Get More, Get MAS! Del Mar College One-day Immersion Experience Set for July 29
Annual Mexican American Studies Seminar: “Historia, Cultura y MAS” features glimpse into subjects covered as part of degree program, ranging from art to politics to food to so much more
Article by: Rosa Linda Reynoso
It’s back in-person after three years as a virtual event due to COVID-19. What is it? Del Mar College’s annual Mexican American Studies (MAS) Summer Seminar scheduled for Saturday, July 29.
Now in its ninth year, the 2023 seminar, titled “Historia, Cultura y MAS,” is an one-day learning experience that immerses participants in the rich Mexican American history and culture that not only makes South Texas the special place it is but also makes the whole country a richer and more enlightening place to live.
This year’s summer seminar includes several sessions ranging from art, literature and music to U.S. history and politics, humanities and the Spanish language that explore how these areas influence our way of life. And, the annual event celebrates and showcases the College’s Mexican American Studies associate’s degree program that began 12 years ago.
Scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., the MAS Summer Seminar is on the second floor in the General Academic and Music Building Phase II (GAMBII) on the College’s Heritage Campus at 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404). Get online directions and campus map.
Participants will receive a complimentary breakfast, along with a welcoming Folklorico performance by dancer Teresa Saldivar followed by opening remarks from local artist, educator and muralist Mayra Zamora. The MAS Sumer Seminar is free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged.
To register, view the program agenda and for more information, visit the 2023 MAS Summer Seminar web page at delmar.edu/degrees/mexican-american-studies/summer/. Interested persons can also contact Javier Morin, MAS Summer Seminar coordinator and DMC Spanish language faculty member, at 361-698-1582 or jmorin@delmar.edu.
Among the 2023 line-up is Dr. Alberto Rodriguez, Associate Professor of History and Director of Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s Mexican American Studies Institute, as the Mike M. Anzaldúa Jr. Keynote Address speaker, and he will present “The History and the State of MAS.” The annual keynote segment is named for and honors the late Professor Emeritus of English Mike Anzaldúa, who taught with the English and Philosophy Department for over 43 years and was a key faculty to support and develop the MAS degree program at Del Mar College.
Additionally, award-winning author Diana López will read from her new book, Monstruos: Felice and the Wailing Woman. The first in a series, the new book brims with high stakes adventure, Mexican folklore and a dash of magic that will have readers up all night to finish to the very last page. López reframes lore with a positive feminist representation of the La Llorona Myth, a perfect conversation starter for book clubs and classrooms. The book will be available for purchase during the seminar and an opportunity to have the author sign your copy.
Want to learn how to make the perfect tortilla? Pastry Chef Cody Fitzpatrick will present “Cooking with Cody: The History of Al Pastor and Tortillas Throughout Mexico” and demonstrate the art of tortilla-making during the seminar.
The seminar also includes an art exhibit located on the second floor skybridge featuring works by artists Mayra Zamora and Lucía Torres, including Torres’ “Aves de Fuego” or Fire Birds, a collection of paintings that focuses on the richness, beauty, tradition and struggle of the Chicano Jewish experience.
These sessions and displays are only a few that participants can expect, so get immersed to Get More. And, Get MAS at 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.