Capable of All This—and More
Volume XI, Issue 4, September 2, 2025
Santa Monica College’s reputation for being the leader in transfers to UCLA, UC Berkeley,
USC, and other top universities is well-known, and SMC also sends a not-insignificant number of transfer students to Ivy League schools. SMC in Focus’s first issue of the 2025-2026 academic year delves into the journeys of four SMC
students to the Ivies (Stanford, Yale, Cornell). SMC offered them a second chance
and a leg up to succeed beyond their own imaginings. Plus, a spotlight on a major,
timely yearlong exhibition coming to the Barrett, the brainchild of an award-winning
curator, who is also an adjunct professor in the Art Department.
We are, today and always, #ProudToBeSMC.
Caregiver to Changemaker
Santa Monica College enabled David Duncan to get back on track, channeling his compassion into public policy and community impact—and earning a transfer to Stanford.
Reading “College Chemistry” in Tehran
As she packs her bags for Palo Alto, Ghazal Azhdari still can’t get over how many SMC people went out on a limb to help a newly arrived immigrant succeed beyond her wildest dreams.
A Lens-Based Celebration of Latinidad
A timely, major exhibition “Concrete Hope”, curated by Erika Hirugami, is coming to SMC’s Barrett Art Gallery, shining a spotlight on 38 Latine/x photographers and artists.
The Singing Congressman
From Broadway musicals to campaign hustings, Brayden Handwerger’s search for the spotlight changed dramatically over his three years at SMC.
Bragging Rights
An SMC Fashion alum to produce a look for Jayne Kennedy. A first-ever Barber Battle at SMC. Studying abroad in Paris. A “Systems Changer” Award for the college.
Startup Scholar
Youthful entrepreneur Magnus Melbourne found a launching pad to the Ivy League at Santa Monica College.
SMC In the News
Sneak Peek of the New Planetarium
Style, Substance, and Sustainability: The Pantone Colors of 2025
Three SMC Student Films Selected for Int’l Film Festival
Tre’Shawn Hall-Baker New VP of Human Resources
Murals Unveiled for World Oceans Day
SMC Graduation 2025:
CuratorLove and Erika Hirugami: