SJVC’s newest campus rolls out the red carpet to the Atascadero, CA community

Just a few months after enjoying its first student start date, San Joaquin Valley College officially welcomed the Atascadero community and surrounding cities of Templeton, Arroyo Grande, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles and Pismo Beach to its Grand Opening.

The March 7th ribbon cutting attracted a great mix of community leaders, medical and business representatives, and those in the community curious about a potential education option for their own future careers. SJVC’s 15th campus offers three of the college’s most popular career training programs: Clinical Medical Assisting, Medical Office Administration and Business Administration.

Graduates of these programs earn a Certificate of Completion along with the knowledge and skills needed to enter their career field with confidence.

The Grand Opening ceremony began with a warm welcome from Alyssa Perry, Campus President and a third-generation, founding-family representative. She was honored to share poignant points of the college’s 1977 inception, early struggles, shared achievements and current solid standing in the education industry. Her grandparents Robert and Shirley Perry lay the foundation that future generations will continue to build upon.

The opening ceremony also enjoyed a keynote speech from Atascadero Mayor Heather Moreno, as well as Certificates of Recognition from several state government representatives including Congressman Salud Carbajal, Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham and Supervisor Debbie Arnold. SJVC central administrative office representatives were on hand to welcome attendees and provide greater insight into the college’s commitment to and growth with the community.

But it was Clinical Medical Assisting student Jamie Bueno whose story made the strongest impact. She was enthusiastic about sharing her first-person experience as a student at this newest SJVC campus. “They (faculty) are always trying their best to make sure you are learning everything needed for the field you are going for. They make sure that you are prepared before actually sending you on to the real world. Once you become part of this school, you become a part of a family.”

“Family” is a philosophy and dynamic to which SJVC strongly adheres.

One tour guide that evening was Carli Leatham, a Clinical Medical Assisting program student who will graduate in June. “The highlight (of the Grand Opening) for me would be being able to participate in the celebration of something that has changed my life in immeasurable ways,” she says. “Getting this experience has only solidified the fact that I’m doing the right thing career-wise. I know I’m on the right path, and I wouldn’t know how to achieve my dreams if it weren’t for SJVC.”

Carli carries the sentiment of so many students on campus who are enjoying an education resource that is far too scarce in their small, coastal area where most high school graduates must choose between attending a 4-year university or getting a job. SJVC is proud to provide another option to the community.

Refreshments and tours of the campus rounded out the evening, which provided the perfect setting for future employers to meet potential employees.

Guests were invited to ask student guides, first-hand, about their program experience at the campus, and the tours provided a great opportunity for students to introduce themselves to prospective employers. Networking with medical and business office representatives is an important first-step in their eventual job search.

“We stand out as having great potential for success in an area with this population size and employment opportunities for our graduates,” says Alyssa. Well-trained medical and business graduates will find tremendous employment opportunities with the area’s three large hospitals, medical offices and growing business offices in San Luis Obispo county.

Many of those touring the campus classrooms and labs from the medical community were impressed to see that the college provides current laboratory technical equipment for students to hone their skills.

SJVC’s Atascadero campus enjoyed formally introducing themselves to the community and appreciated the warm welcome they received in return.