Southwest Florida College Official Blog

The Opportunity of a Lifetime!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Thompson) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 06:19:15 PST

In today's economy people are wondering which direction to go to gain the skills necessary for the modern workforce. Although the modern economy can be confusing or frustrating, this is a prime time to "re-tool" your skill-sets that can help you realize your future. At Southwest Florida College, we have many career programs that will allow you to add more skills to your personal toolbox to help you start a new, rewarding career.

Did you know that Southwest Florida College has the following programs?

Associate Degree Programs:
Accounting
Computer Programming and Database Management
Criminal Justice
Digital Design
Early Childhood Education
Health Information Management
Interior Design and Decorating
Management
Medical Assistant
Medical Lab Technician
Network Engineering and Administration
Nursing (R.N.)
Surgical Technician
Paralegal

Bachelor Degree Programs:
Accounting
Cyber Technology and Security Systems
Early Childhood Development
Elementary Education
Healthcare Administration
Information Technology and Security Systems
Interior Design
Management
Public Service Administration

At Southwest Florida College we have top-notch faculty members who are eager to teach you the necessary skills that employers are looking for, and a top-notch support team that will walk you through the whole admissions and financial aid process. We encourage you to bring your friends and family members with you as they may want to increase their skill-sets too, and it may be possible for you to be in the same cohort where you can travel this exciting journey together. So, what are you waiting for? Contact your admissions professionals today and jump start your new career at Southwest Florida College. We look forward to seeing you!

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 Graduate, Maria Segura, delivers speech at the 12th annual Celebration of Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:12:08 PST

Graduate of Southwest Florida College, Maria Segura, was the keynote speaker at the 12th annual, Celebration of Reading. The event raises money for literacy programs and advocates for the importance of family involvement in overcoming illiteracy, both in children and adults. Coverage of the event was published in both the News-Press and in the Naples Daily News.

"Education is so important," former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush said. "It's the leading indicator of a successful life. If you can't read, write, calculate math, understand history, you're not going to be successful in life."

Below, is a copy of Maria's speech, which earned her a standing ovation at the event.

All of us at Southwest Florida College, are so proud of you, Maria!

Good evening everyone! My name is Maria Segura, and some of you may remember me as the speaker at the celebration three years ago. I’m happy to be invited back again . . . because I want to share with you my newest accomplishment . . . a real dream come true.

I have a bright horizon before me, thanks to an incredible “celebration” gift. In 2009, I became the first recipient of volunteer USA’s and the Florida Association of post secondary school and colleges scholarship program.

That scholarship landed me at Southwest Florida College. I was offered the opportunity to learn first-hand what it takes to be a teacher. From the time I stepped into my first college class, I knew teaching was what I was meant to do.

This past summer I received my associates of science degree from Southwest Florida College. I recall walking across the stage and saying to myself “those long hours of studying paid off. I am graduating with honors and my family is here supporting me.”

Now, I’m studying for the general knowledge test so I can continue my studies to earn a bachelor’s degree. Many good things have changed since 2009. Because I take seriously the value of an education . . . I am proud to be raising a family of college graduates!

My second son, Juan Carlos, is now a graduate of Ohio State University with two bachelor’s degrees. He works for the attorney general in Columbus, Ohio and plans to attend a program where he can obtain a law degree and a master’s degree at the same time.

My oldest son, Jose Luis Jr., just graduated in December from Ohio State, with a degree in Architecture. He plans to obtain his master’s degree, plus he’s the proud father of a new baby girl! I’m a grandmother!

My third son, Enrique Anthony, that one-time toddler, who 9 years ago helped me change my life at the Family Literacy Academy of Immokalee, is now 12 and a straight A student. And my youngest daughter, Analley, is in the first grade, earning straight A’s as well.

It is hard to express just how grateful I am. For those who don’t know my background, I lived most of my life as a migrant farmworker, same as my parents and my husband. I had no high school diploma, so my only option was to work in the fields to help my family make ends meet. I picked and packed produce everyday, even after I became a mother. I would bring along my children so I would not miss a day of work.

My oldest children sacrificed weekends and summer breaks to work in the fields too. It broke my heart watching them work under the extreme conditions, especially at a young age.

You can say that our life was pretty tough, but we stuck together. This was our life for 18 years. By the time my third son was a preschooler, I knew I had to make a change. I must sacrifice certain things to give my children a better life.

I just needed a chance, but as a mom with young children, I knew going back to school would be tough. That’s when I learned about the Family Literacy Academy of Immokalee. The wonderful people there welcomed not only my desire to learn, but also my toddler. Suddenly, English instruction, reading, writing and preschool classes were real.

I worked very hard to earn my GED and then my child development accreditation. Later, I was hired part-time to help children’s classes. Today, I am proud to be the lead preschool teacher.

It may have taken me a while to get to this point, but I have always taught my children that a good education will provide them with many wonderful opportunities.

So, as I stand here today, you see a different person. You no longer see a migrant farmworker. I’m still the wife of a supportive husband and the mother of four amazing children, but now I’m a college graduate and a teacher who will inspire a new generation.

Thank you for believing that it is worthwhile to help families learn together. Thank you for believing in me.

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 preparing graduates for high demand STEM based careers!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:18:38 PST

Dr. Barbara Calabro, PhD, Chief Academic Officer for Sextant Education which governs Platt College and Southwest Florida College, is on the STEM committee for the Foundation of Lee County Public Schools and works closely with the county-based STEM team.

According to Dr. Calabro, Southwest Florida College is providing education in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math or STEM fields through a number of programs that include:

All Information Technology programs
Computer Aided Drafting and Design and Revit classes that are a big part of the design process
Health Information Management for analyzing a number of costs and expenditures
Medical Lab Technician
Nursing
Graphic Design

Southwest Florida College will take part in STEMTASTIC which is being held on the 31st of May at the School Department. Businesses from Southwest Florida will set up unique demos for students, who will come through with their with parents, to interact with at the tables. Last year there were 600 people at the event and 1,000 participants are expected this year.

Lee County’s education director, Sue Roshon has said, “If we’re going to compete in a global society, our students need to be prepared in STEM. STEM is a big emphasis in countries like China and India, and we have to make it an emphasis here, too.”

A recent U.S. Department of Commerce report found, "It’s no longer good enough just to be proficient in reading, writing and arithmetic. Knowledge of science, technology, engineering and math is critical for future success”

The report also noted, “STEM careers pay better and offer more job security than non-STEM jobs because of higher international demand for those workers”

What does STEM stand for?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. In a report created for congress by Jeffrey J. Kuenzi, who is an Education Policy Specialist, he mentions “There is growing concern that the United States is not preparing a sufficient number of students, teachers, and practitioners in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).”

What are STEM programs?

Engineering and Engineering Technologies
Computer and Information Sciences
Computer Systems Technology
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Math and Statistics

What Careers require STEM skills?

Computer Aided Drafting & Design (CADD)
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer Programmers
Database Administrators

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.

Relay for Life Bake Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:00:44 PST

Southwest Florida College raised $186.00 for the Relay for Life through a Valentine's Day themed bake-sale. Check out all the yummy photos! Thank you to all who participated in the bake sale to make this happen!

Southwest Florida College faculty and staff at the Heart Walk

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:42:18 PST

Southwest Florida College was a proud sponsor of this year's American Heart Association's Lee Heart Walk.

Lee Heart Walk took place on December 10^th, 2011 in Centennial Park of Downtown Fort Myers. Registration began at 8 AM and the walk took place at 9 AM. The total distance of the walk was 5K, with an optional 1-mile route.

Southwest Florida College had a walking team, which was led by Team Captain, Dana Thimons.

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.

Tampa Job & Internship Fair - March 7 at Southwest Florida College

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:04:30 PST

Southwest Florida College is calling all area employers from the greater Tampa marketplace to participate in a spring Job and Internship Fair on Wednesday, March 7th from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Southwest Florida College campus, 3910 Riga Blvd. in Tampa.

“Regional employers interested in motivated, well trained and ready to work students from Southwest Florida College can benefit from networking and interviewing students and graduates from Southwest Florida College,” said Stephen Tirey, Director of Industry Relations and Graduate Placement (IRGP) for Southwest Florida College.

Southwest Florida College graduates and students will meet regional employers between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. US Military Veterans and members of the general public are invited to attend and network with employers from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

There is no cost for employers to participate but space is limited at the on-campus location. Network and interview with students and graduates from the following disciplines:

ALLIED HEALTH:

Healthcare Administration
Health Information Technology
Medical Assisting
Medical Billing & Coding
Surgical Technician

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS:

Network Engineering & Administration
Computer Programming & Database Management
Early Childhood Education
Business Management
Digital Design
Web Design & Development
Computer Animation/Multi-Media
Computer-Aided Drafting & Design
Criminal Justice

Jan McKenna, Tampa Industry Relations and Graduate Placement (IRGP) Director, is the contact person for this event. The IRGP department is the go-to resource for graduating students and building employer relationships in the Tampa Bay area. Contact her at the campus (813) 630-4401 or by email at jmckenna@swfc.edu.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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.

Since the College was founded in 1974, approximately 6,000 students have graduated with degrees, diplomas and certificates in career fields such as allied health, legal studies, education, business, design and information technology – all of which offer high growth potential. For more information on the event and directions please call (813) 630-4401, email jmckenna@swfc.edu or visit www.swfc.edu.

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.

Chris Kovaz, student at SWFC, will be featured at the Fort Myers Art Walk!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:37:00 PST

The artwork of Computer Animation and Digital Design major Chris Kovaz will be featured at the Fort Myers Art Walk. See Chris’ work Feb. 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Fort Myers.

Chris is the Director of Graphics for Underwater Planet. His portfolio is extensive and includes shots of marine life from teeny nudibrachs up to great white sharks!

For more information, e-mail Chris at chrisk@diversonly.com.

http://www.swfc.edu/GraphicDesign/DigitalDesign-Disclosures.htm

About Southwest Florida College: Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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 1-877-455-0107 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Want a new career as a Registered Nurse?

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:45:01 PST

Southwest Florida College is now enrolling for the NEW Associate of Science degree in nursing.

The Associate of Science degree in nursing is a full time program that can be completed in two years. The program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing and upon graduation the student is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse. As part of the program students receive specialized training in critical care or perioperative nursing.

A selective admissions process is in place for this program. Please contact an admissions representative for further details regarding enrollment criteria.

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.

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

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:02:28 PST

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 listening to Employers!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:06:08 PST

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 a proud sponsor of the American Heart Association's Lee Heart Walk

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:50:10 PST

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, Regional Job Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:03:20 PST

Southwest Florida College, Regional Job Fair, a set on Flickr.

New Updates for the first-ever Southwest Florida College Regional Job Fair!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:39:01 PST

We have some great updates for the first-ever, Southwest Florida College Regional Job Fair, presented in part by Southwest Florida Works and sponsored by Fort Myers WINK Broadcasting, The Chamber of Southwest Florida and Media Vista Group’s D’Latinos and Azteca Southwest Florida.

Southwest Florida College is also now inviting nearly 3,000 United States Military Veterans from across the five county regions to attend a VIP Session of the Job Fair.

"By reaching out to our Veterans and the Latin American job seeking community we are embracing key elements of opportunity in re-tooling our workforce to meet the demands of our new and changing economy," said Dr. Stephen Calabro, President of Southwest Florida College. "This event, we will provide both employment and educational options for job seekers and career changers all in one location. This event is a winning proposition for all who participate.”

Employers that will be present at the fair, to-date, include: Aerotek Professional Services; All Hearts Home Companion; Alorica; Arthrex; Beasley Broadcast Group' Charlotte Regional Medical; Charlotte County Sheriff's Office; Cintas; Comcast; Comfort Keepers; Enterprise Holdings (Alamo, National, Enterprise); Florida Highway Patrol; Fort Myers Broadcasting (Wink TV, WINK-AM, WTLQ Radio); Fort Myers Police Department; Glades County Sheriff's Office; Gaining Results; Hope Health Care Services; Ingage Networks; Kelly Services; J.J Taylor Distributing Florida, Inc.; LARC, Inc. Lee County; Lee County Port Authority; Lee County Sheriff's Office; Legal Shield; Lee Memorial Health Systems; LYNX Services; NCH: MediaVista Group –Azteca America SWFL; WTPH 14-www.dlatinos.tv; Men's Warehouse; Northwestern Mutual: Sercuritas Security Systems; Sun Broadcasting; Tidewell Hospice; Transportation Security Administration; 21st Century Oncology; US Coast Guard; US Army; US National Guard; US Navy. More employers are being added daily. Let us know if you would like a free table!

Southwest Florida College, in partnership with Southwest Florida Works, will host their first Regional Job Fair at the Holiday Inn Airport Town Center in Fort Myers on Friday, November 18th.

The event will be open to the public between the hours of 1 PM and 4 PM and is “complimentary” to both employers and job seekers. The college is providing a special morning session and luncheon for participating employers. Limited Underwriter opportunities are still available. For more information please contact Betsy Richards with the Industry Relations and Graduate Placement Department of Southwest Florida College at 239-939-4766 or email erichards@swfc.edu.

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.

Margaret Joffe Earns Financial Health Certified Credit Counselor Desingation.

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:14:10 PDT

Margaret Joffe, Default Management

Margaret Joffe, Default Manager for Southwest Florida College, has completed the National Association of Certified Credit Counselors, or NACCC’s, Financial Health Program and has earned the designation of Financial Health Certified Credit Counselor.

According to the National Association of Certified Credit Counselors’ website:

The Financial Health program is designed for professionals working in various fields such as: housing counseling, faith based programs, mental health counseling, mortgage and small business lending, accounting, various non-profit organizations providing assistance to under-served markets, community development programs, employee assistance programs, credit unions, and university counseling centers-student loan prevention. The manual explores the term “financial health” and includes a section containing chapters on housing issues, retirement income options, and student financial aid.

In addition to Keys to Success, this program includes a supplemental booklet, Essential Financial Topics, which explores the role of the credit counselor and the process of debt management.

Candidates for certification gain access to our online slide presentation, Jeopardy-style quizzes, and a practice test – a proven predictor for success!

Congratulations Margaret Joffe!

About Southwest Florida College: 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’s Director of Education to present at the 2011 NAEYC Annual Conference and Expo.

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:37:40 PDT

Mr. Manny Maestre, Director of Education for the Southwest Florida College Fort Myers and Bonita Springs campuses, will be presenting at the 2011 NAEYC Annual Conference and Expo, November 2-5, 2011 in Orlando, Florida.

Mr. Maestre’s presentation entitled: The three Rs of early childhood male educators: Resiliency, respect, and retention, will be an hour and a half session that covers the first to third graders age group and is within the Men in Early Childhood Topic Track.

The session will provide critical analysis of the barriers and best practices that currently exist in recruiting and retaining male early childhood educators in diverse classroom settings, particularly those serving ELL and ESE student populations as well as the different teaching methodologies used by each gender that assists in ensuring student success. Additionally, the session will demonstrate and define a firm correlation between the successes of a diverse student population within an early educational setting as it relates to gender identification and the underlying social and cognitive causes that undermine its premise.

Additionally, according to a letter received from NAEYC, Mr. Maestre’s session has been hand-picked by NAEYC staff “from over 900 other sessions to be recorded because of its broad appeal to a diverse audience of early childhood educators. NAEYC staff considered many factors in the selection process, including the topic, age group, speaker expertise, session popularity and intended audience.”

Tampa Job & Internship Fair at Southwest Florida College big success!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:15:00 PDT

Southwest Florida College is celebrating a success from partnering with area employers from the greater Tampa marketplace and hosting a Job and Internship Fair on Wednesday, October 19 from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the Tampa Southwest Florida College campus. Nearly 200 job seekers representing college students, Veterans and members of the general public attended and networked with employers.

The participating employers included:

Aflac – Tampa
Aflac – Clearwater
Alorica
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Busch Gardens
Checkpoint Technologies
Cornerstone Medical
Easter Seals
Hillsborough County Schools
Metropolitan Life Insurance
One Touch Direct
Patch.com
RADEOS
Stream Global Services
U.S. Secret Service
USF - Graduate School
University of South Florida
VA Hospital
Victoria’s Secret

Jan McKenna, Tampa Industry Relations and Graduate Placement Director and Jennifer Wallace, Campus IRGP Coordinator; served as the organizing team for the event. The department is the go-to resource for graduating students and building employer relationships in the Tampa Bay area. They also received fabulous support from the entire campus staff.

About Southwest Florida College: Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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 239-939-4766 or visit www.swfc.edu.

WINK - TV Partners for First Regional Job Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:37:09 PDT

Southwest Florida College, in partnership with Southwest Florida Works, announced today that Fort Myers Broadcasting and their affiliates, WINK-TV, WINK-FM. WINK-AM, and WTLQ Radio will function as the Broadcast Television and Radio Partner for the upcoming first Regional Job Fair at the Holiday Inn Airport Town Center in Fort Myers on Friday, November 18th.

According to Roberta Voelker, Local Sales Manager at Fort Myers Broadcasting, “We understand that we can help connect job seekers and employers through our support of this innovative Regional Job Fair. Our company wants to lend a hand in this project and make it a successful effort for all concerned. In addition to advance promotion, we will be there on the day of the event, meeting and greeting job seekers. After all, we are a company currently seeking talent to add to our organization!”

Dr. Stephen Calabro, President of Southwest Florida College today offered these words in response to the Fort Myers Broadcasting commitment, “We are grateful for the generous support we see from Fort Myers Broadcasting. They are doing a wonderful thing by partnering with the college and Southwest Florida Works to ensure the success of this event. At the end of the day, job seekers and employers will be the beneficiaries of this collaboration. Working together, we can make a difference!”

The event will be open to the public between the hours of 1 PM and 4 PM and is “complimentary” to both employers and job seekers. The college is providing a special morning session and luncheon for participating employers. Limited Underwriter opportunities are still available. For more information please contact Betsy Richards with the Industry Relations and Graduate Placement Department of Southwest Florida College at 239-939-4766 or email erichards@swfc.edu.

About Southwest Florida College: Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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 239-939-4766 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Southwest Florida College Tampa Hosts Business Week Speaker Series

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:25:28 PDT

Southwest Florida College Tampa Campus, Department of Industry Relations and Graduate Placement, is hosting Business Week on October 24 through 26, which will provide an opportunity for students to participate in workshops designed to prepare both students and graduates employment and success in the business field.

Three scheduled topics include:

Job Search Techniques by Michael J. Lashbrook, Monday, October 24th (6:30pm-7:45pm)
This workshop introduces students to the art of job searching, including how to develop parameters to streamline a search, determining job qualifications, and exploring company websites. Students are also exposed to current market trends, various job search strategies and resources, and how to complete applications.

Government Talk by Matthew Boggs, Tuesday, October 25th (6:30pm-7:45pm)
This workshop provides students with an understanding of government contracting and how it can stimulate revenue for small businesses. The students receive basic knowledge of the process of bidding, and how to compete and receive government contracts.

Personal Finance by Robert Jefferson, Wednesday, October 26th (6:30pm-7:45pm)
This workshop provides a information in personal finance, including how to assess needs, set goals, and create a financial plan for individuals and families. It also addresses how to budget, save, and invest funds to maximize long term-benefits.

Michael J. Lashbrook is a Florida native who earned his B.A. in History/American Studies and M.A. in U.S. History from USF. He has 12 years teaching experience at the collegiate level, with courses ranging from Florida History to Career Skills. Mr. Lashbrook also has 8 years of college administrative experience, serving as Program Director and Associate Dean, overseeing 70 instructors. Mr. Lashbrook joined SWFC as Student Service Coordinator in November 2010, assisting students in identifying and pursuing job opportunities.

Matthew Boggs is currently pursuing his A.S. in Management from SWFC. Mr. Boggs began his professional career with GSA Access Group Schedule Services, establishing government contracts and building relationships between GSA Schedule Holders and Prime Vendors. After one year with GSA, he was promoted to Account Executive, focusing on teaming and subcontracting. Mr. Boggs is now employed with Award Eagles LLC, a full-service government-consulting firm, assisting with registration, research, reporting, proposal preparation, and grant writing.

Robert Jefferson is a Michigan native who relocated to Florida in 2004, working as a District Manager for Global Communications Solutions. He transitioned into the banking industry in 2007 is currently a Personal Banker at Fifth Third Bank. Mr. Jefferson reinvests into the community by participating in activities with various organizations such as United Way, Ronald McDonald House, Junior Achievement, and The Great American Teach-In, and conducting financial workshops for business and schools.

There is no cost to attend the seminar series. RSVP’s will be accepted on a space available basis with preference to students and graduates of Southwest Florida College. To register for Business Week, contact Jennifer Wallace, Coordinator, Industry Relations and Graduate Placement at jwallace@swfc.edu.

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 Coding Bootcamp

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 07:35:11 PDT

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA COLLEGE
Coding Boot Camp

WINTER 2012 SESSION

This intensive course will prepare the student to sit for the AHIMA certified Coding Associate (CCA) coding credential examination.

WHERE:

Southwest Florida College
1685 Medical Lane
Fort Myers, FL 33907

Room 221

WHEN:

SATURDAY, JANUARY
21st and 28th, 2011
FEBRUARY 4th, 11th and 18th, 2012

TIME:

9:00 AM - 5:00PM with 1/2 hour break for lunch

Registration Fee $200.00
(Includes 2011 CCA Review book)

Fee must be paid in full before January 13th, 2012.
(No payment plan is available for this course.)
Please pay at Bursar office

INSTRUCTOR: Katherine E. Baus, RHIA, CCS-P

The course is limited to the first 40 paid registrants.

The student must bring completed registration form to the bursar with the payment and verify graduation date with the registrar.

Email kbaus@swfc.edu for more information
or to obtain a registration form.

http://www.swfc.edu/medical/DMBCT-Disclosure.htm

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 Interior Design Students Win Big at the 2011 ASID Student Design Competition

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 07:37:58 PDT

Left to Right: Adjunct Interior Design Instructor, Jeannette Dera; Full-Time Interior Design Instructor, Tamara Chesney; Program Manager of Interior Design for the Institute of Interior Design at Southwest Florida College, Linda Petersen MA, LEED AP, IDEC, ASID, IIDA, AIA; 2011 ASID Design Excellence Award Winners: Vicki Clay, Alexandra Hutchinson, Christopher Robinson, and Lina Abril.

Bonita Springs, Fla. (October 20, 2011) – Alexandra Hutchinson, Lina Abril, Christopher Robinson and Vicki Clay, all students at the Institute of Interior Design at Southwest Florida College in Bonita Springs, Fla., won all but one award at the 2011 ASID Design Excellence Awards, Student Design Competition.

President Elect for the Southwest Florida Chapter of ASID, Peggy Oberlin, came out to Southwest Florida College last night to present the winners. “There were so many who won awards from Southwest Florida College, that we thought it would be nice to come out and present the awards all together,” Oberlin said.

Alexandra Hutchinson with ASID President and President-Elect

According to Oberlin, “Southwest Florida College has shown to be a much more well balanced college regarding the technical and creative skills. The Interior Design program at Southwest Florida College is an all around quality program,” she said.

The 2011 ASID Student Design Competition was open to all colleges that have certified interior design programs in the South Florida area. Participating schools include the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Florida State University, Miami International University of Art & Design, Indian River State College, Palm Beach Community College, and the Art Institute of Miami, to name a few. Projects are judged on the overall professionalism of the design, the presentation of the design, and the appropriateness of the design in relation to the design requirements.

Commercial Design awards:

Alexandra Hutchinson – Commercial Project: “Dupree Family Law” – First Place
Vicki Clay – Commercial Project: “Tanglewood Elementary Library” – Second Place
Alexandra Hutchinson – Commercial Project: “Community College” – Honorable Mention

Residential Design awards:

Alexandra Hutchinson – Residential Project: “Lawson Residence” – First Place
Christopher Robinson – Residential Project: “Russell Residence” – Second Place
Lina Abril – Residential Project: “Osborne Residence” – Third Place
Alexandra Hutchinson – Residential Project: “Tyler Master Suite” – Honorable Mention

“Among nine other schools in the South Florida area who entered the competition, Southwest Florida College demonstrated the broadest area of skill,” Oberlin said. “Judging was completely blind and the criteria is very broad. It’s not just about the artistic presentation, but how well the student carried out the principles of design in their project, including technical skills, a basic understanding of lighting and an understanding of code, among other areas.

About Southwest Florida College: Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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 239-939-4766 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Attention Job Seekers: Southwest Florida College is hosting a Regional Job Fair!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:35:57 PDT

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA COLLEGE
TO HOST REGIONAL JOB FAIR.

Presenting Partner:

Sponsors:

Time:
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18th, 2011
9 AM to 4 PM

Location:
Holiday Inn Airport-FGCU
9931 Interstate Commerce Drive
Fort Myers

JOB SEEKERS:

Join us for an excellent opportunity to network with employers, share your resume, and apply for jobs and internships during the VIP morning segment of the Job Fair.

9:00am - NOON	VIP Session with Employers for SWFC Graduates & Students only
NOON - 1:00pm	Break
1:00pm - 4:00pm	Job Fair Open to Public & General Job Seekers

Employers Attending:

Employers are being added daily. Please see Graduate Placement for a recent list of all the employers who will be an attendance.

JOB FAIR CHECKLIST:

Mark your calendar
Have Graduate Placement review your resume
Attend the "Prepare for the Fair" workshop

Attendance at Prepare for the Fair session is required for access to the Job Fair VIP session.
"Prepare for the Fair" is being held on the following campuses on the following dates:

Port Charlotte: October 26 and 27 1 pm - 5 pm

Fort Myers: November 2 and 3 2 pm - 5 pm

Bonita Springs: November 9 and 10 2 pm - 5 pm

Be sure to attend both days to participate in the workshop and in mock Interviews
and resume reviews!
Workshops on all campuses are on the first day
Mock interviews and resume reviews are on the second day for all campuses
Research the companies attending
Dress " Business Professional"
Bring 10-20 resume copies
Bring paper and pen to take notes
Create a follow-up plan

Visit Graduate Placement or email erichards@swfc.edu with questions.

swfc.edu

1685 Medical Lane, Fort Myers, Florida 33907	Tel 239.939.4766
950 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, Florida 33953	Tel 941.391.8888
24311 Walden Center Drive, Bonita Springs, Florida 34134	Tel 239-221-7249

Southwest Florida College to Host Regional Job Fair.

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:07:18 PDT

Southwest Florida College, in partnership with Southwest Florida Works, will host their first Regional Job Fair at the Holiday Inn Airport Town Center in Fort Myers on Friday, November 18th.

According to Dr. Stephen Calabro, President of the college, “We want employers to know that Southwest Florida College Graduates have been and continue to be an essential part of the regional workforce. Our graduates are ‘job ready’ and very eager to put their training and experience to work. We are thrilled to provide employers with this exclusive opportunity to meet each of our graduates up close and personal.”

“As part of our commitment to the community,” said Calabro “we are extending an invitation to job seekers throughout Lee County to attend the event later in the afternoon to meet with employers. Job seekers who wish to explore coming back to college and retraining or sharpening their knowledge can visit with members of our Admissions Team and our Industry Relations and Graduate Placement Staff at the Regional Career Fair event.”

Joe Paterno, Executive Director of the Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board, is pleased to partner with Southwest Florida College and the region’s businesses to help job seekers explore prospective career options and educational opportunities. Mr. Paterno stated “This will be a great opportunity for students who have or will soon graduate, as well as under-employed and unemployed Southwest Florida residents to connect with hiring officials at some of the region’s best places to work.”

The event will be open to the public between the hours of 1 PM and 4 PM and is “complimentary” to both employers and job seekers. The college is providing a special morning session and luncheon for participating employers. Limited Underwriter opportunities are still available. For more information please contact Betsy Richards with the Industry Relations and Graduate Placement Department of Southwest Florida College at 239-939-4766 or email erichards@swfc.edu.

About Southwest Florida College: Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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 239-939-4766 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Dont forget about the Fall 2011 Job and Internship Fair!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 06:19:07 PDT

Tampa Campus Fall 2011
Job & Internship Fair

Wednesday, October 19th 11am-3pm

New Employers Added!

Aflac – Tampa

Aflac - Clearwater

Alorica

Bright Horizons Family Solutions

Busch Gardens

Checkpoint Technologies, Inc.

Easter Seals

Fifth Third Bank

Hillsborough County Schools

Medical On Demand

Metropolitan Life Insurance

Mortgage Contracting Services, LLC

Patch.com

RADEOS

Stream Global Services

U.S. Secret Service

USF – Graduate School

University of South Florida – Human Resources

Verizon Wireless

Victoria’s Secret

Students & Alumni

Please plan on attending the Southwest Florida College Job and Internship Fair. The fair will be an excellent opportunity to network with employers, share your resume, and apply for jobs and internships. Check with the Graduate Placement Office for a list of employers attending.

Attend "Prepare for the Fair" Workshop
to learn how to maximize your participation in the job fair.
Contact the Graduate Placement Office for details.

Job Fair Checklist

Mark your calendar

Have your resume reviewed by Graduate Placement prior to the fair

Attend Job Fair workshop

Research companies attending

Dress "Business Professional"

Bring 10-20 copies of your resume

Bring a pad of paper & pen to take notes

Create a follow-up plan

Josten's will have rings and graduation products available for purchase.

Visit Graduate Placement or email jmckenna@swfc.edu with questions.

www.swfc.edu
3910 Riga Blvd.
(813) 630-4401
Tampa, FL 33619

Southwest Florida College to Host Regional Job Fair!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:33:00 PDT

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA COLLEGE
TO HOST REGIONAL JOB FAIR.

Presenting Partner:

Sponsors:

Time:
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18th, 2011
9 AM to 4 PM

Location:
Holiday Inn Airport-FGCU
9931 Interstate Commerce Drive
Fort Myers

EMPLOYERS:

Does your company have immediate openings for full-time, part-time, or internship positions? Please join the students and alumni of Southwest Florida College for a job and Internship Fair.

Participation is complimentary and includes:

5' table and two chairs
Table signage
Company name listed in Job Fair Program
Electrical outlet upon request
Lunch

Space is limited!
For details, contact Betsy Richards at
239.939.4766 or erichards@swfc.edu

Click here to reserve your seat today!

About Southwest Florida College: Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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 239-939-4766 or visit www.swfc.edu.

The 3rd Annual Italian Fest is being presented by Southwest Florida College!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:34:17 PDT

The Rotary Club is hosting an Italian Fest on the campus of the Alliance for the Arts, (corner of McGregor Blvd and Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers) on Sunday October 3rd from 11am - 5pm.

Admission is free and there will be fun for the entire family.

Attendees will be able to enjoy Italian fare from a variety of the area’s finest restaurants. Featuring: Sasse’s, University Grill, Pizza Fusion, Mario’s Meat Market, Mastello Ristorante, LaMotta’s.

For the cooks there will be a “The Best Homemade Marinara Contest” featuring celebrity judges with prizes for the winners. For entry information contact Cherry Robson at 332-8158 or email office@rotaryfortmyers.org

The mission of Southwest Florida College is to provide an education to individuals that will enable them to pursue successful careers and lead enriched lives.

During the Italian Fest event, Southwest Florida College will spotlight one of their programs every hour. From 11 AM to 12 noon, Allied Health will get the spotlight! Come and get your informational hand-out about personal health records and participate in the Italian Bowling Game (Bacci). From 12 noon to 1 PM, Arts and Sciences and the Education Department will conduct Italian story telling and will be teaching everyone how to create pasta bookmarks. The Legal Studies department will present a crime scene display and will be taking fingerprints from 1 PM to 2 PM. The Information Technology department and the Design Studies Department will partner up from 3 PM to 4 PM to present a DVD Toss game, showcase fabric samples and play "Identify the Identity" where you will have a chance to guess the logo. Freshman Studies will have "Frisbees for Freshman from 4 PM to 5 PM and the Southwest Florida College Rotaract club will be assisting all day, so be sure to ask them more about membership.

Rotary International is the world's first service club organization, with more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide. Rotary club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio under the motto Service Above Self.

The Rotary Club of Fort Myers is the Southwest Florida’s oldest and largest Rotary Club chartered in April 1st, 1922 with 180 members.

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.

AITP Accepts Southwest Florida College as a New Student Chapter

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 07:32:53 PDT

The Information Technology department at the Southwest Florida College, Tampa campus, is now approved to serve as a student chapter of the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP).

Southwest Florida College, Tampa Campus

The AITP student chapter includes 19 Southwest Florida College student members. These students are currently studying to earn either their Associate’s of Science Degree in Computer Programming and Database Management or Network Engineering and Administration, or their Bachelors of Science Degree in Information Technology and Security Systems.

AITP Tampa Chapter President and sponsor, Gary Brelsford, is leading the new group in its mission to develop members’ understanding of technology.

Student members of the new AITP chapter will focus on exploring technology’s role in business and management. The chapter aims to enhance the membership’s professionalism and in-depth knowledge about principles on which the science is built. A major goal is to examine and evaluate the ways in which technology is applied. Problem solving, current developments in the field, and applications that foster productivity and efficiency will be regular topics on the group’s monthly agendas.

Chicago-based AITP is, as it has been for over six decades, championing the human element of the Information Technology profession and is focused on providing a community of knowledge, education and resources to empower its members to reach their true potential as an IT business professional.

Dr. Edward P. Mara of Southwest Florida College said that having an AITP chapter on campus is going to “greatly enhance our student’s career networks and also provide a gathering place for our local technology professionals.”

About Southwest Florida College: Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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 239-939-4766 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Back to School Family Fun Night @SWFLCOLLEGE!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 13:39:18 PDT

Come to the Southwest Florida College
Back to School Family Fun Night!

There will be food, music, entertainment, games and much more!

Friday, September 23rd, 2011

5 PM to 7 PM

Fort Myers Campus

1685 Medical Lane

Fort Myers, FL 33907

www.swfc.edu

Fall 2011 Job & Internship Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:52:46 PDT

Wednesday, October 19
11:00am - 3:00pm

Location
Southwest Florida College
Tampa Campus
3910 Riga Blvd.
Tampa, Florida

Created By
Southwest Florida College

More Info
Students and Alumni, please plan on attending the Southwest Florida College Job and Internship Fair. The fair will be an excellent opportunity to network with employers, share your resume, and apply for jobs and internships. Check with the Graduate Placement Office for a list of employers attending. Be sure to dress business professional and bring 10-20 copies of your resume.

RSVP on the Southwest Florida College Facebook Event page today! Click here to RSVP!

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 Hosts Children's Home Society

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:24:18 PDT

Southwest Florida College was pleased to host the Children’s Home Society at their Fort Myers campus location on Saturday, September 10, 2011. Children ranging in age from 15 to 19 were guests at the event and were provided with exposure to career and educational options available to them upon graduation. Careers and higher educational programs highlighted at the event included Information Technology, Medical Assistant, Surgical Technician, Medical Laboratory Technician, Criminal Justice, Digital Design, and Computer Animation and Design.

Throughout their visit to the College, the children were provided a tour of the campus and corresponding classrooms and were provided the opportunity to interact in hands-on presentations related to each of the highlighted careers. Additionally, the children were provided the opportunity to interact with departmental program managers, faculty members, administrators, and admissions staff to ask questions related to specific career fields, educational paths, and specific information related to the College. During the visit, each student was provided with breakfast and lunch and with a backpack of useful items to take home in remembrance of the day.

The faculty, staff, and administration of the College were pleased to host this event and looks forward to a long and meaningful relationship with the Children’s Home Society for years to come!

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 Hosts the 2011 Digital Portfolio Show

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:11:11 PDT

The 2011 Digital Portfolio Show will showcase all the digital, web and non-conventional graphic designs of the digital design students of Southwest Florida College. The event will be held on September 6th from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Southwest Florida College, Fort Myers campus in Room 229. The campus is located on 1685 Medical Lane in Fort Myers, Fla.

Students will meet with local business owners and executives who utilize digital designers to get constructive reviews of their portfolios. Through this process, students also get one-on-one networking opportunities with important and well-connected members of the community.

Industry design professionals who attend can enjoy a sneak peek at tomorrow’s designers and have a chance to influence and recruit them for positions within their companies. All companies that participate will receive logo exposure on event promotion. Light refreshments will be served. For more information on sponsorship or to RSVP for this event, please contact Michele Guptill at mguptill@swfc.edu.

About Southwest Florida College: 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 Tampa Campus Hosts Interactive Career Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:03:54 PDT

Southwest Florida College, Tampa Campus

The Southwest Florida College, Tampa campus will be hosting an Interactive Career Festival on August 23rd from 5 PM to 7 PM.

The event is open to the public and guests are welcome to come and experience a bit of what makes Southwest Florida College unique. Food and drink will be offered and interactive presentations are sure to be a hit. Presentations will be given in fields such as Information Technology, Medical, Graphic Design and Criminal Justice.

In the graphic design Mac Lab, visitors will participate in an interactive Photoshop® workshop. Using the latest graphic design software, guests will become the star of their own movie poster! Photoshop® specialist, Chad Abel, an award-winning designer, will walk participants through a dynamic hands-on demonstration that will awaken the artist and the designer in everyone! All attendees will receive a digitally created poster.

Stop by the mock crime scene in the criminal justice lab and listen to current students as they explain how a crime scene is processed and evidence is preserved. Guests will be able to take fingerprints and utilize the comparator for a comparison of fingerprints, bullets and cartridge cases. Program Manager Ernie Dinkel, former graduate of the FBI National Academy and former Colonel Provo Marshall for the U.S. Central Command, will be facilitating the presentation.

Other presentations will include topics on Information Technology and within the Healthcare field. You won’t want to miss this event held at the Southwest Florida College Tampa campus on 3910 Riga Boulevard on Tuesday, August 23rd from 5 PM to 7 PM. Everyone is invited and no reservations are required.

About Southwest Florida College: Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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 1-888-526-7973 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Southwest Florida College was mentioned in the August/September 2011 Edition of Lee Memorial Health System’s HealthyNEWS publication!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:41:04 PDT

The August/September HealthyNEWS Edition, as published by Lee Memorial Health System, was distributed as an insert within the local papers on Friday, July 29th, 2011. Page 6 featured an article about Surgical Technicians as depicted below.

In the last paragraph, Carol Withers RN, OR nurse manager at Cape Coral Hospital mentions: “Because our health system partners with High Tech North and Southwest Florida College, most newly hired surgical technologies were trained in our hospitals. They already understand our health system, our surgeon’s styles and our emphasis on patient safety.”

Total Package Seminar for Job Seekers at Southwest Florida College

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 07:52:39 PDT

Seminars in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs Focus on Resume - Dress - Interview Skills

Local business and education leaders from Southwest Florida will be on hand for a new learning and coaching event for students of Southwest Florida College in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs. The Total Package: Marketing-Selling & Packaging Yourself seminar events will be held on the two college campus locations for one morning and two afternoon presentations. There is no charge to students and graduates of Southwest Florida College. Refreshments will be served. Representatives from area companies interested in attending the seminars may participate on a limited seating basis. All attendees must register in advance for the event by calling (888) 279-2342 and asking for the Graduate Placement and Industry Relations department.

Sessions will focus on three fundamental concepts:

Winning Interviewing Skills
Dressing for Interview Success
Building an Outstanding Resume

Three event “bonus” opportunities include:

One on One Resume Coaching is available for all attendees. Every attendee will leave the event with a new resume!
Professional ‘head shot’ photography in electronic format will provide every attendee with a new photo for their job search!
Refreshments will be served at each event.

Here is the schedule for The Total Package: Marketing-Selling & Packaging Yourself events:

On Tuesday, August 16th in Bonita Springs, at Walden Center, 24311 Walden Center Drive, Room 101, the seminar will be presented in an afternoon format from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

On Thursday, August 18th in Fort Myers, at 1685 Medical Lane, Room 226, the seminars will be presented in a Morning Session at 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The afternoon session will occur from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

“We believe this new seminar concept will provide excellent value to our students. We are also happy to open seats to representatives from area companies interested in sharpening their skills or meeting our current students,” said Dr. Stephen Calabro, President of Southwest Florida College. “This event is one way our faculty and administration can reach out and help to prepare students for job seeking in today’s competitive environment. Thanks to all working with us to make this happen. ”

Representatives of the College are producing and promoting this event. Several leading business representatives are supporting and appearing at this event. College Academic, Student Services and Industry Relations & Graduate Placement Representatives will be participating in the event.

Since the College was founded in 1974, approximately 4,500 students have graduated with degrees, diplomas and certificates in career fields such as allied health, legal studies, education, business, design and information technology – all of which offer high growth potential. For more information on the event and directions please call (888) 279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

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.

SWFC Education Event in the Lehigh Acres Citizen

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:38:34 PDT

As published in the Lehigh Acres Citizen
By Meghan McCoy

As the first day of school nears for recent graduate teachers, Southwest Florida College decided to hold a mini-yard sale, along with a question-and-answer session with teachers to help eliminate any feelings of nervousness the newcomers may have. Almost all of the 20 teachers who graduated from Southwest Florida College in June will begin their first year of teaching on Aug. 1 somewhere in the Lee County School District.

Education Program Manager Angela Wahoff said the events Wednesday night were held for new teachers and educators to be to help prepare them for their first day of teaching on Aug. 8 The mini-yard sale had a large assortment of items to help the teachers stock up their classrooms to keep their students’ attention with books, games and other useful items. The majority of the items for sale were books for the classrooms that were as little as a quarter to 50 cents apiece. “This is a way for them to stock up on things early on as a discount,” Wahoff said. She said teachers should have between 6-10 books per child in their classroom library.

Trish Black, who graduated in September 2010, said she will begin her teaching career at James Steven Academy next month. She attended the yard sale to stock up on supplies she wants for her classroom, which mainly consisted of books. “I think it’s a good thing,” Black said about the sale. “Teachers starting off don’t have a lot of money, so it’s good to get things cheap.”

The second portion of the night included seven current teachers sharing some pointers on how to make the first day of school a success. “The first day of school sets the tone for the rest of the new year,” Wahoff said. “It’s about getting that momentum for day one.”

Sara Abraham, the principal of Gateway Charter School, hired five graduates from Southwest Florida College to begin their careers at her school next month. “I come here to look for teachers because I know they get a good education,” she said. Abraham said she wanted to stop by Wednesday night to support the education program because she said it is a great opportunity for them to stock up on what they need for their classroom, along with receiving good advice for the first day of school. She thought the mini-yard sale was a good idea because it gives the teachers ideas of what they can do with different items in their classroom. “It’s an awesome opportunity,” Abraham said. As far as advice for the first day of school, she said new teachers should not be afraid to ask for help. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you have a question,” Abraham said. In addition, she said the teachers should buddy up with another teacher who has a couple years under their belt to help answer questions as well.

Other advice from the teacher panel for the first day of school included having a game plan in place without deviating from it no matter what happens throughout the day. As long as there is structure in the teacher’s day, the panel said the kids will remain on schedule. The panel also said as long as the teacher looks like he or she is in control, the students will follow and listen to instruction. Although teachers may have rough days throughout the school year, the experienced teachers said they should leave with a smile on their face because every day is a new day.

Some of the items sold during the mini-yard sale will be used to purchase supplies for an upcoming Allied Health Club School Supply event.

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.

HR GROUP TO HOST CAREER FAIR IN CONJUNCTION WITH SOUTHWEST FLORIDA COLLEGE

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:10:45 PDT

Port Charlotte, Fla. (July 19, 2011) – The Charlotte County Society for Human Resource Management (CCSHRM) is hosting a career fair in conjunction with Southwest Florida College on August 26, 2011, from 9am to 1pm. The event will take place at the Southwest Florida College campus at 950 Tamiami Trail, in Port Charlotte. Businesses will have booths to promote and recruit for their business needs and job seekers will have the opportunity to improve their written resume and interview skills as well as meet hiring employers.

For employers: CCSHRM and Southwest Florida College are offering free tables to employers in a variety of fields, including hospitality, government, retail, banking, medical, veteran’s services, and workforce development. A limited number of booths are available, so businesses should act quickly.

For job seekers: There will be mock interviews and resume reviews by Human Resource professionals, training sessions on topics related to resumes, applications, and interviews, and there will also be businesses from a variety of fields looking to recruit.

For more information or to reserve a display booth, please contact Susan Miller, Industry Relations & Graduate Placement Coordinator at Southwest Florida College by emailing her at smiller@swfc.edu.

About Southwest Florida College: Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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 1-888‐279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

###

Department of Homeland Security illustrated cyber security is one of fastest growing career fields.

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:13:50 PDT

Cyber Security and computer forensics related fields are seeing growth throughout the United States within the Department of Homeland Security. The Five-Year Anniversary Report from the Department of Homeland Security has illustrated cyber security is one of fastest growing career fields.

Southwest Florida College has introduced within the last few weeks, opportunities within the Criminal Justice program to take a Bachelor of Science degree within Public Service Administration, with a concentrations including: Law Enforcement Administration; Corrections Administration; Crime Scene Technologies; Emergency Preparedness; Crisis Planning and Security Management; and Social Justice.

In addition, SWFC has introduced a Bachelor of Science degree within the field of Criminal Justice in Cyber Technology and Security which will also prepare individuals for a variety of entry-level government and corporate Information Technology Security positions, performing digital forensic investigations as well as securing sensitive information technology networks and devices from vulnerabilities and attack.

Please read and feel free to share comments on the section of the article below from the Department of Homeland Security.

Fact Sheet: U.S. Department of Homeland Security Five-Year Anniversary Progress and Priorities

There is no parallel in government to the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) start-up five years ago, and the degree of maturity it has reached in the short period since. The department's growth is testament to its 208,000 employees, who every day put service before self - patrolling borders, protecting ports, defending the skies, enforcing immigration laws, and responding to disasters and emergencies. The department has experienced a number of significant tests in its short history, is intensely focused on the next major task: ensuring a smooth transition from one administration to the next, through rigorous plans, exercises and best practices. In its five years, the department has achieved much to protect and secure the United States

Protecting Critical Infrastructure

The Department aims to protect critical infrastructure and key resources, essential government operations, public health and welfare, and the nation’s economic and national security interests to mitigate potential vulnerabilities and to ensure terrorist plans are not successful.

Setting Chemical Security Standards: The National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) established national standards for chemical facility security in a comprehensive set of regulations to protect chemical facilities from attack and prevent theft of chemicals that could be used as weapons.

Increasing Cyber Security: DHS established the Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) to provide a 24-hour watch, warning, and response operations center, which in 2007 issued over 200 actionable alerts on cyber security vulnerabilities or incidents. US-CERT developed the EINSTEIN intrusion detection program, which collects, analyzes, and shares computer security information across the federal civilian government. EINSTEIN is currently deployed at 15 federal agencies, including DHS, and plans are in place to expand the program to all federal departments and agencies.In addition, the Secret Service currently maintains 24 Electronic Crimes Task Forces to prevent, detect, mitigate and aggressively investigate cyber attacks on our nation’s financial and critical infrastructures.

Greater Information Sharing: The Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) leads DHS efforts to improve the sharing of information and intelligence with federal, state, local and tribal partners, and to change the culture from a “need to know” approach to a “responsibility to provide.” I&A has deployed 22 intelligence officers to Fusion Centers across the country, with a goal of 35 by the end of 2008. DHS has also deployed networks such as the Homeland Security Data Network, a system for securely communicating classified information, to 18 centers and anticipates deploying to 40 centers next year.

Credentialing Port Workers: Since its October 2007 launch, more than 104,000 port workers have enrolled in the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) biometric credential program. More than 750,000 longshoremen, truck drivers, port employees and others requiring unescorted access to secure areas of ports ultimately will be required to obtain a TWIC.

Protecting the Federal Workforce: ICE’s Federal Protective Service (FPS) officers protected approximately 9,000 federal facilities nationwide. In fiscal 2007, FPS was responsible for approximately 3,000 citations and arrests and intercepted roughly 760,000 prohibited items.

Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Efforts: In addition to TSA explosives detection technology at airports and Transportation Security Officer training, Science and Technology development, and the coordination efforts of the Office for Bombing Prevention, the department has also made billions of dollars in grants available to states and communities for IED prevention and protection.

http://www.swfc.edu/Crime/Legal-Disclosures.htm

About Southwest Florida College: Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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 1-877-455-0107 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Keri Kunz and James Jones live on the Fox 4 Morning Blend!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:11:48 PDT

Southwest Florida College's Keri Kunz and James Jones speak about the Freshman Studies and Student Services Program at Southwest Florida College on the Fox 4 Morning Blend. See the video clip!

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.

Higher Education: Helping today's Workforce

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:17:44 PDT

Submitted by: Jeffrey Gonzales, MSM

Preparing for the workforce today is a rigorous task that requires increased knowledge and professional growth in all facets of careers. Employers today necessitate a much more erudite and educated worker than in previous decades. The priority to obtain a professional degree from an institution that has strong ties to the employers in a “knowledge based economy” versus an industrial based economy is at the tip of the spear in today’s job market. As the economy has sent the job market plunging for industrial type workers, employers are seeking those with current skills career training that minimizes costs for on the job training out of their own budgets. Southwest Florida College is an institution that works with over 200 employers to design curriculum from advisory boards to provide such skills that are necessary for today’s workforce in this “knowledge based economy”, while helping students get this education with less debt. I found a scholarly article to support this point of view for the community to review by Donna Desrochers, entitled “HIGHER EDUCATION'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY.” I posted this article below. Please share your thoughts on this interesting scholar's point.

HIGHER EDUCATION'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY
Desrochers, Donna
As published in: Catalyst, The / 04-01-2006

Millions of people in the United States have found that earning a college degree has led them to a comfortable, middle-class lifestyle. Viewing higher education primarily as a launching pad for individual economic security and social inclusion, though, has overshadowed higher education's critical role in our economic growth. As the United States has moved from an industrial economy to a post-industrial, knowledge-based economy, American higher education has emerged as the premier system for preparing the highly skilled workers our nation requires. In the twenty-first century, America's ability to produce and disseminate education will increasingly determine its economic competitiveness.

The Changing Structure of Work

The economic landscape of the United States has changed dramatically over the past 30 years. For most of the twentieth century, the United States' economic dominance relied on a solid agricultural and manufacturing base. But by the late 1970s, the United States' industrial economy was eclipsed by a rapidly growing service economy that relied on a more diverse set of skills that favored workers with higher education.

Advances in technology and widespread globalization have contributed to changes in the structure of work. Computing technology has allowed companies to aggressively restructure production processes and employ fewer workers using more sophisticated technology. In some instances, the remaining jobs require fewer skills because technology performs the more complex responsibilities of the job. But more often, modern technologies replace the rote manual tasks performed by less-skilled workers. In the jobs that remain, increasingly sophisticated skills are required to implement and manage the technology.

Beyond technology, globalization also has fundamentally altered domestic employment markets. The most recognizable effect is the movement of lessskilled, labor-intensive jobs-for example, in such fields as textile manufacturing-to low-wage competitors abroad. However, jobs are gained from trade as well, and they tend to be more highly skilled as globalization provides new markets for America's technologically advanced goods and services.

The Demand for Higher Education in the Knowledge Economy

Changes in the structure of work have dramatically increased the demand for higher education. As recently as 30 years ago, only 28% of prime-age workers (age 30 to 59) had at least some postsecondary education. Today, more than 60% of workers in that age group have obtained some education beyond high school, and one-third of workers have baccalaureate or advanced degrees.

Economic restructuring has created most of the new jobs in occupations dominated by highly skilled managerial and professional workers. Office jobs, the fastest growing segment of the economy, have grown from 30% of all jobs in 1959 to 39% today, while education and health care jobs have grown from 10% to 16% of all jobs. The share of technical jobs, in which highly skilled workers create and deploy complex technologies-engineers, computer programmers, scientists, health and science technicians, and the like-has doubled since 1959, though it still only accounts for about 7% of all jobs.

Much of the increased demand for college-educated workers comes from rising skill requirements within existing jobs. While education and health care jobs always employed large numbers of college-educated workers, the share of those workers with at least some college has grown from 50% to 76% over the past 30 years. Technical jobs employ the most educated workers; roughly 86 percent have at least some college education.

The transition to the knowledge economy hit hardest among less-skilled workers in the factories that once served as the powerhouses of the U.S. economy. Wellpaid manufacturing jobs that once provided a middle-class lifestyle for highschool-educated workers suffered the most devastating job losses, declining from 32% to 17% of all jobs between 1959 and 2003. Although there was concern that a decline in our manufacturing economy would result in a nation of low-paid, low-skilled hamburger flippers, that development has not materialized. Low-skilled service jobs accounted for 20% of jobs in the economy in 1959, and they still account for 20% today.

Along with increased educational requirements, new skill requirements have also emerged. General reasoning, problem solving, and interpersonal skills have all become more important in today's workplaces because most new positions are being created in education, health care, and office settings, where there are higher levels of human interaction. In manufacturing, as technology takes over more of the manual processing tasks, employees spend more time interacting with each other to effectively manage the new technologies. Most employers associate reasoning, problem solving, and interpersonal skills with educational attainment, especially college-level attainment.

Solid cognitive and applied skills also are still needed to complement general skill requirements. As jobs change and skill requirements increase, workers need sufficient cognitive abilities to learn new tasks and apply what they already know in new ways. Workers also still need occupational and professional competencies that provide the applied skills to get the job done.

The Future of the Knowledge Economy

With advances in technology and increases in globalization expected to persist, there is reason to believe that the demand for college-educated workers will continue. The most recent employment projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicate that jobs requiring higher education will grow by 22% between 2002 and 2012, nearly double the rate of growth in jobs not requiring college.

Those skeptical that the economy will continue to demand large numbers of college-educated workers point out that over the next decade, the number of new jobs not requiring college is expected to be almost twice as large as the 7.7 million new college-level jobs projected to be created. But past projections of college-level jobs have proven conservative because they do not reflect rising skill requirements within jobs; such changes have contributed to more than three-quarters of the increase in educational attainment since 1959.

Projecting the number of new jobs requiring college is also difficult because defining these jobs is not always a clearcut process. While only 29% of jobs in the BLS projections are considered collegelevel jobs, roughly 60% of the labor force has at least some college. However, college-educated workers are not necessarily underemployed - or over-educated - if they are working in a job that has not been classified as a college-level job. Job requirements can vary within occupations, and educational requirements may differ across employers, industries, and geographic locations in ways that are not accounted for by the broad BLS categories.

Wages provide the strongest evidence on the value of a college degree. Within so-called non-college jobs, those workers with college degrees earned higher salaries than their less-educated coworkers, suggesting their education makes them more productive employees. And employers are not just buying degrees. Even among workers with similar credentials, those with the highest skill levels have the highest earnings.

Broader wage trends also indicate that higher education is providing workers with the skills that employers value. The wage-advantage of college-educated workers compared to high school educated workers has nearly doubled since the late 1970s. Moreover, the rising wage premium accompanied increases in the share of college-educated workers, suggesting that higher education was not producing enough workers to meet employers' demands.

The Demographic Landscape

Past economic changes that increased the demand for college-educated workers coincided with two favorable demographic trends. First, the sizable baby-boom generation entered the workforce, and second, women joined the ranks of the employed in record numbers. As a result of these demographic changes, the U.S. workforce increased by almost 50% over the past 20 years.

But members of the highly educated baby-boom generation already have begun to retire, and those retirements are expected to pick up sharply in 2011 when the first wave of boomers reaches age 65. By 2029, 44 percent of today's workforce, or 62 million working baby boomers, will have reached retirement age. Labor force growth is expected to slow to only 16% over the next two decades. Furthermore, projections suggest that minorities will account for the largest population increases in the coming years, meaning labor force growth will come primarily from workers who tend to have lower levels of educational attainment.

Baby boom workers are better educated than any prior generation, but increases in the rate of educational attainment have slowed considerably. A significant slowdown in the growth of college-educated labor is expected over the next two decades. The college-educated labor force, which increased by 107% between 1980 and 2000, will likely grow by less than one-third over the next 20 years. The demographic shifts already well under way will make it increasingly difficult to maintain a skilled workforce without engaging more students in higher education.

Higher Education and Economic Competitiveness

To maintain our economic competitiveness, higher education must continue to play the lead role in educating our workforce. Thus far, education has been our "ace in the hole," allowing continued investments in the development and exploitation of new technologies that increase productivity growth, and ultimately, economic growth. But competitive pressures are already mounting as countries with formerly low rates of college participation and graduation have been making gains on the United States.

Education has been a major source of productivity growth in the United States during the post-war era, and because education increases productive human capital, it contributes to overall increases in economic growth. During the postwar years from 1948 to 1973, it is estimated that education and the innovation that arose from it accounted for two-thirds of the increase in U.S. economic growth. The economic benefits from continued expansion in access to higher education could be substantial. Increasing the country's average level of schooling by one year could increase economic growth by 6% to 15% - adding between $600 billion and $1.5 trillion to U.S. economic output.

But if the growth of the college-educated labor force slows, as is expected in the coming decades, U.S. productivity growth will also increase more slowly. Declines in labor force quality could cut the rate of productivity growth attributed to education by one-half or more over the next 20 years, limiting wage growth and fiscal revenues, and ultimately our standard of living.

The prevailing view that higher education is primarily a purveyor of individual economic opportunity rather than an engine for national economic growth provides too narrow a perspective on higher education. And without consideration of its broader economic benefits, higher education is in danger of losing public support amid arguments that those individuals who benefit should pay. But in a knowledge economy, higher education benefits more than just those who attend. A strong economy benefits us all.

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.

Attend the upcoming “Bring a Friend Day” on July 12th, 2011 in Fort Myers

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:53:55 PDT

Submitted by: Jeffrey Gonzales, Director of Admissions

Bring a friend to school on July 12th at the Southwest Florida College, Fort Myers campus!

Get a Personal Interview & Tour

A conversation with an admissions representative is a great way to learn more about Southwest Florida College. The admissions team at Southwest Florida College would like to learn more about your interests, plans and achievements.

Interviews and tours of the Fort Myers campus can be scheduled daily from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. In addition, Saturday appointments are available 9 a.m. till 2 p.m. All scheduled visits include an opportunity to speak individually with an admissions representative as well as a walking tour of the campus. Interviews and tours of campus are typically each an hour in length.

While on campus, you may attend a class or sit down one-on-one with a faculty member to learn more about your academic fields of interest. Your campus visit is also a good time to meet with one of our tuition assistance representatives.

Please schedule your appointment at least one week in advance of the desired date of your visit. You may also call our admissions team at 888‐279-2342.

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.

SWFC Softball Annual Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:59:02 PDT

The 1st SWFC Softball Annual Challenge between the Fort Myers and Port Charlotte campuses was played Saturday, May 21st at the BMX Field in Cape Coral. The game ended in a tie, but there is talk about a rematch. Check back often to find out when and where.

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.

Paws for the Cause was a big success!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:48:30 PDT

The first "Paws for the Cause"bake sale, sponsored by the Newsletter Club at the Port Charlotte campus, was a big success! All proceeds will go to the Animal Welfare League for Southwest Florida College to adopt a pet! Thank you to everyone who participated in this event.

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.

You are invited to our Orientation Program at Southwest Florida College

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:49:17 PDT

On behalf of Southwest Florida College, we would like to welcome you and your family to the College community. Throughout Saturday's (June 25, 2011) Orientation program, all of our departments staff and student volunteers will be on hand to answer your questions. Parents and family members, you are invited to join your student at their SWFC Orientation program. Incoming students will face academic and social challenges, learn responsibility and gain independence throughout their college career. Orientation will provide you with an understanding of your student's development and will equip you with tools for working with supporting your students. Learn about today's college experience, campus events throughout the year and opportunities to become part of the SWFC family. Please be aware that SWFC Orientation does not provide or plan special programs or activities to occupy young children.

Please use this opportunity to find answers to all of your questions as you prepare to matriculate this Monday June 27th, 2011. Orientation is coordinated by our Student Services offices, located in Tampa, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, and Bonita Springs. If we can help in any way during Orientation, as well as during the academic year, please stop by, call us at 888‐279-2342.

For those they have not registered for Summer session classes as of yet, Admissions will be open through next Wednesday, June 29, 2011 to assist you with your needs, contact can be made at 888‐279-2342.

Thank you and I look forward to working with you all in the near future.

Sincerely, Jeffrey Gonzales
Director of Admissions, Southwest Florida College.

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 mentioned in the News-Press!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 06:09:51 PDT

Southwest Florida College recently announced new associate's degree and bachelor's degree programs. Read about all of our new programs in the News-Press!

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.

Your Success Story......

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Manny Maestre Ed.S. Director of Education) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 08:49:33 PDT

Did you recently reach your goal and graduate with a degree in the career field of your dreams? Did you recently get a job in that career field? If you did, tell us about it!

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 has three new bachelor's degree programs!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:11:04 PDT

Southwest Florida College announced additional new program offerings today in the Business and Legal Studies fields. Students can begin enrolling into the new programs, which begin on June 27.

Recent additions include new bachelor’s degrees in Accounting, Public Service Administration and in Cyber Technology and Security.

The Accounting bachelor’s degree program will be offered at the Fort Myers campus and is also available fully Online. In addition, the Accounting associate’s degree program, which is currently offered residentially at the Fort Myers campus, is also now available fully Online. The objective of the Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting (BSA) is to provide students with a broad, fundamental knowledge of the field of accounting. In addition, students will gain an understanding of the dynamics of organizations, the business environment, and the economy. Knowledge gained from this program will serve as a foundation for careers in public accountancy, industry, government, and non-profit organizations.

The Public Service Administration bachelor’s degree program will be offered at the Fort Myers and Tampa campuses and will also be available fully Online. The Bachelor’s Degree in Public Service Administration is for individuals who seek to expand their knowledge and marketability by earning a bachelor’s degree. The program is built upon a foundation of criminal justice and criminology coursework and allows students to choose from six different concentrations of study. Students may choose multiple concentrations towards their electives.

Law Enforcement Administration
Corrections Administration
Crime Scene Technologies
Emergency Preparedness
Crisis Planning and Security Management
Social Justice

Upon the completion of the program students will be eligible for a variety of positions in the criminal justice, social services, and emergency management fields.

The Cyber Technology and Security bachelor’s degree program will be offered at the Fort Myers and Tampa campuses. The Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Technology and Security is built upon a foundation of information technology, digital forensics, and criminal justice coursework. Students receive training in Crime Mapping, Network + Preparation, Network Security Fundamentals, Computer Forensics and Investigations, Economics of Crime and Punishment, Wireless Security and Forensics, Criminal Investigations and Police Procedure, Criminology and more. Upon completion of the program, graduates can be eligible for employment in a variety of entry-level government and corporate Information Technology Security positions, performing digital forensic investigations as well as securing sensitive information technology networks and devices from vulnerabilities and attack.

All of these new programs are consistent with Southwest Florida College’s mission, as it will prepare graduates for employment in entry-level positions within their field.

For more information on any of these new programs, or to find out more about Southwest Florida College, please call 1-888-279-2342 today to speak with an administrations representative or visit www.swfc.edu.

About Southwest Florida College: Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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 888‐279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

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SWFC's 37th Commencement Ceremony Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 08:52:27 PDT

Photos from Southwest Florida College's 37th Commencement Ceremony can be viewed on the News-Press website. Thanks to News-Press photographer, Terry Williams, for capturing some great shots. Are you in any of these photos?

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.

SWFC 2011 Graduation - A Celebration For All!

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Manny Maestre Ed.S. Director of Education) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 08:53:18 PDT

SWFC's largest graduating class from all 4 campus locations (Ft. Myers, Bonita Springs, Port Charlotte and Online) was an event truly to remember!

In this picture, Mr. Manny Maestre EdS, Director of Education Ft. Myers & Bonita Springs Campuses, and Mr. Nestor Reyes, Information Technology Program Adjunct Faculty, named Educator of the Year.

Congratulations Mr. Reyes and to all the proud graduates!

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 mentioned in Cape Coral Daily Breeze and Lehigh Acres Citizen.

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 07:28:06 PDT

Read about us in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze and in the Lehigh Acres Citizen!

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 Announces New Programs in Information Technology

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 12:23:02 PDT

Southwest Florida College announced two new program offerings today in the information technology field. Students can begin enrolling into the new programs, which begin on June 27.

Recent additions include the new Bachelor’s of Science Degree program in Information Technology and Security Systems and a new Associate’s of Science Degree program in Network Engineering and Administration.

The new Information Technology and Security Systems bachelor’s degree program is available at the Fort Myers and Tampa campuses. This program is focused on preparing students to obtain knowledge in the preservation of information assets. Students will become skilled in the identification of computer security vulnerabilities and develop a level of specialization in information security beyond what is provided by more general programs.

The program allows students sufficient time to explore the issues and technologies of computer and network security and develop the skills needed to design or troubleshoot an organization’s security systems procedures, standards, protocols, and policies, as well as ensure that operational security is in compliance with standards, policies, and laws.

Many of the core courses apply directly to the industry standard certifications such as: CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco. Coursework includes advanced project management, network security, security systems, computer forensics and investigations, advanced network forensics, client-server network operating systems, digital home technology integration, routers and network security.

The new Network Engineering and Administration associate’s degree program is available at all of the Southwest Florida College campuses which include Fort Myers, Tampa, Bonita Springs and is now also available in Port Charlotte. This program will provide students with principles and terminology of Networking Technology. Students will apply their knowledge through hands-on, real world scenarios and simulation using current Network Technology. Courses included in this program will also provide a strong base for students wanting to obtain positions in IT Security.

Many of the core courses apply directly to the industry standard certifications such as: CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco. Topics within the program will include virtual servers, cloud computing, IT Forensics, and Digital Home Integration Technology.

These new programs are consistent with Southwest Florida College’s mission, as they will prepare graduates for employment in entry-level positions within their field.

For more information on any of these new programs, or to find out more about Southwest Florida College, please call 1-877-455-0107 today to speak with an administrations representative or visit www.swfc.edu.

About Southwest Florida College: Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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 1-877-455-0107 or visit www.swfc.edu.

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Southwest Florida College Introduces New Medical Programs

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 09:43:11 PDT

Southwest Florida College announced three new program offerings today in the health care field. Students can begin enrolling into the new programs, which begin on June 27.

Recent additions include the new Medical Lab Technician and Health Information Management Associate’s Degree programs and the Medical Billing and Coding Technology Diploma Program.

The Medical Lab Technician Associate’s Degree program will be offered at the Tampa, Fort Myers and Port Charlotte campuses. In this program, students will learn to collect, examine, and analyze blood, urine, body fluids, cells and tissues of the human body. Results from these analyses assist physicians in the diagnosis, care, and treatment of the patient. Graduates of this program are trained in the use of a variety of equipment and the methodologies of hematology, microbiology, clinical chemistry, immunoserology and immunohematology. All students will complete an externship prior to graduation and graduates must pass the MLT National Certification exam from the American Medical Technologist Association (AMT) and obtain licensure before seeking employment. Coursework in this new program includes Anatomy and Physiology, Clinical Chemistry, Medical Terminology, Microbiology, Hematology, Immunohematology and Phlebotomy.

The Health Information Management Associate’s Degree program will be offered at the Fort Myers, Tampa and Port Charlotte campus and will also be available fully Online. This program is designed to introduce students to the diversity of health care. Students in this program will learn about privacy, confidentiality, electronic medical records, quality management, human resources, and coding and billing. Students will work in a variety of health care settings, hospitals, ambulatory care settings, insurance offices, attorney offices, and be able to perform coding, billing and medical record maintenance. Students will receive training using advanced Virtual Lab technology and will be taught specialized courses like ICD-10-CM coding and hospital coding.

The Medical Billing and Coding Technology Diploma program will be offered at the Fort Myers, Tampa and Port Charlotte campuses and will also be available fully Online. This program is designed to help students understand and apply the various classification codes associated with medical procedures and patient diagnosis and to record those codes on various healthcare insurance forms and systems so as to insure patient billing and insurance reimbursement. Students will receive training using advanced Virtual Lab technology and will be taught specialized courses like ICD-10-CM coding and hospital coding.

All of these new programs are consistent with Southwest Florida College’s mission, as it will prepare graduates for employment in entry-level positions within their field.

For more information on any of these new programs, or to find out more about Southwest Florida College, please call 1-877-455-0107 today to speak with an administrations representative or visit www.swfc.edu.

About Southwest Florida College: Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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 239-939-4766 or visit www.swfc.edu.

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McKenna Joins the Southwest Florida College Tampa Campus as Director of Industry Relations and Graduate Placement

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:47:33 PDT

Janis McKenna

Tampa, Fla., (May 26, 2011) – An accomplished career and staffing recruiter with over 25 years of experience in the higher education industry, has been named the Tampa Director of Industry Relations and Graduate Placement for Southwest Florida College. In her new position, Janis McKenna will lead the business relationship building and graduate placement activities for the Tampa Campus of Southwest Florida College.

“Janis McKenna will strengthen our Industry Relations and Graduate Placement initiative in the Tampa metro market, said Dr. Stephen Calabro, President of Southwest Florida College. “Her skills, relationships and direct experience will translate into strong employer relationships and enhanced opportunities for our college graduates. Her work will enhance our ability to be a College Listening to Employers.”

McKenna began her recruiting career as a Corporate Technical Recruiter with Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. She has worked in Career Services for Manatee Community College, (now the State College of Florida), in Bradenton, Fla., and she was the Director of Career Services at Florida Metropolitan University Online, which is now Everest University Online.

For 10 years, McKenna was active in the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA), which is a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise money for college scholarships for women. She was recognized by ABWA as “Women of the Year” at their national conference. She has also been active in the Florida Career Professionals Association (FCPA).

McKenna has earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Argosy University in Sarasota, Fla. and a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources Management from Oakland University in Rochester, Mich.

With a passion in helping others achieve their career goals and dreams, McKenna expressed that for her, “there is no greater joy than watching a student walk across the stage at commencement, and assisting the student in obtaining their first professional position after graduation.”

About Southwest Florida College: Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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 239-939-4766 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Contact: Diana Sabino

Director of Marketing Communications

Website: www.swfc.edu

E-Mail: info@swfc.edu

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Southwest Florida College, Tampa Campus, Holds 37th Commencement Ceremony

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 09:37:28 PDT

Graduation Ceremony will take place Thursday, June 16, 2011 at The Tampa Theatre.

Mr. Gilbert T. Gonzalez

Tampa, Fla., (May 25, 2011) – A self-made entrepreneur whose career has been dedicated to changing the way small disadvantaged technology solutions businesses are perceived by Government contracting organizations and large national contractors, will accept an honorary degree and deliver the commencement address to 191 students receiving bachelor’s degrees, associate’s degrees and diplomas at Southwest Florida College’s 37th commencement exercise, planned for Thursday, June 16 at The Tampa Theatre.

Gilbert T. Gonzalez will deliver the Commencement Address and will also receive an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humane Letters. Gonzalez is the President and Founder of Mission Critical Solutions and leads the company’s overall strategic direction. His depth and breadth of experience in designing IP-Converged Technology and IT/telecommunications mission critical solutions for commercial, military, and other Federal, state and local government clients has resulted in the fastest-growing privately owned technology firm in the Tampa Bay area for four years running.

In 2000, Gonzalez led Mission Critical Solutions to become a certified minority owned 8(a) small disadvantaged business (SDB) as well as a certified HUBZone business. Mission Critical Solutions was a finalist in 2004 and 2005 for the for the Greater Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year and in 2005, Gonzalez was named the Small Business Person of the Year for Florida by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

In addition to leading a full-time staff of over 230 with branch and project offices located throughout the country, Gonzalez has published both software and case studies related to the fields of Strategic Management and Business Policy. He holds both the Low-Voltage Specialty Electrical Contractor (ES) and an Unlimited Electrical Contractor (EC) licenses for Mission Critical Solutions.

The Tampa native holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Management of Information Systems (MIS) and Economics from University of South Florida (USF), graduating with Honors and is a frequently requested lecturer at business forums.

Since the College was founded in 1974, approximately 5,200 students have graduated with degrees, diplomas and certificates in career fields such as health care, legal studies, education, business, design and information technology – all of which offer high growth potential. This year’s ceremony will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, June 16 at The Tampa Theatre. For more information on the event and directions to The Tampa Theatre, please call (813) 630-4401 or visit swfc.edu.

About Southwest Florida College: Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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 813-630-4401 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Contact: Diana Sabino
Director of Marketing Communications
Website: www.swfc.edu
E-Mail: info@swfc.edu

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Southwest Florida College Holds 37th Commencement Ceremony

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 09:37:48 PDT

Graduation Ceremony will take place Saturday, June 18, 2010 at Harborside Event Center.

Fort Myers, Fla., (May 24, 2011) – A national leader in medical radiation therapy and doctor of radiation oncology committed to growing corporate employment and fueling jobs in the regional economy will accept an honorary degree from Southwest Florida College. A local business leader known for his service as a Florida House of Representatives member will deliver the commencement address to 726 students receiving bachelor’s degrees, associate’s degrees and diplomas at Southwest Florida College’s 37th commencement exercise, planned for Saturday, June 18 at Harborside Event Center.

Dr. Daniel E. Dosoretz, M.D.

“We believe this year’s honorary degree recipient reflects the values of dedication, hard work, and sacrifice,” said Dr. Stephen Calabro, President of Southwest Florida College. “Our honoree and our commencement speaker are each outstanding community leaders and role models for our aspiring students and graduates.”

Dr. Daniel E. Dosoretz, M.D., of 21st Century Oncology will receive an Honorary Doctorate Degree. Dr. Dosoretz is board certified in Therapeutic Radiology by the American Board of Radiology and trained in Radiation Oncology at the Department of Radiation Medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, where he was selected Chief Resident of the department. Upon his Board Certification, he became an attending physician at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He also was an instructor and Assistant Professor of Radiation Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Research Fellow of the American Cancer Society. Recently his company with nearly 100 centers across the United States announced its intention to grow regional corporate employment to 400 persons in the Southwest Florida region.

Rep. Gary Aubuchon

Representative Gary Aubuchon is President of the Aubuchon Team of Companies and was selected by the Speaker of the Florida House to serve as Chairman of the Rules and Calendar Council and Vice Chairman of the Select Committee on Government Reorganization. Aubuchon’s leadership skills and management competency have distinguished him in the Southwest Florida business community. His experience as an entrepreneur began as a one person, home-based real estate business. Under his leadership, it has developed into a diversified real estate and construction enterprise with nearly 100 employees and agents. Aubuchon has been awarded Cape Coral’s Citizen of the Year for his contributions to Southwest Florida community and Lee County’s Humanitarian of the Year. Aubuchon has demonstrated that hard work and perseverance can turn dreams into realities and therefore sets a strong example for the Southwest Florida College graduating class of 2011.

Since the College was founded in 1974, approximately 5,200 students have graduated with degrees, diplomas and certificates in career fields such as health care, legal studies, education, business, design and information technology – all of which offer high growth potential. This year’s ceremony will be held at 10a.m., Saturday, June 18 at Harborside Event Center. There will be a reception to follow for the guest speaker and honorary degree recipient. For more information on the event and directions to Harborside Event Center, please call (239) 939-4766.

About Southwest Florida College: Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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 239-939-4766 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Phone: 239-939-4766
Website: www.swfc.edu
E-Mail: info@swfc.edu

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Accounting is now available fully online!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Thu, 05 May 2011 08:47:07 PDT

Great news! The Associate’s Degree in Accounting is now available fully online! To find out more, visit http://www.swfc.edu/ or call 1-888-279-2342 today!
Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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.

SWFC is proud to be a member of HDI.

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Tue, 03 May 2011 07:02:16 PDT

Southwest Florida College has joined the leaders in IT Service and Technical Support Community and is pleased to be a Silver Level Member of HDI. Find out more about HDI by clicking here: http://www.thinkhdi.com/

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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 donates pencils to elementary schools

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:50:50 PDT

Patriot Elementary School students Ty Crews, MaryAnn Connolly, Charlae Boswell, Nathan Avery and Connor Thurman sit around a table full of 1,062 pencils that were donated by the Education Club of Southwest Florida College. Also pictured Education Club Secretary Debbie Trembley, Education Club Vice President Donna Lauricella and Communication Director Stacy Hernandez.

The Education Club from Southwest Florida College donated more than 1,000 pencils to Patriot Elementary School Friday afternoon, just in time for the fourth and fifth grade students to use for the FCAT test on April 11. For more details, visit the complete article as published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze on April 4th, 2011.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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.

Congratulations to these Information Technology Students at SWFC!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:14:52 PDT

Congratulations to David Schmidt who passed the A+ Essentials and Larry Theil who passed the Net + Certification Exams!

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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.

Information Technology Students earn their Certifications

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:07:54 PDT

Congratulations to these Information Technology students that have received their Certifications after taking classes at SWFC:

Frank Rhoades: A+ Practical Applications and A+ Essentials
Wendy Davis: Network +, Security +
Douglas Little: A+ Practical Applications and A+ Essentials and Network +
Jeffrey Norris: A+ Practical Applications and A+ Essentials and Network +
Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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.

MOVIE NIGHT AT SWFC!!! THURSDAY, MARCH 31ST, 6-9 PM

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Manny Maestre Ed.S. Director of Education) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 02:02:21 PDT

Hello Students! This is Mr. Maestre, your Director of Education, inviting you and your family and friends to come to main campus and enjoy a free night at the movies!
The best part about this event is that you can make a difference for the ACT Shelter of Lee County and Barbara's Kids at Lee Memorial Hospital! Didn't get a ticket yet? It's O.K., you can get your tickets at the door! Just bring a donation off the list for each ticket you need and enjoy the movie! I hope to see all current and new SWFC students and faculty at Movie Night!

HERE IS HOW “MOVIE NIGHT” WORKS:
1. Mark the date – Thursday March 31st from 6-9 pm.
2. Gather a few items from your home to share with those less fortunate (see the list).
3. Bring some spare change for popcorn and sodas.
4. Pick the movie you would like to see.
5. Go to the LRC and ask for your tickets.
6. Pack up the boyfriend, girlfriend, BFF, children, wife, husband or anyone else that needs a cheap night out.
7. Be at the college on time and enjoy a relaxing evening without the books.
8. ENJOY THE “BROWNIE POINTS” YOU HAVE EARNED FROM THE LOVED ONES FOR A FUN EVENING!
TO MAKE THE EVENING EVEN MORE INTERESTING THERE WILL BE A CONTEST WITH PRIZES FOR THE BEST COSTUMES FROM EACH OF THE MOVIES!!!!

Abuse Counseling & Treatment, Inc.
The following donations would be greatly appreciated by the women and children being housed in the shelters:

Pillows*
Pillow Cases
Hand Towels
Twin Sheets
Shampoo (regular size)
Conditioner (regular size)
Toothbrushes
$10 gift cards (Wal-mart, etc.)

Toothpaste (regular size)
Ethnic Hair Care Products
Canned Goods (beans, vegetables, fruits)
Diapers (size 4,5,6)*
Children’s snacks
Children’s juices
Meats
Bus Passes

*There is an urgent need for these items

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.

Congratulations Education Club Officers!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 07:45:04 PDT

Southwest Florida College Education Club Officers reached their goal to put a pencil in every child’s hand at two local Title 1 elementary schools!

Southwest Florida College Education Club Officers will be making a donation of pencils in time for use with the FCAT to Patriot Elementary and Colonial Elementary on Friday, April 1. The Education Club had a goal to sell enough candy bars in order to profit enough funds to purchase pencils for at least two local Title 1 schools. The members of the Southwest Florida Education Club who are responsible for the donations are: Stacy Hernandez, Donna Lauricella, Jennifer Lee, Kalina Arter, and Debbie Trembley.

It's OFFICIAL!!! SWFC Bachelor of Education Programs are State Approved!

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Manny Maestre Ed.S. Director of Education) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:45:14 PDT

Have you ever been interested in being part of a career that focuses on making a positive change in the future? Are you a life-long learner? Now is the time for you to take that challenge and enroll in the Bachelors of Elementary (K-6) with ESOL endorsement program or the Bachelors of Early Childhood Education (Ages 3-Grade 3)with ESOL endorsement at SWFC! Our programs are now State of Florida approved by the Florida Bureau of Educator Recruitment. Just click on the link below for more information and make sure to come by and see Ms. Wahoff at the Fort Myers campus for more information regarding these rewarding programs being offered.

http://www.fldoe.org/profdev/approval.asp

Current Education students, tell us how much your are enjoying your experiences! I would really love to hear from you all!

Sincerely,
Mr. Manny Maestre

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.

I.T. Students.....Ms. Cohen (Program Manager for Information Technology) would love to hear your opinion regarding a new and exciting software...

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Manny Maestre Ed.S. Director of Education) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:34:24 PDT

Have you looked into the new Adobe Wallaby Beta Software? This exciting new software turns Flash into HTML5. What do SWFC I.T. students think about it? Let us hear from you!

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.

Young Professionals Host: "How to Get What You Want & Look Good Doing It"

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 11:23:21 PDT

The Young Professionals (YP) of the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce will host the “How to Get What You Want & Look Good Doing It” seminar from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 30 at Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce. Topics include: how to ask for a raise, career selection, goal setting, transitioning, job seeking, career development and professional etiquette. This event is open to the public. Tickets are $5 for YP members and $10 for nonmembers.

To make reservations or for more information, visit:

http://www.bonitaspringschamber.com/

See what sets Southwest Florida College apart at the Bonita Springs Campus Grand Opening!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 06:47:59 PST

If you have ever thought about training for a new career in Criminal Justice, Interior Design, Business or Information Technology, then we have just the event to get you started!

Join us on Saturday, February 26th from 11AM to 3PM as Southwest Florida College celebrates the grand opening of its newest campus in Bonita Springs.

Southwest Florida College is not your average career college and by attending the grand opening, you’ll see exactly why. As a “College that listens to employers,” Southwest Florida College’s advisory boards of over 200 local business leaders help advise us on what’s in demand in the career fields of the future. Come learn what’s in store for leading careers in 2011 and beyond!

You can try your hand at working a crime scene, lifting a fingerprint or collecting a simulated blood sample. Find out the latest trends in color and design for the New Year, learn about green design and how to stage a home for sale. There will be personal financial and career planning sessions as well as a home entertainment technology demonstration. And if that’s not enough, you can meet with program managers and instructors in the fields of business, computer technology, computer aided drafting and design and more!

Bring the whole family! There will be lots of food, refreshments and door prizes along with free Child ID and fingerprinting kits!

You won’t want to miss this event! Saturday, February 26th from 11AM to 3PM at the new Bonita Springs campus, 24311 Walden Center Drive in Bonita Springs. For more information call 1-888-526-7973 or email info@swfc.edu.

There’s never been a better time to experience your future and see where training from Southwest Florida College can take you!

About Southwest Florida College: Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. Campuses are located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design at Southwest Florida College is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐526‐7973, email info@swfc.edu or visit http://www.swfc.edu/ .

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Stephen Tirey joins Southwest Florida College

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 12:02:39 PST

“A College Listening to Employers” – it’s not just a slogan, it’s the underlying philosophy of who we are and why we are here. Graduate placement and employer relations are a high priority for the College and today we have taken a major step in demonstrating how important those core values really are. Throughout the coming year, we will commit human and capital resources to expand and improve our graduate placement activity and our relationships with business, industrial, and political leaders.

Stephen Tirey, former CEO and President of The Chamber of Southwest Florida, has joined the College as Director of Industry Partnerships and Graduate Placement. Tirey has served as the CEO of the chamber since 1989 and has worked with many business and political leaders throughout the state and the nation in an effort to improve the economic climate of Southwest Florida and to make it a better place to work, live and conduct business.

In his new role, Tirey will concentrate on pulling together all of the College’s graduate placement activities into a single, cohesive and organized endeavor. A visionary and strategic thinker, Steve will be working with the College’s Advisory Boards and our faculty as together they transition our educational programs into competency based education to achieve defined employer-mandated outcomes. Mr. Tirey will assist the College in obtaining strategic industry partners, employer endorsements for every program of instruction, expanding externships and cooperative education, and the development of an active alumni network.

The College is a major stakeholder in Southwest Florida. Steve’s experience will help us identify new program opportunities that will, among other things, serve as a magnet to attract new business and industry to the area. We intend to leverage his experiences and skill sets to benefit our students, our graduates, the College and the community as a whole.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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, Bonita Springs Ribbon Cutting

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 11:13:48 PST

Southwest Florida College, Bonita Springs Campus ribbon cutting ceremony held on Janurary 12, 2011.

Included from left to right are: Linda Petersen, Program Manager of Interior Design;
Dr. Barbara Calabro, Chief Academic Officer; Ben L. Nelson, Mayor of Bonita Springs;
Christina Ross, President of Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce; Patti Dennis, Campus Administrator;
and Dr. Stephen Calabro, President of Southwest Florida College.

See what sets Southwest Florida College apart at the Bonita Springs Campus Grand Opening!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 09:11:03 PST

Bonita Springs, Fla. – If you have ever thought about training for a new career in Criminal Justice, Interior Design, Business or Information Technology, then we have just the event to get you started!

Join us on Saturday, February 26th from 11AM to 3PM as Southwest Florida College celebrates the grand opening of its newest campus in Bonita Springs.

Southwest Florida College is not your average career college and by attending the grand opening, you’ll see exactly why. As a “College that listens to employers,” Southwest Florida College’s advisory boards of over 200 local business leaders help advise us on what’s in demand in the career fields of the future. Come learn what’s in store for leading careers in 2011 and beyond!

You can try your hand at working a crime scene, lifting a fingerprint or collecting a simulated blood sample. Find out the latest trends in color and design for the New Year, learn about green design and how to stage a home for sale. There will be personal financial and career planning sessions as well as a home entertainment technology demonstration. And if that’s not enough, you can meet with program managers and instructors in the fields of business, computer technology, computer aided drafting and design and more!

Bring the whole family! There will be lots of food, refreshments and door prizes along with free Child ID and fingerprinting kits!

You won’t want to miss this event! Saturday, February 26th from 11AM to 3PM at the new Bonita Springs campus, 24311 Walden Center Drive in Bonita Springs. For more information call 1-888-526-7973 or email info@swfc.edu.

There’s never been a better time to experience your future and see where training from Southwest Florida College can take you!

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. Campuses are located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design at Southwest Florida College is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐526‐7973 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Congratulations IT Students!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 07:00:49 PST

Congratulations to these Southwest Florida College, Information Technology students who have recently earned their certifications over the break!

Wendy Davis: A+, Net+, Security +

Frank Rhoades: A+, Net+

Wayne Langer: A+

Adam Oakley: A+, Net+

Terry Collins: A+

Jeff Norris: A+, Net+

Vincent Zinkys: A+, Net+, Security+

Rickie Zarb: Net+

Richard Harris: A+

Robert Rossi: A+

Eston Taylor: A+

Doug Little: A+, Net+

Larry Theil: Net+

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 http://www.swfc.edu/.

Patrick Flahive Joins Southwest Florida College as the Criminal Justice Program Manager

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 06:59:22 PST

Fort Myers, Fla. – Patrick Flahive has recently joined Southwest Florida College as the Criminal Justice Program Manager.
Patrick Flahive is a certified correctional officer, law enforcement officer, general instructor, firearms instructor and first responder by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards & Training Commission. He has earned a master’s degree in Administration.

Flahive has served in the United States Air Force for five years as a munitions systems specialist and Sergeant supervising teams who maintained, tested and assembled precision guided conventional, nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.

He has worked for the Florida Department of Corrections as a Correctional Officer & Sergeant for nine years where he supervised the Correctional Officers and civilian staff who maintain the safety and security of a maximum security prison.

Flahive has also worked for the Florida Gulf Coast University Police Department as a Police Officer and Reserve Police Officer for seven years, enforcing local, state, and federal laws as well as university rules and regulations.

He has been a coordinator, full-time and part time instructor at the Southwest Florida Criminal Justice Academy for thirteen years, training Law Enforcement and Correctional Officers.

He has served as a member of the Regional Domestic Security Taskforce and Joint Terrorism Taskforce for three years, determining training and operational needs at the local, state and federal levels.

Flahive has been the Assistant Director of the Southwest Florida Public Service Academy for three years where he supervised, directed, lead, and motivated more than 150 Firefighter and Criminal Justice instructors and 3,000 firefighter and criminal justice students annually.

“Southwest Florida College is a career college; we are going to make sure that students who graduate from our program not only have the academic ability to be successful but that they also have the practical ability to be successful,” Flahive said.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. Campuses are located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design at Southwest Florida College is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐526‐7973 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Be in demand for years to come!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:39:56 PST

Are you looking for a nontraditional, cutting edge career in law enforcement?

Southwest Florida College offers a variety of accredited courses in Computer Forensics, Network Security, Terrorism, Forensic Science, Criminal Profiling and more!

Southwest Florida College will prepare you for the law enforcement career of tomorrow that will put you in demand for years to come.

Call 877-455-0107 or visit www.swfc.edu today!

Do you know computer networks?

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:48:37 PST

One of the fastest growing IT careers today are for people who know computer networks - at home and in the workplace.

Southwest Florida College offers coursework in Network Security, Computer Forensics, Computer Programming, Home Entertainment Technology, Electronic Communication Systems and more.

Receive training in the most cutting edge programming applications and technologies. Southwest Florida College teaches useful skills that will put you in demand for years to come.

Call 888-279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu today!

Southwest Florida College students, faculty and staff reach out to help students in need.

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 06:59:56 PST

Fort Myers, Fla. - The Angel Tree, organized by Southwest Florida College’s Allied Health Club volunteers Claudia Portalatin, Laida Colon, and Sherry Marshburn, was created two years ago as a way to help fellow classmates during the holiday.

Students of Southwest Florida College can sign-up their children for the Angel Tree. The age and interest of each child is written on the back of paper angel ornaments and hung on the tree located on the third floor lobby of the Southwest Florida College, Fort Myers campus.

Fellow classmates, faculty and staff then choose an angel from the tree and purchase a pair of pajamas and a book for each child, based on the child’s interest.

“We thought about what Christmas was all about and what most of us remember is being a child and sitting around the tree in a pair of pajamas with a good book,” said Liz Levine, Allied Health Program Manager and Club Advisor. “We feel that this teaches kids the spirit of giving.”

This year, there are 75 angels on the tree. Students will be able to pick up their Angel Tree gifts on December 13th. Whatever doesn’t get picked up will be donated to the ACT Shelter.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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.

Cheryl Vanande joins Southwest Florida College as the Graduate Placement Coordinator for the Port Charlotte Campus

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 07:00:07 PST

Port Charlotte, Fla. – Cheryl Vanande joined the Southwest Florida College, Port Charlotte campus as the Graduate Placement Coordinator. Vanande has an impressive background, with over 25 years of experience in training, development and human resources management.

She said she is pleased to be a part of Southwest Florida College because of its focus on student success. Which Vanande said is “a success that is thought out and includes future employers’ needs.”

“Students matter, employers matter and the community benefits. Our students leave with a real education that is career-oriented, competency based, and is what employers are looking for,” she said.

Vanande is currently the president of CNO, Inc., a nationwide provider of training, consulting and publishing services. Prior to establishing CNO, Inc., Vanande served as Manager of Training and Organizational Development for Charlotte County’s Board of County Commissioners (BCC), headquartered in Port Charlotte, Fla. In addition, Vanande is a retired (reserve) Navy Commander.

Her educational background includes a master’s degree in Public Administration from Florida Gulf Coast University (2003), and a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from the University of Iowa (1982).

Vanande has earned certifications/licenses in:

Professional Human Resources (PHR)
Performance Leadership Instructor
Achieve Global Instructor: Customer Service Program Instructor, and Integrated Leadership Concepts, Applications and Practices
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Administrator
Emotional Intelligence (EI) Instructor
CPR and First Aid American Red Cross Instructorships

Vanande is a founding member of Charlotte County’s Toastmasters Club, currently serves on the Southwest Florida Chapter of the American Society for Training and Development, is a past board member of the Charlotte County Society of Human Resources Management, past member of the American Society of Public Administrators, past member of the Florida Public Personnel Association and certified labor relations negotiator.

“My personal goal in my new position is to help each and every graduate maximize their potential for obtaining a career position. Basically, make sure they stand out in the sea of applicants so they get an interview opportunity where I know they will shine,” Vanande said.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. Campuses are located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design at Southwest Florida College is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐526‐7973 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Southwest Florida College Students Earned Top Awards at the ASID Annual Student Design Competition

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 07:00:26 PST

Bonita Springs, Fla. – Four students from the Institute of Interior Design at Southwest Florida College claimed top awards at the annual ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) Student Design Competition, held on September 24, 25 and 26 in Marathon, Fla.

In the residential design category, Sandra Dressler won first place for the second year in a row and received a check for $500. First time competition entrants Alexandra Hutchinson and Mary Seca took second and third place respectively in the residential design category earning a check for $250 and $175.

Sandra Dressler also won second place in the commercial design category and received another check for $250. Student Chris Beebe won the student rug design competition. Beebe earned a check for $500 and will have the honor of seeing his rug manufactured of silk in wool in Tibet. The rug was on display at the ASID South Florida Chapter Annual Design Conference and will be used in the home show in Naples early next year. Following the home show, the rug will be auctioned off at an ASID fundraising event.

“We all had a wonderful time at the conference and we hope that even more students will attend next year’s conference in Jupiter, Fla.,” said Linda Petersen, Program Manager of Interior Design at the Institute of Interior Design at Southwest Florida College. “We are very proud of all our winners and we are looking forward to seeing how great they will become when they graduate.”

The ASID Student Design Competition is open to all interior design programs in the South Florida area. Projects are judged on the overall professionalism of the design, the presentation of the design, and the appropriateness of the design in relation to the design requirements.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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.

SWFC Students Visit Local Nursing Homes

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:25:49 PST

You can help make this season joyful for local nursing home residents. Join Southwest Florida College on December 11th as we visit nursing homes in our community. Please meet in the parking lot of the Southwest Florida College, Fort Myers campus at 9:45 AM. For more information, contact student services (Room 301) or email Mr. Jones.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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.

Pictures with Santa!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:23:49 PST

Attention Southwest Florida College students! Join us for FREE photos with Santa on Saturday, December 11th from 11 AM - 1 PM at the Southwest Florida College, Fort Myers campus. Bring the family!

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with 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 Expands Educational Opportunities in Bonita Springs

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 11:51:07 PST

Southwest Florida College will be offering the Network Engineering and Administration program at its newest campus in Bonita Springs this winter.

The Network Engineering and Administration program will provide students with both theoretical and technical skills that will enable them to enter the Information Technology field. Students will understand aspects of computer networks and infrastructure as it relates to helping organizations achieve their goals. This program will also be helpful to individuals preparing for the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certifications.

Two core components of the program have been revised to include Network Security Fundamentals and Computer Forensics and Investigations. Network Security Fundamentals is a comprehensive guide for anyone wishing to take the latest CompTIA Security+ exam. Computer Forensics and Investigations will provide students with ‘hands-on’ training in the exciting and rapidly growing field of computer forensics.

The College is positioning its programs to focus on specific performance based outcomes that are expected by today’s employers. “As ‘A College Listening to Employers’ nowhere is that philosophy more evident than in a curriculum that teaches what employers want and expect,” said Dr. Stephen Calabro, President of Southwest Florida College. “We are listening to our advisory boards and embracing what they tell us are the skills that graduates must have in today’s competitive job market.”

Southwest Florida College is located at the Walden Center on US41, just south of the Coconut Point Mall in Bonita Springs, Fla. The campus also houses the Institute of Interior Design and will expand to include additional offerings in design, technology, and forensic science. Students may also enroll in fully online programs from this location.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. Campuses are located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design at Southwest Florida College is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐526‐7973 or visit http://www.swfc.edu/.

Southwest Florida College • 24311 Walden Center Drive • Bonita Springs, FL 34134
1-888-526-7973 • http://www.swfc.edu/

Affording Your Education!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 06:43:33 PST

Southwest Florida College in Port Charlotte

hosts

COLLEGE NIGHT!

Thursday, December 16th from 6-8 PM!

Pizza and refreshments will be provided.

A college education is more affordable than you may think. Let us show you how! Learn how you can afford to get a degree in fields such as Medical, Business, Education, and Criminal Justice!

For more information or to RSVP, call (877) 906-4948!

Join us for Fall Fest 2010!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 09:56:54 PDT

There will be Trick or Treating, crafts, cookies & punch,

a costume contest and scary story readings!

When: October 30, 2010

Where: Southwest Florida College - Second Floor

1685 Medical Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33907

Time: 1-3 PM

Attention SWFC Graduates!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:17:33 PDT

Did you know that there are resources available to you as a SWFC graduate that will help you understand Financial Literacy? Successfully managing your finances will have a great impact on your future.

The Southwest Florida College Default Management Department and Financial Literacy Advisors are here to help you! Check out the valuable information that they share on the SWFC Student Loan Management Blog!

This month, they explain how you could save an additional $1,259? Click here to read more!

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 Enriches Educational Opportunities with a move to Bonita Springs

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 09:20:28 PDT

Southwest Florida College to open its newest campus in Bonita Springs, Fla.

Southwest Florida College has leased space at the Walden Center on US41, just south of the Coconut Point Mall in Bonita Springs, Fla. The campus will house the Institute for Interior Design and support additional programs in management, criminal justice, network engineering and administration, and medical assistant.

“We have received considerable interest from people living south of Fort Myers, but who have said the drive to the main campus was prohibitive,” said Dr. Stephen Calabro, Executive Vice President of Southwest Florida College. “The Bonita campus will allow those living in South Lee County and Collier County to avail themselves of many of the programs offered at the main campus in Fort Myers.

The Bonita Springs campus will open its doors for the fall term in September. Initial offerings will include Interior Design and Decorating, Management, Information Technology, Medical Assistant, and Criminal Justice and will expand to include additional offerings in design, technology, and forensic science. Students may also enroll in fully online programs from this location.
Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with lifetime career placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and Bonita Springs and also includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐279-2342 or visit http://www.swfc.edu/.

NEW! Cloud Computing & Virtual Servers!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:49:37 PDT

Information Technology is everywhere!

Network Engineering and Administration – Administer the latest Microsoft Servers including 2008-2010 Exchange Servers

IT Security and Computer Forensics – Work in the network security field today

Visual C# 2010 Programming for applications and mobile applications

SQL 2010 Database Management – Manage the company database

Web Design and Development using HTML, JAVA, PHP-build your own website

Click here to watch this video!

Now you can earn your Associate's Degree in any of these programs while learning on the latest, industry standard software and equipment!

Brand new high performance Servers

Virtual Servers

Cloud Computing

A+ Students build their own computer and keep it!

Microsoft 2008-2010 Applications for Developers Free!

The latest Cisco Routers and Switches

Private Pearson Testing on Campus for SWFC Students only for CompTia and Cisco Certifications

What are you waiting for?

There has never been a better time to prepare for a rewarding career!

Call 1-877-455-0107 today!

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

New IMACs with Adobe CS5!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:37:35 PDT

Interested in Digital Design?

How about Computer Animation/Multimedia?

Do you like Web Design & Development?

Well, now you can earn your Associate's Degree in any of these programs while learning on the latest, industry standard software and equipment!

The Mac Lab at Southwest Florida College has recently been updated with all new IMAC machines that all come equipped with Abobe CS5 Design software.

What are you waiting for?

There has never been a better time to prepare for a rewarding career!

Call 1-888-279-2342 today!

Southwest Florida College is Listening to Employers

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:37:04 PDT

Attracting and retaining qualified employees has long been a challenge for business and industry. Employers expect today’s college graduates to be immediately functional with as short a learning curve as possible.

As a trainer of Florida’s workforce, Southwest Florida College is working to insure that its graduates are “job ready” by incorporating “employer driven outcomes” into all of its programs. “We are listening to our advisory boards and embracing what they say are the skills that students who graduate need to have,” said Dr. Barbara Calabro, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Southwest Florida College.

The faculty of Southwest Florida College is transitioning its programs to focus on specific outcomes that are expected by today’s employers. “As ‘A College Listening to Employers’ nowhere is that philosophy more evident than in a curriculum that teaches what employers want and expect,” said Dr. Calabro.

Employment in the field remains a high priority for the Career Services team. “While no one can guarantee a job, employers are more apt to hire graduates who possess the right skill sets,” said Margaret Pace, Director of Graduate Placement.

Employers such as Barbara Rodriguez, Practice Administrator at Doctor’s Family Clinic, seek Southwest Florida college graduates because of their level of preparation. According to Rodriguez, “the hands-on learning at Southwest Florida College is impressive. I look to Southwest Florida College first before I post an ad to find an employee. Southwest Florida College is the only school I will work with.”

Additional employer testimonials are available on the College’s website located at http://www.swfc.edu/.

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

Cut Through the Noise - Career Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:22:15 PDT

Thursday, September 9th from 12 PM - 3 PM!
SWFC Students & Alumni 11 AM - 12 PM

To Pre-Register, contact Matt Roberts!

Prepare for the Fair Workshops!
Monday, August 30th from 5:30 PM - 6 PM
Saturday, September 4th from 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday, September 7th from 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

Southwest Florida College Creates Grant Opportunity for Community Service

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 07:48:14 PDT

Southwest Florida College announces a community service grant that encourages students to become more involved in volunteer service within the community.
In partnership with the United Way of Southwest Florida, students may participate in a service learning project at a non-profit agency. Southwest Florida College will then award financial grants to students who complete at least 20 volunteer hours per month at one of the approved agencies.

“Volunteer service helps our community and enriches our students,” said Dr. Stephen Calabro, Executive Vice President at Southwest Florida College. “The College is a major stakeholder in the local community to the extent that we influence positive change, everyone benefits.”

Southwest Florida College is seeking corporate underwriters to help expand the program. Business leaders interested in partnering with the College should contact Diana Sabino, Director of Marketing and Communications for Southwest Florida College, by calling 888-279-2342 or emailing info@swfc.edu.

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

It's Coming!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 08:54:53 PDT

We have big news! It's coming! You won't want to miss it!

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's Tampa Campus Club Carnival a Big Hit!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:50:22 PDT

Southwest Florida College's Tampa Campus held its "Club Carnival" where students were invited to participate in a range of fun activities, win prizes, meet current students participating in student organizations, and enjoy some great food. Some of the student clubs represented with booths and displays were: The I.T. Club, The Allied Health Club, The Criminal Justice Club, Future Business Leaders Organization, Graphic Design Club, and the Education Club.

The Digital Design students designed, produced and printed all of the event banners and graphics. Participating in student organizations will help you network by meeting new people and advance your career.

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/studentcorner.

SWFC Student Loan Debt Management Blog Answers Student Loan Questions

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:27:45 PDT

Updated information regarding laws and changes to student loans is available for Southwest Florida College students at our Fiscal Management Blog. This blog is designed to help students effectively manage their student loans and achieve successful repayment. We will keep you informed on the latest tools and trends that could impact you. Visit http://swfcstudentloanmanagement.blogspot.com/ to learn more today.

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.

Real People Behind the Scenes: Southwest Florida College Online Program Offers New Degree Opportunities

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:04:22 PDT

Meet the real instructors and the support staff behind the Online Programs at Southwest Florida College as they provide new students to the Online Program the basic information of what to expect and how to make the most of their online learning experience.

Video features: Jeffrey Tunney, Denise Mathey, Manny Maestre, Natalie Reese, and Shantha Fountain.

"For any students that are currently taking classes online or at the college, or prospective students that are thinking about joining Southwest Florida College, I welcome you and I want you to know that you will always find that any one of us, from your professors, your Program Managers to your Director of Education will always be available for you via email and phone and we want you to feel comfortable." Says Manny Maestre, Director of Distance Education.

The following programs area available fully online:

Medical Billing & Coding Technology - Diploma
Health Care Administration - Bachelor
Health Information Technology - Associates
Criminal Justice - Associates
Early Childhood Care & Management - Diploma
Management & Marketing - Associates
Paralegal Studies - Associates
Management - Bachelor
Criminal Justice - Bachelor
Early Childhood Education - Associates

To learn more about our online programs, visit http://www.swfc.edu/online today or call (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.

SWFC Institute of Interior Design: Straight From the Students

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:39:29 PDT

Students from the Institute of Interior Design at Southwest Florida College share their thoughts and experiences going through the Interior Design Bachelor's Degree Program. You too can learn from experienced professionals in the field!

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 -- just listen to what these students have to say.

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/interiordesign today.

Southwest Florida College Online Program Overview

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 07:06:29 PDT

The message is clear: Just because you are taking online classes
doesn't mean you are alone.

Getting your degree online can be a very rewarding experience. In this video, Southwest Florida instructors and staff explain the Online Degree Programs while sharing tips to make sure you succeed. You will also hear from a current fully-online student as she shares her experiences and challenges.

The following programs are available fully online:

Medical Billing & Coding Technology - Diploma
Health Care Administration - Bachelor
Health Information Technology - Associates
Criminal Justice - Associates
Early Childhood Care & Management - Diploma
Management & Marketing - Associates
Paralegal Studies - Associates
Management - Bachelor
Criminal Justice - Bachelor
Early Childhood Education - Associates

To learn more about our online programs, visit http://www.swfc.edu/online today or call (888) 279-2342.

SWFC's 2010 Graduation Video Segments Available on YouTube Channel!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:21:20 PDT

View the videos everyone at the Southwest Florida College 2010 Graduation Ceremony is talking about by visiting our YouTube Channel today!

Below is the "Faculty Advice" video -- a warm-hearted goodbye from our staff and faculty to our wonderful students. View more videos on our YouTube Channel, become a Friend or Subscribe to our YouTube channel today!

Mr. John Marazzi receives an Honorary Doctorate Degree

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:54:18 PDT

Dr. John Marazzi of John Marazzi Nissan and Audi Jaguar Land Rover of Fort Myers delivered the Commencement Address and also received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Administration at the Southwest Florida College, 2010 Commencement Ceremony held on June 19 at the Harborside Event Center. Dr. Marazzi entered into the automotive business as a car washer at the age of 12. His desire to do right by each and every customer and his passion for building a strong community has led him to become a successful business leader. He demonstrates that hard work and perseverance can turn dreams into realities and therefore set a strong example for the Southwest Florida College graduating class of 2010.

U.S. Census Bureau Reports Positive Experience Hiring SWFC Students

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:21:54 PDT

Gordon Dunn, Recruiter for the United States Census explains the positive experience in hiring Southwest Florida College students to work for the Census.

"Here at Southwest Florida College, I have had a very wonderful experience working with the staff, faculty and the student body," Dunn says in the SWFC Web Video interview.

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/.

Southwest Florida College's Student Clubs Host Rummage Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 07:40:29 PDT

Two student run clubs at Southwest Florida College will be hosting a Rummage Sale to support students in need. The event will be held on Saturday, July 24 from 7 AM till 4 PM in the covered parking space below the Fort Myers campus on 1685 Medical Lane.
The event is open to the public and anyone is welcomed to rent a table. Concessions will be available for purchase and may include coffee, donuts and baked goods.

The Allied Health Club is fundraising to support children in need with valuable school supplies. Their goal is to support 100 students this year. The IT Club is funding a scholarship for the IT students in order to help them pay for their certification exams.

Vendors will need to arrive by 6 AM to set up. There is a cost of $20 per table and sign-ups need to be done in advance by calling the college at 239-939-4766 and asking for Ms. Levine or Ms. Cohen. Event will be held rain or shine.

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/.

Criminal Justice Program Manager Denise Womer Appears on Fox 4 News Wednesday Morning

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 06:28:37 PDT

Criminal Justice & Legal Studies Program Manager Denise Womer appeared on the Fox 4 News and Entertainment Show "The Morning Blend" on Wednesday morning between 8 and 9 am, on June 2nd.

In an interview with Bill Wood & Carley Wegner, Ms. Womer discusses computer forensics and the curriculum, displays photos of recent student activities, while providing an overview of the CSI, Criminal Justice and Paralegal degree Programs. For more information, you can visit the Program Page at www.swfc.edu/crime.

The video will be available by Fox 4 News the following day, just visit http://www.fox4morningblend.com/videos/95325654.html. To view other videos featuring Denise Womer and other Criminal Justice students, visit our YouTube Channel or click here to view our CJ Student Testimonial video.

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. For more information, please call (888) 279-2342 today!

Southwest Florida College participated in Stonecrabs College Fair Night

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Wed, 26 May 2010 11:48:12 PDT

The Southwest Florida College Port Charlotte campus participated in the College Fair Night at the Charlotte Stonecrabs baseball game on May 21, 2010. The students and faculty of the Port Charlotte Campus had a blast at the game! Here are some photos from the event.

Southwest Florida College, Tampa Campus, Holds 36th Commencement Ceremony

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Mon, 24 May 2010 07:38:11 PDT

The Graduation Ceremony of the Southwest Florida College, Tampa Campus, will take place Thursday, June 17, 2010 at The Tampa Theatre.

Tampa, Fla.– An established and motivational football coach, who has been successful in shaping young lives, will accept an honorary degree and deliver the commencement address to 143 students receiving bachelor’s degrees, associate’s degrees and diplomas at Southwest Florida College’s 36th commencement exercise, planned for Thursday, June 17 at The Tampa Theatre.

“Graduation marks an important milestone for our students and is the culmination of years of dedication, hard work, and sacrifice,” said Dr. Stephen Calabro, Executive Vice President of Southwest Florida College. “We look forward each year with great excitement as we watch our graduates begin a new chapter in their lives.”

Coach Doug Kay will deliver the Commencement Address and will also receive an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humane Letters. Coach Kay has had a successful and diverse coaching career as he has coached at the collegiate level, professionally in the U.S.F.L and for the Arena Football League alongside great leaders such as Lou Saban and Steve Spurrier. Coach Kay has been known to be exceptionally motivating, inspirational and has succeeded in his commitment to shape young lives. He sets a strong example for the Southwest Florida College graduating class of 2010.

Since the College was founded in 1974, approximately 4,500 students have graduated with degrees, diplomas and certificates in career fields such as allied health, legal studies, education, business, design and information technology – all of which offer high growth potential. This year’s ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 17 at The Tampa Theatre. For more information on the event and directions to The Tampa Theatre, please call (813) 630-4401.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private, institution of higher learning centrally located in Tampa, Fort Myers, 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, visit http://www.swfc.edu/.

Southwest Florida College's Education Club Hosts "Future Teachers Helping Teachers" Yard Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Southwest Florida College) — Thu, 20 May 2010 13:03:10 PDT

The Southwest Florida College Education Club, known as the SWFC Awakeners, are hosting a flea market for teachers both in the private and public sectors at the Southwest Florida College, Fort Myers campus on Saturday, June 12 from 9 AM to 1 PM. Teachers can bring their unneeded classroom items or learning materials to sell at the event. There is no cost to participate and teachers keep all the proceeds that they make.

“We want to help teachers make the money and buy the things they need for their classrooms,” said SWFC student and Education Club president, Donna Lauricella. “With the economy the way that it is, we wanted to be sensitive to the expenses that teachers are burdened with year after year of setting up and operating a developmentally appropriate and effective classroom. This sale will give the teachers a chance to sell things they no longer use or need and also purchase things they want, all the while helping each other out.”

Items like wall decorations, classroom materials, manipulatives, idea books, literature, etc., can be bought and sold individually. “We are not making any money on the items that we sell,” Lauricella said.

The Education Club will also be accepting any donations of unopened art and craft supplies, manipulatives, or books for local preschools that are in need. Concessions such as coffee and donuts and other refreshments will be on sale. Money raised through concession sales will also go to support the preschools.

“We hope this event will help to get our name out there and let everyone know that SWFC students are involved and eager to take a place in the educational system here in Lee County.” Lauricella said.

The event will be held on Saturday, June 12 from 9 AM to 1 PM indoors on the third floor of the Southwest Florida College, Fort Myers campus located on 1685 Medical Lane in Fort Myers. Tables will be provided to all teachers. Teachers need to RSVP by Wednesday, June 9 in order to secure a space by emailing educationclub@swfc.edu or calling Donna at (239) 218-8967.

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 www.swfc.edu.

Port Charlotte:	October 26 and 27	1 pm - 5 pm
Fort Myers:	November 2 and 3	2 pm - 5 pm
Bonita Springs:	November 9 and 10	2 pm - 5 pm