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SWIC Fire Science Program students to learn on donated fire truck

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Retired Fairview Heights firefighter Daniel Lougeay of Marissa, has made an in-kind donation of a fire truck to the Southwestern Illinois College Fire Science Program. The 1963 retired fire engine will be used by fire science students to learn how to operate a fire hose pump, as well as other things.  

1963 Fire Engine
Pictured, Daniel Lougeay, right, and son, SWIC Fire Science Program Coordinator Curt Lougeay, stand with the donated 1963 Fire Engine that Daniel donated to the SWIC Fire Science Program.

“Being able to help the next generation of firefighters become the best they can be, not only for themselves but for the safety of the public is what matters,” said Lougeay. “It also feels good to be able to contribute to one of the best fire science programs in our area.

Lougeay bought the truck from the Willisville Fire Department in 2002 and used it for parades and antique fire truck shows. The truck will be located at the SWIC Clay Baitman Fire Science Center, located at 1521 Freeburg Ave. in Belleville, where all the fire science courses are offered. The fire science graduates more than 30 firefighters annually.

“We really appreciate the donation of the fire truck to our program,” said SWIC Fire Science Program Coordinator and Daniel’s son, Curt Lougeay. “Having the ability to provide real-world learning opportunities for our students is extremely important and with the addition of this new equipment, we can ensure we are placing well-educated and prepared firefighters out in our communities.”

SWIC offers a two-year, 66-semester-credit Associate in Applied Science degree in Fire Science with two options and 11 certificate programs.

For more information on the Fire Science Program contact Program Coordinator Curt Lougeay at 618-234-5138 or curt.lougeay@swic.edu or for information on how to donate to SWIC visit swic.edu/community/foundation/ways-to-give/.

SWIC’s Mark Bosworth Wins NTMA Teaching Award

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NTMA St. Louis Chapter President Tony Maus called Southwestern Illinois College Industrial Technology Coordinator Mark Bosworth an “Education Super Star” as he presented Bosworth with the William E. Hardman Award for Excellence in Training on Nov. 10 at the Sam Wolf Granite City Campus.

Bosworth, who has been with SWIC since 2008, has grown the Precision Machining Technology program from a handful of evening students to more than 60 day and evening students.

“I love working with the students and watching their skills develop,” Bosworth said. “I like to see them on track for a well-paying, solid career that will last a lifetime.”

The National Tooling and Machining Association is a US-based membership trade association with a collective force of 1,100 tool & die and precision manufacturing companies representing a more than $35 billion industry. NTMA’s focus is supporting the future of American manufacturing through small and medium-sized companies, and family-owned businesses. The William E. Hardman Award is a national award recognizing the high standards and achievements of educators.

“Today we are here to recognize Mark Bosworth’s role in training our next generation of precision manufacturing professionals and our industry’s next generation of leaders,” said NMTA president Roger Atkins. “The William E. Hardman Award for Excellence in Training is for a company or individual that has consistently demonstrated strong support and active participation in structured training for the precision custom manufacturing industry.”

In 2019, Bosworth won the Madison County CTE Business Supporter of the Year award for supporting local industry’s workforce needs and for serving as a conduit between industry and secondary/postsecondary CTE programs in the region.

In addition to being program coordinator, Bosworth teaches classes in all areas of the PMT program, which includes manual machining, computer numerical control (CNC) programming, and MasterCam programming, and some courses for Industrial Maintenance Mechanics.

In 2016, Bosworth was named SWIC Full-Time Faculty Member of the Year and won the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award.

Before joining SWIC, Bosworth taught at Ranken Technical College for 12 years and was a machinist for 11 years for five different companies in the St. Louis area.

Bosworth has a master’s degree in Adult Education and Administration from Jones International University and a bachelor’s degree in Management from National-Louis University. He’s also a member of the NTMA and SkillsUSA.

Bosworth lives in Belleville with his wife, Sue, and their daughter, Emily.

For more information about the PMT program visit swic.edu/pmt.

SWIC Sam Wolf Granite City Campus Adult Education now offering FREE classes

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The Southwestern Illinois College Adult Education and Literacy Department at the Sam Wolf Granite City Campus, 4950 Maryville Road, provides FREE educational, vocational and transitional career services to eligible individuals from Madison, St. Clair, Randolph, Washington, Clinton, Bond, and Monroe Counties.

The following programs are currently offered:

  • High School Equivalency (formally GED) test preparation classes
  • Tutoring
  • English as a Second Language classes
  • Spanish Language High School Equivalency classes
  • Computer classes
  • Health Care Bridge to Nurse Assistant Certification
  • Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System (ICAPS) – Precision Machine Technology (PMT)
  • Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System (ICAPS) – Certified Nursing Assistant
  • Welding
  • Warehousing and Distribution
  • Forklift Training Certification
  • Career Pathways course
  • Job Skills course
  • Transition to college and/or workforce services

To learn more about upcoming SWIC classes in the Granite City area contact SWIC Adult Education and Literacy Transition Services Coordinator Torrin Suedmeyer at 618-797-7321 or via email at torrin.suedmeyer@swic.edu. Stay connected with SWIC SWGCC via Facebook @swicadultedswgcc and Instagram @swicadulted_swgcc.

SWIC Red Bud Campus offers out-of-school youth FREE services

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Southwestern Illinois College is proud to offer the Youth Employment and Support Services Program, which is funded through the national Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Out of School Youth program. YESS provides St. Clair and Randolph County out-of-school youth, ages 16 to 24, with FREE comprehensive support and educational services to complete their High School Equivalency or secondary level of education. Work-site learning opportunities are also available to students in the career field of their choice.

Case managers design a formal, individualized agreement with each participant by assisting them in developing a plan of action to overcome barriers that may hinder them in fulfilling their education goals and/or obtaining employment that may lead to self-sufficiency.

     The following services are available through the program:

  • Tutoring and High School Equivalency instruction and testing
  • Employment opportunities linked to participants’ career interests
  • Work experience opportunities
  • Leadership development
  • Adult mentoring
  • Workplace readiness training
  • Follow-up services after exit (12 months)
  • Transportation assistance
  • Child care referral assistance
  • Comprehensive guidance and counseling, including referral to service partners for drug and alcohol counseling as needed

     To learn more about the YESS program or SWIC HSE classes contact SWIC Randolph County Youth Services Coordinator Karen Schaller at
618-210-8189.

SWIC Adult Education now offering online and in-person High School Equivalency classes

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If you left high school without earning a diploma, let Southwestern Illinois College help you earn one from the comfort of your home or anywhere.  The SWIC Adult Education and Literacy department is now offering online and in-person High School Equivalency preparation classes.     

All services are free and online; support services are available.   

To learn more about upcoming SWIC classes in the St. Clair County area call Lachelle Dowell at 618-222-5365, toll free in Illinois at 866-942-SWIC (7942), ext. 5365 or email lachelle.dowell@swic.edu, for classes in Randolph County contact Karen Schaller at 618-210-8189 or email karen.schaller@swic.edu and for information about classes in the Madison County area call Barb Vrabec at 618-797-7358, or email barbara.vrabec@swic.edu.

SWIC to offer Brewing Science & Operations program starting fall 2020

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In partnership with 4204 Main Street Brewing Company in Belleville, Southwestern Illinois College is proud to offer an Associate in Applied Science degree or certificate in brewing operations and fermentation science starting in the fall 2020 semester.

Students can begin the program by taking the BRW 101 Intro to Brewing Process course, which will be every Monday, starting Aug. 17 through Dec. 7, from 5-7 p.m. at the 4204 Main Street Brewing Company, located at 6435 W. Main St., Belleville.

The program will provide foundational knowledge for brewery operations, production procedures, and teach basic quality assurance. Students will also have access to the latest equipment and technologies used in the industry today and receive hands-on training through courses, capstone, and internship programs.

“With the influx of local breweries popping-up over the last decade and how successful they have been, it is a given that there is an interest in the brewing industry,” said SWIC Technical Education and Workforce Development Dean Brad Sparks. “Our new program will give students the ability to learn the science behind brewing, as well as, offer them a chance to understand the business side of the industry and actually see how a brewery operates.”

The program offers a one-year Brewing Operations Certificate which focuses on the day-to-day operations and practical training for immediate employment in a brewery setting. The two-year Associate in Applied Science degree allows for greater emphasis on the science and business portions of the program. 

Graduates of the program are equipped to pursue a variety of careers in fields related to the brewing industry, such as food and hospitality, packaging and distribution, manufacturing, agriculture, food & natural resources, and business management & administration.     

Fall 2020 classes begin Saturday, Aug. 15. For more information on this program visit swic.edu/academics/academic-divisions/technical-education/brewing-science/, contact SWIC Technical Education and Workforce Development Dean Brad Sparks at 618-931-0600, ext. 7420, email bradley.sparks@swic.edu, or to search for courses offered at SWIC, visit swic.edu/courses.

SWIC releases spring 2020 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 2020 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 according to hometown:
SWIC Spring 2020 Dean’s List

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

SWIC releases spring 2020 graduate list

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The following is a list of Southwestern Illinois College students who graduated at the conclusion of the Spring 2020 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 2020 Graduate List

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

Swansea Wealth Advisor Samuel Hanger named to the SWIC Foundation Board

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SWIC Foundation Board Member Samuel Hanger

Wealth management advisor Samuel Hanger of O’Fallon has been named to the Southwestern Illinois College Foundation Board. As a board member, he will support the Foundation’s efforts to provide special educational and cultural activities that are not part of the college budget.

Hanger is a graduate of University of Missouri-Columbia and has been working in the financial industry since 2013. He started his career off as an intern with Archford Capital Strategies in Swansea. From there, he became a financial services representative for Scottrade in St. Louis. Hanger returned to Archford Capital Strategies in 2015 and currently works there as a wealth management advisor.

He holds a Certified Financial Planner certificate; is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary; and holds his Series 7, 66, 63 and life insurance licenses. Hanger is a member of the Gene Slay’s Girls and Boys Club of St. Louis and the Mizzou Alumni Association. He is also working towards his Chartered Financial Consultant designation.

For more information about the SWIC Foundation and supporting programs at the college, contact the SWIC Foundation Executive Director Rena Thoele at 618-235-2700, ext. 5647, or rena.thoele@swic.edu.

Juneteenth: Message from the President

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Juneteenth: a time for reflection and recommitment on the Black Life and the Fight against Racism

As an institution of higher education, we at Southwestern Illinois College are committed to valuing human life,with respect, fairness, equality, and dignity. I am appalled at the recent events across our country, the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and innumerable others. The reality is: we as individuals have a responsibility to build relationships valuing each other with respect, to learn and to understand diverse cultures and views, and to appreciate each other’s unique backgrounds, societal inequities, and abilities.

In our continued commitment toward respecting differences, and in light of the national conversation regarding racism and injustices, Southwestern Illinois College empathizes with the historically unique Texas celebration of Juneteenth, the emancipation of the last Confederate slaves on June 19, 1865. Two months after Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, five months after passage of the 13th Amendment and more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, slavery in Texas had yet to be abolished. On June 19, as a Confederate insurgency continued, Union Major General Gordon Granger, in command of 1,800 Union soldiers, proclaimed that “all slaves are free” in the state and that there would be “absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves.” (Rita Reynolds, Associate Professor and Chair of Wagner College History Department)

Lizz Schumer, a staff writer for Hearst Magazines, on June 4, 2020 posted a Twitter comment from Makayla Butler on the Good Housekeeping website.

Juneteenth twitter image

Let’s respect, support, and extend understanding to one another as human beings because it makes us stronger and we are able to achieve greater success together.

Respectfully yours,

Nick Mance