Opening doors … Coastal Bend LNG presents $25,000 to Del Mar College Foundation to provide full scholarships for San Patricio County students

Coastal Bend LNG Scholarship currently benefitting eight Ingleside High School graduates this fall as company invests in local students and hometown workforce sustainability

Article by Melinda Eddleman

Nick Flores understands the financial challenges youth growing up in small San Patricio County towns face when they’re ready to pursue college. The chief executive officer of Coastal Bend LNG, a privately held energy infrastructure development company focused on redefining liquefied natural gas in Ingleside, grew up down the road in Portland.

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I have a deep appreciation for this area, our students and our community. I’ve seen firsthand the potential that exists here and the capabilities of our youth, and I want to be part of opening doors for them.

Nick Flores, Chief Executive Officer of Coastal Bend LNG

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And he is by establishing the Coastal Bend LNG Scholarship with the Del Mar College Foundation.

Coastal Bend LNG Chief Executive Officer Nick Flores with Oversized Check_DMC Foundation Scholarship Recognition 090326

On Sept. 3, Flores and other company employees presented a $25,000 check to DMC Foundation representatives during a formal acknowledgement at the William F. White, Jr. Library on the Heritage Campus. The investment is providing selected students with a full scholarship toward completing the Del Mar College degree or program of their choice.

Already, eight Ingleside High School graduates have received a scholarship for this fall semester to pursue their associate’s degrees, including: Camryn Brasher (social work), Elexandria Casner (nursing), Eric Castaneda (business administration), Grace Gaytan (business administration), Masiela Pena (psychology), Bethany Ramos (Kinesiology), Seth Ruff (nursing) and Marissa Villarreal (respiratory therapy).

Coastal Bend LNG Chief Executive Officer Nick Flores and Social Work Major Camryn Brasher_DMC Foundation Scholarship Recognition 090326

During the Del Mar College Foundation’s Sept. 3, 2026, scholarship recognition event for the Coastal Bend LNG Scholarship, company CEO Nick Flores presents full scholarship recipient Camryn Brasher a plaque. The social work major is a graduate of Ingleside High School and among eight recipients attending classes during the fall 2026 semester. (Credit: DMC College Relations)

Coastal Bend LNG $25,000Oversized Check for Scholarships_DMC Foundation Scholarship Recognition 090326

During a Sept. 3, 2026, formal acknowledgement event, an oversized check for $25,000 sits on an easel representing the gift that Coastal Bend LNG Chief Executive Officer Nick Flores provided to the Del Mar College Foundation to support full scholarships to San Patricio County students. Already eight Ingleside High School graduates have received Coastal Band LNG Scholarships to pursue majors of their choice. (Credit: DMC College Relations)

Coastal Bend LNG Chief Executive Officer Nick Flores and Business Administrative Major Eric Castaneda_DMC Foundation Scholarship Recognition 090326

Through the Coastal Bend LNG Scholarship established by CEO Nick Flores (left), Del Mar College student Nick Castaneda, who is a business administration major, will complete his studies and graduate in December thanks to the full scholarship he received through the DMC Foundation. Shown is Flores presenting Castaneda with a plaque during a Sept. 3, 3026 acknowledgment events to thank Flores for establishing the Coastal Bend LNG Scholarship to support San Patricio County students. (Credit: DMC College Relations)

Flores noted, “For years, Ingleside and the Coastal Bend have exported their talent, but I want to invest in that talent locally by creating financial opportunities for our students to build successful futures right here in their hometown. Now that I’ve found success in my own career, it’s time to do my part and support students who were once just like me, looking for the opportunity to do something meaningful with the talent they have.”

By partnering with Del Mar College, Coastal Bend LNG recognizes that Ingleside High School students have the desire, drive and ability to pursue higher education. However, financial barriers can stand in their way. The scholarship will help remove this challenge and give students greater access to higher education and pathways to successfully reach their goals.

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This is a truly meaningful gift, especially during a year when the Del Mar College Foundation received a record number of scholarship applications. Coastal Bend LNG’s generosity will provide significant financial support to these eight students as they pursue their education. It’s a great example of how partnerships can open doors and turn college dreams into achievable goals.

Matthew Busby, Vice President of Development & Donor Advising and Executive Director of the DMC Foundation

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To access the DMC Foundation’s donor profile for Coastal Bend LNG, visit dmcfoundation.awardspring.com/AS/home/donor/CoastalBendLNG.

About Del Mar College

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.