Patti Larkin’s hearty laughter can be heard even from the far end of the hallway, momentarily washing over the din of another day.

Her colleagues say they will miss her bursts of joy.

Larkin took her 35 years of experience and robust laughter when she retired this spring, but she left behind many notable innovations.

Her career began in 1985 in the college bookstore, which she eventually managed. She was at the vanguard of a national movement to reduce textbook expenses in low income colleges like SWC.

“One of the most innovative things we did was lower book costs for students,” Larkin said. “That was something that needed to be done and I consider an important service for students.”

In 2006 SWC launched the first book rental program at a California community college. The bookstore worked with the ASO to cut costs and generate funding to subsidize expensive texts. It is a program that has been emulated across America.

“I have always been so impressed at our ASO’s commitment to serving and supporting students” she said.

Larkin was later named Director of Financial Aid and shortly after was given leadership of Veterans Services. Together with her friend Patricia Bartow, she formed SWC Cares, a program that supports the general health and well being of students by addressing food insecurity, housing issues and emergency aid. Bartow created the Jag Kitchen food pantry and Larkin helped find donations of food and money to build it into the campus force it is today.

“The ASO and SWC Foundation support and co-finance the SWC Cares Grant program, created to support students experiencing unforeseen emergencies,” Larkin said. “The funds have helped so many students stay in school during difficult times and get that much closer to achieving their dreams. Our priorities are students – what we could and should do to support them and make their dream of a college education achievable.”

Larkin said she never imagined she would stick around—or retire—from Southwestern. But she found a community.

“I was able to work with amazing, committed and creative classified professionals, faculty, administrators and leadership in an environment that values student success,” she said.

Larkin studied at SWC before earning a B.A. in Public Administration at Colorado State University.

Her undergraduate studies and work-study at SWC helped her understand the challenges students face, she said.

“My most gratifying experience was seeing students complete their programs or transfer to a four-year university after working so hard,” she said.

One of Larkin’s first jobs out of college was as an assistant in the bookstore. It was not long until she was running the place. She also worked briefly in Institutional Technology and Facilities and Planning.

Larkin said she was ready for the challenge of running the Financial Aid Office.

“It has been an extremely rewarding experience, one of the best things I have ever done,” she said. “And now as I get ready to retire it is a great way to wrap up my career. It has been very, very special.”

Larkin is a member of the Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Board dedicated to improving the lives of student vets. Bartow said Larkin is “an incredible leader and a humanitarian, with a strong work ethic and a passion for helping students.”

“She works tirelessly to bring awareness and change to our community,” Bartow said. “It just warms my heart to see the change Patti has made and the legacy she leaves behind. I will miss her dearly.”

Bookstore Operations Assistant Beny Pastrana Ruiz said he worked with Larkin for 17 years and is happy for her retirement, though he said he will miss his good friend.

“Patti has touched the lives of students in so many profound ways,” he said. “Students and staff succeeded due to her dedication.”

Larkin began working in financial aid for veterans eight-and-a-half years ago.

Veterans Resource Center Coordinator Jonathan White called Larkin a great champion for vets.

“Patti always went that extra mile to help our students in need, whether in Financial Aid or Veterans Services,” he said. “Her ability to help students is unmatched. It has been amazing to have had the opportunity to work together with Patti.”

Larkin said the college and its financial aid department have great futures.

“It’s been a privilege, an honor and a responsibility to serve Southwestern College,” she said. “We must not take it for granted for one single day. Every single day is an opportunity to make a difference.”