March Newsletter
In celebration of Women’s Month, we are spotlighting two amazing women at SFCC. We caught up with Julia Furry, the director of the Automotive Technologies Program, to gain insights into her role. Additionally, we talked with Mary Eleas, who runs the Campus Cupboard.
And let’s not overlook the upcoming Planetarium Eclipse Event – mark your calendars!
Learning What it Takes to Make it in The Auto Industry
Succeeding in the challenging auto industry requires a specific set of skills and attributes. Having navigated various roles within car dealerships and companies across the United States, Julia Furry has acquired an inclusive knowledge of what it takes to succeed in the industry. Now, she’s teaching the next generation, passing along her expertise.
Julia transformed the Automotive Technologies Program at Santa Fe Community College, where she serves as the director. The program captures her passion for helping students and connecting them with possible opportunities in the automotive industry.
“Our enrollment just exploded over the last two years,” says Julia. “It’s an inclusive, hands-on program that caters to the talents of all students. It doesn’t matter what their learning style, gender, or background is.”
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Succeeding in the challenging auto industry requires a specific set of skills and attributes. Having navigated various roles within car dealerships and companies across the United States, Julia Furry has acquired an inclusive knowledge of what it takes to succeed in the industry. Now, she’s teaching the next generation, passing along her expertise.
Julia transformed the Automotive Technologies Program at Santa Fe Community College, where she serves as the director. The program captures her passion for helping students and connecting them with possible opportunities in the automotive industry.
“Our enrollment just exploded over the last two years,” says Julia. “It’s an inclusive, hands-on program that caters to the talents of all students. It doesn’t matter what their learning style, gender, or background is.”
It’s no secret that the automotive industry is male-dominated, but Julie believes the time to change is right now. “One untapped market is women because nobody thought a woman could do this. Now, we probably have ten women in the program.” Julie firmly believes her female students need to know that they deserve to be there just as much as their male counterparts. Female students frequently score higher on assessments but need even more reassurance that they can enter the industry and succeed.
In addition to their academics, the program’s students created a community that aligns with their passions. Encouraged by Julia, students created a general car club that often hosts car shows. There’s even a Porsche club for students who are fans of the German automobile manufacturer. Each of these opportunities ensures that her students use this time to learn and have fun with people like themselves.
Julia also uses her connections in the automotive industry to help students find jobs. “I started hosting open houses with our business partners, Ford and Subaru. Doing this ensures that students will have the professional connections they need to go into the industry with confidence.”
Students of the Automotive Technologies Program do a wide range of hands-on coursework in car repair and automotive technical training. They also earn Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certifications in up to eight competency areas. With Julia driving the program, students have a clear road to success.
Students have the opportunity to apply for the Foundation’s Santa Fe Concorso Denise McCluggage Endowed or Annual scholarship.
Learn more about the Automotive Technologies Program here.
A Conversation with Campus Cupboard
Coordinator Mary Eleas
What’s the Campus Cupboard?
It’s the SFCC food pantry. It has perishable and nonperishable items. We have basic food items like milk, veggies, and other things. We also offer clothing and baby items. There’s such a big need for them so we do everything we can to support our community.
Who does it help?
When it first started, it was just for students, but I saw a bigger need. We opened the pantry to students at the Masters Programs and continuing education students. Soon after, we welcomed staff and their families. So, now we serve the entire SFCC community. Anyone who needs some assistance, we can give it.
Where is it located?
It’s on the main campus in the downstairs lower level, in room 305. It used to be in a small area, and now we’ve grown to a three-room suite.
Why does the SFCC community need it?
Well, I’ve been doing this for the last couple of years and have seen how the entire community needs it. Many students and staff come to school hungry because they don’t have enough to eat at home, so we provide them with food. They need the nutrition to learn, teach, or do their job, whatever it is. We provide this because we know that food insecurity is growing in our state. Since 2021, the Campus Cupboard has seen a 637% increase in use. Things are getting harder for people, and they need help to offset some of their bills and reduce the stress of “do I pay for rent or do I get food?” That’s why we are here—to help them through that complicated dilemma.
How can we help support?
Donate through the SFCC Foundation website.
About Mary Eleas
I started as a student in 2008 and fell in love with the college. In 2009, I became an employee. When I was in school, the Campus Cupboard was only for students. When I first started as an employee, I was going through a hard time and needed food. Someone helped me secure what I needed, and it inspired me to do the same.
Two years ago, they needed someone to run the Campus Cupboard, and I jumped at the chance to help make a difference in someone’s life. That’s why I’m here, to give back.
Join us for the Planetarium Eclipse Event
Lecture and demonstration by Michael Zieler
Michael Zieler will share his immense knowledge of eclipses and geography with attendees. Michael published highly precise eclipse maps in 2009 using his expertise in geographic information systems. This information is available on his website, greatamericaneclipse.com, which now holds maps of historical records and future eclipses. Zieler continues to map eclipses and is passionate about sharing his findings.
During this event, Zieler will cover his experience with the GIS software, his creation of the eclipse maps, and speak on recent and upcoming eclipses. Bring your curiosity and questions. You do not want to miss this event!
Spots are limited, so buy your tickets right away!
Planetarium Eclipse Event Hosted by Michael Zieler
When: March 19th at 5:00pm and March 20th at 2:00pm
Where: SFCC Planetarium
Kelly A. Marquez, MBA
Executive Director
kelly.marquez@sfcc.edu