Commencement 2023: Honorary Doctorate John and Joanne Parrish

John and Joanne Parrish

Mention SLCC to John Parrish, and you can expect a long and passionate conversation, "I could talk about SLCC all day!" says John. Utah natives, John and his wife, Joanne, are adamant about “changing the lives of students” at SLCC. "It is an amazing place that does wonderful things for our community,” says John.

John and Joanne believe deeply in the power of education. The John and Joanne Parrish Scholarship fund at SLCC has positively impacted dozens of SLCC students. " Seeing how our dollars are changing the lives is inspiring and humbling,” he says.

Retired, John and Joanne these days spend their time investing in Utah’s community. In 2008 they started the John M. Parrish Foundation, where they develop partnerships with local groups devoted to improving access to mental health services and aiding in addiction recovery. Some of the groups they have worked with include Salt Lake City’s 4^th Street Clinic, Fit to Recover and Impact Mental Health.

John Parrish's 45-year career saw him run and eventually own Midwest Floor Coverings, where Joanne also worked as a Director of Travel. With an inside perspective on Utah's economy, the Parrish’s see SLCC's students as the key to what businesses need. "SLCC sends out employable and job-ready students, and We are so happy to be a part of that legacy.”

Comments

Rev Up Your Future at SLCC Annuals Hop into College

SLCC West Valley Center will be opening its doors on Friday, August 2, from 6-9 pm for their annual lowrider event that celebrates the automotive culture and welcomes current, past, and future Bruins into the SLCC community. This unique event allows lowriders to showcase their vehicles and for spectators to witness the creativity, craftsmanship, and passion that goes into a lowrider car. From the sleek custom paint jobs to the impressive hydraulics showcased at the hop-off, attendees get immersed in the vibrant culture created by SLCC West Valley’s community. Beyond the car show, Hop into College provides prospective students and their families the opportunity to explore SLCC, engage with their future peers, staff and faculty and obtain valuable insight into the degrees and programs offered. Furthermore, the community is provided with countless beneficial resources not only as an SLCC student but as a community member. Whether interested in learning more about the lowrider community o...

The Center for Prior Learning Receives an Honorable Mention

Today, SLCC's Credit for Prior Learning department received an Honorable Mention from the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL ) and the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education for its intentional approach and for expanding student options to receive credit for prior learning. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to obtain college credit for knowledge and skills acquired outside of the traditional academic environment. This is exceptionally beneficial for adult learners, who, according to CAEL, have a 17% higher chance of graduating compared to those adults who don’t earn credits through prior learning programs. The CPL department at SLCC was created in 2020 and since then the volume of students served has grown as the department continues to expand. To be eligible for CPL, students must be working towards a degree, certificate, or apprenticeship. Director of Credit for Prior Learning at SLCC, Andrea Tipton, mentioned fee...

Board of Higher Ed names Gregory F. Peterson 9th SLCC President

The Utah Board of Higher Education unanimously selected Gregory F. Peterson, Ed.D., as the ninth president of Salt Lake Community College today, following an extensive national search. Peterson will assume the position on July 1, 2024, and succeeds Deneece G. Huftalin, who served as president from 2014-2024. “I’m humbled by the opportunity to serve as Salt Lake Community College’s next president, and I look forward to reinforcing SLCC’s commitment to providing educational pathways for transfer and workforce that improve the lives of every member of our community,” Peterson said. “SLCC has an amazing future ahead, and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of that journey.” As part of its delegated duties and responsibilities, the SLCC Board of Trustees named an 11-member committee in December 2023 to conduct a national search for the next president of SLCC. The committee is composed of representatives from the Utah Board of Higher Education and SLCC trustees, facul...

Official SLCC Blog

Search This Blog