News Releases
- 7-2 SWIC Red Bud Campus and YMCA to Co-Host Soccer Clinic
- 7-1 Hilarious Musical Comedy Set to Take Stage at SWIC
- 6-25 Get Six Tickets for $6 at SWIC "Family Fun Sundays" at GCS
- 6-12 Schmidt Art Center to Feature Diverse Summer Exhibit
- 6-6 SWIC Serves up a Hot Musical Menu This Summer in its Café
- 5-22 Popular Movie Gives Contemporary Spin to Drive-In at RBC
- 5-21 Southwestern Illinois College Puts Title III Grant Funds to Work
- 5-5 Auditions to be Held May 17 for the 2008 SWIC Summer Musical
- 4-30 Public Screening of SWIC Student Films Shown May 9
- 4-25 Belleville Americorps Volunteer Fair at SWIC on May 1
- 4-10 Be a Part of the Action: SWIC Bison Gate Project Phase III
Archived News Releases
SWIC RED BUD CAMPUS AND YMCA TO CO-HOST SOCCER CLINIC
Get your soccer stars psyched for the upcoming season at a soccer clinic sponsored by Southwestern Illinois College and the YMCA of Southwest Illinois.
The camp will meet from 9-10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 26 at Lincoln Park, which is located across the street from the Red Bud Campus, 500 W. South Fourth St.
The camp is open to children ages 3-14. Leading the camp will be SWIC Blue Storm Women's Soccer team members who will review the fundamentals of soccer with campers and teach new individual and team soccer skills.
The camp fee is $10 for YMCA members and $15 for nonmembers. All campers will receive a T-shirt, snack and drink.
Register your child or children by Saturday, July 19.
For information or to register, contact Andrea Letcher at 618-282-9622 or stop by the YMCA of Southwest Illinois Red Bud Center, 130 S. Oak St.
HILARIOUS MUSICAL COMEDY SET TO TAKE STAGE AT SWIC
It's Monte Carlo or bust for English shoe salesman Harry Witherspoon and his rich uncle in this summer's Southwestern Illinois College Summer Musical, "Lucky Stiff."
"Think "Weekend at Bernie's" set in Monte Carlo, Monaco," says Director Jeff Blue. "I love this show because it's just fun!"
In this madcap musical murder mystery, Witherspoon must honor his uncle's last request by taking him on a weeklong vacation to Monte Carlo. There's only one problem - his uncle is already deceased.
Why would Witherspoon agree to do this, you ask.
"I don't want to give too much of the zany action away, but if Witherspoon can do it, he's set to inherit $6 million. Should he fail, it all goes to the dogs," Blue adds. "Believe me, it is not an easy request to fulfill when the action begins."
Performances of the show will be held at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, July 18-19; 2 p.m., Sunday, July 20; 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, July 25-26; and 2 p.m., Sunday, July 27 in the Belleville Campus Main Complex Theatre, 2500 Carlyle Ave.
Bringing the show to life will be cast members: Ryan Quitmeyer of Trenton, portraying Harry Witherspoon, the reserved British shoe salesman; Aubrey Wiggs of Belleville, portraying Annabel Glick, a representative of the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn; Katie Riley of Belleville, portraying Rita La Porta, the legally blonde girlfriend of Witherspoon's uncle Anthony Hendon; Tony Henley of Edwardsville, portraying Luigi Gaudi, a mysterious person of Italian descent; Jeff Blue of Belleville, portraying Vinnie Di Ruzzio, the optometrist brother of Rita La Porta; Samantha Bursich of New Baden, portraying French nightclub singer Dominique du Monaco; Stephanie Rhein of Fairview Heights, portraying Harry's landlady; Jeff Bennett of Belleville, portraying the solicitor; Bill Conklin of Granite City, portraying the body of Tony Hendon; Drew Piccard of New Baden, portraying the bellhop.
Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Get yours today by calling 618-235-2700, ext. 5561 or by stopping by the College Activities Office in the Main Complex - Room 1243.
This show is based on a book, titled "The Man Who Broke The Bank At Monte Carlo," by Michael Butterworth. The creative team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty brought the book, lyrics and music together to form the hilarious farce that has been performed by college and community theatre groups since the early 90s.
The play is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International Inc.
For more information, contact Blue at 618-235-2700, ext. 5451, or the Office of College Activities.
GET SIX TICKETS FOR $6 AT SWIC "FAMILY FUN SUNDAYS" AT GCS
If you're looking for a fun, inexpensive way to hang out with friends or family this summer, Southwestern Illinois College invites you and your family out to GCS Ballpark for a Gateway Grizzlies game.
As part of the SWIC Family Fun Sunday promotion, individuals may purchase six tickets for $1 each with a coupon that can be found in the Belleville News-Democrat and on the Gateway Grizzlies Web site, gatewaygrizzlies.com, on game day. The coupon is redeemable at GCS Ballpark, located off Interstate 255 at Cahokia.
This is the second year that SWIC has sponsored the multi-game promotion. SWIC serves more than 26,000 students annually at campuses in Belleville, Granite City and Red Bud, as well as off-campus sites throughout the eight counties served.
Catch the action at the remaining SWIC Family Fun Sundays:
- July 27 - Grizzlies vs. Windy City Thunderbolts at 6:05 p.m.
- Aug. 3 - Grizzlies vs. Kalamazoo Kings at 6:05 p.m.
- Aug. 24 - Grizzlies vs. Midwest Sliders at 3:05 p.m.
- Aug. 31 - Grizzlies vs. Rockford Riverhawks at 6:05 p.m.
For information call 618-337-3000.
SCHMIDT ART CENTER TO FEATURE DIVERSE SUMMER EXHIBIT
Architecture, famous people and engineering may seem unlikely as a combination for an art exhibit, but they are the subjects of digital, textile and sculptural art work on display this summer at the Schmidt Art Center at Southwestern Illinois College.
The "Homage to Louis H. Sullivan," "Saints and Sinners" and "Inclination" exhibits will run from June 26 until Aug. 9. The opening reception will take place from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, June 26. All Schmidt exhibits are free and open to the public.
The "Homage to Louis H. Sullivan" exhibit will feature a series of digital prints by Maryville artist Michael Mason. To create these prints, Mason scans images of various natural elements onto a computer, then uses photographic and graphic arts software programs to manipulate the images.
"Sullivan combined geometric shapes and plant motifs to create beautiful, elaborate ornaments for his buildings," said Mason. "I found that through computer manipulation, it was possible to create geometric designs directly from these plant materials."
"Saints and Sinners" will highlight needlework pieces by St. Louis artist Michael Aaron McAllister, whose work includes stitched portraits of several famous, some infamous, individuals, such as Mother Teresa, Bonnie and Clyde, Leonardo da Vinci, Richard Nixon and Malcolm X.
"The great portrait artist John Singer Sargent created his own world, surrounding himself with the wealthy and socially envied," said McAllister. "I populate my world with writers, Nobel Prize winners, musicians, royalty and other notable persons who have captured the imagination of the world for one shining moment. My mission is the assurance their stories and lives will continue to live forever through my work at the needle."
In the "Inclination" exhibit, Edwardsville artist Snail Scott creates provocative works by combining unlikely imagery and materials that offers a connection with the real world. Through her sculptures, she uses common and familiar materials to invite the observer to "create a new understanding of the object."
"My recent work articulates the concept of engineering as a deeply rooted human endeavor, by which we attempt to create the reality we desire," said Scott. "In principle, it (the profession of engineering) represents a rational approach to practical goals."
For more information, call 618-222-5278 or visit www.schmidtartcenter.com.
SWIC SERVES UP A HOT MUSICAL MENU THIS SUMMER IN ITS CAFÉ
The Southwestern Illinois College Belleville Campus Café will be serving up a hot menu of summer music when College Activities presents its popular Concerts in the Café series.
A diverse musical lineup awaits! Check out these concerts: Four of a Kind, June 10; Don James Band, June 17; Raven Moon, June 24; Waterloo German Band, July 1; The Casuals, July 8; and You Can't Beat Experience, July 15.
Polkas, swing, jazz, old standard and rock 'n' roll favorites all make their way to the stage as part of the series, making for a fun evening whether you wish to dance the night away or just enjoy a great evening of music.
Concerts begin at 7 p.m. and are open to the public. Admission is free.
The Belleville Campus Café is located on the first floor of the Main Complex building, 2500 Carlyle Ave. Parking for the event is available in Lot M3.
Contact College Activities at 618-235-2700, ext. 5561, for more information about the concert series.
POPULAR MOVIE GIVES CONTEMPORARY SPIN TO DRIVE-IN AT RBC
The bygone days of outdoor theaters return to the Southwestern Illinois College Red Bud Campus, 500 W. South Fourth St., later this month.
The campus will host its second Family Movie Night Drive-In this spring Friday, May 30. The feature, a recent-run Paramount Pictures flick based on a popular illustrated children's fantasy book series, begins at dusk. The film carries a PG rating for its scary creature action and intense scenes. Admission to Family Movie Night is free.
"We invite people to pack their lawn chairs and blankets and head to the campus for some good old-fashioned family fun," said Student Activities Coordinator Jessica Seders. "We're pleased to reprise this popular family-friendly activity for our students with children and families within the community."
Refreshments will be available for a nominal fee.
For more information about the event, contact the campus at 618-282-6682, ext. 8114.
SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS COLLEGE PUTS TITLE III GRANT FUNDS TO WORK
Southwestern Illinois College received a $399,997 Strengthening Institutions Program grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The grant is only one of 20 awarded nationwide, according to U.S. Department of Education officials.
Beginning October 1, 2007, the college began using funds for curriculum and faculty development, and began developing several technology initiatives for greater access to student and institutional information.
"SWIC offers great higher education opportunities to a wide range of students," U.S. Rep. Jerry F. Costello, D-Ill, said last year when he provided news of the award. "These resources will help strengthen the college's academic programs and make the school more efficient."
The SWIC grant project, Learning by Design: Greater Student Engagement and Success, will enhance educational opportunities for the economically disadvantaged and students who are less prepared for college.
"Community colleges can expect ever-increasing enrollments, including more minorities and low-income students than ever before," SWIC President Elmer H. Kirchoff, Ph.D. said. "This timely grant will help ensure that Southwestern Illinois College will be able to meet the demand, while giving these students every chance to be successful."
Martha Giordano is directing the grant project at SWIC, which will continue through 2012.
Southwestern Illinois College is the largest community college in the state outside of Chicago. SWIC provides affordable, high-quality education to 26,000 students annually through campuses in Belleville, Granite City and Red Bud, and more than 20 off-campus sites. The college district encompasses eight counties and serves the educational needs of more than 300,000 Metro East residents.
For information about the SWIC Title III program, call Martha Giordano at 235-2700, ext. 5211.
AUDITIONS TO BE HELD MAY 17 FOR THE 2008 SWIC SUMMER MUSICAL
Think "Weekend at Bernie's" set in Monte Carlo, Monaco and you'll have some idea about the off-beat action on stage this summer at Southwestern Illinois College.
If you want to be part of that action, audition for the college's 2008 Summer Musical "Lucky Stiff." Auditions begin at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 17 in the Belleville Campus Main Complex - Theatre, 2500 Carlyle Ave.
Director Jeff Blue is looking to cast six men and four women.
The play follows unassuming English shoe salesman Harry Witherspoon as he tries to take his recently deceased uncle on a weeklong vacation to Monte Carlo in an effort to inherit $6 million.
Students and community members are welcome to audition. In addition to participating in cold readings from the script, individuals should prepare 16 bars of music for the audition. Cast and crew do not receive monetary compensation for their participation in the summer musical.
Performances of the show will be held Friday through Sunday, July 18-20 and July 25-27.
The play is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International Inc.
For more information, contact Director Jeff Blue at 618-235-2700, ext. 5451; toll free in Illinois at 800-222-5131, ext. 5451; or from St. Louis at 314-436-3218, ext. 5451.
PUBLIC SCREENING OF SWIC STUDENT FILMS SHOWN MAY 9
If you enjoy thrillers, comedies, dramas or documentaries, then the 2008 Southwestern Illinois College Student Film Screening is the event for you.
The films will be shown at 7 p.m., Friday, May 9 in Room 1200, Main Complex, Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave. The program will include works from students of the college's Moviemaking I, Moviemaking II and Documentary Moviemaking classes. The screening is free and open to the public.
Some of the films include:
"Who is Rick Hayden?" directed by Randy Shinn, a dark psychological thriller involving murder and memory.
"The Intergalactic Adventure of Space Baby," directed by Dylan Shaffer, a science fiction odyssey involving a spaceship crew's quest for a place to eat lunch.
Buzz worthy documentaries include a film that explores women's attitudes about pornography, and another which chronicles the recent controversy over the closing of an all-ages music venue in Belleville.
"There is a great lineup of films this semester," Associate Professor of English Dan Cross explains. "I believe people will be very impressed with the talent and creativity of students here at SWIC."
Some films may contain mature language or subject matter, and may not be appropriate for young children.
For more information, call Dan Cross at 618-235-2700, ext. 5591, or toll free at 800-222-5131, ext. 5591.
BELLEVILLE AMERICORPS VOLUNTEER FAIR AT SWIC ON MAY 1
Are you looking for a way to make a difference in someone's life? If so, check out Belleville AmeriCorps' upcoming Volunteer Fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, May 1 at the Southwestern Illinois College Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave.
Students and community members are encouraged to attend the Volunteer Fair. Whether you're a college student looking for a service learning project or an active senior citizen looking to fill part of your day, you'll find an organization in need of your assistance.
"Help make a difference in your community. Most local organizations depend on the services of volunteers to carry out the important work they do. You can be a part of their efforts to help others in the community," notes Belleville AmeriCorps Director Amanda Guinn. "We can gain a greater sense of belonging and awareness of civic responsibility when we help others."
Local nonprofit organizations recruiting volunteers will be on hand to talk about available opportunities and the services they provide. In addition to Belleville and East St. Louis AmeriCorps programs, groups scheduled to participate include the American Cancer Society, Belleville Main Street, the Belleville Parks and Recreation Department, Boys Hope Girls Hope, Children's Home and Aid, Covenant House Missouri, Edwardsville Art Center, Family Hospice, the Franklin Community Neighborhood Association, the Girl Scouts of America-River Bluffs Council, Habitat for Humanity - St. Louis, Land of Lincoln Legal: Ombudsman Program, Literacy Volunteers-Illinois Jumpstart, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Student Leadership Development Program and Volunteer Services, the Southwestern Illinois College Programs and Services for Older Persons' Retired Senior Volunteer Program, the St. Elizabeth's Auxiliary, the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Center, Siteman Cancer Center Volunteer Services, Tour de Belleville, the United Service Organizations and the University of Illinois Extension Office-4H.
Check out Belleville AmeriCorps' Web site, www.swic.edu/americorps, for an up-to-date list of participating organizations.
People can sign up for volunteer projects with several area organizations at the fair.
The event is sponsored by Belleville AmeriCorps and celebrates National Volunteer Week.
For more information, call Guinn or Belleville AmeriCorps Field Coordinator Margaret Bruns at 618-235-2700, ext. 5709 or 5711, respectively, or check the Community section of the SWIC Web site, www.swic.edu.
BE A PART OF THE ACTION: SWIC BISON GATE PROJECT PHASE III
Be a part of the action! Roll up your sleeves, get "down and dirty" and help create a temporary, environmentally friendly sculpture with Artist Ron Fondaw at the Southwestern Illinois College Belleville Campus.
The third year of the Bison Gate project is about to get under way. This spring, volunteers will create a Chia-style bison. This grass-covered sculpture will be built on the east lawn of the William & Florence Schmidt Art Center using harvested vines, clay, soil and sod.
Work sessions are scheduled for the following dates and times:
- 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 26 (Native Habitat area)
- Noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, April 27 (Schmidt East Lawn)
- 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, April 30; Saturday, May 3; and Sunday, May 4 (Schmidt East Lawn)
"We invite community members to join SWIC Art and Biology students as they build a vine structure and cover it with a sod coat to create a bison-shaped sculpture at the site," said Schmidt Art Center Director Libby Reuter. "We also encourage people to come and just watch sculpture in the making."
The Biology department's annual Habitat Restoration activities and the community art project merge again this year. Volunteers will be harvesting invasive, non-native bush honeysuckle from the woods in the campus' Native Habitat area. Those stems will then be woven into the skeletal frame of bison.
"The framework constructed will be covered with a sod coat to create a bison sculpture appearing to graze near the Schmidt Art Center," Reuter said. "As with the adobe Bison Gate projects created in previous years, this new bison will be organic and temporary."
Food will be provided during work sessions.
For details, contact Reuter at libby.reuter@swic.edu or 618-235-2700, ext. 5143;
Assistant Professor of Biology Bob Weck at bob.weck@swic.edu or 618-235-2700, ext. 5607;
or Assistant Professor of Art Guy Weible at guy.weible@swic.edu or 618-235-2700, ext. 5394.