Tribute to Mike Anzaldua

Del Mar College was the second home for the late Mike Anzaldúa Jr., Professor Emeritus of English, as individuals who knew him can attest.

Since joining Del Mar College’s faculty as a teaching assistant in 1969, Professor Anzaldúa carried out several roles beyond instructing English in the classroom, including serving as assistant director of the Heritage Campus Writing Center, director of the College’s Title V Learning Communities Program, chair of the Department of English and Philosophy, Interim Dean of Arts and Sciences and president of the College’s chapter of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education.

Anzaldúa also served as a tenured faculty member on the Faculty Council, the College’s Self- Study for reaffirmation of accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and with several program reviews and numerous committees.

He also led a number of College innovations, including the College Developmental Education Council, the Mariachi Del Mar musical initiative and the Mexican American Studies Program.

Serving among his peers at the College from 1969 until his death in 2012, the devoted educator gave back to the College where he spent his long career. Prior to his passing, Anzaldúa began a process of setting up the establishment of four $90,000 endowed and four $10,000 direct scholarships for a total of $400,000 to benefit the College’s English, Music and Mexican American Studies programs and the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education. All four scholarships cover tuition, fees and any remaining balance for books and supplies that student may need.

In May 2016, Del Mar College Board of Regents unanimously approved to name a courtyard on the Heritage Campus as “Mike Anzaldúa Plaza.” The courtyard is associated with new education buildings planned as part of the 2014 Capital Improvement Program.

In Memoriam: Mike Anzaldúa

Remembering the late Professor Emeritus of English:

Plaza dedication

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