Early Years

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Here are some highlights from 30 years of serving our community.

January 19, 1983. Governor Toney Anaya gave his support for legislation to establish a community college in Santa Fe. Lawmakers passed a bill appropriating $1.5 million in start-up and first-year operational funds for the creation of the college.
September 12, 1983. On September 12, 1983, SFCC opened its doors to an enthusiastic and optimistic public. At that time, the school had no formal campus. Students and instructors met at temporary facilities including the New Mexico School for the Deaf and, later, at the Joseph Valdes Industrial Park (now Valdes Business Park). Classes were also held in rented spaces throughout the city, among them Santa Fe High School, the College of Santa Fe, the Institute for American Indian Arts (IAIA), and the New Mexico School for the Deaf.SFCC’s early curriculum featured courses of study in office tech, business, computing and information systems, real estate, paralegal studies, accounting, developmental studies, GED preparation, and some occupational training, as well as general transfer associate�s degrees and continuing education classes.
April 17, 1984. A $5 million bond was passed to help with the construction of a permanent campus. The Rancho Viejo Partnership donated some $1 million in improvements. (President Bill Witter, left, is joined by legislators Roman Maes (holding hard hat) and Luciano “Lucky” Varela (facing camera) to celebrate the new construction slated for SFCC.)
February 1993. The William C. Witter Fitness Education Center was established.
May 1995. New technical and occupational labs were completed. In the words of a student: “I realized that in order to develop products for patenting, I needed an academic background to complement my experience.”
Fall 1996. Opening of the Early Childhood Development Center.
Fall 1999. The Fine Arts Center held its first classes, offering instruction in subjects including drawing, painting, printmaking, book making, ceramics, and more.

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