Official SLCC Blog

It’s all about opportunity and family for SLCC graduates Fiston Tokenge and Ginette Wathelet from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. “SLCC has a hopeful environment where every student has an opportunity,” said Tokenge. He came to SLCC to pursue an associate degree in criminal justice and felt like he belonged at SLCC right from the start. “At SLCC, they welcome you with both arms and everybody's there to help you succeed,” he said.   Signifying his academic achievement, Tokenge proudly draped his honor braid in criminal justice around his neck and down his graduation gown. Tokenge said he plans to continue his studies in criminal justice at the University of Utah. He advises future SLCC students to figure out what they want to do and “stick with it.” Fiston Tokenge SLCC Commencement 2022 Ginette Wathelet has similar advice, especially for non-English speaking students wanting to go to college. “Some people are scared of learning the language. It's hard to come to English,” ...

Chris Martin, Vice President of Finance and Administration and CFO. Chris Martin Pronouns: He/him/his From: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Degrees earned and institutions: BA, accounting and finance, Abilene Christian University MBA, Amberton University Start date: Feb. 1, 2022 Current title: Vice President for Finance and Administration and CFO Department: Finance and Administration Previous titles: Vice President for Business and Finance, North Idaho College Commercial and corporate banker Why SLCC? I’d been at North Idaho College for eight years, and this position came open and was a great fit for me. Salt Lake Community College is a dynamic institution seen as a leader throughout the Mountain West. Getting to be part of that and learn and help support that was a huge push for me. What are your general plans for SLCC in the upcoming year? Overall, the general plan for me is to ensure that we operate in a sustaina...

Student Eve Campbell is studying baking and pastry making in SLCC's Culinary Arts Program. Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) was ranked as one of the top 20 culinary schools in an annual study compiled by KaTom Restaurant Supply . In reviewing more than 700 schools, KaTom compiled a list of 25 schools, SLCC ranking 17. "Once we compiled data for each institution [using Scorecard data from the U.S. Department of Education], schools were ranked by attribute and assigned weights to determine which institutions offer students the most program flexibility at an affordable rate while still providing a strong education that will lead to job placement and financial success,” stated KaTom. “We are honored to be part of this recognition; it’s a testament to the hard work of our faculty and staff and their dedication in supporting our students to reach their academic and professional goals,” said Jeffrey Coker, associate dean, Culinary Arts...

A hot shower, followed by a cup of fresh-made coffee, and some cold milk aimed for the cereal bowl is such a common morning routine that many of us forget that it wouldn’t be possible without functioning powerlines. The annual lineworker pre-apprentice rodeo and skill demonstration held on May 20 at Miller Campus’ Lineworker Training Pole Yard was a chance for 19 graduates to showcase their power lineman skills to a gathered crowd—a crowd that included local utility companies looking for new talent. SLCC’s Lineworker Pre-Apprentice Program qualifies students to be hired by Utah utility companies. They then spend four years training and earning a living before becoming full-fledged journeymen. In its tenth year, SLCC’s pre-apprenticeship program has an 80% placement rate for student graduates. “This is an essential job. Lineworkers literally keep the lights on—and it is one of the top five most dangerous professions in the nation,” said Rhett K....

Sisters Julie Tu and Wendy Tu The Tu sisters, Julie and Wendy, graduated from SLCC on May 6 both with associate degrees in pre-medical and health sciences. Julie Tu, who is a year older than her sister Wendy Tu, chose SLCC because she wanted smaller class sizes and felt like she would get better support as a first generation student. Wearing her first generation commencement cord, Julie said, “I had no idea what I was doing. I chose SLCC because everyone is so engaging. They make it your own experience.” Julie has been working her way through classes at SLCC and the U since the fall and plans to continue her studies at the U in biology and chemistry. After completing a bachelor’s degree, she plans to apply to a PA program and become a physician assistant. Her advice to students just starting college would be to take their own time. “You're on your own journey. Enjoy the adventures as you go,” said Julie. Left: Wendy Tu   Right: Julie Tu When Wendy graduated from high school, Julie ...

Left to right: Michael Young, Jared Gomez, Kathy Tran-Peters, Kati Lewis, Manette Perez, and Jessica Ducuara. Salt Lake Community College Honors program students Jessica Ducuara, Jared Gomez, and Manette Perez presented research at the Western Regional Honors Conference on April 8-10. SLCC was one of three community colleges that presented at the conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Honors student Jevahjire France was also accepted to present but could not attend. Instead, France plans to present their research entitled “Educational Equity for English Language Learners” at the National Collegiate Honors Council Conference in November 2022. The Honors program’s cohort model allows students to interact and form relationships through faculty and peer mentoring. The program also promotes student learning by ensuring students experience three High Impact Practices (HIPs). One HIP is undergraduate research, giving Honors students the chance to develop transferable skills like cri...

There is a lot to celebrate at SLCC, and campuses are full of parties and recognitions before commencement. The Office of Multicultural Affairs and TRIO paired up on May 5 to recognize students of diversity and those who are the first in their families to graduate from college. Virgil Johnson. The Excellence in Diversity Event started with a smudging ceremony by Virgil Johnson of the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute. Johnson explained to those gathered that the smoke in the smudging ceremony cleanses the body, mind, and spirit. He said it’s a way to let out the bad and let in the good. In his native language, he cleansed the graduating students in attendance. Throughout the ritual, Johnson took the time to expound on the meaning of what he was doing and invited those gathered to participate with specific symbolic gestures. ...

From left to right: Kylee Yates, Zane Miller (grandson and SLCC grad), Dennis O’Reilly (SLCC, Automotive), Bryce Miller (grandson and SLCC grad), SLCC President Huftalin, Nancy Michalko (SLCC, Development), Jeffrey Coker (SLCC, Culinary Arts), and Beth Colosimo (SLCC, Business Development). The grandchildren of philanthropists Larry H. and Gail Miller gifted $62,500 to Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) for scholarships through the Miller Legacy Project as part of the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation. The gift will also provide childcare vouchers to make pursuing education more accessible for student parents. This is the first time the third generation of the Miller family has given to Salt Lake Community College. The gift will make an indelible impact on students’ lives and, in turn, their families and communities. SLCC has the most diverse student body among Utah’s higher education institutions and nearly half of SLCC’s studen...

SLCC strives to be a leader in environmental sustainability and makes every effort to be responsible stewards of our facilities and resources. As Utah continues to be affected by the West’s ongoing megadrought, the State has implemented irrigation guidelines to promote more efficient water usage. Starting May 15, turf irrigation will occur once a week. From mid-June to mid-August, watering may occur twice a week. Then back to once a week until October 15 . Please note, turf grass can survive with this reduced watering schedule but may become dormant and turn brown in some areas. Additionally, many of our campuses are on a rotating watering schedule. While irrigation may occur on multiple days, each area will be watered according to the State’s mandate.   SLCC has been proactive in its approach to water management and has implemented many programs that reduce our overall need for water on our campuses. Through prudent watering practices, increased xeriscaping, and the current projec...

  Amy Woods hugs her mother Anne Woods   Amy Woods’ father, Casey Woods, wore his favorite cowboy hat. Her daughter Pearl picked out a dress to wear. Amy’s sister, Ronda Fisher, drove 700 miles from her home in North Platte, Nebraska to see her “baby girl” graduate.   Anne Woods, Amy’s mother, was there too, joining an entire Woods cheering section to witness Amy walk across the stage in her cap and gown at the Maverik Center May 6 during Salt Lake Community College’s Commencement Day. “All right,” Casey yelled above the crowd as his daughter approached. The event was a long time coming, and it wasn’t without emotion.   Amy Woods Amy, who turns 40 in June, had children early. She graduated from high school in 2006 and started college in 2008. “And now here I am,” she said in front of her family after she and all the other SLCC graduates received their diplomas. “My mom really pushed me through this. She was my biggest support and help through all of it.”   With ...

Derek Benson waits outside the Maverik Center before receiving his diploma.     When the oldest of Derek Benson’s three children was 13, he struck a deal – if all of them went to college, he’d go back and finish his higher education degree. Well, all three kids did go to college, and Benson, true to his word and 13 years later, recently earned his associate’s degree in general education from Salt Lake Community College .   “They’re trying to talk me into keeping on going,” Benson said while waiting to walk across the stage during SLCC Commencement Day at the Maverik Center in West Valley City on May 6. “We’ll see,” he added.   Benson, 51, lives in Sandy, works for Yellow Freight Trucking and has been married to the same woman, Kayla, for 27 years. Sports is big enough in their house that they named their children after famous sports heroes. But academics is kind of overshadowing athletics these days. Ryzen, 26, graduated from Westminster College and is pursuing a PhD...

Sydney Cahoon (left) and Peter Moosman   Sure, the shaving of the heads was fun, but the cause for the recent livestreamed close cuts is no laughing matter.   The Salt Lake Community College Gender and Sexuality Student Resource Center set a goal of raising $5,000 for the new GSSRC Fund by June to establish what its organizers say are “lifesaving” resources and support for SLCC students.   GSSRC Coordinator Peter Moosman said he would bump up the fundraising deadline to the end of April by offering to shave his head if that goal was reached. Sydney Cahoon, an administrative assistant in the SLCC Office of Admissions, also offered up their magnificent mane to sweeten the deal. Money raised, the clippers came out May 4, and the hair came off. “We wanted to offer some kind of dramatic incentive to help motivate people to give,” Moosman said. “If I was willing to give up my signature spike, and Syd their long locks, I was hoping others would be willing to give up some money...

Staff, faculty and administrators came together for the college’s annual Employee Recognition Celebration on April 8. The day serves to acknowledge employees who displayed a commitment to Salt Lake Community College’s mission, vision and values through their work. The college presented the Outstanding Staff Awards and service awards based on an incremental five-year milestone. Retirees and COVID-19 Task Force members were also recognized. President Huftalin opened the celebration with the college’s historical moments and played a college promotional video created in 1949 entitled “ Learn to Earn - Learn to Live ” and a second promotion video produced in 2014. The visual evolution of the marketing videos mirrored the day’s theme: SLCC has grown and changed, but its vision remains the same. Outstanding Staff Awards Gender and Sexuality Student Resource Center Coordinator and Staff Association President Elect Peter Moosman presente...