Campus Weekly
SFCC celebrated student success at 40th Anniversary Commencement


SFCC celebrated student success at the 40th Anniversary Commencement on Saturday. The College recognized 445 SFCC students who were eligible to receive 560 awards. Amy Loyd, Ed.L.D., gave a passionate keynote address at Commencement that referenced the beginnings of her higher education journey at SFCC.
Here are highlights from Dr. Loyd’s keynote address:
“Congratulations, on SFCC celebrating 40 years of the college! This is an exciting year for all of us.
I’m especially grateful to be here. Santa Fe Community College had such a special place in my heart and my life.
Growing up here in New Mexico I never imagined where education would take me in life. I now work in Washington, D.C, where I get to lead educational workforce programs and policy for our entire nation. I get to be engaged in things I never thought were possible – like getting to work with the White House and Congress on almost a daily basis. My journey from here was far from linear.”
She spoke about her educational journey that wasn’t always easy. She noted at one point she had to take time away from her education while she faced housing instability and juggled multiple jobs. While in Santa Fe, she lived for almost a year in a cabin with the no running water or electricity, crashed with friends and later moved into a garage. To finally get an apartment, she did the “Santa Fe hustle” working as a barista, catering server, cashier, wrangler on a ranch and a river guide on the Rio Grande. She said she realized that’s how many SFCC students survive. But she always held the hope of pursuing higher education. “I found what I needed at SFCC,” she said. Her classes at SFCC led her to better paying jobs in health care with stability, community and growth that set her on a stable path moving forward. Her educational journey would eventually lead her to Harvard where she earned her doctorate.
“SFCC was my springboard to economic opportunity, While I no longer work in health care it allowed me to be nimble and allowed me to pivot to new pathways.” she emphasized. “SFCC helped me transition from a person who really didn’t know what’s next to having the confidence to navigate and build my own future.” She added, “SFCC helped me shift from hustling and working to barely get by to living a life of purpose and to work that aligned with my purpose and vision.”
“Many of you may be the first to finish college, but you won’t be the last. You are showing everyone by your example what it means to put your education first.”
“Your education is about taking your knowledge and transforming your life into power. The power to change your life. The power to uplift your family. And the power to give back to others and enrich your community.”
“You are your ancestors wildest dreams.”
Amy Loyd, Ed.L.D.
Currently Dr. Loyd, is the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education at the U.S. Department of Education. In this role, she oversees national programs related to career and technical education, community colleges, adult education and literacy, and correctional education.
Dr. Loyd attended SFCC and Northern New Mexico Community College, and holds a bachelor’s degree from St. John’s College and a doctorate in education leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she was an adjunct lecturer on building career pathways to increase opportunity and equity.
Hear Dr. Loyd’s full keynote address as well as Student Speaker Aylin Villalobos’ powerful speech to the graduating class as she recounted her journey as an immigrant who arrived in the U.S. at four years old to her academic journey to SFCC in the following video. Please note: The sound begins with the ceremony.
Enjoy a selection of photos from Chief Communications Officer/Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations Todd Lovato. Please click on images to see larger.













Read more about the Commencent and see the full program.
News and Announcements
- Opening for Al Kittel’s “Cocoon” exhibition a big success
- Network Maintenance 400 Wing
- OIT Maintenance 5/17-19
- Katie Besser Student Award winners announced
- Automotive graduate featured in Santa Fe New Mexican
- Celebrate HSE (GED) recipients at 5:30 p.m. May 14 in FEC
- Congratulations Respiratory Therapy graduates
- NM Brain Builders Speaker Series on May 17
- Essential End-of-Life Document Preparation Workshop
- Green Fire Times issue focuses on SFCC programs
- Thank you from Dr. Aamna Nayyar for supporting NM Mission of Mercy
- SFCCI Student Showcase highlighted creative coding skills
- Beautiful work was displayed at Glass Club sale
- Statement of Acknowledgment for Cinco de Mayo/ Declaración de reconocimiento por el Cinco de Mayo
- Sculpture student pop-up show “Henosis” in Visual Arts lobby
- SF County announces temporary closure of Rabbit Road to complete roundabout
- Roof J Stucco Repairs beginning April 23, 2024
- PROTEC offers free 21st Century Skills Training in June; apply now
- Games and Puzzles in the Library
- Robot Resist STEM Kits available at SFCC Library
- Increase in scams impacting our community
- Greenhouse STEM kits now available for kids 4-7 at SFCC Library
- Student Car Club got super-charged with students from The MASTERS Program
Opening for Al Kittel’s “Cocoon” exhibition a big success

More than 200 people attending the opening of Al Kittel’s exhibition, “Cocoon” on May 9 in the Visual Arts Gallery. Early in the reception, Dean James “Jim” Wysong, Shane Talbert and her-longtime painting instructor Jared Weiss offered a welcome to all the visitors and offered opening remarks about Al Kittel’s artwork with its colorful, vibrant energy and powerful imagery.
Director of Art on Campus Linda Cassel said it was a tremendously successful exhibition opening with brisk sales of the original artwork, as well as prints. The exhibition continues through June 5.
Many artists attended the opening. Also, among the guests was Pasatiempo writer Brian Sandford who wrote the cover story, “Finishing Touches: Santa Fe Artist seeks peace through her painting,” in the May 3 edition of Pasatiempo in The Santa Fe New Mexican. He also shared in Pasatiempo’s Editor’s Note: Big as life about his experience interviewing Al Kittel about the circumstances surrounding her upcoming death.
Al Kittel’s work depicts her complex experience living with a progressive neurological condition called Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA). FA is a physically debilitating and chronically fatiguing disease, which also causes a shortened lifespan. Read more about the exhibition in the press release for the exhibition.
Thank you to Dean Wysong and David Jones for sharing images from the event. Please click on the images to see them larger.






















Upcoming OIT Maintenance

Network Maintenance 400 Wing
Tuesday, May 14 at 2 p.m.
OIT will be performing network maintenance in the 400 wing on Tuesday, May 14 beginning at 2 p.m. This maintenance will result in brief network outages in areas of the 400 wing during this time.
Please contact the OIT Service Desk at (505) 428-1222 with any questions or concerns.
OIT maintenance May 17 – 19
OIT will be performing maintenance starting 5 p.m. Friday, May 17 until noon on Sunday May 19. This maintenance will cause outages for network, internet, VPN, Banner, SFCC Connect, and most other services.
Workday, Canvas, MS365 applications, and Zoom will remain operational.
Please contact the OIT Service Desk at (505) 428-1222 with any questions or concerns.
Katie Besser Student Award winners announced
Recipients were recognized in a ceremony at Meow Wolf on May 3
Elliott Elkins received Richard Bradford Memorial Creative Writing Scholarship

Santa Fe Community College’s emerging writers, photographers and mixed media artists were recognized during the Katie Besser Awards celebration hosted by Meow Wolf on May 3. The awards were named for the late Katie Besser in recognition of her love of literature and creative writing. The event celebrated students’ creative expression through writing, photography and media arts. Writers representing SFCC’s diverse community read from their winning works.

The fourteenth annual winner of Santa Fe Community College Foundation’s Richard Bradford Memorial Creative Writing Scholarship was announced at the conclusion of the awards celebration. Elliott Elkins will receive the $1,000 scholarship. Named for the author of the 1968 classic Red Sky at Morning, the scholarship was initiated by author Michael McGarrity, the late arts advocate Charmay Allred and former Santa Fe city councilwoman Rebecca Wurzburger.
These are this year’s Katie Besser Student Award winners by category:
Image
Winner:
Angelique Maez – “Whispers of Autumn”
Runners-Up:
Lynn Grimes – excerpts from the artist book Wildflowers of the Southwest Mountains
Irene Owsley – excerpts from the artist book SKY, New Mexico
Accolades 2024
Poetry
Winner:
Camari Knox – “In the Distance, Dances My Joy”
Runners-Up:
Cole Ferguson – “Flowers, Bodies”
Loki-Anthony Honey – “Dress Shirt”
Peter McInerney – “blacksmithing in the anthropocene”
Honorable Mention:
Rodney DeHerrera – “Abuelita”
Fiction
Winner:
Slater Garcia – “Instruction Manual”
Runners-Up:
Isabella Keim – “Coral Lungs”
Elliott Elkins – “Lena’s Tower”
Creative Non-Fiction
Winner:
Peter McInerney – “disappearing act”
Runners-Up:
Joanna Johnston – “Unburnt”
Charlie McCarty – “Suburban Afternoon”
Honorable Mention:
Bolden Begody – “Sugar Water”
Academic Essay
Winner:
Elliott Elkins – “A Life to Burn”
Runners-Up:
Charlie McCarty – “The Inconvenience of Empathy”
Cole Ferguson – “Defining Beauty, An Exploration of Humanity”
The Katie Besser Awards are presented through a collaboration of SFCC’s English and Creative Writing programs, SFCC’s Media Arts department, SFCC Foundation, and with the support of Meow Wolf. The Katie Besser Art & Writing Awards are directed by Genevieve Betts.
The Accolades designer is Vitória Oliveira Dos Santos, and the photograph on the cover is the winning photo from Angelique Maez called “Whispers of Autumn.”
Note: A copy of Accolades, which includes the winning entries, is available to download here.

Automotive graduate featured in Santa Fe New Mexican
Patricia Victor, 39, who graduated Saturday was featured in the May 11 story by Robert Nott in Santa Fe New Mexican, “New grad’s SFCC degree opens door to auto tech career”. Patricia Victor is currently an Emergency Vehicle Technician trainee with the Santa Fe County Fire Department. A member of the San Carlos and White Mountain Apache tribes, she described her journey to receiving her many Automotive Technologies Certificates and associate degree in Automotive Technologies in the story.
The story states:
With her varied work experience, she said she knew she could tackle anything she set her mind to.
Victor became a mentor to other students at the college, said Julia Furry, director of the school’s automotive technology programs.
“The science of the equipment did not intimidate her,” Furry said, noting a time when Victor discovered a forklift at the college was having mechanical problems. She said, “No problem, bring it in.”
The other students then “rallied around her” to help repair the vehicle, Furry said.
The associate degree — along with a long list of professional certifications she has earned — has “added a lot more confidence” for Victor as she considers her future career direction, she said.

She earned:
- AAS Automotive Technology
- CERT Automotive Engine Repair
- CERT Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning
- CERT Automotive Maintenance and Light Truck Repair
- CERT Automotive Transmission Transaxle
- CERT Brakes
- CERT Manual Transmission and Drivetrain C
- CERT Steering and Suspension
Celebrate HSE (GED) recipients at 5:30 p.m. May 14 in FEC

Santa Fe Community College will celebrate 70 students who successfully completed their High School Equivalency (HSE) in the Adult Education, Academic and Career Education (ACE) program at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14 at the William C. Witter Fitness Education Center (FEC), 6401 Richards Avenue. SFCC Financial Aid Director Harrison “Harry” Rommel, Ph.D., who began his academic journey by earning a GED at SFCC, will provide the keynote address. The Student Speakers are Arysbet Pinera and Susana Talavera.
Harrison “Harry” Rommel, Ph.D., Keynote Speaker
Harrison “Harry” Rommel, Ph.D., is the Financial Aid Director at Santa Fe Community College. Prior to joining SFCC, Dr. Rommel served as the Academic Finance Director at the New Mexico Higher Education Department where he oversaw the finances of New Mexico’s public institutions and financial aid programs, including the creation of the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship.
Prior to entering public service, Dr. Rommel studied physical chemistry and contributed to the development of organic light emitting diode materials, also known as “OLEDs” in televisions and phone screens today. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, magna cum laude, from the University of New Mexico and a doctorate in Physical Chemistry from the University of Washington. In addition to his role as SFCC’s Financial Aid Director, he teaches Chemistry and studies accounting at Central New Mexico Community College with the goal of becoming a certified public accountant. But perhaps most importantly, Dr. Rommel began his academic career at SFCC more than 30 years ago when he earned his GED from the Adult Education Division in 1993. He is humbled and honored to return and serve the college that began his career.
Arysbet Pinera, Student Speaker
Arysbet Pinera, 21, represents the best of Adult Education. She participated in the Integrated Education Training (IET) program to simultaneously complete both her GED and Nursing Assistant Certificate. Arysbet plans to pursue an associate degree in Nursing at SFCC with the goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. She said, “having twins has been a rewarding yet challenging experience for me. The demands of caring for two toddlers can be overwhelming at times, but the Adult Education program has been a big help for me. The program offered me the help I needed, from access to childcare services to career opportunities, allowing me to focus on my personal growth and career development.”
Susana Talavera, Student Speaker
Susana Talavera Is a 56-year-old mother of five who was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. She came to the U.S. 32 years ago to seek a better life for her family. She had been out of school for 40 years when she came to SFCC. She demonstrated a great deal of persistence and in March she completed her GED in Spanish. She said, “It is never too late to start studying. If I can do it, you can do it.”
The SFCC Academic and Career Education (ACE) program helps students prepare for their High School Equivalency (HSE) credential as well as college and career upon completion of their HSE. Students prepare for the GED or HiSET exams to fulfill requirements for the HSE set by the state of New Mexico. The Integrated Education Training (IET) Program at SFCC provides students with career pathways for automotive maintenance and light repair, facilities maintenance technologies, Certified Nursing Assistant, and Phlebotomy. Students work toward attainment of an entry level credential while learning job-related skills, and strengthening their reading, writing, and math abilities.
Congratulations Respiratory Therapy graduates

Jeremy Martinez, Tyra Lucero,
Reyna Carrillo-Leyba, Juanito Lovato
Front Row: Left to Right:
Devyn Griego, Shaelyn Quintana, Kristina Montano
Congratulations to the Respiratory Therapy graduates who were honored at a pinning ceremony on May 10!
Here are highlights of the event:
Welcome and Introduction: Jessica Barrera BS RRT-ACCS Program Director
Keynote Speaker:
Babak Hazini SFCC Clinical Adjunct
Student Speaker:
Shaelyn Quintana
Student Awards:
Jessica Barrera
Pinning:
Jessica Barrera and John Blewett
Closing:
John Blewett MA, RRT, FAARC
See a copy of the full Respiratory Therapy pinning ceremony program.
NM Brain Builders Speaker Series on May 17: Building Resiliency and Connection Through Brain Science
May 17, 2024
12-1 pm Zoom
Building Resilience and Connection Through Brain Science
Dr. Deborah Phillips; Georgetown University and Dr. Angela Owens; Glass Family Research Institute at NMSU
Register Here

Essential End-of-Life Document Preparation Workshop

Register now for the June CE class series: Essential End-of-Life Document Preparation Workshop. Sessions are on Saturdays: June 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. Register at https://sfcc.augusoft.net or call 505-438-1676. SFCC employees: Consider using your EEB benefits.
Green Fire Times issue focuses on SFCC programs
The May/June issue of Green Fire Times features many intiatives from SFCC’s Trades and Sustainability programs. The informative issue includes writing from SFCC faculty, staff and students on topics such as algae, water conservation, controlled environment agriculture and more. See the issue at https://www.greenfiretimes.com/. Note on the opening page there is a Donate Now button, since the publication primarily operates with the support of readers. SFCC appreciates The Green Fire Times long-time coverage of college programs. If you’d like to proceed to the issue without making a donation, click the “Not today” message at the bottom. Also, The Green Fire Times print edition is available in racks around town.

Thank you from Dr. Aamna Nayyar for supporting NM Mission of Mercy

Dr. Aamna Nayyar, Director Department of Dental Health, is sending a “THANK YOU!” for your volunteer service at NM Mission of Mercy (NM-MOM), 2024.
Your generous support of our recent New Mexico Mission of Mercy event in Santa Fe, NM on April 26 and 27 helped create 784 new smiles for underserved New Mexico residents! Without your support, this event would not have been possible, and we thank you! Over $1,062,000 dollars in treatment was donated by 903 volunteers at New Mexico Mission of Mercy.
Please know that we are grateful for your participation in this successful event as are the 784 patients who received free services.
Special THANKS to SFCC for being one of the major sponsors of this event.
Special THANKS to the SFCC Marketing & Public Relations department.
Special THANKS to Dr. Lina Germann (SFCC Board Member), Terri Tewart (Dean), Dr. Kelly Trujillo (Associate Dean), Jessica Balladares (Director, Medical Assisting & Phlebotomy), Anne Reines (Nursing), Jacque Anderson (Allied Health), Medical Assisting students, Respiratory Therapy students and the Dental students.
Also please take a few minutes to provide your feedback! Click on this Survey: https://www.rsvpbook.com/postevent.php?surveyid=5286&id=1812124&h=f4c427a2357ba6ed437982ad015a1901&mt=4942868&ht=0b870498c5ff6b5e4cee4b4ef2bd9bee
To see pictures of the event, please click on the following links:
https://www.facebook.com/NMDentalfoundation
To learn about SFCC’s Dental Programs, please visit: https://www.sfcc.edu/programs/dental-2/ or email: aamna.nayyar@sfcc.edu
SFCCI Student Showcase highlighted creative coding skills

The first Santa Fe Creative Coding Initiative (SFCCI) Showcase on May 2 at the Santa Fe Higher Education Center was a big success!
SFCCI is a community partnership, providing challenge-based learning opportunities in digital creativity and coding to learners and educators throughout Santa Fe, with support from Apple’s Community Education Initiative. Since the launch of SFCCI more than 300 students have participated.
The SFCCI Student Showcase spotlighted content produced by students using Apple technology and curricula during this school year. SFCCI has learning labs at Santa Fe High School, Milagro Middle School, Santa Fe Community College and Santa Fe Indian School. Other key partners include STEM Santa Fe and the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Fe/Del Norte, which operates the Teen Center and the Tech Club at the Santa Fe Place Mall. In addition to these learning labs, the Santa Fe Public Schools 21st Century Learning program is introducing coding on iPad to elementary school students at various sites. Hear a recent podcast from the Richard Eeds show about SFCCI.
Director of the Santa Fe Creative Coding Initiative Jim Sanborn cited these highlights from the SFCC Student Showcase:
- 15 student presentations
- All SFCCI partners represented: SFCC, SFPS, SFIS, Boys/Girls Club, STEM SF
- Great turnout, more than 100 students, educators, family members filled the HEC lobby
- Wonderful welcome from President Becky Rowley, Ph.D.
- ,Live app demo from SFIS seniors
- 6 app designs from Boys/Girls Club members
- STEM stop-motion animation from Milagro Middle School
- 21st Century Learning schools throughout SF presented digital media about their schools.
Click on the images to see larger.





Beautiful work displayed at Glass Club sale
The Glass Club had a sale on May 1 and 2. Here are some images from the sale. Click on photos to see larger.





Statement of Acknowledgment for Cinco de Mayo/ Declaración de reconocimiento por el Cinco de Mayo
The following was shared with the SFCC Community on May 3, 2024.
Dear SFCC Community,
As a Hispanic Serving Institution, Santa Fe Community College proudly recognizes Cinco de Mayo as a momentous occasion to honor the rich heritage and invaluable contributions of our Latino/Latina/Latinx community. Cinco de Mayo stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, unity, and determination in the face of adversity, reminding us of the remarkable strength and spirit that define our community.
We reflect on the historic significance of the Battle of Puebla and its enduring legacy, which resonates far beyond borders. It serves as a poignant reminder of the triumph of courage over hardship, inspiring us to overcome challenges with dignity and grace.
As we gather to commemorate Cinco de Mayo, let us embrace the diversity that enriches SFCC and our community. Together, let us celebrate the cultures, traditions, and voices that collectively shape our shared identity. Through understanding, respect, and solidarity, may we continue to foster an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, empowered, and heard.
Como institución al servicio de los hispanos, Santa Fe Community College reconoce con orgullo el Cinco de Mayo como una ocasión trascendental para honrar la rica herencia y las invaluables contribuciones de nuestra comunidad latinx. El Cinco de Mayo se erige como un poderoso símbolo de resiliencia, unidad y determinación frente a la adversidad, recordándonos la notable fuerza y el espíritu que definen a nuestra comunidad.
Reflexionamos sobre el significado histórico de la Batalla de Puebla y su legado perdurable, que resuena mucho más allá de las fronteras. Sirve como un recuerdo conmovedor del triunfo del coraje sobre las dificultades, inspirándonos a superar los desafíos con dignidad y gracia.
Mientras nos reunimos para conmemorar el Cinco de Mayo, acojamos la diversidad que enriquece a SFCC y a nuestra comunidad. Juntos, celebremos las culturas, tradiciones y voces que colectivamente dan forma a nuestra identidad compartida. A través de la comprensión, el respeto y solidaridad sigamos fomentando un entorno inclusivo donde cada individuo se sienta valorado, empoderado y oído.
¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!
Kind regards,
President’s Diversity Advisory Committee (PDAC)
Becky Rowley, SFCC President
sj Miller, PDAC Co-chair
Marcos Maez, PDAC Co-chair
Santa Fe Community College Land Acknowledgment Statement
Santa Fe Community College acknowledges that the lands beneath the college are the unceded sovereign lands of the Pueblo Nations of Tesuque, Nambe, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, Ohkay Owingeh, Cochiti, Kewa, San Felipe, Santa Ana, Zia, and Jemez and that New Mexico’s Indigenous peoples, their governance, cultures, languages, and religions have been systemically attacked over centuries of settler colonial erasure. SFCC recognizes and respects Indigenous Peoples as the original and current stewards of the land where we learn, work, and grow.
SFCC commits to recognize the collective histories and to engage in restorative actions that demonstrate inclusive support for Indigenous community members while practicing responsible stewardship of the land. By honoring and listening to Indigenous voices SFCC will embody anti-racism through ongoing restorative action for social justice.
Jeanne Walker’s pop-up sculpture show ‘Henosis’ in Visual Arts lobby
Sculpture student, Jeanne Walker has a pop-up show, “Henosis” in the floor space of the Visual Arts Lobby area. The sculptures of wood and metal are up now and will be up until June 10.
Henosis
This installation explores the white culture myth of “Rugged Individualism” in contrast to the structures and policies enjoyed by the wealthy; connections, networks, and social supports. These connections and networks sustain not only wealth, but power. Rugged Individualism is a classic divide and conquer technique designed to control and de-power the 98%.
This work asks us to recognize and cultivate the power of connections and networks for all of us. These pieces represent collaboration, that we are better when we work together. Let us develop connections, unions, cooperatives, collaboratives, community support systems so that we can all be successful.
Jeanne Walker’s artist statement


Pop-up monoprint artist exhibition continues through May 9
PAPER/INK/PRINT
Monoprint Exhibition
April 26-May 9
Students: Stuart Diamond, Naomi Eldridge, Raj Hajela, Shelley Longmire, A. Kathrina Storm, Irina Thomas, Joan Yokom, Janie Zackin
Instructor: Mike Kimball
For more information, contact Director of Art on Campus Linda Cassel at linda.cassel@sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1501.


Click the images from the April 27 opening to see larger.



SF County announces temporary closure of Rabbit Road to complete roundabout
Santa Fe County announced: Beginning Monday, April 22, 2024, the Contractor for Santa Fe County Public Works Department (SFCPWD) will begin the construction of the Rabbit Road connection to the Southeast Connector, recently named Falcon Way, and also providing the tie into Oshara Blvd via a new roundabout. To safely accommodate the construction, it will be necessary to close a segment of Rabbit Road to Oshara Blvd for approximately (6) weeks and route traffic through a temporary detour. As part of this construction, the contractor is subject to provide adequate traffic control and advance messaging of this closure.
Motorists should account for increased travel time, avoid speed, and exercise caution while navigating detours. Work zones pose significant hazards to pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists if breached, emphasizing the need to strictly adhere to safety precautions and traffic control.
The SFCPWD and the Contractor apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank the public for their patience and understanding during the construction.
For more information and additional safety resources, please contact Mike Hart, Project Manager III at mhart@santafecountynm.gov.
Further project information is available on the project website at www.sfcconnectors.com.
Roof J Stucco Repairs beginning April 23, 2024

Repairs will include roof area above East Wing. There will be some construction noise while work is in progress for 1-2 weeks, weather permitting.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE WHILE WE PROVIDE NECESSARY IMPROVEMENTS
Andrea Mueller, Facilities & Operations Assistant Director &
Campus Planning | andrea.mueller1@sfcc.edu | 505.930.9781
PROTEC offers free 21st Century Skills Training in June; apply now

Apply now for training June 4–June 18 with an opportunity for a paid internship
SFCC in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Connections announce applications are open for a free training intensive to earn MicroCredentials in Google, Microsoft and Apple applications. Participants can jumpstart their careers by learning new technology through hands-on classes and internships. Qualified applicants will be eligible to earn up to $1400. For more information, program details and to apply visit https://www.protecsantafe.com/
The Professional Readiness and Technical Experience for Careers (PROTEC) program begins June 4 and classroom training runs through June 18 at the Santa Fe Higher Education Center, 1950 Siringo Road. Those who complete the program successfully can intern with local employers from June 24 through August 31. The hands-on intensive program gives students the opportunity to work with cloud-based technology, including AI, to increase workplace collaboration, communication and productivity.
The MicroCredential PROTEC badge includes a minimum of 30-hours in basic proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Apple and Google Workspace, GPTChat, customer service and application of current social media tools. Students will update their resume and create a professional LinkedIn page. Classes are designed and taught by working business technology professionals.
Participant requirements: Students must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent. For applications visit protecsantafe.com.
PROTEC offers preparatory training for entry-level employment in a variety of industries and is designed for individuals who are currently unemployed, underemployed or looking to increase their employability in New Mexico.
For more information about the PROTEC program contact SFCC Continuing Education program at 505-428-1676 or ce@sfcc.edu.
Games and Puzzles in the Library



This month, the SFCC Library presents a series of displays celebrating the New York Times’ daily puzzles! Come see our selection of 5-letter titles (WORDLE), as well as beautiful books on mosaics (TILES) and modernist photographer Paul Strand (STRANDS).
Play SPELLING BEE on our whiteboard in front, or try your hand at our special CONNECTIONS game on the mezzanine level. Also, jigsaw puzzles are back in the Reading Room—come by for a brain break!
Robot Resist STEM Kits available at SFCC Library
Free Robot Resist STEM kits are available for kids ages 4-7 at the SFCC library. All materials are included in the kits courtesy of the Santa Fe Children’s Museum.
Come by the SFCC library to pick up a kit to use to explore resistance with your kids! Kits are available during the library’s regular hours.
For more information contact: valerie.nye@sfcc.edu


Increase in scams impacting our community – a message from SFCC CIO Cori Bergen
I wanted to take a moment to let you know that we are seeing an increase in scams affecting our community.
These scams may come in the form of phone calls, email, text messages, and online or print ads. Scammers will use available information and manipulation to try to coerce you into giving up personal information, money, or both.
Here are a couple common scams to watch out for:
Employment: Scammers may advertise extremely lucrative and flexible jobs. They will charge a fee or request information before you can apply. Only apply for jobs that you have researched and found on reputable sites.
Tech Support: These are often phone calls, malicious ads, or text messages that claim a device or computer has been hacked. They may direct you to a website to install a tool, which is the hack. You will then be asked to pay money to recover the device.
Remember that Microsoft and other companies will not contact you about your hacked device.
Impostor: You may be contacted by a person claiming to be a government official. They may claim to be able to cancel your social security number or a visa unless you provide them with information or money.
Financial Aid: They may require you to pay up front fees, promise loan forgiveness, or ask for your FAFSA username and password. You do not need to pay to apply for the FAFSA or scholarships and should never share your passwords with anyone.
Here are a few ways you can protect yourself:
- Remember that anyone can be a target.
- Be skeptical about unsolicited requests for information or money.
- Confirm requests and information using known reliable sources.
- Secure your devices and accounts.
- Monitor and configure privacy settings of online and social media accounts and limit what you post.
- Continue to Educate yourself and your family about fraud and scams. Cisa.gov and FTC.gov are good sources for more information. I’ve included a few relevant links at the end of this message.
Thank you for your time,
Cori Bergen
Chief Information Officer
SFCC
Greenhouse STEM kits now available for kids 4-7 at SFCC Library

Greenhouse STEM Kits are now available at the SFCC Library.
Free Greenhouse STEM Kits are available for kids ages 4-7. All materials are included in the kits courtesy of the Santa Fe Children’s Museum. For more information, contact SFCC Library Director Valerie Nye at valerie.nye@sfcc.edu or call 50-428-1506.
Student Car Club got super-charged with students from The MASTERS Program

The Santa Fe New Mexican reporter Maya Hilty and photo editor Jim Weber came to the April 26 Broken Parts Car Show for the story, “Students and longtime enthusiasts bond over love for cars.” The reporter interviewed both students from The MASTERS Program (TMP), as well as the Director of Automotive Technologies Julia Furry. The story explains how TMP students have formed a club to learn more about cars. The club is open to any SFCC student, but has attracted TMP students, who come to the Automotive Technologies Center on Fridays. Club members learn from each other and community college instructors, often doing projects such as updating the transmission or brakes on their own cars.
In the story here’s what Julia Furry shared: “One of the things that we really love about this is we have the younger generation that loves cars, but they don’t have the money,” said Julia Furry, Santa Fe Community College Automotive Technologies director. “They look to the older generation, and these guys are coaching them on how to get a job, how to fix things and how you can grow into owning something like a Ferrari.” Members of the Santa Fe Vintage Car club often participate in the car shows, along with other car enthusiasts.
From the story, it seems everyone got a kick out of seeing Mushi Paglayan’s “kid-size Barbie Jeep” started by adding gas and a little coaxing. It was noted that Kian LeMasters worked with him on the project for over a year to be able to compete in the show.
Check out photos that Ben Lauer got at the car show. Click on images to see them larger.

















Let Campus Weekly share your news!
Let us know about your accomplishments and other news that you’d like to share. Please remember that the deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday to get an item in the next week’s issue. Submit here.
Students
- Now Hiring – New Student Orientation Leaders
- Morning Tea Pastry Final was sweet!
- Ableton Live Class presented electronic music showcase
- Campus Cupboard business hours through May 15
- Summer and fall registration now open
- Family Friendly Study Hours are from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursdays in the Library Family Study Room
- Explore opportunities to work with young children
- Follow Student Parent Success Program on social media!
- Financial Aid News
- East Wing Eatery is hiring students
- Counseling services available for students
- Apply now for AwardSpring Scholarships
- Schedule an online FAFSA appointment
- Student Recruitment Ambassador needed
- Campus Cupboard seeking student employees
- Students: need childcare? Make sure you’re on the Kids Campus waitlist
- Student Resource Center is here for you
Student Weekly Connection May 10, 2024
Get the latest news from Student Affairs!
Now Hiring – New Student Orientation Leaders
Interested in a job that will give you leadership, problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills?
Apply now to be a New Student Orientation (NSO) Leader! Students must apply for financial aid, but are not required to qualify!

Morning Tea Pastry Final was sweet!

The SFCC campus was able to sample students’ pastry treats for the Morning Tea Pastry Final. The pastries got rave reviews and those who indulged said there was an amazing assortment of sweet treats.
Ableton Live Class presented electronic music showcase

SFCC students, including employees Carey Thompson and Jerry Dakan, along with Governing Board Member Xubi Wilson, participated in Jason Goodyear’s semester-end electronic music showcase for the Intro to Ableton Live class. The event, held at Second Street Brewery Rufina, attracted a packed house of supporters. Attendees enjoyed performances by specially crafted musical acts Harmonic sUbl!m3, Hyzerwave, Crossover, and Away-At-Home. In addition to creating incredible music, the class taught students how to develop artist personas and promote and perform to a live audience.
Campus Cupboard business hours through May 15

Summer and fall registration now open
Summer registration opened for all on April 9. Fall registration opens for everyone on Tuesday, April 16. Many popular classes fill quickly, so make sure you are ready to register.
For application and registration information, please visit https://www.sfcc.edu/get-started/apply-and-register/ For more information, call 505-428-1270 or email enrollment-admissions@sfcc.edu.
Not sure of what classes you need for your certificate or associate degree? Visit sfcc.edu/academic-advising/advising-appointments/ to make an appointment with an academic advisor.
Family Friendly Study Hours are from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursdays in the Library Family Study Room

Explore opportunities to work with young children
There are three options at SFCC to build your résumé, gain early childhood work experience and get paid! Check out the APRENDE Early Childhood Teacher Apprenticeship Program, apply for work study positions at Kids Campus by contacting StudentEmployment@sfcc.edu, or Child Care On Call worker positions.

Follow Student Parent Success Program on social media!

Financial Aid News: 2024-2025 FAFSA now open ; SFCC scholarship and loan applications open
The Department of Education announced that the newly overhauled 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, opened to students and families by December 31, 2023.
The SFCC Spring 2024 Scholarship Application will be available on January 2, 2024.
The SFCC Spring 2024 Student Loan Application will be available on January 2, 2024.
Questions? Call 505-428-1268 or email finaid@sfcc.edu.
East Wing Eatery is hiring student employees
The East Wing Eatery needs student employees. Contact Rosina Chaparro at rosina.chaparro@sfcc.edu to learn more and apply.

Counseling services available for students

Apply now for AwardSpring Scholarships

Schedule an online FAFSA appointment

Seeking Student Recruitment Ambassador
Are you outgoing and enjoy working with people? Join our student recruitment team!
The Office of Recruitment and Student Outreach is hiring a Student Recruitment Ambassador to assist with leading campus tours for individuals and large groups, to support SFCC’s Recruitment and Dual Credit team and assist with projects as needed. Our Ambassador will also participate in community and Santa Fe Public School events like college and career fairs and application drives.
Please contact Daniela Gurule at daniela.gurule@sfcc.edu or 505-428-1149 if you are interested!



Interested in helping others? Campus Cupboard is seeking student employees
Interested in helping others? Campus Cupboard is hiring three Students as Campus Cupboard, The Exchange and Office Ambassadors.
Interested call 505-428-1582 or email maria.eleas@sfcc.edu
Students will work a maximum 20 hours per week. Must be registered for at least 3 CR in summer and 6 CR in fall and maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA. Pay is $15/hour. Students do not need to be work-study eligible.
Ambassadors make a difference by providing excellent customer service, completing and fulfilling online and in-person orders, coordinating on-campus delivery events, maintaining inventory reports and ensuring products are readily available, maintaining a positive atmosphere, ensuring the cleanliness of space, and providing other opportunities to make a difference. Assist with campus events and activities. Ambassadors may have some physical requirements to fulfill.
Students: Need childcare? Make sure you’re on the Kids Campus waitlist

When a spot comes available at the Kids Campus, students get priority placement. Kids Campus wants to support student parents and hopes that those needing childcare will get on the waitlist.
Children of degree-seeking SFCC students, SFCC employees, and full-time students at the Higher Education Center are prioritized for placement to support a two-generation philosophy of education at the college.
Visit the Kids Campus website for more information. Students receive a 10% discount on the cost of Kids Campus and N.M. Early Childhood Education and Care Development offers Child Care Assistance to income-eligible students.
Student Resource Center is here for you
Connect with Community Resources
The Student Resource Center focuses on providing information to students about resources throughout the community and providing appropriate referrals to agencies. The resources focus on basic needs such as: housing and shelter, food, legal services, transportation, childcare services, utility payment assistance, and physical and mental health services. All services are free and confidential.
Conèctese con los Recursos de la Comunidad El Centro de Recursos para Estudiantes se enfoca en proporcionar información a los estudiantes sobre los recursos en toda la comunidad y proporcionar referencias apropiadas a las agencias. Los recursos se centran en necesidades básicas como: vivienda y refugio, alimentos, servicios legales, transporte, servicios de cuidado infantil, asistencia para el pago de servicios públicos y servicios de salud física y mental. Todos los servicios son gratuitos y confidenciales.
505–428-1194 | resourcecenter@sfcc.edu | www.sfcc.edu/offices/student-resource-center
Employees
- SFCC honored employees at Service Awards on May 2
- English and Communications Department newsletter
- Advisor Jonathan Harrell to perform in “Seeds” May 16-19
- April 2024 WOW award – Carla Benavidez
- Pet of the Month – May
- Procedures Update for SFCC Policy 2-7 Admission of International Students
- SFCC Employee Community Garden
- Sarah Hood accepted into CJCLS Mentoring Program
- Summer Online Teaching & Learning Training Opportunities
- Pet of the Month Update
- Defensive Driving Certification Class May 22
- Policy Update: 8-4 Conference Services, Facilities Rental, and Public Expression
- Duplicating Center accepting photos for SFCC Pet of the Month
- Generative AI Syllabus Policy Consults
- WOW awards – nominate an outstanding coworker today!
- CHESS Connection Newsletter
- Opt-In to get Student Parent Success newsletter
SFCC honored employees at Service Awards on May 2
SFCC celebrated employee Service Awards on May 2 in the Jemez Rooms. Congratulations to all of the recipients! Please click on the images of the program below to see it larger.


Here are some images from the festivities. Please click on images to make larger.























English and Communications Department newsletter now available
Kate McCahill, English and Communications Department Chair has shared the latest newsletter.
Click link below to read the PDF: https://www.sfcc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ENGL_COMM_SPR_24_Newsletter.pdf.

Advisor Jonathan Harrell to perform in Ironweed Productions’ “Seeds: A Tapestry in 5 Scenes” by Scott Harrison May 16-19

Visit https://www.ironweedsantafe.com to learn more and https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/Ironweed/6989 purchase tickets.
Academic Advisor Jonathan Harrell is one of nine actors performing in “Seeds: A Tapestry in 5 Scenes” by Scott Harrison The play is produced by Ironweed Productions and will be presented at Teatro Paraguas for one weekend only, May 16-19. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Harrell says, “I’m excited to be part of this production of original plays. They touch on a lot in short amounts of time: life, death, memory, family. The piece that I’m in involves a grandson visiting his ailing grandmother, maybe for the last time, and the unexpected but profound connections that they share in those brief moments. Time plays a big role throughout all the pieces. We’re reminded that we only have so much time in this life.”
April 2024 WOW award – Carla Benavidez
Congratulations to April 2024 WOW Award winner Carla Benavidez! Carla was nominated by Monika Bechtel:
“Carla Benavidez is very professional, kind, friendly worker who goes always that extra mile to make sure to answer any of my questions, helps me with whatever problem I have and does it in timely manner. She is always super helpful and is just a joy to work with”

Please be sure to nominate who you think is doing a great job here at SFCC. The submission form can be found at the SFCC Connect portal, or by reaching out to Donna Castro at donna.castro@sfcc.edu.
Pet of the Month – May

May’s Pet of the Month belongs to Janelle Johnson!

Procedures Update for SFCC Policy 2-7 Admission of International Students
POLICY UPDATE: The Procedures for SFCC Policy 2-7 Admission of International Students have been updated. For more information about Policy 2-7 and its Procedures, please contact Nicole Ferreira, Ph.D., Academic Advisor and International Coordinator, Principal Designated School Official.
SFCC Employee Community Garden
SFCC’s Director of the Innovation Center Ondine Frauenglass announced that the SFCC Employee Community Garden, outside the East Wing Eatery, will offer the garden boxes for adoption to SFCC departments. For example the Film program has volunteers who will cultivate one of the boxes. Any SFCC Employee who is interested in participating can contact Ondine Frauenglass at ondine.frauenglass@sfcc.edu This is a pilot project to set up a community garden on campus and to revitalize the Culinary Garden area.
There will be weekly information and planning sessions outside the East Wing Eatery in the Garden from 4- 6 p.m. Wednesdays (starting on April 24 through May 15).
The first group workday was from 4 to 6 p.m. May 1.

Sarah Hood accepted into CJCLS Mentoring Program
Please join SFCC in congratulating Sarah Hood for being accepted into the Community and Junior Colleges Libraries Section (CJCLS) Mentoring Program for the 2024-25 academic year. Sarah will be mentoring other community college librarians, staff, and/or MLS college students interested in community college librarianship. This is a wonderful opportunity for leadership as well as representing SFCC. CJCLS is a division of the Association of College & Research Libraries. Congratulations, Sarah Hood.

Summer Online Teaching & Learning Training Opportunities
Visit https://qualitymatters.org/PD-schedule for the Quality Matters Workshop schedule. Contact Michelle Renteria michelle.renteria@sfcc.edu to register.

Pet of the Month Update – January through April
Here are the Duplicating Center’s Pets Of the Month for January through April! Click the photos for a larger image.




Could your pet be next? Submit your pet of the month photo!
Send pictures of your pet to DuplicatingCenter@sfcc.edu. Each month a pet will be chosen, and notepads will be available with their picture. The proud owner will receive a 36×36 poster of their pet.
The Duplicating Center hopes to collect enough pictures to create a 2025 SFCC Pet Calendar.
Requirements:
- Must be a your own photo, no professional portraits
- Must be submitted by the last week of each month
Contact Michael at the Duplicating Center with questions.
Defensive Driving Certification Class May 22
As per policy 5-10, everyone is required to take a Defensive Driving Class prior to operating SFCC vehicles.

The next Defensive Driving Class has been scheduled for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday May 22, 2024 in the West Wing area in room 212. (Please arrive promptly or it will cause the class to go further in time.)
To receive full credit for the class, you must arrive promptly at 8 a.m. and attend the full 4-5 hours.
Please register by calling or emailing:
jackie.Gutierrez@sfcc.edu X 1756
steve.silva@sfcc.edu X 1403
Please provide the following information when you call or email us to make a reservation for the class:
- Full name of individual attending.
- Individual’s New Mexico driver license number; and a copy of the individuals driver’s license if not already on file
- Department Name
- Fleet vehicles are a great cost-effective way for employees to travel for work related reasons without incurring any personal vehicle expense and having to wait for a reimbursement.
If you have any questions about the program or the classes, please call Jackie or Steve at the numbers listed above.
Policy Updates
Policy 8-4 Conference Services, Facilities Rental,
and Public Expression
Last month, the Governing Board approved Policy 8-4 Conference Services, Facilities Rental, and Public Expression. They also approved merging Policy 10-1 Collaborative Use of College Property into Policy 8-4. Therefore, Policy 10-1 has been repealed and is no longer effective. Please click on the link and become familiar with this policy:
· Policy 8-4 Conference Services, Facilities Rental, and Public Expression
For additional information on Policy 8-4, contact Todd Lovato, Chief Communications Officer/Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations. All College Policies and Procedures are posted at SFCC Policies. To learn more, contact Policy Officer Laura J. Mulry, ext. 1776.

Procedures for Policy 6-12 Surveillance Cameras
POLICY UPDATE: Campus Safety & Security Supervisor Chris Gettler has updated the Procedures for Policy 6-12 Surveillance Cameras. The Procedures address Body-Worn Surveillance Cameras, which SFCC’s security officers now wear. Please read through them.
· Policy 6-12 Surveillance Cameras Procedures
For additional information, please reach out: Chris Gettler or security@sfcc.edu.
Policy 8-6 Public Information and News Media
Last month, the Governing Board also approved Policy 8-6 Public Information and News Media. Please click on the link and become familiar with this policy:
· Policy 8-6 Public Information and News Media
For additional information on Policy 8-6, contact Todd Lovato, Chief Communications Officer/Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations. All employees are responsible for adhering to College Policies and Procedures. They are posted at SFCC Policies. To learn more, contact Policy Officer Laura J. Mulry, ext. 1776.
Duplicating Center accepting photos for SFCC Pet of the Month

Send pictures of your pet to DuplicatingCenter@sfcc.edu. Each month a pet will be chosen, and notepads will be available with their picture. The proud owner will receive a 36×36 poster of their pet.
The Duplicating Center hopes to collect enough pictures to create a 2025 SFCC Pet Calendar.
Requirements:
- Must be a your own photo, no professional portraits
- Must be submitted by the last week of each month
Contact Michael at the Duplicating Center with questions.
Generative AI Syllabus Policy Consults with Sarah Hood: one-on-one, small group or departmental
Want to create a Generative AI policy for your syllabus but not sure where to start? Sarah Hood is happy to provide a 1-on-1, small-group or departmental consultation. Book an appointment here: https://forms.gle/D7ziADm7fQPGQ1pV8


WOW awards – nominate an outstanding coworker today!
The Office of Human Resources recognizes WOW recipients for their dedicated work and commitment to Santa Fe Community College.
Please be sure to nominate someone who you think is doing a great job here at SFCC.
The award is a $25.00 gift certificate from Amazon.
The submission form can be found at the SFCC Connect portal, Home » Online Forms/Surveys/Tests » Online Forms » Office of Human Resources or nominate by reaching out to Donna Castro at donna.castro@sfcc.edu.
CHESS Connection Newsletter – April 24, 2024
If you’re wondering what’s happening with Workday, check out the latest CHESS Connection!
This new newsletter combines CHESS Workday Student Project Updates, upcoming training for employees who manage grants in Workday, a new alignment workstream in the SIS project and CHESS website updates.
Opt-In to get Student Parent Success newsletter

Did you know that more than 1 in 5 college students nationally is a parent and that 42% of student parents are enrolled at community colleges? The Student Parent Success Program, a program of the SFCC Early Childhood Center of Excellence, distributes a monthly student parent newsletter, events, and resources to student parents. Please help us reach more student parents – staff and faculty, use this form to opt-in to our emails so that you receive information on events, resources, and opportunities that you can share with student parents: https://forms.office.com/r/fr3gyHqQBC And student parents, use the form on our webpage to opt-in to our emails directly: www.sfcc.edu/family-resources.

New employees: We’d like to get to know you!
Staff Senate is encouraging new staff employees to come to an upcoming Staff Senate to introduce yourselves.
Campus Weekly would also love to introduce new staff and faculty members. Please send us your name, job title, when you started at SFCC, brief bio and photo (it can be a selfie!) to Submit News.
If you’re new to SFCC, we’d love to introduce you to the our community. We’re happy you’re working with us at SFCC!
Congratulations, nursing program graduates!

🎉 Congratulations to the 18 Community College nursing program students who received their pins at the May 9 pinning ceremony. It was a joy to see loved ones and families celebrating alongside SFCC President Becky Rowley, keynote speaker Kate Hansen-Schmitt, Dean Terri Tewart, and the dedicated Nursing Program faculty and staff. Special thanks to student speaker Mallory Tucker, whose inspiring words highlighted the importance of nursing and healthcare, especially during challenging times. Wishing all the graduates a bright and fulfilling journey ahead!
Spring 2024 Nurse Graduates
Associate Degree in Nursing: Jenna Docekal, Glenda Hogan, Lea Loaiza, Alexis Lucero, Brian Martinez, Miranda Montoya, Tania Ornelas, Kamisha Ortega, Kinzu Sherpa, Sara Trujillo, Mitzi Valle-Valdovinos |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Christian Archuleta, Dillon Buckley, Brita Carlson, Shanna Marsh, Emily Thomson, Mallory Tucker, Anjani Ziznewski |
Click on the images to see these larger.













Ongoing news and events
- CE summer registration open; three new partnerships
- Video of Serena Rodriguez reading available
- ‘Leaving Utopia: Miriam Sagan’s reading and discussion” video available
- SF County announces Construction of NE/SE Connector Road(s) resumes
- View video of reading by Diné storyteller Manny Loley, Ph.D.
- STEM Kits – Name Rockets & Robot Necklaces!
Available at the SFCC Library - Videos of reading and creative sessions by poet Janna Lopez available
- Video of SFCC Library reading by Austin Eichelberger
- Ongoing construction on Beckner Road: right turns only
- SFCC Library has launchpad tablets to lend for 3- to 5-year-old kids
CE summer registration open; three new partnerships
The Summer Continuing Education Schedule is now available online. Print copies can be found in the racks at Santa Fe Community College, the Santa Fe Higher Education Center and around town. Visit https://www.sfcc.edu/ce for tips on registering and to view the variety of offerings. With dozens of classes offered, there are many opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Nicholas Wernicki, Associate Dean of Continuing Education and Contract Training said, “Santa Fe Community College Continuing Education is excited to welcome three new community partners this summer that will expand our offerings in gardening, traditional New Mexico art forms, and storytelling through the lens of art and artist. The summer catalog itself is a piece of art with a colorful cover that features Wendy Rodrigue Magnus, wife of the late artist George Rodrigue. Wendy is bringing Rodrigue’s Blue Dog art and storytelling to the Four Seasons for two experiences this July. I think all these classes will be wildly popular with the communities we serve.”
The new partners include the Rodrigue Life and Legacy Foundation, New Mexico State’s College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (Santa Fe County Extension) and the Spanish Colonial Arts Society.
Rodrigue Life and Legacy Foundation partners with CE
Wendy Rodrigue Magnus is the founder of the Rodrigue Life and Legacy Foundation, a non-profit organization that inspires children of all ages and backgrounds with unique programming centered on the life and art of American artist George Rodrique (1944-2013).
Today, Wendy is married to Douglas Magnus of Santa Fe, a renowned silversmith and photographer, as well as owner of the Tiffany Cerrillos turquoise mine. Douglas Magnus was a close friend and artistic collaborator to George Rodrigue and often accompanies Wendy on the Life & Legacy Tour. Magnus also produces the “Rodrigue Video Narrative,” a library of short films highlighting individual Rodrigue artworks.
Wendy Rodrigue Magnus will teach these classes this summer:
- Reflections of George Rodrigue’s New Mexico (12:30 to 4 p.m. July 8)
Join Wendy Rodrigue Magnus at the Four Seasons Resort as she shares selections of her late husband’s original Santa Fe-inspired artwork in an intimate and unplugged art and storytelling experience. A New Orleans-inspired lunch by the Four Seasons is included. - Blue Dog & the Healing Art of Storytelling (12:30 to 4 p.m. July 29)
Wendy Rodrigue Magnus presents a personal and provocative session using art and storytelling as tools for expanded thinking, emotional growth, and cultural awareness at the Four Seasons Resort. Wendy leads the class on a journey of illness, death, and grief as a path to living and joy. She reminds us, through George’s story and her own, that one person can change the world. A New Orleans-inspired lunch by the Four Seasons is included.
NMSU College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (Santa Fe County Extension campus)
This summer get tips on water conservation and growing techniques from the classes through NMSU’s Santa Fe County Extension campus in these classes:
- Harvesting Water in Landscape and Land Remediation (10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 2)
- Gardening with Native Plants (10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 9)
- Container and Small Space Herb Gardens (10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 16)
The Spanish Colonial Arts Society
Through the partnership with The Spanish Colonial Arts Society you can gain a behind the scenes tour and lecture of their extensive collection of treasures in this class:
- Heritage Arts of New Mexico (10 a.m.-noon July 16)
Continuing Education offers many more classes throughout the summer. Advance registration is required for all CE classes through SFCC’s Continuing Education program.
If you have questions about the schedule or where to get a print copy, contact Continuing Education at ce@sfcc.edu or 505-428-1676. The CE staff can help you complete your registration. Follow SFCC Continuing Education on social media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn.
Video of Serena Rodriguez reading available
SFCC Library hosted speaker writer Serena Rodriguez online for a reading for the Writing Generation series on March 20.
Serena Rodriguez’s work has been published in Poetry, Inverted Syntax, Santa Fe Literary Review, and Revolute, among others; she was the winner of the Santa Fe Accolades Poetry Contest 2017 and The Roadrunner Review Poetry Prize 2022 and was a 2020 Loraine Williams Poetry Prize finalist for The Georgia Review. She graduated from the Institute of American Indian Arts with an MFA in Creative Writing. Serena works as a Creative Writing Visiting Professor at IAIA.
See the video of Serena Rodriguez’s March reading below:
Please note: May Final Attendee Reading (to shed the spotlight on the online event participants and attendees), will be at 6 p.m. May 1.
‘Leaving Utopia: Miriam Sagan’s reading and discussion” video available
The video of Miriam Sagan’s reading and discussion of Leaving Utopia is now available for viewing. The reading was sponsored by SFCC Library.
To learn more about the reading and her novella, “Commune of the Golden Sun,” read the press release about the March 19 event.
SF County announces Construction of NE/SE Connector Road(s) resumes

This message is from Santa Fe County:
Effective March 18, 2024, construction will resume on the Northeast and Southeast Connector Roads project after its winter suspension, Santa Fe County announced today.
Construction will commence with road paving operations on the Northeast Connector east of Richards Ave. to existing Rabbit Road. Future phasing of work will be announced as work proceeds.
Limited work continued, however, throughout the winter suspension (12-15-23 through 3-18-24) allowing for some drainage and concrete work to be completed. Additionally, approximately 50% of the broadband conduit and related infrastructure was installed. To date, approximately 95% of the earthwork and 85% of waterline and drainage culverts have been installed, with two of the six roundabouts open to traffic.
Residents, please be aware that during paving operations on the Northeast Connector, public access within the work zones is strictly prohibited. Traffic control and barricades will also be in place along the following construction zones:
- Southeast Connector south of Rabbit Road to Ave del Sur.
- Ave Del Sur east of Richards Ave to the Southeast Connector.
These work zones pose significant hazards to pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists if breached, emphasizing the need to strictly adhere to safety precautions. Santa Fe County prioritizes constituent safety, urging all pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists to respect road closures and take precautions when navigating work zones.
For more information and additional safety resources, please contact Johnny Baca, Project Manager III at jpbaca@santafecountynm.gov.
Further project information is available on the project website at: https://www.sfcconnectors.com.
View video of reading by Diné storyteller Manny Loley, Ph.D.
Diné storyteller Manny Loley, Ph.D., had an online reading on Feb. 21 for The Writing Generation Series and had a follow-up free online creative writing session on Feb. 28.
This free online series is open to the public and consists of two types of events: Readings by writers and creative sessions when attendees will be given writing prompts and time to write. Register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WritingGenSpring24. Registrants will receive a Zoom link the morning of the event.
Read Manny Loley’s bio and more in the press release.
Check out Manny Loley’s reading his poetry on Feb. 22. You will get the opportunity to hear what his work sounds like in both in the Navajo language and English.
For more information on The Writing Generation Series, please contact SFCC Library Director Valerie Nye at valerie.nye@sfcc.edu or 505-428-1506.
STEM Kits – Name Rockets & Robot Necklaces!
Available at the SFCC Library
Free Name Rocket and Robot Necklace STEM Kits are available for kids ages 4-7 at the SFCC Library. All materials are included in the kits courtesy of the Santa Fe Children’s Museum.
The number of kits we have are limited, so come by the library soon!
For more information contact: valerie.nye@sfcc.edu

CE art exhibition continues outside room 567 through mid-May


SFCC’s Continuing Education hosted an art opening on Feb. 1. The art exhibit on display outside of Room 567 features work by CE instructors, as well as talented CE students. The art work will be on display until mid-May. Continuing Education offers more than two dozen art courses throughout the year. Browse through the CE catalog and learn more by visiting sfcc.edu/offices/continuing-education/ or email ce@sfcc.edu for more information. Thank you to Bella Marie for sharing the photos!
Videos of reading and creative sessions by poet Janna Lopez available
Video of SFCC Library reading by Austin Eichelberger
SFCC Library and the SFCC Creative Writing program sponsored a reading with Austin Eichelberger from his novel in progress, “The Longdream.” Check out the video.
SFCC Library has launchpad tablets to lend for 3- to 5-year-old kids

The SFCC Library has six Launchpad learning tablets for children ages 3-5 years old. Launchpad learning tablets are loaded with apps, videos, storybooks, games just for kids. 100% secure. No internet needed. With an SFCC ID these tablets designed for kids can be used in the library’s Family Study Room and they can be checked out with headphones for four weeks at a time.
The Launchpad titles available at the SFCC Library are:
Estoy Listo Para Escuela, Food for Thought!, Learning Castle!
Pawsitively Scientific, Puppy Talk!, and School of Fun. Stop by the library’s main desk to request a Launchpad tablet. Questions? Contact the library at: library@sfcc.edu or 505-428-1352.
Ongoing construction on Beckner Road; right turns only

Yay! The roundabout at Richards Ave. and Dinosaur Trail is now open. Please note: Some construction on Rabbit Road and other parts of Dinosaur Trail continues. Also, The Santa Fe New Mexican ran a story on Dec. 31 stating that the City is allowing right hand turns only on Beckner Road.

Here’s the official notice from Santa Fe County:
The Santa Fe County Public Works Department is excited to announce an early opening of the newly constructed roundabout at Richards Avenue and Dinosaur Trail. Effective Friday, October 20, 2023, at 3:00 pm Richards Ave will be fully operational and open to traffic. This is the second of six roundabouts slated for the Northeast and Southeast Connectors Roads Project.
While we are satisfied to reopen Richards Avenue in advance of schedule, we want to inform our residents that the west connection to Dinosaur Trail will be established at a later date. In the interim, the existing signalized intersection located south of this roundabout will remain in full operation to ensure consistent traffic flow. Moreover, the east connection to Rabbit Road is currently under construction and will be opened at a later date.
On September 11, 2023, the contractor commenced work on this roundabout with the strict timeline to complete and reopen Richards Ave within (60) calendar days. Due to an aggressive schedule and optimum weather, this work was completed in (40) days.
This is a great example of the commitment made by Santa Fe County to the community, to streamline any disruptions to traffic while we complete this important road project. Santa Fe County envisions the Northeast and Southeast Connectors Roads project as the most dynamic transportation conduit of the Community College District, strengthening connectivity and safety in this growing community.
For additional information regarding the project, please visit www.sfcconnectors.com or contact Johnny Baca, Project Manager 3, at jpbaca@santafecountynm.gov.
For any future road updates please sign up for Alert Santa Fe.
Re: Beckner Road. According to a Nov. 2 story in the Santa Fe New Mexican, Beckner Road will have ongoing construction for six to eight months. Read the story, “Beckner “Road to be closed for six to eight more months, city says” A story in the Dec. 30 issue of the Santa Fe New Mexican stated, “Santa Fe says Beckner Road is all right (turns) for now”
Required COVID-19 Reporting
SFCC continues to monitor and follow guidance from public health officials and state and local government on mitigating and addressing exposure to COVID-19. The State of New Mexico and New Mexico Higher Education Department recently announced they will no longer require the reporting of COVID-19 cases amongst student, staff, and faculty who are on campus via the Rapid Response Submission Portal.
Our college continues to take the transmission and threat of infectious diseases seriously and we remain committed to keeping our community as safe as possible. Please note the following:
- The college no longer requires reporting of COVID-19 positive cases to SFCC’s Contact Tracing Team.
- However, it is very important we continue keep each other safe and follow health and safety best practices. The college continues to follow guidelines from the CDC Quarantine and Isolation Calculator, which details the following:
- You should isolate from others when you have COVID-19.
- You should also isolate if you are sick and suspect that you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results.
- Ending isolation is detailed on the CDC’s Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19 webpage – “Ending Isolation”.
- Positive or suspected positive individuals should coordinate closely with supervisors to make appropriate accommodations, as well as reporting for absences using regular sick leave.
- If you are out of sick leave and contracted COVID-19, please contact the Office for Human Resources to determine if other options are available to you.
- The college custodial staff continues its rigorous cleaning and disinfecting protocols, which includes a campus-wide daily schedule, with emphasis on bathrooms, and higher traffic and enclosed spaces.
- Additionally, Facilities and Operations staff have made significant improvements to college ventilation and filtration systems and those systems are up and running.
The College will continue to follow best practices, community levels, and infectious disease developments.

Museum STEP Passes available at Library
With the STEP Pass, you and up to 5 people can use the card for free admission to:
- Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
- Santa Fe Children’s Museum
- IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Art
- Santa Fe Botanical Garden
Passes check out for two weeks at a time.
For more information contact: library@sfcc.edu.

OIT Service Desk Hours
Phone service 24 hours a day Mon. – Fri.
On November 1st the OIT Service Desk extended its phone hours to better serve students, staff and faculty.
Phone Hours
505-428-1222
Monday – Friday: 24 hours
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Office Hours
Room 528
Monday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to noon
Sunday: Closed
04/15/2024, Santa Fe New Mexican, “SFCC to introduce new program in critical care”
04/07/2024, Santa Fe New Mexican, “Water Matters: Spring into Action”
04/07/2024, Santa Fe New Mexican, “Smartboard April 8, 2024 – SFCC announces summer continuing education classes”
04/03/2024, Albuquerque Journal, “Deadly strike in Gaza hits home in New Mexico”
04/03/2024, Santa Fe New Mexican, “SFCC biofuels team among finalists in nationwide algae competition”
03/30/2024, Santa Fe New Mexican, “MY VIEW BECKY ROWLEY – SFCC celebrates 40 years of student success”
03/27/2024, Los Alamos Daily Post, “SFCC Celebrates Community College Month In April”
03/23/2024, Santa Fe New Mexican, “MY VIEW LINDA OSBORNE – Change a life: Become a literacy tutor”
03/23/2024, Santa Fe New Mexican, “New city historian sees second stint in the role as chance to share Santa Feans’ stories”
03/20/2024, Santa Fe New Mexican, “New Mexico state, federal lawmakers look to boost college enrollment, graduation”
03/16/2024, Los Alamos Daily Post, “SFCC Hosts Broken Parts Car Club Show April 26”
03/13/2024, Santa Fe Reporter, “3 Questions with Writer Miriam Sagan”
03/12/2024, Santa Fe New Mexican, “Road construction near Santa Fe Community College resumes Monday”
03/04/2024, Santa Fe New Mexican, “Santa Fe remembers pandemic losses at annual memorial”
02/29/24, Los Alamos Daily Post, “Santa Fe Community College Foundation Announces Two Presentations By Michael Zeiler About Upcoming Eclipse”
02/28/2024, Santa Fe Reporter, “SFCC Faculty to Board: Full-time Salaries Barely Living Wage”
02/29/2024, Santa Fe New Mexican, “Santa Fe Community College faculty pushes board for higher wages.”
02/22/2024, KUNM radio, “Workforce bills would add funds for apprenticeships and trainings”
02/21/2024, USGB.org, “Youth Climate Action panelists announced; 2024 Green Schools Conference.” Article cites SFCC GED grad Magnificent Farrell in story.
02/20/2024, KRQE-TV, “Teahouse participates in Restaurant Week.” Story focuses on focuses on Executive Chef Martin Blanco who studied Culinary Arts at SFCC.
02/19/2024, KRQE-TV, “New Mexico college is turning campus into family-friendly environment.”
02/15/2024, Community College Daily, “Newmakers.” Article highlights Mayra Gutierrez.
02/14/2024, Los Alamos Daily Post, “SFCC Library presents leaving utopia; A Reading and Discussion with Miriam Sagan.”
02/12/2024, Education News North Carolina, “A long time educator and advocate for the deaf wins statewide award for interpreting” Kimberly Martin-Engel (Kim Martin) was awarded the AAS in American Sign Language Interpreting from SFCC on 5/12/2000.
01/28/2024, Santa Fe New Mexican, Celebrations, Jan. 28, 2024 – Faces & place. Mayra Gutierrez is the new director of the state’s office for the home-visiting program First Born and More, based in the Early Childhood Center of Excellence at the college.
01/24/2024, EdNC, “North Carolina once led the way in early childhood policy and investment. Five other states are showing us how to do it again.” Story cites progress in New Mexco and includes quote from Catron Allred, ECCOE director.
01/20/2024, Santa Fe New Mexican, “MY VIEW LENNY GANNES- SFCC is losing faculty because of pay”
01/19/2024, Santa Fe New Mexican, “Out There! – LISTEN UP Self-conversation starters.” Story about SFCC Library’s Writing Generation Series.
01/16/2024, Santa Fe New Mexican, “Parents of young woman killed in hit-and-run on I-25 still hope for answers” Story about SFCC student Maeve Long, who passed.
01/15/2024, Santa Fe New Mexican, “Internship program paves the way to film industry jobs”
01/15/2024, Albuquerque Business First, “New Santa Fe internship program looks to give residents pathway to work in film.”
01/14/2024, KRQW, “Tax prep, help offered at Santa Fe Community College campus”
01/12/2024, Santa Fe New Mexican Pasatiempo, “Love is the not-so-secret ingredient in the pies at Harry’s Roadhouse” Story is about SFCC Culinary Arts program grad Pastry Chef Karina Lira.
01/12/2024, Santa Fe New Mexican, “Appointments open for AARP Foundation tax help at SFCC campus”
01/09/2024, Santa Fe New Mexican, “Santa Fe County seeks UNM study on global sustainability center”
01/09/2024, Santa Fe New Mexican, “Clay statue of Aztec god makes stop at Southside Branch Library”
01/08/2024, Rio Rancho Observer, “Sen. Heinrich Tours Santa Fe Community College”
01/05/2024, KRQE, “Santa Fe groups come together to pioneer film internship program”
01/02/2024, Santa Fe Reporter, “25 Things We Love About Santa Fe Right Now.” Stories cites East Wing Eatery.