2012

Published February 17, 2012 3:01 pm

CRESTON, IA—The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) women’s basketball team is joining in the fight against breast cancer on Wednesday, February 29, 2012, at 5:30 p.m., in the Student Center gymnasium.  The Spartans will host Southeastern Community College in a 2012 Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Pink Zone® event.  The team will be raising funds for the Greater Regional Cancer Center, in partnership with Mercy Medical Center, through the 2012 Pink Zone® initiative.

Sponsors for the SWCC Pink Zone® event include Curves, First National Bank, Great Western Bank, Greater Regional Cancer Center in partnership with Mercy Medical Center, Iowa State Savings Bank, State Savings Bank, and Wal-Mart.  Three’s Company of Creston will be donating pink headbands for the event.

Published February 16, 2012 9:09 am

Read this week's SWCC Weekly online student newsletter!  Articles include Pink Zone Event information, transfer day prize winners, softball raffle wrap-up, auto club apparel on sale, National TRIO Day, and transfer opportunities to the University of Iowa.

Published February 14, 2012 2:10 pm

Creston, IOWA—Two great artists, The Four Freshmen, the legendary vocal jazz/instrumental ensemble, and Nancy King, a Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist, will headline the Southwestern Community College (SWCC) 15th annual vocal jazz festival, now titled Fox Fest. Both artists will perform in concert on Friday, February 24, and Saturday, February 25, at 7:30 p.m., in the Performing Arts Center.  Limited tickets will be available to the public each night at a cost of $25 per ticket.  

Published February 13, 2012 11:41 am

The Automotive Club is selling hats, hoodies, stocking caps, and T-shirts with the SWCC automotive logo (see photos at right).  Costs follow: beanie (black), $14; hat (black with flame), $15; hoodie (black), $30; T-shirt (black, orange, pink, or purple), $16; stocking cap (orange), $14. Pink T-shirts will include the breast cancer symbol (ribbon) and for each T-shirt purchased, $2 will be donated to the breast cancer fund.

To order, please contact Sue Claiser, automotive parts clerk, at 641.782.1306 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Orders are due by February 29, 2012.

Published February 13, 2012 10:09 am

CRESTON—Are you a high school senior looking for help completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms for college this fall?  If so, plan to attend the TRIO Educational Talent Search (ETS) program’s ninth annual Dinner & a FAFSA Night.  

ETS student participants and their parents may set individual appointments at Southwestern Community College (SWCC) in Creston on Wednesday, February 22, 2012.  Appointments will be scheduled between 4 and 7 p.m. and last approximately 30 minutes.  Students are not required to attend SWCC to register for the event.

Published February 2, 2012 11:09 am

Southwestern Community College (SWCC) is hosting an Iowa College Goal Sunday event on Wed., February 22, 2012, from 2-7 p.m. in Tech Center I on the Creston campus.  During the event, volunteers will assist future college students and their families in filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  

No appointment is necessary for College Goal Sunday and all services are FREE.  The event is open to the public.  Students or parents may attend individually, but it is recommended students bring at least one parent or guardian.  Refreshments will be provided from 4-7 p.m. and each individual attending will receive a complimentary ticket to attend the SWCC women’s basketball game that evening at 5:30 p.m. against Marshalltown Community College.

Published January 27, 2012 1:45 pm

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.

Published January 19, 2012 10:42 am

Southwestern Community College's automotive programs will be hosting an Open House for students considering a career in the automotive field on Friday, March 30, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on SWCC's Creston campus.

During the Open House event, visitors will be able to tour the automotive shops, meet program instructors, compete in welding and tire changing/rotating contests, views automobiles at the car show, and meet with tool vendors.  A light lunch will be served.

Potential students may visit at any time during the Open House hours, but if students are planning to compete in the welding contest they must register from 8:30-9 a.m.  A written test will take place at 9 a.m. and individuals with the top scores will then compete in the hands-on portion at 10 a.m. in SWCC’s technical center.  Pictured at right are last year's contest winners.

Published January 19, 2012 9:35 am

The Southwestern Community College Education Foundation scholarship application for 2012-13 is now available on the SWCC website. 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.

Published January 16, 2012 8:11 am

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.