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Greetings,

As we emerge from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to take a moment to reflect on the future and share upcoming plans for Skagit Valley College. As the second-oldest community college in Washington, I am honored to serve as the president and am committed to sustaining the vibrant connection between the college and the communities served by the college.

The recent pandemic presented us with unique challenges, yet we are proceeding with a commitment to student success while adhering to our core guiding principles. Moving forward, we will focus on four strategic priorities that will shape the future of the college.

With enrollment, we will enrich our campus community and sustain a vibrant environment for all. Specifically, we plan to increase student enrollment in Running Start, International, and bachelor’s degree programs. In addition, we will continue to market the college collaboratively with our K-12 partners and community organizations.

Our focus on student success remains unwavering. Our commitment extends beyond greater student persistence and retention. It will concentrate particularly on student completion of a degree, certificate, or other educational objective. We aim to equip our students with the skills and experiences that will lead to long-term success in their chosen fields.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of our values. We strive to close student achievement and opportunity gaps while sustaining a campus environment that celebrates and embraces diversity while promoting a sense of belonging for all members of our community.

We recognize the importance of community engagement which has been a hallmark of SVC throughout its history. From academic programs to cultural events, we invite the community to take advantage of experiences and resources available to them through the college.

In conclusion, I am grateful to the remarkable faculty and staff at SVC, the wonderful supporters of the college in the community, and most important of all, our amazing students. Together, I am confident at SVC, the best is yet to come!

Sincerely,

In March, the Skagit Valley College Foundation announced that it will assume the management of The Sidney S. McIntyre Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund benefiting SVC students for more than 20 years.

This scholarship was previously managed by the Seattle Foundation, although the logistics of recipient selection, promotion, and distribution had been under the direction of the SVC Foundation.

According to the McIntyre-Smith family, they decided to transfer the endowment to recognize the role the SVC Foundation has played in the Skagit Valley community.

“Giving back to the community that enabled his success was an important part of my father’s legacy and in that spirit, we decided to officially transfer the fund to the Skagit Valley College Foundation,” said Tessea McIntyre-Smith, daughter of the late Sidney S. McIntyre Jr.

Annual income from the more than $3.1 million endowment will be used to fund scholarships enabling students earning associate’s degrees from SVC to pursue bachelor’s degrees in science and engineering. The scholarships will help cover tuition, books, materials, and room and board at public institutions of higher education in the state of Washington.

According to McIntyre-Smith, the endowment has had a tremendous impact on its recipients over the years since its creation.

"I get to read their letters about what they have accomplished after graduation,” said McIntyre-Smith. "If it hadn’t been for that gift, who knows how things might have ended up.”

“We are honored by the trust that the McIntyre family has placed in us,” said Kathleen Petrzelka, Director of Philanthropy at SVC Foundation. “Sidney S. McIntyre Jr. believed that people and communities should have the opportunity to rise to their potential and we’re proud to keep his memory alive through the stewardship of the endowment that bears his name.”

SILVIA

The SVC Foundation is honored to share Silvia’s Story. Silvia Avila-Ramos graduated from SVC with her associate's degree in early childhood education and is a recipient of several SVC Foundation Scholarships.

Silvia was born in Oaxaca, Mexico and immigrated to the U.S. as a child. As a single mother of three children and English as a third language, she faced several challenges in pursuit of her dream of becoming a teacher. Silvia is currently at Western Washington University pursuing her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. In 2023, she was nominated as the Association of College Trustees Transforming Lives Award for her hard work and dedication in achieving her education goals.

Silvia is focused on the wellbeing of her community and transforming lives through the power of education. Her dream is to become a teacher who can mentor and inspire the next generation.

G2G SUMMIT

June 7

Skagit Valley College was deeply honored to partner with Bellingham Technical College and Whatcom Community College to host the first Government to Government Summit between Northwestern Tribes and WA state community and technical colleges.

This historic event looked to build and sustain meaningful relationships between the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges and First Peoples Communities to advance local Indigenous knowledge and improve access to post-secondary education, and technical training.

The inspiring event encouraged guests to explore ways for community and technical colleges to enhance partnerships with our local indigenous community.

66th annual honors reception

June 8

President’s Medals for Academic Achievement were awarded to 46 students at the annual Honors Reception. The Sidney S. McIntyre Jr. Memorial Scholarship award recipients were announced, awarding more than $100,000 to 4 SVC graduates. Congratulations to Megan Barton, Ziming Lei Lin, Cesar Osornio Ramos, and Alan Santiago!

Cesar Osornio Ramos received the Charles H. Lewis Memorial Award. Ramos is a first generation student and participated in the Latino Leadership Initiative, is president of the Latinos in STEM Club, was selected for the All-Washington Academic Team, and has been a leader in the classroom. Ramos will be transferring to the University of Washington.

24th annual champions of diversity ceremony

April 27

SVC, Washington State University, Western Washington University, Central Washington University, and Eastern Washington University honored young multicultural leaders from Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties at the 24th annual Champions of Diversity awards ceremony. Seventy-six students were recognized. Thirty-one scholarships and 45 10th and 11th grade students received awards.

Scholarship breakfast

May 31

The Skagit Valley College Foundation awarded $729,000 in scholarships to 285 local students at the annual Foundation Scholarship Breakfast.

BACHELOR'S

IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

Skagit Valley College launched a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program this fall to address the expanding demand for qualified people in the computer science and software development industry. The program is grounded in real-world projects and application, with a focus on skills critical for success in the field. It aims to remove barriers to opportunities for study and will be led by experts in creating inclusive environments for computer science and software development education. Students will have opportunities to work with industry partner mentors and benefit from a robust support network.

LEARN MORE: skagit.edu/bachelors

RUNNING START

In 2023, 110 SVC Running Start students

graduated with their high school diploma

and two-year associate's degree!

We're ready to help

when you're ready to run!

Visit: skagit.edu/run

Learn more at skagit.edu/transfer

VIEW ON INSTAGRAM >>>

During spring quarter, Skagit Valley College’s Manufacturing Club partnered with e-NABLE, an online global community of 3D printing engineers and designers, to create a 3D printed prosthetic hand for Mitchell Pawson, a six-year-old boy from Tacoma.

The four SVC manufacturing technology students who assembled the hand presented it to Pawson on April 26 in the manufacturing lab on the Mount Vernon campus.

Pawson was born without fully formed fingers on his right hand. Pawson and his mother connected with SVC through the Manufacturing Club’s advisor, Bruce Poole.

Poole, Department Chair of the Manufacturing Technology Program, is Pawson’s great uncle. "As part of our partnership with e-NABLE, we are fully committed to supporting Mitchell throughout his entire life,” said Poole.

Pawson is the club’s first prosthetic recipient. During the pandemic, the club made and distributed strain relief straps for people who wore masks for long periods of time.

READ ARTICLE IN GOSKAGIT >>>

manufacturing

technology

Interested in machinery, conventional machine tools, composites, and computerized design? Advanced Manufacturing offers some of the highest paying and most satisfying career opportunities in today’s job market. Get hands-on training in the expanded Manufacturing facility and lab at Skagit Valley College.

2023

• 885 degrees, certificates, and diplomas awarded
• 416 academic degrees awarded
• 365 professional/technical degrees and certificates awarded
• 24 bachelor's degrees awarded
• 80 high school diplomas awarded
• 16-70 age range of graduates
• 110+ Running Start students who are graduating from high school and receiving an SVC degree
• 47 graduating as President’s Medalists (A or A- grades)
• 6 International students graduating (Japan and South Korea)

advancement team

Anne Clark

Vice President College Advancement and International Programs

Interim Executive Director SVC Foundation

SVC FOUNDATION

Kathleen Petrzelka

Director of Philanthropy

Tanna Baker

Foundation Coordinator

Kathy Eldred

Fiscal Analyst

Carl Young

Advancement Assistant

James Walters

Advancement Specialist

STRATEGIC MARKETING

AND COMMUNICATIONS

Marisa Pierce

Executive Director

Peter Goodrich

Web Systems Administrator

Nathaniel Soria

Creative Manager

Sofia Poulton

Communications and

Social Media Manager

CAMPUS VIEW VILLAGE

Griffin Uchida

Director of Residence Life

Marin Thyrring

Residence Life Coordinator

Currents Designed by Nahaniel Soria

Skagit Valley College provides a drug-free environment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, age, marital status, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status in its programs and employment. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, contact Vice President of Human Resources/EEO at 360.416.7794 or carolyn.tucker@skagit.edu. For inquiries regarding sexual misconduct compliance, contact Title IX Coordinator at 360.416.7923 or sandy.jordan@skagit.edu. Mailing address: 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.