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 ...