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SWIC President appointed to Governor’s manufacturing strategic planning committee

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Nick J. Mance
Norma Bellcoff
Norma Bellcoff

Gov. JB Pritzker recently appointed Southwestern Illinois College President Nick J. Mance to the state’s Policy Academy on Strengthening Your State’s Manufacturing, a committee dedicated to developing and implementing a strategic plan to strengthen manufacturing in Illinois.

In addition, Gov. Pritzker appointed SWIC Foundation Board Chair Norma Bellcoff, vice president of Business Development/Trust at TheBANK of Edwardsville, to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Teachers’ Retirement System.

Mance has 25 years of service in community college leadership as a SWIC Trustee from 1993-2018, and 20 years as chair of the SWIC Board of Trustees, before becoming president of the institution in July 2018. He is a Certified Public Accountant, with more than 30 years of senior business management and leadership experience.

“I’m honored and excited for the opportunity to serve on the Governor’s Policy Academy,” Mance said. “This is a chance to strengthen the relationship between education, industry and our state government with the goal of improving our economy.”

The Policy Academy is charged with developing and implementing a plan that will improve retention and competitiveness of manufacturers in the state; increase Illinois manufacturing productivity and sales; and prepare the Illinois workforce for high-demand manufacturing jobs.

Mance is one of only four individuals in the state appointed to the Policy Academy Core Team. The Policy Academy is part of a five-year statewide economic development plan.

Bellcoff’s role on the Board of Trustees of the Teachers’ Retirement System will be to work with other Board members to oversee the operations of the TRS. The Board ensures the continual delivery of the retirement security promised to members by maintaining the highest and most efficient level of service.

Bellcoff has been in the financial services industry since 1988 and began her career at Argosy Gaming Company as assistant director of investor relations before joining A.G. Edwards Trust as a trust officer. Bellcoff joined TheBANK in 2010.

In addition to serving as chair of the SWIC Foundation Board, she also serves on the Marquette Catholic High School Foundation Board as well as other foundation boards and the Southwestern Illinois Division Auxiliary Board of Directors of the United Way of Greater St. Louis. Bellcoff received her bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting from Duquesne University in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.

For more information, call SWIC at 618-235-2700, ext. 5247.

Explore ceramics and pop culture pieces at The Schmidt Art Center

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Starting in August, three solo exhibitions at the William and Florence Schmidt Art Center will offer art lovers varying views of American culture through ceramics, a large-scale installation, and drawings and prints.

Artists Nanette Boileau, Todd May and Daniel Stumeier’s exhibits will be displayed from Aug. 22 through Oct. 10 at The Schmidt. An opening reception will be held from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 22 and artist talks at 6 p.m. at the art center on the Southwestern Illinois College Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave.

The exhibits offer viewers a chance to reflect on the timeless exploration of wheel-thrown ceramic forms using natural gas reduction; investigate a large-scale installation about varied and non-conformist paths of Americans fighting for their dreams; and view drawings and prints that examine Midwest American popular culture in light of current attitudes toward race and class.

“These exhibits give us a chance to discuss current events within our society and culture,” said Schmidt Curator Nicole Dutton. “As well as, reflect on the past and hopes for the future.”

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).

SWIC ranked No. 5 top value for nursing programs in Illinois

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Southwestern Illinois College’s Nursing Education program is ranked No. 5 for Best Value in the state, according to online magazine Nursing Explorer.

The magazine rated 1,721 nursing programs in 45 states based on information from the Department of Education and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. SWIC placed at the No. 5 spot out of 63 programs in Illinois.

“We’re very proud to offer such a high-quality program at an affordable price,” said Julie Muertz, dean of the SWIC Health Sciences and Homeland Security Division. “Our program is well-known throughout the Metro East and St. Louis for graduating qualified RNs. I’m glad we’re getting recognition at the state level too.”

The ranking scores are based on the NCLEX nursing exam pass rate and the institution’s net-price. Each school was awarded a score between 1 and 100 that reflects the quality of education offered at the school and the program’s affordability. Rankings can be viewed at https://www.nursingexplorer.com/states/illinois.

If a school has a high NCLEX pass rate and low tuition, then its ranks will be higher. Averaged over the last five years, SWIC has a 90 percent NCLEX pass rate. Tuition and fees are only $122 per semester credit, plus financial aid and scholarships.

SWIC offers a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree in Nursing Education. The program includes classroom and hands-on lab instruction, as well as clinical experience working with real patients in health care facilities.

Registered nurses provide a variety of comprehensive medical services that range from promoting good hygiene to administering medication in order to maintain or restore a patient’s good health. Nurses practice in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, physicians’ offices, schools, industries and home-health-care settings.

For more information about the SWIC Nursing Education program, contact the Nursing Education Director Angela Gilbreth at 618-235-2700, ext. 5268 or angela.gilbreth@swic.edu, or visit swic.edu/nursing.

Set sail on a Caribbean Cruise to Mexico, Belize and Honduras with PSOP in 2020

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Have you been dreaming of tropical sands, coral reefs and island blue water? If so, then let Southwestern Illinois College Programs and Services for Older Persons make it a reality in 2020!

This unique excursion is jam-packed with things to do and features something for everyone. Join PSOP Feb. 15-23, 2020, for an eight-night journey to explore Tampa, Florida; Costa Maya, Mexico; Harvest Caye, Belize; Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras; Cozumel, Mexico and all the Norwegian Dawn cruise ship has to offer.

The adventure begins with a one-night stay in Tampa before boarding the Norwegian Dawn cruise ship. Once aboard the ship, there are numerous amenities and activities to choose from including live entertainment, spa treatments, a casino, swimming pools, mouth-watering dining options and more.

Highlights of activities available while visiting some of the locations include traveling 100 feet below the sea in a submarine; exploring an underwater protected marine park; visiting stunning beaches; exploring ancient Mayan ruins and learning secrets of the Mayan culture. Other activities include: viewing the beautiful coral reef on a glass bottom boat tour; tasting local cuisine and indulging in sweet treats; seeing dolphins; snorkeling in sparkling waters or alongside stingrays; ziplining over the Caribbean Sea; taking a ride in a dune buggy or catamaran; strolling through a jungle canopy on a suspension bridge; catching a tuna fish; golfing on a championship course; relaxing at a private pool-side cabana; taking a scenic drive for photos; shopping at local craft markets; viewing the stunning sites of Tabyana Beach; discovering how the Mayans made chocolate and more.

The eight-night trip leaves Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020. The trip includes local roundtrip airfare and airport transfers; motor coach transportation in Florida; one night lodging in Tampa with breakfast; baggage handling throughout the trip; gratuities for local and Florida motor coach drivers; seven-night cruise in selected accommodations; ALL meals and entertainment on board the ship; all port charges, government taxes and fees; customary shipboard gratuities; services of SWIC PSOP travel representative. In addition, there is also your choice of two of the following FREE amenities: FREE unlimited beverage package, FREE specialty dining package, internet package, $50 shore excursion credit (per port, per stateroom), or a photo package.

The deposit to reserve your spot for this once-in-a-lifetime, excitement-packed excursion is only $500. Prices begin at only $2,349 per person. A passport is required and must be valid through Aug. 24, 2020. For more information or a brochure, call Group Travel Specialist Nancy Bauer at 618-234-4410, ext. 7020 or nancy.bauer@swic.edu.

Police Academy Graduates

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SWIC Session 138 Police Academy Graduates

The Southwestern Illinois College Police Academy recently celebrated the graduation of Session 138. The SWIC Police Academy is an intensive academic and physical training program designed to prepare recruits to enter a career in law enforcement. It is one of only seven police academies in Illinois.

Graduates include, from left, front row:

Officer Leonard L. Bowen of the Rock Island Police Department

Officer Kelsey A. Bowman of the McLeansboro Police Department

Officer Ethan A. Brinson of the Belleville Police Department

Officer Thomas C. Carlock of the Jacksonville Police Department

Officer Alexander R. DeWall of the East Alton Police Department

Officer Nathan R. Eck of the Flora Police Department – Winner Academic Honors Award


Second row:

Officer Gregory M. Ferguson of the Rock Island Police Department – Winner Defense Tactics Award

Officer Claudia P. Gallegos of the Belleville Police Department

Officer Brandon T. Genenbacher of the Hamilton Police Department  

Officer Timothy D. Herink of the Farmington Police Department

Officer Adam S. Heuser of the Madison Police Department

Officer Gary C. Hoaks of the Clifton Police Department


Third row:

Officer Mason T. Ingram of the Waterloo Police Department – Winner Jeremy Chambers Top Gun Firearms Award  

Officer Tyler R. Johnson (of Fairmount) of the Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group

Officer Samantha K. Jones of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Police Department

Officer Andrew R. Krump of the Columbia Police Department

Officer Joshua D. Lee of the Oregon Police Department

Intern Katelyn M. Lucia (of Highland) of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board

Officer John P. Lulek of the Arthur Police Department Officer

Jordan M. May (of Collinsville) of the SWIC Public Safety Department– Winner Best Overall in Physical Fitness Award


Fourth row:

Officer Tylor G. McBride of the Litchfield Police Department

Intern Lane G. Messerli (of Greenville) of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board

Officer James B. Miller of the Prophetstown Police Department – Winner Most Improved Over all in Physical Fitness Award

Officer Jordan M. Miller of the Belleville Police Department

Officer Joseph R. Myers of the Cahokia Police Department

Officer Raymond J. Navarro of the Burnham Police Department

Officer Justin L. Nollau of the Belleville Police Department

Officer Andrew R. M. Ray of the Flora Police Department – Class President and Southern Illinois Police Chief’s Association Most Outstanding Officer Award


Fifth row:                       

Officer Joel R. Rush of the Belleville Police Department

Officer Cydny T. Saxer of the Jacksonville Police Department

Deputy Jacob M. Seed (of Lawrenceville) of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office

Intern Scott Waldrup (of Mascoutah) of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board

Officer Bryant J. Weaver of the Sesser Police Department

Officer Justin S. Webb of the McLeansboro Police Department

Officer Tyler M. Wildrick of the Havana Police Department


SWIC photo by Dena Roland Woods 6-4-19

SWIC releases spring 2019 dean’s list

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The following is a list of full- and part-time students on the Southwestern Illinois College Dean’s List for the Spring 2019 Semester.

This list includes full-time students who completed 12 or more semester hours during the semester and part-time students who completed six or more semester hours during the semester while maintaining a 3.5 or higher grade point average.

The students’ names are listed alphabetically according to hometown: SWIC Spring 2019 Dean’s List.

For more information, contact SWIC Enrollment Services at 618-235-2700 or 866-942-SWIC (7942), ext. 5455.

SWIC releases spring 2019 grad list

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The following is a list of Southwestern Illinois College students who graduated at the conclusion of the Spring 2019 Semester. The students’ names are listed alphabetically according to hometown.

The list also denotes students who graduated with honors (a 3.5 grade point average or higher) and with a perfect 4.0 GPA: SWIC Spring 2019 Graduate List.

For more information, contact SWIC Enrollment Services at 618-235-2700 or 866-942-SWIC (7942), ext. 5786.

Complete the SWIC Steps to Enrollment during July Registration Blitz

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If you’re thinking about college but are worried about the college enrollment process, Southwestern Illinois College can ease your mind. You can complete the SWIC steps to enrollment for the Fall 2019 Semester during the July Registration Blitz at the Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave.

Stop by at any point during these days and times: Wednesday, July 24, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Thursday, July 25, from noon to 5 p.m.

During the July Registration Blitz you 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 degree requirements or transfer courses.
  • Set up eSTORM and SWIC student email accounts.
  • Ask general financial aid and payment arrangement questions.
  • Register for classes.

Check-in with Admissions in the Information Sciences Building Lobby. Please bring a photo ID!

For more information, email the SWIC Admissions Office at admissions@swic.edu or call 618-235-2700, ext. 5675.

SWIC Golf Classic to raise money for student scholarships

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Take a swing to benefit Southwestern Illinois College student scholarships at the 27th Annual Golf Classic Friday, Sept. 27 at The Orchards Golf Club, 1499 Golf Course Drive, Belleville.    

Registration and practice for the 18-hole, four-person scramble begins at 11 a.m., with a shotgun start at noon.

The cost to play is $95 per person or $380 per four-person team, a portion of which is tax deductible, and includes green fee and cart, range balls, lunch, dinner and drinks.

All proceeds support SWIC Athletics. There are also numerous opportunities for hole sponsorship. 

 For more information, call 866-942-SWIC (7942), ext. 5271. To register or donate online visit thankyou.swic.edu.

Student with a Perfect ACT enrolls at SWIC

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Emilie Hoepker has always made academics a priority in her life, but it was still quite a shock when she received a perfect score of 36 on the ACT exam, a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. Now, she’s headed to Southwestern Illinois College to start her college education.

“I was very surprised when I saw my scores, especially since it was my first time taking the ACT,” Hoepker said. “I feel proud of myself and the fact that I was able to score so well.”

With a perfect ACT score, it is no surprise that many colleges and universities have contacted Hoepker in hopes of her choosing to attend their institution. However, she has chosen to enroll in SWIC to study Computer-Aided Design.

While attending SWIC, aside from earning her education, Hoepker hopes to learn how to better interact with people and gain valuable hands-on work experience through an internship.

“When choosing a college, I recommend that you consider your financial options,” she said. “SWIC can give you a head start on your educational journey without putting you into financial debt and it matters what you do with the knowledge you receive, regardless of where it came from.”

Hoepker didn’t do much to prepare for the ACT exam. She had already taken the SAT exam, also a standardized test used for college admissions and the PSAT exam, a Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying test, twice. This gave her confidence in the format and process of taking standardized exams. She also did not take an ACT preparation class or an ACT practice test.

“I chose to take the ACT out of pure curiosity at what I could accomplish,” she said.  “My SAT score transferred to about a 34 on the ACT scale.”

While attending Highland High School, Hoepker earned the Top Algebra I, Geometry and Pre-Calculus Student of the Year honor, the Top 1% Award in Physical Education, Math, Business and Science, scored in the top 50,000 in the United States on the PSAT test, graduated with a 5.22 grade point average, ranked 13 out of 230 in her graduating class and has received the Highland Leo Lion Club Scholarship for $1500.

She has also incorporated academics in her social life by being on the Math team all four years of high school, was a member of the National Honors Society for two years, National Honor Society Co-Vice President in 2018, a member of the Spanish Club and volunteered as a Bible educator for approximately 30-50 hours a month for the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

“I wanted to choose a college that was affordable and close to home,” Hoepker said. “I want to attain my associate degree, then head straight into the work force. I want to spend more of my time, energy and money focusing on my Bible education volunteering.”

In the future she hopes to spend as much time as possible volunteering, to design new places of worship at the Jehovah’s Witnesses world headquarters and oversee current locations; however, her overall goal is to be able to care for others.

Hoepker currently works as a lifeguard, teaches swimming lessons through the Red Cross, holds positions at two daycares, tutors and is a child care provider. She lives in Highland with her parents and two younger siblings.

SWIC offers a two-year, 69-semester-credit AAS degree in CAD with specializations in General, Architecture, Machine or Structural Detail drafting, plus a one-year, 37-semester-credit CAD certificate.

For more information about SWIC’s Computer Aided Design program, visit swic.edu/cad.