Spokane Falls Community College is located in Spokane,
Washington. It is situated above the Spokane River on a 113-acre site, with lush trees and
expansive lawns. This secluded and unique setting is enhanced with views of distant
scenery of neighboring Riverside State Park and the Centennial Trail.
All the words in the name, Spokane Falls Community
College, have important meanings and are connected to the past and present. Spokane is the
name given to one of many tribes of native people who have lived in this area for a very
long time. Variously it means: People, People of the Sun, or The Place Where The People Of
The Sun Live. Falls refers to the water falls on the Spokane River itself. They are
located six miles upstream and in the center of the city. The more dramatic and dominant
geology of this area was determined by huge powerful molten lava flows through gigantic
fissures in the Columbian Plateau. This occurred between 6 and 17 million years ago. One
of these flows resulted in the formation of the lower falls on the Spokane River. At these
falls native people camped and caught salmon for hundreds of years. Spokane Falls also
refers to the town of Spokane Falls, incorporated in 1881 along the banks of the river,
which became the present day city of Spokane.
The community college opened in 1967
and shortly thereafter was proudly given the name, Spokane Falls. The word Community, not
only refers to the people in this region of the state which we serve, but also to the
community of learners attending the college, along with its faculty and staff. The word
College conveys a meaning closely related to this idea. It comes from the Latin collegium,
meaning a society. In times past this was a society of scholars gathered together for the
purpose of doing scholarship and teaching. Today we like to think of the college in terms
of a learning community; a place where students, faculty, and staff come together to
participate in the experience of learning.
Serving Diverse Needs and Populations
For more than a decade and a half, the college has emphasized
international education: attracting students from other countries, encouraging students to
study and work abroad, providing opportunities for faculty to have international
experiences, and infusing the college curriculum with international values and global
knowledge. In addition, the college enrolls students of all ages, students who are single
parents, and students who are trying to get a fresh start on life. Moreover, many students
return to upgrade their job-entry skills or to position themselves for job promotions.
Still others view the college as an inexpensive opportunity to explore different fields in
order to choose the right career.
Taken together, the environment, the people, the programs, and the
services combine to make Spokane Falls Community College a college of choice for students
who desire a quality education at a reasonable cost.