January 27, 2012, DES MOINES—Iowa Senator John P. “Jack” Kibbie, who is often referred to as “the father of Iowa community colleges,” was honored on January 26, 2012, at the Iowa statehouse by those who have been impacted the most by his leadership in action.  Some 200 Iowa community college students, Iowa Association of Community College Trustees (IACCT) board members, community college presidents and staff, along with agency boards and directors, gathered at 7:30 a.m. on the first floor of the State Capitol East Rotunda to show their respect for Kibbie’s efforts through the years.  During the ceremony, state legislators and special guest Iowa Governor Terry Branstad made remarks regarding Kibbie’s significant contribution to Iowa’s educational system.

In 1965, Kibbie sponsored the bill to create Iowa’s community colleges.  During his tenure as an elected official in the Iowa House of Representatives, as a member of the Iowa Lakes Community College Board of Trustees, and in the Iowa Senate, Kibbie has remained a steadfast supporter of Iowa’s community colleges.  Kibbie was first elected to the Iowa House in 1960.  He served on the Iowa Lakes Community College board from 1970 to 1988, when he joined the Senate.  Kibbie will not run for re-election in the 2012 elections. Read more: Community College Association Hosts Event to Honor Senator Kibbie

The Southwestern Community College Education Foundation scholarship application for 2012-13 is now available on the SWCC Web site. All new and returning students for fall 2012 semester are encouraged to apply! Applications are due to the SWCC Education Foundation office on or before March 15, 2012, at 5 p.m. CDT.

Scholarships awarded are to be used at Southwestern Community College during the 2012-13 academic year. Scholarships are awarded based on many criteria. Last year, approximately 100 scholarships were given to students. It is the goal of the Education Foundation to grow this number each year.

For further information, please contact Jana Scott, student services specialist, at 641.782.1455.

There will be a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Bake Sale today (January 16) starting at 8:30 a.m. in the main hallway of the Instructional Center.  All monies raised will go to the Great American Bake Sale (http://gabs.strength.org) to help end childhood hunger.  Enjoy some yummy items to start your semester off doing something good for other people!

This event is being sponsored by the Beta Eta Nu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.

Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met Tuesday, January 10, 2012, at 8:30 a.m. in the Administration Center on the Creston campus.  The meeting was held electronically due to a brief agenda. Read more: Southwestern’s Board of Trustees Holds January Meeting

Southwestern Community College Head Volleyball Coach Melissa Blessington spent her winter break putting the finishing touches on the 2012 Spartan volleyball team.  Blessington signed two athletes from Hampton-Dumont High School and one athlete from LeMars High School.  With the addition of these three athletes, Blessington has a total of eight new recruits and is nearing the end of her recruiting campaign for the 2012 volleyball season.

DECEMBER 22, 2011--Earlier today, Beta Eta Nu, SWCC's chapter of the International Honor Society of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), and Creston Hy-Vee presented a $1,000 check to SWCC math instructor Tom Dunphy.  The check will go to help with health-related expenses for Tom's granddaughter Kara Dunphy, who is fighting leukemia.  Kara is the daughter of Sean and Deanne Dunphy.

During the fundraising drive, Hy-Vee coupon books were sold on campus and in the Creston area by PTK student members and sponsors.  Chuck Irelan, general manager of the Creston Hy-Vee, donated Hy-Vee’s portion of the sales to Kara’s fund drive. Cash donations were also given by community members. 

PTK would like to thank everyone who participated in this event! 

PHOTO (L to R):  Jody Nedley-Newcomb, SWCC PTK sponsor; Tom Dunphy, Kara's grandfather and SWCC math instructor; and Chuck Irelan, general manager for Creston Hy-Vee