February Newsletter

Welcome to February, the month dedicated to kindness. We are honored to witness so many wonderful acts of kindness from donors who support our students in their educational journey. This month, we would like to highlight Jim Westmoreland, whose life touched many and will continue to affect our students following his recent passing. Additionally, we are showcasing the Student Emergency Assistant Fund, which has impacted hundreds of students’ lives.

A Life of Learning and Supporting His Community

We are remembering the kindness of Jim Westmoreland, a long-time student and passionate nurse and counselor who recently passed away. In his memory, Jim’s family made a contribution that will go directly to the Student Emergency Fund, impacting the lives of many students.

Jim moved to Santa Fe in 1988, where he worked as a social worker for the State of New Mexico. As his passion for helping people grew deeper, he decided to pursue his education by attending Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) and graduated with his Associate Degree in Nursing. His passion for education and growth didn’t stop there, he continued his studies at the University of Phoenix, while still working in New Mexico, to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing. He then returned to SFCC where he completed multiple certificates and understood the importance of a good and affordable education.

Throughout his life, he helped many people in the different roles that called to him, from counseling to trading sleep to work as a night nurse. There are too many people to count who were affected by his warm heart, dedicated to helping the less fortunate. His story is nothing short of amazing. He accomplished all that he did in the name of helping others, and we are honored that SFCC was the place Jim chose to be part of his journey.

Student Emergency Fund

This February, Random Acts of Kindness Month, we honor Jim and his family’s generosity, which will impact SFCC students and graduates’ lives forever. This month serves as a reminder of the kindness and compassion Jim demonstrated through his passion for working as a nurse and counselor, as well as through his family’s donations to the Student Emergency Assistance Fund.

The Student Emergency Assistance Fund supports students who are facing a one-time financial crisis. In the past, students at SFCC have made the difficult decision to drop out of school to work to make ends meet. For our students, finishing school exponentially increases the likelihood of future financial stability. In fact, 76% of SFCC graduates are employed in New Mexico out of an 84% total placement rate. 

The future of New Mexico studies at SFCC and they are often going to school while working, raising children, and taking care of family. Through assistance from the fund, students are able to continue their studies. The Student Emergency Assistance Fund helps students reach their goal of graduating without the added stress of financial struggles. 

Donating to the Student Emergency Assistance Fund ensures that students who may be struggling financially get the support they need to finish their studies and strengthen their roles as leaders in their communities.

We are truly grateful for the kindness and support shown to our students. Your generosity brings value to their educational journey in so many meaningful ways. We are fortunate to be surrounded by such a wonderful giving community. With your continued support, we remain hopeful about creating opportunities to assist our students as they navigate their paths to success.

Kelly A. Marquez, MBA
Executive Director
kelly.marquez@sfcc.edu