Memories made … two DMC students reflect on their experiences as inaugural Sister City Culinary Exchange Program participants in Agen, France, in June
Baking/Pastry majors Mazzy Tagliaferro and Tina Walsh experienced face-to-face the art of French cooking to build on their culinary skills during immersive excursion
Article by Melinda Eddleman
Video by Richard Guerrero, Jr.
In April, Del Mar College (DMC) announced that two students with the Baking/Pastry Program–– Mazzy Tagliaferro and Tina Walsh––were selected by the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce Sister City Committee to travel to Agen, France, in Junel (read the posted release/watch pre-travels video). Both students are with DMC’s Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management Department with Tagliaferro having already completed Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts studies and Walsh planning to complete her associate’s degree in Culinary Arts after finishing her Baking/Pastry training.
After learning they had been selected for the city’s inaugural Culinary Exchange Program in Agen, they were ready to pack their bags for an experience of a lifetime during nearly two weeks of immersion in another culture’s way of cooking.
On July 21, Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo and City Council members recognized volunteers with the Sister City Exchange Program and Del Mar College’s Culinary Arts & Hosp8itality Management Department and the two students for their participation in the inaugural Sister City Culinary Exchange Program and its success. Mayor Guajardo even read a proclamation as part of the recognition.
The two students’ travels ended nearly two months ago with their return to Corpus Christi, but the memories are still fresh. Watch the video below to learn more about Tagliaferro and Walsh’s experiences, along with Sister City representative Valarie “Val” Harbolovic sharing more about the program and Corpus Christi’s relationship with Agen, France:
Del Mar College’s Culinary Arts and Baking/Pastry Programs are accredited as “Exemplary” by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission. The Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management Department offers:
- • Baking/Pastry: Associate of Applied Science degree, Certificate[RG1]
- • Culinary Arts (Chef Training): Certificate and Associate of Applied Science degree
- • Hospitality & Tourism Management: Certificate and Associate of Applied Science degree, Occupational Skills Award[RG2]
Interested individuals can also reach the main departmental office at 361-698-1856.
Del Mar College’s partnership with the Sister City Culinary Exchange Program celebrates more than food––it celebrates cultural connection, an opportunity to learn global techniques and traditions and the power of hospitality to bring communities together across borders.
Corpus Christi’s Sister City Exchange Program also partners with four other cities––Keelung City (Taiwan), Toledo (Spain), Veracruz (Mexico) and Yokosuka (Japan)––giving both high school and college participants the opportunity to see another part of the world. Guided by Sister Cities International, the program focuses on four pillars: Arts & Culture, Business & Trade, Community Development and Youth & Education. Learn more by clicking on the following: Sister City Exchange Program.
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. The college offers quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordability to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and across the South Texas Coastal Bend region. Nationally recognized while locally focused, Del Mar College provides students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities in the area. 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.