The day started at 4:30 a.m. with 40-degree weather. Packed into two charter busses, about 50 students plus staff traveled to the granite steps of the Texas Capitol Building in Austin for Texas Community College Day.
“The day is about giving the students an opportunity to interact with their state legislators,” said Rito Silva, vice president of student affairs.
Mark Escamilla, president of Del Mar College, also made the Jan. 30 trip.
“It’s a hustle-and-bustle kind of day. This is always one of the most enjoyable opportunities Del Mar has to offer. I love hosting the students and bringing them to the Capitol.”
The Texas House chambers were painted navy blue with Del Mar students outnumbering every community college in attendance. Texas Congressmen Todd Hunter, J.M. Lozano, and Abel Herrero recognized DMC at the podium.
“I’m really excited to have this many students here today. It’s a bragging point for college trustees,” Del Mar Regent Gabe Rivas said.
The Student Government Association met with Hunter and discussed investing more in Texas education through more dual credit and workforce training programs, with education being a big topic for the 2019 legislative session.
With the 15-hour day of learning behind them, all students were back at Del Mar by 7:30 p.m.
“Community College Day was beyond a success. Being able to represent our school at the State Capitol was such a fun and exciting experience,” said Natasha Perez, president of the Student Government Association. “I want to thank all Del Mar College faculty, staff and administration as well as our state legislators for working to make higher education a priority all across Texas.”
The next Texas Community College Day will be in 2021 during the next Texas legislative session.