Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) will open its doors for a Manufacturing Day Open House, Friday, October 4, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., to showcase new technology, educational programs, career opportunities, products, and services. The welcome ceremony, with special keynote speakers, begins at 9 a.m. The SWIC Sam Wolf Granite City Campus, located at 4950 Maryville Road, will serve as the event hub for the day.
The celebration is free and open to the public and more than 1,300 local high school students are scheduled to attend. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the Precision Machining Technology, Electrical/Electronics, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, Aviation Maintenance, and Welding Technology labs. They will also experience firsthand the latest advancements in computerized machining and robotic welding equipment, showcasing how high technology is transforming technical education and manufacturing. Additionally, attendees can meet over 30 regional manufacturers and sign up to tour a local manufacturing facility.
“Our objective is to demonstrate to students and the community the exceptional opportunities available in technical education at SWIC. We aim to highlight the numerous well-paying, secure careers in manufacturing within the Metro East and broader regions,” stated Mark Bosworth, Dean of Technical Education at SWIC.
This event in presented in partnership with the Gene Haas Foundation, IMEC – Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center, Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois, Madison County Employment and Training, St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department and the Southwestern Madison County Chamber of Commerce. To register for this free event, visit swic.tfaforms.net/217810. For additional information and sponsorship opportunities, visit swic.edu/mfgday or call the SWIC Technical Education Division at 618-931-0600, ext. 7476.
Southwestern Illinois College Announces New Career Technology Education Building on Red Bud Campus
Belleville, IL – Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) is pleased to announce the expansion of Career Technology Education (CTE) programming to the Red Bud campus and the construction of a new seven thousand eight hundred (7,800) square foot facility.
The expansion of the CTE program to the Red Bud Campus will significantly enhance educational opportunities at the campus and the region, providing modern facilities beneficial for workforce training. The project aligns with SWIC’s strategic objectives to enhance educational facilities and meet the growing demand for career-focused education in the region. Proposed programs will provide learning and skill development in vocational and technical fields. The location of the future academy on campus grounds is strategically placed with building and programming additions in mind for the future, and ensures Illinois to be a change agent in the manufacturing sector. Construction of the new facility equipped with the latest CTE training equipment will support student enrollment across the southern Illinois region and boost the confidence of industrial partners—and the community—by illustrating SWIC’s dedication to and investment in these industries.
The Board of Trustees has previously approved a contract with Farnsworth Group for architectural services and with Holland Construction for preconstruction work for the project. SWIC is making a financial commitment that would amount to approximately $5.5M, with funding stemming from Series 2023 Bond proceeds sold in December 2023. Construction completion is expected by Spring 2026, weather permitting. SWIC anticipates serving students through the facility Fall 2026.
SWIC Board member, Tracy Vallett, Sub-District 1 – Red Bud, is excited for the new opportunities this facility will afford to students in the southern-most school districts in the region. She says, “I am thrilled to see the growth on Red Bud’s campus and am proud of SWIC’s commitment to accessibility and transportation. The opening of this new facility will provide a local option for quality education in trades and transfer programs. With the expansion of previously established programming to our southern district students, we will now be able to serve traditional and non-traditional students with training and education that helps them enter the workforce faster.”
Planned programming for the new facility will include the expansion of previously established programming such as Allied Health, welding, plumbing, and construction management while also offering a facility that is adaptable to new and transfer programs.
Governor JB Pritzker Attended Ribbon Cutting at New Advanced Manufacturing Academy
Belleville, IL – In preparation for the official fall 2024 opening of the Advanced Manufacturing Academy on its Belleville campus, Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) held an official ribbon cutting on Thursday, July 11, 2024. SWIC would like to thank Governor Pritzker, Senator Christopher Belt, General Assembly Leader Jay Hoffman, Representative Katie Stuart and former Representative Latoya Greenwood, Mayor Patty Gregory, and numerous industry partners for attending.
Through the leadership of Governor Pritzker and SWIC President Nick Mance, coupled with the generous DCEO and other source funding, the new Advanced Manufacturing Academy will reinvigorate the regional manufacturing industry with a sustainable, high-skilled workforce to further reestablish Illinois and the U.S. as a center of global manufacturing. SWIC is utilizing State funding to launch a multi-phase plan to create an academy that focuses on the needs of local manufacturing partners and builds the relationships necessary to solidify southern Illinois as a hub for manufacturing education and industry. By reinforcing the strong manufacturing opportunities available to the community and highlighting the success of SWIC’s manufacturing students, the college will continue to improve the overall image of U.S. manufacturing in the region.
Sustainable manufacturing is becoming increasingly important in the changing landscape of the industry. SWIC will be at the forefront of manufacturing innovation with its state-of-the-art equipment and program offerings and will spur modernization throughout the regional industry. Planned programming for the new facility will include revision of previously established programming as well as the addition of new and innovative manufacturing programming.
Governor Pritzker commented, “I chose to come to SWIC because of your successes, to demonstrate my own intent to put community colleges at the forefront of our economic revitalization of the state. SWIC and other community colleges are the dynamic institutions that are capable of building the workforce of the future, creating opportunities for hardworking Illinoisans, and maximizing economic growth potential for the entire state and particularly for this region.”
During the month of March, we observe Women’s History Month to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women, today and throughout history. At SWIC, we not only recognize the contributions of women who help lead the way and inspire, but also acknowledge their diverse interests and passions. Thank you to all the women, past and present, at SWIC, whose dedication and hard work has helped make Southwestern Illinois College your first choice!
Jill Baudendistel Student Services CoordinatorLaura Vahlkamp Associate Director of Recruitment & OutreachBrandi Brown-Harris College Inclusion & Outreach CoordinatorMelissa Epps – MPH, RPh Adjunct Pharmacy Technician Program CoordinatorDanielle Chambers Chief Student Services OfficerKatie Dawson Director of Financial Aid, Veteran Services & Student EmploymentKourtny Shaw Director of MarketingAlicia Johnson Career and Employment SpecialistBethanie Garcia Admissions CoordinatorElizabeth Alvarez RN Program CoordinatorVicki Channer Administrative Assistant – AthleticsAnnjanee Jones Director of Advising, Enrollment, & RecordsPaula Haniszewski Director of the William and Florence Schmidt Art CenterMindy Schubert Events SpecialistJami Houston Director of Student Success Programs Myki Rhodes Director of Student FinanceLiz Jennings Associate Director – FoundationCasey Robacker Internal Communications SpecialistSamantha Rogers LibrarianSarah Samples Associate Director of Marketing
Jill Baudendistel, Student Services Coordinator – Reading a captivating book is my favorite way to relax.
Laura Vahlkamp, Associate Director of Recruitment & Outreach – My top hobbies are: Physical Fitness (boxing, strength training), Food (love to bake and eat snacks), going on adventures with my teenagers, traveling, coffee, wine.
Brandi Brown-Harris, College Inclusion & Outreach Coordinator – I enjoy roller skating. I also spending time with my Bichon Frise, Penny Lane and watching my favorite shows on TLC and The Food Network channel.
Melissa Epps – MPH, RPh, Adjunct Pharmacy Technician Program Coordinator – Wreath making has been a cherished hobby of mine for quite some time, I love it!
Danielle Chambers, Chief Student Services Officer – My hobbies include helping others, cherishing moments with family, and eating!
Katie Dawson, Director of Financial Aid, Veteran Services & Student Employment – I love being involved in the Belleville community! My family and I shop and eat local as much as possible and never miss a parade or festival on Main Street.
Kourtny Shaw, Director of Marketing – My primary focus and passion outside of work is being a mom.
Alicia Johnson, Career and Employment Specialist – Besides spending time with my beloved service dog, my favorite way to pass time is to read.
Bethanie Garcia, Admissions Coordinator – Collecting and decorating my office with plants. Being surrounded by plants brings me a sense of joy and enhances my productivity.
Elizabeth Alvarez, RN Program Coordinator – Puzzles are my favorite way to relax but I also love reading and camping!
Vicki Channer, Administrative Assistant – Athletics – I love maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise.
Annjanee Jones, Director of Advising, Enrollment, & Records – I enjoy spending my free time gardening.
Paula Haniszewski, Director of the William and Florence Schmidt Art Center– I love hanging with my husband and two girls, art, real estate, and reading.
Mindy Schubert, Events Specialist – In my spare time I enjoy making quilts for my kids.
Jami Houston, Director of Student Success Programs – Getting my Ed.D from the University of Illinois and Illini basketball!
Myki Rhodes, Director of Student Finance – In my free time, I’m all about roller skating!
Liz Jennings, Associate Director – Foundation – I’ve been getting into tennis lately. It’s been really fun picking up a new hobby!
Casey Robacker, Internal Communications Specialist – I love collecting figurines and decorating my office with them. It’s awesome to see them around every day, brings a little extra joy to my space!
Samantha Rogers, Librarian – I like to travel and explore. 2022 took me to the Island of Hvar. 2023 the Isle of Skye. This summer I will be looking for wild ponies along the coast of Exmoor.
Sarah Samples, Associate Director of Marketing – Hiking is the best! The fact that my entire family enjoys it adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience.
The following is a list of full- and part-time students on the Southwestern Illinois College Dean’s List for the Fall 2023 Semester.
This list includes full-time students who completed 12 or more semester credits during the semester and part-time students who completed six or more semester credits during the semester while maintaining a 3.5 or higher-grade point average.
The students’ names are listed alphabetically by last name.
Thomas Mulherin, Senior Vice President in Investments with Stifel Financial, has been named to the Southwestern Illinois College Foundation Board. As a member of the board, Mulherin will support the Foundation’s efforts to secure gifts for special educational and cultural activities that are not part of the college budget.
Within his newly appointed role, Mulherin brings decades of financial experience to the Foundation Board. Not only is he currently the Senior Vice President in Investments with Stifel Financial, but Mulherin has spent 25 years working specifically as a Retail Investment Advisor. He specializes in helping clients achieve their financial goals through financial planning and portfolio management.
In addition to his financial career, Mulherin furthered his experiences by serving on St. John’s Lutheran School Board of Education, along with being the President of said board. Currently, Mulherin serves on the St. John’s Lutheran Church Estate Committee. Alongside serving on community boards, Mulherin is a supporter of the local charity, Joshua’s Great Things. This charity raises money to fund pediatric brain cancer research as well as helping families with basic needs while taking care of a child in treatment.
Mulherin was born and raised in the Waterloo and Red Bud area, where he now resides with his wife and children. And given Mulherin’s background and experience within the local community, he is thrilled to be able to serve on SWIC’s Foundation Board where he can continue to help those around him.
Dr. Elizabeth Johns named to the SWIC Foundation Board
Dr. Elizabeth Johns, DNP, AGACNP-BC, PM-BC, Nurse Practitioner and Assistant Professor of Nursing at Maryville University, has been named to the Southwestern Illinois College Foundation Board. As a member of the board, Dr. Johns will support the Foundation’s efforts to secure gifts for special educational and cultural activities that are not part of the college budget.
In her new role, Dr. Johns brings decades of clinical and higher education experience to the Foundation Board. She has been serving her community in a myriad of ways through healthcare. Not only is Dr. Johns an Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program at Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri, but she also currently practices as an Inpatient Oncology/Hematology Nurse Practitioner at Washington University Siteman Cancer Center in Shiloh.
Dr. Johns is an alumnus of SWIC, having completed two years of her undergraduate work before transferring to Deaconess College of Nursing to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Dr. Johns received her Adult/Geriatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner degree from St. Louis University and went on to Maryville University to receive her Doctorate in Nursing Practice.
Given her chosen field, Dr. Johns is thrilled to be able to serve on the Foundation Board and continue to make a positive impact on the local community.
Dig out your gardening tools – it’s spring! The SWIC Horticulture program is selling reasonably priced plants, including vegetable plants, tropicals, perennials, annuals, and herbs. All plants at the sale were grown over the winter by SWIC students!
You can get your green thumbs (and fingers) on these plants at the annual Plant Sale April 20 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and April 21-22 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the SWIC Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave. The sale will be held in the greenhouse, located on the southeast corner of campus behind the baseball fields.
“The SWIC Plant Sale is possible thanks to the hard work and dedication of our Horticulture students,” said SWIC Horticulture Program Coordinator Kurt Range. “The annual Plant Sale is a great way for our students to see their work come to life.”
Cash, credit, and checks will be accepted at the sale. Proceeds benefit the Horticulture program.
For more information about the plant sale contact Kurt Range at 618-235-2700, ext. 5135 or kurt.range@swic.edu.
Southwestern Illinois College’s Veteran Services will host a screening event for the documentary, The Final 19.
The film follows the harrowing true story of Sergeant Dan Hefel and his journey as one of the final 19 prisoners of war to return from Vietnam. The film depicts his 1143 days spent in captivity, while also touching on life after the Vietnam War. In addition, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the war.
The event will be hosted March 30 at SWIC’s Belleville Campus, in the Main Complex Theatre. Listed below is the schedule for the screening and panel discussion of The Final 19 with Sergeant Dan Hefel.
Meet and Greet with Sergeant Dan Hefel and Director Tim Breitbach.
11 a.m. – Screening “A” and Q&A
1 p.m. – Veteran Discussion Panel
2 p.m. – Screening “B” and Q&A
“Hosting an event such as the screening of The Final 19 helps bring the community together,” said Veteran Services Coordinator Dan Nagel. “SWIC is honored to be a place where veterans can feel both seen and heard.”
SWIC has over 1500 enrolled Veterans as part of the GI Bill.
For more details about the screening of The Final 19, please contact Veteran Services Coordinator Dan Nagel at daniel.nagel@swic.edu
SWIC wins 1st in Mastercam Wildest Parts competition
SWIC Precision Machining Instructor, David Berry recently placed 1st in the Mastercam Wildest Parts competition!
Wildest Parts is a global event sponsored by Mastercam that gives both students and professionals opportunities to learn skills and earn prizes through CAD/CAM.
Within the Professional division, David Berry placed first among all of the participants! For his submission, Berry designed and created a desk piece, featuring a 12 blade, large wheel, compressor design. The part took a total of 2 weeks to fully create. One week was spent programming the parts and the next was spent proofing the program on the machine.
When creating a part from a blank piece of material, the machine needs about 10 hours to finish the project. Yet, despite the many hours spent on the part, Berry noted that the process helped broaden his knowledge of CAD when creating something with a multi-axis.
For more information on the Precision Machining Technology program, click here.
