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SWIC Jazz Band to perform Nov. 4

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Enjoy jazz music from a variety of composers such as Horace Silver and Charles Mingus, performed by the Southwestern Illinois College Jazz Band with Tom Birkner as leader.  

The performance will be Monday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Belleville Campus Theatre 2500 Carlyle Ave. The event is free and open to the public.    

Other composers featured in the concert include: Allan Horney, Les Hooper and Frank Mantooth, Irving Berlin, John Mackin, Freddie Green and more. Mackin is a member of the SWIC Jazz Band and also wrote one of the songs in the performance.

For more information on events offered by the SWIC Music department, visit swic.edu/music or contact SWIC Music Department Chair Ed Jacobs at edward.jacobs@swic.edu. For more information on events offered by SWICarts, visit swic.edu or facebook.com/swicarts.

SWIC Receives $1.4 Million Workforce Equity Grant for 2020

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A $1.4 million Workforce Equity Initiative Grant from the Illinois Community College Board will enable Southwestern Illinois College to develop employment training programs to assist minorities in underserved communities.

“The grant will help create, support and expand short-term workforce training opportunities in high-need communities focused on specific sectors with identified workforce gaps,” said SWIC President Nick J. Mance. “We look forward to expanding career pathway programs and pulling communities together to help students achieve their educational goals.”

The communities that will be served by the grant include Alorton, Brooklyn, Cahokia, Centreville, East St. Louis, Edgemont, Fairmont City, Granite City, Lovejoy, Madison and Washington Park.

SWIC will develop training programs in the fields of Welding, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Health Sciences, Food Service and Forklift Training.

The goal is to recruit up to 500 students per semester and an additional 200 students who are already pursing one of the designated career pathways. The college plans to  participate in 20 outreach activities in the next year.

This project was championed by Illinois state legislators who support community colleges and workforce training initiatives, especially Sen. Chris Belt, D-Cahokia, and Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea. Other supporters include: Sen. Rachel Crowe, D-Wood River and Sen. Paul Schimpf, R-Waterloo, Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, Rep. LaToya Greenwood, D-East St. Louis and Rep. Nathan Reitz, D-Steeleville.

For more information, contact the SWIC Chief of Staff Beverly Fiss at 618-235-2700, ext. 5247 or beverly.fiss@swic.edu.

Explore burgers, bodybuilders, illusionism and abstract mixed media at The Schmidt Art Center

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This fall, the works of artists Amy Reidel, Thomas Matthew Pierson and Cory Sellers, which range from mixed media to paintings to abstract spaces will be on display from Oct. 24 through Dec. 5 at William and Florence Schmidt Art Center.

An opening reception will be held from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24 and artist talks at 6 p.m. in the art center on the Southwestern Illinois College Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave.

Art lovers will have a chance to view Reidel’s abstract mixed media work that illuminates woman and caregivers experiences within the health and socio-political avenues; Pierson’s paintings of the all-American hamburger and bodybuilders; and the chance to explore Seller’s illusionism and pictorial drama within compositional spaces.

For more information about these exhibitions, The Schmidt, the art center’s calendar of events and arts education programs, visit swic.edu/theschmidt or call 618-222-5ART (5278).

Higher Learning Commission permits SWIC to Follow Open Pathway to Accreditation

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The Higher Learning Commission has confirmed that Southwestern Illinois College may pursue accreditation in the future under the Open Pathway model. This 10-year-cycle, like all HLC pathways, is focused on quality assurance and institutional improvement.

The college is accredited by the HLC through 2024 and has been continuously accredited since 1961. For the last 20 years, SWIC has used the Academic Quality Improvement Program model, a system of action projects and self-evaluation, to seek accreditation.

“This is the best result we could have hoped for when submitting our systems portfolio,” said SWIC President Nick J. Mance. “I could not be more proud of this monumental feat and how the entire college pulled together and made it possible for us to illustrate the great work each of us does to support our mission.”

The systems portfolio is a self-evaluation report detailing the ways in which the college has met the HLC’s criteria for accreditation. The evaluation of the portfolio could have led to either the Open Pathway or the Standard Pathway, which requires more HLC oversight of the institution.

Under the terms of the 10-year Open Pathway process, institutions must:

  • Submit an annual institutional update
  • After four years, submit an Assurance Review detailing ways in which accreditation criteria are fulfilled
  • Between five and nine years, create and implement a “Quality Initiative” project
  • After 10 years, undergo a comprehensive evaluation by an HLC review team.

The Quality Initiative component affords institutions the opportunity to pursue improvement projects that meet their current and future goals.

For more information, contact the SWIC Accreditation Liaison Officer/ Assurance System Coordinator Michelle Birk at 618-235-2700, ext. 5400 or michelle.birk@swic.edu.

Manufacturing Day: SWIC & Local Manufacturers Showcase Future of Industry

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Check out high-tech automated manufacturing machinery, hear from regional manufacturers and discover how American manufacturing is flourishing – all at the Southwestern Illinois College Manufacturing Day celebration.

SWIC will open its doors for a Manufacturing Day Open House — Friday, Oct. 4, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. — to showcase new technology, educational programs, career opportunities, products and services. The SWIC Sam Wolf Granite City Campus, 4950 Maryville Road, will serve as the event hub for the day.

More than 1,200 local high school students are scheduled to attend.

The celebration is free and open to the public. The welcome ceremony begins at 9 a.m.

“Our goal is to show students and the community what great opportunities are available in technical education at SWIC and that there is an abundance of well-paying, secure careers in manufacturing right here in the Metro East,” said SWIC Dean of Technical Education Brad Sparks.  

World Wide Technology Raceway Owner and President Curtis Francois will serve as the keynote speaker; and SWIC Precision Machining Technology student Connor Barnard of Alton, a national SkillsUSA winner, will provide a student perspective. Two other national SkillsUSA winners, Gavin Becherer and Connor Braasch, both of Troy, will be recognized.

At the open house, visitors can tour the Precision Machining Technology, Electrical/ Electronics, and Welding Technology labs. Plus they can see first-hand how cutting-edge computerized machining, robotic welding and 3-D printing equipment is changing technical education and manufacturing.

Also, visitors can test their skills with a virtual welder and talk with more than 25 area manufacturers that will be on-site to display their products and capabilities.  

The event is presented in partnership with the Granite City Economic Development Department, IMEC – Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center, Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois, Madison County Employment and Training, St. Clair County, and the Southwestern Madison County Chamber of Commerce. 

For additional information, visit swic.edu/mfgday or call the SWIC Technical Education Division at 618-931-0600, ext. 7476.

SWIC to Host Poverty Simulation Oct. 25

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Will you start out the month with only the enclosed $10 bill to meet your family’s basic needs? … Or, will you be one of the unlucky ones? You’ll find out when you join us for a unique opportunity to experience the virtual realities of poverty.

The Adult Education and Family Literacy Department of Southwestern Illinois College will host a Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) on Friday, Oct. 25, 2019 from 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Southwestern Illinois College Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave., Intramural Gym. This learning tool has been created as a way to help people  understand  the realities of poverty.  During  a  simulation,  participants  role-play  the lives of low-income families. Some are TANF recipients, some are disabled,  and some are senior citizens on Social Security. They have the stressful task of providing for basic necessities and shelter on a limited budget during the course of four  15-minute  “weeks.”  They  interact  with human service agencies, grocers, pawnbrokers,  bill collectors,  job interviewers,  police  officers and others.

Although play money is used, CAPS is not a game. It is a simulation that enables participants to look at poverty from a variety of angles and then to recognize and discuss the potential for change within their local communities. The  simulation  was designed  to  sensitize those who frequently deal with low-income families, as well as to create a broader awareness  of  the realities of poverty among policymakers, community leaders and others. It has been made available by the Missouri Association for Community Action.

We invite you or someone from your staff to participate in or to observe the Poverty Simulation. I think you will find it provides an intriguing opportunity to describe a very real challenge to our community. Please contact me at 618-222-5346 if you would like additional information or would like to register for the simulation. We look forward to seeing you there.

SWIC Tech Ed students win medals at the National SkillsUSA Competition

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Southwestern Illinois College Technical Education students brought home gold medals in Automated Manufacturing from the National SkillsUSA Competition in Louisville, Kentucky – the ninth year in a row that SWIC has earned medals at the event.   

“Once again, our talented Precision Machining Technology students are national champions,” said SWIC Industrial Technology Coordinator Mark Bosworth. “The talent that comes out of this program is just amazing to watch. Our students have won 10 national medals in nine years.”

SWIC 2019 SkillsUSA gold medal Automated Manufacturing team includes:

  • Connor Barnard of Alton
  • Gavin Becherer of Troy
  • Connor Braasch of Troy

  Other SWIC students who competed at SkillsUSA Nationals include:

  • Bryce Dickenson of Granite City – Welding  
  • Clayton Lents of Waterloo – Mechatronics
  • Jonathan Lunk of Waterloo – Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 
  • Tom Petroski of St. Jacob – CNC Turning  
  • Mike Torre of Highland – CNC Milling   
  • Blake Schuette of Alton – CNC Technician   
  • Nicholas Wittenauer of Red Bud – Mechatronics

SkillsUSA is a national technical education organization that partners educators, employers and students to teach greater skills to Americans, according to its website. The SkillsUSA Championships are competitive events showcasing the best career and technical education students in the nation. Contests begin locally and continue through the state and national levels.

For more information about SWIC Technical Education programs, visit swic.edu/tech-ed.

Photo caption: The SWIC students in the first place Automated Manufacturing team include, left to right, Connor Barnard of Alton, Gavin Becherer and Connor Braasch, both of Troy.

SWIC to celebrate art, film and music in fall 2019

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Enjoy a film festival, purchase original art pieces or listen to the sounds of the SWIC Concert Band at Southwestern Illinois College this fall.

The college’s arts series, called the Southwestern Illinois Creative Arts Syndicate, features a variety of events ranging from a lecture from the SWIC faculty speaker series, titled “Architecture, Renovation & the Haunting of Hartmann Manor,” by SWIC Assistant Professor of Art Paula Haniszewski on Oct. 29, the annual SWIC Pottery & Art sale on
Nov. 28, the SWIC Holiday Concert on Dec. 3, to the first annual two-day Southwestern Illinois Film Festival held Dec. 13-15.

The fall 2019 SWICARTS calendar is below. For details on individual events, visit swic.edu or facebook.com/swicarts.  

Oct. 2: Faculty Speaker Series: ­Thrice Homeless – Welcoming Gustav Mahler, with Associate Professor of Music Ed Jacobs, 3 p.m., The Schmidt

Oct. 29:­ Faculty Speaker Series: Architecture, Renovation, & the Haunting of Hartmann Manor with Assistant Professor of Art Paula Haniszewski, 1 p.m., The Schmidt

FILM 

Sept. 26 – Filmmaker Spotlight: “In Memory of” with writer/director Eric Stanze (This film contains mature content and is not suitable for all ages.) 7:30 p.m., Liberal Arts Theatre

Oct. 17 – Filmmaker Spotlight: Experimental Filmmaker Zlatko Cosic,
7:30 p.m., Liberal Arts Theatre

Nov. 7 – Filmmaker Spotlight: “Dog Days” with writer/director Chad Carpenter, 7:30 p.m., Liberal Arts Theatre

Dec. 13-15 – Southwestern Illinois Film Festival: SWIFF A 2-day film festival. To apply or for more information visit FilmFreeway.com, Liberal Arts Theatre

Dec. 15 – Tim Venhaus Retrospective, 3 p.m., Liberal Arts Theatre

THEATRE 

Nov. 15-17 – Fall Theatre Production: “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”
Main Complex Theatre

ART 

For exhibition information, visit swic.edu/theschmidt.

Aug. 22 – Exhibition Opening Reception: Todd May, Nanette Boileau and Daniel Stumeier, 4-7 pm., The Schmidt

Oct. 24 – Exhibition Opening Reception: Cory Sellers, Thomas Matthew Pierson and Amy Reidel, 4-7 pm., The Schmidt

Nov. 26 –Pottery & Art Sale, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Schmidt

MUSIC 

For concert information, visit swic.edu/music-calendar.

Sept. 17 – SWIC Music Faculty & Friends Recital, 7 p.m., The Schmidt

Oct. 9 – SWIC Student Recital, 3 p.m., Main Campus Theatre

Oct. 20 – SWIC Concert Choir & Chamber Singers: The Poet Sings, 3 p.m.,
Union United Methodist Church, 721 E. Main St., Belleville

Oct. 23 – SWIC Student Recital, 3 p.m., The Schmidt

Oct. 24 – Choir Concert: No-Name Chorale & Friends, 7 p.m.,
St. Paul United Church of Christ, 115 W. B St., Belleville

Nov. 4 – SWIC Jazz Band, 7 p.m., Main Complex Theatre

Nov. 5 – SWIC Concert Band: Musical Mixtures, 7 p.m., St. Clare of Assisi Church, 1411 Cross St., O’Fallon

Nov. 6 – SWIC Student Recital, 3 p.m., The Schmidt

Nov. 7 – SWIC Piano & Violin Recital: The B Side, 7 p.m., The Schmidt

Dec. 3 – SWIC Holiday Concert featuring Chamber Singers, Concert Band & Jazz Band, 7 p.m., Varsity Gym

Dec. 4 – SWIC Student Honors Recital, 3 p.m., The Schmidt

Dec. 7 – SWIC Concert Choir & Chamber Singers: Carols by Candlelight V featuring St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Principal Harpist Allegra Lilly, 7 p.m., Union United Methodist Church, 721 E. Main St., Belleville
 

MASS COMMUNICATION

Oct. 18 – College Radio Day, Liberal Arts 1342,  ALL DAY Listen on Blue Storm Radio on TuneIn

Oct. 18 – College Radio Day, Liberal Arts 1342,  ALL DAY Listen on Blue Storm Radio on TuneIn

COLLEGE TRANSIT CHALLENGE AUGUST 28

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Public transit is a safe, cost-effective transportation option for people of all ages, and in the St. Louis region, it’s proving to be particularly viable for students. High school, college and university students accounted for nearly 2 million MetroLink and 1.6 million MetroBus passenger trips during the last school year. To underscore the advantages of a robust public transit system and further boost ridership among students, faculty and staff at higher education institutions, Citizens for Modern Transit, Metro Transit, Metro Transit Public Safety and the Bureau of Transit Police are teaming up with St. Louis Community College (#STLCC), Saint Louis University (#SLU), Southwestern Illinois College (#SWIC), University of Missouri–St. Louis (#UMSL) and Washington University in St. Louis (#WUSTL) to host the first ever College Transit Challenge. On Wednesday, Aug. 28, those affiliated with the respective schools can help their college or university win by taking MetroBus or MetroLink that day. Ridership will be tracked via social media. Participants simply check in at a Metro Transit Center – via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter – and post a status update or photo with #iTakeTransit, along with their school’s hashtag (ex: #iTakeTransit #UMSL).

The school with the most ridership will be awarded bragging rights and a MetroLink Train Trophy. All College Transit Challenge participants will be entered in a prize drawing for St. Louis Cardinals tickets and more. Plus, those who show their Metro U-Pass to the Bureau of Transit Police and Metro Transit Public Safety Officers when traveling via MetroLink or MetroBus that day may receive a special prize.

“One of the goals of this challenge is to spotlight the fact that academic institutions are helping to support sustainable transit access through transit fare programming,” commented Taulby Roach, President and CEO, Bi-State Development. “More than 100,000 passes provide students, faculty and staff unlimited access for MetroBus and MetroLink trips during the school year through Metro’s U-Pass program. In addition to getting to and from campus, these passes can be utilized to gain free access to restaurants, shopping, employment opportunities, sporting and concert venues, and St. Louis culture. It’s safe, convenient and far more cost effective than driving, paying for parking or utilizing on-demand ride services.”

College Transit Challenge partners are hosting a kick-off event at 8 a.m. at the Grand MetroLink Station. There will be formal remarks by Kimberly Cella, Executive Director, Citizens for Modern Transit; Taulby Roach, President and CEO, Bi-State Development; Colonel Jon M. Belmar, Chief of Police, St. Louis County Police Department; Thomas F. George, Chancellor, University of Missouri–St. Louis; and Ashley Williams, a student from Washington University in St. Louis who regularly uses the local public transit system. Mascots from each of the participating schools, as well as other representatives, will also be on hand.

“This day-long effort is an yet another opportunity for us to reinforce the key role a safe, integrated public transit system plays in providing access and opportunity to an array of resources, including education,” said Kimberly Cella, Executive Director, Citizens for Modern Transit. “We are grateful for our academic partners and look forward to a fun-filled day aboard transit.”

To learn more, visit www.cmt-stl.org or www.metrostlouis.org.

About Citizens for Modern Transit

Citizens for Modern Transit is a nonprofit, member supported organization that leads efforts for an integrated, affordable, and convenient public transportation system with light rail expansion as the critical component that will drive economic growth to improve quality of life in the St. Louis region.

About Metro Transit

Metro Transit operates the St. Louis region’s public transportation system which includes 400 clean-burning diesel buses that serve 83 MetroBus routes in eastern Missouri and southwestern Illinois. Metro also operates MetroLink light rail vehicles on 46 miles of track serving 38 stations in the two-state area, and operates Metro Call-A-Ride, a paratransit fleet of 122 vans. Metro Transit is a Bi-State Development enterprise.

SWIC releases summer 2019 grad list

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     The following is a list of Southwestern Illinois College students who graduated at the conclusion of the Summer 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 Summer 2019 Graduate List.

For more information, contact SWIC Public Information and Marketing at 618-235-2700 or 866-942-SWIC (7942), ext. 5786.