A newsletter for Coastal Bend College employees, students and community members
4
Oil Patch Preparation Systems training begins in February 2013 in Pleasanton.
6
New grant helps prepare under-skilled adults for jobs in Eagle Ford Shale.
7
CBC drafting & design and oil & gas technology students visit potential employers.
8-9
Athletes honored at fall 2012 athletic banquet, and receive over $4K in donations.
12
CBC Rocks showcases the best of CBC to prospective high school students.
13
New CBC Kingsville Site Director looks forward to improving student success/services.
14-15
College News: Upcoming events, continuing education courses and news about CBC.
16
The 2012 Alice Community tailgate party provided fun and games for all ages.
17
Student success course ready to launch in fall 2013 at all CBC sites.
18
CBC Wildlife Calendar: Bringing the nature of South Texas to life in photos.
19-21
CBC Foundation elects new board members, and sets up online donations via PayPal.
22
State Senator Judith Zaffirini visits CBC Beeville to stress importance of education, and CBC honors local veterans.
23
Pleasanton Community Ties event brings together local businesses, students and CBC.
24-25
CBC appoints new leadership to help with student success.
26
New online job portal, CBC Works, helps students and employers fill local jobs.
27
A Legacy of Giving: R.W. Dirks ‘ Commitment to CBC
2 | CBC FORUM
On the Cover: Left, Monica Padron, a student majoring in Accounting, and right, Lisa Johnson, a student majoring in Social Work, were Student Assistants for the CBC Soccer Team. Read more about our athletes on pages 8-11 of this issue of the CBC Forum.
Coastal Bend College President Dr. Beatriz T. Espinoza CBC Board of Trustees Paul Jaure Carroll Lohse Louise Hall Emilia Dominguez Victor Gomez Laura Fischer Douglas Arnold Vice-President of Student and Administrative Services Velma Elizalde Vice President of Instruction and Economic & Workforce Development Mark Secord Dean of Student Services Pete Trevino Dean of Academic Services Dr. Twila Johnson Dean of Administrative Services Kathlyn Patton Director of Business Services Lisa Clark CBC Foundation Executive Director Christy Lansford CBC Forum Articles/Photography/Design Monica Cruz, Public Relations Officer CBC Forum is a publication of the Marketing & Public Relations Department at Coastal Bend College, 3800 Charco Road, Beeville, Texas. View this and previous issues online at www. coastalbend.edu/publications. Coastal Bend College does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, gender, age or disability. For more information about Coastal Bend College, visit the website at www.coastalbend.edu or call toll free (866) 722-2838. Coastal Bend College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools [1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, Telephone Number (404) 679-4501] to award associate degrees. CBC is in compliance with Title VI and Title VII, Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
President’s Corner At Coastal Bend College we are Keeping Student Success in Sight. This spring 2013 term is filled with opportunities for the CBC community. Early February we were notified that CBC is recertified as a Leader College through 2014-2015; as a leader in the Achieving the Dream National Reform Network we have the obligation to bring excellence to every part of our work and contribute to our one overriding goal - helping more community college students succeed. Like other places, at CBC student success means much more than a personal goal met; it means improved skills, better employability, and economic growth for communities and our nation as a whole. Everyone wins when students succeed. We have redesigned our organizational structure to stay better informed and be more responsive to national, state, and regional agendas that impact community colleges. At the local level, your voice is important to us. Later this year we are also going to engage our communities in Courageous Conversations; we want to hear/ learn first-hand from our students, constituents, and stakeholders what is working and what needs improvement in our programs and services. Clearly, CBC is far from static, change continues. Our calendar is filled with obligations and opportunities – I invite you to take the position, as I commit to you - at CBC the glass is half-full! Here’s a quick synopsis of what’s ahead: • 83rd Legislative session will determine our next biennial budget and most importantly how that will be directed (Performance Based Funding); • February begins CBC’s budget development process for FY14; • March 8th is our deadline for submitting CBC’s Compliance Report to SACS-COC; • May 10th is commencement; it’s a great time for students, faculty, and all CBC to witness and celebrate the victories and milestones of Keeping Student Success in Sight; CBC has lots to be proud of, a history, a service, a success model. This model is reflective of student leaders, community leaders, and college leaders; my hope is that our leadership continues to share the common denominator—Spirit of Success. Sincerely, Dr. Beatriz T. Espinoza CBC President WINTER 2013 | 3
WORKFORCE @ CBC
Pleasanton campus offers 5-day OPPS/oil safety course Representatives from Coastal Bend College, Petroleum Education Council (PEC) Premier, Texas Workforce Commission, and the Texas Veteran’s Leadership Program gathered on the CBC Beeville campus for a signing ceremony on December 6, 2012. Wes Carr, President at PEC Premier Safety Management, and CBC President Dr. Beatriz T. Espinoza signed an agreement to offer 5-day Oil Patch Preparation Systems (OPPS) training courses on the CBC Pleasanton campus. “There are two main points to OPPS training—one is to help standardize safety training to meet industry demands. The other is to help people get home safely, and this partnership with CBC allows us to do both,” said Carr.
Top: Wes Carr, Commissioner Tom Pauken, and Dr. Beatriz T. Espinoza partner together to help educate South Texas’ workforce about the importance of safety. Center: Glynis Strause from ConocoPhillips poses with Commissioner Pauken before the signing ceremony. Bottom: Wes Carr and Dr. Beatriz T. Espinoza sign the OPPS agreement.
The OPPS Project is a 5-day entry level training and job placement program that is designed to help students gain the skills needed to get started in oil and gas safety related occupations. Students in the OPPS Project will receive hands-on training in addition to classroom instruction, and the training credential is transferrable. Upon successful completion of the training, the students will receive a hardhat, steel toe rubber boots, gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection to help them get to work in oil and gas safety occupations. Currently, over 300,000 people have
taken the OPPS training course. Tom Pauken, the Commissioner Representing Employers for the Texas Workforce Commission, spoke at the signing ceremony about how critical it is to offer training programs like these in order to keep employees safe and help put young veterans to work—quickly. “In Texas, we’re seeing a shift towards more workforce training and education. We should offer more support for our community colleges because they move quickly and help create more training opportunities for jobs, especially for veterans. I thank Coastal Bend College and Dr. Espinoza for doing their part,” Pauken said. Coastal Bend College is proud to offer the OPPS Project to help meet local workforce demands, and help educate all participants about the importance of safety in oil and gas related industries. The OPPS Project is scheduled to
begin February 2013 at the Pleasanton campus. To register for the program or to find out more information, please contact Lillian Garza at (361) 354-2331 or Nora Cartwright at (361) 354-2230.
Connect with CBC news & events via Twitter. Follow us @CBCFuture or by clicking over to www.twitter/cbcfuture 4 | CBC FORUM
WORKFORCE @ CBC
CBC Drafting & Design and Oil & Gas Technology students, faculty and staff pose outside of Fluor Corporation based in Sugarland, Texas. Read more about their visit on page 7.
Pioneer Natural Resources, Inc. presented a $25,000 donation to Coastal Bend College on October 18, 2012. The donation will be utilized to help improve and expand workforce programs the college offers that lead to employment in Eagle Ford Shale related industries such as welding, oil and gas technology, and drafting and design. “The Coastal Bend College Foundation is sincerely grateful for the recent donation put forward by Pioneer Natural Resources. Our college, our students and our faculty all benefit from, and rely on, the generous community support of our successful industry partners,� said Christy Lansford, the CBC Foundation Executive Director. CBC prides itself on offering quality workforce programs and customized and continuing education
courses that help people in the communities we serve find employment in the Eagle Ford Shale industry. For more information about how you or your company can help support CBC workforce programs, please contact Christy Lansford at (361) 354-2447 or via email at foundation@coastalbend.edu. For information about workforce programs and courses, please contact an advisor at (361) 354-2266 or visit your local CBC campus. Photo: Rhonda Fotiades, left, Senior Public Affairs Specialist for Pioneer Natural Resources and Joey Hall, right, Vice President of the South Texas Asset Team for Pioneer Natural Resources present Coastal Bend College President Dr. Beatriz T. Espinoza, center, a $25,000 donation. WINTER 2013 | 5
WORKFORCE @ CBC
A VAST Improvement: New grant helps adults obtain basic workforce skills Coastal Bend College is the recipient of a two-year Adult Basic Education (ABE) Innovation Grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board worth over $321,000 as part of the Eagle Ford Community College Consortium. The Consortium project, called VAST (Vocational Advancement for South Texas) is led by the Alamo Community College District in partnership with Coastal Bend, Laredo, Southwest Texas Junior and Victoria Colleges. These five community college districts are partnering together to help educate and train the region’s undereducated and under-skilled population into one that will be ready to work in well-paying occupations related to the Eagle Ford Shale. 6 | CBC FORUM
“Overall, CBC’s goal is to use these grant funds to help adults gain the skills and knowledge they need for life. They will be independent, self-sufficient individuals who can contribute to the workforce and the communities they live in,” said Dr. Denise Hutchinson-Bell, Adult Basic Education Coordinator at CBC.
Students enrolled in these career pathways under VAST will earn either continuing education credit or college credit. Upon program completion, students will earn a level one certificate and be qualified and ready to enter the workforce.
“CBC is fortunate to be in a position to have great partners and offer much needed VAST aims to help ABE students, with or training in our 9,400 mile service area and without a GED or high school diploma, region. These training programs are clearly who are eligible to work in the United aligned with the workforce needs of the States, obtain jobs in high demand industry in our region. Graduates will have occupations. Many of these students great job options available to them,” said have limited education or English skills, Dr. Beatriz T. Espinoza, CBC President. and therefore, have had limited access to college credit programs. Removing these Financial assistance is available for those barriers and helping ABE students embark who qualify, and most VAST career on a career path is what CBC aims to do pathways can be completed in about a year. when the program begins in summer 2013. VAST is set to launch in summer 2013 at all Coastal Bend College campuses. For more CBC will offer career pathway training and information, please contact the CBC Adult education in the following high demand Basic Education Office at (361) 354-2767. occupational areas: certified nursing Photo: Dr. Denise Hutchinson-Bell, assistant (CNA) to Licensed Vocational Director of Adult Basic Education, and Nurse (LVN), welding, commercial truck CBC President Dr. Beatriz T. Espinoza driving (CDL), and drafting and design. review VAST guidelines.
T
he Coastal Bend College drafting and design students, along with oil and gas technology students, went on their annual field trip to visit several engineering and oil and gas companies in the Houston area. The companies they visited were Fluor Corporation based in Sugarland, as well as Hatch Mott MacDonald, Worley Parsons, and ConocoPhillips who are all headquartered in Houston. These companies are successful in industries related to the Eagle Ford Shale, and many of them have hired former CBC drafting and design students.
“It was reassuring to hear from all the companies we visited that what we’re learning at CBC can get us jobs with them. The companies were all impressive, but my favorite was Fluor. They use state-of-the-art technology that is amazing! I have no doubt I will get a good job once I graduate from CBC,” said Suzanna Fuentes, a current drafting and design student at CBC.
Students who graduate from the drafting and design program at CBC can eventually seek positions as entrylevel drafting technicians. From there, they work their way up to becoming piping designers.
Fluor Corporation www.fluor.com
The following CBC students participated in the two day field trip: Tyler Egger, Baltazar Garay, Vincent Stanfill, Joseph Ganceres, Colton Edwards, Suzanna Fuentes, Isaiah Montez, Nicholas Perez, Kyle Pittman, Jonathan Piccuch, Cary Claypool, Ben Avila, Lupe Arriaga, Jack Young, CBC Drafting and Design Instructor, says Megan Austin, Anisa Mechling, Maureen Mechling, that providing these opportunities really helps his Wallace Tegge, Fahey Michael, George Fiegel, and students envision what kind of career they can have Hazel Esparza. A group photo is on page 7. after graduation. Both the drafting and design program and the oil and gas “My students learned about designing large offshore technology program are accepting new students for the rigs while listening to presentations at Fluor and upcoming 2013 academic year. For more information Worley Parsons, and while at Hatch Mott MacDonald about CBC’s drafting and design program, contact Jack they saw first-hand what piping designers do. Finally, at Young at (361) 354-2325. For more information about ConocoPhillips they learned the process of engineering the oil and gas technology program, contact Roy Coley oil drilling production sites at various Eagle Ford Shale at (361) 354-2551. locations. The trip is a valuable learning experience,” Corporations Visited: Young explained.
Graduates from the CBC oil and gas technology program are some of the people who operate various oil and gas projects at drilling sites. Most CBC students in these programs can expect to graduate with their Associate of Applied Science in about two years, and can expect to earn an average of $18-$20 per hour straight out of college.
Hatch Mott MacDonald www.hatchmott.com Worley Parsons www.worleyparsons.com ConocoPhillips www.conocophillips.com WINTER 2013 | 7
ATHLETICS @ CBC
The Coastal Bend College Athletics Department honored the fall 2012 NJCAA men’s soccer and women’s volleyball athletes at a banquet in November. Athletes were honored for their hardwork, dedication, and performance. Parents, friends and loved ones were on hand to celebrate with the athletes. CBC Alumnus Bernadine Cervantes delivered a keynote speech that emphasized the pivotal role that CBC had in her life—she even met her husband while enrolled! Cervantes explained that without CBC’s classes, staff, and volleyball team, she wouldn’t be the successful career woman, wife and mother she is today. Currently Cervantes serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services for Corpus Christi Independent School District. A banquet and award ceremoney for the spring 2013 men’s basketball team and women’s softball team will be held in late spring. For more information about our NJCAA athletic programs, please contact Estevan Vasquez, CBC Athletic Director, at 361-354-2721 or visit www.coastalbend.edu/athletics. 8 | CBC FORUM
Fall 2012 Athlete Honorees VOLLEYBALL Katarina Acosta, MVP Mykala Villarreal, MVP Lauren Gutierrez, Defensive Specialist of the Year Bailey Cernosek, Heart Award Regan Gonzalez, Setter of the Year
SOCCER Ruben Lopez, MVP Gerardo Acevedo Jr., Heart Award Rogelio Marquez, Defensive Player of the Year Ivan Villanueva, Offensive Player of the Year
ATHLETICS @ CBC
On October 9, 2012, Coastal Bend College hosted an Athlete Meet & Greet inside the James R. Dougherty Student Union Building. CBC has four NJCAA sports programs: men’s soccer, men’s basketball, women’s volleyball, and women’s softball. The programs attract students from all over the nation, as well as some international students, too. At the meet and greet, CBC athletes, coaches and staff were presented with donations from local businesses. The HEB location in Beeville, Texas presented student athletes their earnings of $1857.70 from the proceeds of the Fiesta 5K Fun Run held in September (top photo). The Bee County Fiesta organization (bottom photo) presented the CBC athletes with $2600 earned by the athletes for their assistance during the Diez y Seis festivities. These funds help the college improve and expand the athletics program. CBC would like to thank HEB and Bee County Fiesta for their generosity and support of CBC and its student athletes. If you’d like to support the CBC Athletics Program, please contact Athletic Director Estevan Vasquez at (361) 354-2721 or via email at jevasquez@coastalbend.edu. This spring you can catch the men’s basketball or women’s softball team in action at various home games in Beeville. A full schedule for both teams is on pages 10 and 11 of this CBC Forum issue.
WINTER 2013 | 9
FEBRUARY 22 Temple College Tournament @ Temple, TX Crowder 11:30 AM North East 2:00 PM 23 Temple College Tournament @ Temple, TX Cisco 11:30 AM Paris 2:00 PM MARCH 1 - 3 Region XIV Crossover Tourney @ Longview, TX 1 Paris 4:00 PM Midland 6:00 PM 2 Navarro 11:00 AM Trinity Valley 3:00 PM Northeast 5:00 PM 3 BPCC 9:00 AM Kilgore 11:00 AM 8 Alvin College Beeville, TX 1/3:00 PM 9 Galveston College @ Beeville, TX 12/2:00 PM 15 Angelina College @ Lufkin, TX 3/5:00 PM 16 Lamar St. College @ Port Arthur, TX 1/3:00 PM 22 Galveston College @ Galveston, TX 2/4:00 PM 3 Alvin College @ Alvin, TX 2/4:00 PM 28 Univ. Texas-Tyler @ Tyler, TX 4/6:00 PM APRIL 5 Blinn College @ Brenham, TX 1/3:00 PM 6 San Jacinto College @ Houston, TX 4/6:00 PM 12 Lamar St. College @ Beeville, TX 2/4:00 PM 13 Angelina College @ Beeville, TX 1/3:00 PM 19 San Jacinto College @ Beeville, TX 2/4:00 PM 20 Blinn College @ Beeville, TX 1/3:00 PM 10 | CBC FORUM
MAY 2 - 5 Region XIV Tournament STAFF Head Coach: Frank Moron Assistant Coach: Tim Skaife ROSTER Analisa Badillo, Edinburg, Tx Kimberly Buendia, Taft, Tx Samantha Cantu, Edinburg, Tx Olga Danielle Doria, Martindale, Tx Lora Garcia, San Antonio, Tx Jaqueline Guthrie, Katy, Tx Chelsea Guzman, Kingsville, Tx Josefa J. Hernandez, Beeville, Tx Tamara Loftis, Rockport, Tx Amy Macias, Houston, Tx Kimberly Martinez, McAllen, Tx Naima Rios, McAllen, Tx Stephanie Salinas, Mathis, Tx Kelsi Salziger, Hobson, Tx Briana Sandoval, San Antonio, Tx Alyssa Smith, McAllen, Tx Michelle Southerland, Katy, Tx Chesney Storrs, Catspring, Tx Marissa Trevino, San Diego, Tx Christina Vasquez, Houston, Tx
FEBRUARY 2 Blinn College @ Beeville, TX 6:00 pm 6 Lee College @ Baytown, TX 7:30 pm 9 Angelina College @ Beeville, TX 6:00 pm 12 Jacksonville College @ Jacksonville, TX 5:30 pm 16 Lamar State College @ Port Arthur, TX 2:00 pm 20 San Jacinto College @ Beeville, TX 6:00 pm 23 Lackland Air Force @ Beeville, TX 2:00 pm 27 Blinn College @ Brenham, TX 7:30 pm MARCH 2 Lee College @ Beeville, TX 6:00 pm STAFF Head Coach: Larry Mendez Assistant Coach: Colt Walker Athletic Director: Estevan Vasquez CBC President: Dr. Beatriz Espinoza VP of Student & Administrative Services: Velma Elizalde Dean of Student Services: Pete Trevino Mascot: Cougars
ROSTER #1 Brandon Golden, Austin, TX #2 Myles Eglin, Houston, TX #3 Rob Brown, San Antonio, TX #4 Donald Dallas, Austin, TX #5 Kriston Minor, Huntsville, TX #10 La’Darrien Williams, Austin, TX #12 Darrick Little, Cedar Hill, TX #20 Brandon Hairston, McLeansville, NC #22 Connor Lewis, Austin, TX #23 Sebastian Monjaras, Harlingen, TX #30 Shane Minnick, Marble Falls, TX #33 Tramond Wilson, Myrtle Beach, SC #34 Darrick Battle, Cedar Hill, TX #45 Joey Martinez, El Paso, TX #50 Daniel Gregory, Glen Burnie, MD
WINTER 2013 | 11
Over 330 students from 10 local area high schools participated in the fall 2012 CBC Rocks event on October 26, 2012 at the Beeville site. CBC Rocks was created to show prospective CBC students all that CBC offers—and how much CBC Rocks! Representatives from various programs such as drafting and design, welding, nursing, and oil and gas technology provided students with demonstrations and information about the courses in the program and potential career opportunities. In addition to program information, student services staff spoke to students about the transition from high school to college and how to apply for financial aid and scholarships. Happy the Comedian addressed all the students, and he focused on the importance of attending college and obtaining an education. “In these classrooms you have the opportunity to shape your life for the better. That’s a privilege that some people don’t get. You have this college right here at your door step. They’re here for you,” Happy said. To wrap up the event, all students were treated to lunch and an outdoor dance party. For more information about CBC Rocks, please contact CBC Recruiter Vanessa Adkins at (361) 354-2538 or vadkins@coastalbend. edu.
New Kingsville Site Director looks forward to helping students Felipe Leal just wrapped up his first semester as the Coastal Bend College Kingsville Site Director, and he looks forward to making the spring 2013 semester an ever better one. Leal’s experience, commitment and passion for higher education over the past 20 years benefits the CBC Kingsville site as well as the entire community. “I started at Texas A&M Kingsville as a work study student in the financial aid office. Most of my career in higher education was in an enrollment management environment where various departments work together to assure student success from the admissions process to applying for graduation,” Leal said and added, “In higher education, it is everybody’s responsibility within the institution to assure students achieve their academic goals. I’m going to do whatever it takes to help students succeed.”
“I wouldn’t ever call this work. It’s service. It’s a privilege.” Student success is at the forefront of everything Leal does when working with the CBC Kingsville staff, students, and community members. His most recent work experience as the Associate Director of Student Financial Services at South Texas College allowed him to see first-hand the financial and academic struggles many students are faced with today. From assisting families during and after the financial aid application process, to assisting faculty with achieving institutional goals involving student/academic success, Leal remains squarely focused on the student and their success. Luckily, Leal has inherited a site with high student success rates. The CBC Kingsville site is home to academic and workforce programs that students can enroll in such as cosmetology, criminal justice, nursing, pharmacy technician, as well as a university transfer program. These CBC programs equip students with the tools they need to launch their careers or embark on their higher education quest.
students. A new addition to the Kingsville site is the Student Success Center equipped with laptops, graphing calculators and study aids provided by the Title V Celebrando Educacion grant. As the Site Director, Leal looks forward to working with his talented staff to utilize the vast resources they have on site to help every student that walks through the doors. “We are very fortunate that at the Kingsville site we have state of the art technology and programs that make student learning and success easier and less stressful. Our faculty and staff are great, and they sincerely care about every single student’s success. It’s a joy to get up in the morning and come to work at CBC. I have a terrific team,” Leal said. Former Kingsville Site Director Ann Harrell, who is now Director of Dual Credit programs at CBC, knows first-hand the challenges and hard work involved in being the leader of an entire college site. “Felipe Leal brings a great deal of highly relevant experience to the CBC Kingsville site as its director. I feel comfortable, having been in that position for many years, that the site will be well-represented by Felipe. He returned to Kingsville, having lived here previously for many years, and is dedicated to the community as well as Coastal Bend College,” Harrell said. Leal himself does say that being back in Kingsville is like being home again. He envisions a bright future for the Kingsville site, and he hopes to help expand and improve the programs, services and amenities offered to the community. However, there is one thing you won’t hear Leal say about his job. “I wouldn’t ever call this work. It’s service. It’s a privilege. The most fulfilling part of my job is during the graduation ceremony. It’s amazing to see those same students I helped enroll or register walk across the stage and receive their degrees or certificates. The pride, you can see it in their eyes. That’s why I do what I do, every day.” To contact Felipe Leal, you can call the CBC Kingsville site at (361) 592-1615.
Additionally, the Kingsville site has an advisor/recruiter, financial aid advisor, and a science case manager available to assist WINTER 2013 | 13
COLLEGE NEWS CBC scholarship awarded to Mathis student The Ready for College and Career Conference held on November 14, 2012 at the Richard M. Borchard Fairgrounds in Robstown, Texas, Coastal Bend College awarded a CBC scholarship to one lucky attendee. Frankie Garcia from Mathis High School in Mathis, Texas is the recipient of a $400 scholarship to utilize at CBC. Garcia is seen in the photo above with Deborah Branstetter, CBC Dual Credit Liaison. Congratulations Frankie! TRiO Day Beeville: February 22, 2013 Everyone is invited to attend the annual TRiO Day Celebration on the Beeville campus. Learn about CBC programs and career choices while getting to meet other TRiO students from the area. For more information, contact Lupe Ganceres at 361-354-2712. Passport Event: March 22, 2013 CBC and A.C. Jones High School in Beeville are partnering together for the annual Passport event. The event is designed to give high school sophomores a preview of the various dual credit options available to them through CBC. These students can begin taking dual credit classes in summer 2013. For more information about the event, contact Patricia Patel at 361-3542722.
Toys for Tots 2012
From left to right, Kay Past, Toys for Tots Beeville Coordinator; Dr. Beatriz Espinoza, CBC President; Christy Lansford, CBC Foundation Executive Director; Felipe Leal, CBC Kingsville Campus Director; and Dr. Patricia Candia, CBC Alice Campus Director prepare to drop off the hundreds of toys and canned goods donated by CBC employees and students. All food/toy donations were divided amongst the CBC campuses to ensure all the communities we serve were helped. CBC is proud to help make a positive difference in the lives of families and children in our service area. Service Excellence Award
Fall 2012 Retirees
Congratulations to Ruth Cude (left), Betty Sims (right, with CBC President Dr. Beatriz T. Espinoza), and Wayne Slingerland (not pictured) on their retirement from CBC. Their years of service, commitment to excellence, and hard work are appreciated by the entire CBC Family. 14 | CBC FORUM
Dr. Espinoza presented Sal Garza, CBC Instructor at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI), with the inaugural Service Excellence Award at the November 2012 Board Meeting. The Service Excellence Award recognizes CBC employees who provide excellent customer service to internal and external constituents. Sheri Kasper, Supervisor of Education at FCI, nominated Garza for his outstanding work ethic and professionalism. For more information about the Service Excellence Award, or to nominate an outstanding CBC employee, please contact the President’s Office at (361) 354-2200.
COLLEGE NEWS Upcoming Continuing Education Courses An Introduction to Chen style of Tai Chi: The class includes Components of Qi flow, stress management, and motivation. Persons who practice Tai Chi claim that it has helped them with their muscle tone and agility. $75.00 course fee.
Student Rights & Responsibilities
CBC Walking Trail (Beeville) March 19 – April 18, 2013, Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Parkour is a training method which focuses on rational movement in both natural and urban environments. The beginner’s course emphasizes safety falling, balancing, and precision jumping. Participants should wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes with gripping soles. No special equipment is necessary. $58.00 course fee. CBC Walking Trail (Beeville) March 19 – April 11, 2013, Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Medication Administration I: Prospective students must be working as a CNA at a long-term Care Facility. Course fee is $465.40 plus about $147 in textbooks. 14.0 CEUs. CBC Beeville Campus, U-101 May 13, 2013 – September 9, 2013, Monday & Thursday 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm To register for any of these courses, call 361-354-2633, 3542203 or 354-2330. Dia Del Mariachi 2013 Coastal Bend College and Texas A&M University Kingsville invite you to the 10th Dia Del Mariachi Vocal and Group Competition on Saturday, April 6, 2013 in Kingsville, Texas on the TAMUK Campus in the Jones Auditorium.
Evening concert showcasing the overall winners, ballet folklorico, Mariachi Javelina, and internationally recognized Mariachi 7 Leguas will begin at 6:30 p.m. •Limited number of free Concert tickets will be available for Coastal Bend College and Texas A&M University employees beginning March18, 2013. •CBC and TAMUK students tickets are $5 with student ID. •General public tickets are $10. For more information, contact Juan Sanchez at (361) 6642981 ext. 3042.
At Coastal Bend College, students have rights and responsibilities with which they should familiarize themselves. For example, students have many rights including the right to file a complaint (page 55 of the 2012-13 CBC catalog) or to appeal a grade (page 44 of the CBC 2012-13 catalog). Students also bear many responsibilities including helping to keep CBC drug and alcohol free (page 62). Others may be found in the college’s policy manual and in the catalog which contains the student handbook. The housing handbook also provides housing rights and responsibilities. These rights are provided to assure students are treated fairly and responsibilities are necessary for a safe and productive learning environment. For assistance in understanding or initiating any of the processes described, please contact the Dean of Student Services at 361-354-2725. Like Us on Facebook! Come like is on Facebook and stay updated on all things CBC. Our Facebook page features photos of recent events, college news, and general tips and information about the college and its programs.
Check it out for yourself by visiting and liking us over at www.facebook.com/coastalbendcollege. To view previous copies of the Forum, please visit www.coastalbend.edu/publications WINTER 2013 | 15
The annual CBC Alice Community Tailgate held on November 8, 2012 was filled with food, fun and laughter. CBC faculty, staff, and students coordinated the festivities which featured dance troupes, relay races, and activities for all the attendees to enjoy. Also, CBC professors Donna Atkins and Jeri Kucera performed a Christmas Concerto inside the CBC Alice foyer that was enjoyed by all who attended. The purpose of the community tailgate party is to have fun and learn about all that CBC Alice has to offer. CBC Alice is home to many academic and workforce programs that are taught by experienced and qualified faculty. Currently, the site offers the following workforce programs: accounting, automotive technology, business technology administrative assistant, computer information technology, early development & education, medical coding, law enforcement/criminal justice, machinist, nursing and welding. A university transfer/core curriculum is also available. To learn more about the CBC Alice site and its programs, stop by and visit with an advisor/counselor or contact Dr. Patricia Candia, Alice Campus Director, at 361-664-2981 ext. 3030.
16 | CBC FORUM
C
oastal Bend College is excited to announce the launch of My COUGAR Course, a student success course designed to equip students with tools to improve their college readiness and success.
to having a professor available to them, students also have access to personnel from advising, financial aid, tutoring, mentoring, job shadowing, and other student services that serve a pivotal role in providing information and support to students.
My COUGAR Course was created after research and data was collected from CBC instruction materials, survey results, focus groups and best practices research. Based on this research and data, the CBC Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Team designed the course to help teach and empower students to develop essential assets, knowledge and skills found in students who are college ready and successful. Some of these assets include being an effective communicator, demonstrating creative/critical thinking skills, and developing a college/career pathway.
“My COUGAR Course is designed to create a sense of community between the students, CBC faculty and staff, and the environment. Overall, these strategies, tools and insights learned in the course will insure students have the knowledge they need to succeed at CBC and anywhere else,� said Dr. Twila Johnson, Dean of Academics at CBC.
The course will be offered at all CBC sites in hybrid and online formats beginning fall 2013, and registration for the course will be available in mid-March. For more information about My COUGAR Course, contact your My COUGAR Course is mandatory for all first-time local CBC advisor or contact Dr. Twila Johnson at 361students who have earned less than 12 credit hours at 354-2529. At CBC, your future begins here and now. Let CBC, and is also mandatory for students who have not met CBC and My COUGAR Course help you succeed. Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements. By taking the EDUC 1300 class their first semester at CBC, the student can perform better in subsequent semesters and even at a university level, if the student transfers. Furthermore, the student will learn lifelong skills for success that can be used in or out of the classroom. The course will be taught by qualified faculty who must also complete a 16-hour certification workshop before being able to teach the My COUGAR Course. During the certification workshop, professors will learn best practices to use in their classrooms to create a course that will garner positive student learning outcomes. The professor will encourage and teach students to be active in the college community, proactive about assignment deadlines, and help them with note taking/study skills, in addition to helping the student build assets for success. Support for students enrolled in My COUGAR Course reaches far beyond the walls of the classroom. In addition
From left to right: CBC Kingsville Campus Director Felipe Leal, Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Curriculum Chairperson Donna Atkins, CBC Foundation Executive Director Christy Lansford, CBC Bookstore Specialist Sylvia Martinez, and CBC Dean of Academics and QEP Director Dr. Twila Johnson gather to celebrate the launch of the new student success course being implemented in fall 2013. The CBC Foundation also awarded Martinez with a Kindle Fire for winning a contest to name the new course.
WINTER 2013 | 17
Coastal Bend College is proud to announce the arrival of the 2013 Coastal Bend College Wildlife Calendar. The 2013 CBC Wildlife Calendar features over 40 stunning photographs showcasing South Texas birds, animals, vegetation and flowers that are native to the area. The calendar would not be possible without the work of the following local photographers: Roberto Tanguma of Alamo; Cissy Beasley, John C. Breidenbach, Sylvia Garcia-Smith, Alex Kibler, Sara Schirmer, and John West of Beeville; Bobbie Waldron and Janice Webb of George West; Robert Benson of Normanna; George Gilchrist of Papalote; Steve Kotzur of Pettus; and Carla Johnson of Pleasanton. If you’d like to order any of the images featured in the calendar as framed canvas art prints (example shown below), you may order them online from the CBC Foundation website. These beautiful, framed canvases are perfect for gift giving, and they are made from high quality materials that will last stand the test of time. All proceeds from the sell of the canvas prints will go to the CBC Foundation which helps fund student scholarships and professional development opportunities. Custom canvas sizes are available, and prices start at only $75.
Free copies of the wildlife calendar are available at all Coastal Bend College campuses, Alice Chamber of Commerce, Beeville Chamber of Commerce, Kingsville Chamber of Commerce, Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, Beeville Bee-Picayune, Hogue’s Jewelry (Beeville), and the Wicker Basket (Beeville).
Photo Credit: Sara Schirmer
For more information about ordering canvas prints, please contact Christy Lansford at (361) 354-2447.
CBC FOUNDATION
Christy Lansford Executive Director The Coastal Bend College Foundation welcomed newly elected board members at its regular meeting on January 22, 2013. The new board members from Bee County are Tres Beck, Chip Latcham, Debbie Parsons, Shambryn Huie and Darryl Martin; from Atascosa County, Lana Collavo, Deborah Shearrer, and Diana Bautista; from Jim Wells County, Ofelia Hunter; and from Live Oak County, Karl Arnst and Blant Miller. Serving another term as part of the Board of Directors for the Foundation are President, Trace Morrill; Secretary, Bridget O’Brien Gayle; Vice President of Finance and Governance, Daren Wilder; Vice President of Development, John Galloway; Vice President of Programs, June Hurley; Vice President of Marketing, James Kirkpatrick; CBC Board of Trustees Representative, Laura Fischer; Director Emeritus, Bill Findley and Dan Hughes; and Honored as Director Emeritus, R.W. Dirks. Members at large include Maggie Hunt, Clare Atkinson Wonders, Lou Adele May, and Al Garcia. For more information about the Coastal Bend College Foundation, or to donate online, please visit www.coastalbend.edu/foundation or email foundation@coastalbend.edu. Learn more about the CBC Foundation Board of Directors on pages 2021 of this issue of the CBC Forum.
The mission of the Coastal Bend College Foundation is to generate and distribute resources to provide opportunities for excellence in education, promote innovative teaching, and partner with the community to enhance the quality of education for all students. Goals: • Enhance and enrich educational opportunities for students • Support staff for innovative efforts and recognize staff for exemplary teaching • Involve the community in assuring a quality education for the leaders asnd workers of tomorrow • Increase the number of student support dollars for CBC students Funding Priorities: • Student Scholarships • Industry Initiatives • Academic Initiatives • Recognition of Academic Achievement • Recognition of Teaching Excellence
www.coastalbend.edu/foundation WINTER 2013 | 19
Trace Morrill
President Law Office of George P. Morrill IV Beeville, TX
“CBC opens the door to higher education opportunities to everyone in our region in both traditional and innovative ways.”
Daren Wilder VP Finance & Governance CPA Beeville, TX
“I think CBC provides opportunities to the area it serves. People can take both college and vocational courses who would not otherwise have the opportunity to seek higher education.“
Bridget Gayle Secretary Gayle Cattle Co. Goliad, TX
“I love CBC because you can receive a quality education close to home. A student can graduate with a degree and enter the workforce or transfer to a 4-year institution to further their education. Best of both worlds.”
Jim Kirkpatrick VP Marketing & Events Kirkpatrick & Assoc.
Kingsville, TX
“Many students are not ready to go to a 4-year institution when they graduate from high school. CBC gives those students the opportunity to overcome obstacles.”
John Galloway
June Hurley
VP Development Beeville, TX
VP Programs Pleasanton, TX
“CBC provides the opportunity for young people to get a head start on college degrees through versatile programs such as dual credit, prior to heading off to a large 4-year institution.”
“At CBC, the possibilities for vocational training, such as for nursing, cosmetology, and oilfield training are endless.”
Laura Fischer
Karl Arnst
Tres Beck
CBC Board Member
Beeville Publishing Co.
Dan A. Hughes Co. Beeville, TX
R.W. Dirks Petroleum Engineering CEO
Beeville, TX
“I love CBC because of the many opportunities it provides for our community. It enriches lives.”
Three Rivers, TX
“I love CBC because of its commitment to provide a good education, affordable tuition, and provide overall good value to students.”
“I believe CBC is a great first step for high school graduates, and allows them to focus on their education before heading to a 4-year university.”
Dr. Lana Collavo
Shambryn Huie
Maggie Hunt
Jourdanton ISD Superintendent Jourdanton, TX
Huie Farm & Ranch Beeville, TX
Beeville, TX
“I have worked in several school districts where students worked with CBC for dual credit. I have been impressed with the support and guidance provided by the professors, as well as the professionalism in the business office.” 20 | CBC FORUM
“CBC offers many great opportunities for continued education for everyone. It’s a tremendous asset to our community through education, programs, and the people they bring to Beeville.”
“Community colleges are a vital educational program in today’s society. Coastal Bend College’s four campuses are partnering with industry to produce a well educated, well trained workforce.”
Ofelia Hunter
Chip Latcham
Darryl Martin
Alice Echo News Alice, TX
Beeville Publishing Co.
Coastal Bend Spine & Sport Beeville, TX
“I love CBC because it gave me my start to a higher education. Now I’m an awardwinning journalist with over a dozen awards in news writing, feature writing and photojournalism.”
Beeville, TX
“I’m a 4th generation publisher of the Beeville Bee-Picayune, and co-publisher with my brother of 5 community newspapers in our area. Also, I am the father of triplets, now grown and out of college.”
It was best said by JFK: “Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone.”
Lou Adele May
Blant Miller
Debbie Parsons
Beeville, TX
Blant Miller CPA Beeville, TX
Hogue’s Jewelry Beeville, TX
“I call myself a professional volunteer! I taught aerobic dancing at CBC when it was Bee County College. It was a community outreach program. I often had 100 students in the gym for the afternoon sessions.”
“I love CBC because they give dual credit high school students the opportunity to earn college credit. They also give local employers a recruiting base for prospective employees.”
“My father was the first CBC President before the college was even built. He helped institute various vocational programs as well as academic studies.”
Deborah Shearrer
Clare A. Wonders
Other Board Members:
Temple-Shearrer Consultants Floresville, TX
Commercial Property Mgmt. Alice, TX
Jourdanton, TX
“I feel that we are truly blessed to have Coastal Bend College in Pleasanton, Texas. I have seen it grow from the beginning, but it is my desire to see it continually serving the needs of our residents and area businesses.”
“My family was one of the main supporters when CBC was in discussion to be established in Alice. It is an honor and privilege to be a member of this foundation board of CBC.”
Diana Bautista Al Garcia
Kingsville, TX
Directors Emeritus: R.W. Dirks Bill Findley Dan Hughes
Donating to the CBC Foundation helps support student scholarships and learning! You can donate easily and securely online via PayPal.
www.coastalbend.edu/foundation WINTER 2013 | 21
Over 70 local veterans and their families attended the Coastal Bend College Veteran’s Fair on Friday, November 12, 2012 on the Beeville campus. The Veteran’s Fair brought together CBC representatives and about 20 agencies to help veterans obtain information about education benefits, housing assistance, and job placement services available to them. Also present at the Veteran’s Fair was the Department of Veterans Affairs Mobile Vet Center which provides free services such as counseling, help with claims and benefits, and job search assistance to veterans living in rural areas. If anyone did not get to attend the Veteran’s Fair and would like more information about enrolling at CBC as a veteran, or about the agencies/ services present at the event, please contact Rosie Streicher, CBC Veterans Affairs Specialist, at 361354-2421 or via email at rstreich@coastalbend. edu.
TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) students (from left) Tabitha Adkins, Veronique Ramirez and Demi Lea Garcia were excited to meet Senator Zaffirini and ask her some questions about TRiO and work study funding. These three students did an outstanding job representing TRiO SSS and CBC.
Texas State Senator Dr. Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) visited the Coastal Bend College Beeville campus on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 for a forum with CBC students, faculty, staff, and community members. Senator Zaffirini has been a member of the Senate of Texas since 1987 and is the highest-ranking woman and Hispanic senator. A recipient of over 670 awards and honors for her legislative, public service and communications work, she is a distinguished and well known communications specialist in addition to serving as senator for the people of the 21st district of Texas. Senator Zaffirini has consistently been an advocate of improving public education, higher education, and health and human services for the entire state of Texas. During the forum, Senator Zaffirini spoke at length about the importance of work study programs, financial aid opportunities, and scholastic excellence. “Excellence is a habit, not an act. If you adopt a standard of excellence, you will do better than you would otherwise. You all are blessed to attend CBC. This is a wonderful community college with faculty and staff who care about your success. Look to them for help. Look to them as your role models,” Zaffirini said. Zaffirini also reserved time for a brief meeting with CBC administrators and local independent school district representatives to hear about the successes, challenges, and concerns that they all face. CBC was proud to host Senator Zaffirini on its Beeville campus, and appreciates her dedication to higher education in Texas.
CBC partners with community to showcase all it has to offer On November 8, 2012, the CBC Pleasanton Campus hosted a Community Ties event. The Community Ties event showcased CBC programs offered on the Pleasanton campus such as nursing, welding, accounting, cosmetology, and early education and development in addition to the university transfer/core curriculum. Local Pleasanton employers and companies such as the Pleasanton Fire Department, EMS and Methodist AirCare, Convenience Bank, Valero, and many others were on hand to talk about employment opportunities and services they offer to the community. Methodist AirCare flew to the Pleasanton campus in a helicopter, and the nurses/paramedics provided CBC nursing
students and event attendees with a close-up view of the interior workings of an emergency response helicopter. Several local high schools took students to the event to allow them to learn about courses they can take by attending college right down the road from where they go to high school. “The CBC Pleasanton faculty and staff want people to realize that we offer many affordable, quality programs to help launch their careers and education right here in their own backyard,” said Terry Villanueva, CBC Pleasanton Campus Coordinator. If you’d like more information about the Community Ties event or about any of the programs offered at the CBC Pleasanton campus, contact Terry Villanueva at (830) 5694222 ext. 1202. WINTER 2013 | 23
By Susan Smedley Director of Marketing & Public Relations “One of the ways we serve our students is by providing a system that has a meaningful, engaged and relevant understanding of our students”, says Coastal Bend College President Beatriz T. Espinoza. “We’re achieving that at the executive level with the persons we have moved into key leadership positions. We’re working to utilize and honor the talent and experience of the people we already have working for us. All of them have demonstrated their consistent commitment to the student and the individual student’s success.” What Espinoza is referring to is Coastal Bend College’s recent reorganization and newly filled positions. “The two vice president positions alone represent over fifty years of cumulative CBC experience,” she continues.
Elizalde. “Through Upward Bound, I was introduced to a world that gave me access to experiences very different from my own. The program and its staff, like Pete Martinez and Nick Cardenas, provided me the support I needed to succeed. I have been fortunate to serve CBC in positions that have allowed me to pay it forward. “I am excited about my new area of responsibility and about working with Dr. Espinoza and my CBC colleagues because we share the desire to help our students succeed I am looking forward to greater collaboration and an invigorated sense of hope in the future of the college and our students.” Mark Secord, Vice President of Instruction and Economic Development, echoes Elizalde’s commitment to supporting a student-centric environment at the college.
Velma Elizalde, Vice President of Student and Administrative Services, began her association with the college as a high school sophomore in the federal Upward Bound program still housed on the CBC campus.
“This is a very exciting time. Not only for me personally but for the college as a whole. We have a great group of people that are all student-centered. I can’t say that enough. I’ve worked here for over 20 years in the science department, most recently as division chair. I know first-hand that CBC has experienced and devoted faculty, staff and employees.
“The successes I have enjoyed in my professional career are a direct result of my affiliation with Coastal Bend College,” says
“Teaching is something you should have a passion for, and to
24 | CBC FORUM
share your knowledge with a roomful of students and see them grasp the information you’re imparting – well, that’s really gratifying. Being educated gives you so much. It makes you a well-rounded individual. It’s a privilege to provide our students with a good education. It’s a noble undertaking to help someone improve their life. “Demonstrating our commitment to our students starts with everyone we meet,” says Twila Johnson, Dean of Academics. “A student, a peer, a fellow employee, someone you are conducting business with. It is not about the place, it is about the people in the place and our shared purpose.” Johnson comes to CBC’s main campus from the district’s Kingsville site and started with Coastal Bend College as an instructor. “Prior to becoming the Dean of Academics at CBC, I was the Interim Director for External Affairs at the Kingsville site, and prior to that I was full time faculty teaching history and government. Before coming to CBC as a fulltime instructor, I had been teaching for the Kingsville Independent School District since 1995. “Our faculty are so talented, wise and gifted. It truly is an honor to be able to assist them in my new role. My hope is our new leadership structure will give them a renewed sense of enthusiasm and confidence in the future of the college. I am willing and ready to help them however I can.” “I know we’re all talking about how excited we are,” says Pete Trevino, Dean of Student Services, “but it really is true. We’re getting some leadership and organization now that will allow us to focus entirely on student success. That’s what it’s all about.” Trevino comes to Beeville from the district’s Kingsville site where he had functioned as a Special Needs Counselor, Interim Site Director for Campus Management and Lead Counselor. Trevino has been with the college almost seven years and has over seventeen years of managerial and administrative experience. Trevino continues, “I would have to say my overarching goal will be to do my part to provide the best environment I can for student learning, success and engagement. Our students are why we’re here. Our students are why we do what we do.” Kathlyn Patton, Dean of Administrative services, reiterates the connection to students. “I am a Beeville native. From the time I started my college work at Bee County College, I’ve been grateful that our community has the college. I have a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Business from Texas A&M and have been at the college for over twenty-
four years now. And the fact that I was a student here once is something I am very proud of. It influences everything I do. “We serve a large, diverse community providing affordable, quality education and a safe learning environment. Part of my role is to ensure that our facilities are maintained and that we have matched the appropriate, credentialed professional with the right job. Our students rely on us to provide that for them.” “The business office plays a similar role,” says Lisa Clark. Clark has recently been handed the task of acting as the college’s Director of Business Services, overseeing and monitoring all the college’s budgetary and financial activities. This is no small task.
Clark received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Texas A&M Corpus Christi and worked for the institution eight years prior to coming to Coastal Bend College. “Working for A&M Corpus really was great experience. I rely on that experience especially when dealing with the state,” continues Clark, “there’s really no way of anticipating when some major policy change might come down from the legislature that significantly impacts our budget. “Every day is a new day,” says Clark when asked about her job. “We’ve got to be responsive to and considerate of a number of different customers. But the student is our number one priority. I worked my way through school at Texas A&M Corpus Christi while married and raising a child. I know what our students are faced with on a daily basis. Sometimes, the big success of the day is just making it to class. So, when I know at the end of the day that we’ve helped a student – helped keep them on track and in school – that’s a good day. And we have a lot them here at CBC.” Leadership at the college continues to look for innovative ways to keep the institution focused on student success. Anyone interested in sharing their insights and comments regarding student success at CBC is encouraged to contact Susan Smedley, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, at (361) 354-2399 or by email at smedleys@coastalbend.edu.
Photo, from left: Kathlyn Patton, Dr. Twila Johnson, Mark Secord, Pete Trevino, Velma Elizalde and Lisa Clark are the newest members of CBC’s leadership team. Collectively, they have decades of experience in serving and educating students in higher education. WINTER 2013 | 25
Coastal Bend College students and local employers now have access to CBC Works—a free, online job portal launched this academic year. The CBC Works job portal is meant to connect employers in the CBC service area to current students and recent alumni searching for a job.
Students also have to create free accounts to utilize the service and search for jobs. CBC Works has options for students to upload their resume, cover letter and references for a specific position that the employer will be able to review upon submission immediately.
Employers interested in utilizing this free service will need to create a free CBC Works account to post job listings for parttime and full-time jobs, internships, and temporary positions. Within the listing, the employer may post the job description, the hiring criteria and the application process for the position. Once the job listing is approved, it is live and immediately available for students and alumni to view. CBC Works provides employers with a free resource to reach hundreds of qualified, talented, and educated CBC students who are searching for a job.
Free workshops will be held on all CBC campuses in spring 2013 to help students create accounts and get acquainted with CBC Works:
“CBC Works is in its early stages, but I hope that employers in the Coastal Bend realize what a great opportunity this is to reach our amazing students. Sometimes our students don’t know where to start to find a job, and CBC Works is a valuable tool we provide them for free. However, we don’t only want to help them find jobs—we also want to help them start their career,” said Lindsey Hagen, Career Development Advisor for CBC.
Students enrolled at any time since spring 2011, even dual credit students, already have accounts that will allow them to log-in and search for available positions. Students or employers with questions, or alumni who wish to access this service, will need to contact Lindsey Hagen at (361) 354-2728 or toll-free at 1-866-722-2838 ext. 2728.
26 | CBC FORUM
• Kingsville Campus: February 12, 2013 from 12-1 p.m. in room 102 • Pleasanton Campus: February 19, 2013 from 12-1 p.m. in the foyer • Beeville Campus: February 20, 2013 from 2-3 p.m. in V-119 • Alice Campus: February 26, 2013 from 12-1 p.m.
“He has always been a good steward of every penny the college has gotten,” Jaure said. “Not only being a good steward but wanting to continue to build up what we are wanting to do at Coastal Bend College.” In 2005, the Student Services Building was named in his honor. And, as Jaure pointed out, the room in which they were present, the Sandy Dirks Board room, was named in honor of his wife.
By Jason Collins, Editor at the Bee-Picayune BEEVILLE — Family, friends and board members gathered on December 17, 2012 to honor R.W. Dirks for his long tradition of helping not only the college but its students. College President Dr. Beatriz Espinoza said, “He is a genuine and sincere individual who loves Bee County College and Coastal Bend College, and I think he should be our inaugural member of the Founders Circle Legacy Club.” Espinoza described Dirks as one who established a “legacy of giving. Since 2003, she said, he has contributed $170,000.
Espinoza praised Dirks and his family, who have continued this legacy of giving, saying to Dirks, “You have had a hand and made a very positive imprint on many lives and for generations to come.” While the highlight was his connection to the college and its foundation, his legacy dates back further than that. Susan Smedley, director of marketing and public relations, said, “Prior to serving on the board of the college, he was on the Pettus ISD school board.
Dirks once again made a donation to the Coastal Bend College Foundation – this time in the amount of $25,000.
“We know archivally throughout the years with newspaper articles we kept that, whenever we had a reported comment (from Dirks), it is about the students.
“We very much appreciate your contribution,” Espinoza said.
“That is what this institution is about.
Dirks was quiet as others spoke about him.
“That is one of the most tremendous legacies you could leave to anyone.
When asked if he had anything to say, his answer was a short “No.” Paul Jaure, college board chair, offered his appreciation to Dirks for his leadership role. “It has been my pleasure to serve with Mr. Dirks for so many years,” Jaure said. “I have learned a lot from his leadership.” Dirks served on the college board from 1971 until 2008.
“It is about the individual and the individual impact to this college. You have been a huge part of that, Mr. Dirks.” For more information about how you can help support Coastal Bend College, please contact the Coastal Bend College Foundation at (361) 354-2447 or via email at foundation@coastalbend.edu. WINTER 2013 | 27
ONE CARD
YOUR CAMPUS. YOUR FUNDS. GET ACCESS TO IT ALL WITH JUST ONE CARD.
IT’S EASY.
DOES IT ALL.
Your Money Network® Enabled Discover® Cougar Card is the only card you’ll need on campus or off:
USE IT EVERYWHERE DISCOVER® CARDS ARE ACCEPTED MANAGE YOUR MONEY ONLINE WITH BILL PAY OPTIONS GET FREE* WITHDRAWALS AT ANY ALLPOINT® NETWORK ATM OR PARTICIPATING ATM ON CAMPUS UPGRADE** YOUR MONEY NETWORK® ACCOUNT SO IT CAN BE RELOADED WITH OTHER FUNDS BY YOUR SCHOOL, YOU OR YOUR PARENTS COMES WITH MONEY NETWORK™ CHECKS THAT CAN BE CASHED FREE* AT ANY WALMART LOCATION *While this feature is available for free, certain other transaction fees and costs, terms and conditions are associated with the use of this card. See the cardholder agreement, which can be obtained through your school, for more details. ** Upgrading is free, requires a one-time verification of your identity. RECEIVE YOUR FINANCIAL AID CREDIT BALANCE ON YOUR COUGAR CARD
GO TO WWW.COASTALBEND.EDU/COUGARCARD SIGN UP AND YOU’LL GET THE ONE CARD THAT DOES IT ALL. EASY. 361-354-2223 studentservices@coastalbend.edu ©2013 Blackboard Inc. All Rights Reserved. All trademarks, service marks and trade names referenced in this material are the property of their respective owners. Card is issued by MetaBank™, Member FDIC. Discover and the Discover Acceptance Marks are service marks used by MetaBank under license from Discover Financial Services.