Bio

Jeanne Elyea attended Chula Vista High School from 1954 to 1957. She played in the Spartans’ band and orchestra and was a student worker in Principal Devore’s office before he became the First President/Superintendent of Southwestern College and ultimately her boss.

Jeanne’s education is extensive and reflects her work ethic, persistence and endless energy. After graduating, she enrolled at San Diego City College for a two year medical assistant program. In 1960-61 she attended San Diego State University to study nursing and health education. She then transferred to Cal Western University and obtained her Bachelors of Science in nursing. Not satisfied, Jeanne entered the Burse Practitioner Program at UCSD from 1974-1978 and then earned her Master’s in Environmental Health from Chapman University.

Jeanne was hired at Southwestern College as School Nurse in 1974. Her 24 years at the college were remarkable. She was always visible and available to students, faculty, and staff, serving the college in many capacities. She is most proud of setting the ground work for the existing Health Service Program and the board adoption of her Disaster Plan and Communicable Disease Plan. Faculty and students could always count on Jeanne’s sense of humor for being straight to the point.

Jeanne always found time to help students, faculty and staff, especially the School of Health, Exercise Science and Athletics. She worked concessions for Jerry Bartow, transported drums and equipment for June Scopinich’s women’s basketball team, fundraised for physical education and adaptive, assisted with Special Olympics, and helped trainers RC Delgado and Jim Hammond with many athletic physicals for our student athletes.

In 1987 Jeanne was named a Southwestern College Woman of Distinction, School Nurse of the Year in San Diego and Imperial Counties, and earned the National Leadership Award from the Occupational Health Nurses. She has also received recognition from the San Diego Blood Bank, the Certificate- Medic Alert Program and as a Liaison Resource from the ROP bilingual program.

Jeanne is married to Bill Elyea, former SWC head of security whom she met 44 years ago while skydiving. They have three sons- a veterinarian, a Microsoft tech, and a pharmacist.

Jeanne Elyea, for your many years of service to SWC’s students, faculty and staff, it’s with great appreciation that we induct you into the 2008 Athletic Hall of Fame.