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For Immediate Release

Monday, June 13, 2016

Media Contact

Lillian Leopold, Chief Public Information Officer

(619) 482-6564, cell (619) 279-1627

Email: lleopold@swccd.edu

Southwestern College Responds to Orlando Tragedy

Campus to hold vigil June 14 at noon

CHULA VISTA, California ­– Superintendent/President Dr. Melinda Nish and Governing Board President Nora E. Vargas released the following statements today:

Superintendent/President Dr. Melinda Nish:

This has been a weekend of mourning as we have tried to understand the murder of 49 and the wounding of 53 of our brothers and sisters in Orlando, Florida. The hate and prejudice that precipitated these acts must not be the behavior that defines us. As Americans, we need to renew our personal commitment to tolerance, acceptance and an authentic appreciation of differences.

Please know that at Southwestern College we embrace our LGBTQ community. We continue to strengthen our services to all students who may feel vulnerable, and we have enhanced the training we offer throughout the College to increase awareness across our community.

Our Associated Student Organization, led by President Mona Dibas, is preparing a banner for our students, faculty and staff to sign in solidarity with our fallen brothers and sisters. It will be available this afternoon in front of the Student Center for those who would like to write reflections. The ASO is also planning a vigil at the amphitheater June 14 at noon.

We stand together as a community in comfort to all our brothers and sisters.

Melinda Nish, EdD

Superintendent/President Southwestern Community College District

Governing Board President Nora E. Vargas:

Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims of the senseless act of hatred committed against our brothers and sisters of the LGBTQ community in Orlando, Florida.

ASO President Mona Dibas (left) and Executive Vice President Jose Gutierrez paint a "We Are Orlando" banner in solidarity of our fallen brothers and sisters in Orlando. The campus community will be encouraged to write their thoughts and messages of condolences on the poster tomorrow in the amphitheater after a noon vigil in honor of the Orlando victims.

ASO President Mona Dibas (left) and Executive Vice President Jose Gutierrez paint a “We Are Orlando” banner in solidarity of our fallen brothers and sisters in Orlando. The campus community will be encouraged to write their thoughts and messages of condolences on the poster tomorrow in the amphitheater after a noon vigil in honor of the Orlando victims. Photo By Ernesto Rivera

As a community we mourn, grieve and stand in solidarity with the families and friends of those inflicted by this horrible crime.

Today and every day we are committed to a campus and a community that is inclusive and respectful of all.

Nora E. Vargas

President, Southwestern College Governing Board

About Southwestern College

Established in 1961, Southwestern College is the only public institution of higher education in southern San Diego County, serving approximately 400,000 residents of communities including Bonita, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, National City, Nestor, Otay Mesa, Palm City, San Ysidro, Sunnyside and Coronado. The College District offers more than 300 associate degree and certificate options. More information at swccd.edu.

Southwestern College Office of Communications, Community and Government Relations (619) 482-6304