October 2019 - Southwestern Illinois College
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2022 Commencement Lists

Class of 2022

Health Science Class of 2022

Nursing Class of 2022

HSE Class of 2022

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SWIC to feature British composers at a chamber music recital Nov. 7

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Enjoy pieces by Alfred Moffat, John Lennon & Paul McCartney, Edward Elgar and Frederick Delius performed by Southwestern Illinois College Music faculty member Diana Umali and guest violinist Manuela Kaymakanova.

The recital will be Thursday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Schmidt Art Center on the SWIC Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave. The event is free and open to the public.

Umali is an assistant professor of Music. As a collaborative pianist, she has accompanied recitals with the St. Louis Flute Society and at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.           

Kaymakanova teaches at the Community Music School of Webster University and maintains a private studio. She is also an active chamber music and orchestral performer in the St. Louis area.

For more information on events offered by the SWIC Music department, visit swic.edu/music or contact Umali at diana.umali@swic.edu.

For more information on events offered by SWICarts, visit swic.edu or facebook.com/swicarts. 

December high school grads can register for SWIC spring 2020 classes Nov. 5

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If you’re a current high school senior graduating in December 2019, then get a head start on college courses by registering for spring 2020 classes at Southwestern Illinois College during December High School Grad Night, Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 3-7 p.m. at the SWIC Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave.

Students will be able to:
– Complete an application and get a student ID number.

– Take the English and Math Placement tests.

– Meet with an academic advisor to discuss degree requirements or transfer courses.

– Register for classes.

– Set up SWIC student email and eSTORM accounts.

– Ask general financial aid and payment arrangement questions.

A photo ID is required. Event check-in begins at 2:45 p.m. in the Information Sciences Building Lobby. Students taking the placement tests must check-in before 6 p.m.

To register for the event visit: swic.secure.force.com/events/#/list. For more information contact admissions at 618-235-2700, ext. 5675.

Homefield Energy Replaces Trees Across Southwestern Illinois College’s Belleville Campus

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Furthering Southwestern Illinois College’s tree diversification efforts and sustainability goals, Homefield Energy is donating 20 trees to the school to assist with replacing trees lost due to the spread of the emerald ash borer and Dutch elm disease. SWIC President Nick Mance, along with college staff and students, local officials, and representatives from Homefield Energy will commemorate the donation with a ceremonial tree planting.

The Ceremonial Tree Planting will take place Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 12:45 p.m. at the SWIC Belleville Campus Information Sciences Building, 2500 Carlyle Ave., Belleville, IL 62221

“Southwestern Illinois College has a long tradition of supporting the environment from our arboretum to our LEED Gold Certified Liberal Arts Complex,” said SWIC President Nick Mance. “A donation from Homefield Energy to purchase trees only enhances our beautiful campus and furthers our “green” initiatives.”

The donated trees – including willow, magnolia, oak, red bud, pine, dogwood, and maple, among other species – will further diversify the school’s tree population.

“As a company, we take pride in helping the communities and organizations we serve meet their sustainability goals,” said Caroline Atkins, Homefield Energy community affairs manager. “Trees have numerous ecological benefits, but they also strengthen, grow, and beautify our communities. We hope these trees will have a lasting impact and further enhance the quality of life for SWIC students, faculty, and alumni.” 

Since 2002, Homefield Energy, and its sister companies, have provided nearly 300,000 trees to various partner communities. The donated trees have helped generate environmental savings and health benefits for municipalities and residents valued at approximately $37 million annually during the life of these trees.

Interested in donating additional trees to SWIC? Trees can be donated to the college by contacting the SWIC Foundation at Foundation@swic.edu or 618-235-2700, ext. 5215.

Register Red Bud weekly events make it easy to enroll for degree program

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Sign up now at Register Red Bud to complete an associate degree in two years by taking classes just two days per week at the Southwestern Illinois College Red Bud Campus, 500 W. South Fourth St.

Stop by RBC Tuesdays Oct. 29 or Wednesday Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to enroll.

“Register Red Bud makes it easier for students to sign up for the Associate in Arts degree,” said Director of High School Partnerships and Recruitment Kelly Bione. “In this degree program, required courses are grouped together two days per week to help students with busy personal and work schedules.”

During Register Red Bud, students can:

  • Complete an application and get a student ID number.
  • Take the SWIC Placement Test for English and Math.
  • Meet with an academic advisor to discuss Red Bud class scheduling.
  • Set up and eSTORM and student email account.
  • Register for classes.
  • Ask financial aid and payment arrangement questions.

Check-in at the Student Development Office, Room 175. Please bring a photo ID. Students taking the SWIC Placement Test must check in by 11 a.m.

For questions, contact admissions@swic.edu or 618-235-2700, ext. 5675.

Trunk or Treat at SWIC Belleville Campus Oct. 25

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Bring the kids to enjoy trick-or-treating in a safe environment at the Southwestern Illinois College Trunk or Treat Friday, Oct. 25 at 6-9 p.m. at the SWIC Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave., in Parking Lot M5.

This event is free and open to the public. Families and kids of all ages are welcome. This is a great option for children who may not have a place to trick or treat. There will be plenty of candy.

Trunk or Treat is sponsored by SWIC Student Life and Student Leader Group.

For more information, call Director of Student Life Amy Brockman at 618-235-2700, ext. 5561.

Senior Companion Program looking for seniors or caregivers

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Are you a senior who is feeling lonely, or are you a caregiver to a senior and in need of a little break? Senior Companions can help!

The Senior Companion Program pairs healthy, active people 55 and older with other seniors who otherwise would not be able to live independently. Southwestern Illinois College Programs and Services for Older Persons sponsors the program.

“The companions provide supportive, individualized services to help clients maintain their dignity and independence,” said Carla Boswell, director of the Senior Companion Program at PSOP. “The goal is to foster their independence and keep them in their own homes. The program also serves as a support system for caregivers of homebound seniors.”

At no cost to the client, Senior Companions provide companionship and assistance to older adults who are homebound and want to remain in their home or may be socially isolated. They visit four hours per day, one or more days per week and can assist with daily tasks, as well as give support and a much-needed break to full-time caregivers. All Senior Companions must go through a background check and training before they are placed with a senior. Companions earn a nontaxable stipend, paid holidays, meal and travel reimbursement and other benefits.

For more information regarding the Senior Companion Program, contact Deena Duvall in Monroe or Randolph counties at 618-282-6682, ext. 8135; Deirdre Evans in the East St. Louis area at 618-874-8779; Elaine Roustio in Madison County at 618-797-7369; or Judy Foret in St. Clair County at 618-234-4410, ext. 7095.

SWIC to Host Workshop for Parents of Future College Students

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If you are preparing to send your son or daughter to college in the near future, the Southwestern Illinois College workshop, Parent 101, can help you understand the ins and outs of the college process.

This free workshop will be held Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Belleville Campus, Liberal Arts Complex, 2500 Carlyle Ave. The event is open to the parents or families of future college students in eighth through twelfth grades.

The informational presentation will Include:

  • Timeline for preparing for college
  • The financial aid process
  • Earning college credit in high school  
  • Transferring courses to four-year universities
  • Cost saving benefits of education and training at SWIC

Assistance completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is available for families of high school seniors during the event.

Helpful items to bring for FAFSA completion include:

  • Photo ID
  • Federal Student Aid ID         
  • Social Security Number and birthdate
  • 2018 Federal Tax Returns or Estimated Income
  • 2018 W2’s or Estimated Income
  • Other Income documents (SSI, TANF, Child Support, Disability, etc.)
  • Value of investments, stock, bonds or mutual funds
  • Balance of bank account (checking/ savings)
  • Month and year of marital status

Check-in starts at 5:45 p.m. in the LAC Lobby.

To register online, visit swic.edu.

For more information, contact the SWIC Enrollment Services at 618-235-2700, ext. 5675, or toll free at 866-942-SWIC (7942), ext. 5675.

SWIC Jazz Band to perform Nov. 4

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Enjoy jazz music from a variety of composers such as Horace Silver and Charles Mingus, performed by the Southwestern Illinois College Jazz Band with Tom Birkner as leader.  

The performance will be Monday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Belleville Campus Theatre 2500 Carlyle Ave. The event is free and open to the public.    

Other composers featured in the concert include: Allan Horney, Les Hooper and Frank Mantooth, Irving Berlin, John Mackin, Freddie Green and more. Mackin is a member of the SWIC Jazz Band and also wrote one of the songs in the performance.

For more information on events offered by the SWIC Music department, visit swic.edu/music or contact SWIC Music Department Chair Ed Jacobs at edward.jacobs@swic.edu. For more information on events offered by SWICarts, visit swic.edu or facebook.com/swicarts.

SWIC Receives $1.4 Million Workforce Equity Grant for 2020

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A $1.4 million Workforce Equity Initiative Grant from the Illinois Community College Board will enable Southwestern Illinois College to develop employment training programs to assist minorities in underserved communities.

“The grant will help create, support and expand short-term workforce training opportunities in high-need communities focused on specific sectors with identified workforce gaps,” said SWIC President Nick J. Mance. “We look forward to expanding career pathway programs and pulling communities together to help students achieve their educational goals.”

The communities that will be served by the grant include Alorton, Brooklyn, Cahokia, Centreville, East St. Louis, Edgemont, Fairmont City, Granite City, Lovejoy, Madison and Washington Park.

SWIC will develop training programs in the fields of Welding, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Health Sciences, Food Service and Forklift Training.

The goal is to recruit up to 500 students per semester and an additional 200 students who are already pursing one of the designated career pathways. The college plans to  participate in 20 outreach activities in the next year.

This project was championed by Illinois state legislators who support community colleges and workforce training initiatives, especially Sen. Chris Belt, D-Cahokia, and Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea. Other supporters include: Sen. Rachel Crowe, D-Wood River and Sen. Paul Schimpf, R-Waterloo, Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, Rep. LaToya Greenwood, D-East St. Louis and Rep. Nathan Reitz, D-Steeleville.

For more information, contact the SWIC Chief of Staff Beverly Fiss at 618-235-2700, ext. 5247 or beverly.fiss@swic.edu.

Explore burgers, bodybuilders, illusionism and abstract mixed media at The Schmidt Art Center

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This fall, the works of artists Amy
Reidel, Thomas Matthew Pierson and Cory Sellers, which range from mixed media to paintings to abstract spaces will be on display from Oct. 24 through Dec. 5 at William
and Florence Schmidt Art Center.

An opening reception will be held from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24 and artist talks at 6 p.m. in the art center on the Southwestern Illinois College Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave.

Art lovers will have a chance to view Reidel’s abstract mixed media work that illuminates woman and caregivers experiences within the health and socio-political avenues; Pierson’s paintings of the all-American hamburger and bodybuilders; and the chance to explore Seller’s illusionism and pictorial drama within compositional spaces.

For more information about these exhibitions, The Schmidt, the art center’s calendar of events and arts education programs, visit swic.edu/theschmidt or call 618-222-5ART (5278).