By DR. DAVID MATTHEWS

President, Southwestern Michigan College

When you think of Southwestern Michigan College, hopefully you think about academic success. Maybe what you think about is the fact 100 percent of our nursing graduates passed the state licensure exam in the most recent reporting period — a percentage that is way above the state and national average. Year after year, the National Community College Benchmarking study has reported SMC is in the top 10 percent in the nation for student success. Moreover, last year, this national data set showed SMC students who transferred were in the top 1 percent in the nation in success upon transfer.

When you think of SMC, maybe you think about outstanding educational facilities — smart classrooms, a library with the welcoming feel of a Barnes and Noble, modern student housing, a student friendly “alumni plaza” in the center of campus and an outstanding student activity center.

When you think about SMC, maybe you think about exceptional services. Perhaps you recall the college’s Academic Assessment and Testing Services were recently awarded Test Center Certification by the National College Testing Association, or maybe you think about the free tutoring and learning styles assessment the college provides.

Whatever image first comes to mind when you think about SMC, it almost certainly isn’t “mayhem.”  But “mayhem” is precisely what is going to be offered up at a special SMC Foundation scholarship fundraising event Saturday before Halloween. The college is planning a whimsical evening of dinner and festivities designed to entertain, as well as to educate everyone about the tremendous financial needs of our students.

I don’t want to spill the beans, let the cat out of the bag,or put the cart before the horse … but if you are interested in dinner out, an evening of fun and if you are interested in helping others through the SMC Foundation scholarship funds, we invite you to join us for an “Evening of Mayhem” at Southwestern Michigan College at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 27.

Tickets are $65 per person. For more information, call (269) 782-1301.