SWFC Leadership Conference - Feb. 6th from 8am to 5pm

Students who want to take an active role on campus are invited to attend the Southwest Florida College Leadership Conference on February 6th from 8am to 5pm on the third floor of the Fort Myers Campus.

For more information, call (239) 939-4766 EXT 218.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

SWFC Graphic Design Program Manager: An Interview with Chip McElroy

Southwest Florida College's Program Manager for Graphic Design, Chip McElroy, MFA explains the two associates degrees available for Graphic Design students. Southwest Florida College prepares digital design students for a successful career in both design and production through an emphasis on developing the student's capacity for critical thinking, and stimulating imagination and innovation.

The critical skills of perception, interpretation, and inventiveness are fostered as well as an understanding of digital design business practices. Industry standard software applications are used while solving design problems, planning, and executing solutions. The Students focus is to sharpen their ability to visually translate ideas of an intended message to a targeted audience.

Learn more about Southwest Florida College's Program Manager for Graphic Design, Mr. Chip McElory. His experience and knowledge are true assets for the school and its students. Visit our Graphic Design program page at http://www.swfc.edu/gd. Start a new future today by learning more about Southwest Florida College. Southwest Florida College is a private and accredited senior college with campuses in Tampa, Ft. Myers, Port Charlotte and within the Miromar Design Center in Estero.

Prepare for a career that's in high demand learn more about what Southwest Florida College has to offer you. To learn more about becoming a Graphic Designer, please visit Digital Design/Computer Animation Program website at www.swfc.edu/gd or contact Mr. Chip McElroy, Program Manager, call us today at (888) 279-2342.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

SWFC Freshman Studies: An Interview With Program Manager James Jones

Southwest Florida College's Program Manager of Freshman Studies, James Jones, talks about the Freshman Studies Program and all the benefits it offers students embarking on a new career.Freshman Sttudies is the first step students take when adapting to the challenges of college life and is here to help you balance your workload while studying and learning as effectively as possible.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

SWFC Arts and Sciences: An Interview With Program Manager Lori Fisher

Southwest Florida College's Program Manager of Arts and Sciences Mrs. Lori Fisher explains the supportive role of the Arts and Sciences Program.Start a new future today by learning more about Southwest Florida College.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

SWFC Business Studies Program: An Interview with Program Manager Lorie Darche

Southwest Florida College Program Manager Lori Darche explains the Business Programs available to students. Our programs are designed to enable you to deal effectively with an increasingly complex business environment. Management, finance, marketing we can prepare you for any of these in less time than you might think. Your education experience will stress specialized development in the areas of financial accounting, managerial finance, economics and marketing to give you the skills you need.

When you complete the program, you can pursue positions in general business management, sales and promotion, marketing and retail operations, human resources, or even use the education to start your own business.Associate's in Accounting Bachelor's of Science in Management Associate's in Management & Marketing Start a new future today by learning more about Southwest Florida College.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

DR. INTRESS RECENTLY JOINED THE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA COLLEGE PORT CHARLOTTE CAMPUS AS PROGRAM MANAGER

DR. INTRESS RECENTLY JOINED THE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA COLLEGE PORT CHARLOTTE CAMPUS AS PROGRAM MANAGER

Port Charlotte, Fla., (January 12, 2010) – A decorated Army veteran and a former Navy operating room technician has agreed to park his RV and join the staff of Southwest Florida College as program manager for its Allied Health program.

Dr. Robert C. Intress, Ph.D. brings a wealth of experience and an impressive background to the Port Charlotte campus of Southwest Florida College.

After retiring four years ago, Dr. Intress said he saw an ad in the paper and he decided to apply. "I am thrilled to have the position. I have observed that the enthusiasm of the faculty and staff at Southwest Florida College to support the students, be available and go the extra mile has been consistent," Dr. Intress said. "Every faculty member, every staff member has the same philosophy."

Dr. Intress, 63, earned a bachelor's degree in community health from the University of Wisconsin, a master's degree in health education from Central Michigan University, another master's degree in educational administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a doctorate in educational administration with a minor in administrative medicine, also from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Back in 1964 at the age of 17, he became what he believes was the youngest operating room technician in the country at St. Joesph’s Hospital in Amarillo, Texas. He then joined the U.S. Navy where he joined the staff at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Newport, R.I. as a operating room technician and was transferred to DaNang, Vietnam as a Corp men with the Marine Corp. Subsequent posts included one of the first surgical physician's assistants, acting executive director for Marshfield Medical Research Foundation, executive director for National Farm Medicine Center, and a faculty member at Central Michigan University, Union Graduate School, Cardinal Stritch College, and Milton College. Dr. Intress has also been chief executive officer at Indiana Heart Physicians, Inc.

More recently, Dr. Intress started Physician Partners Group to manage physician practices in 2001 with himself as the first and sole employee. Four years ago, he sold the firm – it had 400 employees and scores of clients.

In addition to his business acumen and academic leadership, Dr. Intress also has a distinguished service record. He retired as Lt. Col. in the U.S. Army after 24 years of service. He received the Army Commendation Medal in 1984, the service's Humanitarian Award in 1981, the Army Commendation Award in 1978, the Vietnam Campaign Medal in 1970, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry in 1970, and Combat Action Award in 1970.

Community and civic honors have been plentiful. Recognitions and awards include Outstanding Volunteer Award in 1991 by the American Heart Association, Outstanding Civilian Physician Assistant Award in 1990 by the American Academy of Physicians Assistants, the American Heart Association of Wisconsin Service Award in 1988 and the Wisconsin Community Education Association Recognition Award in 1987, among others.

Dr. Intress has served as president for the City of Marshfield, Wisc. Board of Education from 1978 to 1987 and has written numerous publications, worked on several special projects including as a consultant for the National Board of Medical Examiners Re-certification Test Committee and as a member of the Wisconsin National Science Foundation Task Force, to name a few. He is formerly a member of the Medical Group Management Association and the American Academy of Physicians' Assistants and was previously a vice chairman of the National Commission on Certification of Physicians' Assistants.

In his free time, Dr. Intress enjoys taking RV trips and likes to swim, walk and play a little tennis.

His goal in his new position is to support his students and do all he can to make them successful. "There is a lot of opportunity in the health care delivery system with the aging population and I hope to be able to provide educational opportunities in new health care disciplines," Dr. Intress said.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private, institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College offers programs in Health Care, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-526-7973 or visit http://www.swfc.edu/.

Academic Success Center Coordinator: An Interview with David Koehler

David Koehler explains the ASC (Academic Success Center) at Southwest Florida College and how it helps students in a variety of ways including extra tutoring, writing and composition, and computer assistance.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Legal Studies Program Manager: An Interview with Denise Womer

Southwest Florida College Criminal Justice Program Manager Denise Womer explains all the exciting legal studies degree programs offered to students.Southwest Florida College can educate you on a broad spectrum of coursework encompassing corrections, paralegal studies, law enforcement, terrorism, and private security and investigations.

Our classes will provide you with in-depth information about subjects as diverse as juvenile delinquency, criminology, white collar crime, and a student body favorite, organized crime. Here are a few reasons why SWFC is where to get training in the legal field: 1) SWFC's Crime Scene Investigation program is IAI approved. 2) Our instructors are trained professionals who have worked or are currently working in the field. 3) Our Criminal Justice students have won medals at the LAE Region 5 Conference. 4) We offer lifetime career placement assistance, scholarships and tuition assistance for those who qualify.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

IT Press Release: DUNBAR IT STUDENTS CAN FAST TRACK A COLLEGE DEGREE UNDER NEW LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING WITH SOUTHWEST FLORIDA COLLEGE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fort Myers, Fla. (December 28, 2009) – A Letter of Understanding between Dunbar High School in Fort Myers and Southwest Florida College will fast-track the school's information technology graduates by granting them advanced standing at the college. Students who successfully complete Microsoft IT Academy as part of their high school curriculum will be granted college credit that applies directly to an associate's degree in information technology related programs, the college announced this week.

"Students at Dunbar High School who are enrolled in its branch of the Microsoft IT Academy are taking college-level courses and SWFC wants to recognize this," said Jennifer Cohen, Program Manager for Information Technology at Southwest Florida College.

Dunbar High School is the first high school in the world offering the Microsoft IT Academy. This is the fifth year that Dunbar has offered the program and thus far, it has certified 1,400 students, with 90 students certified this year alone. A total of 18 different Microsoft Certifications are available to the students at Dunbar High School.

Due to this success, students who are now graduating or have graduated from Dunbar High School are encouraged to further their education and careers by enrolling at Southwest Florida College. In doing so, the student can eliminate repetition of academic experiences already acquired while they were enrolled in the Microsoft Academic Academy at Dunbar High School.

Depending on the high school students' course and certification exam completion, a total of up to 16 credits may be granted toward an associate's degree in Network Engineering and Administration and a total of up to 8 credits may be given for an associate's degree in Web Design and Development at Southwest Florida College, enabling a student the possibility to graduate in less than two years.

Cohen explained how having both a degree and a certification can mean making it from the back of the line to the front of the line in the hiring process.

"Certification is confirmation that you understand the material, but it is a combination of both certification and college degree graduates that employers seek. This can make a real difference in the amount of pay you can receive once you graduate," she said.

The Information Technology instructors at Dunbar High School are also a part of the Southwest Florida College Information Technology Advisory Board.

"Dunbar teaches Microsoft Academy Certified courses, same as Southwest Florida College," Cohen said. "We know their students are good learners because they are coming with Microsoft Academy Certifications and their teachers are Microsoft Certified Trainers, as are ours. We welcome these graduates to the Information Technology degree programs at Southwest Florida College upon high school graduation."

Southwest Florida College prides itself on having Master's level instructors and Microsoft Certificated courses taught by Microsoft Certified Trainers or MCT's. Many of our instructors are IT directors or managers for companies doing business in Fort Myers.

"We don't just teach the book, we bring real life experience into the classroom by focusing on assessment and making sure our students are knowledgeable and ready for the workplace," Cohen said.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College offers programs in Health Care, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888‐526‐7973 or visit http://www.swfc.edu/.

Student Services and Student Activities Coordinator: An Interview With Pam King

Our energetic Student Services and Student Activities Coordinator, Pam King explains her valuable role here at Southwest Florida College.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Computer Assisted Drafting and Drawing: An Interview With Program Manager Paul Engler

Learn more about Southwest Florida College's Program Manager for CADD, Mr. Paul Engler. His experience and knowledge are true assets for the school and its students. Visit our CADD program page at www.swfc.edu/ca.

Southwest Florida College's Computer Aided Drafting and Design program is designed to prepare you for employment in the technical drafting industry. After successfully completing the program, you will be able to develop technical drawings with both a computer aided drafting software workstation and traditional drafting tools.

We will focus you on the area of architectural drafting; however, you will be introduced to other disciplines, such as civil, structural, electrical/electronic and mechanical drafting. Upon successful completion of our program, you will be qualified to pursue entry-level positions in drafting, product design, cartography, estimating, sales and quality control.

Southwest Florida College features an Associate of Science degree in Computer Aided Drafting and Design that can be completed within two years of study. Our program will familiarize you with the standards governing the ever-evolving business of modern technical drafting.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-279-2342 or visit http://www.swfc.edu/.

Allied Health: An Interview With Program Manager Liz Levine

Mrs. Levine, the Program Manager for our Allied Health Program, discusses the medical programs available here at Southwest Florida. Become part of this explosive industry by contacting us today!

New Bachelor's Degree program in Health Care Administration! The bachelors degree in Health Care Administration will provide students with a foundation of general management skills in health care and health care services such as: finances, public policy, communication, cultural diversity, and organizational behavior. This interdisciplinary degree will enable the student to seek employment in an entry-level position in health care administration or a management training position.

New campus now open in Port Charlotte!Secure industries are a rare thing these days, but with the American population curve aging, the demand for qualified medical practitioners has never been higher.At Southwest Florida College, our medical programs will give you the tools to remain in a rewarding career for many years to come. SWFC Allied Health students can graduate with diplomas in Medical Assistant or Medical Billing & Coding Technology, associate's degrees in Health Information Technology, Medical Assistant or Surgical Technician, or with a bachelor's degree in Health Care Administration.

Unlike other colleges, SWFC provides hands-on experience by allowing students to practice on each other in our Medical Assistant labs rather than only using simulators. This helps students overcome the anxiety that is part of learning a new skill.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-279-2342 or visit http://www.swfc.edu/.

Toys For Tots Awarded to Southwest Florida College.

The Southwest Florida College Port Charlotte campus received a Commander's Award for toys donated to Toys-for-Tots for its participating in 2009.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

SWFC Tampa Campus' Legal Studies Program Manager: An Interview with Ernie Dinkel

Southwest Florida College's Program Manager for Legal Studies, Ernie Dinkel, describes the criminal justice and CSI degree programs available at our Tampa campus. Degree programs are also available in Fort Myers as well.

Southwest Florida College can educate you on a broad spectrum of coursework encompassing corrections, paralegal studies, law enforcement, terrorism, and private security and investigations. Our classes will provide you with in-depth information about subjects as diverse as juvenile delinquency, criminology, white collar crime, and a student body favorite, organized crime.

Here are a few reasons why SWFC is where to get training in the legal field:

1. SWFC's Crime Scene Investigation program is IAI approved.
2. Our instructors are trained professionals who have worked or are currently working in the field.
3. Our Criminal Justice students have won medals at the LAE Region 5 Conference. Click here to read more!
4. We offer lifetime career placement assistance, scholarships and tuition assistance for those who qualify.

See for yourself! Start your new exciting career in Criminal Justice, Crime Scene Investigation or Paralegal Studies! Inquire for more information today!

Start a new future today by learning more about Southwest Florida College. Southwest Florida College is a private and accredited senior college with campuses in Tampa, Ft. Myers, Port Charlotte and within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. Prepare for a career that's in high demand learn more about what Southwest Florida College has to offer you. Call us today at (888) 279-2342.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

CARRICO PROMOTED AS FINANCIAL LITERACY ADVISER FOR SOUTHWEST FLORIDA COLLEGE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CARRICO PROMOTED AS FINANCIAL LITERACY ADVISER FOR SOUTHWEST FLORIDA COLLEGE

Fort Myers, Fla., (December 29, 2009) – Originally from Louisville, KY., Kris Carrico has called Southwest Florida her home for the past four years. She started her career with Southwest Florida College in October of 2007 as Financial Aid Planner and recently earned a promotion to Financial Literacy Advisor for the institution.

“Southwest Florida College has been a family to me,” Carrico said. “I have met some of the greatest people here who have aided in my professional and personal growth. SWFC is very close to my heart.”

Carrico earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Louisville and has had previous experience in sales and training while working at a marketing company. Over the past year, she has proven very adept at understanding the intricacies of the federal, state and institution’s regulations. She has worked towards training her peers on the subject of student financial literacy and also as the Tuition Assistance department’s liaison with Admissions to foster increased understanding of financial aid.

Carrico hopes that her promotion will benefit the students at Southwest Florida College by having on campus assistance with personal debt management.

“My role is to educate students on how to manage their personal debt and how to use the tools their loan program provides to manage their student loan debt, by educating them in their classroom and one on one,” Carrico said.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private, institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College offers programs in Health Care, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-526-7973 or visit http://www.swfc.edu/.

SWFC CADD STUDENT ENTERS ADDA COMPETITION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA COLLEGE STUDENT ENTERS ADDA COMPETITION
Fort Myers, Fla. (December 28, 2009) – After selling his wood shutter business in 2007, David Slabosz decided to attend Southwest Florida College because he said it seemed “to offer the best degree with the most Computer Aided Drafting classes.” What he hadn’t realized was that his CAD classes at SWFC would almost immediately help him gain employment with a fire alarm company – after just two classes. In addition, Slabosz’s college enrollment qualified him to enter a prestigious drafting competition.

Slabosz, now in his second year, submitted an original design for a special-use office building to the American Design Drafting Association's 43rd Annual Design Drafting contest. "My entry is a stand-alone, single-level office building for an attorney that had to meet ADDA requirements, which are very realistic and exacting," Slabosz said. "My design had to accommodate six visitors in the lobby area and couldn't exceed the contest maximum 3,000 sq. ft of office space." Slabosz submitted five drawings, which delineated the foundation, floor, roof, framing and electrical drawings.

“Probably at least 150 hours went into the set of drawings, so a lot of drafting time was needed,” Slabosz said. “I was trying to submit a very functional, but unique design.”

Slabosz completed his drawings using the college’s Architectural Desktop 2010 and Auto CAD 2010 programs, which he learned during his training at SWFC. He said the initial drawing took the most time, but his program manager, Paul Engler, helped him to stay on top of the deadline.

“I am always saying quality over quantity,” said Slabosz. “At this point in our degree, CAD needs to be as easy as walking.”

ADDA is an international organization representing the drafting and design profession. Entering the contest gives Slabosz the opportunity to showcase his work at the national level. According to the ADDA website, the purpose of this contest is to “encourage excellence in effort and discipline, and to give recognition to outstanding students and design/drafting programs.”

To be eligible to enter the contest, a student must be a member of an Association Student Chapter, enrolled in a school with curriculum certified by the Association and enrolled in a school having Educational Institute Membership.

Entries had to be submitted by the deadline of December 15, 2009. Entries are judged on appearance, neatness, accuracy, linework, linetype differentiation and layering standards. Additional factors include view selection, organization, dimensioning, title block, creativity, reproducibility and legibility of plot. Winners are to be announced by late February of 2010 and awards are to be presented at the ADDA Annual Conference in Louisville, KY., on April 12, 2010.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College offers programs in Health Care, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888‐526‐7973 or visit http://www.swfc.edu/.

DONAHUE RECENTLY JOINED THE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA COLLEGE TAMPA CAMPUS AS CAMPUS DIRECTOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DONAHUE RECENTLY JOINED THE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA COLLEGE TAMPA CAMPUS AS CAMPUS DIRECTOR

Tampa, Fla., (December 28, 2009) – A Denver, Colo., native and a 16-year veteran of career college recruitment has been named director for the Tampa campus of Southwest Florida College.

Veronica M. Donahue has worked as Director of Recruitment at ITT Technical Institute in Thornton, Colorado and most recently as Director of Admissions at Brown Mackie College. She has also held director of admissions positions at Hamilton College, Concorde Career Institute and Denver Technical College, which was later known as DeVry University.

Donahue has a background in sales, marketing/advertising and training and was responsible for developing and delivering training presentations at the National Director of Admissions training seminar. She was also selected as one of the Directors of Recruitment to train and mentor newly hired Directors of Recruitment and she co-developed the National Training Video to be used as the primary training tool for admissions in all ITT Technical Institute schools nationwide.

Donahue looks forward to supporting the students, faculty and staff of the Southwest Florida College Tampa campus as the newly appointed Campus Director.

“I am honored to be a part of this team,” Donahue said. “I am impressed by the people at Southwest Florida College. I have yet to meet anyone at Southwest Florida College who is not dedicated completely to the mission of enrolling, educating and employing our students. The environment is both uplifting and professional. It is a pleasure to come to work each day.”

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private, institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College offers programs in Health Care, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 877-205-2074 or visit http://www.swfc.edu/.

Season's Greetings from our family to yours.

Happy Holidays from Southwest Florida College!

Southwest Florida College has helped to make dreams into reality for thousands of our students. Isn't it time you focused on your own dreams? Make it a holiday season you'll never forget. Let us help you secure a solid education and a fulfilling career.

For more information, call toll free 888-279-2342 or visit http://www.swfc.edu/.
Best wishes from Southwest Florida College.

Digital Portfolio Show Roundtable A Confidence Building Success for Graphic Design Students - Event

SWFC's 2009 Digital Design Portfolio Students

The Graphic Design Program at Southwest Florida College held Digital Portfolio Roundtable event where we invited local business leaders as our guests to hold mock job interviews with this quarter's graphic design portfolio students. Usually, it is their last class and it is up to each designer to present themselves with a clear and creative vision.

Our honored guest "employers" with Aaron Belchamber and Jan Rhonehouse from Career Services

With our 12 "employers," each job interview lasted about 4 minutes and put the spotlight on our students' creativity while providing them a challenging exercise in performing a confidence-building job hunt.

Brendan Stanley and Brian Thompson from Alliance Digital Solutions & www.CapeCoral.com interview Jarred Gaddis

According to Aaron Belchamber, the Digital Design Portfolio Instructor, "All students were under a tight deadline. In 10 weeks they had to collect the best of their materials and create new designs, produce a compelling portfolio in digital form as a stand alone website, design and print their resumes and business cards and mentally prepare for the Portfolio Roundtable Event. Mr. McElroy, myself, and all the Graphic Design adjuncts are very proud of our Graphic Design students."

Students begin another round of interviews

As a wrap-up after the event, the employers were gracious enough to spend some time providing constructive feedback for our graphic designers. This event was an incredible opportunity for our graphic design students to learn from real business people with a real world perspective.

"The roundtable"

When asked about her experience, Belinda Duclos replied: "We were all pretty nervous, but when it was all over, I felt pretty good about myself."

All students who participated received all the comments the job interviewers evaluated them on and a copy of their feedback was emailed to them. Some of the comments are worth noting:
"Her design skills are beautiful!" ~ "Great stuff, this guy is going to be a start!" ~ "Needs to be stronger at selling her work" ~ "Outstanding! Well rounded in all aspects" ~ "Student needs to use SPELLCHECK!" ~ "Needs specific call to action, has great stuff."
Here is a list of all of our "Guest Employers" who conducted the interviews. Thank you so much for your time!

• Brian Thompson – Alliance Digital Solutions – (Co-owner) also owns Cape Coral.com
• Nichol Blanco – Associate for Larazza Films
• Daniel Herrera – Producer, Director for Larazza Films
• Brendan Stanley – Alliance Digital Solutions – Creative Director
• Scott Jacobs – Allstar Marketing – President
• Katie Romano – Get Groovy – CEO
• Jodi Hopper – G.M.P. Employers Retiree Trust/Dzine Gallery
• Shell Redfern – Get Groovy – Creative Director
• Manzie Lawfer – 2 Way Radio Express – Owner/President/Book Author
• Denise Spence – Dunbar High School – Magnet Grant Technology
• Nancy Coker – Child Care of SW Florida – COO – Early childhood services in 10 counties

A lot of the student samples can be viewed on the SWFC's Graphic Design student website at http://www.creativesouthwestflorida.com/. Special thanks to Brooke Fisher from Marketing for providing photos from the event.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-279-2342 or visit http://www.swfc.edu/.

Institute of Interior Design: An Interview with Program Manager Linda Peterson

If you see an empty room as a blank canvas, then why not look into a career in interior design? The Institute of Interior Design at Southwest Florida College can help turn your passion into a rewarding career.

Whether you want an education and training for a new career or skills that will enhance your performance in your current career, the Institute of Interior Design has a skilled team of professionals and tailored interior design programs that are suited to meet your needs and the needs of the industry.

To learn more about Interior Design, call us today at (888) 279-2342 or visit our website at http://www.instituteofinteriordesign.com/!

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-279-8342or visit www.swfc.edu.

SWFC Graphic Design Program: Straight From the Students

Southwest Florida College prepares digital design students for a successful career in both design and production through an emphasis on developing the student's capacity for critical thinking, and stimulating imagination and innovation.

The critical skills of perception, interpretation, and inventiveness are fostered as well as an understanding of digital design business practices. Industry standard software applications are used while solving design problems, planning, and executing solutions. The Student’s focus is to sharpen their ability to visually translate ideas of an intended message to a targeted audience.

Special thank you to Phil Rood, Angeli Chin-Franz, Jessica Kelly and The TJ Kelly Band! 3D animations in this video were modelled and produced in 3Ds Max by Aaron Belchamber, the Graphic Design Department's full time web design and 3D animation instructor.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-526-7973 or visit http://www.swfc.edu/.

SWFC Reaches Record Enrollement & Announces Expansion at its Port Charlotte Campus

Fort Myers, Fla. (November 5, 2009) – One new campus, five new programs, a Virtual school, and 2,300 students are swelling Southwest Florida College’s enrollment statistics.

"The school’s overall 28 percent increase compared to last year is spread across all of its divisions," said Dr. Stephen Calabro, Executive Vice President for Southwest Florida College.

The most significant increase came at the combined Southwest Florida College Fort Myers campus and Institute of Interior Design at Southwest Florida College in Estero, where 1,573 students enrolled this term, compared to 1,269 last year. The second largest enrollment spike came at the six-month-old Port Charlotte campus, where 197 students enrolled, compared to just 31 during its opening term in February. The Tampa campus swelled to 505 students, compared to 495 in the fall term last year. And the Southwest Florida College online division enrolled its 200th fully online student.

Program enrollments are especially strong in health care, which enrolled 821 students this year compared to the 573 that entered last year. Other programs that have shown considerable growth include Legal and Information Technology, which gained an additional 45 and 33 new students respectively.

The new Southwest Florida College bachelor’s degree program in Health Care Administration has gained traction and has enrolled 20 students in its first term being offered. Other new programs have been added to the Port Charlotte campus offerings and include a Crime Scene Investigation Diploma, and three new associate degree programs in Criminal Justice, Early Childhood and Management and Marketing. The Port Charlotte campus is expanding. Construction is expected to be completed by the Winter Term and will include added classroom space and laboratories.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-526-7973 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Event: SWFC Financial Aid Experts Volunteer to Offer Assistance in Completing the FAFSA

Tampa, Fla. (November 4, 2009) – The Southwest Florida College Tampa campus has been selected to host the 2010 College Goal Sunday. College Goal Sunday is a statewide volunteer program designed to provide free information and assistance to students and families who are applying for financial aid for post secondary education.

Financial aid experts will volunteer their time to assist students and their families with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is required for any student seeking federal and state financial aid, including grants and loans at all colleges in the country.

"The goal is to help students and their families navigate and complete the FAFSA process and answer their specific questions regarding Financial Aid," said Margaret Joffe, Default Manager for Southwest Florida College.

The event will be held at the Southwest Florida College Tampa campus located at 3910 Riga Boulevard on Sunday, January 31 from 2 to 5 p.m.

For more information about College Goal Sunday, please contact the Southwest Florida College Tampa campus at 813-630-4401 or visit http://www.collegegoalsundayflorida.org. To learn more about Southwest Florida College and the programs that it offers, contact a Guest Service Representative toll-free at 888-526-7973 or visit http://www.swfc.edu/.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-526-7973 or visit http://www.swfc.ed/.

SWFC Introduces New Programs

Port Charlotte, Fla. (October 21, 2009) – Southwest Florida College recently announced the expansion of its program offerings at the new Port Charlotte campus, which opened its doors in February of this year.

Recent additions at the Port Charlotte campus include a diploma in Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), a diploma in Early Childhood Care and Management, and three associate’s degrees – Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, and Management and Marketing. Applications are now being accepted for the winter term.

The Crime Scene Investigation curriculum was recently approved by the Crime Scene Certification Board of the International Association for Identification (IAI) and entitles Southwest Florida College to offer first level IAI certification. This globally recognized certification puts SWFC in stride with the world’s oldest and largest organization of forensic science professionals. The IAI represents some 6,900 practitioners in seventy five countries.

The Management and Marketing program is designed to familiarize students with the many facets of owning, operating, managing and marketing a business enterprise. Upon completion of the program, graduates can pursue careers in general management, sales and promotion, marketing, human resources, and retail operations.

The addition of the Early Childhood Education associate’s degree will allow students who are currently enrolled in the Early Childhood Care and Management diploma program to earn a degree. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in preschools, childcare centers, school-age programs, and in public schools with children through the age of eight. Students will obtain a background in the growth and development of young children and will be able to understand how they learn.

The associate’s degree in Criminal Justice provides students with a broad spectrum of coursework in corrections, law enforcement, terrorism, private security and investigations. Last month four students from the Criminal Justice program competed in the 2009 Lambda Alpha Epsilon (LAE) Region 5 Conference and returned with a first place, two second place and a third place medal.

Southwest Florida College also offers life‐time career assistance, tuition assistance and scholarships for those who qualify. For more information on any of these new programs, or to find out more about the new SWFC Port Charlotte campus, please call 1-888-526-7973 today to speak with an administrations representative or visit http://www.swfc.edu/.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-526-7973 or visit http://www.swfc.edu/.

Naples International Film Festival Team Up with SWFC Graphic Design Students

Southwest Florida College Graphic Design students have teamed up with the Naples International Film Festival to design creative marketing and promotional materials for this first international film festival. Daniel Herrera was kind enough to grant us an interview as we learn more about NIFF (http://www.naplesfilmfest.com/ ) and the kinds of exciting roles our designers play marketing and helping this fledgling enterprise become successful.

SWFC wishes the Naples International Film Festival, and our outreach contact and mentor Daniel Herrera all the success for this year and succeeding years' film festival.

To learn more about becoming a graphic designer, call us today at (888) 279-2342 or visit our website at http://www.swfc.edu/gd !

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-526-7973 or visit www.swfc.edu.