Beeville, TX —Coastal Bend College (CBC) welcomed 331 attendees to its annual Cougar Day, held on August 14, 2025, a signature open house event that inspires prospective, new, returning, and dual credit students, as well as their families and support systems, to discover the opportunities available at CBC.
Supported by more than 60 faculty, coaches, staff, and administrators, Cougar Day 2025 offered a full day of interactive and engaging experiences. Participants explored academic programs, connected with faculty and staff, and discovered the many student support services that make CBC a place where opportunity meets purpose.
The 2025 theme, “Find Your Roar,” captured the spirit of the event, encouraging students to discover the right academic path for them, along with the resources, support, and services they need to succeed.
Community and campus partners also contributed to the day’s success, including Serenity Counseling, South Texas Family Planning with Mobile Clinic, Bee Adult Literacy, the Joe Barnhart Bee County Library, Workforce Solutions, REAL Transportation, and CBC’s Alice, Kingsville, and Pleasanton sites.
Event Highlights
Cougar Day was filled with activities designed to showcase campus life, career pathways, and student success opportunities, including:
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Academic Program Showcases & Career Technical Demos
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Interactive STEM & Health Simulations
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Student & Parent Panels
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Guided Campus Tours
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E-Sports & Games
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DIY Craft Zone & Cougar Pride Activities
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Free Food, Snacks & Live Entertainment
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Photo Booths, Mascot Meet & Greet, and Prize Giveaways
“Cougar Day embodies our commitment to Creating Bold Circumstances for every student who walks through our doors,” said Dr. Zachary Z. Suarez, President of Coastal Bend College. “More than just an event, it is an invitation to discover new possibilities, to connect with a community that believes in your potential, and to take the first step toward a future shaped by excellence, opportunity, and purpose. It is also a time for our Cougars to sharpen their claws as they build skills, confidence, and readiness for the opportunities and achievements ahead. At Coastal Bend College, we are proud to stand alongside our students as they turn ambition into achievement through the transformative power of learning.”
Christi Morgan, Dean of Academic Support, noted the event’s impact for both students and families:
“Cougar Day is more than just an open house event — it is an invitation for our students, their families, and the community to come together and experience the energy, resources, and opportunities Coastal Bend College offers. We want students to leave inspired, informed, and confident that they can find their path—or as we like to say, find their roar—right here at CBC.
For many students and their families, Cougar Day offers their first introduction to college life, making it an important step in CBC’s commitment to student success and engagement. Our goal is to make higher education feel accessible, welcoming, and exciting. Whether someone is just considering going to college, starting their college journey, looking to transfer, or exploring workforce training, they can see firsthand that CBC is a place where they belong and where their goals matter.
We are grateful for the businesses and agencies who set up in our Activity and Exploration Zone. These partnerships strengthen the bridge between education and community, showing our students that success is supported both inside and outside the classroom.”
Classes for Fall 2025 begin August 25th, 2025. Registration is still open, and students who were unable to attend Cougar Day are encouraged to connect with a CBC Success Coach to get started on their path.