[/media-credit]

College and community leaders rolled out the red carpet for new San Diego State University president Dr. Elliot Hirshman and used the event to make a pitch for improved access for Southwestern College transfer students to the region’s largest university.

Governing Board Vice President Norma Hernandez hosted a formal reception for Hirshman in the Student Center.  As SWC culinary students served tiny hors d’oeuvres, local education and business leaders implored Hirshman to keep SDSU’s door open to SWC transfers.

“We want to emphasize how important local access is to our students,” said Denise Whittaker, interim superintendent, as she introduced the guest of honor and the evening’s theme of “collaborative opportunity.”

Hirshman, though non-committal, seemed very receptive and expressed his excitement over SWC’s enthusiasm and spirit.

“What a sense of family here,” he said. “What kindness people have shown me.”

Hirshman addressed the gathered faculty, staff, administrators, students and community members, reminding them of the financial obstacles colleges are facing.

“We’re in a very special period…of economic challenges,” he said. “In response to these we need to focus on our core values.”

Hirshman highlighted the values of pursuing excellence, the responsibilities of institutions of higher education and the partnerships that support and engage the community.

“It is a belief that is grounded in our potential, that working together our faculty and staff can achieve great things,” he said.

Claudia Duran, the Associated of Student Organization president, said she was pleased with the outcome of the event.

“I hope that we really bring about options for more students to transfer to SDSU,” she said.

Many in attendance have close ties to SDSU and expressed hope for the future between SWC and the university.

John Brown, director of facilities and an SDSU Master’s student, was among those who support the political alliance.

“I think SWC education is what defines opportunity a lot of times in this country,” said Brown. “It represents the American ideal of people who want to better themselves. Our relationship with SDSU will help us get from one point to the next.”