SWC News Center
SWC Celebrates Grand Opening of the Instructional & Discovery Complex, A New Era of Learning, Innovation, and Collaboration
By: SWC Staff - October 11, 2025
Southwestern College officially celebrated the grand opening of its new Instructional & Discovery Complex (IDC) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, October 2, 2025, marking a major milestone in the college’s continued investment in student learning, innovation, and community engagement.
The event brought together students, faculty, staff, community leaders, and elected officials to celebrate this state-of-the-art facility—home to the School of Business, School of Languages and Literature, School of Education, Humanities, Social & Behavioral Sciences, as well as the college’s Planetarium and newly developed University Center.
“Southwestern College is committed to bringing the best to our students in South County. They work, care for their families, and go to school so they deserve state-of-the-art facilities and direct access to bachelor’s degrees here in their home community,” said Dr. Mark Sanchez, Superintendent/President of Southwestern College. “The Instructional & Discovery Complex is more than just a building, it’s a hub where education, innovation, and partnerships come together to transform lives.”
Designed with collaboration and exploration in mind, the IDC integrates modern classrooms, flexible learning labs, and communal study areas to encourage cross-disciplinary connections. The addition of the Planetarium provides a one-of-a-kind immersive learning experience for students, bridging science and storytelling to inspire curiosity about the universe.
The University Center, housed on our Chula Vista campus within the complex, expands transfer and degree completion opportunities in partnership with regional university partners, including: Arizona State University Local, California State University San Marcos, National University, Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego State University, and the University of California San Diego—bringing bachelor’s programs directly to the South Bay. Through this initiative, SWC students can pursue advanced degrees locally, reducing barriers and expanding access to higher education.
Faculty and staff from across disciplines expressed excitement about the possibilities the new building offers. Classrooms are equipped with interactive technology, adaptable layouts, and dedicated collaboration spaces designed to enhance both teaching and learning.
For students like Orlando Vicente-Lazo, the new complex represents a home for creativity and connection. “I knew I wanted to study, but I didn’t know how. So I didn’t, and fell behind for a year. Southwestern College, right here, just north of the border, gave me a path forward. It gave me a place to anchor my ambition to the reality of my situation.,” said Vicente-Lazo.
As attendees gathered for the ribbon cutting, the atmosphere was one of pride and anticipation. The celebration included tours of the new facilities, live music from SWC’s Jazz Quartet students, and remarks from campus and community leaders.
The IDC marks another step forward in SWC’s Facilities Vision Plan, reinforcing the college’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and student success.