May 2008 News Releases
- 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
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.