Summer Commencement Speaker Gilbert Cortinas III Is December 2018 DMC Process Technology Graduate

Article by: Melinda Eddleman

He knows what the experience feels like after walking the stage as part of the Del Mar College (DMC) Class of December 2018. Gilbert Cortinas III graduated with his associate in applied science degree in process technology just eight months ago, and now he’ll address the Class of August 2019 this Friday, Aug. 16, in Selena Auditorium at the American Bank Center.

This summer, the College will award approximately 360 certificates, associates degrees and occupational skills awards combined to about 308 “prospective” graduates. Individuals who indicated they would “walk the stage” Friday night is 204. The ceremony begins at 7 p.m

.Before the Class of August 2019 makes the much anticipated walk, Cortinas will take center stage, again, to relate his own experiences and advice.

A Corpus Christi native, Cortinas is a 2004 graduate of Gregory-Portland High School, where he engaged in several different sports activities. He then attended Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to earn his bachelor’s degree in business management while also working full-time for his family’s automotive business, G&L Detail, where he assisted with management for over 14 years.

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Del Mar College student Gilbert Cortinas (right) explains why he chose his major as a means to propvide a good life for his young family during the Gulf Coast Growth Ventures scholarship annuincement for 17 students majoring in Process Technology as DMC President and CEO Mark Escamilla and Vice President of Workforce Development and Strategic Initiatives Lenora Keas listen. .(Photo credit: DMC College Relations)

Gilbert Cortinas III_DMC Summer 2019 Commencement Speaker and December 2018 Graduate

December 2018 DMC Process Technology graduate Gilbert Cortinas III will speak about his experiences and provide advice to Del Mar College's Class of August 2019 during Summer Commencement on Aug. 16 in Selena Auditorium at the American Bank Center. (Photo credit: DMC College Relations)

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Del Mar College Process Technology major Gilbert Cortinas discusses the technology of the Pilot Plant Control Room during the Gulf Coast Growth Ventures scholarship announcement on the College's West Campus. (Photo credit: DMC College Relations)

Cortinas enrolled in Del Mar College’s Process Technology Program in fall 2017, hoping to achieve an education that would open up new opportunities and a better way of life for his young family.

While enrolled at the College, he co-founded Del Mar’s first student association for Process Technology and served as president of the Industrial Process Technology Association.Under his leadership, the association focused on bridging the gap between students learning in the classroom and engaging in real-world applications in the process technology field. He provided tutoring for his peers and encouraged members to take on leadership roles within the association.

Cortinas also served as an advocate for the College’s degree program, speaking on behalf of students’ interests to local industrial companies and refineries. The College even recruited him to speak during a news conference to announce scholarships for Process Technology majors funded by Gulf Coast Growth Ventures (ExxonMobil/SABIC), for which Cortinas was one of 17 recipients.

Cortinas is now employed by Corpus Christi Electric Company as a product integration representative and project manager, which includes technical support and sales. He aspires to couple his educational and personal experiences to continue growing within the business and encourages his fellow co-workers to achieve their full potential.

Cortinas and his wife, Monica, have two young children, Callie and Luke, and they currently reside in Portland, Texas.

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.