Santa Monica College Celebrates 90 Years of Education
The pink sky gave way to night as the sun set over Santa Monica College’s (SMC) main campus. On the evening of Oct. 22, SMC celebrated its 90th Anniversary signaling that it is now less than a decade until the centennial.
The guests ranged from students, faculty, administration, alumni and friends of the school. Attendees mingled amongst each other while hibiscus tea mocktails were served alongside hors d'oeuvres.
While the evening turned into the night, the crowd moved into the seating and the program began. President of SMC Dr. Kathryn Jeffery was at the head of a series of speakers, including former and current administration and faculty.
Jeffery started the program by giving many thanks to those involved with the SMC community.
“Thank you so very much for being here.” Said Jeffery, “SMC is very well known, not only in California, but across the globe. This is the best community college in the nation.”
Associated Student (AS) President Daniel Cha followed Jeffery’s speech. Cha commented on AS initiatives.
“Associated Students recognize that student success is intrinsically tied to having access to our most basic needs therefore in fall of 2016, the Associated Students started the Free Lunch Voucher program… this year my board continued to fund $20,000 towards this initiative.” Cha continued, “Thanks to the continued efforts of the Associated Students, students can now ride free any line any time. This year's board allocated $788,000 towards this program which provides students with accessible transportation.”
As Cha walked down the stage, the podium was taken by trustee Dr. Margaret Quinones-Perez. The trustee discussed her own personal history with school.
“I came here in 1973 and I was a special ed student in hiding because I didn’t want anyone to know,” said Quinones, “but Santa Monica College took me in and made sure I had all the services I needed.”
The series of speakers was broken by dance number done by the SMC Cheer Club. Donning their blue uniforms and and sparkling pom poms, the Cheer Club encouraged the audience to cheer for the Corsairs and get up off their seats.
Former President of SMC Dr. Chui Tsang moved into the spotlight to talk about his experience working with the school. Tsang recognized what he feels makes SMC stand out. Citing that in 2005 when Compton College lost its accreditation, SMC was able to support Compton College students in continuing their education.
Next up on the list of speakers was former SMC administrator Nat Trives. Trives talked about his sixty seven years as a member of the SMC school district but also about accomplishments the school has made.
“Do you know that in this college of thirty-two thousand people, we have students who don’t have enough food they don’t have places to stay. This college has homeless students.” said Trives, “But when your board of trustees put up money to help us fix a safe place where students can sleep in their cars, that makes me proud.”
The night started to draw down as the speakers finished. With ninety years underneath its belt, SMC is looking forward towards it’s centennial.
“We are honored for being in this community for ninety years,” said Jeffery. “It is a significant accomplish for any individual, any institution to reach ninety and look this good.”