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