July 2019 - Southwestern Illinois College

Set sail on a Caribbean Cruise to Mexico, Belize and Honduras with PSOP in 2020

Have you been dreaming of tropical sands, coral reefs and island blue water? If so, then let Southwestern Illinois College Programs and Services for Older Persons make it a reality in 2020!

This unique excursion is jam-packed with things to do and features something for everyone. Join PSOP Feb. 15-23, 2020, for an eight-night journey to explore Tampa, Florida; Costa Maya, Mexico; Harvest Caye, Belize; Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras; Cozumel, Mexico and all the Norwegian Dawn cruise ship has to offer.

The adventure begins with a one-night stay in Tampa before boarding the Norwegian Dawn cruise ship. Once aboard the ship, there are numerous amenities and activities to choose from including live entertainment, spa treatments, a casino, swimming pools, mouth-watering dining options and more.

Highlights of activities available while visiting some of the locations include traveling 100 feet below the sea in a submarine; exploring an underwater protected marine park; visiting stunning beaches; exploring ancient Mayan ruins and learning secrets of the Mayan culture. Other activities include: viewing the beautiful coral reef on a glass bottom boat tour; tasting local cuisine and indulging in sweet treats; seeing dolphins; snorkeling in sparkling waters or alongside stingrays; ziplining over the Caribbean Sea; taking a ride in a dune buggy or catamaran; strolling through a jungle canopy on a suspension bridge; catching a tuna fish; golfing on a championship course; relaxing at a private pool-side cabana; taking a scenic drive for photos; shopping at local craft markets; viewing the stunning sites of Tabyana Beach; discovering how the Mayans made chocolate and more.

The eight-night trip leaves Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020. The trip includes local roundtrip airfare and airport transfers; motor coach transportation in Florida; one night lodging in Tampa with breakfast; baggage handling throughout the trip; gratuities for local and Florida motor coach drivers; seven-night cruise in selected accommodations; ALL meals and entertainment on board the ship; all port charges, government taxes and fees; customary shipboard gratuities; services of SWIC PSOP travel representative. In addition, there is also your choice of two of the following FREE amenities: FREE unlimited beverage package, FREE specialty dining package, internet package, $50 shore excursion credit (per port, per stateroom), or a photo package.

The deposit to reserve your spot for this once-in-a-lifetime, excitement-packed excursion is only $500. Prices begin at only $2,349 per person. A passport is required and must be valid through Aug. 24, 2020. For more information or a brochure, call Group Travel Specialist Nancy Bauer at 618-234-4410, ext. 7020 or nancy.bauer@swic.edu.

Police Academy Graduates

SWIC Session 138 Police Academy Graduates

The Southwestern Illinois College Police Academy recently celebrated the graduation of Session 138. The SWIC Police Academy is an intensive academic and physical training program designed to prepare recruits to enter a career in law enforcement. It is one of only seven police academies in Illinois.

Graduates include, from left, front row:

Officer Leonard L. Bowen of the Rock Island Police Department

Officer Kelsey A. Bowman of the McLeansboro Police Department

Officer Ethan A. Brinson of the Belleville Police Department

Officer Thomas C. Carlock of the Jacksonville Police Department

Officer Alexander R. DeWall of the East Alton Police Department

Officer Nathan R. Eck of the Flora Police Department – Winner Academic Honors Award


Second row:

Officer Gregory M. Ferguson of the Rock Island Police Department – Winner Defense Tactics Award

Officer Claudia P. Gallegos of the Belleville Police Department

Officer Brandon T. Genenbacher of the Hamilton Police Department  

Officer Timothy D. Herink of the Farmington Police Department

Officer Adam S. Heuser of the Madison Police Department

Officer Gary C. Hoaks of the Clifton Police Department


Third row:

Officer Mason T. Ingram of the Waterloo Police Department – Winner Jeremy Chambers Top Gun Firearms Award  

Officer Tyler R. Johnson (of Fairmount) of the Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group

Officer Samantha K. Jones of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Police Department

Officer Andrew R. Krump of the Columbia Police Department

Officer Joshua D. Lee of the Oregon Police Department

Intern Katelyn M. Lucia (of Highland) of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board

Officer John P. Lulek of the Arthur Police Department Officer

Jordan M. May (of Collinsville) of the SWIC Public Safety Department– Winner Best Overall in Physical Fitness Award


Fourth row:

Officer Tylor G. McBride of the Litchfield Police Department

Intern Lane G. Messerli (of Greenville) of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board

Officer James B. Miller of the Prophetstown Police Department – Winner Most Improved Over all in Physical Fitness Award

Officer Jordan M. Miller of the Belleville Police Department

Officer Joseph R. Myers of the Cahokia Police Department

Officer Raymond J. Navarro of the Burnham Police Department

Officer Justin L. Nollau of the Belleville Police Department

Officer Andrew R. M. Ray of the Flora Police Department – Class President and Southern Illinois Police Chief’s Association Most Outstanding Officer Award


Fifth row:                       

Officer Joel R. Rush of the Belleville Police Department

Officer Cydny T. Saxer of the Jacksonville Police Department

Deputy Jacob M. Seed (of Lawrenceville) of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office

Intern Scott Waldrup (of Mascoutah) of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board

Officer Bryant J. Weaver of the Sesser Police Department

Officer Justin S. Webb of the McLeansboro Police Department

Officer Tyler M. Wildrick of the Havana Police Department


SWIC photo by Dena Roland Woods 6-4-19

Complete the SWIC Steps to Enrollment during July Registration Blitz

If you’re thinking about college but are worried about the college enrollment process, Southwestern Illinois College can ease your mind. You can complete the SWIC steps to enrollment for the Fall 2019 Semester during the July Registration Blitz at the Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave.

Stop by at any point during these days and times: Wednesday, July 24, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Thursday, July 25, from noon to 5 p.m.

During the July Registration Blitz you 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 degree requirements or transfer courses.
  • Set up eSTORM and SWIC student email accounts.
  • Ask general financial aid and payment arrangement questions.
  • Register for classes.

Check-in with Admissions in the Information Sciences Building Lobby. Please bring a photo ID!

For more information, email the SWIC Admissions Office at admissions@swic.edu or call 618-235-2700, ext. 5675.

SWIC Golf Classic to raise money for student scholarships

Take a swing to benefit Southwestern Illinois College student scholarships at the 27th Annual Golf Classic Friday, Sept. 27 at The Orchards Golf Club, 1499 Golf Course Drive, Belleville.    

Registration and practice for the 18-hole, four-person scramble begins at 11 a.m., with a shotgun start at noon.

The cost to play is $95 per person or $380 per four-person team, a portion of which is tax deductible, and includes green fee and cart, range balls, lunch, dinner and drinks.

All proceeds support SWIC Athletics. There are also numerous opportunities for hole sponsorship. 

 For more information, call 866-942-SWIC (7942), ext. 5271. To register or donate online visit thankyou.swic.edu.