Corpus Christi, TX,
28
April
2017
|
07:00 AM
Europe/Amsterdam

Board Accolades March-April 2017

  • Dr. David Abarca, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Information Security Program Director with the Computer Science, Engineering and Advanced Technology Department, was recruited by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to lead a local group devoted to protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure. Dr. Abarca now leads the Coastal Bend Special Interest Group of the FBI’s Houston-based InfraGard program, which is an association of people from business and industry, academic institutions, law enforcement agencies and other elds who are dedicated to sharing information and intelligence to prevent hostile acts against the United States. On another note, Dr. Abarca was recognized in March by the American Cancer Society for his participation in Del Mar Rocks Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign in October as a “Real Men Wear Pink” ambassador. He wore his hair and beard dyed pink all month and raised $3,000 toward the cause. Congratulations for both honors! 
  • During their regular meeting on April 11, the Del Mar College Board of Regents recognized Gene and Ellen Seaman for their generous support of the College’s General Education Development (GED) Program. On April 10, the Seamans presented a uniquely shaped $100,000 check to Executive Director Mary McQueen and the DMC Foundation to complete the endowment process for the Gene and Ellen Seaman GED Scholarship. The scholarship was established in 2006. The Seamans provided $5,000 annually with $3,500 covering five $700 scholarships each year to help GED students enter college. The remaining $1,500 had been added to an endowed scholarship fund. The couple decided to fully fund the endowed scholarship at $100,000 with a gift of more than $72,000 to establish the endowment, which will provide scholarships in perpetuity.
  • Edward J. Goodroe is Del Mar College’s new Veterans Center Director. Goodroe came to the College from American University, where he assisted with the oversight of their Veterans Services Department. Before pursuing higher education,he joined the U.S. Marine Corps after high school and served as a radio/satellite communications operator for six yearswith deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After his discharge from service and duringhis completion of studies at both Northern Virginia Community College and George Washington University (GWU) in Washington, D.C., Goodroe worked with veterans pursuing higher education. While still studying at GWU, he began working for the Department of Veteran A airs’ Education Service, which oversees all education bene ts administered by the VA. ank you, EJ, for your service to our country and other veterans and welcome to Del Mar College!

  • Seven Nurse Education Department faculty members are working together and pursuing their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Educational Leadership degrees from American Sentinel University. e cohort includes Mary Borchardt, Sandy Dawod, Linda Earwood, Floyd Green, Darla Green, Helen Manibusan and Casey Moebius, who represent over one-third of the College’s Nursing faculty. In 2014, Nurse Education Department Chair Dr. Vangie DeLeon and Program Director Dr. Jennifer McWha attended a conference where the university presented and shared the opportunity and support with DMC faculty members. American Sentinel University delivers accredited online degree programs in nursing with the DNP program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing in Atlanta, Ga. e university is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission in Washington, D.C. DMC faculty members will graduate from the program over the next few semesters, some as early as fall 2017. Way to go, everyone! Access and read the article on e Sentinel Watch web page: http://bit.ly/2oDkvHj.

  • Alan Berecka, Professor of Learning Resources and Reference Librarian with the William F. White, Jr. Library, was honored with a Certi cate of Commendation by the City of Corpus Christi. e certi cate named Berecka as “Poet Laureate of Corpus Christi” as part of the second annual People’s Poetry Festival. In 2012, Berecka envisioned a People’s Poetry Festival with the rst event held in 2016. He has three published books of poetry collections to his credit––With Our Baggage (2013), Remembering the Body (2011) and e Comic Flaw (2009)––along with two chapbooks, Each Man Has One Life (2004) and Beacons (2011). Berecka’s work also has appeared in periodicals and anthologies. Congratulations, Alan!

  • Congratulations goes to Cheryl Sanders, Dean of Student Retention and Engagement, for her selection and participation during the Student A airs Professionals in Higher Education’s 2017 Institute for Aspiring Vice President for Student A airs O cers. Organizers noted this year’s selection process was particularly di cult after receiving a high number of outstanding applications. Sanders joined a very talented group of administrators attending this learning and networking professional development experience. Content session encompass topics such as strategic thinking, leading change, planning for career advancement and work/life balance, among other issues. e institute was held in Tampa, Florida, in January.

  • For a job very well done, Purchasing and Business Services’ Print Services Department––Clara Garcia, Elizabeth Herrera and Irma Maldonado––received the Salvation Army’s “Angel Tree Partner of the Year” Award for Del Mar College’s Adopt an Angel Program participation. e DMC family made Christmas for 146 “angels” brighter this past year, making the College one of the top three participants in 2016. Del Mar College’s annual participation began long before 2004 when Garcia says she began working at the College. ank you, Clara, Elizabeth and especially Irma, for carrying on the tradition and encouraging the DMC community to make the holidays brighter for those less fortunate.

  • Congratulations goes to the Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic Program with the Public Safety Education Department, including EMS Program Director Melissa Stuive, Clinical Coordinator Kellie Reiger and faculty members Robert Ruiz and Filemon Lopez for their hard work in obtaining accreditation. e Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs recently sent a letter of con rmation based on the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions for a ve-year accreditation period, which runs Marcy 17, 2017 to March 31, 2022. Department Chair Davis Merrell reported that the “EMS faculty have worked on this process over the last year, and their hard work and determination has nally paid o .” e program will celebrate this accomplishment at 1 p.m. April 26 in the Emergency Training Building on the West Campus and invites everyone to attend. Congratulations to all who worked on the EMS Program’s accreditation!

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.