College News

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Published January 10, 2012 4:24 pm

Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met Tuesday, January 10, 2012, at 8:30 a.m. in the Administration Center on the Creston campus.  The meeting was held electronically due to a brief agenda.

Read More

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.

Read More