SMC In Focus

SMC In Focus

A bi-monthly newsletter connecting the Santa Monica College community. Celebrating endless possibilities, innovation, and resilience.

SMC in Focus

A Solid Foundation

Volume IX, Issue 4, August 28, 2023
As the new (academic) year unrolls, SMC in Focus presents a look at five stories that showcase the inherent promise of Santa Monica College: if you dare to dream, we will help you fulfill it. A fashion student creates, following in her mother’s footsteps. Two students have the experience of a lifetime in Washington, D.C. A husband and wife grow in love—and educational aspirations. An immigrant from Iran sings, beautifully and freely. And we take a fond look at SMC’s highlights, and some throwbacks from the past. May this year be as good as the ones that have gone before.

Beauty of Batik

The Beauty of Batik

Channel Guice Thomas earned double awards in Santa Monica College’s 2023 LA Mode Fashion Show by using a centuries-old technique to create a vibrant collection.

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Capital Experience

Capital Experience

SMC students Jarod Lopez and Daniel Mejia earned fellowships enabling them to travel to Washington, D.C., for mentorship from global affairs officials.

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True Romance

True Romance

Taylor and Jeyde Mitchell’s love of education — and each other — deepened at Santa Monica College.

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Kamyar Vazir

An Iron Will to Sing

As a child growing up in Tehran, Kam Vazir always felt like a misfit. He found refuge in the arts. Fast forward a dozen years—he no longer feels like a misfit, and sings with confidence.

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Bragging Rights

Bragging Rights

A Comms & Media Studies prof is a Stanford EPIC Community College Faculty fellow. Two music profs perform at Walt Disney Concert Hall. A Biological Sciences professor’s love for the world’s rarest butterfly lands a front-page LA Times feature.

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Memory Lane

A Walk Down (SMC’s) Memory Lane

In 1929, Wall Street Crashed, MoMA was founded, and in Santa Monica, Calif. “Santa Monica Junior College” was born. Here’s a look back at this past year’s highlights, and some corresponding throwbacks from Santa Monica College’s long, storied past.

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SMC In the News

The Class of 2023 Graduate from SMC

Three SMC Students Chosen for Prestigious STEM Scholarship

LA Mode Fashion Show Returns to SMC

SMC Student Walks 30 Years After Completing Credits

The Electrifying Power of Poetry

SPJ/LA Names Distinguished Honorees for 2023

Highlights of SMC’s 2023 Commencement Ceremony