memorial Classroom Building and unveiling of Texas Historical Commission markerArticle by Melinda Eddleman “The benefits of education are essential to the preservation of a free government.” Quote by Sam Houston inscribed on the facade of Memorial Classroom Building Thousands of students have walked the halls of Memorial Classroom Building on the Del Mar College (DMC) Heritage Campus since the facility’s doors opened in 1942. First known as the Administration Building through 1972, the facility was the first permanent footprint of what was known at the time as Corpus Christi Junior College––the first junior college in the Coastal Bend region after Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD) leaders steered the initiative and city voters approved a proposition to establish the college on July 30, 1935. On Thursday, Feb. 6, DMC officials held an unveiling of the newly renovated building, along with a Texas Historical Commission marker recognizing Del Mar College as “a centerpiece of higher education in the Coastal Bend region.” About 125 campus and community participants attended the event, which served to launch the college's year-long observances of its 90th Anniversary. He added, “The structure has been a classic landmark at Ayers Street and Baldwin Boulevard ever since, and that legacy is something we’re extremely proud of at Del Mar College.” The nearly $17.8 million modernization of the building is part of the $157 million bond referendum passed by Del Mar College District voters in 2014 as part of Heritage and Windward Campus capital improvement projects. Noting the extensive renovation work completed, ranging from new walls, floors and ceilings to new plumbing, electrical wiring and elevator upgrades, Dr. Escamilla said, “After many decades of use, this old building needed some renovation and upgrades to be part of a 21st century campus. We think she’s ready for the next 90 years.” She added, “The Del Mar College some of you may remember in past years was perfect for the previous generations of students. But times change, and so do the needs and expectations of our students, so in the last decade, we’ve acted to meet those needs as Del Mar College has evolved to become the 21st century college our students deserve.” Scott reminded those attending the event that the Board of Regents never forgets who made the college’s growth and modernization possible: “You, the community,” she said, adding: “This renovation and many others started with the $157 million bond referendum, and as you will see, the bond funds have been put to good use, with an eye on good stewardship.” The Memorial Classroom Building now houses the college’s Executive Administrative Offices, Human Resources Office and the College Relations Office, among others. In addition to other celebratory activities during Thursday’s event, the college unveiled in front of Memorial Classroom Building a permanently installed Texas State Historical Marker provided by the Texas Historical Commission (THC). The historical designation and marker resulted from two former DMC students, Troy Nessner and Preston Martin, initiating the process as part of a project in History Professor Dr. Mark Robbins’ class back in 2017. Completion of that process took two years before the college received the marker, and now, the marker has a permanent home with the Memorial Classroom Building renovation completed. Both Nessner––who is a 2019 DMC Hall of Fame inductee, a member of the Nueces County Historical Commission and now a graduate student at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi––and Dr. Robbins, who is with the college’s Social Sciences Department, spoke before the marker unveiling. The marker also acknowledges Del Mar College’s role with initiating the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra and Texas Jazz Festival, leading integration of minority students before required by law, serving veterans and the Naval Air Station community after passage of the G.I. Bill and offering championship athletic programming during a specific era through the 1960s when sports became focused on intramural options at the college. Today denoted the beginning of a new era for the Memorial Classroom Building, and the institution as the historical marker notes, “Del Mar College remains a significant contributor to the quality of life in Corpus Christi and South Texas.” View below portions of remarks made during the grand re-opening of Memorial Classroom Building and the unveiling of the Texas Historical Commissions marker on Del Mar College's Heritage Campus. Factsheets about the Memorial Classroom Building and the Texas Historical Marker are located in the upper right-hand corner of this page as downloadable PDF files. Click on the photos to enlarge, read cutlines and download.
- Swing away … DMC, Aransas County Reps and Other Dignitaries Kick-off Rockport Renovation for Del Mar College Workforce Development Center–Aransas CountyArticle by Melinda Eddleman The Little Bay Primary School served as the venue to educate Rockport-Fulton area youngsters for decades. But on Jan. 30, Del Mar College (DMC), Aransas County and state and national representatives took swings with gold-painted sledgehammers to a pre-fabricated sheetrock wall on the north side of the former elementary school to symbolize a new beginning as the Del Mar College Workforce Development Center–Aransas County. The “Workforce Rising: The Future of Workforce Training in Aransas County” renovation kick-off moves forward the $2.5 million-plus project for renovation to begin that will breathe new life into the 16,000-square-foot facility as it continues serving the region’s residents, including those living in Aransas County and surrounding communities. The event also recognized local donor support from both individuals and businesses who raised through the Del Mar College Foundation over $400,000 toward the project. Dr. Escamilla added, “The Center will bring our world-class programs closer to your home.” Located on Highway 35 North in Rockport, completion of the renovation project is anticipated by fall 2025 and will serve between 400 to 800 students annually. Design work has been completed by Turner | Ramirez Architects. The project first began as a collaboration among Del Mar College, Aransas County, the Aransas County Partnership Economic Development Corporation and the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) in 2021 with initial funding coming from a $1.7 million EDA grant. Additional funds include the $400,000 raised by Aransas County business leaders and private donors to support the project and the area’s economy with a well-trained workforce once the Center opens. Lenora Keas, DMC Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, noted, “Local, private fundraising has been critical to making the Center a reality with local donors contributing over $440,000, but further support is needed to get us over the finish line.” In addition to remarks by Dr. Escamilla and Keas during the event, Aransas County Partnership Economic Development Corporation representatives also spoke, including John Jackson, Past President and current Board Secretary, and current President Jeffrey Sjostrom, along with Texas Legislature Rep. Todd Hunter, District 32. View clips of all five speakers’ remarks below: Also, during the event, the AEP Foundation presented an additional $75,000 toward the Del Mar College Workforce Development Center-Aransas County project. Current donors who have provided additional private funding through the Del Mar College Foundation are ACE Hardware, AEP Foundation, Blanton Builders, Charles Moreau, Coastal Bend Waste, Del Mar College Foundation, Aransas County Independent School District, Aransas County ISD Education Foundation, Aransas County, Bob and Harriet Parker, Capital Leasing, Charlie and Carla Belaire, City of Rockport, Jatin and Jatel Bhakta, John and Debbie Jackson, Karen Mella Realtors, Kim and Paul Foutz, Margaret Sue Rust Foundation, Nystrom Family Foundation, Redfish Lodge Partners LLC, Richard and Joy Dias and Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The Del Mar College Foundation will offer scholarships once the center opens, and donations toward supporting scholarship funds and renovation work are currently being accepted. To inquire, contact the DMC Office of Development at 361-698-1317 or foundation@delmar.edu. Once completed, the 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/EMS • Building/Construction Trades • Light Industrial/Manufacturing • Small Business & Entrepreneurship • Computer-Aided Design/Drafting • Communications & Broadcasting • General Education, Continuing Education and Certification Programs • Training offered by DMC Corporate Services Classes and training 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. Over the years, DMC has already partnered through its Dual Enrollment program with Rockport-Fulton Independent School District. The Center will provide students access to more courses and programs, along with technology and hands-on training equipment, to prepare them for 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.
- DMC Board of Regents holding regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 4Article by DMC College Relations Office On Tuesday, Feb. 4, 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/regular-board-meeting-packet_2-4-25.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 COVID-19 guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.
- It’s Income Tax Time, Again! Free VITA Program services start at DMC Jan. 28, and run through April 15 in Viking Hall on Heritage CampusArticle by Melinda Eddleman It’s time to file income taxes, again! And, while the main deadline may be less than three months away, many individuals are ready to take care of business now. For many Coastal Bend filers, trying to make sense of the different forms or changes can be a struggle. Furthermore, paying for an accountant to prepare returns may not be part of the budget. However, Del Mar College Accounting students trained in tax and accounting software hope to make the tax season a little less stressful for area filers as they provide FREE services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, which starts Tuesday, Jan. 28. As a nationwide program established by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the VITA Program involves volunteers who prepare tax returns free for individuals who make $67,000 per year or less. The free income tax preparation with the college’s IRS-trained tax volunteers is available every Tuesday and Thursday from 2 to 6 p.m. starting tomorrow, Jan. 28, in Room 142 of Viking Hall on the DMC Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus map. Appointments are not necessary, so walk-ins are welcome. Volunteers will answer questions when participants come in. The free VITA Program services run through Tuesday, April 15, but they will not be available during DMC’s Spring Break, which is March 10-15. Filers need to bring tax information, including their W-2 form, other documentation of earned income, Social Security cards for everyone being claimed on the return and a form of identification, such as a Drivers License or other photo I.D. Services are provided as part of the Coastal Bend VITA Coalition, a collaborative partnership headed by the United Way of the Coastal Bend. For more details, visit www.uwcb.org/vita. Del Mar College has been one of several local organizations involved with the VITA Program to provide tax return preparation services to lower income households for nearly 25 years. At the end of the tax season, the IRS recognizes volunteers––including Del Mar College students–– with a certificate for their involvement and hard work. Download the PDF file of a printable flyer with more information:
