FEBRUARY 3, 2012, Creston, IA—Southwestern Community College (SWCC) has announced Tim Sandquist will succeed Ryan McKim as the head coach for the Spartans’ golf team.  McKim is leaving Southwestern for a position on the football coaching staff at Iowa State University.

An Omaha native, Sandquist is not a new name to Southwestern athletics.  He has served as assistant men’s basketball coach under SWCC Head Coach Mike Holmes since August 2011.  He also serves as an adjunct instructor, teaching classes in physical education, as well as The College Experience classes.   Read more: Spartans Announce Sandquist as Head Golf Coach

Southwestern Community College Head Softball Coach Lindsay Stumpff announced today Ashley Strong of Vinton will be joining the Spartans softball program during the 2012-13 school year.

Strong, who will be a May 2012 graduate from Vinton-Shellsburg High School, will play volleyball for the Spartans as well. Throughout Strong’s high school career, she received a number of athletic honors, including being named honorable mention all-conference for softball in 2010; as well as second team all-conference, all-district, and honorable mention all-state in 2011. In her free time, she works with elementary students and assists with events at her church.

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: Community College Association Hosts Event to Honor Senator Kibbie

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

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.

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: Southwestern’s Board of Trustees Holds January Meeting