Article by DMC College Relations

Del Mar College’s Viking Radio has five new episodes coming Nov. 9-13, featuring conversations that connect the College and the community. The week’s lineup explores emergency responder training that prepares law enforcement and firefighting professionals, personally rewarding careers in nursing and child development fields and the passion Coastal Bend creatives express through their art.

Viking Radio airs weekdays from 9:30 to 10 a.m. on Retro Country 105.9 FM and 103.3 FM and Retro Tejano 104.1 FM. Episodes are also available on Spotify and YouTube after each airing. Episodes are recorded and produced in-house in partnership with Retro Radio.

Check out next week’s schedule running Nov. 9-13:  

Monday, Nov. 9: Inside the Police Academy
• Guests: DMC Assistant Professor and Master Peace Officer Tchanee Meissner and  Eleazar Villegas, DMC Regional Police Academy cadet

• Description: The Del Mar College Regional Police Academy is where regional law enforcement officers have received world-class training for over 25 years. Assistant Professor and Master Peace Officer Tchanee Meissner with the College’s Public Services Department will discuss her law enforcement career and the many career options open to Academy graduates. Additionally, Academy cadet and soon-to-be graduate Eleazar Villegas will share his experience training through the College’s program  and his goals as a police officer with the Alice Police Department.  
 

Tuesday, Nov. 10: The RN Roadmap
• Guests: Dr. Linda Earwood, DMC Professor of Nurse Education and Program Director, and Nurse Education major Crystal Jenkins

• Description: Nursing is among the most in-demand career fields in the Coastal Bend, and generations of nurses and healthcare professionals have gained their education and training at Del Mar College. Dr. Linda Earwood, a professor with the College’s Nurse Education Department, will chat about the program and the many rewards a nursing career provides. Nursing student Crystal Jenkins will also share her educational journey as she prepares to graduate and begin her career as a Registered Nurse.
 

Wednesday, Nov. 11: The Power of Early Learning
• Guests: Dr. Amy Mintz, DMC Professor of Child Development/Early Childhood and Program Director, and Alyson Judd, DMC Child Development/Early Childhood major

• Description: Dr. Amy Mintz with the Kinesiology and Education Department’s Child Development/Early Childhood Program will discuss how students like Alyson Judd prepare to make an impact on the lives of young children living in the Coastal Bend. This episode is an in-depth conversation about the nurturing, teaching and rewarding aspects associated with a child development career. The discussion will also include the legacy of Del Mar College’s Morris L. Lichtenstein, Jr. Center for Early Learning.    
 

Thursday, Nov. 12: Firefighters in the Making
• Guests: Mike Schmidt, DMC Assistant Professor of Fire Science and Program Director, and  Dylan Roberts and Daniel Salinas, Del Mar College Regional Fire Academy cadets

• Description: Generations of Coastal Bend firefighters have trained for their careers at the Del Mar College Regional Fire Academy, and the Fire Science Program continues its strong role preparing the Coastal Bend’s emergency responders. Retired firefighter and Program Director Mike Schmidt will reflect on his long career and offer an insider’s perspective about life as a firefighter. Fire Academy cadets Dylan Roberts and Daniel Salinas will also share their experiences and career plans with the Kingsville Fire Department. 
 

Friday, Nov. 13: Dreamers and Creators Welcome
• Guests: DMC Professor of Art Amorette Garza-Morales and Art major Beth Hopp

• Description: Del Mar College’s Art programs are second to none in the region, offering degree plans in painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics and other media. The Heritage Campus is a hub for creators who are guided by dedicated professors like Amorette Garza-Morales, who will join Viking Radio to talk about her wide range of work with media, ranging from wood and metal to paper, candy and gum. Art student Beth Hopp will add to the conversation her passion for art and big plans. 
 

For anyone missing these episodes or those aired previously, listen to the conversations on Spotify or YouTube.

Viking Radio features conversations with local educators, leaders, innovators and changemakers shaping the Coastal Bend. With a casual, informative and fun format, Viking Radio features guests ranging from Del Mar College students and professors with great stories to share to business owners and representatives of nonprofits who are making a difference in the community.

Article by DMC College Relations

Tuesday, Nov. 10, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold its regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the College’s Center for Economic Development located at 3209 S. Staples St. (78411). Get online directions and map.

The regular meeting will also be livestreamed. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m.

A copy of the Agenda Notice and Board Packet is available online using the following link: delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-board-meeting-11-10-2026.pdf.  

Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html.
 

-DMC-

The day begins with a Viking Fest 5K and Kids 1K Fun Run and also includes the fifth annual Día de los Muertos welding competition for high school and college-age welders

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas —Del Mar College (DMC) will highlight workforce readiness and career pathways during its third annual Viking Fest on Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Windward Campus.

The College hosts its third annual Viking Fest on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Windward Campus. The family-friendly event will showcase the people, programs and industry partnerships that help drive workforce development across the Coastal Bend while providing visitors opportunities to explore educational and career pathways in high-demand fields.

Viking Fest will feature vendors, industry partners, Del Mar College programs, community organizations and hands-on experiences designed to connect attendees with career and technical education opportunities.

Visitors can also enjoy food trucks, participate in the Viking 5K Run/Walk and Kids 1K Run, and take part in the event’s Viking costume contest.

This year's event will prominently highlight industrial trades and technical careers that support the region’s workforce needs, including opportunities to learn more about fields such as welding, pipefitting and other skilled trades, according to Jason Houlihan, DMC executive director of marketing and events.

Attendees will have the chance to engage with employers and industry representatives who help shape the Coastal Bend’s economic future.

“We're really trying to make this a family-friendly event that offers something for everyone, whether they're interested in a career in the trades, exploring educational opportunities, or simply spending a Saturday with us," said Houlihan. “The bigger story this year is that Viking Fest is becoming much more than a campus festival. It’s an opportunity for the community to see the direct connections between Del Mar College, our regional employers, and the high-demand careers available right here in South Texas.”

Among the featured attractions will be Tesla, the event’s presenting sponsor, which plans to bring its Cybertruck to campus, as well as the Port of Corpus Christi's Learning Lab. These exhibits will offer attendees a closer look at the industries, technology and workforce opportunities helping shape the region.

Viking Fest will also include the Fifth Annual Día de los Muertos Welding Competition, which attracts high school and college-age welders from across South Texas.

The competition awards scholarships, welding equipment and other prizes. More than 350 participants have already registered for the 2026 competition.

Viking Fest is free to attend, and registration for the Viking 5K Run/Walk and Kids 1K Run is also free. The event will be held at Del Mar College's Windward Campus, located at 4101 Old Brownsville Road in Corpus Christi. Additional information is available at Del Mar College Viking Fest.

Support for Viking Fest 2026 includes Tesla as Presenting Sponsor; H-E-B, CHRISTUS Spohn Medical Center and RALLY Credit Union as Viking Champion Sponsors; and ArcelorMittal, Gulf Coast Growth Ventures, Pepsi, Bay Ltd. and Schneider Electric as Friends of Viking Fest.

Article by Melinda Eddleman

That famous line may come to mind … “Feed me, Seymour, feed me!” For anyone with an appetite for musicals and love comedy, Del Mar Drama presents the smash musical comedy, Little Shop of Horrors, as its fall production in November in the Sue Sellors Finley Theater.

First hitting Off-Broadway in 1982 and then the movie theaters four years later, Little Shop of Horrors is a popular musical with catchy tunes and the memorable appearance of a plant called Audrey II that feeds on humans, notes the production director and Del Mar College Drama Professor Carl Yowell.

“Compared to other musicals we have done in the past, Little Shop of Horrors is similar in its large technical scale to Prom Queens Unchained, but the cast is smaller than others with the biggest challenge being Audrey II, the plant that comes to life,” he says.

The production is scheduled Thursday, Nov. 5, with a 12:30 p.m. matinee and Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 6-7 and Nov. 13-14, with curtain time at 7:30 p.m. each night in the Finley Theater on the College’s Heritage Campus (101 Baldwin Blvd., 78404). Get online directions and a campus map.

Tickets are now available online at delmardrama.ludus.com/ or at the Drama Box Office one hour before each performance. Prices range from $5 to $15, including $5 for DMC students with a valid ID, $10 for DMC employees, seniors and active military and $15 general admission. Get yours now before they’re eaten up! This production may contain mature content that may not be appropriate for some audience members.

Del Mar Drama has set Friday, Nov. 13, as Coastal Bend Student Night with FREE admission for all students showing a valid ID at the Drama Box Office. A post-show reception with a faculty and student meet-and-greet is also part of that evening’s lineup.

Questions can be directed to the Art & Drama Department Office at 361-698-1216 or drama@delmar.edu.

Based on the book and lyrics by Howard Ashman with music by Alan Menken, audiences can get back to their humorous roots as sad sack Seymour Krelborn’s fortunes take a turn for the better when a singing, talking, flesh-eating plant arrives in his florist shop on Skid Row. Naming the foul-mouthed R&B singing plant after his co-worker and crush, the persistent plant Audrey II promises unending fame and fortune as long as Seymour keeps feeding the demanding plant blood. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s out-of-this-world origins and its intent on global domination.

Del Mar Drama’s production of Little Shop of Horrors features a cast of 11 members with some performers only heard and not seen. DMC students are involved throughout the production, including both Drama majors and nonmajors among the performers and a large support team made up of crew members, carpenters, electricians and costumers.

Of the production, Yowell says, “Musicals add additional rehearsal time and ask for specialized skills like singing and dancing from the performers. We approach them no differently than serious plays and focus on the story and the characters, and then ask, ‘What is the song doing in the story?’”

He humorously adds, “A big difference for me as a director is that I walk out of rehearsals humming the last musical number we worked on.”

Don’t miss Del Mar Drama’s production of Little Shop of Horrors and its goofy sci-fi plot. You just might leave the Finley Theater humming the last tune you heard.

Little Shop of Horrors is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International, and all authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI (www.mtishows.com).

-DMC-

ABOUT THE DEL MAR DRAMA PROGRAM:

The Del Mar Drama Program provides a general theatre education to prepare students for transfer to a four-year institution or entry-level position in the industry. Students completing the program receive an Associate in Arts in Drama. Drama Program courses and productions are open to all Del Mar students regardless of major. Some courses have prerequisites and minimum test scores. Del Mar College is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. The Drama Program is an institutional member of the Texas Educational Theatre Association. For more information, or to make an appointment with a Drama advisor, contact the Art/Drama Office at (361) 698-1216, or email drama@delmar.edu.

Article by DMC College Relations

Del Mar College’s Viking Radio has five new episodes coming Nov. 2-6, featuring conversations that connect the College and the community. This week’s lineup explores discoveries made on South Texas’ beaches, local history found in a local cemetery, music, geographic information systems careers and the experiences of veterans who have served the country.

Viking Radio airs weekdays from 9:30 to 10 a.m. on Retro Country 105.9 FM and 103.3 FM and Retro Tejano 104.1 FM. Episodes are also available on Spotify and YouTube after each airing. Episodes are recorded and produced in-house in partnership with Retro Radio.

Check out next week’s schedule running Nov. 2-6:

Monday, Nov. 2: Secrets of the South Texas Shore
• Guest: Jace Tunnell, Director of Community Engagement at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Harte Research Institute

• Description: Jace Tunnell, director of community engagement at the Harte Research Institute Jace Tunnell chats about the fascinating finds he discovers on South Texas’ beaches during his “Beachcombing” series on local media. Tunnell also reflects on his time as a Del Mar College student and his path to a career as a champion for the study and appreciation of coastal ecosystems.

Tuesday, Nov. 3: Where the Past Still Speaks
• Guests: Friends of Old Bayview Cemetery Association Representative Karen Howden and History Professor Dr. Mark Robbins with the DMC Social Sciences Department

• Description: Corpus Christi’s Old Bayview Cemetery is a fixture among the city’s historic landmarks and a treasure for history lovers. Karen Howden with the Friends of Old Bayview Cemetery Association talks about the upcoming event, Voices of South Texas – Old Bayview Cemetery Comes Alive, featuring storytellers and historical re-enactors. DMC history professor Dr. Mark Robbins joins the conversation and shares how Old Bayview Cemetery serves as a rich resource where his students can learn about the city’s people and history outside the classroom.

Wednesday, Nov. 4: Meet the Masters of Music
• Guests: DMC Music Professor Todd Ehle, Clarinetist and DMC UX Manager Ralph Goonan and Andrew Aguilar, DMC Music major

• Description: The Corpus Christi Chamber Orchestra at Del Mar College has long been a staple in the city’s classical music scene, and its second performance of the season is scheduled Nov. 8 in Richardson Performance Hall on the Heritage Campus. Orchestra director and music professor Todd Ehle discusses the history of the orchestra, its musicians and the standards that shape the ensemble’s performances. Clarinetist and DMC employee Ralph Goonan and violinist and DMC Music major Andrew Aguilar join the conversation to share the passion behind their music.

Thursday, Nov. 5: The Career Hidden in Every Map
• Guests: John J. “JJ” Nelson, DMC Assistant Professor of Geographic Information Systems with the Computer Science, Engineering, Architecture and Advanced Technology Department, and Dara Betz, Director of Workforce Programs with the College’s Corporate Services Department

• Description: Del Mar College’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program introduces students to a field with applications across a wide range of disciplines and industries. Del Mar College GIS assistant professor JJ Nelson and DMC director of workforce programs Dara Betz discuss the growing career opportunities for GIS professionals and details about the Nov. 18 Coastal Bend GIS Day at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

Friday, Nov. 6: Stories of Service and Sacrifice
• Guests: DMC Veterans Services Director Dr. Jennifer Armentrout, DMC Director of Workforce Programs Dara Betz and Robin Romero, DMC Veterans Affairs Specialist

• Description: In recognition of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, Viking Radio welcomes three Del Mar College employees for a conversation about military service. U.S. Marine Corps veteran Dr. Jennifer Armentrout, U.S. Army Reserve Major Dara Betz and U.S. Army veteran spouse Robin Romero discuss military deployment, the transition to civilian life, veteran services available at the College and the Veterans Day ceremony planned at the Heritage Campus on Nov. 11.

For anyone missing these episodes or those aired previously, listen to the conversations on Spotify or YouTube.

Viking Radio features conversations with local educators, leaders, innovators and changemakers shaping the Coastal Bend. With a casual, informative and fun format, Viking Radio features guests ranging from Del Mar College students and professors with great stories to share to business owners and representatives of nonprofits who are making a difference in the community.

Event was designed to resemble homecoming by adding “King and Queen of Turkey Bowl” crowning to fun halftime activities, along with canned veggie drive to help fill Valdar’s Market

It was a competitive match-up, but in the end, Valdar’s Warriors held on to its lead over the Helm Holders to take the Turkey Bowl trophy home for the second year in row. The final score was 35 (Valdar’s Warriors)-21 (Helm Holders).

Viking spirit ran high during Del Mar College’s annual Turkey Bowl, which was held Oct. 23 on the Kinesiology Track field on Heritage Campus.

The highly anticipated rematch pit the Helm Holders against reigning champs Valdar's Warriors in a friendly but fiercely contested battle on the flag football field for Turkey Bowl supremacy.

Coaches Dr. Kristy Urbick, Department Chair of Kinesiology and Education, and fellow faculty member and Assistant Professor of Education Dr. George Woods led the Helm Holders while Assistant Dean of Student Engagement and Retention Omar Villarreal and Gillian Benedetti, Director of Student Success Coaching, guided Valdar's Warriors on the field.

A spirited 12-member cheer squad kept the crowd energized from kickoff through the final whistle with guidance from Cheryl Sanders, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, and Corporate Services team member Dezorae Orta.

Fans enjoyed all the pageantry of a championship game day. Music major Alyssa Presas performed the national anthem before kickoff, and Dr. Gerald Napoles, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, took part in the ceremonial coin toss and presented trophies and championship rings to the winners after the game.

Adding to the stadium atmosphere, Dr. Carlos Garanzuay, Assistant Professor of Speech, served as the event's announcer and play-by-play caller, bringing every big play, momentum swing and scoring drive to life for spectators. 

On the field, Paul Creacy, Department Chair of Air Conditioning, Aviation and Automotive, and Program Coordinator/Instructor of Building Trades, and Purchasing team member La Vockea Wallace officiated the game while Del Mar College EMT students stood ready to provide first aid support for players and fans. Blue Bear, the mascot for Turkey Bowl sponsor Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, was also on hand to help build excitement throughout the event.

The excitement didn’t stop between downs. Student organizations operated concession stands throughout the event as fundraisers to support club activities and student engagement efforts. Participating groups included the Cyber Security Club, Education Society, OTA/Hot Shots and the DMC Math Club.

During the halftime break, a new tradition was launched with the crowning of a Turkey Bowl King and Queen. Dr. George Woods was crowned King and Cynthia Arbuckle, Giving Campaigns Manager in the DMC Foundation, was crowned Queen.  

This year's Turkey Bowl also introduced the Veggie Bowl, a canned vegetable food drive benefiting Valdar's Market, giving attendees an opportunity to support fellow students while enjoying the day’s festivities. Fans will also had a chance to cool off with complimentary Kono Ice.

The event was the result of a campuswide collaboration involving College Relations, Facilities, Risk Management, Campus Safety and Security, DMC Information Technology, Intramural Sports, Student Engagement and Retention and the Viking Social Committee, said Rita Hernandez, Dean of Student Engagement and Retention. The collective effort reflects the same teamwork and determination that participants will display on the field. 

“Whether they're cheering from the sidelines, volunteering behind the scenes or battling for victory on the gridiron, Vikings can expect an afternoon packed with spirited competition, memorable moments and plenty of Turkey Bowl tradition,” Hernandez added.

While it hasn’t always been played, the Turkey Bowl’s origins extend back 18 years. The first iteration was a flag football game organized between the English and Math Departments and held annually from 2008 through 2010. 

In 2012, the tradition returned as the Viking Bowl, with East Campus taking on West Campus in an annual match up through 2015. The College brought the game back in 2025 as the Turkey Bowl, led by the Department of Student Engagement and Retention Services and other campus leaders. Valdar’s Warriors won last year’s game against the Helm Holders, 28-14. Valdar's Warriors player and IT Helpdesk Coordinator Gabe Perez was named Most Valuable Player. 

To relive Turkey Bowl 2025, visit the following archive page in Viking News to see photos and a video clip.

Article by Melinda Eddleman

The annual holiday, Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, is a celebration and a time when families in Mexico and across the United States welcome back the spirits of deceased loved ones on Nov. 1-2. Often characterized by music and ofrendas or temporary altars with the deceased loved one’s favorite food, photos and other items that remind family members of those they have lost, poetry is another way to honor the dead.

In the spirit of the holiday, the Spanish Program with Del Mar College’s Communications, Languages & Reading Department will observe the holiday with a poetry reading, moderated discussion and audience activity during “Poetry as Remembrance: Voices, Memory & Día de los Muertos” on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

The free public event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in the White Library’s Studio @ 218 (Room 218) on the Heritage Campus located at 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404). Get online directions and a campus map.

Questions may be directed to Professor Morin at jmorin@delmar.edu or 361-698-1582.

The event features poet and retired DMC Professor Emeritus of Political Science Elizabeth N. Flores, who was the College’s first Mexican American Studies Program coordinator, reading from her work via livestream from New Mexico. The former Social Sciences Department faculty member taught at DMC for over 40 years.

Flores’ poems can be found in Corpus Christi Writers 2022 and Corpus Christi Writers 2023, TPA Quarterly, the Windward Review, the Texas Poetry Assignment, The Senior Class: 100 Poets on Aging and ¡Somos Tejanas!: Chicana Identity and Culture in Texas.

After the reading, Flores will join DMC Speech Communications adjunct faculty member Claudia Morales to lead a conversation about poetry, memory and Día de los Muertos.

Morales joined the Communications, Languages & Reading Department in 2011 and teaches Introduction to Mexican American Studies. She has been involved with the Mexican American Studies Program, which is an Associate in Arts degree program, since joining the department.

“Poetry as Remembrance: Voices, Memory & Día de los Muertos” will wrap up with an audience activity, “Bring a Poem, Bring a Memory,” with participants exploring poetry, memory and Día de los Muertos during this engaging recognition of the holiday. Morin and Languages Lab Coordinator Maria Mata will co-lead the activity and encourage participants to bring a favorite poem, short piece of writing, quotation or passage connected to someone or something they wish to remember and honor.

Event officially kick-starts Viking Fest 2026 scheduled on Windward Campus; Viking Fest 5K also includes Kids 1K Fun Run and first 400 registered participants receiving a participation medal

Are you ready to trot across Del Mar College’s Windward Campus when the Viking Horn sounds? The Second Annual Viking 5K Run/Walk will be here before you know it, so be sure to register now and secure your spot on the starting line.

The Viking 5K is a signature event during Viking Fest, which is scheduled Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Windward Campus located at 4101 Old Brownsville Rd. in Corpus Christi (78405). The Viking 5K is one of the biggest free community races in the Coastal Bend and serves as the official kickoff to DMC’s Third Annual Viking Fest, which runs from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The event starts with the Kids 1K Fun Run beginning at 9 a.m. rain or shine, followed by the Viking 5K Run/Walk at 9:15 a.m. Last year, more than 1,000 runners and walkers participated, and organizers are excited to bring the Viking 5K back even bigger in 2026. Whether chasing a personal best, walking with friends or bringing the entire family, register now to secure your spot on the starting line.

Participants will receive an exclusive Viking 5K Del Mar College thermal cup, which will be awarded at the end of the race, and the first 400 registered participants will receive a participation medal. Runners, walkers and other event completers of all ages and experience levels are welcome to participate at their own pace. Organizers are holding a best male and female Viking costume competition (see details and guidelines).

“We’re excited to bring back the Viking 5K for a second year and continue building a tradition that brings our students, employees, and the broader Coastal Bend community together,” said Jason Houlihan, Del Mar College executive director of marketing & events. “Whether you’re an experienced runner, a casual walker or a family looking for a fun morning, there’s something for everyone. It’s a great way to kick off Viking Fest, enjoy our Windward Campus and celebrate the community that makes Del Mar College special.”

After the race, participants are encouraged to stick around for one of Del Mar College’s biggest community celebrations of the year, Viking Fest, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring the Fifth Annual Día de los Muertos Welding Competition.

Enjoy food trucks and local vendors, a massive industrial and workforce showcase, hands-on career and program demonstrations and interactive displays featuring high-demand careers, along with opportunities to explore Del Mar College programs that prepare students for Coastal Bend careers and beyond.

More details about Viking Fest are coming soon, but for now, register and get your running or walking shoes ready for the 2026 Viking 5K Run/Walk.

Questions? For more details and event coordination, contact Executive Director of Marketing & Events Jason Houlihan at jhouliha@delmar.edu or 361-698-6528.

KEY INFO:

• Saturday, Nov. 14, 9 to 10:30 a.m., Viking 2026 5K Run/Walk.

• SAVE THE DATE: Nov. 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Third Annual Viking Fest at Del Mar College.

• Location: Del Mar College Windward Campus, 4101 Old Brownsville Rd. (78405), get online directions and a campus map.

• Cost: Free registration for the 5K, free admission for Viking Fest, with food and vendor items available for purchase. Registration for the 5K is available at events.delmar.edu/event/delmar.events.1839865.

• Questions? For more details and event coordination, contact Executive Director of Marketing & Events Jason Houlihan at jhouliha@delmar.edu or 361-698-6528. Or visit the Viking Fest 2026 website at delmar.edu/vikingfest/.

Article by DMC College Relations

October and November are busy months at Del Mar College (DMC) with a variety of events and activities that focus on bringing community members to campus. Ranging from the annual Fall Carnival, Viking Fest and Del Mar Drama’s fall production to career opportunities and community service through Scouting, the College’s 30-minute conversational radio show and podcast, Viking Radio, will feature these community-focused offerings Monday through Friday, Oct. 26-30, airing on Retro Country 105.9 FM and 103.3 FM and Retro Tejano 104.1 FM.

Viking Radio airs from 9:30 to 10 a.m. weekdays locally and then anytime on Spotify and YouTube after each airing. Episodes are recorded and produced completely in-house with airings in partnership with Retro Radio.

Check out next week’s schedule running Oct. 26-30:

Monday, Oct. 26: Building a Theater Legacy
• Guests: Professor of Drama Carl Yowell and Drama student Rett Hobart

• Description: Drama Program faculty member Carl Yowell shares with Viking Radio reflections about his distinguished 32-year career inspiring Coastal Bend students to pursue their dreams in all aspects of theater production. Drama student Rett Hobart joins the conversation to talk about his transformative experience in the program and his big dreams for the future. Both guests also will tease DMC’s upcoming production of Little Shop of Horrors, which starts Nov. 5.

Tuesday, Oct. 27: Miss This Spooky Bash
• Guests: Rita Hernandez, Dean of Student Engagement and Retention, and Director of Student Leadership and Campus Life Beverly Cage

• Description: The Viking Fall Carnival is coming up on Oct. 30 on the College’s Heritage Campus, and everyone is invited to come have a ghoulishly good time. DMC’s Rita Hernandez and Beverly Cage, who both fall under the Student Affairs Division, will explain the long-running annual event and how it has become a staple in the community, welcoming families to enjoy trick-or-treating, booths, games, food and costume contests.

Wednesday, Oct. 28: Your Next Job Could Start Here
• Guests: Jennifer Gonzales, Director of Career Development Services

• Description: Looking for a job or know someone who is? The Viking Connections Career Expo is scheduled Nov. 4 on the Windward Campus, and this event for job seekers is open to DMC students, alumni and the community. DMC’s Jennifer Gonzales drops in to chat about the career development services offered at Del Mar College, the soft skills that are important in the job-search process and the many employers who will be at the Career Expo seeking new hires.

Thursday, Oct. 29: Inside DMC’s Biggest Celebration
• Guests: Jason Houlihan, Executive Director of Marketing & Events, and Sam Garcia, Associate Professor of Welding

• Description: Del Mar College is gearing up for its signature annual event, Viking Fest, and the community is invited to join the festivities Nov. 14 at the Windward Campus for a full day celebrating the people, programs and industries that power the Coastal Bend. DMC’s Jason Houlihan and Sam Garcia will describe the day’s activities, including a Viking 5K and Kids 1K, Best Viking Costume contest, the Fifth Annual Día de los Muertos Welding Competition, food trucks, music, and hands-on activities for the whole family. Mark your calendar!

Friday, Oct. 30: A Family Mission of Service
• Guests: Professor of Speech Mike Jones and Amy Jones, Chair of the Department of Communications, Languages and Reading and faculty member

• Description: Supporting Scouting America is a family affair for DMC Speech professors Mike Jones and Amy Jones. The husband-and-wife team have brought Scouting to countless young people in the Coastal Bend over the years, even spearheading events that introduce them to the College’s life-changing programs. Their chat with Viking Radio includes the announcement that DMC President and CEO Dr. Mark Escamilla has been selected to receive one of Scouting’s most prestigious awards, the Distinguished Citizen Award.

For anyone missing these episodes or those aired previously, listen to the conversations on Spotify or YouTube.

Viking Radio features conversations with local educators, leaders, innovators and changemakers shaping the Coastal Bend. With a casual, informative and fun format, Viking Radio features guests ranging from Del Mar College students and professors with great stories to share to business owners and representatives of nonprofits who are making a difference in the community.

Article by: Richard Guerrero, Jr.

Del Mar College (DMC) continues to build on its reputation as a leader in workforce development with the recent announcement by Gov. Greg Abbott that it is one of 13 Texas public two-year, postsecondary institutions awarded a Perkins Leadership Grant. Funding will be used for the development of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.

DMC will receive a $206,000 Perkins Leadership Grant for the recruitment and retention of CTE educators, specifically postsecondary nursing educators. The funds will allow the College to strengthen the pipeline of educators in the Department of Nurse Education as part of an ongoing effort to address the shortage of qualified nursing faculty and expand access to high-demand nursing credentials in South Texas.

Perkins Leadership Grant projects are designed to inform and improve CTE-based grant activities at the state level. Grant proposals are accepted in the following categories: “Emerging and Current High-Demand Credentials,” “Prison Education – Preparing for Reentry and Recruitment” and “Retention of CTE Educators in Postsecondary Education.”

Perkins Leadership Grants are awarded on a competitive basis to eligible two-year, public postsecondary institutions in Texas. DMC was one of four colleges and two college districts to receive a Perkins Leadership Grant in the category for Recruitment and Retention of CTE Educators in Postsecondary Education.

Dr. Jennifer Sramek, DMC Dean of Business, Entrepreneurship and Health Sciences, said the initiative will provide structured mentorship for new faculty, expand professional development opportunities and strengthen faculty retention. Key goals for the initiative include at least 90% full-time nursing faculty retention and increased participation in professional development opportunities.

The project seeks to create a faculty development model that focuses on mentor training, onboarding, instructional preparation and continuous evaluation that can be replicated by other Texas institutions.

“The Perkins Leadership Grant provides Del Mar College with an important opportunity to strengthen and grow our nursing education program,” Sramek noted. “These funds will help us build capacity, support the preparation of future nursing professionals and respond to the workforce needs of our community.”

“Ultimately, this investment supports both student success and a stronger health care workforce in the Coastal Bend,” she added.

About Del Mar College Nurse Education

Del Mar College prepares students for nursing careers to help meet the growing health care needs of the Coastal Bend and South Texas. For the 2024-2025 academic year, approximately 172 nursing students graduated from DMC, entering a high-demand field and helping strengthen the region’s health care workforce. DMC offers nursing education from entry-level preparation through a bachelor’s degree pathway. Learn more at www.delmar.edu/degrees/nursing-education/index.html.

Article by: Richard Guerrero, Jr.

Recently, the Texas Governor’s Office announced that the Texas Workforce Commission awarded Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants across the state. Four Coastal Bend independent school districts––Agua Dulce, Benavides, Freer and Santa Gertrudis––are among the recipients, receiving a combined total of $676,092 to purchase equipment and train their students for high-demand jobs in the region.

For Del Mar College, the JET grant awards mean partnering with the four ISDs to provide training through its Continuing Education and academic programs, with each high school receiving the specific instruction it requires, including process technology-related, electrician, nursing and medical assisting training.

Career training by the College will serve 244 high school students overall. DMC programs providing the training to these students include several high-demand occupational programs.

“The JET grants awarded will be used to expand healthcare programs, such as the Del Mar College high school to nursing pathway programs, Medical Assisting program, Surgical Technology program and other in-demand allied healthcare programs,” Rivera says.

The breakdown for the 2026 JET grants awarded to the four ISDs includes:

• Agua Dulce ISD: $195,823 to train 20 petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators and gaugers
• Benavides ISD: $155,056 to train 23 electricians
• Freer ISD: $237,077 to train 175 licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
• Santa Gertrudis ISD: $88,136 to train 26 medical assistants

Del Mar College has received the commission’s JET grant in the past and most recently hosted a check presentation ceremony in May to celebrate the progress made by area 2025 recipients since receiving the funds. Those recipients included Del Mar College and Freer ISD. (Access the June 3, 2026 online release.)

Rivera says, “Del Mar College plans to partner with school districts that received JET grants on expanding career and technical education programs, such as Air Conditioning, Electrical, Building Maintenance and other in-demand technical programs. All programs of study are designed and developed with industry leaders to ensure students are workforce ready and employable once they complete their respective programs.”

“All programs offered are stackable toward earning occupational skills awards, certificates and associate and bachelor’s degrees from Del Mar College,” he adds.
 

About Del Mar College Training Programs

Del Mar College prepares students for high-demand careers through workforce-focused degree and certificate programs developed to meet the needs of Coastal Bend employers. Programs related to the training highlighted in this release include Process Technology, Electrician, Medical Assisting, Surgical Technology, Air Conditioning Applied Technology (ACAT) and Building Maintenance Applied Technology (BMAT). For the 2024-2025 academic year, approximately 69 Process Technology students, 33. Electrician students, 13 Medical Assisting students, 13 Surgical Technology students, 48 ACAT students and 11 BMAT students graduated from DMC, entering high-demand fields. Students can choose from more than 100 degree and certificate options across eight pathways, with opportunities designed for students seeking to enter the workforce or continue their education. Learn more about Del Mar College programs at delmar.edu/degrees.

Article by Melinda Eddleman

The scholarship dinner not only recognized donors’ generosity but also celebrated the impact they have by supporting students through scholarships. And more than 600 donors and recipients attended the Del Mar College (DMC) Foundation’s annual event on Oct. 15 to share stories and successes as students thanked their benefactors for believing in their dreams.

Dr. Mark Escamilla, DMC President and CEO, added, “Every student who comes to Del Mar College has a dream for their future, and it’s our responsibility to get them there. Our scholarship donors are an important part of that journey, creating opportunities for students to achieve their goals and build a better future for themselves and their families.”

This year, the scholarship dinner was held at the Ortiz International Center with participation growing annually. And in part, that growth indicates the need for financial assistance among students pursuing their education at Del Mar College.

For the 2026-2027 academic year, the DMC Foundation currently has awarded over $3 million to more than 1,400 students. These students represent 115 programs offered by the College, preparing them with the skills and knowledge needed to meet current workforce demands or providing a foundation for transfer to pursue further education.

Busby noted, “I’m happy to celebrate a record year of scholarship support with more than 1,400 students receiving awards while recognizing the big opportunity we have to help more people in our community. Scholarship support can help open the door for people to pursue their education and improve their future.”

During the dinner, donors and scholarship recipients also heard about the success story of DMC alumnus Lalo Davila, who has built an internationally recognized career in both higher education and the performing arts.

Davila attended Del Mar College as a Music major from 1975 to 1979 before earning a Bachelor of Music degree from what is now Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. He then earned a Master of Music Education from the University of North Texas.

Now spanning nearly four decades, Davila’s career as a percussionist and composer also includes his work as an educator and music professor at Middle Tennessee State University, where he has influenced students and colleagues alike.

A few of his top career credits include:

• touring and recording with artists who include Grammy-nominated Kirk Whalum, Arturo Sandoval, Allen Vizzutti, Clay Walker and others.
• lending his musicianship and voice to stage productions, films, television and video games, including Disney’s Aladdin: Dual Language Edition, The Equalizer, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Call of Duty: Black Ops III.
• composing original television scores for Breaking Bad, Burn Notice, Drop Dead Diva and Prison Break.
• writing more than 50 compositions and 10 instructional books used worldwide among percussion programs.
• earning honors that include Nashville’s 1998 Top Five Percussionist of the Year Award and the Nashville Scene’s 2012 Best Latin Jazz Musician recognition.
  
  

Davila’s career reflects a lasting influence as an educator and artist. And he’s a proud DMC alumnus who shared his story during the dinner to inspire this year’s scholarship dinner participants to follow their dreams as he did.

The Reason for the Occasion

Article by Melinda Eddleman

You may have heard the term “Golden Oldies.” For the lineup of next week’s episodes of Del Mar College’s Viking Radio, they may not be old, but they’re golden. Drawing from the past five months, the College’s 30-minute conversational radio show and podcast, Viking Radio, will feature some of the best episodes produced during the past five months, airing Monday through Friday, Oct. 19-23, on Retro Country 105.9 FM and 103.3 FM and Retro Tejano 104.1 FM.

Viking Radio airs from 9:30 to 10 a.m. weekdays locally and then anytime on Spotify and YouTube after each airing. Episodes are recorded and produced completely in-house with airings in partnership with Retro Radio and the Larry Elizondo Power Hour.

Check out next week’s schedule running Oct. 19-23:

Monday, Oct. 19: Tourism Secrets Revealed
• Guest: Brook Kaufman, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Corpus Christi

• Description: Brook Kaufman breaks down the art of attracting visitors to the city. Tourism is both an economic engine and a storytelling craft, and Kaufman brings both perspectives to the table as CEO of Visit Corpus Christi. She reveals how Visit Corpus Christi positions the city as a premier destination, ranging from data-driven marketing and brand development to creating memorable visitor experiences that keep people coming back.

Tuesday, Oct. 20: From DMC to Hollywood
• Guest: Lydia Blanco Garza, business owner of Hollywood-based The Blanco Agency

• Description: Lydia Blanco Garza’s story starts at Del Mar College, where a young aspiring actor first stepped onto the stage with big dreams and zero guarantees. Now the owner of The Blanco Agency, Garza returns to share her journey from Corpus Christi to Hollywood – the auditions, the setbacks, the breakthroughs and the moment she realized she wanted to help others chase the same dream. She talks about building a career in the entertainment industry and how she now prepares future stars to take their shot.

Wednesday, Oct. 21: A Life Transformed
• Guests: Del Mar College alumna Elizabeth Pacheco and Cornado Gallegos, instructor of Environmental/Petrochemical Lab Technology

• Description: DMC graduate Elizabeth Pacheco and faculty member Cornado Gallegos share a deeply personal conversation about the Environmental/Petrochemical Lab Technology Program and how it transformed Pacheco’s life. They discuss the program’s rigorous training, real‑world applications and the confidence it instills in students seeking stable, meaningful careers. It’s a story of education opening doors and reshaping futures.

Thursday, Oct. 22: Building Homes, Changing Lives
• Guest: Ben Molina, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Corpus Christi, Inc.

• Description: For more than two decades, Ben Molina has dedicated his time, talent and heart to Habitat for Humanity Corpus Christi. From volunteer to executive director, he joins Viking Radio to discuss how safe, affordable housing changes lives and strengthens communities across the Coastal Bend.

Friday, Oct. 23: Leadership with Grit
• Guests: Texas State Representative and Chairman Todd Hunter and DMC President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mark Escamilla

• Description: Texas State Rep. Todd Hunter and DMC President and CEO Dr. Mark Escamilla share candid stories of leadership, perseverance and navigating the complexities of Texas politics. They reflect on public service, higher education and the grit required to advocate for the Coastal Bend. It’s a conversation full of insight, experience and behind‑the‑scenes perspective.

Anyone who misses these episodes or wants to hear previously aired conversations can listen on Spotify or YouTube.

Viking Radio features conversations with local educators, leaders, innovators and changemakers shaping the Coastal Bend. With a casual, informative and fun format, Viking Radio guests ranging from Del Mar College students and professors with great stories to share to business owners and representatives of nonprofits who are making a difference in the community.

Article by College Relations and DMC Foundation

Did you know that 76 percent of Americans do not have an estate plan according to a 2025 Caring.com study? Creating a will helps protect loved ones, provides peace of mind and offers those planning their estate an opportunity to support causes that matter most to them. And if you “Google” to see what the average cost is to seek advice and services to create a will, the expense can range between $1,000 to $5,000.

The Del Mar College Foundation has a solution.

As part of National Estate Planning Awareness Week, which is Oct. 19-25, the DMC Foundation is offering a free estate planning service in partnership with FreeWill, a legally valid online tool that provides individuals an easy way to create a will in about 20 minutes. The service is available at partner.freewill.com/dmcfoundation, allowing individuals to generate a legally valid estate plan at no cost that protects their family and records their wishes.

And current DMC Foundation supporters can register their existing gift at partner.freewill.com/record/dmcfoundation.

He adds, “A gift in your will to a nonprofit organization such as the Del Mar College Foundation will cost nothing but will have a lasting impact on educating our community for many generations to come.”

Individuals who choose to include Del Mar College in their estate plans will be recognized as members of the DMC Foundation’s new Legacy Del Mar Society, honoring their commitment to creating educational opportunities for future students.

Since 1983, the DMC Foundation’s mission has focused on providing scholarships, supporting educational programs and removing barriers for community members to reach their unrealized potential.

The “no cost” benefit of using FreeWill is possible due to support from hundreds of nonprofit partners. Users’ wills are valid in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and the site utilizes guidance from expert attorneys. According to Free Will, the site encrypts all data, does not store sensitive information such as Social Security numbers and meets strict safety standards set forth by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

The DMC Foundation partnered with FreeWill to simplify the process for supporters to help sustain Del Mar College’s educational opportunities for community members for years to come.

“Our partnership makes this kind of gift-giving easy while allowing our forward-thinking supporters to create a lasting impact while joining others as part of the Foundation’s Legacy Del Mar Society,” Busby says, noting that anyone can give through the FreeWill site whether they’re alumni, current or retired employees or any community member who believes in the power of education.

Learn more about FreeWill at its website: www.freewill.com/.

Questions for the DMC Foundation? Call 361-698-1317 or email foundation@delmar.edu.

-DMC-

About FreeWill (from freewill.com)

FreeWill is a free, easy, and legally valid online tool that helps you create your will in under 20 minutes. Since 2017, FreeWill has offered online self-help solutions for common estate planning needs and related educational content. Estate planning may implicate both state and federal laws, and estate planning needs will differ based on personal circumstance and applicable law. FreeWill is not a law firm and its services are not substitutes for an attorney’s advice. The information here is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide and should not be construed as providing legal or tax advice. This information is general in nature and is not intended to serve as the primary or sole basis for investment or tax-planning decisions.

Article by Melinda Eddleman

The piñata has a name, “Donktropolis,” and a backstory that describes the reasoning for its redesign. The donkey-shaped re-creation is the work of Del Mar College students with the Architecture and Construction Technology (ACT) Club with members hoping to win the top prize as part of the Parade of Piñatas competition held to support Corpus Christi’s annual Día de los Muertos Festival.

The Architectural/Drafting Technology students who worked on the piñata include Makayla Anderson, Lauren De La Garza, Crystal LeBlanc, Priscilla Mulhorn, Karalee Pena and Amari Washington.

During an Oct. 13 kickoff party held by K Space Contemporary and other organizers at La Palmera Mall to announce the winners, open bidding to raise more funds and start online voting for the People’s Choice Awards, DMC representatives learned the club earned second place and a $150 gift card.

The ACT Club now has another chance to win. Online public voting for the People’s Choice Award is now open through Oct. 23 at app.jotform.com/262734720642153.

Participants can view the 18 piñatas entered in the Superheroes Unite-themed competition by visiting the corridor entryway just outside of JCPenny inside La Palmera Mall (5488 S. Padre Island Dr., 78411). On display until Oct. 25, Piñatas on Parade is presented by the mall and the Coastal Bend Association of Realtors^® Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, and the piñatas are up for bids to raise more funds beyond the entry fees each organization paid to participate. The auction closes at 11:55 p.m. on Oct. 23.

The ACT Club’s $150 entry fee was generously and personally covered by Russell Franques, who serves as treasurer for the DMC Foundation’s Board of Trustees and is a partner with Highpoint Wealth Advisors.

Following the Parade of  Piñatas competition theme, Superheroes Unite, to celebrate the power of courage, kindness, teamwork and imagination, Donktropolis “symbolizes hope for tomorrow’s cities with the donkey carrying superhero DMC graduates dedicated to sustainable technology and human-centric design, creating buildings that foster connectedness, emotional uplift and simple beauty to enhance the joy of life.”

The ACT Club's piñata features unique architectural design elements that demonstrate the skills that DMC’s Architectural/Drafting majors learn in the classroom.

As a community service project for the club, DMC Associate Professor of Architectural/Drafting Technology Brad Eilering says, “Our students are learning first-hand the importance of service to the public and the advancement of their careers in architecture and the construction industry.”

Article by Melinda Eddleman

Not too different from hitting a home run during baseball’s World Series, Del Mar College’s 30-minute conversational radio show and podcast, Viking Radio, will mark its 100th episode Monday, Oct. 12, during its airing on Retro Country 105.9 FM and 103.3 FM and Retro Tejano 104.1 FM.

Viking Radio airs from 9:30 to 10 a.m. weekdays locally and then anytime on Spotify and YouTube after each airing. Episodes are recorded and produced completely in-house with airings in partnership with Retro Radio and the Larry Elizondo Power Hour.

Check out the schedule for Oct. 12-16, with the Oct. 12 airing marking Viking Radio’s 100th episode. Next week’s schedule includes:   

Monday, Oct. 12: 100 Episodes of Inspiration
• Guest: Dara Betz, Director of Workforce Programs and NCCER Accredited Program Director, with the DMC Corporate Services Department

• Description: It’s Viking Radio’s 100th episode, and Dara Betz from the College’s Corporate Services Department is helping the team celebrate. The chat will cover the world-class training, equipment and facilities available to industry partners on the Windward Campus that are helping move the Coastal Bend workforce forward. She’ll also talk about her other passion – serving on the Je’Sani Smith Foundation and educating the Coastal Bend about rip currents and beach safety.
 

Tuesday, Oct. 13: Your Future Awaits
• Guests: Executive Director of Marketing & Events Jason Houlihan and Marketing Outreach Specialist Christina Garza with the DMC Office of College Relations

• Description: For anyone considering enrolling at Del Mar College for the Spring 2027 semester or who knows someone who is, now is the time to start registration. DMC marketing professionals Jason Houlihan and Christina Garza will discuss the streamlined process that’s making registration easier, plus the many educational options offered at the college ranging from degree programs to short-term workforce credentials.
 

Wednesday, Oct. 14: Spooky Season Spotlight
• Guests: Del Mar College Spanish Professor Javier Morin, K Space Contemporary Executive Director Michelle Smythe and USS Lexington Museum Marketing Director Samantha Stapp

• Description: Halloween and Día de los Muertos are approaching, and Viking Radio will talk with guests about some of the spooky festivities happening in the Coastal Bend, including Michelle Stapp sharing details about the creepy haunted house on the USS Lexington Museum each weekend through Halloween night, DMC faculty member Javier Morin breaking down the historical meaning of Día de los Muertos and Michelle Smythe with K Space Contemporary providing a preview of the annual Día de los Muertos Festival scheduled Oct. 24 in downtown Corpus Christi. 
 

Thursday, Oct. 15: Lights, Camera, Career
• Guests: DMC Assistant Professor of Radio, Television and Digital Media Dr. Rachel Jennische and Eric Williams, DMC Radio & Television major

• Description: Coastal Bend students are finding DMC’s Radio & Television Program the perfect place to hone their talents and prep for careers in broadcast media. Faculty member Dr. Rachel Jennische will discuss the broad professional toolkit her program offers while student Eric Williams chats about the importance of storytelling in media and other valuable lessons he’s already using to build his career in radio.
 

Friday, Oct. 16: Jazz Fest at 65
• Guests: DMC Board of Regents At-large Regent Dr. Nicholas Adame and DMC Professor of Music Dr. Donald Pinson

• Description: The Texas Jazz Festival has been a Coastal Bend institution for 65 years, and DMC’s Heritage Campus is where it all began. Regent Dr. Nicholas Adame and Music Professor Dr. Donald Pinson will take a deep dive into this beloved annual event, covering its history, past and present exciting musical acts and the community’s love of the jazz genre that keeps the Texas Jazz Festival going every year. Additionally during this episode, Viking Radio’s Dr. Natalie Chapa will offer a heartfelt goodbye to Coastal Bend listeners as she moves on to her next voyage.

For anyone missing these episodes or those aired previously, listen to the conversations on Spotify or YouTube.

Viking Radio features conversations with local educators, leaders, innovators and changemakers shaping the Coastal Bend. With a casual, informative and fun format, Viking Radio features guests ranging from Del Mar College students and professors with great stories to share to business owners and representatives of nonprofits who are making a difference in the community.

Article by Melinda Eddleman

Del Mar College (DMC) has named Edgar Moctezuma its new vice president and chief physical facilities officer, bringing experience in large sports, entertainment and higher education facilities maintenance and operations. Moctezuma will join DMC’s leadership team Monday, Oct. 12.

Moctezuma, who most recently served as chief property officer for the Lone Star College System, has more than 20 years of experience overseeing facilities and operations, including 14 years at Reliant Stadium – now NRG Stadium – and Shell Energy Stadium in Houston prior to leading facilities operations at University of St. Thomas.

Moctezuma holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. He is also a Certified Facility Manager (CFM), Project Management Professional (PMP) and HVAC certified.

Dr. Escamilla added, “His experience spans large-scale facilities operations, engineering, project management and the stewardship of complex physical environments, and I look forward to the experience and leadership Edgar will bring to our College and our work ahead.”

-DMC-
 

Click on photo to enlarge in pop-up box and to download.

Article by Richard Guerrero, Jr.

For the second year in a row, the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) has awarded Del Mar College (DMC) a Gold Veterans Education Excellence Recognition Award (VEERA). The TVC presents the 2026 VEERA to public colleges and universities in the state that provide exceptional support to veterans, active-duty members and their families.

Del Mar College is one of 13 Texas public higher education institutions that received the Gold VEERA for 2026.

The award is not the college’s first Gold VEERA. In 2025, the commission presented a Gold-level award after DMC received its very first VEERA – a Bronze award – in 2022.

The program was established by the Texas Legislature and a Gold, Silver or Bronze award is given after a thorough review of college and university applicants that demonstrate educational excellence and support services that “significantly contribute to the academic success of student veterans and military-connected students.”

Dr. Jennifer Armentrout, director of DMC Veterans Services, said her office works to empower veteran students, active-service members and their dependents with the resources necessary to be successful and complete their educational objectives.
 

To receive a VEERA, the TVC evaluates schools on multiple criteria, including:

• Dedicated staff contacts for veterans,
• Having a centralized veteran resource center on campus,
• Participating in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs programs, and
• Academic support, orientation and mental health services for military-connected students.

The College serves student veterans and other military-connected students at three locations, including the Harvin Student Center (Room 271) on the Heritage Campus, the Main Central Building (Room 225) on the Oso Creek Campus and the Coleman Center (Room 107) at the Windward Campus.

This fall, DMC Veterans Services has processed 792 veterans and veteran beneficiary students through the Hazlewood Act and the Veterans Benefits Administration for educational benefits. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the office processed 1,212 veteran and veteran beneficiary students.

“Most importantly, it celebrates the faculty, staff and campus leaders who go above and beyond every day to serve our military-connected students and help them succeed,” she added.

Article by DMC College Relations

Tuesday, Oct. 6, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold its regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the College’s Center for Economic Development located at 3209 S. Staples St. (78411). Get online directions and map.

The regular meeting will also be livestreamed. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m.

A copy of the Agenda Notice and Board Packet is available online using the following link:
delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-meeting-packet-10-6-26.pdf.

Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html.

The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s guidelines, visit delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.

Article by Melinda Eddleman

If you haven’t listened to Viking Radio, which is Del Mar College’s conversational show, available anytime on Spotify, and airing weekdays locally on the radio, there’s a lot to catch up on since episodes first began airing on May 27.

Viking Radio airs Monday through Friday from 9:30 to 10 a.m. after the Larry Elizondo Power Hour on Retro Country 105.9 FM and 103.3 FM and Retro Tejano 104.1 FM. The episodes are then available on Spotify and YouTube after each airing.

Episodes are recorded and produced completely in-house with airings in partnership with Retro Radio and the Larry Elizondo Power Hour.

Serving as the college’s radio and podcast series, Viking Radio features conversations with local educators, leaders, innovators, and changemakers shaping the Coastal Bend. Designed to be casual, informative and fun, Viking Radio guests have ranged from Del Mar College students and professors with great stories to share to business owners and representatives of nonprofits who are making a difference in the community.

Check out the schedule for Oct. 5-9, specifically Oct. 9 when the guest will be actress Amy Bailey from the livestreaming series The Chosen, who is coming to Corpus Christi for the Oct. 10 event at Whataburger Field supporting the Coastal Bend Food Bank.

Next week’s schedule includes:

Monday, Oct. 5: Bachelor’s Degree? You’ve Got This!

• Guests: Christine Benavides, Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership graduate, and current BAS-OML student Sonia Carreon
• Description: Earning a bachelor’s degree is challenging, rewarding and above all, it’s possible. Del Mar College’s Sonia Carreon and Christine Benavides will visit Viking Radio to talk about how the college’s online bachelor’s degree program – the Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree – is helping them grow and advance professionally. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s looking to take the next step in their career.

Tuesday, Oct. 6: The Support Every Student Needs

• Guests: Jennifer Taylor, Student Support Specialist with Community In Schools, and Rachel M. Benavides, Del Mar College Dean of Continuing & Community Education
• Description: Helping nurture students to become successful with support, resources and good old-fashioned encouragement is a labor of love for Jennifer Taylor, Student Support Specialist with Communities In Schools within the Ricardo Independent School District. She will chat with Del Mar College’s Rachel Benavides about Community in Schools’ partnership with the college and how their intertwined goals are changing young lives in South Texas.

Wednesday, Oct. 7: The Career Readiness Blueprint

• Guest: Ann Vlach, Executive Director of Education to Employment Partners (E2E)
• Description: It takes passion and dedication to lead a dynamic organization like Education to Employment Partners or E2E. Executive Director Ann Vlach will sit down with Viking Radio to explain how E2E actively partners throughout the community to promote college and career readiness among students, professional development for educators, seminars for community leaders and other efforts to encourage high school students to prepare for in-demand Coastal Bend jobs.

Thursday, Oct. 8: From Texas Champs to World Stage!

• Guests: DMC Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management Interim Department Chair Lisa Pollakis, DMC Executive Chef Matthew Axtell, Baking/Pastry major and Texas Food Championship Dessert Category winner Aiyana Willingham and Culinary Arts major and Burger Category team captain Nathanael Benavides
• Description: Del Mar College culinary students crushed it during the recent Texas Food Championship held in Corpus Christi at Water’s Edge Park. Student winners Aiyana Willingham and Nathanael Benavides will bask in the glory on Viking Radio, along with their instructors, Lisa Pollakis and Executive Chef Matthew Axtell, and talk about their excitement as they prepare for the World Food Championships in Indianapolis in a few weeks.

Friday, Oct. 9: The Chosen Actress Visits Viking Radio

• Guests: Actress Amy Bailey from The Chosen and Coastal Bend Food Bank Executive Director Bea Hanson and Multimedia Communications Coordinator Micaela Calderon-Stewart
• Description: Actress Amy Bailey, who plays Joanna in the Prime Video biblical series, The Chosen, and who grew up in South Texas, will be a special guest on Viking Radio. She will discuss her journey as an actress, the passion she brings to her role in The Chosen and the big event she and her castmates are coming to Corpus /Christi to support – The Chosen Interfaith Celebration at Whataburger Field on Oct. 10. Also joining the conversation are Bea Hanson and Micaela Calderon-Stewart with the Coastal Bend Food Bank, which is hosting the event.

For anyone missing these episodes or those aired previously, listen to these conversations on Spotify or YouTube.

Article by Melinda Eddleman

When the power goes out, you need them––lineworkers. Their role requires extensive hands-on training needed to get the job done

Nueces Electric Cooperative, known as NEC, is among utility providers in the area. And NEC leadership understands the need for a well-trained workforce in this line of work and has donated to the Del Mar College (DMC) Foundation a $12,500 gift toward the purchase of a “bucket truck” to prepare students who choose a career path to become a lineworker through the college’s new certificate program that begins in the spring.

On Monday, Sept. 21, the Del Mar College Foundation and academic leadership recognized NEC’s $12,500 gift toward the purchase of a 2016 Dodge Ram 5500 truck equipped with a 2016 Altec 41-foot bucket. The outdoor event included a check presentation and then a demonstration of how the bucket truck will be used to train DMC students, including how to use the vehicle as part of hands-on training, including positioning and operational skills needed for utility distribution work.

“NEC’s investment gives Del Mar College students the opportunity to train with the same equipment they will encounter in the field,” added Matthew Busby, vice president of development & donor advising and executive director of the DMC Foundation. “This generous support will help prepare skilled professionals for essential utility careers while strengthening the workforce pipeline throughout our region.”

The bucket truck will allow students pursuing the lineworker pathway to gain critical hands-on experience by learning proper setup, equipment inspection, positioning, safe operation and how to perform elevated utility work. The truck will also serve the college’s Diesel and Heavy Equipment Programs, which are with the Air Conditioning, Aviation & Automotive Department along with the Electrician Program.

Creacy also noted that NEC serves as an active member of the department’s Advisory Committee, helping to identify employers’ expectations among the college’s graduates entering the utility distribution industry. The cooperative also fills a critical role in determining needed equipment, curriculum improvements and career pathways that move the department’s students toward excellence and successful careers upon entering the workforce.

Article by Melinda Eddleman

Her music still attracts fans even after her death over 31 years ago, and more than one generation recognizes her top three hits–“Como La Flor,” “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” and “Amor Prohibido.” Her name is Selena Quintanilla-Perez, mostly known as just “Selena,” and the late Tejano singer is the subject of a panel and community discussion at Del Mar College as part of Hispanic Heritage Month.

“Selena: Memory, Culture & Legacy” features three panelists who will share their perspectives about one of Corpus Christi’s iconic legacies this Thursday, Oct. 1, at the college’s Heritage Campus, and the public is invited to attend. The event is presented by Del Mar College’s Languages Program, DMC Libraries and the college’s chapter of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (TACHE).

The free panel and community discussion is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in Room 227 in the Solomon Coles Building. Doors open at 10 a.m. with coffee and pastries provided by TACHE, and the discussion begins at 10:30 a.m. The Heritage Campus is located at 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404). Get online directions and a campus map to locate the venue.

Questions? Contact Professor Morin at 361-698-1582 or jmorin@delmar.edu.

During the panel-led discussion, participants can explore Selena’s enduring cultural legacy and her significance to Corpus Christi and South Texas as local voices share personal, scholarly and literary experiences connected to the singer, including

• author Diana Lopez, who wrote Sing With Me: The Story of Selena Quintanilla (and the Spanish: Canta Conmigo: La Historia de Selena Quintanilla) and the novel adaptation of the Disney/Pixar film Coco: A Story About Music, Shoes and Family,
  
• historian Amanda Márquez, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) professor and contributor to The Selena Reader published by The University of Texas Press, who will provide perspective on Selena, Tejano music and the Mexican American experience, and
  
• Yndalecio Isaac Hinojosa, TAMU-CC English professor and co-editor of The Selena Reader, who will bring a literary and cultural perspective about the singer’s legacy.

These guest panelists will examine Selena’s legacy through the lenses of literature, cultural memory, identity, representation, music, family and South Texas history as they share their perspectives and reflect on the ways Selena continues to be remembered, represented and interpreted across generations.

Moderated by DMC Libraries Head of Technical Services Jennifer Jimenez-Perez, the panel discussion will also include a Q&A session, an interactive audience activity and a short musical performance.

Article by Melinda Eddleman
(Updated 10/7/26 with video)

The heat not only rose weatherwise but also in the outdoor kitchens during the Texas Food Championship (TFC) at Water’s Edge Park this weekend. Five Del Mar College (DMC) student teams comprising Culinary Arts Program or Baking/Pastry Program majors competed in four categories–burger, dessert, pasta (open category) and seafood–over a two-day period, hoping to win a Golden Ticket to move on to the World Food Championships in Indianapolis next month.

Del Mar College has been the lead supporter of the event.

During the Sept. 27 awards ceremony, TFC officials announced all the winners, including Baking/Pastry major and Dessert Category solo competitor Aiyana Willingham. On Friday, she prepared a lemon olive oil cake with lemon curd, Pistachio Creme Fraiche, blueberry compote, pistachio crumble and candied zest. That cake won Willingham a Golden Ticket after competing against five other teams. She was coached by Department of Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management Baking/Pastry Instructor Bryan Carrizales.

The second-year DMC student graduated from Calallen High School and plans to complete the college’s Culinary Arts Program after finishing her Baking/Pastry training. She credits her grandmother and mother for inspiring her to pursue a career in the food industry as well as the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain.

Willingham hasn’t figured out what she wants to prepare during the World Food Championships but says she has some time. “I haven’t figured that out yet,” she said, adding, “I have a couple of weeks to decide and practice.”

During the award ceremony, DMC officials also announced that the five winners of the Texas Junior Chef Championship for high school-age competitors will receive scholarships to attend the college’s Culinary Arts, Baking/Pastry and Hospitality Management Programs.

The Texas Food Championship attracted some 150 competitors, including home cooks and professional chefs from across the state, vying for their place in Indianapolis either as individuals or on a team. TFC officials noted that Team Texas will be headed by two-time World Food Championship winner Preston Nguyen as team captain. He won those titles while attending Dallas College and is now a chef in Arlington, Texas.

During this weekend’s championship, judges evaluated each dish using the E.A.T.™ methodology – execution, appearance and taste. Those judges included Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management Department Interim Chair Lisa Pollakis during the BBQ! Chicken Category on Friday and DMC Regent David Loeb during yesterday’s Texas Junior Chef Championship.

Pollakis added, “The college is also grateful to our faculty and staff coaches whose mentorship, guidance and devotion helped students elevate their skills and performance to a very high level. This experience demonstrates the talent, determination and bright future of Del Mar College’s students majoring in the culinary, baking and hospitality pathways.”

In addition to Carrizales coaching the college’s two Dessert Category competitors, DMC Executive Chef Matt Axtell coached the Burger and Pasta teams while Associate Professor of Culinary Arts Chef Israel “Izzy” Villanueva mentored the team competing in the Seafood Category.

The World Food Championships attract between 300 and 400 teams annually, including competitors from across the United States as well as those who have earned a Golden Ticket from nearly 40 countries. The “heat in the kitchen” for Del Mar College TFC winner Alyana Willingham turned up a few more degrees as she plans and practices to become a “world champion.”

Article by Melinda Eddleman

The Notification of Award just arrived, and Del Mar College (DMC) officials and the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) received the news that the grant supporting the TRIO Program has been renewed.

The U.S. Department of Education’s EOC Program through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration has awarded the college a $1.19 million five-year grant, which runs Sept. 1, 2026, through Aug. 31, 2031.

The college’s TRIO Educational Opportunity Center provides comprehensive, individualized support to eligible low-income, first-generation adult students living in Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio counties to increase their attainment of a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate, financial aid and college enrollment.
 

The TRIO Educational Opportunity Center recruits and serves approximately 850 participants annually.

To help ensure student success, the TRIO EOC implements a structured intake and assessment process followed by individualized Participant Success Plans (PSPs) for each student. Core services include academic advising, GED preparation, career exploration, non-cognitive skill development, financial aid assistance and ongoing progress coaching to support students through each stage of their journey with the enrollment process.

The college’s program also expands students’ access to career pathways, including pre-apprenticeships, registered apprenticeships and programs leading to in-demand, industry-recognized postsecondary credentials.

“These efforts align our participating students with workforce needs and support entry into high-growth careers,” noted Munoz. “Participants receive guidance on apprenticeship opportunities and postsecondary options aligned with labor market demand.”

Key partners supporting these opportunities include Del Mar College academic departments, area school districts, community-based organizations such as Coastal Compass, Elevate 361, Goodwill Industries of South Texas, San Patricio Adult Literacy Council, UpSkill Coastal Bend and Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend. Center staff also collaborate with workforce agencies to enhance outreach, service delivery and participant success.

For the five-year grant period, long-term outcomes include increased persistence, credential attainment and career advancement among participants.

Of the grant renewal, Munoz said, “Being awarded the continuation of this grant for another five years is especially meaningful because it allows us to continue providing these services and changing lives throughout our community. I am proud to be part of a program that empowers people to transform their futures through education.”

To learn more about the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center and the services offered, visit www.delmar.edu/offices/trio/eoc.html or contact the center at 361-698-1262 or trioeoc@delmar.edu.

A quarter of a century has passed since one of the nation’s most tragic events occurred, now known as “9/11.” The count among first responders lost attempting to save lives on Sept. 11, 2001, reached 441, including firefighters, emergency medical professionals and law enforcement at the Twin Towers in Manhattan and even military at the Pentagon, according to official reporting by the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

The official death toll that day among both victims and first responders totaled 2,977.

Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, marked the 25th anniversary of that tragic day, and Del Mar College observed the lives lost as the Public Service Department’s Regional Fire and Police Academies held a “Memorial Stair Climb” in honor of first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice to save lives. The ceremony was open to the public.

Melissa Stuive, Public Service Department chair who oversees the college’s programs associated with emergency response training, said, “It’s important to remember those who gave their lives to save lives, and we want to also stress the significance of this day to our students who were not even born when 9/11 happened.”
 

Following traditional protocol, the ceremony aligned with the Sept. 11 timeline to recognize the moment’s first impact on the nation and even the world. The event timeline included a bell ringing prior to each scheduled Moment of Silence as follows:

• 8:46 a.m.: first Moment of Silence marking the exact time American Airlines Flight No. 11 struck the World Trade Center (WTC) North Tower followed by recognition reading for fallen fire, EMS and law enforcement responders.
• 9:03 a.m.: second Moment of Silence marking the exact time United Airlines Flight No. 175 struck the WTC South Tower.
• 9:37 a.m.: third Moment of Silence marking the exact time American Airlines Flight No. 77 struck the Pentagon.
• 9:59 a.m.: fourth Moment of Silence marking the collapse of the WTC South Tower.
• 10:03 a.m.: fifth Moment of Silence marking the exact time United Airlines Flight No. 93 crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
• 10:28 a.m.: final Moment of Silence observing the collapse of the WTC North Tower.
• 10:30 a.m.: Led by Corpus Christi Fire Department Chief Brandon Wade, the Memorial Stair Climb begins with about 100 DMC Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic students and Fire Science and Police Academy cadets carrying up to 40 pounds of equipment and the name of a fallen 9/11 first responder. The climb is open to anyone who feels the call to participate.

The Memorial Stair Climb took cadets and other participants about two hours to complete. The climb was equivalent to the 110 stories of both WTC towers or 28 ascents in the Public Service Department’s Burn Tower. Participants’ descent is not counted as part of the Memorial Stair Climb.

The college’s Public Service Department has held its Memorial Stair Climb for more than 20 years, “but the impact of our observance has only grown since the department now includes cadets too young to have experienced that day firsthand,” noted Stuive.

Article by Jessie Chrobocinski

Del Mar College (DMC) has received a five-year, $3 million federal grant to strengthen teaching and digital learning and help prepare students for a workforce increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies.

The Del Mar College: Classroom to Career (DMC C2C) project begins Oct. 1, 2026, and is funded through the Title III Part A Strengthening Institutions Program administered through the U.S. Department of Labor.

At the center of the project is the creation of a new Center for Educational Advancement within DMC’s Learning Resources Division. The Center will provide faculty with support and training in teaching, course design and instructional technology, helping them adapt as new tools and technologies change teaching and learning.

Artificial intelligence will be one part of the larger Classroom to Career project. Faculty will have opportunities to learn how AI and other emerging technologies can be used responsibly in teaching and incorporated into coursework where appropriate. The project also will strengthen DMC’s online and hybrid courses and the support available to faculty who teach them.

“This grant aligns with Del Mar College’s vision to expand faculty knowledge and effective use of artificial intelligence while strengthening our e-learning capabilities,” said Dr. Jonda Halcomb, vice president and chief academic officer. “By identifying the need for a faculty learning center that provides dedicated resources, professional development and ongoing support for the integration of emerging technologies, the College can advance AI-related initiatives supporting teaching excellence and student success in both traditional and online learning environments.”

DMC also will incorporate responsible AI use into selected high-demand programs identified by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The specific programs will be selected as the project moves forward. Faculty will work with project staff and industry partners to identify appropriate AI tools and develop learning activities that align with course outcomes and changing workforce expectations.

The project also includes plans to support students as they learn to use AI and other digital tools responsibly. The goal is to help students understand how emerging technologies can be used as part of their education and future careers. Specific student resources and activities will be developed as the project moves forward.

“Artificial intelligence is changing quickly, and part of our responsibility is helping our College community understand how to use these tools thoughtfully and responsibly,” said Ali Kolahdouz, DMC’s vice president and chief information officer. “This project gives us an opportunity to build AI literacy alongside the broader digital skills our faculty and students need, while being intentional about how those technologies are incorporated into teaching and learning.”

Through Classroom to Career, Del Mar College will use the five-year investment to strengthen the connection between teaching, technology and the skills students will need as they move from college into the workforce.

Article by Melinda Eddleman

For Del Mar College (DMC) Art Program faculty, they not only teach art but also live it through their own chosen mediums and creativity. Some of the finest artwork produced in Corpus Christi comes from DMC’s faculty with the Art & Drama Department, and this Friday, Sept. 18, art aficionados can view their work during a free opening reception for the program’s fall exhibit in Cain Gallery––the “Del Mar Art Faculty Art Show.”

The Sept. 18 reception runs 6 to 8 p.m. in the Joseph A. Cain Memorial Art Gallery located on the first floor of the Fine Arts Center on Windward Campus (101 Baldwin Blvd., 78404). Get online directions and a campus map. The free event includes hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.

For more details about the reception and the exhibit, contact the DMC Art Office at 361-698-1216 or art@delmar.edu.

Visitors can experience the dynamic work of Loring Baker, Kalleen Chilcote, Kerstin Dale, Nate Ditzler, David Fuentes, Amorette Garza-Morales, Diana Peña, Elena “Rodz” Rodriguez and Mike Stephens. Several pieces among faculty members’ work will be available for purchase during the opening reception and throughout the show for patrons wanting to add to their own art collections.

The free exhibit runs through Wednesday, Nov. 18. Public viewing is Mondays through Thursdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment on Fridays.

Rodriguez added, “I hope the community comes out to see the show and join us for the opening reception. It’s going to be a fun evening, and it’s a great opportunity to see the work our faculty are creating outside of the classroom.”

Visit the Del Mar College Art Program’s Facebook page or the college’s official program page at delmar.edu/degrees/art/index.html to explore your own artistic possibilities.

Article by: Richard Guerrero, Jr.

Usually held in May, Del Mar College held its venerable honors ceremony – Recognition Day – for the 2025-2026 academic year on Thursday, Sept. 3. Although a new school year has already begun, it’s never too late to celebrate the accomplishments of students committed to making the most of their time at DMC as well as recognize three outstanding faculty members selected by the student body to represent the campus where they teach.

Presented by the college’s Student Leadership & Campus Life, Office the 74th Annual Recognition Ceremony took place in Richardson Performance Hall on Heritage Campus.

Overall , the college honored 132 students across all four academic divisions––Division of Business, Entrepreneurship and Health Sciences, Division of Communication, Fine Arts and Social Sciences, Division of Industry and Public Service and Division of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), Kinesiology and Education––with Outstanding Achievement Awards.

Prior to announcing the newest inductees to the DMC Hall of Fame, the Student Government Association recognized the three 2025-2026 Teachers of the Year, who are determined by students nominating and voting for their favorite faculty member on each DMC campus––Heritage, Windward and Oso Creek. With the votes counted, DMC’s 2026 Teachers of the Year are Professor of Biology Billy Bob Long with the Department of Natural Sciences on the Heritage Campus, Director of Dental Programs and Associate Professor of Dental Hygiene Eva Sepulveda with the Department of Dental & Imaging Technology on the Windward Campus and Associate Professor of Geology Sean Hurt with the Department of Natural Sciences, who teaches on the Oso Creek Campus.

The ceremony culminated with the induction of the college’s newest members into the Hall of Fame, a prestigious honor recognizing inductees’ leadership and participation in student organizations.

Founded in 1949, the three inductees joined the ranks of 428 Hall of Fame other members and include Elyda Vasquez, who earned an Associate in Arts in Art and Drama in spring 2026, Nurse Education major Isaiah Herrero and Education major Fabian Gonzales. Both Herrero and Gonzales are expected to graduate this December.

A familiar face around campus, Vasquez was an award-winning member of the Vocal Vikings speech team, earning multiple awards during performance events at speech tournaments. She was also named to the Texas Intercollegiate Forensics Association All-State Forensics Squad. Vasquez was also heavily involved with Del Mar Drama, building costumes and sets for multiple productions during her time on campus.

Herrero has also left a lasting mark on the college. He founded the Emergency Medical Services Club and currently serves as president as well as vice president for the Student Government Association. He is also the SGA Officer for the DMC Campus Advisory Board and is a Viking Vanguard Student Body Ambassador. Herrero was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society-Gamma Sigma Chapter in 2025 and made the President’s List that same year.

Gonzales also participated as a member of the Viking Vanguard and served as president of the Education Society. Last fall, he took part in the Turkey Bowl flag football game, which features two teams consisting of volunteer faculty, students and staff, and he also served as a keynote speaker during a DMC Graduates Dinner. Gonzales has been named to the Dean’s List and is involved with community organizations that include Educating Children’s Future, Junior Achievement and Reading Across America.

For the students and faculty who were honored Sept. 3, 2025-2026 was a banner year. And the college’s Recognition Day ceremony acknowledged their achievements.

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.

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

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).

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.

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

Article by DMC College Relations

Tuesday, Sept. 8, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold a workshop beginning at 10 a.m. and their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the college’s Center for Economic Development located at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map.

The college will also livestream audio and video during the workshop and regular meeting. Community members may access both by going to www.delmar.edu/webcast/index.html by 9:55 a.m. for the workshop and 12:55 p.m. for the regular meeting.

Copies of the Agenda Notices and Board Packets are available online as follows:

• 10 a.m. Workshop: https://www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/workshop-packet_9-8-26.pdf
• 1 p.m. Regular Meeting: https://www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-meeting-packet_9-8-26.pdf

Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html.

The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the college’s guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.

Article by DMC College Relations Office

On Tuesday, Aug. 25, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold two called meetings for public hearings on the adoption of the budget and tax rate beginning at 11:30 a.m. and noon, respectively, along with a third called meeting at 12:30 p.m. Both public hearings and the called meeting will be held in Room 106 of the college’s Center for Economic Development located at 3209 S. Staples (78411). (Get online directions and map.)

The two public hearings and the called meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the hearings and meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 11:25 a.m. and 11:55 a.m., respectively, for the public hearings and 12:25 p.m. for the called meeting.

Access to the Aug. 25 Agenda Notices is provided online using the following links:

• Budget Adoption Hearing (11:30 a.m.): www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/public-hearing-packet-budget_8-25-26.pdf
  
• Tax Rate Adoption Hearing (Noon): www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/public-hearing-packet-tax-rate_8-25-26.pdf
  
• Called Meeting (12:30 p.m.): www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/called-meeting-packet-8-25-26.pdf

Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html.

The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the college’s guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.

Article by DMC College Relations Office

Del Mar College (DMC) has named Elisa Olsen its new vice president of communication and marketing, bringing an experienced higher education communication and marketing leader to the college’s executive leadership team.

Olsen, who most recently served as director of communications for the City of Corpus Christi, will join Del Mar College on Aug. 24. In her new role, she will oversee the College Relations Office, which encompasses communication, marketing, events, student recruitment and enrollment.

With more than 27 years of experience spanning higher education, public-sector communications, media relations and strategic marketing, she brings extensive experience to the role. Her higher education career includes senior leadership positions as chief marketing officer at Lone Star College and assistant vice president of university relations at the University of Houston-Downtown as well as marketing and communications positions at Sam Houston State University and the University of Houston.

Her work has focused on strengthening institutional reputation, advancing enrollment priorities, engaging internal and external audiences and building meaningful connections between institutions and the communities they serve.
 

Olsen holds a bachelor’s degree in technology leadership from the University of Houston and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Sam Houston State University. She has led teams recognized by the American Marketing Association for excellence in marketing, including Crystal Awards for online marketing and nonprofit event campaigns.

Article by Richard Guerrero, Jr.

If Robert Muilenburg’s service to Del Mar College (DMC) could be summed up succinctly in one word, that word would be an obvious one to the faculty and staff who have watched him tirelessly educate student journalists year after year––“impact.”

During DMC’s fall convocation Aug. 17, Muilenburg was recognized for his impact on the lives of his students as the college’s 2026 Dr. Aileen Creighton Award for Teaching Excellence recipient in front of faculty, staff and administrators at Richardson Performance e Hall on the Heritage Campus.

He is the 24th recipient of the coveted faculty award established for its namesake, the late Dean Emeritus of Arts and Sciences and English Professor Dr. Aileen Creighton. Each year after the nomination and selection process, the college community learns who the recipient is through the presentation of a special video and award of a medal and plaque during convocation.

Beginning with the fundamentals of mass communication in the classroom to role-oriented courses in basic news photography, media writing, editing and layout as well as related courses such as Principles of Advertising and Introduction to Public Relations, Muilenburg’s own role is to guide budding journalisms through diverse courses that prepare students for a variety of employment options.

Beyond coursework, the student lab is where much of the more nuanced learning about the world of journalism takes place with the production of the student newspaper, Foghorn News. As Adviser, Muilenburg manages the paper’s student staff, offering sage advice to those on deadline struggling with a dull headline or unsure about the quality of a photo in a news package in addition to handling more technical aspects of publishing each issue.

Muilenburg can point to his own experience as a photographer for The Foghorn in the mid-1990s shortly after arriving at Del Mar College following his enlistment in the U.S. Army. Learning and working under then-Journalism Professor Manuel Flores, Muilenburg also built a strong relationship that would prove fortuitous in the years to come.

The South Dakota native first finished DMC’s Journalism Program in 1997 after serving in the military as a photographer and then earned a bachelor’s degree in photography from Texas A&M University-Commerce. He later completed a master’s degree in journalism from Murray State University in Kentucky.

While fulfilling his educational goals and working, Muilenburg freelanced for major newspapers and area dailies, including the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and the Dallas Morning News as well as the Commercial Appeal in Memphis and The Tennessean in Nashville while working for the University of Tennessee as Photographic Services Coordinator.

In 2006, Muilenburg returned to South Texas and began teaching at DMC as a tenure-track Instructor of Journalism with the college’s Communications, Languages & Reading Department.

“Being The Foghorn Adviser for the past 20 years has been the most rewarding experience of my career. I enter each semester with a great deal of optimism about what the students can achieve, even this many years into it. It’s cautious optimism, but optimism, nonetheless,” he said.

In addition to his college duties, Muilenburg has held several roles for the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA), including as President in 2019-2020. He presently serves as Assistant Director of Events and Programming for TIPA.

His drive and expertise coupled with the hard work of his students have resulted in a heap of awards – at least 287 state and national awards during the past three years.

While many faculty members offered praise and support for Muilenburg as a candidate for the Creighton Award, it’s the alumni who attested to his impact in the most profound way.

Today, Bill Eaves is employed at KIII TV3 News as a Story Desk Editor. But it wasn’t so long ago that Eaves was a newly arrived student in search of a career through Del Mar College following enlistment in the U.S. Navy and a stint as an antiterrorism officer for the U.S. Army.

Fellow alumna Ana Alldredge also launched a successful career, and today, she is a Public Relations Associate for the Corpus Christi firm KCS Public Relations.

Her support letter states, “Professor Muilenburg will never fully know the depth of the impact he has had on my life; but I hope that one day when he looks out at everything his students have become, he understands that every dream we are living, every barrier we pushed through, and every moment we chose to keep going even when it was hard, had his name written all over it.”

And after today, that impact was honored as Muilenburg joined the 23 other Creighton Award recipients who preceded him.

Watch below the video used to announce Muilenburg as the 2026 Dr. Aileen Creighton Award for Teaching Excellence recipient:

Contributed by Phillips 66

Phillips 66 presented a $10,000 contribution to the Del Mar College (DMC) Foundation during an event on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026. The contribution will fund scholarships for students enrolled in Del Mar College’s Process Technology and Instrumentation programs. This marks the second time Phillips 66 has supported the DMC Foundation through scholarship funding following a previous $10,000 contribution in 2020.

Isaac Hinojosa, a Del Mar College alumnus and Phillips 66 Coastal Bend Operations Supervisor, shared how the college's workforce programs shaped his path from student to industry leader and reflected on the direct connection between education and career opportunity in the Coastal Bend. Hinojosa earned his Associate of Applied Science degree in Process Technology from Del Mar in 2014 and joined the Phillips 66 Coastal Bend facility in 2020.

Phillips 66's mission is to provide energy and improve lives, a commitment the company demonstrates through investments in education, workforce development and economic opportunity in the communities where it operates. By providing scholarships, the company helps reduce financial barriers for students pursuing technical education and career-focused training while investing in the next generation of skilled professionals.

Del Mar College enrolled 11,882 students in fall 2025 with nearly 80% of students working while pursuing their education. Career and technical programs continue to represent a significant portion of enrollment, including Welding Applied Technology, which accounted for 8.4% of students and ranked as the college’s fifth-highest enrollment program.

Recognizing the important role community and technical colleges play in preparing students for careers in energy, manufacturing, the skilled trades and other high-demand industries, Phillips 66 continues to support workforce development through partnerships with institutions like Del Mar College.

About Phillips 66

Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) is a leading integrated downstream energy provider that manufactures, transports and markets products that drive the global economy. The company's portfolio includes Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, Marketing and Specialties, and Renewable Fuels businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Phillips 66 has employees around the globe who are committed to safely and reliably providing energy and improving lives while pursuing a lower-carbon future. For more information, visit phillips66.com or follow @Phillips66Co on LinkedIn.

View interviews with DMC and Phillips 66 representatives below:

Article by Melinda Eddleman

Did you know that 76 percent of Americans do not have an estate plan according to a 2025 Caring.com study? Creating a will helps protect loved ones, provides peace of mind and offers those planning their estate an opportunity to support causes that matter most to them. And if you “Google” to see what the average cost is to seek advice and services to create a will, the expense can range anywhere between $1,000 to $5,000.

The Del Mar College Foundation has a solution.

As part of Make-A-Will Month, the DMC Foundation is launching a new and free estate planning service in partnership with FreeWill, a legally valid online tool that provides individuals an easy way to create a will in about 20 minutes. The service is available at partner.freewill.com/dmcfoundation, allowing individuals to generate a legally valid estate plan at no cost that protects their family and records their wishes.

Current DMC Foundation supporters can register their existing gift at partner.freewill.com/record/dmcfoundation.

He adds, “A gift in your will to a nonprofit organization such as the Del Mar College Foundation will cost nothing but will have a lasting impact on educating our community for many generations to come.”

Individuals who choose to include Del Mar College in their estate plans will be recognized as members of the DMC Foundation’s new Legacy Del Mar Society, honoring their commitment to creating educational opportunities for future students.

Since 1983, the DMC Foundation’s mission has focused on providing scholarships, supporting educational programs and removing barriers for community members to reach their unrealized potential.

The “no cost” benefit of using FreeWill is possible due to support from hundreds of nonprofit partners. Users’ wills are valid in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and the site utilizes guidance from expert attorneys. Individuals using the online tool are assured their information is safe. The site encrypts all data, never stores sensitive information such as Social Security numbers and meets strict safety standards set forth by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

The DMC Foundation selected to partner with FreeWill to make the process simpler for supporters to help sustain Del Mar College’s educational opportunities among community members for years to come.

Learn more about FreeWill at their website: www.freewill.com/.

Questions for the DMC Foundation? Call 361-698-1317 or email foundation@delmar.edu.

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.

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.

Article by DMC College Relations

Tuesday, Aug. 11, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the college’s Center for Economic Development located at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map.

The regular meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m.

A copy of the Agenda Notice and Board Packet is available online using the following link:
www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-agenda-packet-8-11-26.pdf.

Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html.

The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.

Article by Melinda Eddleman

Del Mar College’s “other” STEM-focused summer camp, known as #Code_IT Camp, has become a popular activity for underrepresented middle school-age youth with the West Oso Independent School District (ISD), along with other tweens from around Corpus Christi interested in learning all about coding. In fact, all 18 seats for the camp’s first week, which started July 20, and the 15 seats available the following week were filled early with a waiting list already set for summer 2027.

The camp gives sixth through eighth graders the opportunity to spend some summertime learning the principles of computer science, programming and coding; and on July 22, they participated during DRONE DAY, receiving instruction on how to program and then fly a drone.

The college offers the camp free to participants thanks to a $17,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant as part of their AI Program. The NSF’s program was developed as part of an overall goal to keep Texas and its workforce globally competitive in what is now a high-tech world.

Grant funds support DMC’s coding camps that address the state’s initiative to show young minds the possibilities that await them by encouraging participants to pursue high-tech STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields.

Developed and conducted by DMC Computer Science faculty as a team-building experience, the #Code_IT Camp offers several levels of coding curriculum focused on spatial reasoning, computer programming, logic and design as well as text-based coding. Campers are exposed to computational thinking, and programming languages such as JavaScript and Python.

During the first week, campers learn programming and robot building––including Sphero Bolt Robots and GoPiGo with Raspberry Pi and CoDrone EDU, a programmable drone for learning and coding in Python. Students also engage in Artificial Intelligence-focused curriculum using online applications like Trinket and Google’s Scratch for CS First. Campers are then introduced to opportunities to join organizations like FIRST Robotics at their perspective ISDs by connecting them with a local FIRST Robotics team. Additionally, the highly successful competitive Collegiate High School Robotics Team teaches, demonstrates and conducts fun robotics exercises with the campers.

By the time the #Code_IT Camp ended on July 31, all participants had engaged in eight hours of classroom instruction each week and performed 32 hours of hands-on activities combined using four types of robots with advanced programming.

“Our hope is that camp participants are inspired and their passion ignited to pursue STEM studies, especially computer science,” noted Betz.

Attending this year’s #Code_IT Camp at Del Mar College put them one step in the right direction.

Article by DMC College Relations Office

Tuesday, July 28, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold a called meeting beginning at 11:30 a.m. in Room 106 of the college’s Center for Economic Development located at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map.

The college will also livestream the called meeting. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 11:25 a.m.

A copy of the Agenda Notice and Board Packet is available online as follows: delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/bor-called-meeting-agenda-packet-7-28-26.pdf .

Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html.

The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the college’s guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.

Article by Richard Guerrero, Jr.

When campers attended this year’s Texas Prefreshman Engineering Program (TexPREP) at Del Mar College (DMC) need guidance to work through problems that arise during projects, they turned to someone who walked in their shoes before. TexPREP mentor Adriana Ayala Pascasio participated in the summer camp while she was a student at Kaffie Middle School between 2019 and 2021. The experience proved transformative for Pascasio.

Today, Pascasio is a sophomore studying computer engineering at Texas A&M University after graduating as the valedictorian of the Class of 2025 at the Collegiate High School at the college and earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Liberal Arts from DMC. She’s just one of several TexPREP alumni who have returned to serve as mentors for the next generation of campers according to TexPREP Director and DMC Mathematics Professor James Shollenberger.

A longtime summer staple at the college, the Texas Prefreshman Engineering Program was first launched at The University of Texas at San Antonio in 1979 as a statewide initiative to encourage middle school students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math or STEM. TexPREP has been offered by DMC for 26 successful summers, and the program’s longevity has been made possible by the 14-year lead sponsorship from Flint Hills Resources with overall donations reaching nearly $300,000.

Shollenberger says this year’s program had 40 campers, including the largest Year 3 group ever with 14 students working on six different research topics.

“Campers participated in activities like bridge breaking, robot races, the Corpus Christi chapter of the American Institute of Architects’ project and multiple STEM research projects,” he said.

The college’s rigorous TexPREP is accredited by the Texas Education Agency. Students who complete each program year can earn one elective credit for every camp they attend. The coursework and projects become more advanced each progressive year that students complete.

Shollenberger noted campers can start high school with almost a half semester of credits by completing all three program years and even use those credits to graduate early.

The college’s TexPREP utilizes project-based learning that progresses as students continue their participation each summer. Bridge building introduces campers to civil engineering, robotics to mechanical engineering and computer programming and vehicle model building to electrical engineering and aerodynamics. Members of the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects also teach and mentor second-year students as they build models while learning the principles behind designing such wonders.

As a mentor and TexPREP alumna, Pascasio said that she advises participants to take advantage of the programming that camp offers because they set the foundation for the challenges students will discover in advanced math and science courses in high school and college.

“I think that being in a college environment helps young students to become more focused. Once they get to high school, teachers there will see that TexPREP campers are more advanced and disciplined,” she said.

“These kids know that once they get to class, they’re expected to sit down, take notes and really understand what’s going on because they have to the homework and there’s no one that’s going to help them. So, it really does set you up for success. It teaches you the discipline as well as the topics that will help you get to more advanced classes once you get to high school,” Pascasio added.

Shollenberger could not agree more.

To learn more about the college’s TexPREP, visit www.delmar.edu/ccprep. And start thinking about enrolling your young genius next summer.

Article by Melinda Eddleman

The event is like taking a one-day trip that immerses participants in food, art, literature, music, history, community involvement, language and even politics that have shaped the local Mexican American culture’s identity. And this Saturday, July 25, you can take that journey during Del Mar College’s 12th Mexican American Studies (MAS) Summer Seminar, “Necesitamos Más, MAS,” to explore what makes this South Texas community unique.

The free educational and celebratory event, which provides insight into topics covered by the college’s MAS academic program, runs 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Solomon M. Coles Classroom Building on the Heritage Campus located at 101 Baldwin Blvd.,78404 (online directions/campus map). While registration is not required, participants who would like the light breakfast and lunch, sign up is available at events.delmar.edu/event/delmar.events.1785011.

Questions? Contact Dr. Araiza at iaraiza2@delmar.edu or the Department of Social Sciences at 361-698-1228.

Ranging from keynote addresses to breakout sessions to an art exhibit featuring local young artists, the rundown of the seminar is as follows:

• 8:30 a.m.: Event opens with check-in/in-person registration
• 9 a.m.: Welcome/Opening Plenary
• 10 a.m.: Concurrent breakout sessions
• 11:50 a.m.: Light lunch/Mariachi performance
• 12:15 p.m.: Keynote address with Jenna Jasso
• 1:45 p.m.: Concurrent breakout sessions
• 3:15 p.m.: Closing discussion covering DMC Mexican American Studies Center/Raffle

A detailed schedule listing breakout session topics and more is available on the MAS Summer Seminar website at www.delmar.edu/degrees/mexican-american-studies/summer/index.html

As noted by Dr. Araiza, Jasso will provide a keynote address, which begins at 12:15 p.m. and titled Empowering Communities Through Connection to Place. “I had the opportunity to tour the food forest last summer, and the way that Jenna talked about the connection with land, culture, identity and history was so powerful,” she says.

“With a company she founded, Tierra Sagrada, Jenna has worked with schools, universities and colleges as well as the private sector and has designed outdoor spaces embracing native species with an eye toward responsible water use; so, given our recent water crisis, her work seemed like this powerful intersection of the mission of the MAS Summer Seminar coupled with addressing real on-the-ground issues we are facing,” Dr. Araiza adds.

In addition to Jasso’s work, the summer seminar features a morning panel discussing Tejano Radio and its role in community-building. Other morning sessions will focus on Mexican American art, literature and folklore. Afternoon breakout sessions will focus on justice-related topics—voting rights, Mexican American women as change-makers and young people exploring past and present issues in the community.

“It’s going to be a great seminar!,” exclaims Dr. Araiza, and she encourages everyone to mark their calendars for Saturday, July 25, to “Get more. Get MAS!” at Del Mar College and immerse themselves in a cultural learning experience right in their own backyard.

Learn more about the DMC Mexican American Studies Program as an academic opportunity at www.delmar.edu/mas.

Article by Melinda Eddleman

Their role is important for any employer who has mechanical equipment as part of their operation. These technicians “keep things running,” and many industrial-related employers across the Coastal Bend need these specialized employees to stay in business.

Who are they? They’re millwrights or industrial machinists. And they fix it all––ranging from pumps, steam turbines, gas turbines, wind turbines, gear boxes, blowers, fin fans and valves to mixers, conveyors, power plants, hydro-electric generators and even nuclear power plants––so if equipment rotates or reciprocates, millwrights maintain it.

The field is expected to grow 13% nationally between now and 2034 with over 54,000 positions needing to be filled annually according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Locally, Workforce Solutions for the Coastal Bend’s website indicates that the average earnings for the field is nearly $62,000 with annual job openings around 38.

As one of the Coastal Bend region’s industrial employers, leadership with ArcelorMittal Texas HBI understands the need for skilled workers such as millwrights. The company produces annually at its Portland facility over 2 million metric tons of high quality hot briquetted iron (HBI) as a sophisticated pre-material used to manufacture steel.

On Monday, July 13, DMC Foundation and Del Mar College leadership recognized and celebrated both the company’s partnership and commitment to the college and regional communities with a naming ceremony and plaque unveiling for the “ArcelorMittal Millwright Lab” located in the Workforce Development Center on the Windward Campus. As part of the event, the company’s leadership presented a commemorative oversized check for $737,700 to represent their commitment and investment for a well-trained workforce.

The company’s support has reduced financial barriers for students pursuing careers in the high-demand technical fields targeted through the ArcelorMittal Texas HBI Scholarship, serving as a pipeline of skilled workers not just for ArcelorMittal Texas HBI but also other Coastal Bend employers. Many scholarship recipients are building careers with leading regional employers, including ArcelorMittal Texas HBI as well as Steel Dynamics, Cheniere and other industrial partners throughout South Texas.

Since 2020, approximately 180 students have received an ArcelorMittal Texas HBI Scholarship, and the DMC Foundation anticipates awarding an additional 40 to 50 scholarships during the 2026-2027 academic year.

Of students receiving an ArcelorMittal Texas HBI Scholarship, DMC Assistant Professor of Industrial Machining Applied Technology and Millwright Dan Anderson noted, “I can honestly say that without this unconditional support, several of my students would not have graduated. These scholarships have changed lives!”

Since 2015, DMC’s Industrial Technology Department, which offers the Millwright Program and related training, has awarded a combined 103 Certificates and Associate in Applied Science degrees.

The plaque now designating Anderson’s training facility as the “ArcelorMittal Millwright Lab” will remind current students and generations to come of the company’s commitment to educational success, a highly skilled workforce and a strong economic investment built on partnerships to make South Texas and the Coastal Bend the best place to live.

View highlights of the July 13 event and segments of speakers’ remarks by clicking on the video below:

Editor's note: Pictured in the page banner are company employees, along with Del Mar College President and CEO Dr. Mark Escamilla (fifth from left) and Dr. Michael Spitz (white-rimmed glasses), CEO of ArcelorMittal Texas HBI, posing together in the newly named ArcelorMittal Millwright Lab after the July 13 naming and plaque unveiling ceremony. (Credit: DMC College Relations)

The clock is ticking. Tuesday, June 30, is the deadline for Del Mar College (DMC) District residents to request information and start the application process for the “Freedom to Dream 2.0” Tuition Waiver Program as part of the second cohort that will begin this fall semester.

As a first for DMC that began last fall, the innovative Freedom to Dream program is designed to expedite qualifying in-district students’ completion of an associate degree within a three-year period by attending full time after signing a commitment contract. However, the 2.0 version has been updated.

The college’s online inquiry and application process form for the revised program is still available through Tuesday for the 2026-2027 academic year. Freedom to Dream 2.0 addresses selected students’ college readiness to ensure success in reaching their goals is achieved.

To date, 1,853 in-district residents have applied for Freedom to Dream 2.0.

 She adds, “Freedom to Dream 2.0 continues our commitment to providing the pathway toward success for the next cohort of students, and we’re implementing upgrades that address student needs discovered with the first cohort.”

Dr. Benavides-Dominguez notes that focusing on college readiness and the addition of “Success Coaches” will keep students on track from the beginning to the end of their journey at DMC. “Our goal is successful student outcomes as we prepare all Freedom to Dream participants for the workforce or their next path in higher education, ” she says.

Success Coaches’ primary focus is to increase student retention, persistence and graduation rates for Freedom to Dream students. These individuals provide students with personalized coaching so that students meet tuition waiver program requirements, complete educational and transfer goals as well as connect to resources that support academic success.

Compared to the first iteration of Freedom to Dream, DMC’s revised Freedom to Dream 2.0 Tuition Waiver Program focuses on “college readiness” as a requirement along with other updates associated with this change:  

     • Applicants must demonstrate their preparedness for college-level courses by earning college
      readiness benchmark scores on the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA) 2.0 test.
      See steps to take the TSIA test and readiness score requirements.

     • Freedom to Dream 2.0 will not cover tuition for developmental courses needed to bring 
       participants up to college level work in English, mathematics and reading.

Students can alternately pursue stackable “Marketable Skills Awards” offered through DMC Continuing Education (CE) programs that can count toward academic programs, build workforce skills and are considered by the state as “credentials of value.”

Qualifying individuals must live within the college’s taxing district, which includes the Corpus Christi, Calallen, Flour Bluff, Tuloso-Midway and West Oso Independent School Districts and parts of London and Robstown ISDs. 

Other criteria include:

     • High school graduates must be part of the Class of 2026, including General Education 
        Development (GED) recipients, and Dual Credit students, who are eligible regardless of the 
        number of credits they’ve earned.
     • Adult learners must have 12 or fewer semester credit hours completed and have attempted no 
        more than 18 semester hours at the time the fall 2026 semester begins, which is Aug. 24. 

Among other requirements original to the program are 1) enrollment as a full-time student with no less than 12 semester credit hours each semester (fall and spring) and 2) maintaining a minimum 2.0 grade point average to continue receiving the tuition waiver.

To learn more about qualifying criteria for Freedom to Dream 2.0 and to fill out an online request for information form, visit www.delmar.edu/freedom. 

Questions? Contact Del Mar College’s Student Enrollment Center at 361-698-1290 or enroll@delmar.edu.

Fall 2026 credit classes begin Monday, Aug. 24. Registration is already underway!

Del Mar College … where you can “own your dreams!”

If you have some extra time on your hands this summer and need to expand your skills for the local job market, Del Mar College’s Continuing Education Department is offering four classes at Rockport-Fulton High School this July to get started…FAST! Registration is already underway with one course beginning Monday, July 13.

The four courses range from four days to four weeks and include career training to become an administrative assistant as well as health care training to become an Electrocardiography (EKG) technician. And courses can lead to earning Marketable Skills Awards that can also count toward DMC academic credit programs down the road.
 

The high school where these courses are scheduled is located at 1603 Pirate Drive, Rockport, Tx. 78382.

Rockport-Fulton and surrounding area residents can complete the following as part of taking that next step:

• Administrative Assistant: Beginning Accounting for Administrative Assistants (ACNT 1001): Mondays and Wednesdays, July 13-24, 6 to 9 p.m., cost is $242, no books required.
• Administrative Assistant: Communications in Management and Business Administration (BMGT 1005): Mondays and Wednesdays, July 27 - Aug. 7, 6 to 9 p.m., cost is $362, no books required.
• Electrocardiography: Medical Law and Ethics (HPRS 1005): Monday-Thursday, July 13-16, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., cost is $195.
• Electrocardiography (ECRD 1011): Mondays through Thursdays, July 16 - Aug. 6, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., cost is $273. This course requires a prerequisite course (HPRS 1006: Essentials of Medical Terminology).

Learn more about the CE Electrocardiography Technician Program and admissions requirements at  www.delmar.edu/ce/healthcare/ekg/index.html. Details covering the department’s Administrative Assistant training program are available online at www.delmar.edu/ce/training/admin/index.html.

To learn more about the registration process for Continuing Education students and to register, visit www.delmar.edu/ce/registration.html or contact the CE Office at 361-698-1328 or ce@delmr.edu.

Financial aid may be available to registrants who qualify.

Del Mar College … where you can “own your dreams!”

-DMC-

It’s never too early to begin developing career-oriented skills, especially if you’re a high school student in rural South Texas where job prospects can be often challenging for experienced workers. To help students learn skills that are a good fit for employers in the region, the Rural

South Texas Economic Development Corporation created Los Mesteños Career Academy in 2008. The academy works to create community and regional partnerships, including one with Del Mar College, to provide career-training opportunities that otherwise would not be available.

The Los Mesteños Career Academy sponsors rural high schools such as Rivera, Falfurrias, and Premont High School, providing students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at Del Mar College while earning a paycheck. Through the program, students develop carpentry skills and gain real-world work experience while earning a real-world credential.

Nicole Ramon, Del Mar College (DMC) DMC Program Manager-Industry Training, Continuing Education and Off-Campus Programs, says DMC’s Career & Industry Training department recently hosted 23 students from rural high schools, including Premont, Rivera and Falfurrias, at Windward Campus.

The program held a Recognition Ceremony on June 18 to celebrate the accomplishments of the cohort during the training period. Joshua Rojas, South Texas Regional Director for U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, assisted in the presentation of certificates.

During their time on campus, students participated in hands-on construction training, gaining valuable practical skills and exposure to career pathways in the industry. In addition to this experience, students will earn an Industry-Recognized Construction Credential through the Home Builders Institute.

“Through this collaboration, Del Mar College provides students with early exposure to construction and technical career pathways, along with hands-on training, industry experience, and the opportunity to earn recognized credentials,” Ramon said. “This partnership strengthens the connection between education and workforce development while supporting student access to career-focused training opportunities.”

The program is managed by Crystal Ramirez-Garcia, LMCA Executive Director, and Rebecca Salinas, Director of Career and Industry Training. For more information, call 361-698-2163 or email nramon@delmar.edu.

Tuesday, June 9, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold a workshop beginning at 10:30 a.m. and their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the college’s Center for Economic Development located at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map.

The college will also livestream the regular meeting. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m.

Copies of the Agenda Notices and Board Packets are available online as follows:

• 10:30 a.m. Workshop: www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/workshop-packet-6-9-26.pdf

• 1 p.m. Regular Meeting: www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-board-meeting-packet-6-9-26.pdf

 
Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html.

The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the college’s guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html. 

The demand for dental hygienists is on the rise with employers generally part of the private sector in Texas. According to November 2024 data from the Health Professions Resource Center with the Texas Department of State Health Services, projections indicate that between 2022 and 2036 supply of dental hygienists is expected to grow by nearly 19% to 16,930 professionals in the field with a demand of over 19,640, leading to a shortage of more than 2,710 dental hygienists statewide.

Thanks to a grant awarded to the Del Mar College (DMC) Dental Hygiene Program, that workforce shortage is being addressed.

On Friday, May 29, DMC hosted the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) during a check presentation event recognizing Jobs & Education for Texans (JET) grant recipients to support career and technical education (CTE) training for South Texas high school students and occupational career training for college-level students. Among the two community colleges and four independent school districts (ISDs) that received oversized checks representing a combined $$1,819,053 were Del Mar College, Victoria College and Freer, Pettus, Sinton and Skidmore-Tynan ISDs (read Office of the Texas Governor release).

The Dental Hygiene Program, which is with the college’s  Dental & Imaging Technology Department, received a $306,834 JET grant check to provide training with optimal equipment.

The college also partners with three of the four ISDs that received the TWC’s grant, providing collaborative  training to their students in licensed practical and licensed vocational nursing (Freer and Skidmore-Tynan) and in electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians (Sinton).

The oversized check awards from the commission were signed and then presented to each school by TWC Chairman and Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. Additionally, some special guests attended the event, including Office of the Governor South Texas Director Juan Lopez; Community Outreach Director Cindie Gonzalez for Texas Legislative Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa (Senate District 20); MK Walling, Northern District Director for Texas Legislative Senator Adam Hinojosa (Senate District 27); Texas Legislative Representative Todd Hunter (House District 32); TWC Chairman and Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza; and Albert Martinez, Northern District Director for U.S.  Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (House of Representatives, District 34). 
 

DMC’s Dental Hygiene Program has used the funds to purchase new equipment that provides majors with the most contemporary equipment and tools used in current workforce settings. Purchases included 12 each of the following:

• Ergonomic Dental Chairs – replaced outdated chairs originally purchased in 2006 to improve student performance and reduce risks associated with older high-maintenance equipment,
• Traditional Radius Delivery Systems – mounted to each dental chair to hold instruments required as part of dental hygiene treatment on patients,
• Assistant Instrumentation – mounted to each dental chair as set of controls for efficient patient care management, chair adjustments, instrument handling and more while ensuring safety during procedures,
• A-Dec Monitor Mount – computer mount at each chair for faculty/student monitoring procedures to prevent cross-contamination of biohazardous waste and accidents, and
• A-Dec 574L LED Dental Light, Central Cabin – overhead light that reduces maintenance costs and enhances patient and student experience,.

Additionally, the equipment vendor donated 12 Doctor’s Stools to the Clinical Laboratory used by the DMC Dental Programs, which also includes the Dental Assisting Program. To date, 43 students have been impacted by the purchase with successful use of the equipment as part of their training to become professionals in the dental field.

DMC Dental Hygiene students also directly serve the community through several initiatives, including:

• Mission of Mercy Presentations – second-year majors offer researched-based information to patients about the link between diabetes and oral health,
• School Outreach Programs – student-led interactive educational session and take-home hygiene kits for CCISD third and fourth graders, and
• Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation Collaboration – student-developed and led presentations connecting systemic and oral health as part of foundation’s support of Mission of Mercy patients.

As part of DMC Dental Hygiene majors’ required hands-on training, the program offers fall and spring semester Dental Hygiene clinics in the Windward Campus facility with FREE services covering sealants, fluoride applications, scaling and root planing, dental imaging and cleanings. These services equate annually to about $500,000 worth of dental hygiene work and prepare DMC students for employment that awaits them.

The program graduates 21 students annually. And according to Career Coach platform data for local dental hygienists, new processionals can start around $73,467 per year while the median salary at $91,456. Highly experienced dental hygienists can earn up to about $105,360 per year.

Del Mar College’s Dental & Imaging Technology Department offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene, along with a Level II Certificate and Associate in Applied Science degree in Dental Assisting.

Known for its excellence, the college’s Dental Hygiene Program currently maintains a three-year average for the following:

• 86% Completion Rate
• 100% State Licensure Examination Pass Rate
• 90% National Board Examination Pass Rate

Details about the Dental Hygiene Program are available online at www.delmar.edu/degrees/dental-hygiene/index.html. Interested future dental hygienists can also contact the department at 36- 698-2858or dit@delmar.edu. 

 

Working in higher education can be rewarding no matter the position you fill. And at Del Mar College, “passion meets purposes” with employees serving students and the community as part of rewarding careers.

On Wednesday, June 3, individuals looking for work  can explore employment opportunities at Del Mar College during a DMC Human Resources Job Fair scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dress to impress and bring updated copies of your resume to the Retama Room (second floor) at the Harvin Student Center on the college’s Heritage Campus, located at 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404).

For directions and an online campus map, visit www.delmar.edu/becoming-a-viking/discover/tours/locations.html.
 

Ranging from college-level teaching positions to support staff jobs, DMC currently has nearly 380 employment opportunities available now and beginning with the fall 2026 semester. Individuals can explore job openings by visiting dmcjobs.delmar.edu/postings/search before attending or during the event.

Additionally, participants can:

• Meet with HR staff, recruiters and hiring managers to answer your questions,
• Receive personalized guidance on how to apply and stand out as a potential employee,
• Learn about benefits, growth opportunities and workplace culture, and
• Access on-site application assistance with computer availability.

Questions? Inquiries can be directed to the DMC Human Resources Office at 361-698-2178 or dmcjobs@delmar.edu. Individuals can also explore Del Mar College, its campus culture, program offerings and more at www.delmar.edu.

Del Mar College … where your career really starts!

If you have youth constantly asking, “What’s there to do?,” Del Mar College has the solution with a variety of summer youth camps and programming to keep them busy and your patience intact. Between the Music Department’s camps focused on fine tuning young area musicians’ talents and Continuing Education’s variety of age-appropriate camps designed to expand their minds through fun learning activities, there’s something to pique the interests of your youth between the ages of 6 and 18.

For more information about each scheduled DMC camp, click each link provided for camp description, cost, time and location and to register and pay online. Questions can be directed to the department/division offering this summer’s camps.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT CAMPS:
 

Del Mar College’s Music Department offers camps that provide young Coastal Bend musicians the opportunity to have fun while honing their talents. Campers gain experience with world-class educators on the college’s Heritage Campus while meeting new friends who share the same musical interests. Summer 2026 camps include:

• Viking Classical Guitar Summer Camp (Tuesday-Thursday, June 2-4):  Designed for young guitarists who can read music and are familiar with basic classical guitar techniques. 
Details: events.delmar.edu/event/delmar.events.1486745
 

• Summer Orchestra Program (Thursday evenings June 4 -25): High school-aged string players ––including violin, viola, cello and bass––rehearsing and  playing with the DMC Chamber Orchestra as they prepare for their annual summer concert scheduled 7 p.m. on Friday, June 26.
Details: events.delmar.edu/event/delmar.events.1484126
 

• Viking Band Camp (Monday-Thursday, June 8-11, with June 4 registration/payment deadline): Daily music-making with DMC world-class faculty and area distinguished music educators with camp also including fun activities, such as Viking Moving Day, an ice cream social and dance as well as Band Olympics.
 Details: events.delmar.edu/event/delmar.events.1487325 
 

• All-State Choir Camp––Large Schools (Monday-Thursday, June 22-25 with June 7 registration /payment deadline): Designed to prepare choral students for the 2026-2027 Texas Music Educators Association’s auditions with full rehearsals and sectionals as part of an intense, fun-filled summer camp.
Details: events.delmar.edu/event/delmar.events.1487598
 

• All-State Choir Camp––Small Schools (Monday-Thursday, June 29-July 2 with June 7 registration/payment deadline): Designed to prepare choral students for the 2026-2027 Texas Music Educators Association’s auditions with full rehearsals and sectionals as part of an intense, fun-filled summer camp.
Details: events.delmar.edu/event/delmar.events.1501706 
 

Contact the DMC Music Office at 361-698-1211 or music@delmar.edu if you have further quartinos about this year’s camps.

CONTINUING EDUCATION SUMMER CAMPS:
 

Del Mar College Continuing Education offers a variety of summer camps––15 in all––that are separated into age-appropriate groups and designed for youth in first through twelfth grade. Each camp provides interactive learning experiences and exploration of potential hobbies or future career paths with activities that elevate campers’ skills while having fun and meeting new friends. Summer 2026 camps include:

• Theater Camp: Introduces young performers to the exciting world of acting, storytelling and stage performance. 
Details: events.delmar.edu/event/delmar.events.1615636

• Grades 1-5: June 8-12 and June 22-26 (two separate camps)
• Grades 6-8: June 8-12 and July 13-17 (two separate camps)

• Electrical Boards Camp: Teaches foundational electronics with campers building working circuits, robots and interactive devices. 
Details: events.delmar.edu/event/delmar.events.1633802

• Grades 9-12: June 15-18
• Grades 6-8: June 29 – July 2
• Grades 1-2:  July 13-16
• Grades 3-5: July 20-23

• Adventures in Carpentry: Provides hands-on training in woodworking, tool safety and building techniques and designed for all learners. 
Details: events.delmar.edu/event/delmar.events.1615760

• Grades 9-12: June 15-18
• Grades 6-8: June 29 – July 2
• Grades 1-2: July 13-16
• Grades 3-5: July 20-23

• Code Breakers Camp: Learn to build websites, create app and develop games using coding associated with different platforms. 
Details: events.delmar.edu/event/delmar.events.1633650

• Grades 1-2: June 15-18
• Grades 3-5: June 29-July 2

• Creative Writing Camp: Exploration of storytelling, poetry and personal expression using a variety of writing styles while drawing from young writers’ imagination and giving them voices.
Details: events.delmar.edu/event/delmar.events.1633630

• Grades 6-8: July 6-10 from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. (two separate cams)

• Mad Scientist Camp: Hands-on mixing, building, experimenting and exploring that sparks curiosity and excitement about science.
Details: events.delmar.edu/event/delmar.events.1633576 

• Grades 1-5: June 8-12, June 22-26 and July 20-24 (three separate camps)

• Once Upon a Camp: Imagination and adventure … activities bring stories to life through creativity, play and exploration.
Details: events.delmar.edu/event/delmar.events.1631586

• Grades 1-5: June 8-12 and June 22-26 (two separate camps)

• Industry Hot Jobs Camp: High school career exploration camp covering needed knowledge, soft and hard skills and necessary training for a variety of high-demand jobs in the Coastal bend’s industry sectors.
Details: events.delmar.edu/event/delmar.events.1633746

• Grades 9-12:  July 20-24

• Cultured World Experiences Camp: Introduction among young learners to global cultures through immersive, hands-on experiences in art, music, dance, cuisine and storytelling as campers become “world travelers” without leaving home.
Details: events.delmar.edu/event/delmar.events.1633570

• Grades 1-5: June 22-26 and July 13-17 (two separate camps)

• Junior Chef Camp: Introduction of essential kitchen skills, safety and cooking techniques with hands-on preparation of savory dishes in a professional culinary environment.
Details: events.delmar.edu/event/delmar.events.1615597

• Grades 3-5: July 6-10

• NextGen Chefs Camp:  Culinary experience for high school-aged campers in a commercial kitchen setting focused on foundational skills including safety, food preparation and much more.
Details: events.delmar.edu/event/delmar.events.1609929

• Grades 9-12: June 8-12, June 22-26, July 6-10 and July 20-24 (four separate camps)

• Roblox Makers Camp:  Teaches campers how to build, design and animate 3D worlds using Roblox Studio.
Details: events.delmar.edu/event/delmar.events.1633712

• Grades 6-8: June 16-18 and June 29-July 2 (two camps)

• Career Exploration Camp:  Exploratory introduction for elementary students to the career possibilities they can pursue through role-playing activities and simple challenges that demonstrate what workers do in their jobs.
Details: events.delmar.edu/event/delmar.events.1633742

• Grades 1-5: July 6-10

• STEM Careers Camp: Introduces youth to exciting careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) with hands-on interactive projects, experiments and team challenges.
Details: events.delmar.edu/event/delmar.events.1633702

• Grades 1-5: July 13-17 (8 a.m. camp)
• Grades 5-8: July 13-17 (1 p.m. camp)

• Healthcare Career Exploration Camp:  Introduction of various health professions through hands-on skills activities, such as CPR, anatomy lessons and speaker panels with allied health professionals.
Details: events.delmar.edu/event/delmar.events.1633478

• Grades 6-12: June 8-12

Contact DMC Continuing Education at 361-698-2222 or fdavis8@delmar.edu if you have further questions about this year’s camps.

For the first time in Del Mar College (DMC) Continuing Education’s history, a collective pinning ceremony was held at the Hilliard Center to bring together 639 Dual Enrollment Health Care students from 13 Coastal Bend high schools on May 14. College officials with the Division of Continuing Education have attended separate pining ceremonies at each participating high school across the region in previous years; however, this year DMC opted to present its first regionwide Continuing Education Health Care Pinning in the center’s arena.

DMC Continuing Education offers four Dual Enrollment health care training programs, including Electrocardiography Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, Patient Care Technician and Introductory to Basic Medical Assistant. To date, DMC has formed Dual Enrollment partnerships with 35 high schools in the Coastal Bend. Thursday’s ceremony was limited to 13 schools, so the remaining schools – 63 percent – will host on-site pinning ceremonies as in previous years.

For these bright and ambitious go-getters, they celebrated the special feeling of completing the requirements for their certification. In health care, a pinning ceremony signifies a significant transition from academic theory to practical application, and it represents students completing rigorous academic and clinical training, which validates these students’ proficiency in applying critical thinking skills as well as practical skills acquired through hands-on experience.

Students receive a pin for each certification that they earn, which positions them for successful pursuits in more advanced DMC programs, such as Pharmacy Technician, Physical Therapist Assistant and Respiratory Therapy, among others offered by the college’s Allied Health Department, and Licensed Vocational Nurse and Registered Nurse Programs overseen by the Nurse Education Department.

The largest subset of the certification completers was from the Corpus Christi Independent School District with 514 participants from seven schools, including:

• Moody High School: 112
• Carroll High School: 107
• Veterans Memorial High School: 102
• Ray High School: 69
• King High School: 60
• Harold T. Branch Academy: 37
• Miller High School: 27

Additionally, other schools near or in Corpus Christi included Calallen High School with 76 participants, the School of Science & Technology with 21, St. John Paul Academy with 10 and Solomon Coles High School with 4. Outlying participating schools with students who received pins included Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco High School with 10 participants and Austwell-Tivoli High School with 4.

Rachel Benavides, DMC Dean of Continuing & Community Education, says that the college’s Continuing Education pinning ceremonies for high school healthcare students celebrate their hard work, perseverance and dedication to earn their certification.

“Over the years, our pinning event has grown significantly, leading us to transition from multiple individual celebrations to one unified ceremony that honors all schools together,” she notes. “This shared celebration brings our communities together while recognizing and highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of each and every student in our healthcare programs.”