Looking back on the deep history of Del Mar

When I arrived at Del Mar College in 1967 the new library had just been completed and thousands of books brought from the second floor of the History Building which had been housing them. Designers had the foresight to include two extra floors for future expansion. I was delighted to find all 130 volumes of the Official Records of the Civil War, an absolute must for Civil War research. When I was assigned a student typist, I knew what that meant: I was expected to publish. I had been told by Del Mar recruiter Grady St. Clair that four-year status…

When the semester ends, reflection begins

The college semester is coming to an end. Classrooms are empty. Parking spaces are easier to come by. Dining halls seem more vacant. Professors are submitting last-minute grades. Staff members are slowly closing out reports and putting up the closing signs. Another cycle of college life has ended. This is a typical part of the college calendar, but it still matters. The end of a semester is a moment to stop, think, and reflect. Students and staff have worked through long weeks of lectures, assignments, group projects, mid-terms and final exams. Now, there is room to breathe just a little…

American students’ freedom threatened

Donald Trump recently posted a statement on his Truth Social app that alarmed many college students. He claims that he will stop all federal funding for any schools, colleges and universities that allow “illegal” protests on campus. He threatened to expel and/or arrest students who do not comply, as well as permanently sending agitators “back to the country from which they came.” While it is completely rational to be scared after reading such information, bystanders need to know that Trump does not have the authority to withhold federal funds from any schools that might allow certain conduct. He also does…

Lamar’s symbolic wake up call for people

The 2025 Super Bowl is a memory and the people of Philadelphia celebrated the Eagles’ win against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, much of the talk of the event wasn’t the game but Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show. While it was advertised as a performance, most have reason to believe it was bigger than that–it was a message. With symbolism of the control and propaganda within America hidden beneath lyrics, individuals are now trying to justify Lamar’s execution.  According to YouTube channel New Rockstars, many people think it is likely that the production’s details and covered meanings went over a lot…

53 Del Mar College students attended Community College Day

Over 800 community college students from around the state attended Community College Dat at the Sate Capitol on Feb 3. Community College Day allows students to meet with their legislators and directly advocate for issues important to them. Fifty-three students from Del Mar attended the event making them the second largest group out of 50 community colleges that attended. Del Mar students were able to meet with local legislators from long-time House of Representatives member Todd Hunter to newly elected house member Denise Villalobbs

Greg Abbott takes a “step” back from DEI

Gov. Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order on Jan. 31 directing all Texas state agencies to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies and to treat all people equally regardless of race. He believes the DEI agendas divide us rather than unite us. DEI exists to welcome and value people from different backgrounds by giving them the extra help they may need to succeed. A number of organizations consider DEI a priority in hiring and advancement. For instance, if an employee feels respected in their workplace, they are more likely to be productive and committed to the organization. It is…

Lost time: some trash can turn out to be real treasures

Norman C. Delaney PhD It’s amazing the things that are thrown out.I had a lady auditing one of my classes who presented me with a boot/pocket pistol that she and her husband retrieved from the rubbish! It was in France where he was stationed and they were walking along and just happened to notice the pistol on top of a rubbish bin. I was happy to have it. And there was Paul Hervey, a former sociology professor at Del Mar who as an undergraduate at Washington and Lee College in Virginia was working part time at the college to help…

Judges needed for speech on the beach

DMC Speech on the Beach is seeking volunteers from Feb 7th – 9th to assist with its 18th annual event at the Coles building located at the Heritage campus.  Sarah Contreras, Professor of Speech communications, is coordinating volunteer sign-ups. “If you feel you are unqualified … do not worry. These students just need an audience,” stated Contreras in an email asking to at least volunteer for two rounds. This event will feature participants from at least 10 colleges and universities, including the University of Texas – Austin, Texas State University – San Marcos, and San Antonio college, to name a…

The siren still accepting student work

Del Mar College’s general interest literary magazine, “The Siren,” is currently working on a return after a five-year hiatus. Submissions from currently enrolled Del Mar students are being accepted through Friday, Feb. 14. Serving as a collection of visual and/or literary arts, The Siren stopped publication after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the Fall 2019-Spring 2020 edition, the magazine has remained dormant despite plans for an eventual return. Now, in Spring 2025, the plans are being actioned. Submissions of photography, paintings, digital art, short stories, poetry, personal essays, and other visual and/or literary arts are now being accepted.…

The striking difference in Trumps inauguration

President Donald Trump had his second inauguration Jan. 20 and seems to be the most recent topic of conversation. Despite the four-year gap after losing to Joe Biden in 2020, Trump has found a way to make it back up to the top. Seeing as things can change within such a short amount of time, it is vital that we compare his first inauguration to his second. After being elected as president in November 2016, Trump was sworn in at the 2017 United States Presidential Inauguration. He took the stage at the West Front of the Capitol after shaking hands…