2012

Published April 20, 2012 12:24 pm

Creston, IA--Southwestern Community College has confirmed Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President of the United States Joe Biden, will be the guest speaker for the college’s spring 2012 Commencement Ceremony on Fri., May 11, 2012, at 7:30 p.m. Southwestern is one of only two community college commencement addresses Dr. Biden will deliver this year. Dr. Biden’s first stop will be Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, FL, on Friday, May 4, 2012.

Dr. Biden works diligently to highlight the importance of community colleges to America’s future. According to her website, she has always said community colleges are “one of America’s best-kept secrets.” During fall 2010, Dr. Biden hosted the first-ever White House Summit on Community Colleges with President Obama, and she continues to work on this outreach on behalf of the Administration—frequently visiting campuses and meeting with students and teachers, as well as reaching out to industry representatives around the country.

Dr. Biden, an educator for more than 30 years, has taught English in community colleges for the past 18 years and continues to teach at a community college in Northern Virginia.

Published April 18, 2012 4:49 pm

NOTE:  If you have trouble viewing this video, watch it on YouTube.

To say “thank you” for all of the help from employees, students, board members, and the people of Creston and the surrounding communities just doesn’t seem adequate.  I am truly humbled by the outpouring of support the college has received in the past few days.  It was simply amazing as we were beginning to clean-up debris Sunday morning how people and equipment just started showing up and people went to work.  We have had contacts from a number of other colleges offering assistance and many sent groups to assist with clean-up or donated items for students.

Published April 15, 2012 7:25 pm

The residence halls on campus have been evaluated by a structural engineer and deemed reasonably safe for removal of student items.  Students may come to campus to pick up their essential items from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday.  If possible, please bring boxes with you when you come.

Details for the removal of items from the residence halls follow:

West and Wilson Halls - Students may enter to remove essential items from their rooms.

Spartan Suites - Due to safety concerns, second and third floors will be accessed by college personnel only.

Spartan Hall - Due to safety concerns, third floor will be accessed by college personnel only.

Keep in mind, the facilities are severely damaged with debris and broken glass, therefore you will be required to wear close-toed shoes, long sleeved shirts, jeans, gloves, etc.

A bank of rooms has been reserved at the Super 8 motel in Creston for students.  When you come to campus, you will be asked if you need to take advantage of these accommodations for the remainder of the school year.  The Spartan Cafe will be open for their regular hours.

We appreciate your cooperation and patience during this process.

Published April 15, 2012 8:39 am

Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 4:39 p.m.--The Spartan Cafe is open for dinner tonight and will resume its normal operating hours tomorrow.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 2:04 p.m.--Classes at Southwestern Community College will resume on Wed., April 18, 2012.  Townline Street is now open!  Due to the cancellation of the High School Business Contest, business classes will meet as well. 

Monday, April 16, 2012, 2:02 p.m.--High school business contest is canceled.  It will not be re-scheduled.  It was originally scheduled for Wed., April 18, 2012.

Monday, April 16, 2012, 9:58 a.m.--Activities for this week that have been postponed include Pay it Forward Week, Junior Visit Day, Blood Drive, Student Awards Ceremony, and Youth Volleyball Camp.  Stay tuned for updates.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR RESIDENCE HALL STUDENTS!

Monday, April 16, 2012, 7:59 a.m.--Volunteers for today, please check in at the Student Center for instructions.  Thank you so much for your assistance!

Sunday, April 15, 2012, 3:36 p.m.--SWCC Youth Volleyball Camp, April 16-18, postponed.  New date to be determined.

Sunday, April 15, 2012, 2:21 p.m.--Buena Vista University--Creston will not be holding classes on Monday evening, April 16.

Sunday, April 15, 2012, 12:41 p.m.--The following announcement does include the Osceola and Red Oak Centers--Classes at Southwestern Community College, all locations, have been canceled for Monday, April 16, and Tuesday, April 17. A decision about classes for Wednesday, April 18, will be made on Tuesday.

Sunday, April 15, 2012, 9:53 a.m.--Employees who are able, please report to the Student Center tomorrow (Monday) to assist with debris clean-up.

Sunday, April 15, 2012, 9:40 a.m.--Classes at Southwestern Community College have been canceled for Monday, April 16, and Tuesday, April 17. A decision about classes for Wednesday, April 18, will be made on Tuesday. Please watch Facebook for additional updates until the SWCC website is restored.

Sunday, April 15, 2012, 8:34 a.m.--Due to damage experienced on-campus during last night's severe weather, the college will be closed until further notice.  Please remain off-campus.  Fortunately, there were no serious injuries during the storm.  Watch the website for additional updates.

Published April 11, 2012 8:48 am

Southwestern Community College 2012 Pay it Forward (PIF) T-shirts are now on sale in the admissions department, located in the Administration Center!  T-shirts are on sale for $10, with the larger sizes (2XL and up) selling for $12.  Shirts may also be purchased from any SWCC student ambassador.

PIF Week will be held at SWCC from April 15-20.  For a complete list of scheduled activities, follow the link to PIF Activities on the Pay it Forward page on the SWCC website.

Published April 9, 2012 1:37 pm

SWCC's Osceola high school carpentry class is selling 8' octagon picnic tables.  The cost for a table is $350. 

This fundraiser will assist students as they raise money for future Habitat for Humanity trips.  In recent years, the students have traveled to places such as Louisiana, South Dakota, Texas, and Missouri to assist with rebuilding projects following natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes.

Published April 6, 2012 1:05 pm

The Southwestern Community College art & design department will have a Student Art Exhibit on display at the Creston Restored Depot from April 2-28, 2012.  The exhibit will begin with an opening reception on Fri., April 6, 2012, from 6-8 p.m.  Refreshments will be provided and the public is invited to attend. 

The exhibit is being sponsored by Creston: Arts.  Go to www.facebook.com/CrestonArts for additional information.

Linda Dainty is the art & design instructor for SWCC.

Published April 5, 2012 9:09 am

Phi Theta Kappa members, please RSVP as soon as possible for the upcoming Phi Theta Kappa induction ceremony.  RSVPs are due by noon this Friday, April 6. Students need to RSVP with Steve Epperson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and staff members should RSVP with Jody Nedley-Newcomb at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The formal induction of the 2011-2012 Phi Theta Kappa members is scheduled for Thursday, April 12, 2012, at 6 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Family and friends are invited.

Published April 2, 2012 4:14 pm

Southwestern Community College’s automotive repair technology club presented a check for $125 to the Greater Regional Cancer Center on Friday, March 16, 2012.  The funds were raised during a recent T-shirt fundraiser by the organization.  Pictured are front row (L to R) - Donna Larkin, SWCC automotive club vice president; Javier Rubio, SWCC automotive club president; Jeni Thompson, director of medical oncology for Greater Regional Cancer Center; and Joan Weis, co-director of radiation oncology from Greater Regional Cancer Center and back row – Sue Claiser, SWCC automotive parts clerk; Jeff Sorensen, automotive repair technology instructor; Steve Schmalzried, automotive repair technology instructor; and Matt Thompson, SWCC dean of students.

Published April 2, 2012 3:38 pm

Southwestern Community College is hosting a three-day volleyball camp, April 16-18, 2012, after school, for students in grades fourth through sixth.  The cost is $50. 

The camp will be directed by Southwestern Volleyball Coaches Melissa Blessington and Rita Schroeder, with the assistance of the Southwestern volleyball players.

For complete camp information, please visit the SWCC Volleyball Camp page.