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Southwestern Illinois College

News & Events

News & Events Home | Calendar | Events

Path: Home > News & Events > News Releases

News Releases

Archived News Releases


SWIC TO RECOGNIZE GRADUATES AT COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES

Allied Health Pinning - Tuesday, May 19, St. Peter's Cathedral, 200 W. Harrison St., Belleville. The ceremony starts at 7 p.m.

The Graduates need to arrive at 5:30 p.m. to have their photos taken.

Family and friends may enter the church starting at 6 p.m.

Graduates should be in their seats at 6:30 p.m. for the processional

GED Certification Ceremony - Wednesday, May 20, Varsity Gym, Main Complex, Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave. The ceremony starts at 7 p.m.

Graduates need to be on campus to receive their caps, gowns and tassels at 6 p.m.

Doors will open for guests to be seated at 6 p.m.

A reception is held after the ceremony in the cafeteria for graduates and their families and friends to celebrate with faculty members.

Spring 2009 Commencement Ceremony - Thursday, May 21, Varsity Gym, Main Complex, Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave. The ceremony starts at 7 p.m.

Photographer will take Cap & Gown portraits in Main Complex Room 2260 starting at 5:15 p.m.

Doors will open for guests to be seated at 5:45 p.m.

Graduates must check-in outside the Campus Theatre on the second floor of the Main Complex at
5:45 p.m. and must be in line for the processional before 6:30 p.m.

Graduates should not be carrying anything during the ceremony, so please leave handbags or other such items with a family member or friend.

Please do not leave your seats during the ceremony to take photos of the graduates. Leaving your seats may cause congestion in the aisles and interfere with the ceremony.

A reception will held in the café immediately after the ceremony.

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SWIC GOES GREEN WITH SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES

Please use the following links to view videos of the Energy Summit, read about SWIC green initiatives and visit the Illinois Community College Sustainability Network.

Note to Mac users: To view these videos, please ensure you have Windows Media® Components for QuickTime installed. A free download of the software is available from the Microsoft Web site.

KETC NewsHour Spotlight : Southern Illinois Economic Forum With Spencer Michels


Coming soon

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SWIC TO HOLD DEDICATION CEREMONIES FOR EVERGREEN CAMPAIGN

Southwestern Illinois College will conclude its Earth Week celebrations with two tree-planting ceremonies on Friday, April 24, Arbor Day.

Two trees, part of the "SWIC Evergreen" campaign, will be planted at the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus, 601 James R. Thompson Blvd., to honor the memory of the late Rep. Wyvetter H. Younge, D-East St. Louis. The dedication ceremony is set for noon at the East St. Louis Community College Center on the higher education campus. The trees were donated by U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello, D-Ill., and his wife, SWIC President Georgia Costello, Ph.D.

During the ceremony, Congressman Costello and a representative of the Wyvetter H. Younge Center For Economic and Social Justice will speak on Younge's legacy in East St. Louis and the impact she had on the community.

At 2 p.m., a second ceremony will take place near the Dr. Tom Amlung Trail at the SWIC Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave., to dedicate a permanent sign listing all donors, honorees and memorials for the SWIC Evergreen Campaign. Valerie Thaxton, Ed.D., vice president for Community Services and Campus Operations, will speak about the campaign. Dr. Amlung's son, Matt Amlung, will speak about his father's contributions to the community as a veterinarian and a SWIC professor.

Both ceremonies are open to the public.

For more information, contact Public Information and Marketing at 618-235-2700, ext. 5258, or toll free at 866-942-SWIC (7942), ext. 5258.

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SWIC FOUNDATION TO HOST DINNER AUCTION MAY 8

For a night of music, food and auctions, don't miss the Southwestern Illinois College Foundation Dinner Auction Friday, May 8.

The event will be held at the McCormick Center, 200 W. Harrison St., Belleville. Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner is from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The silent auctions will run from 6-9 p.m., while the oral auction will take place at 9 p.m.

Tickets to the event are only $15 each. The ticket price includes a full buffet dinner, two drink tickets, music by Vinyl Frontier and plenty of auction bidding. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

The SWIC Kids' Club will offer free child care for children of any age for guests attending the dinner auction. Advance reservations must be made by calling 618-235-2700, ext. 5543.

Proceeds will benefit several different groups throughout the college, including the Art Faculty, Association of Information Technology Professionals, Athletics, Herstory, Kids' Club, Library, Nontraditional Careers, Programs and Services for Older Persons, Red Bud Campus, SWIC Alumni, SWICEE IFT-AFT Local 6224, Sam Wolf Granite City Campus and the Schmidt Art Center.

For more information about the event, or to purchase tickets, call the SWIC Foundation at 618-235-2700, ext. 5546.

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REGIONAL ENERGY SUMMIT MARKS INTRODUCTION OF SWIC-XPRESS

Southwestern Illinois College will unveil the SWIC-xpress MetroLink train Monday, April 20. A brief informal ceremony will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the MetroLink College Station, located at the SWIC Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave.

The SWIC-xpress, a "SWIC-wrapped" MetroLink light-rail vehicle, will be christened by U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello, D-Ill., the SWIC Board of Trustees, and SWIC President Georgia Costello, Ph.D., following the Regional Energy Summit 2009 and Southwestern Illinois Economic Forum.

Afterwards, the train will take its maiden voyage; a roundtrip from SWIC to Scott Air Force Base. The SWIC-xpress will be part of the normal MetroLink service following the initial voyage.

SWIC offers free Metro service passes to all credit-class students, faculty and staff; these passes cover both MetroLink and Metro bus services. MetroLink access offsets the financial burden of building additional parking and is a powerful recruitment tool for the commuter college located on the Metro line. Metrolink access is also one of SWIC's many "green" initiatives.

The train has been designed to serve "as a giant billboard moving through the heart of our area to promote fuel-saving ridership," said President Costello. "MetroLink is a great option for students who attend our Belleville Campus, Scott Air Force Base and the East St. Louis Community College Center, all of which are Metrolink stops."

MetroLink trains can carry up to 212 passengers and travel at speeds up to 55 miles per hour. The SWIC-Xpress will remain in service throughout 2009.

For more information please contact SWIC Public Information and Marketing at 618-235-2700, ext. 5258, or toll free at 866-942-SWIC (7942), ext. 5258.

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ANNUAL PLANT SALE - APRIL 17-19

The SWIC Math & Sciences Division will host the Horticulture Program's Annual Plant Sale. The sale will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday, April 17-19. Plants will be sold at the Greenhouses on the Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave.

Questions may be directed to Horticulture Program Coordinator Kurt Range at 618-235-2700, ext. 5135.

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SWIC FINE ARTS FESTIVAL EVENTS

Celebrate the arts with Southwestern Illinois College! The SWIC Art and Music departments are sponsoring numerous events as part of their Fine Arts Festival.

All performances and exhibits are free and open to the public. The following events will take place at the Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave.

For more information, call Associate Professor of Music Darice Palmier at 618-235-2700, ext. 5379.

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U.S. TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY LAHOOD to SPEAK at SWIC ENERGY SUMMIT

U.S. Congressman Costello And Illinois Governor Quinn Also Will Participate

Belleville, Ill. - The U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood will be the keynote speaker at the Monday, April 20, Regional Energy Summit 2009 convened by Southwestern Illinois College at its Belleville Campus, it was announced today by SWIC President Georgia Costello, Ph.D. The program will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude by 12:30 p.m.

The Energy Summit is free and open to the public.

U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello, D-Ill., and Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn will address the audience on sustainability issues prior to the panel discussion.

Jim Kirchherr, host of KETC/Channel 9 TV's "Living St. Louis," will serve as moderator.

Panel speakers will include: Ameren/UE Vice President, Engineering Timothy E. Herrmann; Ameren/UE Turbine Generators Manager Ozzie L. Lomax; ConocoPhillips Wood River Refinery Manager Herman L. Seedorf III; National Corn Growers Association CEO Rick Tolman; Peabody Vice President/ Global Energy Analytics Jacob A. Williams; and Prairie State Generating Company President and Chief Executive Officer Peter DeQuattro.

"We will convene to discuss how the Illinois Community College Sustainability Network, which SWIC spearheads regionally, could potentially serve as a national model for other states to follow. We need to act now to ensure a healthy, green America for future generations," said SWIC President Costello.

Regional Energy Summit 2009 is sponsored by ConocoPhillips Wood River Refinery, Ameren/UE, Prairie State Generating Company LLC, Peabody Energy, Belleville News-Democrat, and Holland Construction Services.

"We believe this event is a perfect opportunity for SWIC faculty, students, administrators and staff to assemble - along with invited community leaders - so we can all start pulling together in the same direction at the same time," the college president said.

The ICCSN has identified $560 million in stimulus-bill funding needs to help create more than 20,000 jobs related to energy conservation and renewable energy, with the potential to reach 200,000 workers, clients and students. Major selling points include: the ICCSN delivery system is already in place; ICCSN current and planned initiatives are consistent with federal energy policy; funding can be channeled through existing state agencies; and, as the third-largest community college system in the nation, the Illinois model can serve as a template for other states.

For more information about the ICCSN, visit http://ilccsn.ectolearning.com.

In addition to the energy summit, SWIC plans to invite attending dignitaries to help christen its very own "SWIC-Xpress" MetroLink train designed to serve "as a giant billboard moving through the heart of our area to promote fuel-saving ridership," President Costello added. "MetroLink is a great option for students who attend our Belleville Campus, Scott Air Force Base and the East St. Louis Community College Center, all of which are MetroLink stops," the college president added.

On Arbor Day (Friday, April 24), SWIC will conclude Earth Day Week celebrations with the "SWIC Evergreen" campaign. Since last Thanksgiving, SWIC has displayed 100 evergreen trees on its Belleville Campus, inviting the community to make a donation and plant a tree for a loved one or as a memorial.

Three trees will be planted at the ESLCCC, 601 James R. Thompson Blvd., to honor the memory of the late Illinois Rep. Wyvetter H. Younge, D-East St. Louis. The dedication ceremony that will include Younge's family members is set for noon at the ESLCCC facility. At 2 p.m., a second ceremony will take place near the Dr. Tom Amlung Nature Trail at the SWIC Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave., to dedicate a permanent sign listing all donors, honorees and memorials.

Southwestern Illinois College is the state's largest community college outside Chicago, serving 26,000 students annually at campuses in Belleville, Granite City and Red Bud and more than 20 off-campus sites, including Scott Air Force Base and the ESLCCC.

For a list of SWIC campus and districtwide sustainability initiatives, visit www.swic.edu/gogreen.

"Besides tying national sustainability plans to ICCSN initiatives, we view this energy summit as an excellent opportunity to showcase where we're headed at Southwestern Illinois College," President Costello said.

For more imformation contact mike.fleming@swic.edu

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LINCOLN-DOUGLAS DEBATES EXHIBIT COMING to SWIC

The 150th anniversary of the greatest political discourse in American history will be commemorated in Belleville as Southwestern Illinois College Library hosts a traveling exhibit on the Lincoln-Douglas Debates April 14-23.

The exhibit is one of eight identical exhibits visiting libraries in Illinois through November 2009. Designed to raise awareness of the debates, the exhibit showcases why the issues and words of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas still resonate with Americans today.

Each exhibit is 20 feet wide by seven feet tall and contains a wealth of information about the debates, the political climate of the time, and the 1858 election results. Douglas, the incumbent U.S. senator, defeated Lincoln in 1858, but the notoriety that Lincoln gained during the debates helped propel him to the White House when he again faced Douglas in the 1860 election.

Historians from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum helped to develop the exhibit's content, text and graphics.

The SWIC Library is located at the Belleville Campus in the Information Sciences building. Library hours are 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday; and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday.

For more information, contact Loretta Lopinot at 618-235-2700, ext. 5236, or toll free at 866-942-SWIC (7942), ext. 5236.

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FIND a JOB at SWIC SPRING JOB FAIR APRIL 16

If you are looking for a new job or just want to explore your employment possibilities, it is time for you to attend the Spring Job Fair at Southwestern Illinois College.

The fair runs from 9 a.m. to noon, Thursday, April 16 in the Belleville Campus Varsity Gym, 2500 Carlyle Ave. All job seekers are welcome and should arrive dressed to impress with plenty of copies of their résumés.

As part of the event, job seekers are encouraged to attend the free workshop, "Make a Job Fair Work for You." This short workshop, provided by the SWIC Southwestern Illinois workNET, will repeat every 30 minutes in the Main Complex, Room 1290.

More than 70 employers representing a variety of career fields are expected to participate in the fair sponsored by SWIC Career Activities and Employment Center. Represented career fields include construction, emergency services, human resources, education, child care, financial services, health care, insurance, law enforcement, military service, retail sales, media and more.

A list of participating employers is available on the SWIC Career Activities and Employment Center Web site, http://wbi.swic.edu/careerplc .

For more information, call the Career Activities and Employment Center at 618-235-2700, ext. 5562, or toll free in Illinois at 866-942-SWIC (7942), ext. 5562.

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EGGS-TRAORDINARY FAMILY EVENT MARCH 28 at SWIC

The Southwestern Illinois College Belleville Campus front lawn, 2500 Carlyle Ave., will be dotted with colorful eggs Saturday, March 28 as SWIC hosts its Eggs-traordinary Egg Hunt, featuring 10,000 prize-filled eggs.

Festivities get under way at egg-zactly 9 a.m. and the egg hunt begins at 10 a.m. with the birth to 2-year-old division. The free family-friendly event also offers a 3- to 5-year-old division and a 6- to 12-year-old division.

A host of egg-cellent activities are on tap including temporary tattoos, balloon animals, group experiences like the Hokey Pokey and a petting zoo. And, children can meet with eggs-tra special guests Winnie the Pooh and the Easter Bunny.

"We're egg-cited to host this event for residents of District 522," notes College Activities Director David Paeth. "In addition to providing a free fun family event, we will have an opportunity to launch the college's districtwide food drive. Donations from the monthlong drive will be distributed to area food banks to help replenish their supplies for families in need."

Families wishing to help can are encouraged to bring a basket with canned goods, Paeth notes. "They'll leave with a basketful of colored eggs filled with little treasures," he adds.

Free parking is available. Enter the campus via the south Green Mount Road entrance or at the Carlyle Avenue entrance across from the YMCA. Both entrances have a stoplight.

In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved to Sunday, March 29. Festivities will begin at noon and the egg hunt at 1 p.m.

For more information about the districtwide food drive or the egg hunt, contact College Activities at 618-235-2700, ext. 5561, or toll free at 866-942-SWIC (7942).

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NFL Player Featured Speaker for March 25 Event

NFL Player David Irons Jr. will be the featured guest during the Student Transition Day and Disabilities Awareness Program, Wednesday March 25 at the Belleville Campus Varsity Gym.

At 10:40, Irons will give a motivational speech by sharing his personal story about growing up with a learning disability.

This SWIC Special Services event is free and open to all.

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APPLY NOW FOR SWIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Looking for a way to help pay for your education? The college Foundation is offering more than 200 scholarships and book awards for the 2009-10 academic year ranging from $250 to $5,000 to meet the diverse interests and attributes of SWIC students. Applications are accepted until all scholarships have been awarded. For the best selection opportunity, apply immediately.

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SWIC TO HOST BASEBALL PRESENTATION AND TEAM 1380 REMOTE

Sports fans will not want to miss out on the events happening at Southwestern Illinois College on Thursday, Feb. 26! SWIC will host both a Negro League Baseball presentation and a live radio remote featuring St. Louis TEAM 1380 radio personality Kevin Slaten.

At 12:30 p.m., the last surviving Negro League player in the area, George Altman of O'Fallon, Mo., and Negro League Baseball Museum Curator Ray Doswell will be speaking to students, faculty, staff and members of the community about Negro League Baseball. This free presentation is open to the public and will take place in the Main Complex Theatre, SWIC Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave.

Slaten will be hosting his radio show live from the Schmidt Art Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Slaten will discuss the Shades of Greatness baseball exhibit at the Schmidt, as well as interview several local sports personalities.

For more information, call 618-222-5278 or visit www.schmidtartcenter.com.

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SWIC DARWIN DAY CELEBRATION TO TAKE PLACE ON FEB. 13

The 11th annual Darwin Day will be celebrated with guest lectures, informational displays, and cake, Friday, Feb. 13 at the Southwestern Illinois College Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave.

Darwin Day is a worldwide celebration of science, humanity and the intellectual contributions of Charles Darwin, the noted English naturalist who was a pioneer in the science of evolutionary biology. A variety of activities are planned at SWIC to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his book, "On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection."

"The Darwin Day celebration is an important part of our Biology department's efforts to educate the college community about the importance of evolution to science and society," said Associate Professor of Biology Bob Weck. There will be a display of Darwin-related and evolution-related material in the Library, located in the Information Sciences Building and birthday cake will be served starting at 10:30 a.m. outside the Theatre in the Main Complex.

Lectures, that are free and open to the public, will be held in the Theatre:

Darwin Day is sponsored by SWIC College Activities and is organized by Biology faculty members.

For more information about Darwin Day activities, call 618-235-2700, or toll free in Illinois at 866-942-SWIC (7942): contact Bob Weck at ext. 5607 or Mike Marlen at ext. 5426.

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SWIC TO HOST 21ST ANNUAL METRO EAST COLLEGE FAIR FEB. 22

High school and community college students can meet with more than 90 colleges and universities who will participate in the 21st Annual Metro East Baccalaureate College Fair held at Southwestern Illinois College. Hosting the largest number of colleges and universities in its 21-year history, the SWIC fair is the largest in the Metro East area this spring. The fair will take place from 1:30-3:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 22 in the SWIC Varsity Gym, 2500 Carlyle Ave.

In addition to visiting with college representatives, students and their families can attend two free Financial Aid workshops presented by Roger Knox, SWIC Financial Aid adviser. The workshops will begin at 1 and 2 p.m. The first workshop, "How to Find Money for College," includes information on grants, loans, scholarships and student employment. The second workshop will assist students in completing their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Families attending this workshop will need to bring both parent's and student's 2008 tax information. Individuals will be able to file the FAFSA online in the computer lab.

Most Illinois and Missouri colleges and universities will attend the fair. A small sampling of the 90 colleges attending the fair include Bradley University, Creighton University, Eastern Illinois University, Fontbonne University, Greenville College, Hawaii Pacific University, Illinois State University, Lindenwood University, McKendree University, Millikin University, Michigan State University, Purdue University, Saint Louis University, Seton Hall University, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Southwestern Illinois College, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, Truman State University, University of Illinois at Springfield, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Missouri-Columbia, University of Missouri-St. Louis, University of Southern Indiana, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy and Western Illinois University, among others.

The College Fair is part of the statewide Illinois College Exposition Program and is sponsored in conjunction with the Illinois Association for College Admissions Counselors, the SWIC Counseling Center and several area high schools.

For more information, visit http://www.iacac.org/committees/ice/2008/ and look for "St. Louis Metro East at SWIC." You also can call SWIC Counseling Center at 618-235-2700, ext. 5206.

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SWIC "COACHES VS. CANCER" BASKETBALL GAMES SET FOR FEB. 14

Proceeds from Men's/Women's Double-Header to Benefit American Cancer Society

SWIC Men's Basketball Coach and cancer survivor Jay Harrington has issued this double-edged community challenge: show some heart on Valentine's Day and come to the men's and women's matinee double-header against Southeastern Illinois College ... and please wear white.

"We want a 'white out' (effect) in the stands against an arch-rival, and we need the community to help us wipe out cancer in our lifetime," said Harrington, who recently won his 600th game at SWIC in his 30th season. The women tip off at 1 p.m. and the men's game starts at 3 p.m.

Admission to both games is free, although fans are encouraged to make a donation to the American Cancer Society. Every contribution of any amount will qualify donors to "win" a SWIC Evergreen tree for campus replanting in memory of a loved one, a dozen roses, and other prizes, with winners to be announced at halftime of the men's contest. SWIC Coaches vs. Cancer t-shirts will be tossed into the stands at halftime of both games.

"We're not offering a million-dollar prize, nor should we," said SWIC Women's Coach Mike Juenger. "But we are offering area basketball fans quality sports entertainment in exchange for whatever they may be able to give to help the fight against cancer." Normal admission is $5 for adults and $2 for kids. SWIC students, faculty and staff are always admitted free. All donation and food-sales proceeds go to ACS.

For more information, contact Jay Harrington at 618-222-5271 or jay.harrington@swic.edu.

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COLLEGE CLOSED FEB. 12

In observance of Abraham Lincoln's birthday, classes will not meet and offices will be closed Thursday, Feb. 12. Classes and offices will resume normal their normal hours the following day.

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MEXICO'S COLONIAL JEWELS AWAIT YOU ON SWIC TRAVEL TOUR

The pyramids of Teotihuacan, a national folklore ballet performance, tequila blue agave fields, the National Museum of Anthropology, the El Eden Silver Mine and a host of other activities await you in the colonial jewels of Mexico this summer!

You could jet off to this destination filled with amazing cultural arts and history thanks to a special Travel Study course - SPAN 299 Language and Culture. No foreign language experience is required to participate. The adventure takes you from St. Louis to Mexico for 12 days of fun in the sun and amazing cultural experiences. Travel from June 13-24.

An informational travel presentation will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 15 at the SWIC Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave. The presentation will be held in the Main Complex Marsh Conference Room, located on the first floor.

"This incredible trip will let you experience a side of Mexico not often seen," said Adjunct Foreign Language Instructor and Travel Guide Catherine Kreher. "By visiting the colonial jewels of Mexico, you will get the chance to learn the history of this country and see first-hand the many different fascinating aspects of the culture. This is a once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunity."

While on the trip, you will visit the towns of Mexico City, Queretaro, Guanajuato, Zacatecas, Tlaquepaque, Guadalajara, Patzcuaro and Morelia, each filled with culturally rich sites.

The journey begins in the capital, Mexico City, where you will visit Plaza de la Constitucion, the second largest square in the world. Other highlights include the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a national folklore ballet performance, and Mexico's tallest pyramid.

You will then travel to the charming towns of Queretaro and Guanajuato. Here you will find beautiful examples of Baroque architecture, open plazas, cozy restaurants and tree-lined boulevards featuring exquisite colonial buildings.

Your next stop on this trip will be the beautiful mountain city of Guanajuato. Explore its Gothic revival church La Parroquia, the Alhondiga de Granaditos Museum and the main plaza of Union Garden and Mercado Hidalgo. Your adventures continue in Zacatecas, known as the "city of light and color." Visits include the Baroque Cathedral, the Rafael Coronel Museum filled with hand-carved and hand-painted Mexican masks, and the El Eden Silver Mine.

Blue agave tequila fields await you in Guadalajara. Enjoy a tour of the fields, visit the Mundo Cuervo Brewery and Museum, and take some leisure time to sip fine tequila or explore the charming shops and restaurants in the area.

Round out the trip with a stop at the National Palace in Morelia and a return stop in Mexico City for the National Museum of Anthropology.

The cost of the trip is $2,269 per person for double occupancy, plus the cost of three credit hours of tuition, SPAN 299. The tour package price includes: round-trip transportation from St. Louis, guided tours, lodging, taxes and fees, 17 meals and the leadership of a bilingual tour director. A $250 deposit is due to reserve your place.

For more information, contact Kreher at 618-233-7569.

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SWIC TO CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Celebrate Black History Month with Southwestern Illinois College! The SWIC Minority Transfer and Multicultural Student Services Center will sponsor numerous events throughout the month of February as part of Black History Month.

All performances and exhibits are free and open to the public. Events at the Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave., include:

For more information, call the SWIC MTMSSC at 618-235-2700, ext. 5360.

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SWIC CONERT CHOIR TO PERFORM AT UNION UNITED GOSPEL MASS

If you are looking for a night filled with the sights and sounds of gospel music, the Southwestern Illinois College Music department has the perfect event for you.

"Gospel Mass" starts at 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7 at Union United Methodist Church, 721 E. Main St., in Belleville. The event is open to the public. A free-will offering will be taken after the performance, and a reception will follow.

The SWIC Concert Choir and the Union United Methodist Sanctuary Choir will be singing "Gospel Mass," an internationally acclaimed production by featured composer Robert Ray.

Ray is a composer and conductor, and currently is professor of music and coordinator of keyboard studies at the University of Missouri St. Louis. He also is director of the University Community Chorus. In demand as an adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor, he leads the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra and its Saint Louis Symphony IN UNISON® Chorus annually in "A Gospel Christmas" concert.

The event is sponsored in part by the Union United Methodist Church Fine Arts Series and the SWIC Minority Transfer and Multicultural Student Services Center.

For more information, call Professor of Music Gail Fleming, Ed.D., at 618-235-2700, ext. 5249.

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SWIC SEEKING DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS/PACESETTER NOMINATIONS

The Southwestern Illinois College Board of Trustees is accepting nominations for the Distinguished Community College Alumnus and Pacesetter awards through Friday, Feb. 6.

Nominees for the Distinguished Alumnus Award must have completed a recognized program of instruction from SWIC (or the former Belleville Area College) prior to June 30, 2004. Nominees for the Pacesetter Award must have completed a recognized program of instruction from SWIC after June 30, 2004.

The Distinguished Alumnus Award honors an individual who completed a recognized program of instruction from the college more than five years ago and has proven to be outstanding in his or her career field or in the community. The Pacesetter Award honors an outstanding alumnus with those same distinctions who has completed a recognized program of instruction from SWIC within the last five years.

Criteria for the awards include:

Previous Distinguished Alumnus Award winners include U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Belleville; St. Clair County Sheriff Mearl Justus; Belleville News-Democrat Editorial Cartoonist Glenn McCoy; Shiloh School District No. 85 Superintendent Jennifer Filyaw; and Troy Maryville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dawn Mushill.

Pacesetter Award winners have included Motivational Speaker Lynette Gage; SWIC Adjunct Welding Instructor Ray Connolly; AG Edwards and Sons Inc. Managed Products Fund Sales Team Member Daniel Siegfried; and Midcoast Aviation Inspector of Maintenance Mitch Guetterman.

Nomination forms are available at www.swicfoundation.com.

Send nominations to Vice President for Community Services Valerie Thaxton, Ed.D., Southwestern Illinois College, 2500 Carlyle Ave., Belleville, IL 62221 or visit the college Web site at www.swic.edu. For more information, call 618-235-2700, ext. 5476, or toll free in Illinois at 800-222-5131, ext. 5476

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NO CLASSES ON LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY

In observance of Abraham Lincoln's birthday, classes will not meet and offices will be closed Thursday, Feb. 12. Classes and offices will resume normal their normal hours the following day.

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DRAMEDY "EURYDICE" AUDITIONS JANUARY 28 and 29 at SWIC

If you are a hopeless romantic, then a role in the Southwestern Illinois College production of the comedy/drama "Eurydice" might be right for you.

Auditions will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 28 and Thursday, Jan. 29 in the Belleville Campus Theatre, 2500 Carlyle Ave.

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. There are seven roles available in the play including Eurydice, her father and her husband, as well as several characters that can be played by men or women. Auditions are open to students as well as the community.

This timeless love story is a retelling of the myth of Orpheus from the heroine's point of view. This modern play by Sarah Ruhl is filled with plot twists and humor. On her wedding day to Orpheus, Eurydice falls to her death and descends to the underworld. In this surreal world she is reunited with her late father but begins to loose memories of her life on earth. When Orpheus enters the underworld to bring her back to life, Eurydice must choose between her true love and her father.

Performance dates are Friday through Sunday, April 3-5.

For more information, contact Director Jeff Blue at 618-235-2700, ext. 5451; toll free in Illinois at 866-942-SWIC (7942), ext. 5451; or from St. Louis at 314-436-3218, ext. 5451.

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