Cardinal Spotlight Presidents Newsletter

ISSUE NO: 2 • DECEMBER 13, 2024

SVC President Chris Villa welcomes you to the first digital SVC newsletter

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PRESIDENT'S HOLIDAY MESSAGE

Dear SVC Community,



As we approach this holiday season, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your hard work, dedication, and resilience throughout the year. This time of year invites us to reflect on our journey together, celebrating our achievements and learning from the challenges we’ve faced.


In the spirit of compassion, I urge all of us to reach out to one another, to share kindness, and to support those in our community who may need a little extra love and care during this festive time. Let’s embrace the opportunity to connect and uplift each other.


Happy holidays to you all, and I look forward to an exciting year ahead! 

Warmest wishes. Feliz Navidad.


With gratitude,



Chris

Athletics spotlight graphic
2024 Women's Volleyball team

SVC Cardinals Women's Volleyball Team

2024 NWAC Volleyball Champions!

Congratulations to the Cardinal Volleyball Team! On Dec. 10, the community came together to celebrate the volleyball team’s NWAC championship win in the Knutzen Cardinal Center. The SVC Board of Trustees honored the volleyball team at its Dec. 10 meeting. 


Coach Joe Amaral and the volleyball team had an incredible season, finishing 33-4 and defeating the 3-time reigning NWAC champion, Linn-Benton, in a thrilling 5-set match, snapping their 89-match winning streak. 

 

Congratulations to all the athletes, coaches, and the SVC athletic department on this AMAZING achievement!



Go Cards!

Dr Villa and the cardinal at the celebration
SVC Celebrates the Women's volleyball championship season
President Villa awarding one of the players

The SVC Cardinal, VP of Student Services Dr. Claire Penado, Coach Joe Amaral, Athletic Director Mitch Freeman, and Dr. Villa join in the volleyball celebration.

Coach Amaral with Board of Trustee members

Coach Joe Amaral speaks with Board of Trustee members Ozell Jackson, Mariko Doerner, and Carl Bruner.

President Villa speaks with players

Dr. Villa speaks with volleyball players at the Board of Trustees meeting, where they were recognized for their championship season.


Cardinal Excellence Graphic

Oh What Fun!

SVC Employee Holiday Potluck Celebrations


Many employees gathered for the SVC holiday potluck to kick off the holiday season. There were celebrations at each campus. The Whidbey Island campus celebrated on Dec. 3 and the Mount Vernon campus celebrated on Dec. 5.

Dr Villa at the MV party

Dr. Villa addresses faculty and staff who joined in the celebration at the Mount Vernon campus.

HR serving lasagna at MV party

Spreading holiday cheer at both Mount Vernon and Whidbey Island campuses, with plenty of food for all.

MV Holiday party
Plenty of desserts at MV holiday party

Mount Vernon and Whidbey Island Campus Signage Gets a Makeover


Across Mount Vernon and Whidbey Island campuses, you’ll notice newly updated banners. The banners feature a new 3D design and feature our students across various programs at our college. You’ll also find new exterior signage at the Mount Vernon campus at all the entrances. This is the first phase as we work to update all signage at all of our campuses and centers. More to come!

Banners being installed on Whidbey Island Campus

New double sided banner being installed at the Whidbey Island campus.

New SVC Pole Banners

New banners in English and Spanish at the Mount Vernon campus.

Foundation spotlight graphic
Dr Villa with donors at the Foundation Holiday Party

SVC President, Dr. Christopher Villa, with donors Karen Van De Grift, and Phil Ramon

Celebrating our Donors' Impact on Student Success with SVC Foundation and Friends

 

On Dec. 4, the Skagit Valley College Foundation hosted an evening of celebration at McIntyre Hall, bringing together donors, dedicated Board of Governors, and the passionate staff of Skagit Valley College. This special event was a heartfelt tribute to the generosity and commitment of those who make a profound difference in the lives of our students and the future of our community.

 

College leadership and Foundation representatives expressed their deep gratitude for the unwavering support of our donors. These contributions not only provide essential financial resources but also inspire hope, confidence, and a sense of possibility for our students. Together, we are breaking down barriers to education and paving the way for brighter futures.

 

To everyone who joined us at McIntyre Hall and to all those who support the Skagit Valley College Foundation: thank you for your generosity and belief in the power of education. Your contributions are making a lasting impact, and we are excited to continue this journey together.

 

Here’s to celebrating philanthropy, gratitude, and the incredible power of coming together to create a brighter future!

SVC Foundation Board of Governors (left to right): Janie Beasley, Kathy Doll, Amy Hong, Todd Krantz, John Sternlicht, Vhari Rust-Clark, Danielle Martin, Dave Ryberg, Nancy Rytand-Carey, Charlie Wend, Margaret Rojas. (Not pictured: Isaac Williams, Tim Rawlins, Brian Gentry)


Kathleen Ptrzelka Foundation Executive Director with Donors

Donors Bill Massey, Jr., Kathy Massey, Bill Massey, Shellie Massey, with Foundation Executive Director, Kathleen Petrzelka

SVC Foundation Staff at the Holiday Party

Foundation and Advancement staff, Tanna Baker, Kathy Eldred, Kathleen Petrzelka, James Walters, Anne Clark, and Kylee Dowe

SVC staff at the Holiday party

Student Services staff, Claire Peinado, Amy Gustafson, Darlene Snider, and Brian Murphy

Foundation Give Now
photo of Frank Saul
Photo of Ed May

New Memorial Veterans Education Assistance Fund


The Skagit Valley College Foundation is proud to announce the Frank Saul and Ed Moy Memorial Veterans Education Assistance Fund, created to honor the legacies of Frank Saul and Ed Moy, both World War II veterans who used the GI Bill to further their education and dedicate their careers to teaching.


This fund, made possible by the generosity of George and Sheila Moy Saul, is designed to support Whidbey Island residents who are active-duty military, veterans, or their spouses by providing financial assistance for completing their programs at SVC.



Photos top to bottom: 

World War II veterans Frank Saul and Ed Moy

UPCOMING EVENTS

DECEMBER 2024

  • Nursing Pinning Ceremony, Fri., Dec. 13, 5 p.m, Tarro Theatre
  • Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy Graduation, Sat., Dec. 14, 1 p.m, Tarro Theatre


JANUARY 2025

  • Winter Quarter Starts, Tues., Jan. 7


FEBRUARY 2025

  • Skagit Valley College 22nd Annual SVC Athletic Auction - Sat., Feb. 1, Swinomish Casino and Lodge
  • Board of Trustees Meeting - Tues., Feb. 4, Mount Vernon campus Board Room


For more college events, check out these calendars.

SVC Events
Athletics Website
McIntyre Hall

For more information about the Skagit Valley College President and Leadership Team, visit our webpage at: www.skagit.edu/leadership

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NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT


We will strive to include a wide range of content across the district each month but cannot include everything! If you have content you would like to see included, please click here to access our online submittal form, with approval from your respective VP.