Campus Aug. 17 - Oct. 1, 2011 — Vol. 55, Iss. 1 5

By Ana Bahena Assistant Campus Editor

Like a borderlands Phoenix, the San Ysidro campus of Southwestern College has been reborn of death and despair into a beautiful monument to the resilience of its unique community.

On the site of the infamous 1984 McDonald’s Massacre where 21 members of the community were murdered by a deranged gunman, SWC’s Higher Education Center stands to honor them by giving wings to those who came after.

Dean Silvia Cornejo-Darcy said she has enjoyed working at the HEC for the last 10 years because the community values its presence.

“Because of its history, the campus serves as a tribute to the community – we are a symbol of triumph over tragedy,” she said. “It is very fulfilling to know that you are a part of something so special.”

Joan Kroc, the la te owner of McDonald’s, donated the site to SWC shortly after the shootings, which were at the time the largest mass murder in American history.

Since 1988 the new HEC has served tens of thousands of students, most of whom live in or near the surrounding community. For some it is convenience, others it is the tight knit feeling they receive with faculty and staff.

With the capacity to serve 2,000 students, the HEC at San Ysidro provides a wide variety of classes with flexible schedules. It offers full semester and 15-week or 8-week classes, hybrid courses, and weekend classes, same as the main campus.

Cornejo-Darcy said that prior to closing for reconstruction in 2007, HECSY was only open Monday through Saturday. She said when it reopened in 2009, as a result of limited funds, it was only able to open and offer classes Monday through Thursday.

“This semester, we are finally able to open Monday to Saturday,” she said. “The result? Greater access for students.”

She added that the community was in need of access on Fridays and

Saturdays, and class enrollments increased by approximately 36 percent (comparing Fall 2010 to Fall 2011).

Education Center Technician Nancy Reyes, 31, said the SY HEC offers students the feeling of closeness.

“Students feel more comfortable here,” she said. “It’s nice to know people personally and to work with a fewer number of staff and students.”

Financial Aid Technician Laura Arana, 38, said she enjoys assisting students with grants and other financial help.

“I l ike the population of the students,” Arana said. “There’s also a little more confidentiality here since there isn’t long lines, so there is no one looking over you hearing about the things you’re discussing.”

Located only minutes away from the border, the San Ysidro Center includes courses for completing general education requirements for transfer, pursuit of an associate degree and personal development.

Cornejo-Darcy said the students at the center are eager to learn.

“With a large population of students with English as their second language, and often first-generation college students, they are… often surprised and often surprised by the programs and services available to them.”

HECSY supplies a variety student services such as admissions and records, EOPS, Financial Aid and Counseling. It hosts a reading lab, computer lab and tutoring services are offered at no cost to students. Disability support and health services are also available at the center.

Reyes said students have everything they need at one convenient location.

“Instead of doing one thing at one office then moving to another, it’s all done here at once,” she said. “No long wait times.”

Corne jo-Darcy sa id the San Ysidro campus is a gateway into higher education for an underserved community.

“I encourage every student to give the HEC SY a try,” she said. “I am convinced that they will have a positive experience.”

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SAN YSIDRO CENTER OF DREAMS— Built from the ashes of the 1984 McDonald’s Massacre, the Southwestern College Higher Education in San Ysidro features a memorial to the 21 victims. College leaders and San Ysidro residents call the satellite campus an important asset to the border region.

SWC satellite campus glows near the border

phi Theta Kappa adds members By Angelica GonzalesCampus Editor

Southwestern College’s honor roll grew by 63 this month. Phi Theta Kappa, the official honors program for two-year colleges, welcomed new members invited to join based on outstanding academic achievement. PTK invitees must maintain a 3.5 grade point average and be enrolled in at least 12 units.

Phi Theta Kappa offers exclusive scholarships to the members, fosters an atmosphere of academic ach ievement and encourages leadership skills.

“These students have worked their tails off to achieve this academic goal,” said Phi Theta Kappa advisor, Myriam Moody. “For myself, it is a pleasure and an honor to be associated with our members. Because of who they are, I want to help them as much as I can and help them become the best individual they can be.”

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MODELS OF EXCELLENCE — Phi Theta Kappa members Alfredo Calderon, Christina Marie Kirker, Antonette Sandoval, Juan Manuel Huerta and Kevin Leach sing the traditional song of the honor society.

New Members

Phi Theta KappaChristina Elena GutierrezGerardo Lorenzo

Eman Deiranieh Jireh Flores Datuin

Meagan WilliamsBazz Khurshid

Ritchie AgpaoaNancy Ahuna-SweatJessica ArroyoMichael AryMarcos AyalaAna Alicia BahenaAshley BaileyMarisa BarocioMary BeckRose Blackmon Alfredo Agustin CalderonDiana Marlene CamposClaudia CarvajalDavidson CervantesAlejandro ChavezJuan Fernando GaddAdrienne Galamoam TorresDaniela GarciaLuis GarciaKrista Ann GarrigusLuis Alberto Gonzalez

Alexia Lorelei GutierrezSheila Alvina HearveyRebecca Pradis HernandezCarl HobbsChristina Maria KirkerAlice E. KumagaiKevin Anthony LeachAnn Yena LeeRicardo LiconaLacey LoikaMariana MacedoSandra MarthaKimberly McDonoughMaria Fernanda MercadoAriana MolinaDulce MotaPrincess Abano PanganCarlos PlaceresMylady Artap PunoGustavo Alfredo RamirezIrma Ramirez

Maria Leticia RamirezMargie A. ReeseDiana RodriguezJesus RodriguezMelissa RomoTomoko RuelasGuillermo Sanchez-AldanaAntonette Burgos SandovalJavier SeguraThomas Joseph SepulvadoSean SolisNorma E. TorresAaron Josue Urrea OrtizGerardo Alberto VelazquezMadison WagnerEdward WalterJesse John WardBriele Nicole WarrenKenneth Alan WilsonRobert YorbaRong Zhao

New Officers

san Ysidro’s Higher Education Center is a gateway of hope at america’s front door

southwestern College honor society welcomes 63 standouts

Angelica Gonzales, EditorTel: (619) 482-6368E-mail: campus@theswcsun.com