October Newsletter

The Seasons Are Changing and So Are We

As we are in the midst of autumn and the leaves are falling, we are reminded that change is a natural part of life. Just as the seasons shift, so do many aspects of our journey. This season brings a bittersweet change for us as we prepare to say goodbye to Jeff Szabat, our board president.  We had the privilege of speaking with Jeff about his experience on the SFCC Board of Directors and what inspired him to take on this role.

Making a Difference for SFCC Students

The Santa Fe Community College Foundation has supported New Mexico’s nontraditional students for 40 years. In that time, we’ve created scholarship support, donor sponsored scholarships, and emergency financial assistance that impacts over 70% of SFCC students. The reason we are so successful? Our team, who works together to make student’s dreams come true.

Jeff Szabat has worked at Century Bank for 23 years where he’s involved in their charitable committee. He is the current SFCC Board of Directors President and will be stepping down at the end of this year after 4 years of tenured success through providing financial support and opportunities to SFCC students. 

Jeff’s interest in SFCCF peaked when he thought of his own education. He says, “I was fortunate enough that my parents paid for my education to go to Penn State. Not everyone has that fortune, they either have to get loans to go to school or hope they can get grants and donations to go to school.” He knows how important a college education is for people, being a college graduate is essential. He says, “if the only thing standing in a student’s way is money, I knew I could help.”

Jeff describes the most important experiences that will stick with him during his time at SFCCF. “We bring students to the board meeting to talk with us about how it made a difference for them. It just hits home, and you know why you do it.” Jeff knows that as a board, “decisions we’re making are for the students.” SFCCF board’s work ethic, collaboration, and commitment to causes is a point of pride for him.

Santa Fe Community College has been ranked number 1 of all community colleges in New Mexico, and number 4 in the nation. Thanks to Jeff’s hard work and commitment to serving students in New Mexico, we are able to support SFCC students and continue this legacy. 

Jeff will take the lessons learned as SFCCF to his next endeavors on charitable boards in the future. He’s excited to help more people at different organizations, all while keeping in touch with SFCCF board members. 

Thank you Jeff. Your support and determination to help all SFCC students will leave a legacy for all of us at SFCCF.

Thank you for your ongoing support! Our students have been given the chance to follow their dreams and find a meaningful path in their lives with the support of our generous donors.

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