Coastal Bend Restaurant Association’s $70,000 Donation Will Serve as Gift that Keeps Giving
Article by: Melinda Eddleman
Monday, Feb. 13, seemed more like Valentine’s Day when the Coastal Bend Restaurant Association (CBRA) presented one sweet gift to the Del Mar College Foundation––a $70,000 check to support scholarships for Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Baking/Pastry Specialization majors.
The funds will provide three $2,000 direct scholarships to students each year for the next three years and then provide scholarships in perpetuity off the earnings of an endowment through investments.
CBRA, DMC and student representatives unveiled a cupcake-shaped check to signify the sweet gift that will keep giving.
Watch a video clip from the presentation below:
“The donation is a gift that will provide financial support to Del Mar College students pursuing careers in the hotel and restaurant industry,” says Lisa Pollakis, DMC assistant professor of restaurant management
and president of the CBRA. “The association is committed to helping DMC students majoring in programs that support our industry so they can achieve their educational goals, and we’re also dedicated to providing opportunities for professional growth in our local community.”
The CBRA is a chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association with approximately 117 active members that include restaurants and other food services, along with associated industries. The association promotes the growth of the local restaurant industry through networking, education and local advocacy and members are very active in the local community.
Students majoring in Culinary Arts or Restaurant Management have received scholarships in the past, including Rafael Flores, Cristina Franco-Olvera, Lauren Leal, Andy Lee Lopez, Diane Marie Hrncir, Lynne McDonald, Gabriel Perez, Stanley Phillips and Sandra Rodriguez.
The College’s Human Sciences and Education Department offers associate in applied science degrees in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Baking/Pastry Specialization and certificates in Cook/Baker and Hospitality Management.
The College’s Development Office and Foundation oversees a total of 217 scholarship funds, including 215 Foundation scholarships and two designated scholarships. Over $1 million in scholarships are awarded to DMC students each year.
Individuals can learn more about scholarships available through the DMC Foundation by visiting www.delmar.edu/scholarships/ or they also can contact the office by calling 361-698-1317 or emailing foundation@delmar.edu.
IN THE PHOTO: Coastal Bend Restaurant Association president and assistant professor of restaurant management Lisa Pollakis (left) applauds with Mary McQueen, executive director of Del Mar College’s Development Office and the DMC Foundation, after students Christina Franco-Olvera and Andy Lee Lopez unveil an oversized $70,000 cupcake-shaped check to establish scholarships for DMC students majoring in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Baking/Pastry Specialization.
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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.