$4.1 million / $21 million secured
Excelling as ONE for our college and communities
Southwestern reached a major milestone in 2026, achieving 60 years of operation. Since its inception, the college has served as an educational anchor for southwest and south central Iowa. In 2025, Southwestern proudly provided opportunities for nearly 2,000 students to pursue their educational goals, played a critical role in helping 230 businesses and industries build and train their workforces, and continued to offer lifelong learning experiences to nearly 4,500 community members across its eight-county service region.
With growing momentum, the college has reached a pivotal point. A recent capital campaign feasibility study demonstrated strong support for Southwestern. The college is embarking on a multi-year capital campaign to shape the institution's future with the valuable assistance of all stakeholders. The campaign reflects Southwestern's unwavering commitment to student success and regional economic vitality. Nearly 91 percent of Southwestern's graduates remain in the state after graduation, contributing their talents to local businesses and industries, organizations, and communities. The capital campaign recognizes when students succeed, the region's communities prosper.
Campaign projects were determined through in-depth research and will come to fruition through broad collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. The plan reflects a shared vision - one honoring Southwestern's legacy while investing boldly in projects identified as top priorities during master facilities planning.
Southwestern's hands-on programs and individualized support gave me the confidence and practical skills needed for long-term success. The emphasis on accuracy and real world problem solving directly contributed to my career path at Altec. These experiences helped me grow from being a contributing team member to leading a team as a production supervisor. Southwestern provided the foundation and direction that have supported the accomplishments I've achieved to date.
Levi Exline, SWCC alumni and production supervisor, Altec, Osceola
Having Southwestern in our community is a tremendous asset, providing meaningful benefits not only to Excel, but to many other local employers. SWCC plays a critical role in preparing a skilled trades workforce by equipping students with the hands-on training and technical knowledge our industry demands. We have proudly employed graduates of SWCC's programs, and we have also partnered with the college for customized training that strengthens our existing workforce. Continued investment in a skilled trades facility ensures SWCC can remain a vital pipeline of talent and training that supports business growth and economic development throughout our region.
Caleb Baker, emissions manager, Excel Engineering, Diagonal
Southwestern's skilled trades facility will support multiple programs, electrical technology being one of them. This space will provide expanded room for specialized labs, updated equipment, and learning environments that enhance hands-on training. By increasing capacity and flexibility, the facility will allow students across all skilled trades programs to access additional resources; and engage in more individualized, real-world learning experiences that better prepare them for today's workforce.
Hayden Della Vedova Brummer, electrical technology student, Hamilton, Illinois
Having a dedicated athletic practice facility would make a huge difference in how we train and prepare every day for the golf program. It would give student-athletes like me a consistent, weather-independent space to develop our skills while balancing academics. A facility like this would strengthen our sense of belonging and help us compete at a higher level. It would truly elevate the student-athlete experience and what it means to be part of #SpartanNation.
Freddie Muggeridge, student-athlete, golf, United Kingdom
SWCC was the perfect place for me to start my college education while playing the sport I love. The experiences and relationships I built there helped shape my path. Forever grateful to my instructors, coaches, and teammates.
Naomi Hoffman Sharp, SWCC alumni and early childhood consultant, Green Hills AEA, Creston
The game isn't won on game day—it's won in the preparation, and that preparation is shaped by quality facilities and great coaching. A modern practice facility gives student-athletes the space to build confidence, discipline, and habits that prepare them not only to compete on the field, but to succeed in life. In today's competitive athletic environment, having dedicated, high-quality facilities is essential to attracting and developing student-athletes and continuing Southwestern's legacy of excellence. This investment isn't about buildings—it's about people, and ensuring the next generation has the same opportunity to grow, believe, and reach their potential.
Brandon Bingham, SWCC alumni, CEO | Business Development, Bing Bang, Saint Petersburg, Florida
For many of us, softball isn't just a sport. It's where our family is, where we find happiness, and most of all, increase confidence. However, the quality of our fields and facilities play a very important role in our growth as a team and individually. Our facilities control how we are able to train, when, and the intensity of our training. Updating our fields and facilities would promote a stronger culture, enhance our performance, and player safety.
Emma Moore, student-athlete, softball, Ellsworth, Kansas
As an international student, I've had a great experience on campus and have felt welcomed and supported. I would love to have more seating areas around campus to give students more spaces to relax, connect, and complete their studies. A walkway from the northern entrance of Spartan Suites to the Instructional Center would improve accessibility for students. Changes to the student life experience would make Southwestern even better.
Theo Alexandersson Ohnell, student-athlete, basketball, Sweden
