SWFC takes part of the Children's Home Society: Wagons of Wishes

By Dr. Melanie Yerk, Ed.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs

"I would like to thank the entire college community for the efforts set forth by our staff, faculty, and students to fulfill the needs of the Children’s Home Society “Wagons of Wishes” initiative. Through your efforts and the collaborative efforts of those who led the initiative, we were able to  provide presents for 150 needy children in our local Lee, Collier , and Charlotte County communities. I would like to extend an additional thank you to Mrs. Levine, Mrs. Darche and the Rotorac, and Ms. Fox and Ms. Kunz from the Student Services/ Freshmen Studies Departments.

It is great to see that our collaborative efforts will make the difference in so many young lives this holiday season. Thank you for again for giving back to those in need in our local communities. Your efforts are sincerely appreciated."

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with lifetime placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Southwest Florida College is listening to Employers!

We all know the job market is changing and if you didn’t know, you are finding out quickly. The unemployment rate in Southwest Florida is over 10%, has been since 2008. It is becoming increasingly difficult for a high school graduate to find a job without an advanced degree. More importantly, after good money has been spent for an education, it is still challenging to get a job without the specific skills employers want. At Southwest Florida College, we regularly ask local employers and business owners, “What do we need to teach our students, so they can succeed in the workforce?” And employers are talking. In fact, Southwest Florida College has an advisory council for each program (Business, CADD, Graphic Design, Education, Information Technology, Interior Design, Legal Studies and Allied Health). Each advisory board is made up of representatives from local businesses and community leaders that are actively telling us what students need to know upon graduation to succeed. We meet with our advisory boards on a regular basis to review any new technology or updates that may need to be made to our curriculum so our graduates have the best shot at success!

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with lifetime placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Southwest Florida College is a proud sponsor of the American Heart Association's Lee Heart Walk

Southwest Florida College is a proud sponsor of this year’s Hydration Station for American Heart Association’s Lee Heart Walk!

Lee Heart Walk will take place on December 10^th, 2011, rain or shine in Centennial Park of Downtown Fort Myers. Registration begins at 8 AM and the walk takes place at 9 AM. The total distance of the walk is 5K, with an optional 1-mile route.

Southwest Florida College will also have a walking team. Please contact Team Captain, Dana Thimons for more information on how to donate or participate in the walk. Each year, thousands of people will walk at more than 2,000 locations across the U.S. to fight heart disease and stroke. The Heart Walk is a success due to the commitment of corporate walk teams and sponsors.

For more details about Lee Heart Walk, visit http://www.leeheartwalk.org.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with lifetime placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.