2013

Published October 31, 2013 11:16 am

Four members of Beta Eta Nu, Southwestern Community College’s (SWCC’s) chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society, attended the 2013 Phi Theta Kappa Fall Leadership Conference, October 24-25, 2013, at North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City.

SWCC attendees included students Tom Hol of Osceola, PTK member; Jessica Pieper of Stuart, PTK member; Dakota Daniels of Mount Ayr, PTK member and regional officer; David Livingston of Fontanelle, PTK member and SWCC chapter president; as well as Justin Mann, PTK advisor.

The 2013 conference theme was “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!”  The SWCC delegation said it was an especially memorable event because Dr. Rod Risley, the president of Phi Theta Kappa International, was the keynote speaker for the event.  Having the president in attendance was a first for the Iowa region.

Published October 29, 2013 3:29 pm

A special meeting of the Southwestern Community College board of trustees was held on October 28, 2013, at 7:30 a.m., to discuss and approve plans related to the construction of a new residence hall on campus.  Due to time constraints of board members, the meeting was held electronically.  

The first item on the agenda was consideration of the contract for the architect for the residence hall project.  Dr. Barb Crittenden, SWCC president, presented to the board regarding a proposed contract with INVISION Architecture of Des Moines.  Crittenden noted the college has collaborated with INVISION throughout strategic planning and the creation of the college’s master facilities plan.  Following discussion, the board approved the contract with INVISION Architecture.

The board then moved to consideration of the contract for a construction manager for the residence hall project.  A team of SWCC administrators made up of Crittenden; Tom Lesan, vice president for economic development; and Teresa Krejci, chief financial officer, had conducted interviews with potential construction managers in advance of the board meeting.  Following their research, SWCC’s administrators recommended Story Construction Company of Ames, largely due to their recent completion of a similar project.  Following discussion, the board approved Story Construction as construction manager for the residence hall project.

During the board meeting, public hearings were set for phases related to the construction project, including earthwork and major utilities, footings and foundations, and sale and issuance of dormitory revenue bonds.  The public hearings will each be held on November 19, 2013, at 5:30 p.m., in the board room of the Administration Center on the SWCC campus.

Published October 23, 2013 1:27 pm

Sign your team up for the SWCC Intramural Dodgeball league this week in the Student Center lobby at lunchtime or by contacting Addae Houston, SWCC head women's basketball coach. Games will be played from 7-9 p.m. on the following dates in the Student Center gymnasium: Oct. 28, Nov. 4, Nov. 6, Nov. 11, and Nov. 19.

Teams must consist of six SWCC students.  Each team must be as equally balanced as possible with three men and three women. Some exceptions can be made (ex. five women, three men). Teams are encouraged to have fun and design team t-shirts or costumes! Teams will compete in pool play with two divisions format. Best record from divisions will play for the championship. Team phone numbers and emails must be provided in case of cancellation or time change.

Published October 23, 2013 11:28 am

The college’s third annual SWCC Week will be held November 18-22, 2013!  Fun events are being planned for SWCC students throughout that week.  Some of the events will include a dodge ball tournament, Call of Duty game night, and turkey bowling.  See the complete agenda below to plan your week of fun!

Published October 18, 2013 11:34 am

October 21-25, 2013, is National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week.  SWCC will recognize Alcohol Awareness Week with events on campus:

• Tuesday, October 22 - The SWCC volleyball team takes on Southeast NE at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Center gymnasium. The SWCC student ambassadors will hand out Lifesavers to remind us to “Be a Lifesaver, Drink Responsibly.”
• Wednesday, October 23 - “Mocktails” and the Creston Police Department’s driving simulator.  Stop by the Student Center from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.  “Mocktails” will be served and test out the driving simulator.
• All Week - Alcohol Awareness information table will be located outside the library.

We hope to see everyone at these Alcohol Awareness Week activities!

Published October 9, 2013 2:37 pm

Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met Tuesday, October 8, 2013, at 5:30 p.m., in the Administration Center on the Creston campus.

The board welcomed new trustee Zach Gunsolley of Diagonal, who was elected during the September 10, 2013, school elections.

Published October 7, 2013 8:13 am

Community Health Centers of Southern Iowa recently donated a birthing simulator to the Southwestern Community College nursing department.

The PROMPT Birthing Simulator (Trainer) - Force Monitoring will allow SWCC students to learn hands-on techniques and will allow instructors to manipulate birthing situations for maximum training. The simulator includes a force monitoring baby which is fitted with an electronic strain gauge allowing for the measurement of force applied to the baby as it is delivered.

Published October 4, 2013 8:56 am

NEWTON, IA–October 3, 2013--Officials from the Iowa Speedway were in Creston on Tuesday afternoon, October 1, to donate and plant 60 trees on the campus of Southwestern Community College (SWCC) on behalf of the NASCAR Green program.

Published September 25, 2013 9:35 am

CRESTON — Southwestern Community College’s Early Childhood and Parents as Teachers (PAT) program is looking for donations of disposable diapers and wipes during the month of October. PAT is offering an incentive program to families targeting children ages three and under. Families can earn points for diapers, wipes, formula, and various safety items.

Diaper donations may be dropped off at the following locations in Creston beginning October 1: Hy-Vee, Fareway, Creston High School, Iowa State Savings Bank—uptown or branch locations, or the SWCC adult and continuing education offices. In Adair County, donations may be dropped off at the Greenfield Fitness Center, the Fontanelle Library, or the Adair Boys and Girls Club.

Published September 24, 2013 8:42 am

NEW!  Donations for this effort must be turned in by Fri., September 27!  The Disaster Relief Center will shut off donations as of next week, so in order for Haskell to get the donations to Colorado in time, she must travel this weekend.

Southwestern Community College online student Angela Haskell, of Winterset, is taking it upon herself to assist the victims of the recent Colorado floods who lost everything.  The flooding in Colorado really hits home for Haskell, who lost six family members in the July 31, 1976, Big Thompson, CO, flood.  Haskell is accepting donations and plans to drive a truck to Colorado next weekend for distribution to the victims of the flooding.  Donation boxes will be set up on campus in the Instructional Center, Student Center, and Administration Center by the end of today (Tuesday).  Students may also give at the Osceola and Red Oak Centers.  The donations will be accepted until Wed., October 2.

Haskell has been in contact with the Disaster Relief Center in Loveland, CO.  Suggested items for Colorado Disaster Relief include:
•    Bottled Water
•    Sports Drinks
•    Toiletries
•    New Warm Clothing
•    Blankets
•    Pillows
•    Camping Gear
•    Non-Perishable Food Items
•    Hairbrushes
•    Hygiene supplies
•    Duffel Bags
•    Cloth grocery bags
•    New Footwear
•    Socks
•    Pet Crates
•    Pet Bowls
•    Leashes
•    Cat Litter

Haskell was named 2013 SWCC Online Student of the Year at the annual award's ceremony in April.  She is also a member of SWCC's Phi Theta Kappa.