June 2013

PomP &

CirCumstanCeIn May, several SWIC employees and their family members received diplomas

from SWIC and other colleges. View more photos from the SWIC pinning ceremony, GED certification ceremony and commencement on Facebook.

Tiffany Ackerman, daughter of PSOP Bookkeeper and Grant Assistant Theresa Ackerman, graduated summa cum laude from Southeast Missouri State University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She graduated first of 2,735 in her class, earning a 4.0 grade point average. From left are Tiffany’s father, Ken; Tiffany; sister Victoria; and Theresa.

SWGCC Learning Resources Support Specialist Cassandra

Johnson graduated with honors from SWIC with an Associate in

Arts. She is the last graduate of the SWGCC Honors Program. From left are daughter Khadijah Johnson;

Cassandra; fiance Eddie Cohen; and daughter Marcy Thomas.

Cayley Malone, daughter of Library Clerk Rena Malone, graduated with a 4.0 grade point average from SWIC with an Associate in Science. After the summer session, she’ll receive her Associate in Arts as well. From left are Cayley’s father, Douglas; Cayley; and Rena.

Network Operations Center Manager Kathy Dannenberg graduated cum laude from Southern Illinois University Carbondale with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology.

COMPASS Placement Testing Coordinator

LeKeisha C. Norman graduated

from Webster University with a

Master of Arts in Marketing.

Jessica Snyder, daughter of Physical Therapist

Assistant Program Coordinator Kim Snyder, graduated from SWIC with

an Associate in Applied Science, Physical Therapist Assistant. She is an ACSM certified Personal Trainer.

Dresden Whitehead, daughter of SWGCC

Executive Director Chuck Whitehead,

graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Arts in

Biology. She is pictured with her brother, Nathan.

Kristina Cook, daughter of Jean and Charles Fulford, graduated from SWIC with an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing Education. Jean is the Technical Education coordinators’ assistant, and Charles is an electronics instructor.

Bridgette Schwab, daughter-in-law of IT

Specialist Natalie Huck, graduated from SWIC with an Associate in Applied Science

in Nursing Education. From left are Bridgette; Bridgette’s

daughter, Hayley; and Natalie.

Tyler Campbell, son of Adult Basic Education Specialist Jeff Campbell, graduated from McKendree University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater. From left are Tyler’s mother, Lisa; Tyler; and Jeff.

Brooke Baker, daughter of Health Sciences and Homeland Security Administrative Secretary Donna Baker, graduated in December from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark., with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education.

Institutional Research Associate Nicholas Kolweier earned a Graduate

Certificate in Institutional Research from the College of Education at the University

of Missouri—St. Louis. He completed additional coursework through the

Association for Institutional Research’s Data and Decisions Academy, for which he received a Presidential Scholarship.

Construction Management Technology Program Coordinator Jim Laing graduated with a 4.0 grade point average from McKendree University with a Master of Arts in Education in Higher Education Administrative Services.

ATS Administrative Secretary Angela Liefer graduated from McKendree University with a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management.

From the Desk oFthe PresiDent“… let us first be as simple and well as Nature ourselves.” – Henry David Thoreau

So reads an inscription in the lobby of the newly expanded Liberal Arts Complex, chosen to underscore our commitment to sustainability, including this facility designed to qualify for LEED gold certification later this year. Additionally, SWIC recently received the U.S. Green Building Council “Growing Green Award.” The college was honored in the education category for: the sustainable construction of the new Liberal Arts Complex; our continued commitment to the Illinois Campus Sustainability Compact; waste and energy reduction efforts; green curriculum programs; green workforce training; sustainability literacy; installation of new electric vehicle charge stations; and operating our Sustainability and Green Economy Center as part of our Illinois Green Economy Network commitment.

“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing.” – Abraham Lincoln

This larger inscription adorns the two-story atrium of the new “LAC,” and it turned out to be foretelling when you consider:

Military Matters … Partnering with the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, SWIC hosted the Illinois Women Veterans Fair at the new LAC Conference Center in April. The keynote address was given by Scott Air Force Base Maj. Gen. Barbara Faulkenberry. A month later Gen. William Fraser III, commander of USTRANSCOM at Scott, echoed President Lincoln’s sentiment at our May 16 commencement ceremony. For establishing permanent Veterans Services offices at BC and SWGCC and a complementary veteran-to-veteran tutoring program, SWIC also received the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education this spring. These efforts have helped make SWIC a national finalist to host Vet Success on Campus. We resolved to make SWIC a national model for veterans’ success, and we’re well on our way.

Legislators’ Choice … The LAC Conference Center was also the site for one of two public forums Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon convened to discuss the long-term, sustainable future of Scott. The first was held at SWGCC in January. Historically, SWIC and PSOP have hosted several major media events per year at the request of our Illinois legislators, including U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, Gov. Pat Quinn and Lt. Gov. Simon, to name just a few. We have long resolved to keep our legislators well informed and directly involved, so when it comes to reaching community members in southwestern Illinois, our leaders know to “Pick SWIC” as their first/best venue option.

national Spotlight … Spring-semester issues of Community College Times and Inside Higher Ed touted SWIC for being one of the first schools in the nation to use direct tuition-comparison advertising to promote community college value. Our years-old “SWIC-onomics” campaign has evidently led others to follow that lead. Another recent article from Community College Times about green jobs featured SWIC and quoted Technical Education Division Dean Brad Sparks. Beyond $600,000 worth of regional publicity generated annually, we resolved to get our fair share of national media coverage for our leading-edge programs and services, and it is happening.

Captain AQIP … This spring marked the 39th and final year of a stellar SWIC career for H.O. Brownback, who retired May 31 with the title of Vice President Emeritus (Planning, Research and Development). At that event I suggested the word that best describes H.O. is “accountability,” one of our core SWIC values. For it was H.O. Brownback who helped ensure our long-term institutional accountability – which in higher-ed means accreditation – by suggesting SWIC should be among the first colleges to participate in the Higher Learning Commission’s Academic Quality Improvement Program. Within a decade of resolving to take that new and challenging path, SWIC is today recognized nationally as a model AQIP institution. Thank you, H.O. Brownback; you will be sorely missed.

Pay It Forward,

Georgia Costello, Ph.D.President

June CalenDar1 Creative Kids Class, “3D Hand Drawing,” noon, Schmidt Art Center

1 Bat Boy the Musical Auditions, 3 p.m., BC MC Theatre

2 Bat Boy the Musical Auditions, 3 p.m., BC MC Theatre

3 Campus Classes Begin

4 Concert in the Café; Four of a Kind Band, 7 p.m., BC MC Café

6 exhibition Opening Reception: Laura Strand, Mary C. Nasser and Jack Decoteau, 6-8 p.m., Schmidt Art Center

8 Creative Kids Class, “Day of Play/Father’s Day Project,” noon, Schmidt Art Center

11 Concert in the Café; You Can’t Beat Experience Band, 7 p.m., BC MC Café

18 Concert in the Café; Ed and Friends, 7 p.m., BC MC Café

25 Concert in the Café; Waterloo German Band, 7 p.m., BC MC Café

26 Summer BBQ, $2 lunch for non-students, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., BC Quad

wHy PAy MORe?—The “SWIC-onomics” advertising campaign has received national attention for promoting community college value, as our college president mentions in her column (at left). The campaign includes windscreens at MetroLink stops in Illinois, such as the one pictured at the Swansea station.

sWiC GraDuationPresident Georgia Costello, Ph.D., presents keynote speaker Gen. William M. Fraser III with a SWIC pennant to commemorate the event.

President’s office student worker Stephanie Martin earned her Associate in Applied Science in Legal Office Specialist.

SHeRIff JuSTuS ReMeMBeReD AT GeD CeReMOnyPresident Georgia Costello, Ph.D., left, and keynote speaker Bruce N. Cook, LLB, right, present Audrey Justus, widow of the late Sheriff Mearl J. Justus, an engraved, framed copy of Justus’ SWIC-cess ad during this year’s GED Certification Ceremony. Costello also announced the creation of a plaque in Justus’ honor for placement at either Adult Basic Education at the Belleville Campus or Programs and Services for Older Persons. Justus earned associate degrees in Criminal Justice and Security Administration at SWIC. He also taught future generations of law enforcement professionals through the SWIC Police Academy.

HeALTH SCIenCeS PInnInG CeReMOnyGraduates of SWIC Health Sciences programs gathered at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Belleville before the 2013 Pinning Ceremony. This year, 220 students graduated from SWIC Health Sciences programs.

Radiologic Technology Program Coordinator Rhonda Kern, left, places the professional “pin” on Jennifer Harshbarger of Hamel.

Vice President for Planning, Research and Development H.O. Brownback, left, congratulates a Respiratory Therapy graduate.

fInISHInG TOuCHAdult Basic Education Instructor Catherine Shurtleff adjusts the tassel on the hat of GED recipient Katherine Shrum-Oehlecker of Granite City. Shrum-Oehlecker was one of 585 students who earned their GED certificates during the ceremony.

Associate Professor of Spanish Adan Salinas, left, and Professor of Philosophy Rick Spencer line up for the processional.

Associate Professor (Electronic Publishing, Graphic Communications, Web Development/Administration and Web Designer) Diane DiTucci gets a hug and a kiss from student speaker Glenda Eaton, who earned dual AAS degrees in Web Development/Administration and Web Designer.

THAnKS fOR yOuR SeRvICe, MR. BROwnBACK

Vice President for Planning, Research and Development H.O. Brownback retired from SWIC at the end of May after 39 years of service at the college. Brownback began his tenure here as a faculty member, teaching history, English and literature. He held several administrative roles before becoming vice president.

Brownback remembers how helpful Lloyd Gentry and Dennis McKay of Learning Resources were in his early days at the college. “They formed my opinion of SWIC as a group of people who wanted me to be successful,” he said.

Administrative Assistant Karen Sitzes has worked with Brownback since 2003 and appreciates the insight his office provides. “If you want to know something, ask my guys,” she said.

One of Brownback’s successes was leading the college into the Higher Learning Commission’s Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) and an uninterrupted accreditation streak.

In retirement, Brownback will continue his work with the HLC as a senior peer reviewer, going on a site visit just three days after his last day here.

Students elected fellow student Clifford Davis of East St. Louis as their representative to the Board of Trustees for the 2013-14 academic year. As student trustee, Davis will be responsible for casting “advisory” votes on action items at the Board of Trustees meetings each month. He is pursuing an

Associate in Arts degree in psychology and takes classes at the Belleville Campus, where he is active in many student groups.

“I am excited to be in a position where I can provide a service to my fellow students,” he said. “I want to make a difference for the students on each campus. I am also looking forward to the opportunity to gain a better understanding of how the Board of Trustees operates.”

SwIC ReMeMBeRS RenOwneD eDuCATOR CHef OLIveR SOMMeRSWIC mourns the loss of beloved Executive Chef Oliver Sommer, cornerstone of its Culinary Arts and Food Management program for more than 21 years.

Chef Ollie, as he was affectionately know to students and colleagues, passed away May 21 at the age of 87 at his home in St. Charles, Mo.

“It was truly our honor to have a chef of his caliber teaching at SWIC,” said President Georgia Costello, Ph.D. “Chef Ollie could have easily had his own five-star restaurant anywhere in the world, but chose to share his knowledge and expertise with future generations of chefs.”

DuRBIn ADDReSSeS CHAMBeRVice President for Community Services and Campus Operations Mark eichenlaub, Ed.D., recently attended a St. Louis Regional Chamber event in which Assistant Majority Leader Sen. Dick Durbin discussed issues including sequestration, immigration reform

and the Affordable Care Act. Pictured, from left, are Durbin, Eichenlaub, Executive Director of the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois Ellen Krohne and Senior Advisor on Regional Development for the Regional Chamber Rich Conner.

enD oF an era

stuDent sPotliGht

June CamPus BrieFsBeLLevILLe CAMPuS

College Activities’ popular Concert in the Café series will heat things up again this summer! Don’t miss these performances Tuesdays at 7 p.m. in the BC MC Café: Four of a Kind Band, June 4; You Can’t Beat Experience Band, June 11; Ed and Friends, June 18; and Waterloo German Band, June 25.

The Schmidt Art Center will host a Creative Kids series this summer! Five sessions are planned between June 1 and Aug. 3. The classes begin at 12:30 p.m. and last one hour. Participation is $5 per person and the sessions are open to children ages 5 and older. Register by the Wednesday before the session you wish to attend to ensure available supplies. Visit swic.edu/sac for details.

Mark your calendar now for next month’s performances of Bat Boy the Musical! Shows will be held in the BC MC Theatre July 19-20 and 26-27 at 7 p.m., and July 21 and 28 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in the College Activities office, Room 1246.

From the BoarD oF trusteesAT THe MAy MeeTInG, THe SwIC BOARD Of TRuSTeeS:

• Accepted a $10,000 Curriculum Alignment Grant from the Illinois Community College Board to support the implementation of Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and Language Arts; and a $2,587.88 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to benefit SWIC Learning Resources.

• Approved the following appointments: SWGCC Success Center Coordinator Alicia M. Kuhl; Systems Service Specialist Jennifer R. Parks; Math & Sciences Division Secretary Theresa Kirkwood; and SWGCC Instructional Support Assistant Kristen woods-Hahn.

“Regular Board Meeting Minutes” and “Other Board Minutes” are posted on swic.edu. Click “About Us” and “Board of Trustees.”

HOnORInG ILLInOIS’ fALLen

In May, the United States flag and the state flag were flown at half-staff in honor of:• Memorial Day• Peace Officers Memorial Day• Captain Brandon L. Cyr, united States Air force, of Oswego

In accordance with the Illinois Flag Display Act, the flags are flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on the day of the funeral of every fallen Illinois service member and the two days preceding that day.

ifun—Computer Support Technician Paul Rousselot, left, shows Richard Frizzell of Collinsville how to operate his iPhone during a recent iPhone and iPad Fundamentals class. This Community Education noncredit course helps

individuals learn tips and tricks for the iPhone and iPad, as well as iTunes. Be on the lookout for the fall 2013 course schedule, available online soon.

SwInG fOR SwICSeveral SWIC employees took advantage of the good weather at the annual Sam Wolf Granite City Campus Golf Scramble. Pictured, from

left, are Campus Resource Officer Ted Beatty, Public Safety Officer Brandon Smiley, Barb Hohlt with the St. Clair County Health Department and Public Safety Director Mark Green. All funds raised will benefit scholarships for SWGCC students.

fIeSTA fRIenDSPSOP recently held its annual Senior Celebration filled with food, fun, games and dancing. Enjoying the Señior de Mayo festivities are Volunteer Coordinator Pat etling left, and Senior Citizen Advocate Sister Leona Luechtefeld.

LeARnInG ABOuT THe wORLDFaculty from the SWGCC Library display the Muslim Journeys books given to the college from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The books provide insights into the Islamic faith and Muslim culture. Pictured with the books, from left, are Adjunct Art Professor nancy friederich, English Professor Cynthia Hussain, Ed.D., Adjunct History Professor Brian Russell and Librarian Jan Zuke, Ph.D.

PuPPy LOve—Adjunct Faculty Member and Eye of the Storm Adviser Deb Sauerhage shares a smile with Murphy at the annual Walk This Way, Make a Dog’s Day event at the Dr. Tom Amlung Nature Trail. Volunteers from the Belleville Animal Clinic brought adoptable pets from the St. Clair County Dr. Tom Amlung Adoption Center to the Belleville Campus with the hopes of finding them good homes. Sauerhage was so smitten with the pup that she made him the newest addition to her family.

LeARnInG wORK THROuGH TeCHnOLOGyFrom left, students Paul Koopman of Troy, Donnie Rogers of Granite City, Welding Instructor

Larry Strader and Robert Smith of Troy use an automated welder recently delivered to the college as part of the $1.4 million Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training grant from the federal government. The new equipment allows SWIC to offer advanced welding certificates in addition to the regular degree path.

DISCOunT AT THe DRIve-In

A good deal at Belleville’s Skyview Drive-In just got even better – for SWIC students and employees, that is.

Mondays through Thursdays, anyone with a valid SWIC student or employee parking sticker on their car, or a SWIC ID, will receive a $2 discount on their Skyview Drive-In movie ticket.