The start of a new year brings much excitement and anticipation. At Southwestern College, it is a fresh opportunity for growth, learning, and building connections that will shape our individual journeys and strengthen the fabric of our entire community.
This year, we will continue to build on our successes and provide a supportive, inclusive, and innovative environment where everyone, students, faculty, staff, and community alike, can benefit. We ended 2024 with a 9% increase in student enrollment compared to Fall 2023, a testament to our collective efforts. Our students and community know that when they attend Southwestern College, we’ll support them in achieving their goals.
The new year promises fresh beginnings. We are currently enrolling for the Spring semester, and classes start on Monday, February 3. I encourage you to explore the diverse offerings, including our Continuing Education programs. These courses, designed to provide flexibility and accessibility, reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion, empowering you to pursue education on your terms. For assistance with registration, look for application workshops at local Bonita, Chula Vista, and Spring Valley libraries.
We are eagerly anticipating the completion of several long-awaited physical improvements on campus. Our new Tennis Center with coaches’ offices, 8 tennis courts, and 8 pickleball courts will be finished by March. The ribbon cutting for our new Student Union is set for May. This hub for student life will house a new cafeteria, bookstore, and office spaces for the Veterans’ Resource Center, Learning Communities, the SWC Cares programs, and Culinary Arts kitchens. Within the two-story building will be a ballroom, conference space, and outdoor eating areas, allowing community members to enjoy our campus.
As the only public institution of higher education in South County, we take pride in our role as a catalyst for positive change. In the spirit of community engagement, we are honored to announce our participation in the upcoming MLK parade in Downtown San Diego on Sunday, January 19. Southwestern College is dedicated to social justice and equality, values that align with those espoused by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In February, we will also celebrate Black History Month with events commemorating the profound impact of Black Americans’ history and culture.
Please mark your calendars for these fantastic events. For more details, check out our calendar at www.swccd.edu/calendar.
We look forward to continuing our collective pursuit of academic excellence, personal development, and community engagement in 2025!
Happy New Year to you!
Mark Sanchez, Ed.D, is Superintendent/President of Southwestern College.
