SWAG�ϼ�

(From left) SWAG�ϼ� Vice President Dr. Penny Quinn, SWAG�ϼ� Dean of Academics Dr. Rick Abel, Ottawa Campus Manager Chad Taldo, Ottawa Director of Enrollment Lydia Matlock and Ottawa Community Development Executive Brett Mendez pose for a photo before a transfer agreement was signed between SWAG�ϼ� and Ottawa University at SWAG�ϼ� later that day.
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May 28, 2015
Story and Photo by Joe Vinduska

SWAG�ϼ� and Ottawa University in Ottawa have started a partnership by signing a transfer agreement on May 13.

Brance Barnard’s shop, Barnard Tire & Automotive, at 202 N. Main St. in Hoisington specializes in automotive wheel alignments, tires, oil changes, brakes, suspension service, tune-ups, computer diagnostics and more.�� Barnard is a SWAG�ϼ� Auto Tech graduate and has been operating a successful business since January.

May 27, 2015
Story and photo by Joe Vinduska

In his spare time, 29-year-old SWAG�ϼ� Auto Tech graduate Brance Barnard loves to work on cars.�� It is his favorite hobby.�� Lucky for Brance, he has turned that hobby into a career.

May 21, 2015
Story and photos by Brandon Steinert

SWAG�ϼ� at Fort Riley celebrated the graduation of more than 242 students on Thursday at Riley’s Conference Center. Of those graduating, more than 100 chose to walk. The ceremony was in conjunction with other schools who are members of the consortium in the Fort Riley Education Center.

Graduates and their friends and families gathered in the conference center and heard from commencement speaker Col. Andrew Cole Jr.

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May 21, 2015
Story and photo by Joe Vinduska

SWAG�ϼ�’s Child Development Center will offer their “Schoolage” program throughout the summer to provide a fun, safe environment so children can learn while being entertained.�� The program is designed for grades K-6 and will have 12 weeks of activities.�� Each week features a unique theme.

The itinerary is as follows:

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May 20, 2015
Story by Joe Vinduska
Courtesy photos submitted

The Shafer Art Gallery’s summer exhibit “Finding Balance” is now open and will end with a closing reception from 6-8 p.m. Friday, August 7.

The exhibit is curated by Fort Hays State Art Instructor Joel T. Dugan.�� It is a compilation of artists from the Midwest with a focus on the relationship people have with the unique landscape of the Midwest.

The curatorial statement by Dugan describes the feel and purpose of the exhibit.

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May 19, 2015
Story by Joe Vinduska

SWAG�ϼ� will be closed Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day.�� The college is now on summer hours.�� Office hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.�� The college will be closed on Fridays through August 7.����

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May 15, 2015
Story by Joe Vinduska
Photos by Brandon Steinert

Kami Maxwell of Odin and Ambonirina Nathanael Razafindrabe of Antananarvio, Madagascar were named SWAG�ϼ�’s 2015 Outstanding Graduates.�� Dean of Student Services Angie Maddy introduced them and presented their awards, after which they took the opportunity to address their fellow graduates during the college’s 45th commencement ceremony Friday.

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May 15, 2015
Story by Joe Vinduska
Photo by Brandon Steinert

The SWAG�ϼ� Foundation honored Brad and Sarah Shirer with the 2015 Distinguished Service Award during SWAG�ϼ�’s 45th commencement on Friday.������

The Distinguished Service Award was created in 1981 by the SWAG�ϼ� Foundation to recognize individuals who have shown genuine regard for, and have performed outstanding service to SWAG�ϼ�. The SWAG�ϼ� Foundation Board of Directors selects the recipient from nominations received.

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May 15, 2015��
Story by Brandon Steinert

Five SWAG�ϼ� instructors earned the Distinguished Instructor Award for the 2014-2015 school year for their efforts in the classroom.

The winners are:

Vincent Orth, Natural Gas Program Instructor at the SWAG�ϼ� County campus

Gerry Butler, Physical and Social Sciences Instructor at the Fort Riley campus

Jim Turner, Associate Math Instructor at the Fort Riley campus

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May 15, 2015
Story by Joe Vinduska
Photo by Brandon Steinert

SWAG�ϼ� recognizes 2014-2015 Student Ambassadors of the Year

SWAG�ϼ� has announced its 2014-15 Brant J. Ballhorst Student Ambassador of the Year awards.�� Named in memory of Brant J. Ballhorst, the award recognizes two outstanding student ambassadors each year.�� The winners this year were Jordan Tebow of Quinter and Kami Maxwell of Odin.��