Recognitions
 

Accounting Program faculty members ––including Adelfino Palacios, Jr., CPA and Professor of Accounting, and Adria Vasquez, CPA and Accounting Instructor––and students provided tax return services as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program during Spring 2023 in the Heritage Campus Venters Business Building. The service resumed after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic with DMC Accounting faculty and students providing this free service for which community members had to make less than $59,182 for tax year 2022. The VITA Program at DMC is conducted in partnership with the Coastal Bend VITA Coalition, which includes several entities––United Way of the Coastal Bend, Goodwill Industries of South Texas, the Internal Revenue Service, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) and Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend––that work collaboratively to assist community members with their income tax returns, marking 18 out of the past 20 years that the College has participated.

The area’s resumed VITA Program services assisted more than 700 community members with the processing of refunds that exceeded $1 million total with the assistance of DMC and TAMU-CC volunteers who worked over 800 hours. Additionally, ArcelorMittal Texas HBI, who served as the corporate sponsor, funded stipends for the VITA student volunteers during the tax season. DMC student volunteers included Alma Martinez and Yaneli Diaz, who served as Site Coordinators, Nilda Diaz, Rebecca Peralez and Ambert Robertson. As a volunteer faculty member, Vasquez managed the administrative duties for this year’s VITA Program services at Del Mar College. To all the volunteers this year, “Thank you for providing this service to the Coastal Bend community!”

On March 11, the DMC Public Service Department hosted the next general of first responders as part of the Texas Public Service Teacher Association’s (TPSTA) 2023 Statewide Competition held at the Public Safety Complex on the Windward Campus. Over 680 high school students from across the state competed in individual and team events focused on police, firefighting and emergency medical services training. Individual events included fire search and rescue, booking procedures, bunker gear racing, misdemeanor traffic stops, fire and law enforcement agility courses, fingerprinting, intoxicated driver exercises and accident investigations. Team competition encompassed felony traffic stops, building searches, domestic crisis intervention and a team fire agility course, along with “specialized” team events that included cell extraction, crime scene investigation, forensic science and EMT (emergency medical technician) responses.

Faculty with the College’s Public Service Department––which includes the DMC Regional Police Academy, DMC Regional Fire Academy, Criminal Justice Program, Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic Program and other public service training offerings––served as judges during the one-day competition. A ceremony was also scheduled with the competitors receiving their awards in Richardson Performance Hall. Law Enforcement Instructor and Director of the DMC Regional Police Academy John Hornsby led the College’s faculty, staff and students as part of the collaboration with the TPSTA in support of competition activities. Other faculty and staff representatives included Law Enforcement Instructor Tchanee Meissner, Assistant Instructor of Law Enforcement Henry Cantu, Assistant Program Director and Assistant Professor of Emergency Medical Services Professions Robert Ruiz and Shaun Meredith, Richardson Performance Hall Manager. Additionally, the following Law Enforcement majors provided support during the competition: Alexes Bryant, Eric Garcia, Jose Gonzalez, Joshua Hawks, Steffin Kemp, Joshua Kent, Daniel Lopez, Rachael Phillips, Vincent Ramirez, Joshua Roque, Jamie Sparks, Jennifer Trevino and Jaylan Winfrey. Students from the Emergency Medical Services Program included Piper Gates, Rose Hale and Christopher Wilson while Fire Science majors included Phillip Bazan, Jacob Garcia, Daythen Leyva and Matthew Villarreal. Way to go! Your support is helping shape our future first responders! (Watch KIII Channel 3’s coverage of the competition)

Special Recognition: Board Grants Prestigious Title of “Professor Emeritus” to Two Retired Faculty Members
 

In addition to the two May 2023 recognitions, the Board also granted the most prestigious title that a former faculty member can receive––Professor Emeritus––to two retired faculty. Former faculty members English Professor Dr. Jonizo Cain-Calloway and Sociology Professor Ronald M. Huskin both received the title after retiring from the College in 2022. Dr. Cain-Calloway served for over 25 years with the English & Philosophy Department while Huskin taught in the Social Sciences Department for 21 years. Both individuals were recognized as exemplary educators with many accomplishments between them. (Read the full news release) Congratulations to both Dr. Cain-Calloway and Ron Huskin for this well-deserved honor!

Accolades
 

The College also extends a round of applause to DMC employees for their achievements that benefit the institution and its students.

DMC Awarded Nearly $2.8 Million Title V Grant for Five-year Period
 

DMC officials announced during the May 9 Board of Regents regular meeting that the College was awarded a U.S. Department of Education Title V Grant totaling $2,782,572. The five-year grant takes effect later this year in October and will run through September 2028 in support of the  Del Mar, Conectamos, Continuamos, Completamos or DMC3 project. The funds will allow the College to expand and enhance support provided to underprepared, socioeconomically disadvantaged, Hispanic and low-income students with the project implementing best practices, services and mechanisms to address the challenges DMC faces as it navigates the complexities of student success as a historic Hispanic Serving Institution. Project team members include David F. Trujillo & Associates; Vice President and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Jonda Halcomb; Vice President for Student Affairs Patricia Benavides Dominguez; Dr. Cynthia Bridges, Dean of Communications, Fine Arts and Social Sciences; Dr. Jack Southard, Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Kinesiology and Education; Gracie Martinez, Dean of Student Outreach and Enrollment Services; Dr. Matthew Perry, Chair of the Department of English & Philosophy; Dr. Dale Anderson, Chair of the Department of Communication, Languages & Reading; Project SENDA Director David Barrera, Jr.; Career Development Center Director Jennifer Gonzales; and Dr. Kristina Wilson, former Vice President of Planning and Institutional Effectiveness. Goals of the DMC3 project include 1) increasing Hispanic and low-income persistence, retention and graduation rates by implementing Guided Pathways and enhanced onboarding processes, 2) increasing Hispanic and low-income retention rates through enhanced support, advising systems and intervention when students are off track and 3) offering a year-round calendar of professional development activities for all employees, including culturally-relevant and equity-minded pedagogy to improve student learning and student service outcomes.

DMC Student Journalists Bring Home 52 Awards from TIPA Spring Convention
 

The heat was on as Del Mar College student journalists competed during the three-day Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA) Spring 2023 Convention held in Fort Worth March 23-25. DMC students vied against other students from colleges and universities across the state in pre-published and live contests, bringing home 52 awards overall.

DMC Associate Professor of Journalism Robert Muilenburg has served as TIPA’s Executive Director since March 2020 and handed the reins over to the association’s new leader during the convention this year.

Additionally, two students representing DMC received scholarships while attending the convention. Heather Medina was awarded the $2,500 Legacy Builder Scholarship sponsored by Baylor University for a transferring community college student who has selected a four-year TIPA member school to attend in fall 2023. Criteria does not require the recipient to attend Baylor, and Medina will attend Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi this coming fall. Marie “Lola” Ponce was awarded the $2,000 Fred Stewart Community College Journalism Scholarship, which is awarded for student excellence in media and named after the longtime Student Publications Advisor at Texas A&M University-Commerce, TIPA Hall of Fame inductee and TIPA Executive Director for many years. Ponce will continue her studies at DMC this summer and fall.

Awards DMC students received during this spring’s TIPA convention include:

LIVE CONTESTS: Andrew-Pól Clements, Second Place for Editorial Cartoon; Manuel Alvarez, Second Place for Radio Sports Reporting; Heather Medina, Second Place for Radio Announcing; and Foghorn News, Honorable Mention for Best of Show Newspaper

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED CONTESTS (First Place): Staff for Editorial Page Design, Andrew-Pól Clements and Heather Medina for General News Multimedia Story, Robert Barerra for Feature Reporting – Audio, Jessica Rivas for General Column, Staff for Headline Writing, Heather Medina for Advertising/PSA/Promo – Audio, Gabrielle Gome for Advertising/PSA/Promo – Video, Logan Lankford for Ad Design and Ana Alldredge for Newspaper Cover Design

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED CONTESTS (Second Place): Heather Medina for Feature Reporting - Video, Andrew-Pól Clements and Marissa Rodriguez for Multimedia Feature, Heather Medina for Advertising Campaign, Staff for Special Section Design, Matthew Garza, Robert Barerra and Malana Kinnett for News Production - Audio, Eve Stogner for Sports Page Design, Staff for Editorial Page Design, Philip Perez for Feature Page Design, Ben Cassels for Cartoon Strip, Nichaela Shaheen for Infographic and Ana Alldredge for Breaking News Photo

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED CONTESTS (Third Place): Staff for Best Website, Staff for Best Newspaper, Matthew Garza for Podcast, Nichaela Shaheen for General News Photo, Matthew Garza for Sportscast - Audio, Amber Ashworth for Sports Reporting - Audio, Matthew Garza, Marissa Rodriguez and COMM 1337 TV II for Sportscast – Video, Ashly Morales for Live Newscast - Video, Ana Alldredge for General News Story, Nichaela Shaheen for Photojournalist of the Year, Ana Alldredge and Jack Kramer for Multimedia Feature, Matthew Garza for Advertising/PSA/Promo - Audio, Logan Lankford for Sports Game Story, Jake Hernandez for Program Production - Video, Matthew Garza, Robert Barerra and Heather Medina for Program Production - Audio, Val Cantu for Comic Strip, Nichaela Shaheen for Environmental Portrait and Melissa Mata for Photo Story

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED CONTESTS (Honorable Mention): Matthew Garza for Sports Reporting - Audio, Robert Barerra, Ariel Saenz and Nicholas Torres for Sportscast - Video, Staff for Live Video Newscast, Andrea Puvol for Feature Reporting - Video, Robert Barerra for Podcast, Philip Perez for In-Depth Reporting, Heather Medina for General News Video Story, Staff for Overall Design - Website, Staff for Overall Design – Newspaper and Ana Alldredge for Breaking News Photo

Last fall during the Texas Community College Journalism Association conference held in Denton in early November, DMC student journalists won 23 awards, including five First Place,  six Second Place, seven Third Place and five Honorable Mentions … setting the stage for another winning season this spring!

Representing Del Mar College Student Veterans
 

Dr. Carlos Garanzuay, Director of Admissions, attended and presented at professional conferences in February and March. He first attended the February conference held by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education in Denver. During the NASPA Symposium on Military-connected Students, Dr. Garanzuay presented “Mission-ready & College-ready: Student-veterans' Non-cognitive Attributes Facilitate Unexpected Strategies.” He then presented “One Size Fits One: Non-cognitive Attributes are Keys to College-readiness, Student-Focused Missions and Belonging” and co-presented “How Are You? – Reestablishing a Connection Culture in Higher Education” during the March conference held in Houston by the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education, best known as TACHE. Additionally, Dr. Garanzuay presented “Student-veterans' Non-cognitive Attributes Facilitate Unexpected Strategies” during the League for Innovation in the Community College in Tempe, Ariz., during Spring Break.

Recruiting Young Women Into Industry, Building Our Future Workforce
 

In late March, Del Mar College representatives, including faculty, staff and program graduates, attended and represented the institution during the first “Women In Industry” Conference held in Corpus Christi, which was organized by This One’s For the Gals at the Solomon P. Ortiz Center. Hundreds of high school-age female students from across the region attended to learn more about career opportunities in the energy, construction and manufacturing industries here in the Coastal Bend. While visiting with DMC representatives, including Millwright Program graduates Katrina Rossel and Yessica Juarez, these future industry employees discovered the programs that the College offers while sharing their own goals and plans for the future. Rossel, who now works for ExxonMobil, was featured on the “Women In Industry” Conference agenda cover as an example of the opportunities women have in the area’s workforce. Juarez now works for Cheniere Energy.

During the March 7 Del Mar College Board of Regents regular meeting, Richter Architects was recognized for their design work of the General Academic and Music Building Phase II and local awards they received for the architectural design of the complex, along with the Business Office and College Relations Office receiving recognition for collaboratively producing an award-winning annual report for Fiscal Year 2021.

The awards are only given every three years. During the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Corpus Christi Chapter’s ceremony for their 2022 Design Awards on Jan. 19, Richter Architects received two awards for their design of Del Mar College’s (DMC) General Academic and Music Building Phase II, known as GAMBII, located on the Heritage Campus. A jury panel of eminent architects from Dallas, Austin and San Antonio selected Richter Architects’ GAMBII project for the “Award of Merit” while Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo chose the design for the “Mayor’s Choice Award.” David and Elizabeth Chu Richter, principals of Richter Architects,  and the firm’s project manager Aaron Geiser presented the awards to the Board after being introduced by John Strybos, DMC Vice President and Chief Physical Facilities Officer. (Read the full write-up.)

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Raul Garcia presented “two highly respectable awards” from the Government Financial Offers Association (GFOA), including a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting for Fiscal Year 2021. The Popular Annual Financial Report, or PAFR, was collaboratively produced by the Business Office and the College Relations Office, and staff were recognized for their work and winning the award for the twelfth year in a row, including Comptroller and Revenue Budget Administrator John Johnson, Director of Accounting and Budget Officer Dr. Catherine West, Budget Analyst Jackie Landrum, Director of Grants and Sponsored Research Christina Gonzalez, Communications Manager Michael Bratten, Associate Director of Media Relations Melinda Eddleman and former Creative Manager Monica Benavidez, along with respective team members in both offices involved in producing the report. The GFOA’s mission is to advance excellence in public finance and assist organizations like Del Mar College with developing and identifying financial policies and best practices through education, training and networking. Eligible reports for the GFOA awards are reviewed by three judges who evaluate submitted reports using five categories with varying weights used for the overall evaluation, including reader appeal, understandability, distribution methods, creativity and notable achievements as well as overall quality and usefulness of the report. Congratulations to everyone involved with this year’s award-winning success!

ACCOLADES
 

The College also extends a round of applause to DMC students and employees for their achievements, personal enrichment and representation of the institution.

College’s Student Chapter of AAUW Recognizes Staff and Faculty for Roles in Telling Stories as Part of Women’s History Month

Del Mar College’s student organization of the American Association of University Women (DMC AAUW) aims to empower women at the collegiate level and beyond through mentorship, networking, leadership and professional development opportunities. The organization champions gender and social equity on campus and in the community with a focus on issues affecting women and girls such as pay equity, sexual violence, Title IX, reproductive rights, civil rights, LGBTQIA+ issues, education and politics. DMC AAUW also provides educational programming and leadership opportunities surrounding these and other issues. March is Women’s History Month; and as part of observance of this year’s theme, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” DMC AAUW recognized two employees as their 2023 Women of Honor for their contributions at DMC––College Relations Office Staff Writer/Editor Rosa Linda Reynoso and Shara Haghjoo, Associate Professor of Drama with the Art and Drama Department. The 2023 theme recognizes “women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling including print, radio, television, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts, news and social media.”  The many contributions of women in history, society and culture are often overlooked, even at Del Mar College, and DMC AAUW aims to change that. Current officers of DMC AAUW are Kaila Cavazos-Guerra as President, Miranda Rodrigues as Vice-President, Dorothy Barringer as Secretary and Linda Ibarra as Treasurer. Advisors for the student organization are Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Cheryl Sanders and Belinda De La Cruz, Corporate Services Director with Workforce Programs & Corporate Services. Congratulations to DMC AAUW’s two 2023 recipients of the Women of Honor recognition!

During the Feb. 14 Del Mar College Board of Regents regular meeting, Transportation Training Services graduate Ashley Leiva, an U.S. Army veteran who won the Hiring Our Heroes Program’s top 2022 award, and DMC faculty and General Counsel Augustin Rivera, Jr., who organized and presented during DMC’s Free Speech Day last October, were recognized for their accomplishments and contributions to the campus community.

On Dec. 16 in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes Program announced the recipient of the 2022 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award after thousands of nominees had been narrowed down to only 11 during the selection process. That individual was DMC Transportation Training Services graduate Ashley Leiva, who completed the College’s program in November 2021. The retired U.S. Army veteran had already earned her Commercial Drivers License (CDL) during her military service but wanted to learn more about industry procedures and safety now that she and her brother operated her late mother’s trucking business. During the December 2022 announcement, Leiva not only received the award but also a $155,000 Kenworth T680 Next Gen Truck, fully-equipped for comfort and safety as a head start to her entrepreneurial career. Transportation Training Services Director Lynette Redding-Cervantes nominated the former student for the prestigious award. Congratulations to everyone involved with Ashley Leiva’s success as the recipient of the 2022 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award! (Read the full news release covering the announcement.)

National Free Speech Week was Oct. 17-23 and was created in 2005 in observance of the value of freedom of speech and freedom of the press to raise public awareness of the importance of these freedoms in our democracy. The Board recognized several faculty, DMC General Counsel and off-campus sources for their participation during the College’s Free Speech Day on Oct. 20 covering legal, journalistic and academic expertise. Organizers offered three sessions––“Campus Speech,” “Freedom of the Press: A Cornerstone of Democracy” and a panel discussion with several DMC faculty. The event was hosted by the College’s Social Sciences Department and Communications, Languages and Reading Department with Free Speech Day providing an educational environment for discussing the 1st Amendment and the importance of free speech to student learning, campus life and the larger community. Thank you to the following DMC participants for sharing their expertise: DMC General Counsel Augustin Rivera, Jr., Journalism Professor Rob Muilenburg, Radio/TV Instructor Rachel Jenische, History Professor Dr. James Klein, Political Science Professor Dr. Paul Gottemoller and Drama Professor Craig Brashears. Other participants during Free Speech Day included Tom Whitehurst, a local journalist, KIII Channel 3 News Digital Director Ana Tamez and Dr. Michael Phillips, a former History Professor at Collin College and current Clements Senior Fellow with the Clements Center for Southwest Studies at Southern Methodist University. DMC students also participated during the full-day event, including Ana Alldredge, David Carroll, Andrew Clements, Samantha Silva, Samantha Sparks, Eve Stogner, Allison Vela and Nieves Guajardo. Additionally, listed DMC faculty presenters and other colleagues served on the planning committee, including Rivera,  Jenische,Dr. Klein, Muilenburg, Journalism Lab Advisor Scott Beckett, Political Science Professor Adrian Clark, Speech Professor Amy Jones, Associate Professor of Psychology Teresa Klein, Associate Professor of Drama Sharhzad Moghadam and Communications, Languages and Reading Department Chair Dale Anderson. Because Free Speech 2022 Day was so successful, the planning team intends to make the event an annual celebration at Del Mar College to instill the importance of the 1st Amendment. Kudos to everyone who made this event available to DMC’s students and the community!

ACCOLADES
 

The College also extends a round of applause to other DMC students and employees for their achievements, personal enrichment and representation of the institution.

Vocal Vikings Show Competitive Spirit with Several Tournaments Completed Before Spring Break
 

Del Mar College’s forensics team, the Vocal Vikings, have kept up the pace with several competitions completed before Spring Break! In early February, the team competed in two speech tournaments scheduled Feb. 3-5 at Texas State University in San Marcos, including the State Spring Invitational of the Texas Intercollegiate Forensics Association and the “Bobcat Classic.” The Vocal Vikings competed with several other schools, including The University of Texas (UT) at Austin, UT Dallas, Texas State University, West Texas State University, Rice University, Howard Payne University, University of North Texas as well as Tyler Junior College, San Antonio College, Lone Star College and Central Texas College. Vocal Viking Ana Martinez competed for her first time during this tournament and was named the “Top Community College Competitor in Informative Speaking.” Martinez also won sixth place in the Informative Speaking  competition, and teammate Jasmine Vasquez, who also competed for the first time, won sixth place in the Poetry Interpretation competition.  

The Vocal Vikings moved on to more forensic competition the week of Feb. 13 to meet the challenge during the Texas Community College Forensic Association (TCCFA) state tournament in San Antonio. The tournament was combined with a full tournament that included both community colleges and universities called the Texas Shuffle. But, while both types of institutional teams vied for places, separate awards were given to community college and university Texas Shuffle winners. Del Mar College won the third place Sweepstakes Trophy for community college competition. Additionally, two Vocal Vikings brought home six awards between them with Dorothy Barringer winning two second place awards in TCCFA competition––one for Impromptu Speaking and the other for Persuasive Speaking. Jasmine Vasquez earned awards in both the TCCFA and Texas Shuffle tournaments, winning second place in Poetry (TCCFA), fifth place in Poetry (first and second halves of Texas Shuffle) and fifth place in Top Speaker (first half of Texas Shuffle).

Congratulations to these students and to all the Vocal Vikings who represented Del Mar College during competition!

DMC Music Students Perform During TMEA Convention in San Antonio
 

During the annual Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Convention, participants can expect to experience unparalleled professional development and inspiring performances. The association brings both educators and selected students (or future educators) together in San Antonio each February for a convention that features over 275 clinics and 100 performances overall. After auditioning months in advance, 11 DMC Music Department students who were selected to participate in rehearsals and performances attended the 2023 TMEA Convention  held Feb. 8-11, which included the Texas Community College Band Directors Association All-State Symphonic Band and the Texas Two-Year College Choral Directors Association All-State Choir. Under the direction of Caroline Beatty with Texas State University, DMC students who participated with the All-State Band were Matthew Gomez (Bass Trombone), Jaden Byars (Trumpet) and David Hernandez (Euphonium). Students who participated with the All-State Choir included Ariana Adame-Gonzalez (Alto), Gabriella Alvarado (Alto), James Austin (Bass), Ana Colchado (Tenor), Rolando Esquivel (Tenor), Alexis Saldaña (Soprano), Marisol Salazar (Soprano) and Jaxon Smith (Bass). The All-State Choir was directed by Utah State University’s Craig Jessop. Additionally, four DMC trumpet students collaborated with other trumpeters from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to perform on the Lobby Stage  with the Coastal Bend Trumpet Ensemble during the TMEA Convention and included Juan Dominguez, Cole Flores, Juan Gonzalez and Isabella Solis.

The Music Department also thanks and recognizes the following faculty for their service as mentors and for assisting these students in their preparation for empowering musical experiences such as the TMEA Convention:   Interim Director of Choral Activities Dr. Daniel Arredondo, Department Chair and Professor of Music Cynthia Longoria (Voice), Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Daniel Miller (Trumpet, Jazz Band and Mariachi Ensemble), Associate Professor of Music Dr. Donald Pinson (Trombone and Low Brass), Professor of Music Dr. Raphael Rada (Voice) and Associate Professor of Music Dr. Abel Saldivar Ramirez (Concert Band).

Congratulations to all 15 students who represented Del Mar College, including those who performed with the All-State Band, All-State Choir and the Coastal Bend Trumpet Ensemble! 

Music Department Holds First Chair Honors Band for Area High School Band Students
 

In early February, the Music Department held their First Chair Honors Band with 95 area high school musicians participating during two days of rehearsal culminating with a concert on Feb. 4. Under the baton of Dr. Abel Saldivar Ramirez, Associate Professor of Music, students from the following 12 high schools participated this year: Calallen, Carroll, Flour Bluff, Gregory-Portland, King, Miller, Moody, San Diego, Sinton, Tuloso-Midway, Veterans Memorial and \w. B. Ray.  Congratulations to the young Coastal Bend musicians who made this year’s First Chair Honors Band! Learn more about the DMC Music Department at www.delmar.edu/offices/music/index.html.

Del Mar College and City of Corpus Christi Celebrate Groundbreaking of City Police Department’s New Training Academy on Oso Creek Campus
 

The weather was cold and windy, but the conditions on Feb. 16 didn’t stop the City of Corpus Christi from holding their groundbreaking ceremony for their new Police Training Academy that will be constructed on Del Mar College’s Oso Creek Campus. College administrators and City officials have partnered through an interlocal contract approved by the DMC Board of Regents  that allows the City’s construction of their new facility on nine acres of land on the campus for $10 per year for 50 years with the option to add another 50 years in the future.

The City’s $29 million 34,000 sq. ft. two-story Police Training Academy features an auditorium and two large classrooms, along with other training components such as a newly developed weight room and facilities that accommodate specific training for crime scenes and defense tactic driving simulations. The building has been designed by Turner Ramirez Architects, the same firm that designed the College’s Oso Creek Campus.

Before representatives broke ground, DMC President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mark Escamilla joined City officials, including Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo, District 5 City Councilman Gil Hernandez, City Manager Peter Zanoni and Corpus Christi Police Chief Mike Markle, to speak about the benefits of the partnership between the College and the City. Other DMC representatives who attended the groundbreaking event were Board of Regents Chair Carol A. Scott, First Vice Chair and At-large Regent Dr. Nick Adame and District 3 Regent Bill Kelly.

With the development of the Oso Creek Campus, the College has already covered costs for preconstruction feasibility studies, a traffic impact analysis, environmental studies and infrastructure support that can be applied to the new Police Training Academy and that saves the City and taxpayers money.

During the Dec. 13 Del Mar College Board of Regents regular meeting, students and faculty from the Music Department were thanked for a pre-meeting luncheon performance and several DMC employees involved with the College’s Pathways Initiative were recognized for their hard work. (Click on photos to enlarge in separate pop-up box, read cutlines and download.)

Under the umbrella of the Texas Association of Community Colleges, the Texas Success Center (TSC) awarded a 2022 Recognition of Scaling Excellence (ROSE) Award to Del Mar College during the November Texas Pathways Institute, Teaching and Learning in a Texas Pathways Framework, held in Dallas. The College is one of only five colleges to receive a Texas Pathways Award and one of two given the ROSE Award, which also includes Tyler Junior College. 

In 2017, 2019 and 2021, the TSC administered a Scale of Adoption Assessment (SOAA) process to better understand how Texas colleges are scaling reform efforts to serve a broader group of students. The SOAA provides snapshots of systems change activities that have occurred at the institutional level since 2017, and Del Mar College stood out among its peers as an exemplar in the growth of the essential practices associated with the four pillars of the Texas Pathways strategy, including 1) Mapping Pathways to Student End Goals, 2) Helping Students Choose and Enter a Pathway, 3) Keeping Students on Path and 4) Ensuring Students are Learning. 

DMC has the second highest growth rate among Texas colleges for the essential practices relating to Pillar 1, Mapping Pathways to Student End Goals, and is the state exemplar for the highest growth rate in the essential practices relating to Pillar 2, Helping Students Choose and Enter a Pathway. The College also has the fourth highest growth rate among Texas colleges for the essential practices relating to Pillar 3, Keeping Students on Path. Finally, Del Mar College has the second highest growth rate among Texas colleges for the essential practices relating to Pillar 4, Ensuring Students are Learning.

 Del Mar College’s reform efforts are expansive and far-reaching, meaning the student experience at the College has been dramatically altered through the implementation of Texas Pathways with each of the 23 individual essential practices impacting a broader group of students.

Congratulations to everyone who has worked diligently to make Del Mar College’s implementation of Texas Pathways such a success to become more student-centered and responsive to improving the student experience! The 2022 ROSE Award speaks to the efforts of many!

The Board of Regents commended DMC Music Department students and faculty for their talents and performance during a luncheon held Dec. 13 prior to the Board’s regular meeting. Under the direction of Dr. Donald Pinson, the Low Brass Ensemble performed Christmas music while the Concert Choir performed songs under the direction of Dr. Daniel Arredondo. Vice President and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Jonda Halcomb noted that both ensembles demonstrated their talent as evidenced by their music skills and proficiency during the performance. She also commended Drs. Pinson and Arredondo and other Music faculty for their instrumental mentoring of students by enriching their creativity and their artistic endeavors to enhance their talents. The Low Brass Ensemble included students Jonathan Colunga on tuba, Matthew Gomez on euphonium and bass trombone, David Hernandez on euphonium, Jason Prado on tuba and Rudy Ramos on trombone. The Del Mar College Concert Choir included students Ariana Adame-Gonzalez, Gabriella Alvarado, James Austin, Ana Colchado, Juanoscar Davila, Rolando Esquivel, Ayden Gomez, Ayden Lopez, Christian Muana, Marisol Salazar, Alexis Saldana, Jaxon Smith, Raul Soliz and Christopher Yzaguirre. Happy Holidays!

ACCOLADES
 

The College also extends a round of applause to other DMC students and employees for their achievements, personal enrichment and representation of the institution.

Architecture/Drafting Technology Students Showcase Talent During Winter Exhibit, Receive Awards for Fall Semester Work

On Dec. 7, Del Mar College’s Architectural/Drafting Technology Program with the Architecture, Aviation and Automotive Department hosted a Winter Exhibition to celebrate student success and showcase their talent. Other students, parents, faculty and industry professionals attended to see works created by students from all program areas, including Architecture, Architectural Technology, Technical Drafting and Design Technology as well as Construction Management. Currently, these works are displayed within the design studios, critique rooms and exhibition hallways in the STEM Building on the Oso Creek Campus. The event also featured the presentation of Student Success Awards for student work in each of the program’s areas in addition to awards for the Dia de los Muertos Design Charrette and the community outreach project that occurred during the Oct. 29 Dia de los Muertos Street Festival in downtown Corpus Christi. Students receiving awards in the different program areas during the Winter Exhibit are as follows:

• Architecture (Level 1): Leslie Garza for Design Creativity, Rene Castillo for Graphics and Christine Riojas for Persistence
• Architecture (Level 2): Sylvia Ngo-Wilson for Design Creativity, Cruz Leon for Graphics and Justin Canto for Persistence
• Architectural Technology: Baldemar Serna for Problem Solving, Ariel Garza for Persistence and Jesus Maclas for Drafting Skills
• Technical Drafting: Maria Cruz for Persistence, Daniel Urbina for Drafting Skills and Robert O'Kelley for Creativity
• Construction Management: Ariel Garza for Attention to Detail and Edward Borrego for Persistence
• Dia de los Muertos Awards: Rene Castillo for Best Overall Design, Leslie Garza and Jeanette Gonzalez for Best Original Idea, Alyssa Hernandez and Susan Klash for Best Interactive Work, Sydney Fontenot and Adrian Palomo for Best Architecturally Themed, Alexus Nguyen for Best Traditional Design and Justin Canto and Noah Diaz for Best 3D

Wrapped Up with a Bow … Campus Community Pulls Together to Make 180 Salvation Army Angels’ Holiday Brighter

The holiday season means children dreaming of Santa’s arrival with gifts on their wish lists. The season is also a time when many community members think of individuals less fortunate and pull together to make the holiday brighter for those with needs. Del Mar College’s participation during the annual Salvation Army Adopt an Angel program was another successful effort thanks to the long-time dedication and hard work of Irma Maldonado, Duplicating Operator with the Print Services Office in the Purchasing and Business Services Department, who annually orchestrates pulling DMC’s “elves” together for the cause. This year, 120 employees participated and provided gifts for 180 children. Since the 1990s, the College has participated with the Adopt an Angel program and has even received the Salvation Army’s “Angel Tree Partner of the Year” award in the past.

During the Board of Regents’ Nov. 8 regular meeting, individuals from Continuing Education & Off-Campus Programs and the College Relations Office were recognized for their hard work and accomplishments. (Click the photos to enlarge, read cutlines and download.)

Congratulations goes to Continuing Education & Off-Campus Programs Dean Dr. Leonard Rivera, Adult Education Initiatives Director Rachel Benavides and the Continuing Education team for receiving the coveted STAR Award from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The award recognizes Del Mar College and DMC Continuing Education for providing “exceptional contributions toward one or more goals of the state’s new strategic plan, Building a Talent Strong Texas.” Continuing Education’s leadership and team members utilized a $530,000 Texas Reskill and Upskill through Education (TRUE) Grant and worked with community partners such as Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend and its leadership, President and  Chief Executive Officer Ken Trevino and Director of Programs & Planning Alba Silvas, to create post-secondary credentials of value for local targeted occupations in the area. This collaborative work resulted with the redesign and alignment of short-term credentials that over the past year prepared Continuing Education students for employment and increased accessibility to credit courses. These “stackable” courses take an industry-based credential and open the door for students to progress to a Level 1 certificate and ultimately to an associate’s degree. In September, the program recognized 110 individuals who completed training through the TRUE. Grant. Continuing Education representatives will attend the Higher Education Leadership Conference scheduled Dec. 7-8 in Austin to officially receive the STAR Award and recognition for their stellar program. (Read the initial release announcing the TRUE Grant award in fall 2021.)

Del Mar College’s Office of College Relations (CRO) is a long-standing member of the largest and fastest-growing affiliate of the American Association of Community Colleges––the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR). The council is the only organization of its kind that exclusively represents marketing and public relations professionals at community and technical colleges across the nation with more than 1,600 members from nearly 550 colleges located in the United States and Canada. During the fall, NCMPR’s seven districts host conferences and recognize excellence in design and communication with the district-level Medallion Awards. CRO is a member of NCMPR District 4, which includes Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming; and members who participated in this year’s District 4 Medallion Awards competition met in Houston, Tx., Oct. 20-22 for professional development and to attend the awards ceremony. CRO Creative Services Manager Monica Benavidez submitted work that earned eight Medallion Awards, including five Gold, two Silver and one Bronze. The awards include a Gold in the Brochure (single or series) category for the Oso Creek Campus brochure, Gold in the E-card category for the Mike Anzaldúa Plaza Dedication, Gold in the Logo Design category for the DMC logo redesign, Gold in the Computer-generated Illustration category for the Mike Anzaldúa Family framed memento artwork, Gold in the Successful Recruitment or Marketing Program category,  Silver in the TV/Video Paid Advertisement (single) category for the spot titled “Think,” Silver in the Interior Signage/Displays (single or series) category for the La Palmera Mall kiosk and Bronze in the Viewbook category. Congratulations!

ACCOLADES

The College also extends a round of applause to other DMC employees and students for their achievements, academic and personal enrichment and representation of the institution during the past month.

Physical Therapist Assistant Students Attend First In-Person TPTA Conference Since 2019

The Del Mar College Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Class of 2023 attended the Texas Physical Therapy Association (TPTA) state conference Oct. 28-30 in Irving, Texas. The 16 PTA majors were accompanied by Dr. Sharon Dunnivan-Mitchell, Assistant Professor and PTA Program Director, and Adjunct Faculty Amanda Lopez during the three-day conference. This fall marks the first TPTA conference to return to an in-person format since the start of the pandemic. The DMC students attended continuing education sessions, professional networking events and witnessed first-hand the Texas Assembly and General Session for enacting change within the profession. By attending their first professional conference, the PTA Class of 2023 benefitted from networking with other professionals, getting a glimpse of the professional outside the Corpus Christi area and understanding the power of their voices in directing the profession at the state level. The DMC students who attended the 2022 TPTA state conference included Hesiquio Cantu, Richard Flores, Samantha Garcia, Alyssa Garza, Kassandra Garza, Jennifer Gonzalez, Jacinto Jimenez, Gabriella Landin, Domingo Luna, Gilbert Rios, Sully Salinas, Adriano Santiago, Abel Silguero, Selma Springer, Ryan West and Marisol Ynfante.

DMC Students Win Five Awards During Media Fest 22 Conference in Nation’s Capital
 

Getting to hear in-person guest speakers like Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, who broke the Watergate break-in story 50 years ago, is every budding journalist’s dream. During the national conference co-hosted in October by the Society of Professional Journalists, Associated Collegiate Press and College Media Association, eight Del Mar College students making up the Foghorn News team and their advisor did just that while attending Media Fest 22 in Washington, D.C., with 2,000 other students and advisors Oct. 26-30. Media Fest 22 featured the famous collaborative journalistic duo Woodward and Bernstein as keynote speakers, hands-on workshops and breakout sessions and networking opportunities with peers and professionals in the news industry. And, the DMC team returned with five national awards, including first place for Best of Show in the Broadcast News Program category, third place for Two-Year TV Station of the Year, sixth place for Best of Show in the Best Website at a Two-Year College category, eighth place for Best of Show in Print Newspaper at a Two-Year College, and an Honorable Mention for Two-Year Newspaper of the Year. DMC representatives who attended the conference included Communications, Languages and Reading Department faculty members Journalism Professor Robert Muilenburg and Rachel Jennische, Radio-Television Instructor, along with the following students: Ana Alldredge, Advertising-Public Relations major; Andrew-Pól Clements, Journalism major; Jake Hernandez, Radio-Television major; Heather Medina, Radio-Television major; Samantha Sparks, Advertising-Public Relations major; Eve Stogner, Advertising-Public Relations major; Allison Vela, Radio-Television major; and Nehemiah Zamora, Liberal Arts major. 

Del Mar College Represents at 2022 National ASNT Conference in Nashville
 

Continuing Education & Off-Campus Programs and the Nondestructive Testing Program with the Industrial Technology Department represented Del Mar College during the 2022 American Society of Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) National Conference Oct. 31 through Nov. 3 in Nashville, Tenn. The conference is the world’s largest event addressing nondestructive testing training and professional development. DMC Continuing Education & Off-Campus Programs has entered into a newly formed partnership with Atlas Training to provide online training globally. The College is the first community college to offer this type of training program through continuing education offerings and now provides a new program to become a Certified Welder Inspector with certification through the American Petroleum Institute. DMC representatives who manned the College’s table during the conference were Dr. Leonard Rivera, Dean of DMC Continuing Education & Off-Campus Programs, Assistant Professor of Nondestructive Testing Technology Gary Parker and Domingo “Sonny” Vela, Industrial Technology Department Chair and Professor of Welding Applied Technology. Additionally, Cody McClure, Director for Systems & Training with Atlas Training, helped provide information about the new partnership and online training available through the collaboration.

During their Oct. 11 regular meeting, the Board of Regents recognized Music Department faculty members and one staff member with the Planning and Institutional Effectiveness Office. Those individuals include:

Dr. David Sutanto and Dr. Shao-Shan Chen, Professors of Piano with the DMC Music Department, were recognized for their performance and teaching of a masterclass in Agen, France, as part of the Corpus Christi Sister City Committee’s Cultural Exchange Program. The husband-and-wife team were invited to participate by several high-level individuals within the Corpus Christi community and from the City of Agen to perform on May 26 at the Thèâtre Municipal Ducourneau with the music program consisting of solo and duo piano works by Chopin, Debussy and American composers such as Copland, Gershwin and William Hirtz. While in Agen, the two DMC faculty members also gave a masterclass in Lycèe (High School) Bernard Palissy and at the Agen Conservatory of Music.

Dr. Chen has contributed her knowledge and expertise in teaching piano at Del Mar College for 18 years. She began playing piano at age five; and by age 18, she made her debut as piano soloist with the National Symphony Orchestra of Santo Domingo performing Mozart’s “Piano Concerto K. 466.” Dr. Chen has also won numerous first prizes in national piano competitions while living in the Dominican Republic.

Dr. Sutanto has served as an exemplary tenured educator among his peers and students at the College for 20 years and is an active performer as piano soloist and chamber musician, including duo-piano with Dr. Chen. During weekends, Dr. Sutanto serves as church pianist and organist at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Corpus Christi.

Thank you, Dr. Chen and Dr. Sutanto, for representing Del Mar College and the City of Corpus Christi while in Agen, France!

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) appointed Dr. Angelica Gomez-Johnson, Curriculum Manager with Planning and Institutional Effectiveness, to their Texas Transfer Advisory Committee, which advises the THECB Commissioner on the Texas Transfer Frameworks project. The appointment began this year on Sept. 1 and runs through Aug. 31, 2025. Dr. Gomez-Johnson will aid in the development of the Texas Transfer Field of Study Curriculum for Discipline Specific Courses and Directed Electives in an approved Texas Transfer Field of Study Curricula. The subcommittee is comprised of 40 faculty members with equal representation from community colleges and public universities, along with two ex-officio members. The subcommittee’s charge is to use a data-informed approach to support transfer students from community colleges to universities, specifically maximizing the applicability of courses to a university major when they transfer. Dr. Gomez-Johnson’s expertise in the role she plays at Del Mar College will further the development of an effective system of transferable courses among Texas’ public institutions of higher education. Congratulations, Dr. Gomez-Johnson, on your appointment by THECB!

RECOGNITION
 

The CCU40 Award was created by the Young Professionals of the Coastal Bend organization and recognizes outstanding Corpus Christi citizens who contribute to the betterment of the community. The organization holds a CCU40 event that honors the accomplishments of selected awardees under age 40 who have made significant contributions in their professional fields as well as through service in the community.

Each year, individuals are awarded recognition through a nomination and scoring process. Del Mar College honorees include Class of 2020 recipients Jason Houlihan, Digital Services Manager with College Relations, and Newman Wong, Research Associate with Strategic Planning, Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment, and Institutional Research; Class of 2021 recipient Sara King, Director of Student Engagement & Retention with Student Affairs; and Class of 2022 recipients Leticia Wilson, Director of Advising Initiatives with Student Outreach & Enrollment Services, and Kelsey Chopelas, Development Officer with the DMC Foundation. Congratulations to all five CCU40 award recipients! 

ACCOLADES
 

The College also extends a round of applause to other DMC employees, students and industry partners for their accomplishments and generosity.

Novice Vocal Vikings Forensics Team Compete in San Marcos, Bring Home First Award
 

They’re new at the game, but the 2022-23 Vocal Vikings forensics team showed they have what it takes during their first speech competition held Sept. 17 during the Hill Country Swing Speech Tournament at Texas State University in San Marcos. Made up of all new members, the four DMC competitors vied against other forensic teams from The University of Texas at Austin and Dallas, University of North Texas, West Texas State University, Texas State University, Bradley University from Illinois, University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Alabama and Lewis & Clark University from Oregon. In fact, the Vocal Vikings were the only team from a community college, and the universities they competed against usually place in the top 10 schools at the American Forensic Association National Speech Tournament! The four DMC students include Abby Luna, a Legal Professions major; Dorothy Barringer, a History Education major; Erin Heflin, a Theater major; and Legal Professions major Valine Serrano. During competition, Luna made her way to the finals and earned Sixth Place in Persuasive Speaking. Congratulations to all four Vocal Vikings on competing for the first time as well as a big applause to Abby Luna for bringing home an award with only two weeks to prepare!

Veterans Services Office Recognized for Excellence
 

Del Mar College’s Veterans Services Office was awarded the Bronze 2022 Veterans Education Excellence Recognition Award (VEERA) by the Texas Veterans Commission. The Texas State Legislature established the VEERA program to recognize public colleges and universities for their excellence in providing education and related services to veterans and the military-connected community. Del Mar College applied for recognition and showcased its commitment toward ensuring the academic success of these individuals for academic year 2021-2022.

Dr. Carlos Garanzuay Co-authors Article Focused on Student Veterans
 

Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment Manager Dr. Carlos Garanzuay co-authored an article with Dr. Steven Gonzales, Interim Chancellor for Arizona’s Maricopa County Community College District titled “Student-veterans' Non-cognitive Attributes Breach College-readiness and Completion Efforts,” which was digitally published by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. In the article, Dr. Garanzuay shares how student veterans overcome categorizations commonly associated with nontraditional students, such as poor academic preparedness, and helps reframe college readiness by leaning heavily on attributes gained during enlisted military service. Dr. Garanzuay’s research further outlines how community colleges can become better prepared to serve this diverse student population while addressing institutional struggles with retention and completion. To read the article, use the following link (free registration may apply): https://www.diverseeducation.com/opinion/article/15295928/studentveterans-noncognitive-attributes-breach-collegereadiness-and-completion-efforts

Flint Hills Resources Donates Equipment
 

In August, Flint Hills Resources donated more than $50,000 worth of equipment to the College’s Industrial Technology Department for use by the Millwright Program. The generous gift gives students more resources for hands-on training as they prepare for high demand jobs.

During the regular Board of Regents meeting held June 14, several individuals were recognized for their accomplishments, including Angélica Gómez, Carlos Garanzuay, Raul Garcia and team members who helped produced the College’s Distinguished Budget Report for FY22, Valton Stinson II and Cheryl G. Sanders.

The Board recognized the dedication that two team members with the Planning & Institutional Effectiveness Division applied to earn their Doctor of Education degrees from the prestigious Community College Leadership Program (CCLP) founded by Dr. John Roueche, one of the foremost leaders and advocates for community colleges across the country. The program began at The University of Texas at Austin, moving to the National American University and now a part of Kansas State University. Del Mar College’s first CCLP cohort began in August 2017. Angélica Gómez, Curriculum Manager, defended her dissertation titled “Communication and Collaboration among Dual Credit Instructors:  A Case Study of El Paso Community College” in April 2020.  She participated in graduation activities in June 2021. Carlos Garanzuay, Institutional Effectiveness & Assessment Manager, defended his dissertation, “Improvise. Adapt. Overcome: Identifying military-acquired, non-cognitive attributes guiding student-veteran success in community college,” in February 2022 and graduated this May. Both individuals exhibit an unwavering dedication to student success, specifically ensuring equitable outcomes for students in historically minoritized communities. They are also very dedicated to improving college-wide operational processes to better serve students, faculty and staff as noted by Dr. Kristina Wilson, Associate Vice President of Planning & Institutional Effectiveness during the recognition. Congratulations, Dr. Gómez and Dr. Garanzuay!

For the first time in several years, Del Mar College received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the fiscal year 2022 budget report. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Raul Garcia presented the award to the Board of Regents and noted that the College’s report met the highest level of reporting standards defined by the Government Financial Officers Association (GFOA). The association determined that the College’s budget report serves several roles: a policy document, a financial plan, an operating guide and a communication device. Del Mar College is now part of an elite group of organizations receiving the award, which includes approximately 1,800 states, cities, counties, special districts and school districts from across the country. Vice President Garcia noted that this huge win is attributed to the collaboration and hard work of several individuals, including Director of Accounting/Budget Officer Dr. Catherine West, Associate Vice President of Planning & Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Kristina Wilson, Comptroller/Revenue Budget Administrator John Johnson, Budget Analyst Jackie Landrum, Institutional Effectiveness & Assessment Manager Dr. Carlos Garanzuay and Director of Accreditation and Assessment Dr. Sydney Saumby. Way to go, team!

Valton Stinson II, Director of TRIO Student Support Services under Student Affairs, was selected to serve as President-Elect for the Texas TRIO Association Board. The Texas TRIO Association is the representative body for TRIO professionals from colleges, universities and agencies that host federally-funded TRIO educational opportunity programs in Texas. TX-TRIO is dedicated to advocating for the TRIO movement by creating opportunities for TRIO professionals and participants with professional development and support. The Federal TRIO Programs are outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Del Mar College has three TRIO programs, including the Educational Opportunity Center, the Veterans Upward Bound program and Student Support Services. Recently, Stinson was featured as part of KRIS 6 News’ Coastal Bend Black Excellence series. “Hats off” to Director Stinson and Congratulations for your statewide role with the Texas TRIO Association Board!

Cheryl G. Sanders, Interim Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, was elected Funds Vice President for the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Corpus Christi Branch Board of Directors. The mission of AAUW is to advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy. The AAUW Corpus Christi Branch unites alumnae of colleges and universities for engagement in practical educational work to focus and increase their effectiveness in the community to solve social and civic problems. Members also participate in the development and promotion of AAUW policies and programs, contribute to the association’s growth and advancements and support division and regional work. Interim Associate Vice President Sanders is also one of the advisors for the newly formed DAAUW student organization at Del Mar College. Congratulations on your new role with AAUW!

ACC OLADES

The College also extends a round of applause to other members of the DMC community for their accomplishments in May and June.

Del Mar Hospitality & Culinary Arts Student Organization raises funds to support scholarship for like-minded majors

Students with the Del Mar Hospitality & Culinary Arts Student Organization have marked a milestone as being the DMC Foundation’s first student club to create a scholarship from funds their members have raised. The new scholarship will aid students majoring in hospitality management or culinary arts beginning in fall 2022. Over the years, the student club has accumulated funds, and members voted this year to contribute $5,000 of money raised toward creating the new scholarship. In May, other faculty and students joined Club President Devan Hoelscher and Club Advisor Lisa Pollakis, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Hospitality Management, to celebrate “doing good, helping others and spring graduation” as a way to acknowledge the club’s efforts to assist other students through scholarship. The student club presented the funds to Director of Development Matthew Busby as part of the celebration.

“Project Playground” collaboration revitalizes outside spaces for youngsters at the Morris L. Lichtenstein, Jr. Center for Early Learning

With a little  “sweat equity” on June 4, volunteers ranging from staff and faculty to students and parents worked almost a full day at the Morris L. Lichtenstein, Jr. Center for Early Learning (CEL) to revitalize outside play spaces and clean up toys used by youngsters registered at the Center. The CEL, Student Leadership and Campus Life and the Advising Initiatives Office collaborated during “Project Playground”  to bring new life to the age-appropriate playgrounds by cleaning equipment and sidewalks, painting vibrant colored shapes on concrete spaces for gross motor activity games, preparing soil and infrastructure for an alphabet garden and painting and planting colorful plants in tire containers for “Plant and Play” activities. Inside, volunteers thoroughly cleaned toys in preparation for youngsters’ use. These efforts were made possible with donations provided by Discount Tire, H-E-B and DMC employees. The Center provides quality childcare for Del Mar College students and employees as well as Corpus Christi-area families, and the facility serves as a lab modeling best practices in the care and education of young children for DMC students pursuing careers through the Child Development/Early Childhood Program. Organizers included Center for Early Learning Director Melinda Eldrige and Coordinator Marcy Vargas; Student Leadership and Campus Life Director Beverly Cage, Administrative Assistant Sonia Carreon and former Student Life Specialist Estevan Guerra; Dean of Student Engagement and Retention Rita Hernandez; and Advising Initiatives Director Leticia Wilson.

RECOGNITION

Rita Hernandez, Interim Dean of Student Engagement and Retention, has been accepted into the National Community College Hispanic Council (NCCHC) Class of 2022 Leadership Fellows Program, which is a collaboration between NCCHC and the College of Education at San Diego State University. Additionally, NCCHC partners with the American Association of Community Colleges to advance the number of Hispanics in leadership positions with community colleges across the nation. Hernandez will begin engagement with other class members in June with meetings occurring throughout the year. The program is designed for community college educators whose career interest focuses on assuming increasingly responsible administrative positions, with the ultimate goal of becoming an executive leader of a community college. Congratulations, Interim Dean Hernandez!

ACCOLADES

Del Mar College Representatives Attend Governor’s Volunteer Award Reception
 

Continuing Education & Off-Campus Programs staff, including Construction Trades Program Manager Arnold Mendez and Career Counselor Naomi Freeze, and Executive Director of Development and the Del Mar College Foundation Mary McQueen traveled to Austin on April 19 to attend the Governor’s Volunteer Award Reception  hosted by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott. For the College’s Rebuild Texas Carpentry Skills Program, DMC was named the 2020 recipient of the Higher Education Community Impact–Community College Award, one of nine categories given each year; but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an in-person reception was not held. However, 2020 award recipients were invited to celebrate with the 2021 awardees. The DMC Rebuild Texas Carpentry Skills Program was in response to the devastation that Hurricane Harvey generated across South Texas’ Coastal Bend region in August 2017.  The initiative was made possible by a grant from the Rebuild Texas Fund initiated by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and the OneStar Foundation.

To read the College’s original award announcement release, click here.

Process Technology Instructor Creates Textbook Loaner Program for His Students
 

Sometimes getting the textbooks needed right at the beginning of the semester can be a challenge for students. That’s where Process Technology Instructor Ben Polasek, recently retired from Flint Hills Resources, has come to the rescue to ensure his students have the resources they need. After seeing so many of his students unable to get their hands on the required textbook until weeks after the class started, he felt compelled to help and came up with a textbook loaner program with the help of the Del Mar College Foundation and the DMC Libraries. Polasek personally donated the funds, and the Foundation and Library staff made the purchase of 40 textbooks. Students can now check out a textbook from the Barth Learning Resources Center on the Windward Campus and can even see an acknowledgement sticker in the back of each book crediting Polasek for his generous donation.

TABPHE Corpus Christi Receives $15,000 from Cheniere Energy for New Math Initiative 

 
During a College and Resource Fair organized as an early Juneteenth event and held by the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education Corpus Christi (TABPHE-CC) on May 19 at Embassy Suites, representatives from Cheniere Energy presented a $15,000 donation toward the organization’s new math initiative. The event aimed to connect students in underserved communities with higher education institutions and provide access to preparatory courses. TABPHE-CC’s President Simone Sanders noted that “the organization created the new math initiative to tackle a lack of accurate and foundational resources in the TSI (Texas Success Initiative) math area. With the full support of Cheniere Energy, we have created and launched this new initiative with the hopes of reducing dropout rates and increasing graduation rates.” The funding provided by Cheniere Energy cover costs for low income and minority at-risk populations to apply and attend TSI math preparatory courses. TABPHE-CC will hold other events in celebration of 10 Days of Juneteenth during the month of June. Since 2006, Corpus Christi bas celebrated with the10 Days of Juneteenth Jubilee to recognize the ride of General Gordon Granger to Galveston for the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation. For information about local 10 Days of Juneteenth Celebrations, visit www.tabphecc.org. 

RECOGNITIONS

• Retired faculty member and Nurse Education Department Chair Dr. Evangeline “Vangie” DeLeon was granted the status of Professor Emeritus of Nurse Education. Dr. DeLeon was deemed an exemplary educator among her peers and students during her 26-year tenure from 1995 through 2021. Dr. DeLeon first started as an instructor, working her way through the tenure track process to the rank of professor and served as the Nurse Education Program Director beginning in 2010 before becoming the department’s Chair in 2012.

In 1997, the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development, better known as NISOD, recognized Dr. DeLeon’s dedication to education with their Excellence Award. Her leadership included collaboration among peers and outside resources to secure external funding to support the needs of the Nurse Education Department, building the exceptional program that it represents today. Grants she helped secure include the Texas Workforce Commission’s Nursing Mentorship Grant, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s (THECB) Nursing Innovation Grant: Building Lab and Simulation Capacity for Nurse Education, the THECB’s  State-Wide At-Risk Tracking and Intervention for Nurses Grant and the Nursing Shortage Reduction Program Grant.

Dr. DeLeon was an active member of the College’s Chairs Council during the time she served as the Nurse Education Department’s Chair as well as served on the Academic Standards Committee. She also served on numerous other institutional committees supporting the mission of Del Mar College and its students.

While Dr. DeLeon’s contributions to DMC were invaluable, she also participated in several activities that supported the community, including the City-Wide Health Fair, State-Wide Health Occupations Students of America Conference, the American Heart Association  “Go Red for Women” campaign, Corpus Christi Hypertension Collaborative, Family Ministries, Moody High School Health Science Academy Advisory Committee and the Coastal Bend Regional Science Fair.

She also enhanced her own knowledge and skills by maintaining active membership with notable organizations such as Sigma Theta Tau and the Texas Community College Teachers Association, along with other nurse-related organizations.

Congratulations, Dr. DeLeon!

• Vice President of Administration and Human Resources Tammy McDonald recognized the  third class of Del Mar College’s Next Generation Leadership Academy (NGLA), a partnership with Civitas Learning . McDonald co-leads the program with Dr. Natalie Villarreal, Executive Director of Government and Board Relations. The 22 participants began the academy in November 2021 and are scheduled to complete the program this July.

NGLA is a year-long program DMC offers to support and develop leaders in higher education, specifically for the College. This year’s participants have used a hybrid model to meet both in-person and virtually for their sessions.

The NGLA Class 3 includes Michelle Avalos, Director of the Northwest Center with Off-Campus Programs; Dara Betz, Director of NCCER & Workforce Programs with Workforce Programs & Corporate Services; Michael Bratten, Communication Manager with College Relations; Charles Campbell, Business Administration Department Chairperson; Kiwana Denson, Director of Strategic Initiatives with Strategic Planning; Sharon Dunnivan-Mitchell, Assistant Professor with the Physical Therapist Assistant Program; Jessica Edwards, Counselor with Student Engagement & Retention; Angelica Gomez-Johnson, Curriculum Manager with Planning & Institutional Effectiveness; Chad Hector, Technology Support Coordinator with Information Technology; Renee Hundley, Disability Specialist with Student Engagement & Retention; Katherine Kennedy, Assistant Instructor at the Stone Writing Center with Library Services; Lucy Kernan, Director of Corporate Services with Workforce Programs & Corporate Services; Albert Longoria, Veterans Affairs Specialist with the Veterans Center; Kayla Lopez, Financial Aid Outreach Coordinator with Financial Aid Services; Celeste Morales, Student Enrollment Specialist with Outreach & Enrollment Services; Mandi Overby, Transcript Evaluator with Outreach & Enrollment Services; Luis Robles, Technology Support Coordinator with Information Technology; Robert Ruiz, Advance Coordinator/Instructor of Emergency Medical Services with the Public Service Department; Shane Stewart, Research Associate II with Institutional Research; Jeannette Viera, Office Manager with Business & Registration; Anna Villegas, Testing Examiner with the Testing Center; and Kathleen Westergren, Learning Resources Instructor with Library Services.

During the April 12 recognition, McDonald also thanked Lisa Leal-Garcia, a Coordinator with Student Engagement & Retention and a NGLA Class 2 graduate, for accepting and taking on the added responsibility of serving as liaison and mentor for Class 3.

Way to go, NGLA Class 3!

ACCOLADES
 

The College also extends a round of applause to students and faculty for their accomplishments this spring.

And, the Winners Are … Journalism and Radio/TV Students Bring Home 29 TIPA Awards

Del Mar College Journalism and Radio/TV students attended and competed during the annual Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA) conference in Fort Worth March 23-26. The two programs are in the College’s Communications, Languages and Reading Department; and the students brought back over two dozen awards, 29 total, including “Overall Excellence” for Best Newspaper and News Video Production.

Students won six awards during live competitions and 23 from previously published work.

The 13 DMC students who attended the conference––which featured workshops, live contests and an awards ceremony for work published during 2021––competed against large programs with nearly 250 students from 34 two- and four-year schools from across Texas attending this year’s TIPA conference, including Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Arlington and Rice University, among others.

This year’s competition marked the first time that  Del Mar College won Overall Excellence for News Video Production. The TIPA conference was also the first for new faculty member Rachel Jennische, Assistant Professor of Radio/TV, joined DMC in fall 2021.

Associate Professor of Journalism Robert Muilenburg, who serves as TIPA’s executive director, organized much of the conference. TIPA was founded in 1909 and is the nation’s oldest and largest collegiate press association.

A rundown of the winners’ names and awards is as follows:

Previously Published Work

• Overall Excellence, Newspaper: Foghorn staff (first place)
• Overall Design, Newspaper: Foghorn staff (first place)
• Overall Excellence, News Production, Video: Foghorn newscast staff (first place)
• Overall Excellence, Website: Foghorn staff (second place)
• Advertising/PSA/Promo, Video: Tito Valdez and Cody Reichel (first place)
• Advertising/PSA/Promo, Audio: Emily Ybarra (second place) and Eddie Ramirez (third place) 
• Breaking News Photo: Nichaela Shaheen (third place)
• Cartoon Strip/Panel: Ben Cassels (third place)
• Editorial Cartoon: Tristin Williams (second place)
• Environmental Portrait: Philip J. Perez (third place)
• Feature Reporting: Video, Eddie Ramirez (Honorable Mention)
• General Column: Philip J. Perez (second place)
• General News Multimedia Story: Philip J. Perez and Gabriella Jasso (second place)
• General News Video Story: Erasmo Rodriguez (third place) and Gabriella Jasso (Honorable Mention)
• News Production, Video: fMichelle Mirelez, Gavin Ganceres, Eddie Ramirez and Rudy Hinojosa (first place)
• Newscast, Audio: Emily Ybarra (first place) and Eddie Ramirez (second place)
• Program Production, Video: Eddie Ramirez and Rudy Hinojosa (first place)
• Sports Feature, Photo: Philip J. Perez (first place)
• Sports Reporting, Audio: Eddie Ramirez (Honorable Mention)
• Sportscast, Audio: Emily Ybarra (third place)

Live Contests

• Radio Announcing: Alyssa Hernandez (first place)
• Radio Advertising: Alyssa Hernandez (first place)
• TV Advertising: Andrea Puyol (second place)
• Magazine Design: Tito Valdez (third place)
• Advertising Design, Print: Tito Valdez (second place)
• PR Release Writing: Dylan Limas (Honorable Mention)

Book Co-authored by DMC History Professor Named 2022 Book of the Yea by Illinois State Historical Society

 The Illinois State Historical Society recognized “Punks in Peoria: Making a Scene in the American Heartland,” co-authored by DMC Associate Professor of History Dr. Dawson Barrett, as its 2022 Book of the Year.

The Russell P. Strange Memorial Book of the Year Award is presented annually to an author or authors whose scholarship and research have made significant contributions to the study of Illinois history. The award’s judges called “Punks in Peoria” “a surprisingly solid study, offering multitudinous perspectives on music, class, economics, culture, politics, and urban history as well in 20th century Illinois.”

Published last year by the University of Illinois Press, “Punks in Peoria” examines the underground music scene of a mid-sized Midwest city, amid the backdrop of de-industrialization in the 1980s and 1990s. Known for its middle-of-the-road politics and culture, Peoria offered very little for its misfit youth, who built a music scene from scratch in a series of unusual music venues, including a YWCA, American Legion halls and area church basements.  

In conjunction with the book’s release, Dr. Barrett and co-author Jonathan Wright also shared their research in the Washington Post, Bandcamp Daily and the Chicago Reader.

Piano Duo Sutanto and Chen Performing in France in May

DMC piano professors Dr. David Sutanto and Dr. Shao-Shan Chen have been invited to perform a Duo Piano Recital at Théȃtre Municipal Ducourneau in Agen, France on May 26. 

The event is sponsored by the Sister City Committee from City of Corpus Christi as part of the Cultural Exchange Program.

Agen is one of Corpus Christi’s Sister Cities, part of a program that promotes citizen diplomacy, cultural understanding and economic development opportunities. Other sister cities include Yokosuka, Japan and Keelung, Taiwan.

While in France, Chen and Sutanto will also present master classes at Lycée Bernard Palissy and Agen Conservatory of Music.

During the March 8 regular Board of Regents meeting, two retired faculty members––Dr. Christine Tarasevich and Drue Jones––were conferred the status of “Professor Emeritus” for their exemplary service to Del Mar College as educators in the Business Administration Department.

Dr. Christine Tarasevich, retired Professor of Economics, taught at Del Mar College for 13 years from August 2008 through August 2021 and was known for her mentorship of students, innovative teaching methods and contributions to DMC and community initiatives. She served as a notable advocate of the Alpha Beta Gamma Student Business Honors Society and was recognized for her distinguished support of the Junior Achievement Program, the annual Marine Corps Toys for Tots Drive and St. Andrew’s Lenten fundraisers.

Dr. Tarasevich provided invaluable leadership as the Business Administration Program Coordinator and served on instructional program review committees, position search committees and numerous College standing committees that included Recognition Day/Hall of Fame, Faculty Professional Development and the Library and Curriculum Committee.

Additionally, she continuously enhanced her own expertise. Dr. Tarasevich actively participated at professional events, including annual conferences such as the National Economics Teaching Conference and the Texas Community College Teachers Association Convention.

Drue Jones, retired Associate Professor of Business, was also conferred with the status of Associate Professor Emeritus. Jones was recognized for her 13-year tenure (August 2008 to August 2021) at Del Mar College and as the recipient of the 2017 Disability Advocate of the Year Award, the 2017 Sigma Alpha Pi Excellence in Teaching Award and 11 nominations for the College’s Teacher of the Year Award, all demonstrating her dedication to DMC students.

During her DMC tenure, Jones successfully received a Pan American Round Table grant to offer her International Business class an interdisciplinary, multi-faceted examination of conducting business with North, Latin and South American countries. Her devotion and support to education is also evidenced by Jones’ establishing the Luther Jones Scholarship fund at both Del Mar College and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in memory of her father, Mayor Luther Jones, and she has raised over $75,000 to fund these direct and endowed scholarships.

Additionally, Jones served DMC as a member of instructional program review committees, position search committees and numerous College standing committees. Her contributions were invaluable as a member of the Faculty Professional Development, Faculty Council, Recognition Day/Hall of Fame, Quality Enhancement Plan and Guided Pathways Committees.

Jones regularly participated at events to enhance her own expertise. She attended several professional development conferences and conventions that addressed the higher education sector, including those organized by the League for Innovations, Online Leaning Conference Accelerate, Instructure/Canvas, Marketing Management Association Educators and the Texas Community College Teachers Association.

Congratulations to both Professor Emeritus Tarasevich and Associate Professor Emeritus Jones!

RRECOGNITION 

During the Feb. 1 regular Board of Regents meeting, the Board granted the prestigious title of “Professor Emeritus of Art” to Kenneth V. Rosier, a retired Chairman of the Department of Art and Drama and faculty member. Rosier’s tenure at Del Mar College spanned more than 32 years, and he was known as an exemplary educator and for his excellent leadership as head of his department from 2003 until his retirement in 2020.

In 1989, Rosier founded the DMC Student Art Association and successfully received several grants supporting student portfolio competitions and exhibitions in the College’s Joseph A. Cain Memorial Art Gallery. The Professor also advocated his art discipline, ceramics, throughout the years by organizing the fall and spring semester “Be-Bop Bowl” sale, which raised over $60,000 for student scholarships and exhibitions.

Rosier’s commitment to teaching and student success is best evidenced by his ongoing efforts to sustain the Art Program’s continued accreditation since 1991 from the National Association of School of Art and Design. In 2019, DMC peers and administrators selected Professor Emeritus Rosier as the College’s Minnie Stevens Piper Professor Award nominee, an invitation-only nomination extended by the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation to recognize Texas postsecondary educators for their superior teaching.

As an artist, Rosier’s inspiring artwork has been shown in over 130 museum and gallery exhibitions. Additionally, he was a member of notable organizations, including the Kappa Pi International Art Fraternity, Art Museum of South Texas’ Exhibition and Collection Committee and Del Mar College’s Annual National Drawing and Small Sculpture Show Committee.

ACCOLADES

Other faculty and staff are commended for their accomplishments in support of the mission of Del Mar College, including:

• Dr. Leonard Rivera, DMC Dean of Continuing Education and Off-Campus Programs, was elected in January to serve as a board member on the Rural Schools Innovation Zone (RSIZ). Dr. Rivera joins the seven-member RISZ board, which includes three independent school districts: Brooks County ISD, Premont ISD and Freer ISD. The RSIZ has been recognized for its unique and innovative curriculum and program academies, ability to work collaboratively with partnering ISDs to offer students a well-rounded, career-focused education and preparation of all students for post-secondary educational opportunities.

• Rosa Linda Reynoso, DMC Staff Writer/Editor in the College Relations Office, was recently selected to receive the 2022 Distinguished Community College Staff Award by the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (TACHE). Reynoso will receive the award during the 47th Annual TACHE Conference held Feb. 27 through March 2 in Fort Worth. The award recognizes superior levels of professionalism and accomplishment in the areas of initiative, productivity, critical thinking skills, effectiveness and customer service skills. The award also included a monetary award of $1,000. 

• Leticia J. Wilson, Director of Advising Initiatives, co-authored her first peer-reviewed article in The Journal of Appreciative Education (JAE). Titled “Caring Through The Screen: Advising Techniques for Success in the Virtual World,” Wilson collaborated with Benjamin M. Forche and Tyler S. Hall to examine ways to deepen connections and provide support to students in a virtual environment using methodologies known as “Appreciative Advising” and “Appreciative Mindset.” The article was published in the December 2021 edition of the Journal of Appreciative Education, an open-access e-journal committed to promoting educational theories, practices and collaborations from an appreciative, strength-based perspective. Wilson was also nominated and selected to participate in the 2022 Leadership Texas Women Cohort. Leadership Texas is the longest-running and most successful women’s leadership program in the country. Celebrating 40 years in action, Leadership Texas puts women on a path to access learning from influencers across the state.

• MAP Advisors Benjamin Hernandez and Breanne Flores-Contreras conducted a presentation at the Texas Academic Advising Network (TEXAAN) Conference in Austin held Feb. 24-26. Their session, titled “Horse of a Different Color: After-thoughts on Becoming an Academic Advisor During the Pandemic,” details the evolving roles advisors have taken on during the COVID-19 pandemic, relates them to a changing management framework and synthesizes advisors’ expertise gained from different institutions.

Del Mar College Students Selected for Texas Two-Year College All-State Choir
Seven students from the DMC Music Department’s Concert Choir were named to the 2021-2022 Texas Two-Year College All-State Choir after completing a rigorous series of auditions. The Del Mar students will participate during the annual Texas Music Educators Association Convention scheduled in February 2022 in San Antonio. About 200 students from across the state will attend three days of rehearsals with a final concert showcasing their singing talents. Under the direction of Interim Choral Director Dennis S. Richardson, Del Mar Concert Choir students selected include Gabriella Paloma Alvarado, Jake Austin, Ana Colchado, Ariana Adame Gonzalez. Darrel McCusker, Marisol Salazar and Jaxon Smith. The students are vocalists in the studios of Professors Cynthia Longoria and Dr. Raphael Rada.

Virtual reality tutoring demo available at the Student Success Center
The Student Success Center (SSC) Tutoring Lab was selected to participate in a virtual reality (VR) tutoring software pilot program by VRedu. Fifteen tutoring centers across the nation were chosen to demo the new VRedu Virtual Tutoring software using the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset. The SSC received five VR headsets, and students and staff now are invited to demo the units and help create the future of virtual learning. Virtual tutoring expands what is possible in the physical classroom by enhancing reality to create a learning space that parallels student needs and expectations in a world of extended realities.

RECOGNITION:
Associate Vice President for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness, Dr. Kristina Ramirez Wilson was recognized for being elected to serve on the Board Directors of Texas Women in Higher Education (TWHE). Dr. Wilson’s two-year term runs from June 2021 to June 2023. TWHE is a Texas non-profit corporation dedicated to developing, advancing and supporting women employed at colleges and universities across the state. The corporation is committed to providing members with the skills needed to reach leadership positions and enhancing the leadership skills of those already serving in such roles. TWHE is the American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Network state organization for Texas. The ACE Women’s Network is a national system of networks within each state that works to advance and support women in higher education. Congratulations, Dr. Wilson, on your leadership role with TWHE!

ACCOLADES:

Division of Business, Entrepreneurship and Health Sciences
• The Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting Programs, including their students, participated during Innovative Readiness Training with the military as part of Operation Health and Wellness beginning in June 2021 in Banquete, Bishop, Petronila and Robstown. Nueces County Commissioner for Precinct 2 Joe A. Gonzalez personally sent the Dental and Imaging Technology Department a letter of appreciation for their dental services provided to area residents at no cost.

• In October, the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF) held a site visit of the Culinary Arts Program with the Business Administration and Entrepreneurship Department for the program’s accreditation application. The reviewers found “zero” areas of noncompliance and many program strengths. The ACFEF Commission will meet in January 2022 to make a formal decision to award program accreditation.

• The Dental and Imaging Technology Department’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program received continuing accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The recent peer review conducted by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) and CAAHEP’s Board of Directors recognized the program’s substantial compliance with the nationally established accreditation standards. The next comprehensive program evaluation, including a site review, is scheduled for no later than 2026.


Division of Communication, Fine Arts and Social Sciences
• The Sigma Kappa Delta (SKD) Board of Directors recognized the outstanding chapter advisor service of four faculty members from the Department of English and Philosophy. Professor of English Dr. Jonizo Cain-Calloway, Associate Professor of English Sara Kaplan, Stone Writing Center Assistant Instructor Kate Kennedy and Associate Professor of English Dr. Kent Lenz faithfully sponsored the Epsilon Beta Chapter of SKD for five consecutive years. Sigma Kappa Delta is an English Honor Society for two-year colleges, and Del Mar College thanks these faculty advisors for their commitment to the chapter and student members.

Division of STEM, Kinesiology and Education
• Natural Sciences Department Biotechnology students Charley Garrett and Jonathan Vera each received a Student Award for Excellence for their poster presentations on bio-manufacturing during the 2021 National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Conference, “Broadening Impact Through Impact,” held in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges Oct. 18-22 as a virtual event. The conference brought together online more than 850 NSF ATE grantees and their project partners to focus on the critical issues related to advanced technological education. Conference participants represented community colleges, business and industry, secondary school systems and four-year colleges covering projects in a wide variety of areas such as information technology, engineering technology, micro- and nanotechnologies, chemical technology, biotechnology and others. Student poster sessions presented during the conference by DMC students Garrett and Vera were “Monoclonal Antibody Analysis: Utilizing an Affinity Column to Profile Glycoforms” and “Evaluation of Monocyte-Derived Macrophages (MDM) to Study Effects of Snake Venoms on Immune Response,” respectively.


Division of Industry and Public Service
• The Diesel Applied Technology Program with the Architecture, Aviation and Automotive Department received Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) Foundation accreditation in March 2021 for the program’s Associate in Applied Science degree in Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technician. The AED Foundation’s overall mission is to provide professional education and workforce development services for the construction equipment industry. Del Mar College joined South Plains College in Levelland as the AED Foundation’s second accredited college program in Texas. To read the March 22 announcement, click here.

• The Public Service Department’s Fire Science Program reported another banner year with students receiving a 100% pass on the Texas Commission on Fire Protection state exam. The students were cadets from the Corpus Christi Fire Department 42A Academy.


Office of Planning and Institutional Effectiveness
• Carlos Garanzuay, Manager of Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment, led a presentation during the Texas Association for Higher Education Assessment (TxAHEA) Conference in September 2021 titled “From the Ground Up: A Simple Comprehensive Approach to Developing a Strategic Plan.”

• Director of Institutional Research Sushil Pallemoni and Dr. Sydney Saumby, Director of Accreditation and Assessment, completed The Management Incubator Program, hosted by Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business in September 2021.

• Associate Vice President for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Kristina Ramirez Wilson was elected to serve on the Board Directors of The Purple Door for a term from January 2022 through December 2023. The mission of The Purple Door is to empower the community and those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault to transition to a safe and healthy environment.

During their Nov. 9 regular meeting, the Board of Regents recognized several individuals as well as the generosity of a foundation, including Texas State Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa personally recognizing former Regent Elva Estrada; Del Mar College (DMC) employees Beverly Cage, Alan Berecka, Dr. Charles “Chip” Campbell, Janet Kamps and Kiwana Denson; and the Tres Grace Family Foundation.

Texas Legislature Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa (District 20) attended the November Board meeting to praise the dedication of former Regent Elva Estrada, who represented the District 3 seat on the DMC Board of Regents for 14 years. Sen. Hinojosa submitted Resolution #288 and the Texas Senate passed the special recognition honoring Estrada’s service to the College and education in general throughout the Coastal Bend. Rather than read the resolution, Sen. Hinojosa said he would speak from the heart and noted that “Del Mar College has had the most amazing growth and plays a key role in our economy. Education is the best thing that we have in society, and Regent Estrada was the epitome of representing education.” He noted her 33 years of service as a teacher, principal and other roles within education. He noted that Estrada understood all levels of education and had a significant impact on Del Mar College. While former Regent Estrada could not attend the recognition, her husband Moses and daughter Laura did and expressed both their and Estrada’s appreciation for the recognition and support of DMC leadership and the Board of Regents. Board Chair Carol A. Scott ended the recognition by noting to Estrada, who watched the recognition online, “Your shoes are very big to fill, and we promise to do our best to do the work as you would have us do it.” Thank you, Sen. Hinojosa, for recognizing former Regent Estrada’s hard work and dedication to education! And, thank you, Regent Estrada, for your service to Del Mar College! To read about former Regent Estrada, go to vikingnews.delmar.edu/dmc-board-of-regents-accepts-resignation-of-district-3-regent-elva-estrada/.

Beverly Cage, Director of DMC Student Leadership and Campus Life with Student Engagement and Retention, was named Vice President of Membership for the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education (TABPHE) as well as a Co-Chair of the Student Committee with Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Since 1973, TABPHE has been a dynamic organization, and Cage has been a member for the past 10 years and has served in various roles. While TABPHE is an organization that provides professional development for faculty and staff, most importantly members recruit African American students into higher education and help them enter the workforce successfully. Thank you, Beverly, for your leadership and dedication to members of TABPHE and students!

Alan Berecka, Professor of Learning Resources and Reference Librarian, has a new poetry collection titled A Living is Not a Life: A Working Title, published by Black Spruce Press located in Brooklyn, NY. The collection describes Berecka’s varied work experiences over the years, including baling hay; working as a garbage man, telephone operator and teaching fellow in the English Department at the University of North Texas and being a librarian. The collection also features poems similar to thought exercises and writings regarding the concept of work as explored through poems about his parents’ jobs. Berecka has a dedicated history of organizing poetry readings, open mic activities and a series of on- and off-campus poetry events. In 2017, he was named the first Poet Laureate of Corpus Christi, and he has chapbooks and four other published collections: The Comic Flaw, Remembering the Body, With Our Baggage and The Hamlet of Stittville. Poetry readers can acquire Berecka’s newest collection, A Living is Not a Life: A Working Title, through Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Congratulations, Alan, on your latest published collection!

Business Administration and Entrepreneurship Department Chair Dr. Charles “Chip” Campbell has been appointed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to serve on their Texas Transfer Advisory Committee (TTAC) Discipline Specific Subcommittee on Business Administration. The three-year appointment began in October and runs through Aug. 31, 2024. Dr. Campbell will aid with the development of the Texas Transfer Field of Study Curriculum for Business Administration. The subcommittee is comprised of 40 faculty members with equal representation from community colleges and public universities as well as two members from the TTAC and equal representation from the sectors. The charge of the subcommittee is to use a data-informed approach to support transfer students from community colleges, specifically maximizing course applicability to a university major when they transfer. Dr. Campbell’s expertise in the discipline will further the development of an effective system of transferable courses among Texas’ public higher education institutions. Congratulations, Dr. Campbell, on your THECB appointment!

Janet Kamps, Director of eLearning, has been appointed to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Learning Technology Advisory Committee (LTAC), currently effective through Aug. 31, 2024 for a three-year term. The committee serves as a forum for problem-solving and generating ideas to improve digital learning in higher education that reflect the goals of the Coordinating Board’s 60x30TX strategic plan. LTAC has 23 voting members and one non-voting student member who represent diverse institutions from across Texas and serve in a variety of leadership capacities related to learning technology. The committee meets four to six times each year as a full committee and sporadically as workgroups that address specialty projects. Kamps’ experience and heightened awareness of digital learning will lend invaluable expertise to the committee. We’re Viking Proud of your appointment, Janet!

Director of Strategic Initiatives Kiwana Denson was recognized by The Bend: Coastal Bend Life magazine as Humanitarian of the Year for her voluntary educational work about water safety, her and her husband Terry’s establishment of the Je’Sani Smith Foundation and her advocacy for legislation focused on water safety that passed during the 87th Texas Legislative Session with the help of legislators Rep. Todd Hunter and Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa to enforce mandates on the use of lifeguards and informational signs to improve safety on public beaches. The October 2021 issue of The Bend shares Denson’s work to honor her son Je’Sani, who drowned in 2019 at Whitecap Beach after being swept away by a rip current. She has preserved and honored the memory of her son by providing education and awareness about rip currents and water safety through billboards, mini beach safety awareness events and appearances among local news media, and her efforts locally and statewide have undeniably saved lives. Use the following link to read The Bend magazine article on their website: www.thebendmag.com/2021/09/30/369201/her-kiwana-denson. Thank you, Kiwana, for what you have accomplished to save lives in honor of your son Je’Sani!

The Tres Grace Family Foundation awarded the Harmon Dobson Legacy Award for the first time to Del Mar College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology Program with the Department of Architecture, Aviation and Automotive, along with a $50,000 check. A family-led foundation by the children of the founders of Whataburger, the Tres Grace Family Foundation was established in 2019 to honor the spirit of the late Grace W. Dobson. Her legacy of generosity during her lifetime is carried on through this foundation dedicated to improving communities by supporting programs that provide hope and empowerment, create a positive and lasting impact and help people build better lives. Applying for a Tres Grace Family Foundation grant is by invitation only with the foundation focused on the areas of Education and Health & Human Services. The Aviation Maintenance Technology Program was recognized for its exceptional ability to address the workforce needs of the aviation industry, including the graduation rate and student pass rate of the Federal Aviation Administration A&P (Airframe and Power Plant) examination with 100% placement of graduates into the workforce. Learn more about the foundation at www.tresgraceff.org/. Thank you to the Tres Grace Family Foundation for your support of Del Mar College, and Congratulations to the Aviation Maintenance Technology Program for a job well-done in preparing students for the workforce!

ACCOLADES

• With four tournaments already  in their rear-view mirror this fall, the Del Mar College Vocal Vikings speech and debate team participated virtually in the Bayou City Speech Tournament and Texas Intercollegiate Forensics Association competition recently. Over 160 students from 13 other colleges and universities vied for top awards during these tournaments. Journalism major Nichaela Shaheen won two third-place awards and one fourth-place award in the Poetry Category while Speech major Emily Rivas competed in the Informative Speaking Category and brought home two fifth-place awards and one sixth-place award. Additionally, Rivas tied with teammate and Speech major Gabbie Vela for the Top Novice in Poetry Category. Other Vocal Vikings who participated virtually included Speech majors Alden Sparrow and Mary Gaczewski. Sarah Contreras, Professor of Speech with the Department of Communications, Languages and Reading, is the Vocal Vikings’ advisor. The team has competed virtually since March 2020. However, the College’s forensics team plans to attend the Off Broadway Swing in New York City this December, which will be their first face-to-face competition in 21 months. 

Board of Regent member Dr. Laurie Turner, who represents District 4, was selected as Texas History Teacher of the Year by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Corpus Christi Chapter. Dr. Turner teaches U.S. History with the Gregory-Portland Independent School District. The Texas Society of DAR has over 200 chapters across the state, and as a national organization, DAR is the oldest women’s service organization that was founded in 1890. Membership in DAR is open to any woman age 18 or older who can prove lineal bloodline descent from an ancestor who served the cause of American Independence. Education is an important aspect of the organization at all levels, and the Corpus Christi Chapter supports all area schools through their ROTC awards, American History and Christopher Columbus Essay Contests and the DAR Good Citizens Program, among other community efforts. Congratulations on your recognition, Dr. Turner!

John Hornsby, Director of the DMC Regional Police Academy and Instructor of Law Enforcement with the Public Service Department, was recognized for writing the synopses used to clarify and explain several changes brought about by the 87th Legislative Session as presented by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) during their legislative update. Dedicated professionals and members of the TCOLE Legislative Update Curriculum Committee include Hornsby, active state and local peace officers, a regional law enforcement trainer, a retired police chief, an attorney from the Texas District and County Attorneys’ Association and TCOLE officials. Hornsby contributed his knowledge and expertise to collaborate with the committee and write a summary of selected court cases and changes to Texas’ criminal laws that were enacted by the 87th legislative session. The 45-page summary is the curriculum course guide for law enforcement instructors to use statewide in developing their lesson plans to teach the legislative update course. This legislative update course is required for all Texas Peace Officers and necessary for them to stay versed on current laws. Thank You, John, for representing Del Mar College and contributing to this very important committee!

Lisa Leal-Garcia, Student Engagement and Retention Services Coordinator, received the 2020-2021 Circle of Pride Award from the College’s Exempt Employee Council. The award recognizes Leal-Garcia for going above and beyond the scope of responsibilities and duties of her job. She was nominated for the award based on her commitment to students as part of her regular duties, along with taking on additional tasks while stepping up during the campus closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Council also recognized her volunteer work covering cross-training with Retention Services during the fall and spring registration periods as well as managing the Viking Food Pantry. Those duties were in addition to Leal-Garcia’s regular roles of managing student conduct issues, faculty consultations and other daily duties. Congratulations and "Thank You" for going far beyond your duties for DMC’s students and the campus community!

Leticia Wilson, Director of Advising Initiatives with the Student Affairs Division, was appointed to the NACADA, (National Academic Advising Association) Administrators’ Institute Advisory Board, a two-year commitment to advise NACADA’s executives on strategies and activities for providing services to the Association’s membership and for organizational operations related to the Administrator’s Institute and Advising Seminar. As a member of the NACADA board, Wilson will represent the students’ voice, the two-year community college voice and the DMC Vikings at the global level. Congratulatons, Leticia! We know you'll make us VIKING PROUD!

During the September regular monthly meeting, the Board of Regents recognized five individuals for their appointments and accomplishments, including Benita Flores-Muñoz, Raul Garcia, Joseph Ruiz, David Barrera and Kiwana Denson.

• Professor and Program Director of Child Development/Early Childhood Benita Flores-Muñoz was honored in August as the 2021 recipient of Del Mar College’s Dr. Aileen Creighton Award for Teaching Excellence. Flores-Muñoz is the 20th recipient to receive the prestigious faculty award. The award serves to honor those faculty who meet the benchmark set by Dr. Creighton as a master teacher. Flores-Muñoz is an alumna of the College’s Early Childhood Program and became a full-time faculty member with DMC in 2004. Read the full news release recognizing Flores-Muñoz as this year’s Creighton Award recipient by clicking here. Congratulations, Benita!

• Raul Garcia, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s (THECB) Community and Technical Colleges Formula Advisory Committee. The THECB advisory committee is charged with providing advice and recommendations regarding a set of formulas that provide appropriate funding levels and financial incentives necessary to best achieve the goals of the state’s higher education plan. Committee membership encompasses Texas public community, state and technical colleges, general academic institutions and health-related institutions. Garcia was praised as much for his expertise as for his good old-fashioned hard work and noted for his capability to take on the microlevel of work needed to understand the state’s financing structure for Texas institutions that fall under the charge of this committee. Way to go, Vice President Garcia!

• Congratulations goes to Financial Aid Services Director Joseph Ruiz for a three-year appointment to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s (THECB) Financial Aid Advisory Committee. The THECB advisory committee was created to provide advice and recommendations regarding development, implementation and evaluation of state financial aid programs for college students and to assist in development of training materials for the Center for Financial Aid Information and other sources providing information about financial aid opportunities for Texas students, including eligibility requirements and procedures for applying for financial aid. Additionally, the committee reviews state financial aid program policies and procedures, along with the collection, use and reporting of data and identifies areas of research for consideration. During the DMC Board meeting, Ruiz noted that he was ready to “roll up my sleeves to work for our students.”

• Project SENDA Director David Barrera, Jr. has been appointed for a two-year term on the state Board of Directors of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (TACHE) as the South Region Representative. TACHE’s South Region includes chapters at Del Mar College and Laredo College with the professional association committed to improving educational and employment opportunities for Chicanos in higher education, including articulating educational problems, needs and issues through advocacy at the local, regional and state levels. TACHE membership also encompasses networking, Chicano student recruitment and retention and cultural promotion on campus and among the communities that chapter institutions serve. Thank you, David, for representing our region and Del Mar College!

• City of Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo nominated Kiwana Denson, Director of Strategic Initiatives, to represent higher education as an appointee to the Board of Directors of Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend. The Board represents the public throughout an 11-county region. Fifty-one percent of Board members come from private industry while the remaining members represent education, economic development, literacy and other local service agencies. Denson served as DMC project manager on the industrial side of Gulf Coast Growth Ventures and, along with her team, delivered safety and leadership training to multiple industry leaders throughout this entire area as part of the construction of the $9 billion facility. She brings to the Workforce Solutions Board her extensive knowledge from working with businesses and industry, providing training solutions and training programs that support economic prosperity. Congratulations, Kiwana, on your appointment and representation of higher education!

ACCOLADES

Additional “Kudos” go to DMC faculty and staff. The following individuals’ accomplishments were included in the “DMC Update” newsletter for September.

DMC Advising Efforts Get Recognized

Del Mar College’s advisors had a busy 2021, earning recognitions and participating in events held by the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA). Leonor Crumley, Instructor of Medical Laboratory Technology, earned NACADA’s Certificate of Merit of the Outstanding New Advising Award - Faculty Academic Advising. Director of Advising Initiatives Leticia Wilson was selected to serve on NACADA’s Administrators Institute Advisory Board, which advises NACADA’s executives on strategies and activities for providing services to its membership. Additionally, Wilson will team up with Texas State University’s Dr. Terrance McClain to deliver a presentation, “Don't Cancel Your Event! Best Practices for Virtual Event Planning,” at NACADA’s October conference in Cincinnati.

Admissions Director Recognized by Corpus Christi Under 40

In June, Director of Admissions Sara King was recognized by Corpus Christi Under 40 (CCU40), an organization founded by the Young Professionals of the Coastal Bend. King was among 30 area professionals honored for making a difference in Coastal Bend fields such as business, education, health care and a multiple of other disciplines. Starting in 2006, CCU40 honors the accomplishments of men and women under age 40 who have made significant contributions to their professional fields and through service in the community.

DMC Professor’s Poetry Gets Published 

A collection of poetry written by Alan Berecka, Professor and Reference Librarian with DMC Learning Resources, was recently published by Black Spruce Press in Brooklyn, NY. A Living Is Not a Life: A Working Title explores jobs that Berecka has experienced over the years, including baling hay; working as a garbage man, a telephone operator for Ma Bell and a teaching fellow in the English Department at the University of North Texas; and being a librarian, among other odd jobs. Additionally, the collection includes poems that deal with the concept of work, his parents’ jobs and some that are similar to thought exercises. A Living Is Not a Life: A Working Title is available through Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

Wilson’s TEDx Talk Available on YouTube

Relating workplace interactions to childhood experiences on the playground, Advising Initiatives Director Leticia Wilson gave an informative presentation at the local TEDx Cole Park event this spring. Her presentation, “The Double Dutch Theory: Creating Spaces to Unmute,” is now available on YouTube. Wilson’s talk discussed the ways children learn interaction with their peers on the playground and how those experiences can impart lessons on interacting with their peers in the adult workplace, fostering an inclusive environment. The talk utilizes the intricacies of learning Double Dutch rope jumping as an example of how participants learn etiquette and assertiveness to find their place and voice in various situations.

Wilson, Barrera Speak About Project SENDA During TACHE Conference

Dr. Kristina Ramirez Wilson, Associate Vice President of Planning and Institutional Effectiveness, and Project SENDA Director David Barrera, Jr. presented La senda del exito: Project SENDA at Del Mar during the 46th Annual Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (TACHE) virtual conference in May. Their presentation informed attendees about how this Title V grant was built on the College’s strategic plan, ongoing pathways work and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges reaffirmation of accreditation requirements. Wilson and Barrera also shared lessons learned and key takeaways with the group as the project nears its second year of completion. During the conference, Barrera was also named as a 2021 TACHE Fellow and elected to the association’s state board as the South Region Representative.

During the June regular monthly meeting, the Board of Regents recognized two individuals for their appointments and accomplishments, including Graciela Martinez and Augustin River, Jr.

• Graciela “Gracie” Martinez, Dean of Student Outreach and Enrollment Services, has been appointed to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Texas Transfer Advisory Committee, which is charged with overseeing the new transfer policy framework and advising the Commissioner and the Board on various transfer rules, including oversight of the Field of Study Curricula; recommendations of the Core Curriculum courses and transfer pathways; reviewing and making recommendations to optimize the transferability of credits and increase transfer students’ success within majors; monitoring curricular changes at general academic teaching institutions and student course enrollment patterns; and recommendations regarding the timing and structure of transfer policy-related agency surveys and data collection from institutions of higher education. The TTAC is comprised of 24 members, who serve up to three years, with equal representation from community colleges and general academic teaching institutions.

• Augustin Rivera, Jr., Del Mar College District General Counsel, was nominated and elected to the Board of Directors of the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA) for a three-year term. The At-Large Class that was elected last month will serve through May 2024. Rivera is the only Board member representing a community college from across the nation. With 4,000 members, the NACUA is committed to practicing and promoting the core values of quality, service, civility, collegiality, diversity, inclusiveness and respect. The association’s mission is to advance the effective practice of higher education attorneys for the benefit of the colleges and universities they serve and is organized to provide assistance to higher education attorneys in representing their institutional clients. Congratulations, General Counsel Rivera!

ACCOLADES

In addition to Board of Regents Recognitions, the following departmental student and faculty accomplishments during the last year were included in the June Board packets as “Accolades.”

Department of Allied Health
• Dr. Sharon Dunnivan-Mitchell, Program Director and Assistant Professor of Physical Therapist Assistant, co-authored an article published in the Journal of Service-Learning in Higher Education. The article, titled “Pre-Departure Training Is Essential For Preparing Healthcare Teams For Service-Learning To Resource-Limited Countries,” concludes that pre-departure training prepares healthcare providers for international service, enhances emotional intelligence, improves interprofessional collaboration and promotes more continuously sustainable services.

Department of Communications, Languages and Reading
• Sarah Contreras, Professor of Speech, received the Collie-Taylor Award for the College’s region of the Phi Rho Pi National Forensics Organization. The Collie-Taylor Award is given to the outstanding coach at the National Tournament with students attending this event voting for the award recipient.

Department of Mathematics
• During the Summer 2020, Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters, Mathematics Professor Nader Yassin sent one of his Math-Engineering students, Juan Zambrano, to participate in paid research with the Industrial Engineering Department at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, which included REFLEXME Virtual SRI and a $555 stipend per week. Zambrano was accepted into the university’s BSIE Program with a paid research opportunity that covers all expenses for a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering.

• Additionally, during the Summer 2020 semester, two of Professor Yassin’s Engineering students in ENGR 1201 were involved with an Aeronautical Research project with NASA. They conducted a small rocket launch and documented measurements to write a report about the project.

Department of Music
• Last semester, the Atlantic Harp Duo recorded and released an album that included a composition by Associate Professor of Composition and Theory Dr. Roger Petersen, Naxos and Journey with Dia. The album is called Ariadne Rediviva. Learn more about the album by visiting their web page at https://www.atlanticharpduo.com/discography/ariadne-rediviva/.

• Professor of Music and Pianist Dr. David Sutanto performed Cesar Franck’s “Symphonic Variations for Piano and Orchestra” as a soloist with the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra on March 13, 2021, at the Performing Arts Center on the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi campus.

• As part of the National Band Association’s (NBA) vision, Associate Professor of Concert Band Dr. Abel Saldivar Ramirez has been appointed to a national committee that will study wind band literature as it relates to present day issues of cultural and racial inclusion.

• This year, the South Texas Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) held their voice competition virtually on April 10, 2021. Two DMC Music students won in their respective categories. including Teresa Dehan, a student of Interim Chair of the Music Department and Professor of Music, Voice and Singer’s Theater Cynthia Longoria, winning fourth place and Samuel Benavidez, a student of Professor of Voice Dr. Raphael Rada, winning first place.

• Clarinet student Joel Hernandez, who studies as a private student under Professor of Music Bill Lipman (clarinet and saxophone), was selected as a 2021 Del Mar College Hall of Fame inductee.

• Additionally, Joel Hernandez with the studio of Bill Lipman, along with Damien De La Cruz, who is with Associate Professor of Trombone and Low Brass Dr. Donald Pinson's studio, advanced to the 2021 Texas Community College Band Director’s Association Concerto Competition semi-final round. Finalists will be named very soon. During the competition, Del Mar College had more students participate than any other community college in the state. The Music Department is confident that both students, Hernandez and De La Cruz, will advance to the final round with a winner, or winners, to be named after the final competition.

Department of Social Sciences
• In April, The Washington Post published an article written by Associate Professor of History Dr. Dawson Barrett titled “Thirty years ago, Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’ Rocked the Midwest.” His book, Punks in Peoria: Making a Scene in the American Heartland, is due to be published by the University of Illinois Press this month (June).

• Professor of History Dr. Bryan Stone was named Del Mar College Teacher of the Year for 2020-2021 for the East Campus. He also published an encyclopedia entry: “Edgar Goldberg (1876–1937),” Handbook of Texas Online on the Texas State Historical Association’s website, which can be viewed by going to https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/goldberg-edgar. The entry was published in January 2021.

• Dr. Erinn McComb, Associate Professor of History, published in the Yearbook of Transnational History a chapter titled “Pushbutton Masculinity, Democratic Manhood and Operation Paperclip’s Transnational Transfer of Rocket Technology.”

• Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Teresa Klein published “Campus Carry and Community Colleges.” In P. Somers, & M. Valentine (eds.). Campus Carry: Confronting a Loaded Issue. Harvard Education Press. 2020. Additionally, Dr. Klein holds the following leadership positions:

• Vice President for South Texas, Texas Conference of the American Association of University Professors,
• Vice President for Finance, Texas Association of College Teachers,
• Executive Committee Member, Sierra Club, Lonestar Chapter, which encompasses the entire state of Texas, and
• Member of the Democratic National Committee’s Climate Council Committee.

• The National Community College Hispanic Council selected Dr. Natalie Villarreal, Executive Director of Governmental and Board Relations, to participate in their prestigious Leadership Development Program as one of several Fellows chosen from across the United States. Hosted by the University of San Diego School of Leadership and Education Sciences, the program is designed to develop highly qualified individuals whose career interests focus on responsible leadership positions with the ultimate goal of becoming a community college president. The year-long program features intensive studies and mentorship by experts in the field of community college leadership. Congratulations, Dr. Villarreal!

 • Judge Joe Benavides, Justice of the Peace Pct. 1, Place 1, wrote letters of commendation to Dr. Leonard Rivera, Dean of Continuing Education & Off Campus Programs, and Rachel Benavides, Director of Adult Education and Literacy Instruction, for their support during the Judge’s 2021 staff retreat and workshop. Judge Benavides noted that Dr. Rivera and Benavides ensured his staff were updated with information covering programs and classes intended to assist at-risk populations through high school equivalency classes and other coursework opportunities. The judge’s letter stated, “I want to thank Dr. Rivera for his superior performance and self-dedication in his professional knowledge presented to my staff, which is invaluable. His personal initiative and unswerving devotion are reflected upon himself and DMC.” Kudos to Dr. Rivera and his team for their commitment to the community!

• Newman Wong, Research Associate with the Strategic Planning and Institutional Research Office, was selected to serve as a Texas Success Center Community College Research Fellow. The Texas Success Center leads the Texas Pathways strategy in building capacity in community colleges to design and implement structured academic and career pathways for all students. Del Mar College has been active in the Texas Pathways strategy for the past five years. Through the Research Fellows program, the Center conducts research that creates actionable knowledge to support the redesign of the student experience in alignment with the interests of college practitioners and state policy makers. Research fellows conduct research studies to build the knowledge base concerning Texas Pathways reform efforts, enhance the impact of community colleges’ reform efforts and increase capacities of community-college-focused researchers. Selected fellows also benefit from professional development and mentoring and guidance related to their intended career trajectory. Newman’s term as a Research Fellow began in April and will continue through August 2022. Congratulations!

• The Honorable Sandra L. Watts, Presiding Judge of the 117th District Court in Nueces County, swore-in Del Mar College’s newest Board of Regents member, Regent Bill Kelly, who represents District 3. Judge Watts officiated the formal process in Regent Kelly’s office prior to his officially taking his seat for the virtual April regular meeting. He noted his gratitude for the Board’s confidence in him and selection to serve as a DMC Regent on the College’s Board. Regent Kelly was selected and appointed to the District 3 seat during the Board’s March 19 called meeting. He will complete the current District 3 seat term that runs through 2024. Regent Kelly is an attorney specializing in Family Law litigation and mediation. To read more about him and the appointment, click here. Welcome and Congratulations, Regent Kelly!

• Kudos go to several DMC faculty and staff with different departments and programs, including the Department of Architecture, Aviation and Automotive and its Diesel Applied Technology Program, the Workforce Programs and Corporate Services Division and the DMC Early College Programs Department for their teamwork and commitment toward the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) Foundation’s accreditation of the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technician. (Read the announcement.) The accreditation is only the second in Texas with South Plains College in Levelland holding the first such credential. The Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technician degree and certificate program was initiated over four years ago when local AED members met with DMC officials to address a workforce shortage of technicians in the heavy equipment industry. A Heavy Equipment Advisory Board was formed with DMC division and department representatives and AED and heavy equipment industry members to develop a highly technical and curriculum-rigorous program that addresses both the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and regional and national industry requirements and standards.

The new program was initially launched at Tuloso-Midway High School through the College’s Dual Credit Program, allowing students to earn 12 credit hours in technical courses along with other core classes upon high school graduation. T-M High School students are then able to continue their studies toward completing the Certificate or AAS degree in Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technician through the DMC Diesel Applied Technology Program. These high school students also are offered paid internships with local heavy equipment dealers with the advisory board during summer break between their junior and senior year. Because of this initiative, Tuloso-Midway High School is the first in Texas to receive recognition by the AED Foundation.

Give a round-of-applause to the following DMC employees who contributed to the development and success of the Certificate and Associate in Applied Science degree in Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology and the AED Foundation’s accreditation:

Workforce Programs and Corporate Services Division

• Dan Korus, Dean
• Dara Betz, Director of Workforce and Industrial Credentialing Programs
• Gary Griffith, Workforce Programs Lead Instructor

Department of Architecture, Aviation and Automotive (Diesel Applied Technology Program)

• Davis Merrell, Dean of Industry and Public Service
• Laura Wright, Department Chair
• Pete Carpentier, Professor of Diesel Applied Technology
• Glenn Davis, Instructor of Diesel Applied Technology and Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technician and Tuloso-Midway Dual Credit Instructor
• Kelvin Jones, Associate Professor of Diesel Applied Technology and Program Coordinator

DMC Early College Programs Department

• Bob Montez, Director
• Nicole Kindzirsky, Program Coordinator

• The Texas Library Commission appointed Dean of Learning Resources Cody Gregg to serve a second term on the TexShare Advisory Board, which is charged by statute to advise the Commission about matters related to the TexShare Consortium. Board members include representatives from community colleges, private universities, publicly-funded academic institutions, medical libraries and public libraries, along with two representatives from the general public. The TexShare Consortium encompasses Texas libraries sharing print and electronic materials, purchasing online resources and combining staff expertise to serve their users. Members make e-content––such as electronic databases and e-books, reciprocal borrowing of print materials, a courier service and inter-library loan protocols––available to users. The service is invaluable to many Texas libraries, including Del Mar College, that would struggle to pay for these services without TexShare’s assistance. The TexShare Consortium has grown from 53 members in 1988 to almost 700 members today. Gregg has served as a DMC Dean since 2017 and has over 20 years of management and administrative experience. His insight into instructional technologies, open resource labs, library services and active learning spaces enhance the expansion of Del Mar College’s own library and learning support services. Congratulations, Dean Gregg, for serving on the TexShare Advisory Board for a second term!

• Next Generation Leadership Academy (NGLA) Co-chair Tammy F. McDonald, Vice President of Administration and Human Resources, recognized the hard work that the second class of academy participants accomplished during the past year, especially during the pandemic. The partnership with CIVITAS Learning offers monthly sessions over the course of a year to develop future leaders among faculty and staff invited to participate. The NGLA Class of 2020, which included 21 participants who met online, completed the academy in December with group presentations given to DMC senior leadership that focused on the College’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and how DMC can further improve operations moving forward. McDonald also thanked Leticia Wilson, Director of Advising Initiatives, for her leadership and assistance during the second academy. NGLA graduates include the following:

• Iliana Amaya - Buyer, Purchasing
• Kristie Amparan - Accounting Technician, Accounts Receivable
• Jasmine Anderson - Assistant Registrar
• Matthew Busby - Director of Development
• Monica Cruz - Creative Services Manager, College Relations
• Belinda De La Cruz - Director of Corporate Services
• Katrina Garcia - Director of Payroll
• Christine Gottemoller - Assistant Professor of Political Science
• Sara Greer - Director of IT Web Services
• Jackie Landrum - Budget Analyst
• Lisa Leal Garcia - Coordinator of Student Conduct
• Melissa Longoria Goonan - Coordinator of Tutor Support
• Brittney McMain - Human Resources Coordinator
• Sushil Pallemoni - Director of Institutional Research
• Dorothy Pallotti - STEM Academic Advisor
• Lisa Pollakis - Associate Professor of Hospitality Management
• Nicole Ramon - Student Enrollment Specialist
• Stephanie Robertson Hart - Internet Specialist I
• Juan Saldana - Instructional Designer
• Dr. Sydney Saumby - Accreditation Manager
• Johanna Torres - Lead Counselor
• Kristy Urbick - Assistant Professor of Kinesiology

CONGRATULATIONS to Del Mar College’s NGLA Class of 2020!

• Dr. Cynthia Bridges, Interim Dean of Arts and Sciences, was elected to a three-year term for a second time for a seat on the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) Commission on Community College Accreditation, a three-person team selected by NASM’s 639 members. The Commission assesses self-study and visiting reports to determine institutions’ accreditation eligibility based on NASM standards. In addition to her role on the Commission, Dr. Bridges also serves as an Accreditation Team Chair during site visits as well as a consultant to community colleges seeking NASM accreditation. In Texas, only four community colleges hold NASM accreditation––including Del Mar College, Amarillo College, Lone Star College–Montgomery and Odessa College––out of the 24 community colleges nationwide with the distinction. In fact, Del Mar College was the first community college to receive NASM accreditation in 1948, and the acknowledgement of predominately meeting the same standards as four-year universities provides evidence to constituent students and high schools that the College’s Music Department meets critical standards and objectives to cultivate music educators, performers, composers and sound engineers critically needed for today’s music workforce. Dr. Bridges is a tenured Associate Professor, who has taught at the College for nearly 10 years. Prior to serving as an Interim Dean, she filled the role as Music Department Chair. The department’s next accreditation process through NASM is scheduled for 2022. CONGRATULATIONS, Dr. Bridges, on continuing your service to NASM!

• Dean of Learning Resource Cody Gregg encouraged the Del Mar College community to recognize National Library Week, scheduled April 4-10, and to support online activities organized by DMC Libraries staff. Greeg noted that this year’s theme, “Welcome to Your Library,” celebrates the contributions libraries make across the country by expanding their offerings online to the communities they serve during the pandemic. He read a proclamation declaring National Library Week at Del Mar College and encouraged everyone to participate through DMC Libraries’ Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

• Associate Professor Benita Flores-Muñoz with the Child Development/Early Childhood Program was appointed last fall to serve on the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs. Consisting of eight members who serve three-year terms, commissioners bring demonstrated commitment to early childhood teacher education at higher education institutions; an understanding of program accreditation systems, policy and procedures and professional judgment in making accreditation decisions. The Commission also works with NAEYC staff to develop guidance documents and data gathering instruments necessary to carry out these functions. NAEYC’s higher education accreditation system accredits early childhood programs at the associate, baccalaureate and master’s degree levels that prepare individuals for beginning career roles as early childhood educators. These degree programs must demonstrate excellence by meeting the NAEYC Professional Preparation Standards. There are currently 197 institutions in 40 states with NAEYC-accredited programs, including Del Mar College. As the College’s Program Coordinator of its Child Development/Early Childhood Program, Flores-Muñoz helped lead the process for accreditation in April 2019 of its Associate in Applied Science degree. She has taught at DMC for over 14 years. Read more about Flores-Muñoz’s appointment by clicking here (DMC Viking News).

• Kiwana Denson, Director of Strategic Initiatives in the College’s Office of the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, was recently honored as a “Y Women in Careers” Award recipient for 2021 and inducted into their Hall of Fame. She joined DMC Corporate Services as a Coordinator in 2012, moving up to Customized Training Director, and spearheaded key training programs in partnership with Coastal Bend industries to advance the area’s workforce. More recently, Denson served as Managing Director for safety training at the construction site of the Gulf Coast Growth Ventures (ExxonMobil/SABIC) collaboration. Among awards Denson has received is the GRIT Award for unsung leaders who eliminate barriers, the highest recognition given to any contractor or affiliate of ExxonMobil & SABIC Industries. In April 2019, tragedy struck Denson and her family with the drowning in a rip current near White Cap Beach of her 18-year-old son, Je’Sani Smith. The incident led to her founding the Je’Sani Smith Foundation and Je’Sani Smith Beach Safety Task Force, which has garnered support from City of Corpus Christi and Nueces County officials, the Texas Department of Transportation and state legislators to advocate water safety and rip current awareness not just in the Coastal Bend but across the state to prevent water-related tragedies. Additionally, in partnership with the DMC Foundation, Denson established the Je’Sani Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund for Richard King High School students majoring in welding, art or music at the College. Read about Denson and other 2021 “Y Women in Careers” inductees by clicking here (Corpus Christi Caller-Times’ Jan. 14).

• Dr. Tammy Francis, Assistant Professor of Reading and Faculty Coordinator of Developmental Education, was selected as the College’s 2021 Piper Professor Nominee for consideration by the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation. The DMC Faculty Professional Recognition and Awards Committee, along with Dr. Francis’ peers, made the selection based on her commitment to quality teaching and student success. The Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation will inform 10 recipients by May 2021 and will award a $5,000 honorarium to each honoree for superior teaching at the college level. Additionally, the national Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society recognized Dr. Francis for five years of service as Advisor to Del Mar College’s Gamma Sigma Chapter. PTK expressed gratitude for her support and dedication leading to the success of the local chapter, and the organization’s recognition included an appreciation gift. Congratulations, Dr. Francis, for both honors!

• The Del Mar College Regional Fire Academy with the Public Service Department was recognized for their Spring 2020 above state average first and second attempt pass rates for the Texas Commission on Fire Protection exam. The state average was 60%, and Del Mar College cadets’ pass rates during the COVID-19 pandemic were 73% for first attempt and 87% for the second. Established in 2001, DMC Regional Fire Academy faculty currently plan to modify the course schedule to a one-year program that better reflects community needs in the Coastal Bend. Cadets will finish the fire academy in the fall and then complete their emergency medical training the next semesters to compete the program in spring. Those students who begin the program in the sring will complete their training during the summer.

The College also offers a Dual Credit Fire Academy, which was originally developed for training during students’ junior and senior years. This program will also convert to a one-year curriculum in Fall 2021. To allow Dual Credit cadets to complete fire training their junior year (and over the summer) and then finish their required medical training their senior year. These cadets can then become certified as Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) basic structure firefighters as well as National Registered Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) upon graduation from high school, making these students eligible for hire by one of many fire departments throughout Texas.

October was Disability Awareness Month. The DMC Disability Services Office (DSO) celebrated their seventh annual recognition of College faculty and staff who have actively served students with “disAbilities” and named three employees as “Disability Advocates of the Year.” The honorees include Beverly Cage, Director of Student Leadership and Campus Life; Associate Professor of Chemistry Dan Lindley with the Natural Sciences Department; and Professor of History Brian Hart with the Social Sciences Department.

Each year, the “Disability Advocate of the Year” award program invites students to nominate outstanding faculty and staff who made a positive impact in the lives of DMC accommodated students as well as the campus community. Nominations are then scored by a panel comprised of staff and students. Honorees receive a certificate of appreciation and a disability advocate lapel pin as well as have their name engraved on a plaque that is displayed inside the East Campus DSO workspace.

The following inspiring nomination for Cage as a “Disability Advocate of the Year” award recipient exemplifies the impact and influence faculty and staff provide DMC students:

“To really understand how much Mrs. Cage has impacted my life, I feel I must be completely transparent and put myself out there. After graduating from Del Mar's Vocational nursing program in the Fall of 2004, I fell ill and ended up in a wheelchair. After about a year of being confined to a wheelchair and rehab, I was able to walk again with the use of a cane. With my health as it was, I could no longer work as a pediatric nurse and had to rethink my career path. All these life experience robbed me of the person I once was. By the time I returned to Del Mar in the Summer of 2018, I was lost, broken, and withdrawn. I heard about SGA and reached out to Mrs. Cage. Upon meeting her for the first time, she informed me about SGA and other clubs. She invited me to return in the Fall when SGA would be starting their meetings and the rest of the clubs would be recruiting. I remember leaving her office and feeling a spark of hope. I felt that for the first time someone saw me beyond my disability. I returned to her office in the Fall of 2018 and became involved with SGA. Since then she has continued to play a large part in my success at Del Mar and continues to be an active mentor in my life. Currently, she is my advisor as SGA President. She continues to impact my life more than I can ever put into words. She has helped me find the confidence and pride I had lost and has helped mold me into the leader that I am today. She continues to give me the positive reinforcement I need to stay motivated and the push I need to keep moving forward. I know that without her advice and encouragement, I would not have reached the success and accomplishments that I have today. I went from being a shell of a human being to helping reestablish and being President of Safe Space, President of SGA, Vice-President of PTK and the Ambassadors, a board Member of the Mosaic Project of South Texas, a member of the Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation Advisory Board, a National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Connections facilitator and NAMI Instructor. As hard as it is to be this open, it is a small price to pay for all that she has given me. I hope that other students can find the kind of mentor and role-model that she has been in my life.”

Congratulations to this year’s recipients for their 2020 “Disability Advocate of the Year” Awards!

• Dr. John Robert “Rob” Hatherill, Professor of Biology with the Natural Sciences Department, received the U.S. Presidential Award in Excellence in Scientific, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring for 2020. The announcement was made in August, and Dr. Hatherill was one of 13 individuals across the country and one of two in Texas to receive the prestigious national award. In collaboration with colleague Dr. Daiyuan “Daisy” Zhang, Associate Professor of Biotechnology, the team continues to build the College’s biosciences programs and student success. Read more about this accomplishment by clicking here. Way to go, Dr. Hatherill!

• Del Mar College’s 2020 Dr. Aileen Creighton Award for Teaching Excellence was virtually presented to Professor of American Sign Language and Interpreting Dr. Lucy James with the Human Sciences and Education Department as part of Fall Convocation. The coveted faculty award honors recipients as “master teachers” who emulate the benchmark set by its namesake. With a 16-year portfolio of teaching at the College, Dr. James noted that “having the opportunity to teach students about the language [ASL], culture and skills needed to work as an interpreter has been the only task that I enjoyed more than actually providing interpreting services myself.” Read about Dr. James and watch her acceptance video as the 19th recipient of the Creighton Award by clicking here. Congratulations Dr. James!

• The DMC Exempt Council announced in August that Melissa Rollins, Retention Case Manager with the College’s Retention Services, is the 2019-2020 recipient of the Circle of Pride Award for an Exempt Employee. The award recognizes Rollins going above and beyond the scope of responsibilities and duties of her job. Rollins was nominated for the award based on her commitment to students as part of her regular duties, along with additional tasks she performs that support the College’s reaccreditation process through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges Reaffirmation. Additionally, she is recognized for her volunteer work supporting food drives, serving on various campus committees and collaborating with departments in support of students, programs and the community. Read more about Rollins and her contributions by clicking here. Thank you, Melissa, for your dedication to DMC!

• The Nonexempt Employees Advisory Council announced Mary Cruz, PBX Operations/Mail Services Supervisor, as their 2019-2020 Circle of Pride Award for a Nonexempt Employee. Cruz was recognized for her tireless commitment to Del Mar College students, along with keeping the College operator and mail services running even during inclement weather. Additionally, Cruz was noted for always keeping up with student-related information to effectively serve them and for guiding discouraged students through the step-by-step registration process. She remains on the phone with students and assists them during busy times when reaching other service offices is difficult. Cruz epitomizes the College’s mission to ensure student success, and she is considered an “unsung hero” who demonstrates outstanding commitment and professionalism in all that she does. Congratulations and “Thank You,” Maria, for your commitment to Del Mar College students!

The Del Mar College Exempt Council announced that Melissa Rollins, Retention Case Manager with DMC Retention Services, is the 2019-2020 recipient of the Circle of Pride Award. The award recognizes Rollins going above and beyond the scope of responsibilities and duties of her job.

Rollins was nominated for the award based on her commitment to students as part of her regular duties, along with additional tasks she performs that support the College’s reaccreditation process through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges Reaffirmation. Additionally, she is recognized for her volunteer work supporting food drives, serving on various campus committees and collaborating with departments in support of students, programs and the community. 

Student success is a priority for Rollins, and students who have been referred to her for guidance expressed appreciation for her work and dedicated time supporting their academic needs and concerns. Faculty also have commended Rollins for her student engagement, moving them though the initial phase of starting college to successful completion.

In February 2020, she was asked to provide support on the Faculty Credentials Initiative Report of the College’s SACS Reaffirmation process, which involved the audit of over 600 faculty files. She willingly accepted the challenge and has demonstrated her dedication and continued work with the Office of the Vice President and Chief Academic Officer (CAO) and academic deans on the second phase of this arduous project without interrupting her first priority and role to guide students.

Rollins also volunteers her time supporting other institutional projects such as food drives for students, serving on varied committees, focusing on the mental health wellness of her students and other initiatives helping the community.

Employees with the CAO team made the nomination and said the following about Rollins’ work supporting the College’s reaccreditation and dedication to students (shortened submittal):

Her detailed work was conducted around her schedule with students; thus, she worked double-duty assignments to produce an accurate, solid audit report. The SACS Review Team’s evaluation of the Faculty Credentials Report was a successful outcome, and Ms. Rollins’ audit report was instrumental and effective in reaching this successful outcome for the College. Rollins’ work on this institutional project and her daily work with her students are evident of her dedication, support and love for this College. Her work ethic is commendable and exemplifies a true professional employee who willingly dedicates her time to enhance this institution in many ways. I am sincerely and eternally grateful for her work on the institutional project and for working on our team. Del Mar College needs more employees like Rollins with the professionalism, skillset, work ethic, dedication, and love for this institution she brings.

• The Board of Regents unanimously approved the distinguished title of “Professor Emeritus” to Dr. Barbara Craig, retired English Professor of the College’s Department of English and Philosophy. During her 37 years with Del Mar College, Dr. Craig provided exceptionally notable contributions, dedication and service to DMC students, the institution and the community, even at the international level. After earning her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in English, Education & Communication from Ohio University in 1981, Dr. Craig joined the DMC faculty full-time and retired in 2018 as a tenured professor. As a life-long learner who participated in numerous national conferences to expand her own teaching skills, Dr. Craig incorporated into the classroom the benefits of what she learned whether from presenting her own professional research or what she learned from others. Always an advocate for student success, she was instrumental in the inclusion of part-time students for consideration of scholarships and the College’s Outstanding Student Awards. Dr. Craig’s extensive list of recognitions and accomplishments includes receiving the College’s 2012 Dr. Aileen Creighton Award for Teaching Excellence, making her the eleventh recipient of this prestigious recognition. Beginning in 2008, she was nominated multiple semesters as DMC Teacher of the Year and was named in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 1998 and 2005. She is credited with creating curriculum for developmental education courses, developing the popular Portrayal of Women in Literature course and facilitating healthy living by offering the “Quick Fixes for Stress” workshops for both DMC students and employees, among her extensive contributions to Del `Mar College. Her service beyond the campus includes establishing Grace Community Libraries in nine rural locations in Ghana, touching the lives of village children through books. Dr. Craig established a legacy at Del Mar College through her mentorship of students and faculty, innovative teaching methods, involvement with College and professional affiliate activities and her generosity outside the campus community. Today, she continues her service supporting “student success” by helping potential future DMC students through her current volunteer work with Street Book and the Early Readers Program.

• Music Department students were recognized and congratulated on earning positions with the Texas Community College Band Directors Association (TCCBDA) 2020 All-State Symphonic Band. The six students inclu de Rudy Benjamin Camareno (Trombone), Gerald Espejo (Clarinet), Manuel Jasso (French Horn), Eric Heatherley Oboe), Joel Hernandez (Clarinet) and Joseph Salinas (Euphonium). Additionally, Hernandez is the winner of the TCCBDA’s Concerto Competition and will play as the featured guest soloist during the Texas Music Educators Association and TCCBDA All-State Band Concert in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center during both associations’ 2020 conference in San Antonio later this month. The six students competed for their positions against other community college music majors from across the state. Special thanks were extended to Dr. Abel Saldivar Ramirez, Associate Professor and Conductor of the DMC Wind Ensemble, along with numerous faculty members who mentor these students. The students’ accomplishments demonstrate their dedication and countless hours of practice. To read a full news release about Hernandez, click here.

• Two DMC administrative staff and one faculty member who recently earned their Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degrees were recognized for their hard work and accomplishments. Dr. Dan Fischer, Director of Counseling, Disability & Retention Services earned an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from Northcentral University while both Assistant Professor of Learning Resources Lisa Muilenburg and Natalie Villarreal, Director of External & Board Relations, earned an Ed.D. in Community College Leadership. Dr. Muilenburg received her degree from National American University, and Dr. Villarreal earned her degree from Kansas State University.

• Vice President of Workforce Development and Strategic Initiatives Lenora Keas recognized Dara Betz, a DMC Corporate Services Director and Reserve U.S. Army Major, who collaborated with the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation (CCREDC) and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence & Innovation during a national Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV or drone) convention in Las Vegas. Betz was invited to attend the 2019 Commercial UAV Expo of the Americas to represent the College. The Expo is the leading tradeshow and conference focusing on the integration and operation of commercial UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) with more exhibitors than any other commercial drone event in the country. The Expo represents industries covering process, power and utilities, civil infrastructure, construction, aggregates in mining, surveying and mapping, public safety and security as well as precision agriculture. Betz’s extensive knowledge and expertise in UAVs, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and other related fields and technology has moved these fields forward in the community and the programs offered by the College, putting DMC on the cutting edge of training the workforce for these areas.

• Laura Wright, Technology Education Department Chair and Assistant Professor of Architecture/Drafting Technology, shared with Board members that four Architectural Design III students–Olivia Cavazos, Nickolas Garcia, Diego Diaz and Timothy Tipparach–participated in the Texas Society of Architects (TSA) Student Design Competition in October and performed very well. The DMC students’ participation marked the first time a community college has competed in the TSA event, which also included Rice University, Texas Tech University, Texas A&M University in College Station and the University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA). While UTSA won the competition, jurors praised the work of the DMC team, which addressed the architectural needs of communities facing potential storms like Hurricane Harvey, including:

             • Del Mar College was the only team that addressed the humanity aspect of the project.
             • Del Mar College had the best presentation.
             • Del Mar College was the only team that provided a real, current solution addressing architectural resiliency for
                the duration and aftermath of a storm.
             • The Del Mar College team showed quite a lot of impressive work for a short, 48-hour design charrette.

View remarks by DMC Architectural Design III students Nickolas Garcia and Diego Diaz about their experience as TSA Student Design Competition contenders:

• The Board of Regents awarded the title of “Professor Emeritus” to Del Mar College alumna and retired faculty member Carolyn M. Mauck and recognized her 34 years of service to DMC students and the Kinesiology Department. In 2014, Mauck was named the College’s 13th recipient of the faculty-coveted Dr. Aileen Creighton Award for Teaching Excellence named after its namesake, Dean Emeritus of Arts and Sciences Dr. Aileen Creighton, who set the benchmark that recipients must emulate to receive the prestigious recognition. During her tenure, Mauck developed several courses, along with teaching over 10 different activity and lecture courses, demonstrating her range and diversity of expertise while also emphasizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Her credits also include serving on College and community committees as a member and chair as well as providing leadership in several organizations, including the Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (TAHPERD); the Southern District of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD); and the American Heart Association. She served as TAHPERD’s 74th President in 2003 and received the association’s David K. Brace Award, which is the highest honor a member can receive. She is also the recipient of the Southern District of AAHPERD’s Honor Award.

• As part of recognitions, DMC Regent Dr. Nick Adame noted that the College has taken a proactive stance in the health of the community and for the past 11 years has repeatedly helped organize one of the largest citywide health fairs in the Nueces County sponsored by LULAC Council #1 and the Corpus Christi Chapter of the NAACP. He added that part of Council #1’s mission is equal education, housing opportunities, political attainment and healthcare. Keeping in line with their mission, he recognized Del Mar College and Jennifer Sramek, Interim Dean of Business, Health Sciences and Professional Education and Team Del Mar with the LULAC Council #1 Presidential Award for their participation with the 11th Annual Citywide Health Fair. The award states, “Presented to Jennifer Sramek, Interim Dean of Business, Health Sciences and Professional Education and Team Del Mar, co-organizers of the citywide health fair. For your exemplary leadership and vision, you and your team have truly exemplified the tenets of LULAC. LULAC Council #1 will always be grateful for your dedication and hard work. The legacy you and your team help create will live on forever.” Team Del Mar included faculty and staff from the nursing, dental, cosmetology, physical therapist assistant and surgical technology programs. Additionally, staff from the American Sign Language program provided assistance, along with several student volunteers. Planning committee members included Marie Sloan, Aiden Duque, Kristen Wilkerson, Velma Pena, Vangie DeLeon, Sara King, Glenn Madden, Alex Solis, Bob Klepac and Davis Merrell.

• During the District 4 National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR) conference held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Oct. 27-29, College Relations Office staff won Gold (3), Silver (4) and Bronze (1) Medallion Awards. The winning categories include Gold for Television/Video Advertisement (single or series), Gold for Video Shorts (series), Gold for Viewbook, Silver for Communication Success Story or Community Relations Campaign, Silver for Excellence in Writing, Silver for Social Media, Silver for Wild Card and Bronze for Notes/Cards/Invitations (single or series). NCMPR District 4 includes community, junior and technical college membership from Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming. Members compete during awards competition at both the district and national levels. NCMPR provides professional development, resources and networking opportunities among marketing and public relations professionals and is the largest affiliate organization of the American Association of Community Colleges.

• Dr. Bryan Stone, Professor of History with the College’s Social Sciences Department, received the 2019 Dr. Aileen Creighton Award for Teaching Excellence, making him the 18th recipient among Del Mar College’s faculty to receive the honor. The award, established by the College in 2002 in recognition of Dean Emeritus of Arts and Sciences Dr. Aileen Creighton, represents the late educator’s legacy as a “master teacher” during her 41-year career at the College and serves as the benchmark faculty must emulate to receive the Creighton Award. Dr. Stone received the award in front of his peers during Fall Convocation on Aug. 19. Former students describe Dr. Stone as experienced, patient, compassionate, fair, respectful and an inspirational educator. They also note his teaching style reflects demonstrated passion, enthusiasm and an understanding of history that makes learning enjoyable and interesting. Read the full news release about Dr. Stone’s latest accomplishment by “clicking here.”

• Under the direction of Gail Dorn, Associate Professor of Paralegal Studies with the Business Administration Department, the Paralegal Program became the 12th college program in Texas and the only such program south of San Marcos to receive the American Bar Association’s (ABA) approval. The ABA House of Delegates granted the approval in August for a seven-year period on the recommendation by their Standing Committee on Paralegals. The other 11 programs include four in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, five around Houston and one each in the Panhandle and Hill Country. To receive the ABA’s approval, the Paralegal Program produced an extensive compliance document, hosted an on-site visit by ABA representatives and then gained a positive recommendation from the Standing Committee to the House of Delegates. Del Mar College’s program offers an Associate in Applied Science degree as well as an Advanced Technical Certificate. Students graduate with the necessary skills that enable them to obtain and retain employment as paralegals or in a related field or to continue their education toward an advanced degree. To learn more about the College’s Paralegal Program, “click here.”

• The College’s Court Reporting Program in the Business Administration Department received U.S. Legal Support’s first incentive-based scholarship award to Del Mar College thanks to the efforts of Court Reporting Instructor Suzette Weis. The national litigation support company has over 1,000 employees and a network of nearly 5,000 independent court reporting professionals, along with 85 locations around the country. The award is a $1,000 scholarship for each fall and spring semester for one DMC Court Reporting student who demonstrates their dedication to their studies by passing all classes with good attendance and producing a minimum of 160 words per minute on a stenograph machine. The Court Reporting faculty team––including Weis, Associate Professor Dolores Gonzalez and Instructor Robert Sadler––have also scored more resources for program students during the past few months with an annual $500 scholarship provided by Veritex. Additionally, Project Steno has committed to providing eligible students with tuition assistance of $150 per month per student, along with covering their monthly $66 Realtime Coach subscription fee. Acquiring these resources for DMC Court Reporting students demonstrates program faculty commitment to student success. Learn more about the program by “clicking here.”

• Under the leadership of Beverly Cage, Director of Student Leadership and Campus Life with Student Engagement and Retention Services, the College’s chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success was recognized on their nationally advertised 2019 Founder’s List for “best practices” by completing 10 additional Pillars of Success. The society is the nation’s largest leadership honor society with students selected by their college for membership based on either academic standing or leadership potential. The society currently has over one million members nationwide and more than 600 chapters. Since 2011, the Del Mar College Chapter has had 1,934 students inducted into the society and currently has 896 active members. The society provides a step-by-step program for members to build their leadership skills through participation at their campus or online. In addition to the chapter’s award, Cage, who serves as their advisor, received the society’s 2019 Leadership Development Award for providing valuable insights and inspiration to The National Society of Leadership and Success National Advisory Board.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education program named John “JJ” Nelson, Lead Instructor of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Programs with the Computer Science, Engineering and Advanced Technology Department, as their 2019 HI-TEC Educator of the Year. The award recognizes Nelson’s exemplary service to DMC students and throughout the United States in the areas of GIS and UAS. He officially received the award during the High Impact Technology Exchange Conference in St. Louis, Mo., in July. Nelson noted that the recognition represented an “evolution” after having taken his first computer science class at the College at age 45 as a former night club owner, moving through his own education to earn a master’s degree and then teaching at Del Mar College. For his time at DMC, he is credited with organizing the annual GIS Day in November to introduce young minds to the world of technology, its impact on our daily lives and their own educational and career possibilities. The event attracts between 600 and 1,000 young students each year. Read the full news release about Nelson and the NSF award at: bit.ly/2zbXG0P

Melissa Stuive, Assistant Professor and Program Director of the Emergency Medical Services Professionals Program with the Public Safety Education Department, has been named by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) as their 2019 Jones & Bartlett Learning EMS Educator of the Year as part of the association’s National EMS

Awards of Excellence program. Stuive will receive the award during NAEMT’s conference and EMS World’s Expo in New Orleans, La., in October, putting her recognition on the national and world stage. NAEMT is the largest professional association for EMS practitioners in the United States. Educator of the Year Award recipients demonstrate committing to provide high quality, professional education for EMS practitioners; serving as an outstanding role model in the classroom and in the community; effectively mentoring EMS students at all stages of their professional development; introducing and incorporating innovative approaches and tools in the classroom that enhance students' learning experiences; and contributing to the development of quality EMS curriculum. Among Stuive’s credits, she serves on the Education Committee of the Texas Governor's Emergency Trauma Advisory Council, chairs the Education Committee for the Coastal Bend Regional Advisory Council and has written questions for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Additionally, as Program Director, Stuive significantly improved the College’s Paramedic Program pass rate to 100 percent.

The DMC Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which falls under the auspice of the College’s Workforce Programs and Corporate Services Division, received the Eagle Award from the Small Business Association Harlingen District. The award recognizes area partners who most strongly support nomination efforts for National Small Business Week. Local nominations go on to compete at district, regional and national levels. Under the leadership of SBDC Director Ann Fierova, the College’s SBDC submitted three nominations this year with two winning at the district level and then competing regionally. SBDC Certified Business Advisor James “Jamey” Jones nominated Joe Perez with Smoothie King, who won Small Business Person of the Year, while SBDC Rural Program Manager and Certified Business Advisor Celia Garza nominated Max Salinas with Max Underground Construction, LLC, who won Minority Small Business of the Year. Nominations are extremely time-consuming and also supported by other SBDC staff, including Program Coordinator Monica Benavides Stuber, who coordinated nominees’ pictures for the packets. Of receiving the award, Fierova noted, “We intend to do everything we can to keep the Eagle Award in Corpus Christi.” The College’s SBDC serves an 11-county area. To learn more about their services, visit their web pages at: www.delmar.edu/sbdc/index.html

Update: Read the full release about Mac Aipperspach and his career and dedication to education by "clicking here."

• As part of the 68th annual Recognition Ceremony, the College inducted its four newest Hall of Fame honorees, including: Pedro Armando Lopez, business administration major; Troy Nessner, five majors including history, liberal arts Mexican American Studies, political science and sociology; Natasha M. Perez, speech major; and Roslyn Camille Swonke, geology and liberal arts major. A time-honored tradition since 1949, Hall of Fame inductees are selected for their scholarship, leadership and participation in student organizations. Becoming a Hall of Fame inductee is the highest honor for students at Del Mar College with a diverse committee of faculty selecting individuals not only by their Grade Point Average but also by their service to Del Mar and the community. This year’s honorees join the ranks of nearly 410 Hall of Fame inductees who set the bar before them and whose images and listed accomplishments now reside on the first and second floors of the Harvin Student Center on the East Campus. To read a full release that includes each 2019 inductee’s accomplishments, go to https://bit.ly/2U7wdXW.

• During the 49th Texas Junior College Student Government Association’s (TJCSGA) 2019 conference, “A New Kind Of Texas,” DMC Student Government Association (SGA) representatives competed and brought home four awards as follows: first place for Chapter of the Year, Region VI; first place for Region of the Year; second place for Chapter of the Year, State; and third place for Video of the Year, which included poetry and song. TJCSGA includes 72 member colleges from six regions across the state with the DMC SGA a member of Region IV, which includes 13 community colleges. This year’s conference focused on leadership, networking and diversity with members also electing state representatives. During the 2019-2020 academic year, the Del Mar SGA will lead Region VI as well as host fall and spring conferences under the guidance of SGA Advisor Beverly A. Cage, Director of Student Leadership and Campus Life. SGA officers who attended the May Board meeting were Natasha Perez (President), Julia Cruz (Vice President). Roslyn Swonke (Secretary) and Sophia Jimenez (Treasurer). Other SGA officers who were not in attendance of the Board of Regents meeting include Ashley Bryant (Parliamentarian), Tae Evans (Communications Officer), Dylan Lyon (Historian) and Angel Pena (Magistrate).

• The National Community College Hispanic Council selected Dr. Kristina Wilson, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment, to participate in their prestigious Leadership Development Program as one of 24 Fellows chosen from across the United States. Hosted by the University of San Diego School of Leadership and Education Sciences, the program is designed to develop highly qualified individuals whose career interests focus on responsible leadership positions with the ultimate goal of becoming a community college president. Dr. Wilson joined the College’s administration in fall 2017 with 11 years of expertise in higher education assessment and leadership to her credit. Her vast experience plays a pivotal role in ongoing College initiatives regarding program review, assessment of student learning outcomes, pathways reform efforts and institutional effectiveness.

• PracticalNursing.org ranked the Department of Nurse Education’s Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) program at No. 11 out of the 77 college programs in Texas. PricticalNursing.org was created by nursing professionals and educators as a resource to assist individuals with finding the right program in their state to prepare for careers in the nursing field. The organization assesses programs across the country each year. Under the leadership of Nurse Education Department Chair Dr. Vangie DeLeon and Nursing Program Director Dr. Jennifer McWha, Del Mar College’s LVN program scored 97.88 out of 100 possible assessment points. The Nurse Education Department offers a Vocational Nurse Certificate. (Update: The Nurse Education Department’s Registered Nurse program was also ranked at No. 19 in Texas by RNCareers.org. Read a full release about both rankings at https://bit.ly/2Zt3b67)

• Sushil Pallemoni, Director of Institutional Research with Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment, received the Outstanding Professional Practice Award for Best Visual Display of Information from the Texas Association for Institutional Research. Pallemoni’s dashboard, “Degrees & Certificates by Institution and Region,” provides data covering degrees and certificates awarded over a four-year period (2014-2017) by each institution in Texas in a visual and interactive format. The dashboard was created to help Del Mar College administrators view and compare the institution’s trends with other large colleges in the state. “Degrees & Certificates by Institution and Region” also provides visual representation of demographics of students receiving awards. The dashboard has helped several Texas peer institutions view their data and regional totals in a visual format. The “Region & Institution” tab provides total awards given out and trends, along with a bubble chart that displays total awards given out in each of the state’s nine regions. The dashboard provides data in both tabular format and charts so users can view data and corresponding trends for each metric: region, award type and institution. Each element on the dashboard drives the other and allows users to compare and drill down into the data by specific region, award type or school. To view and click through the winning dashboard, visit https://tabsoft.co/2Hx7kQp.

Click on each image below to enlarge.

• The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs awarded accreditation to Del Mar College’s Child Development/Early Childhood Program for its Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. The program is with the Human Sciences and Education Department under the leadership of Departmental Chair and Professor of Child Development/Early Childhood Kristen Wilkerson, along with Associate Professors Dr. Amy Mintz and Benita Flores-Munoz. The accreditation makes the College’s program the 12th in Texas to receive the NAEYC’s nod of approval by meeting their criteria. NAEYC is the sole accreditor of early childhood programs, and their commission provides accreditation at the associate, baccalaureate and master’s degree levels across the United States. (Read the full news release about the program’s NAEYC accreditation at https://bit.ly/2MIgf5Q)

• Leticia J. Wilson, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Embedded Academic Advisor–Biology with Del Mar College’s Natural Sciences Department, received the Texas Academic Advising Network (TEXAAN) 2019 Outstanding Academic Advisor Award. TEXAAN represents academic advising excellence across the state and selects each year’s recipient based on evidence of that individual meeting goals set forth by the organization. The award recognizes an individual whose primary role at their institution is direct delivery of academic advising services to students. TEXAAN supports the professional standards defined by the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) and the core values of academic advising. Wilson joined Del Mar College in May 2012 and provides advising, intervention and transfer information to Natural Sciences STEM-declared majors as well as collaborates with DMC Outreach and Recruitment and the Hispanic Serving Institution STEM Coordinator. She has also shared her expertise on “best practices” in STEM advising with colleagues at the College.

• Augustin Rivera, Jr., General Counsel for the Del Mar College District and President of the Executive Board of the South Texas Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and David Hebert, South Texas Council Service Area Two Field Director, announced the College as the recipient of the Extra Miler Award, which was first presented in January during a banquet held at Camp Karankawa. Hebert thanked Del Mar College for the support the institution and the Board of Regents has provided over the past 10 years with the annual Merit Badge College and other special events. This year marks the South Texas Council’s 100th year with the organization currently serving 4,500 youth in 17 counties. As part of the March 5 announcement, Board members received a Centennial Coin as a token of appreciation.

• Congratulations goes to Leticia J. Wilson, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Embedded Academic Advisor–Biology with Del Mar College’s Natural Sciences Department, for receiving the Texas Academic Advising Network (TEXAAN) 2019 Outstanding Academic Advisor Award. TEXAAN represents academic advising excellence across the state and selects each year’s winner based on evidence of that individual meeting goals set forth by the organization. The award recognizes an individual whose primary role at their institution is direct delivery of academic advising services to students. TEXAAN supports the professional standards defined by the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) and the core values of academic advising. Wilson joined Del Mar College in May 2012 and provides advising, intervention and transfer information to Natural Sciences STEM-declared majors as well as collaborates with DMC Outreach and Recruitment and the Hispanic Serving Institution STEM Coordinator. She has also shared her expertise on “best practices” in STEM advising with colleagues at the College.

Dr. Judi Phillips, Department Chair and Professor of Kinesiology, was selected as Del Mar College’s 2018 recipient of the prestigious Dr. Aileen Creighton Award for Teaching Excellence. Professor Phillips is the 17th faculty member to receive the highly coveted award representing the late educator Dr. Aileen Creighton’s legacy as a “master teacher.” The award serves as the benchmark faculty must emulate to receive the honor. Dr. Phillips’ portfolio includes over 31 years of dedication to teaching at the College. Along with her service to the Texas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (TAHPERD), she is a former recipient of the TAHPERD Honor Award recognizing her accomplishments in her profession and the field of kinesiology. Among other accomplishments, Dr. Phillips began teaching online and served as a part-time instructional designer for Del Mar’s Distance Learning Department. Dr. Phillips expanded her technology skills and designed the department’s webpage, and she currently serves as its web content manager.

During the annual Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (TAHPERD) convention in December, Kristy Urbick, Intramural Director and Kinesiology Instructor, and Gene Power, Professor of Kinesiology, won first place in the professional division of the Research Section. The Department of Kinesiology faculty members’ poster presentation covered their research titled “Movement Screening and Mobility Training in Community College Personal Fitness versus Yoga Courses.” Competition included presenters from Texas A&M University in College Station, The University of Texas, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, Texas Women’s University, both Texas A&M Universities in Corpus Christi and Kingsville, Howard Payne University and Sam Houston State University. Urbick joined the College’s faculty in January 2016 while Professor Power is a tenured faculty member with over 23 years of service at Del Mar College.

Dr. Tammy Donaldson, Assistant Professor of Reading, was elected as Vice President for the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER). Her term as Vice President runs for 2018-2019, and subsequently, she will move to the roles of President­Elect and then President. Dr. Donaldson’s term officially began after the Fall 2018 ALER Conference held in Louisville, Ky., in November. Prior to the event and in preparation for her appointment, Dr. Donaldson attended the Fall Executive Committee and Board of Directors meetings. She joined the faculty in the College’s Department of Communications, Languages and Reading in 2012 and is a tenured Assistant Professor. She also provides leadership as Del Mar’s Faculty Coordinator of Developmental Education.

Congratulations goes to Kathryn Stone, Procurement Specialist with Del Mar College’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). Stone earned the designation of Certified Procurement Professional (CPP) from the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (APTAC) in November 2018 and received her certificate during the association’s fall conference in Washington, DC. CPP is the highest certification awarded by the association. APTAC’s total nationwide membership is 615 with only 59 advisors to date who have attained this level of certification. The certification, along with Stone’s past experience as a Federal Contract Officer, allows DMC’s PTAC to provide services by an expert with knowledge of federal-level subject matter that many other centers cannot provide.

• During the December Board of Regents meeting, Art and Drama Department Chair and Professor Ken Rosier was recognized for being selected as Del Mar College’s 2019 Piper Professor Nominee for consideration of the award by the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation. 
• Additionally, DMC Program Director and Assistant Professor of Emergency Medical Services (EMS)  Melissa Stuive was recognized for her appointment to the Governor’s EMS Trauma Advisory Committee. She will assist to set the standards for Texas EMS and also to promote, develop and advance an accountable, patient-centered Trauma and Emergency Healthcare System.
• Congratulations to Kristy Urbick, instructor and intramural director in the Kinesiology Department, who received the 2018 Emerging Professional Award from the Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (TAHPERD) at the organization’s 95^thannual conference, held Nov. 30 in Galveston. To receive the award, Urbick had to meet the following criteria:
  • Must have been working five (5) or fewer years in the profession since obtaining an undergraduate degree with a major/minor in HPERD.
  • Recognized excellence in professional duties, i.e., teaching, coaching, administration, etc.
  • Leadership and service to the profession to include contributions made to TAHPERD conventions, workshops, and conferences.
  • Contributions made to her/his community.
  • Enthusiastic promotion of the HPERD profession.
  • Must have been a student or professional member of TAHPERD for two years at time of nomination.

Del Mar College’s competitive speech and debate team, the Vocal Vikings, and Sarah Contreras, Professor of Speech in the Department of Communications, Languages and Reading, attended their first speech competition of the academic year at San Jacinto College in Houston. Two of the students won trophies during two tournaments. During the competition, JoeMichael Salinas won a fourth-place trophy twice while Felix Pulido won a sixth-place trophy twice in After Dinner Speaking. Additionally, Natasha Perezwon a fifth-place trophy in Persuasive Speaking. The DMC team who competed against 17 other higher education institutions from across the state included Marcus Cowan, Dorothy Dodson, Kendall Messer, Natasha Perez, Kimberly Porfirio, Felix Pulido and JoeMichael Salinas. Congratulations Vocal Vikings!

• The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council No. 1 held their 22nd Annual Outstanding Community Leaders Awards Banquet on Feb. 22 and named Del Mar College President Mark Escamilla, Ph.D., as their 2018 Academic Achievement Award recipient. Dr. Escamilla was one of eight recipients given different awards whom the Council felt represented “a profound compassion and progressive commitment toward our community now and in the future through their influence and by bringing positive changes, awareness, understanding and acceptance of our many diverse cultures and beliefs” as noted by Dr. Nick Adame, President of LULAC Council No. 1. All eight individuals were recognized for personally exemplifying the principles and values of the organization: “To advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health and civil rights of the Hispanic population of the United States.” Congratulations, Dr. Escamilla, on this latest recognition!

• Congratulations to Del Mar College biotechnology major Danial Nasr Azadani, who submitted a winning poster in the 2018 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Student E-Poster Competition, held in February in Washington, D.C. Danial’s poster, “A Novel Bacteriophage for a Promising Viable Alternative in the Fight Against Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria,” received honorable mention in the Environment and Ecology category. He will be recognized in the AAAS publication, Science, and receive a certificate for his achievement. Danial’s project is the result of an internship collaboration between Del Mar College and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, where he is also a biomedical sciences major.

• One of the most prestigious awards presented to a National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR) member, the Communicator of the Year Award recognizes a two-year college marketing, public relations or communications professional who has demonstrated leadership in the area of college communications and marketing. Melinda Eddleman, Associate Director of Media Relations in the College Relations Office, was named as NCMPR District 4’s Communicator of the Year during their October conference in Dallas. The award is presented annually in each of NCMPR's seven districts, and district winners are then considered for the national award. Spanning a near 20-year career at Del Mar College, her job responsibilities have expanded and so has her team. Eddleman and team members are responsible for everything from creating national news and feature stories to producing social media, website and mobile app content. Eddleman was singled out for 2017 Communicator of the Year award at the district level for utilizing her skill and marketing knowledge to the highest levels.
   
• While attending the NCMPR District 4 conference, Eddleman also picked up seven Medallion Awards that the College Relations Office won during the annual competition. College Relations won four Silver Medallion Awards for Class Schedule (Continuing Education Schedule), Student Handbook (2017-2018 Del Mar College Advising Guide), Brochure (#VikingProud Brochure/Selfie Banner) and Social Media or Online Marketing Campaign (Del Mar College Viking Landing) and three Bronze Medallion Awards for Radio Advertisement (Del Mar College Industrial Trades), Television/Video Advertisement (Del Mar College Industrial Trades) and Excellence in Writing (The Virus Hunters). Medallion Awards recognize outstanding achievement in design and communication at community and technical colleges in District 4, and the competition is the only regional one of its kind that honors excellence exclusively among marketing and public relations professionals at two-year colleges.

• Marty Sepulveda, Scout Executive for the South Texas Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and Program Director David Hebert joined Dr. Leonard Rivera, DMC Dean of Continuing Education & Off-Campus Programs, during the Board of Regents October regular meeting for recognition of more than 200 Boy Scouts attending a Merit Badge College on the West Campus on Sept. 23. The College hosted the event with several DMC programs assisting the Boy Scouts with earning a variety of Merit Badges. Sepulveda thanked Dean Rivera and Dean of Business, Industrial and Public Safety Education Charles McKinny for ensuring the Boy Scouts and Merit Badge College volunteers felt welcome and for working alongside faculty to ensure the Scouts’ learning experiences met the benchmark they were expected to reach to earn their badges. Sepulveda also recognized the College for what the institution does to partner in the community with organizations like the Boy Scouts of America and acknowledged that the College has been a great supporter of the South Texas Council of Boy Scouts by hosting several events. Sepulveda and Hebert then provided each Regent with a Scouting patch with the new Del Mar Viking mascot in appreciation of the College’s partnership.

• Welcome to Del Mar’s two newest administrators including Dr. Kristina Wilson, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment, and Cody Gregg, Dean of Learning Resources, who began work at the College on Oct. 2. Dr. Wilson has 11 years of expertise in higher education assessment and leadership. Her vast experience will play a pivotal role in ongoing College initiatives regarding program review, assessment of student learning outcomes, pathways reform efforts and institutional effectiveness. She served as Associate Dean of Curriculum and Student Learning at South Texas College before coming to Del Mar. Gregg brings over 20 years of experience in management and administrative positions including instructional technologies, open resource labs, library services and active learning spaces. He looks forward to providing direction in the expansion of library and learning support services. Prior to coming to Del Mar College, Gregg served as Dean of Learning and Support Services at South Texas College.

• Congratulations to Interim Chief Financial Officer Dr. Cathy West, Comptroller John Johnson and the Institutional Research staff for receiving the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2016. The recognition marks the sixth time the GFOA has awarded the College such high marks for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The award is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting and represents open disclosure and transparency for the College’s accounting practices.

• Kudos goes to Mary McQueen, Executive Director of Development and the DMC Foundation, and her team for another successful “Stringers for Scholarships” Fishing Tournament to raise more funds for Del Mar College students. Held June 16-17, the fourth annual scholarship fundraiser was a collaboration between the Foundation and LNV, Inc., at Marker 37. The two-day event attracted 49 teams and raised $40,000 to assist our students with realizing their dreams.

• On July 18, the Del Mar College Foundation accepted a $51,000 donation from Flint Hills Resources in support of several initiatives. Among those programs receiving funds was the College’s Corpus Christi Prefreshman Engineering Program (CCPREP), which is part of the state-wide TexPREP, and organized by James Shollenberger, CCPREP Director and Assistant Professor of Mathematics, and Nedal Shheber, Assistant Professor of Computer Science. CCPREP received $19,700 for new robot kits that seventh through ninth graders used during this summer’s camp and $20,000 to support the program overall, allowing participants to attend for free. The check presentation was scheduled during CCPREP’s annual media day. Thank you to Flint Hills Resources for their support!

• Congratulations goes to John Rojas, Director of Transportation Training Services, and his team for making Del Mar College a Texas Department of Public Safety Commercial Drivers License (CDL)Third Party Skills Testing Program site. The College is now an approved site for the new initiative to provide CDL examinations onsite on behalf of DPS to move students through the certification process faster. Del Mar’s training program is the first in South Texas to offer the examinations, which means students don’t have to wait an additional four to eight weeks for testing after completing the College’s training program.

• Procurement Specialists Robert Mirabal and Alison Tompkins with the DMC Small Business Development Center’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) presented a government contracting seminar at the Victoria SBDC Center on July 19. The two PTAC staff delivered “The TxHUB and CMBL Program with Application Preparation” to a packed house of 16 attendees representing various small business industries. TxHUB (Texas Historically Underutilized Business) certification and the CMBL (Central Masters Bidders List) are primary vehicles that allow underutilized small businesses to gain a marketing edge while entering the realm of government contracting at the state level. The program is just one of many government certification programs available to small businesses through Del Mar College’s PTAC staff. Thanks for representing the College and serving your clients well! 

• The Leadership Corpus Christi Alumni Association named Dr. Benjamin “Ben” Blanco, Professor of Business with the Business Administration Department, as their 2017 Alumnus of the Year. Dr. Blanco is a graduate of LCC30 and has dedicated countless hours of service to the organization, the community and education. As a DMC faculty member, he was honored by students as Teacher of the Year three times, voted Advisor of the Year and received the Excellence in Teaching Award in 2006 and 2010. He also created and oversaw the College’s Marketing Club that won “Club of the Year” annually. Dr. Blanco currently serves on the board for Junior Achievement and oversees the Disney College Program. He also teaches as an Adjunct Professor at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and e University of the Incarnate Word. For the LCCA, Dr. Blanco has served on ve steering committees, as the LCC30 Board of Governor, on the executive board for three years and presents at opening retreats annually to each new class. Congratulations, Dr. Blanco, for receiving this latest honor!

• Thank you to College Legal Counsel Augustin “Augie” Rivera, Jr. and Board of Regents Sandra Messbarger and Gabriel Rivas III for representing Del Mar College during the Collegiate High School and Harold T. Branch Academy graduation ceremonies. CHS and Branch Academy students accepted the rigorous challenge of taking college credit classes while still in high school. Eighty-two (82) students from both institutions combined graduated rst from Del Mar College on May 12 with degrees or certi cates––in many cases both––before receiving their high school diplomas the following week. Del Mar College congratulates these hardworking graduates and wishes them well on their next endeavor! 

• Congratulations goes to everyone with Workforce Development and Corporate Services for winning second place forthe entry “Del Mar WORKS! Marketing Campaign” during the 2017 Texas Administrators of Continuing Education (TACE) conference in April. e entry was submitted as part of TACE’s Marketing Showcase and highlighted the specialty phone number, 883-WORK, that the division uses to connect customers to a variety of workforce programs and continuing education opportunities o ered by the College. e division frequently updates messaging to connect callers to new programs and classes, and the phone number has been used on varied collaterals ranging from bus wraps, billboards and bags to folders, yers and hard hat shaped stress balls designed by College Relations O ce sta . e competition included 14 entries from community and junior colleges from across Texas with conference participants voting to select the best marketing pieces. 

• Congratulations goes to Jennifer Jimenez, Instructor of Electronic Resources and Reference Librarian, who was selected by the Texas Library Association for the highly competitive Texas Accelerated Library Leaders Institute, popularly known as the TALL Texans Leadership Development Institute. The program recognizes the best of the rising Texas Library leaders and provides advanced leadership in management education for mid-career librarians and library staff. The Texas Library Association has over 10,000 members. Over 200 members apply to the TALL Texan Institute annually. As a member of the TALL Texans Leadership Development Institute Class of 2017, Jimenez was one of 24 individuals selected to study strategic planning, risk-taking, conflict negotiation, persuasion, coaching, ethics, personal career planning and more.

• The new Viking mascot made an appearance during the Board of Regents May regular meeting after “landing” at Del Mar College in April. Executive Director of Strategic Communication and Government Relations Claudia Jackson reported that in 2012 the College began to look at bringing a modern version of the Del Mar College Viking to the institution. Considerable time and research was given to the project with staff working with current, former and future students and alumni to discuss having a spirit symbol and mascot. After Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Rito Silva joined the administration, Viking Mascot Committee was able to bring the mascot to the next level by building the story of the Del Mar College Viking, his attributes, likes and dislikes. Dr. Silva stated that the project was an interesting journey, and they are really thrilled with the final product. He thanked the committee who worked hard to make The Viking happen, including Beverly Cage, Claudia Jackson and her staff Melinda Eddelman and Jay Knioum. In Fall 2017, the College will hold a naming contest for The Viking.

• Claudia Jackson, Executive Director of Strategic Communication and Government Relations with oversight of the College Relations Office, served on the blue-ribbon judging panel with other panelists from the United States, Saudi Arabia and England for the 8th Annual International Brand Master (IBM) Award competition held by Educational Marketing Group, Inc. Jackson was named first runner-up for the award in 2011. The IBM Award is the culmination of a rigorous seven-month competition for top honors among educational marketing professionals from around the world. The prestigious honor is presented annually for exemplary brand-marketing efforts that have achieved outstanding results or recognition on behalf of an educational organization. Jackson’s time and talent as a judge was noted by EMG with this year’s award recipient coming from the University of Calgary in Canada.

• The National Science Foundation and the American Association of Community Colleges announced Del Mar College’s Natural Sciences team among 10 finalists selected from across the country to move to the final round of the third annual Community College Innovation Challenge. The competition focuses on innovation and entrepreneurial thinking and cultivates students’ knowledge and skills in the STEM areas to develop solutions to complex, real-world problems. Under the guidance of Professor of Biology Dr. Rob Hatherill and Associate Professor of Biotechnology Dr. Daisy Zhang with the Natural Sciences Department, Del Mar’s team was selected for their proposal to use viruses to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria and is titled “Slowing Antibiotic Resistance with EnteroSword”. The team includes Biotechnology majors Danial Nasr, Ray Pray and John Ramirez, who will travel to Arlington, Va., in June for final competition. Congratulations!

• DMC Journalism students who oversee and write for the College’s two student publications––the campus newspaper, Foghorn, and magazine, Siren––brought home 36 awards from the annual Texas Intercollegiate Press Association’s (TIPA) annual competition and live contests in Dallas. Among the awards were 12 rst place, 9 second place and 7 third place TIPA awards along with 8 honorable mentions. Topping off those wins, Foghorn Editor-in-Chief Natalie Murphy received a Mike Warms Scholarship for two-year students. The students produce the two publications under the guidance of Associate Professor of Journalism Rob Muilenburg and Lab Advisor Scott Beckett with the Communications, Languages and Reading Department. TIPA is the oldest collegiate press association in the nation and has grown into one of the largest and most respected collegiate groups in the country. Way to go, team!

• Congratulations, Vocal Vikings! Members of the College’s forensic team recently traveled to Virginia to compete during the 2017 Phi Rho Pi National Speech and Debate Tournament. Competition was tough with 558 students from 59 other colleges and universities competing for top awards. Allison Meaux Rackley, a Speech major, brought home a national Bronze Award in the individual public debate category. Rackley joined the team this spring and had only debated in one other tournament before becoming one of 129 participants vying in that category at the national level. Other Vocal Vikings who attended and participated in eight different events included Speech major Michaela Engel and Speech/Drama major Mariah Massengill. The team falls under the advisement of Professor of Speech Sarah Contreras with the College’s Department of Communications, Languages and Reading. 

• The College’s Student Government Association (SGA) chapter and advisor Beverly Cage, Director of Student Leadership and Campus Life, attended the Texas Junior College Student Government Association (TJCSGA) Leaders Assembly in Houston and participated during their annual competitions. The chapter won several awards and recognitions including first place in the Community Service Project competition, second place for Advisor of the Year, third place for Chapter of the Year, third place for Poetry of the Year and honorable mention for Event of the Year. Additionally, Del Mar’s SGA chapter was recognized for organizing a statewide Community Service Project with the Ronald McDonald House of Houston. TJCSGA is the only student maintained organization in the state that works to promote the cause of community college students at the local, regional, state and national levels. You make us Viking Proud! 

• During their regular meeting on April 11, the Del Mar College Board of Regents recognized Gene and Ellen Seaman for their generous support of the College’s General Education Development (GED) Program. On April 10, the Seamans presented a uniquely shaped $100,000 check to Executive Director Mary McQueen and the DMC Foundation to complete the endowment process for the Gene and Ellen Seaman GED Scholarship. The scholarship was established in 2006. The Seamans provided $5,000 annually with $3,500 covering five $700 scholarships each year to help GED students enter college. The remaining $1,500 had been added to an endowed scholarship fund. The couple decided to fully fund the endowed scholarship at $100,000 with a gift of more than $72,000 to establish the endowment, which will provide scholarships in perpetuity.

• Edward J. Goodroe is Del Mar College’s new Veterans Center Director. Goodroe came to the College from American University, where he assisted with the oversight of their Veterans Services Department. Before pursuing higher education,he joined the U.S. Marine Corps after high school and served as a radio/satellite communications operator for six yearswith deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After his discharge from service and duringhis completion of studies at both Northern Virginia Community College and George Washington University (GWU) in Washington, D.C., Goodroe worked with veterans pursuing higher education. While still studying at GWU, he began working for the Department of Veteran A airs’ Education Service, which oversees all education bene ts administered by the VA. ank you, EJ, for your service to our country and other veterans and welcome to Del Mar College!

• Seven Nurse Education Department faculty members are working together and pursuing their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Educational Leadership degrees from American Sentinel University. e cohort includes Mary Borchardt, Sandy Dawod, Linda Earwood, Floyd Green, Darla Green, Helen Manibusan and Casey Moebius, who represent over one-third of the College’s Nursing faculty. In 2014, Nurse Education Department Chair Dr. Vangie DeLeon and Program Director Dr. Jennifer McWha attended a conference where the university presented and shared the opportunity and support with DMC faculty members. American Sentinel University delivers accredited online degree programs in nursing with the DNP program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing in Atlanta, Ga. e university is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission in Washington, D.C. DMC faculty members will graduate from the program over the next few semesters, some as early as fall 2017. Way to go, everyone! Access and read the article on e Sentinel Watch web page: http://bit.ly/2oDkvHj.

• Alan Berecka, Professor of Learning Resources and Reference Librarian with the William F. White, Jr. Library, was honored with a Certi cate of Commendation by the City of Corpus Christi. e certi cate named Berecka as “Poet Laureate of Corpus Christi” as part of the second annual People’s Poetry Festival. In 2012, Berecka envisioned a People’s Poetry Festival with the rst event held in 2016. He has three published books of poetry collections to his credit––With Our Baggage (2013), Remembering the Body (2011) and e Comic Flaw (2009)––along with two chapbooks, Each Man Has One Life (2004) and Beacons (2011). Berecka’s work also has appeared in periodicals and anthologies. Congratulations, Alan!

• Congratulations goes to Cheryl Sanders, Dean of Student Retention and Engagement, for her selection and participation during the Student A airs Professionals in Higher Education’s 2017 Institute for Aspiring Vice President for Student A airs O cers. Organizers noted this year’s selection process was particularly di cult after receiving a high number of outstanding applications. Sanders joined a very talented group of administrators attending this learning and networking professional development experience. Content session encompass topics such as strategic thinking, leading change, planning for career advancement and work/life balance, among other issues. e institute was held in Tampa, Florida, in January.

• For a job very well done, Purchasing and Business Services’ Print Services Department––Clara Garcia, Elizabeth Herrera and Irma Maldonado––received the Salvation Army’s “Angel Tree Partner of the Year” Award for Del Mar College’s Adopt an Angel Program participation. e DMC family made Christmas for 146 “angels” brighter this past year, making the College one of the top three participants in 2016. Del Mar College’s annual participation began long before 2004 when Garcia says she began working at the College. ank you, Clara, Elizabeth and especially Irma, for carrying on the tradition and encouraging the DMC community to make the holidays brighter for those less fortunate.

• Congratulations goes to the Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic Program with the Public Safety Education Department, including EMS Program Director Melissa Stuive, Clinical Coordinator Kellie Reiger and faculty members Robert Ruiz and Filemon Lopez for their hard work in obtaining accreditation. e Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs recently sent a letter of con rmation based on the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions for a ve-year accreditation period, which runs Marcy 17, 2017 to March 31, 2022. Department Chair Davis Merrell reported that the “EMS faculty have worked on this process over the last year, and their hard work and determination has nally paid o .” e program will celebrate this accomplishment at 1 p.m. April 26 in the Emergency Training Building on the West Campus and invites everyone to attend. Congratulations to all who worked on the EMS Program’s accreditation!

• Congratulations goes to Professors of Drama Kim Frederick and Carl Yowell with the Art and Drama Department. The Texas Educational Theatre Association (TETA) named Frederick as the recipient of their 2017 Junior/Community College Teacher of the Year award and honored him during their annual Theatre Fest Conference in Galveston in late January. A selection committee member noted that “Kim not only connects with his students at Del Mar, but he extends beyond that into his adjudication in the UIL One-Act Play contest. He is a sought after judge because high school theatre directors want their students to learn from his experience and wisdom.” And, Feb. 8-11, Yowell served as an adjudicator for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarships of the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival Region IV hosted by Georgia Southern University. Approximately 460 nominees from 98 colleges and universities from southeastern states submitted performance entries, and successful candidates will advance to the nationals at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., in April. While at the festival, Yowell conducted an acting workshop titled “Impolite Acting” for student and faculty attendees. The College’s Drama Program holds memberships with TETA, the National Association of Schools of Theatre and the United States Institute for Theatre Technology.

• Kudos to Diana Ortega-Feerick, Assistant Dean of Student Engagement and Retention, for her acceptance into the 2017- 2018 New Leadership Academy (NLA) Fellows program held by the National Forum on Higher Education for the Public Good at the University of Michigan and their partner, the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education. Ortega- Feerick will participate in a series of activities that encompass retreats, online learning modules and case study analysis, along with the opportunity to interact with distinguished faculty, administrators and policymakers as part of building a network of future executive leaders who will be stewards for the future of higher education.

• The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) elected Dr. Cynthia Bridges, Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Music Department, to serve a three-year term as a member of their Commission on Community College Accreditation. Dr. Bridges will volunteer her efforts to advance the quality of music teaching and learning in the United States. NASM’s Commission on Community College Accreditation consists of three elected offcials whose duties are to apply the Association’s accreditation and membership standards for community colleges and associate degree programs. Additionally, the Commission investigates the maintenance of standards and the observance of published commitments by any member institution under its jurisdiction. Thank you for your commitment, Dr. Bridges!

• American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Coalition of (Dis)Ability named Brenda Garcia, Disability Services Specialist with the Transition Center’s Disability Services Office, as their 2017 Disability Service Provider Award recipient. The award, which ACPA will announce during their March conference in Columbus, Ohio, is given annually to an individual who is a disability service provider in a postsecondary education setting. The recipient promotes access and inclusion for people with disabilities by working to ensure equal access to curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular programs, activities and services. Way to go, Brenda!

• Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) published findings by Department of Natural Sciences faculty Drs. John “Rob” Hatherill, R. Deborah Overath and Daiyun “Daisy” Zhang about the impact that their course-based research and teaching methods in their sequenced biology and biotechnology courses have on influencing DMC students to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines. The article, “Implementing Course-based Research Increases Student Aspirations for STEM Degrees,” appeared in the Winter 2016 issue of CUR Quarterly and covers specifically the success of Del Mar College’s participation with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s SEA-PHAGES (Science Education Alliance Phage Hunters Advancing Genomic and Evolutionary Science) program. To access a PDF file of the article, go to http://bit.ly/2kWU0u2.

• DMC Biotechnology student John F. Ramirez continues to excel in the College’s collaboration with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science Education Alliance (SEA) Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science (PHAGES) project. During 2016, Ramirez’s independent research on “interesting tidbits” about bacteriophages, which are viruses that live on and attack bacteria, earned him first place during the student poster competition in the cellular and molecular biology category at the American Association for the Advancement of Science conference. Ramirez also was selected to attend and present during the First World Congress on Undergraduate Research in Qatar in November and was among 150 undergraduate students from around the world and 62 Qatar University students who participated. He plans to pursue both a Ph.D. and medical degree after graduating from Del Mar College this May.