History Can Help Ya’ Keep Ya’ Head Up
South Mountain Community College officially opened for business in 1980, but it took a year to get the campus built. Take a look at SMCC’s college without a campus in 1980.
In the early 1980s, faculty didn’t have access to the internet, telecommuting tools, or even cell phones, and they did some great work!
March 4, 1979, Arizona Republic, “Ok seems likely for South Mountain college.” 
Several potential sites for SMCC, 1979. MCCCD Governing Board Minutes. 
n.d. Early 1980s Community Parade Image provided by South Mountain Community College. 
Canal near campus, ca. 1977-1979. Image provided by South Mountain Community College. 
The fields of South Phoenix, ca. 1979. 
SMCC site, ca. 1979. 
1979 Article about location and size of SMCC. Image provided by South Mountain Community College. 
Before there was a campus, students could register at the Administration Trailer. Official registration took place nearby at Holy Family Catholic Church. 
Administrative and faculty trailers at SMCC, ca. 1979-1980. Image provided by South Mountain Community College. 
Dr. Fred Stahl and Dolly Aguirre near the Administration Trailer, 1979. Image provided by South Mountain Community College. 
Class at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1980. 
n.d. ca. 1980. Construction at original palms at SMCC Image provided by South Mountain Community College. 
ca. 1980, Foundation is laid at SMCC. 
SMCC site, April 6, 1980. 
n.d. ca. 1980. Construction at SMCC Image provided by South Mountain Community College
Tonight was supposed to be our kickoff to a year of celebrating SMCC’s 40th Anniversary. Even though we can’t gather together, we are still honoring the history of South Phoenix and SMCC. It’s time for us.
Insta: @SMCCHistory
Click here to read our first More and More Post
South Phoenix Oral History Project 