June 2019 - Southwestern Illinois College

SWIC releases spring 2019 dean’s list

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

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.

Student with a Perfect ACT enrolls at SWIC

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.

Register Red Bud weekly events make it easy to enroll for degree program

You can sign up now at Register Red Bud to complete an associate degree in two years by taking classes just two days per week at the Southwestern Illinois College Red Bud Campus, 500 W. South Fourth St.

Stop by RBC Tuesdays in July from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to enroll: July 9, 16, 23 or 30.

“Register Red Bud makes it easier for students to sign up for the Associate in Arts degree,” said Admissions Coordinator Katie Doughty. “In this degree program, required courses are grouped together two days per week to help students with busy personal and work schedules.”

During Register Red Bud, students 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 Red Bud class scheduling.
  • Set up and eSTORM and student email account.
  • Register for classes.
  • Ask financial aid and payment arrangement questions.

Check-in at the Student Development Office, Room 175. Please bring a photo ID. Students taking the SWIC Placement Test must check in by 11 a.m.

For questions, contact admissions@swic.edu or 618-235-2700, ext. 5675.

PSOP and RSVP to host Battle of the Bands fundraiser July 17

Hear the RSVP Orchestra and Country Western Band, as they join forces in a Battle of the Bands Wednesday, July 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Southwestern Illinois College Programs and Services for Older Persons, 201 N. Church St., in Belleville.

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program will host the event, titled Keep the Music Playing, featuring live music, Pot of Gold drawing with multiple winners, a chance to bid on craft items, home décor and much more in a silent auction, and enter a raffle to win baseball tickets. Lunch will be offered for $10 per person.

Both the RSVP Orchestra and Country Western Band of Belleville will perform dance favorites for their fans. Proceeds from the event will support band related expenses to continue dances throughout the area and at PSOP during the coming year.

Reserve your spot for this event before Monday, July 15 at noon by calling PSOP 618-234-4410, ext. 7015, then press 5.

SWIC Husband and Wife Faculty receive STL Community College Distinguished Alumni Honor

Recently, Southwestern Illinois College Full-Time Culinary Arts Instructor Tom Noonan and his wife, SWIC Part-Time Senior Adjunct Instructor Joy Noonan were added to the St. Louis Community College Wall of Fame as Distinguished Alumni during the STLCC Graduate and Alumni Reception. 

The couple was honored by their alma mater for decades of excellence in the culinary industry. Tom and Joy have taught Culinary Arts and Food Management courses at SWIC since 1996 and 1997 respectively.

“Seeing students advance, grow as people and be fully skilled at managing a restaurant kitchen, is one of the most fulfilling things about teaching,” said Joy.

Tom started his culinary journey at STLCC at Forest Park by earning his Associate in Applied Science in Hospitality Restaurant Management in 1978. From there, he went on to become a sous chef for Chef Buel Day at the University Club in St. Louis and held positions at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the Yacht Club of St. Louis, Russo’s Catering of St. Louis and Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles.

SWIC Full-Time Culinary Arts Instructor, Tom Noonan, right and his wife, SWIC Part-Time Senior Adjunct Instructor, Joy Noonan, left. 

 “I tell my students to keep focused, be professional and fair,” said Tom.

He started his career at SWIC under the late Lead Culinary Arts Instructor Chef Ollie Sommer. Tom has taught several culinary courses at SWIC including Professional Food Preparation I; Professional Food Preparation II; Soups, Stock and Sauces; Baking and Pastry; Culinary Nutrition for Food Service and Advanced Professional Cooking. Tom has also earned an Associate in Applied Science in Baking from STLCC at Forest Park.

 Joy began her love for the culinary arts as a teenager. She graduated from STLCC at Forest Park with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Hospitality Restaurant Management in 1985. She has held positions at the Mother In Law House in St. Charles and Forest Hills Country Club in Chesterfield, Sheraton Westport in St. Louis and she also keeps her culinary skills current by working at a smokehouse in Edwardsville, when needed.

 At SWIC, she has taught courses including Professional Food Preparation I; Baking and Pastry; Culinary Nutrition for Food Service; Bread, Rolls and Pastries; Advanced Professional Baking and Food Service Sanitation.

Both are members of the Chef de Cuisine Association of St. Louis and are certified chefs through the American Culinary Federation.

In their free time, Tom and Joy like to spend time with their friends and family. They live in Edwardsville and have two sons, Joseph and Jeffery and a daughter-in-law, Marissa.

For more information on the SWIC Culinary Arts program, visit swic.edu/culinary or call Coordinator Leisa Brockman at 618-235-2700, ext. 5436.

Explore Captivating Iceland with PSOP in 2020

Dreaming of your next big adventure? Let Southwestern Illinois College Programs and Services for Older Persons help make it a reality! Plan to attend the Travelogue program on Monday, July 15 at 2:30 p.m. at PSOP, 201 N. Church St., Belleville.

The meeting will highlight the following excursion:
Iceland Explorer – June 3-9, 2020

Discover picturesque landscapes created by volcanoes and glaciers, and learn about Viking heritage. The six-day, five-night trip includes roundtrip airfare from St. Louis, motorcoach transportation, eight meals, sightseeing and admissions per itinerary, five nights lodging, hotel transfers, baggage handling and a professional tour director. Highlights of the adventure include visiting several museums such as Iceland’s National Museum, Skogar Folk Museum and the Viking Ship Museum; view the Skogafoss, one of the biggest waterfalls in the country; swim in a geothermal pool in the center of a large lava field called the Blue Lagoon; explore Thingvellir National Park; taste “Hot Spring Bread” which is cooked using the heat from geothermal activity; explore five original Viking ships from the 11th century; relax in hot springs and mud pots; visit Bessastadir, an ancient site and home to Iceland’s president; learn Viking history and culture; and much more.

A valid passport is required.

For more information or to reserve a seat to the Travelogue program, contact Group Travel Specialist Nancy Bauer at 618-234-4410, ext. 7020.