2011

Published December 22, 2011 11:03 am

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

Published December 15, 2011 8:26 am

Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met Tuesday, December 13, 2011, at the Administration Center on the Creston campus.

The board voted to reinstate the college’s early retirement policy for employees.  The policy has an April 1, 2012, application deadline for employees.  The expiration date for this plan is June 30, 2012.  This is the same early retirement plan that the board approved in 2010 and 2011.

Dr. Matt Thompson, SWCC dean of students, presented the annual student demographic report to the board.  Thompson stated that SWCC’s final fall 2011 enrollment was 1,762 students.  This is up from last year’s enrollment of 1,753 students.  According to Thompson, 22.3 percent of 2011 high school graduates in the college’s region are enrolled at SWCC, compared to 20.5 percent last year.  Thompson noted for fall 2011, SWCC has 876 students enrolled full-time and 886 students enrolled on a part-time basis.  The demographic information was compiled by Marilyn Werner and Lisa Shawler in the SWCC assessment center.

Jerry Smith, SWCC board member and Iowa Association of Community College Trustees (IACCT) representative, reported to the board concerning the IACCT meeting he attended on behalf of SWCC last week.

Published December 13, 2011 8:55 am

The Southwestern Community College women's basketball team is offering a second order on clothing items. The attached brochure/order form provides color photos of the merchandise, as well as the pricing. If anyone would like any additional clothing, please contact Spartan Head Coach Brett Gilcrist by phone at 402.953.6090 to place an order. Thank you for your support of the women's basketball program!  We hope this second order will allow everyone to have an opportunity to show their school pride.

NOTE:  Orders must be placed by December 22, 2011!

Published December 8, 2011 11:10 am

CRESTON, IA—The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) women’s basketball team is hosting an Alzheimer’s Awareness Game on Thursday, December 15, at 6 p.m., in the Student Center gymnasium.  During the game, the Spartans will face Iowa Western Community College of Council Bluffs.

Everyone attending the game is encouraged to wear purple.  Prior to the game, purple SWCC Alzheimer’s T-shirts will be on sale for $10 (see photo at right).  All proceeds from the gate admissions, concessions, and T-shirt sales will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Iowa Chapter.  Representatives from the Alzheimer’s Association will be present before and during the game to answer questions and sell Alzheimer’s awareness wristbands.

Published December 1, 2011 4:45 pm

The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) Dance Team will be performing at the 2012 Iowa College Dance Competition at Wells Fargo Arena and Hy-Vee Hall on Friday, December 2.  SWCC performs in the hip hop division at 4:11 p.m.  The doors open to spectators at 7 a.m.  The competition runs from 8 a.m.-9 p.m.  All seats are general admission.  Ticket cost is $10 per day.

Team members include Erica Lensing, Jessica Fooken, Megan Fooken, Melissa Haveman, Cassandra Edwards, Danielle Shae, and Leah Robinson.

There will be 23 college teams in competition. 

Published December 1, 2011 8:20 am

CRESTON — The TRIO Educational Talent Search (ETS) program at Southwestern Community College is offering free ACT Test prep courses for all ETS high school participants the morning of Saturday, January 7, 2012.

Two options are available for students who attend: 

•    Option 1 – 8 a.m. to noon.  Students who choose Option 1 will be participating in a mock exam consisting of the same conditions as the official ACT exam. 
•    Option 2 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Students who choose Option 2 will attend three break-out sessions (math, English/reading, and science).

Published November 23, 2011 10:08 am

CRESTON, IA—The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) Concert Choir will be performing “Holiday Carols in Concert” on Sunday, December 11, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center on the SWCC Creston campus.  Tickets for this event are $10 per person, $5 for students and seniors, and may be purchased at the door.

The choir performed in the Des Moines area the week of November 28.  The concerts featured favorite carols and masterworks by Christiansen, Mattson, The King’s Singers, Felciano, and Schreck.

The concert schedule follows:
•    Mon., November 28, First United Methodist Church, 309 E. Jefferson Street, Winterset
•    Tues., November 29, St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 5720 Urbandale Ave., Des Moines
•    Wed., November 30, Zion Lutheran Church, 4300 Beaver Ave., Des Moines
•    Thurs., December 1, Central Presbyterian Church, 3829 Grand Ave., Des Moines
•    Fri., December 2, Grace Lutheran Church, 3010 52nd Street, Des Moines

Published November 22, 2011 2:32 pm

November 21, 2011, CRESTON, IA—Southwestern Community College’s 21st Annual Athletic Fundraiser set a new record for the college on Friday evening, bringing in approximately $13,000 for athletic scholarships.

The event, which was held at the Elk’s Lodge in Creston, included a buffet dinner catered by The Windrow Restaurant; a program featuring statements from the head coaches of SWCC’s seven intercollegiate sports; and a raffle and auction with various items, including unique and autographed sports memorabilia, donated by local businesses and friends of the college.

Published November 21, 2011 10:40 am

If you have ever thought about teaching K-12 math or science, consider registering for "Exploring Math & Science Teaching" during the Spring 2012 semester. The class begins on January 31, 2012, and meets Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m. During the course, you will hear from outstanding teachers each week and will get the opportunity to observe and teach in a classroom.

The best part ... if you successfully complete the course, your tuition for the class is reimbursed, completion of the course makes you eligible for scholarships at state universities, AND you will be eligible for paid internships.

Published November 16, 2011 3:21 pm

CRESTON —The fall 2011 semester brought additional course options for Southwestern Community College students who are interested in fields such as law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice, security, private investigation, etc.  The college now has an associate of arts transfer plan for criminal justice majors.

With this criminal justice degree plan in place, SWCC is offering the following new courses:  introduction to criminal justice, criminal law, criminology, constitutional law, introduction to computer forensics, and juvenile delinquency.  In addition, the college has sociology and psychology courses in place that will complement the student’s academic plan.  The criminal justice courses will be offered on the Creston campus, as well as the Osceola Center.