College News

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.

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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.

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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).

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