ISSUE NO: 3 • MARCH 20, 2025

Dear SVC community,



While winter quarter is nearing its conclusion and spring is on the horizon, this is a time for both reflection and looking ahead toward new opportunities. In this issue, you will find memorable highlights of campus and community events and activities that celebrate our students, college, and communities.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible work happening across our campuses and centers. I am filled with pride and excitement for the incredible milestones we have achieved together as a Skagit Valley College community. This month, we celebrate not only the perseverance and dedication of our students, faculty, and staff but also a historic achievement that marks a new chapter for our institution. I am thrilled that SVC has officially been designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution! 

This achievement is not just about a number – it is about the vibrant, diverse, and hardworking students who bring unique perspectives and talents to our classrooms and campus life. It is about strengthening our commitment to providing access, supporting student success, and focusing on strategies that welcome both students and the community to our campuses – ensuring that every student – regardless of background – has the opportunity to thrive.

As always, I am grateful for each of you and the dedication you bring to our college and our students in making SVC a beacon of opportunity and excellence. Let’s continue working together to ensure this community is a special place where everyone can thrive. 

With gratitude,

Chris

Cardinal hoops teams have standout seasons

Skagit Valley College’s basketball teams had standout seasons, both advancing to the NWAC Championships. The women’s team finished 18-10, securing second place in the North Region, while the men’s team dominated with a 28-1 record, going undefeated in league play. Several players earned All-Conference honors, and Coach Carl Howell was named NWAC North Division Coach of the Year.

Go Cards!

SVC celebrates student-athletes, raising more than $135k at Annual Athletic Auction

Skagit Valley College (SVC) raised more than $135,000 at its 22nd Annual Athletic Auction on Feb. 1, with more than 300 attendees. The event featured student-athletes Amare Jackson and Sarah Cook sharing their experiences, and SVC’s Brian Murphy was honored for his contributions to athletics. Popular auction items included signed jerseys and exclusive experiences, with proceeds supporting scholarships and operations for SVC’s athletic teams.

SVC achieves HSI designation

It’s time to celebrate! After more than 13 years of planning, SVC is proud to announce that we have achieved the designation of a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). We now join a growing community of colleges and universities recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an HSI. In 2012, Hispanic students consisted of 12% of our full-time degree seeking students. Now, the percentage has grown to 25.3% which makes us eligible to apply for HSI funding. Each of you have contributed to this achievement and I am grateful for your continued dedication to our commitment in expanding educational opportunities and supporting student success. Learn more: skagit.edu/hsi

SVC celebrates Black History Month with Living Voices performance and employee panel

Throughout February, SVC celebrated Black History Month with events including powerful performances, "Fly for Freedom" and "The Right to Dream," by Living Voices and a staff panel discussion featuring SVC employees Dr. Kai Dupe, Dr. Claver Hategekimana, and Toni Nicolas. These events provided opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to engage in meaningful learning and reflection on Black history and experiences.

SVC celebrates Women’s History Month

SVC honored Women’s History Month with a staff panel, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations,” on Monday, March 10 in the Multipurpose Room. Dr. Claire Peinado, Monique McVeigh, and Sandy Jordan served on the panel and shared personal experiences and advice on how to inspire future women leaders.

SVC launches Bachelor of Applied Science

in Early Childhood Education

Starting in fall 2025, Skagit Valley College (SVC) will offer a Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education (BAS-ECE), its sixth bachelor's degree program. The program includes Washington state teaching certification and an early childhood education endorsement, preparing graduates to teach preschool through third grade. Designed to address the growing demand for qualified educators, particularly in low-income and rural districts, the 98-credit, three-year program features hybrid learning, hands-on classroom experience, and a focus on culturally responsive teaching. Learn more: skagit.eu/basece

Skagit Valley College would like to welcome the newest members of the Cardinal family and congratulate those with job changes.

New employees – Welcome aboard!

Esmerelda

Alvarez-Ochoa

Early Childhood Program Specialist 1

Head Start

Julia Alvarez-Vargas

Business Office Assistant

Business Office

Hannah Brann

Early Head Start Lead Teacher

Sydney Busby

Outreach and Recruitment Specialist

Student Services

Dr. Mike Cogan

Vice President for Administrative Services and Chief Financial Officer

Administrative Services

Elizabeth Crookes Multimedia and Digital Content Specialist

College Advancement

Amy Fletcher

IT Business Analyst

Information Technology

Emily Goodman

Program Coordinator

Student Services

Margaret

Zhongqianhui Guan

Instructional Design and eLearning Specialist

eLearning

Lawanda Hampton

HR Manager – Classified and Labor Relations

Human Resources

Valeria Martinez

Program Specialist

Basic Education for Adults

Jonathan McKenzie

Environmental Conservation Faculty

Brittney Neff

Fiscal Specialist

Business Office

Kelly Quinn

Social Work Assistant

Head Start

Tiffany Ramsey

Recruitment and Reception Representative

Human Resources

Dominic Samora, HR Benefits Coordinator Human Resources

Kiana Townsend

Cashier

Mount Vernon Campus

Patia Wiebe-Wright, INVEST Special Education Liaison

UPCOMING EVENTS

APRIL 2025

• President's Monthly Meetings
• Tues., April 15, 2 p.m., Oak Hall, room A306, Whidbey Island Campus
• Thurs., April 17, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Multipurpose Room, Knutzen Cardinal Center, Mount Vernon Campus
• Try a Trade Day
• For Students, Thurs., April 17, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Cafeteria, Knutzen Cardinal Center, Mount Vernon Campus
• For the Community, Wed., April 23, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Cafeteria, Knutzen Cardinal Center, Mount Vernon Campus
• Earth Day Event, Tues., April 22, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Knutzen Cardinal Center and Parking Lot
• Spring Poetry Reading with Lorraine Healy, Mon., April 28, 1-2 p.m., Norwood Cole Library, Mount Vernon Campus 

MAY 2025

• Cardinal Community Day, Mon., May 5, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Mount Vernon Campus
• Spring Poetry Reading with Ricardo Ruiz, Tues., May 13, 12-1 p.m., Multipurpose Room, Knutzen Cardinal Center, Mount Vernon Campus 
• Emerging HSI Consortium, Wed., May 14, 8 a.m-5 p.m., McIntyre Hall Performing Arts and Conference Center
• Career Fair, Thurs., May 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Knutzen Cardinal Center, Mount Vernon Campus

JUNE 2025

• SVC Car Show - Sat., June 7, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Lot L1 and L2 near Lewis Hall, Mount Vernon Campus
• Cardinal Hoops Camp, Mon.-Wed., June 23-25, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Dave DuVall Pavillion, Mount Vernon Campus

For more college events, check out these calendars.

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

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.