Volume 1 • Issue 1 Spring 2015The magazine for the Southwestern Illinois College Foundation

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Alumni, Donors and Friends: Welcome to the first edition of CATalyst, the Southwestern Illinois College Foundation magazine for: ·  Our Alumni … who tend to work, live and start families here. ·  Our Donors … who help students learn through scholarship gifts to the SWIC Foundation. ·  Our Friends … who understand, support and participate in the “community” part of our mission. Our primary objective is engagement.  This magazine is not just for you, it is about you. Why the interest in your “SWIC-cess” stories? Alumni can rekindle friendships, establish new connections and inspire current students. Donors can share their uplifting experiences of giving and inspire others to pay it forward. Friends can learn what we mean by our “Rise to Serve” community pledge and take part. While CATalyst will be printed twice annually, you are invited to share personal updates, story suggestions or any questions you may have anytime at catalyst@swic.edu. Also, please feel free to steer others our way to participate or subscribe. Southwestern Illinois … your college, your community, your chance to get engaged. Pay It Forward, 

Georgia Costello, Ph.D.President

On the cover:

SWIC 7.0 Belleville Junior College opened to 169 students in fall 1946. Seven generations later, Southwestern Illinois College annually:· Serves more than 20,000 students at three campuses, Scott Air Force Base

and the East St. Louis Community College Center. · Awards 200-plus scholarships including free tuition for top 10 percent

regional high school graduates. · Ranks among the top 100 community colleges in America and is the 4th

highest certificate producer in Illinois. · Serves the largest veteran and active-military student population among

Illinois public institutions. · Takes education to the community through Adult Education and

Programs and Services for Older Persons. Simply put, SWIC 7.0 is an anniversary campaign theme that speaks to our seven generations of success. Check out just a few of these SWIC-cess stories in this premier edition of CATalyst. Also, stay tuned as future editions announce plans for a 70th Anniversary capital campaign and share opportunities for participation among SWIC alumni, donors, faculty, staff and friends.

Pictured: the many faces of SWIC

CATalystCATalyst pays homage to the college's adoption of the endangered snow leopard as its mascot in 2011. Nicknamed Kashmir, the mascot draws attention and awareness to the endangered snow leopard. The cat is the top predator in its ecosystem. It is also a nod to the individuals whose sparks ignite a love for learning, who help people change their lives through education and who support student learning through scholarships and the efforts of the college to build stronger communities.

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Board of Trustees:

Chair Nick J. Mance, Cahokia

Vice Chair Kenneth R. Joseph, Belleville

Harry A. Briggs, Ph.D., Granite City

Robert G. Morton, O’Fallon

Richard E. Roehrkasse, Red Bud

Philip L. Smith, Collinsville

Eugene Verdu, Belleville

Student Trustee Nick Raftopoulos, Granite City

President:

Georgia Costello, Ph.D.

Foundation Board:

Chair Benjamin J. Kirchoff

Vice Chair Chuck Unger

Carol A. Bartle,

Norma L. Bellcoff

Karen G. Bergman

Harlan (Skip) Ferry Jr.

Debra Harriman

Dennis J. Jacknewitz

Mark A. Lee

Ex-Officio Members:

SWIC Board of Trustees Chair Nick J. Mance

SWIC President Georgia Costello, Ph.D.

SWIC Vice President for Marketing and Institutional Advancement Michael R. Fleming

Foundation Treasurer Margot Middleton-Holt

Foundation Board Secretary LuAnn Peek

Contents

FeAtureD

No Longer a Dream ............................................................................2 A long-time capital-list wish will become a reality

Her Life’s Work ....................................................................................8 Why the Belleville Campus Library has been named in honor of Bea Fries

‘Art’ Is Our Middle Name .................................................................10 The Schmidt Art Center exists due to this family’s passion

In thIs Issue

SWIC at a Glance ............................................................................ 2-5.•.Belleville.200.Wrapup

.•.U.S..Congress.Comes.to.SWIC

.•.Best.of.the.Best.for.Veterans

.•.President.Costello.Honors

.•.Solar.Panels.Generate.Savings

•.LAC.Receives.LEED.Gold.Certification

.•.We're."Happy".and.Thankful.at.SWIC

.•.Blue.Storm.Athletics.Schedules

•.In.the.Top.100.....Again!

Foundation .........................................................................................6.•.New.Board.Members

Donor Spotlights .......................................................................... 8-11.•.Bea.Fries

.•.James.Marsh.King

.•.Chuck.Whitehead

Student Spotlights .....................................................................12-13•.Billy.Meyers

•.Adam.Bauer

Alumni Spotlights ......................................................................14-15•.Carmen.Emge-Fallon,.Cynthia.South.and.Caylen.Thompson

•. Michael Lemp

Something to Talk About ................................................................16

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EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER TO BE CONSTRUCTED – In October, SWIC received a $6.1 million investment in an Early Childhood Education Center at the Belleville Campus. The new center will be designed specifically for the care and development of children as well as an educational space for SWIC Early Childhood Education students. The investment came through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and was part of the Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program.

SWIC @ a Glance

BELLEvILLE 200 AT SWIC

ON EXHIBITION – More than 3,000 visitors checked out Belleville Bicentennial Exhibition: 200 at the William and Florence Schmidt Art Center. Featuring 200 loaned objects from Belleville natives and area residents and organizations, the exhibition told the story of the city’s first 200 years in six different arenas – Belleville Begins, Belleville Grows, Belleville Works, Belleville Plays, Belleville Learns and Belleville Serves.

FIREWORKS RETURN TO SWIC – The Belleville Campus hosted a concert and fireworks show as part of the Belleville 200 celebration. The U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America kicked off the evening, followed by a laser show and a fireworks display as the finale. It is estimated that more than 10,000 people were on campus for the event, with thousands more watching from nearby locations.

BEEP BEEP! – Kashmir the Snow Leopard, Athletic Director Mike Juenger and Assistant Director of Athletics Kathy Bernal show off the SWIC dune buggy with student-athletes at the Bicentennial Oktoberfest Celebration.

NEW CHILD CARE CENTER NO LONGER A DREAM

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MANUFACTURING ON DISPLAY – Technical Education Dean Brad Sparks, right, points out equipment to U.S. House of Representatives Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., left. The congressman was at the Sam Wolf Granite City Campus Industrial Technology Center to promote the value of American manufacturing and the role education can provide in creating skilled manufacturers and technicians. He also announced a pair of bills funding scholarships in manufacturing training to be put before the U.S. House of Representatives.

U.S. CONGRESS COMES TO SWIC

SENATOR TOURS SWIC – U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin toured the Sam Wolf Granite City Campus Industrial Technology Center Oct. 14. He discussed the Community College to Career Fund Act, a bill he helped introduce to the U.S. Senate, that calls for training 2 million Americans for jobs in high-demand industries, such as manufacturing and clean energy. Pictured are, from left, President Georgia Costello, Ph.D.; Welding Technology graduate Dawn Poston; Durbin; Technical Education Dean Brad Sparks; Industrial Technology Coordinator Mark Bosworth; and Precision Machining Technology student Ashley Robinson.

BEST OF THE BEST

Best For vets 2015 SWIC was ranked ninth in the nation by Military Times magazine in its annual Best for Vets: Colleges 2015 2-year schools poll. The college – one of only 140 2-year, 4-year, online and nontraditional schools nationwide to be included – jumped up four spots in its category from last year’s 13th-place ranking.

2015 Military Friendly School Victory Media has placed the college in the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to serve America’s military service members, veterans and dependents as students and to ensure their success on campus.

The Veterans & Career Services center opened its doors in July. The official dedication ceremony was held in October. SWIC proudly serves the largest student veteran population of any Illinois public college or university.

Learn more about SWIC Veterans Services at swic.edu/veterans.

SWIC @ a Glance

HERE COMES THE SUNSolar panels installed at the Belleville Campus are anticipated to save the college nearly $12,000 a year in electricity costs. Using solar energy production to offset costs and reduce the consumption of natural resources is just one of the initiatives SWIC uses in keeping its commitment to protect the environment and conserve the world’s consumable resources.

PRESIDENT COSTELLO HONOREDPresident Georgia Costello, Ph.D., and Webster University President Elizabeth Stroble, Ph.D., were named co-chairs of the Higher Education Council of the St. Louis Regional Chamber.

That honor came on the heels of Costello being named one of the 25 most influential business women of 2013 by the St. Louis Business Journal. She was the only Illinois educator and the only business leader recognized.

Dr. Costello also received the Presidential Award from the Southwestern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission and Southern Illinois Police Chiefs Association; the SWIC Police Academy is one of only six in the state.

"Earning LEED Gold for this building project represents a milestone in the green development of our college campus," said President Georgia Costello, Ph.D. "This demonstrates our commitment to the environment and to the community through sustainable practices and energy efficiency."

LEED GOLD CERTIFICATIONSouthwestern Illinois College reached for the gold ... and got it. When construction began on Phase II of the Liberal Arts Complex on the Belleville Campus, the college's sights were set on reaching a pinnacle of sustainability – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold status. That environmentally friendly building goal was achieved when the U.S. Green Building Council awarded the college LEED Gold certification in October.

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ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY – It was easy to find happiness at SWIC! More than 300 students and more than 50 faculty and staff took a study break to help create the

“Happy” video. No grades were harmed in the making of this film.

Enjoy!swic.edu/happy

WINTER WONDERLAND – Winter's white stuff arrived just in time for the Foundation's holiday greeting and year-end thank you to the community.

Check it out!swic.edu/foundation/videos

*Based on Community College Week’s annual national ranking

SWIC rankS among the

colleges in the nation awarding associate degrees and certificates.*TOP 100

Gavin Range wouldn’t miss the excitement of Blue Storm Athletics … and neither should you!

Gavin, the son of Horticulture Program Coordinator Kurt Range, joined Kashmir the Snow Leopard at a game last basketball season.

SWIC consistently puts on a strong showing:• three straight trips to Nationals for the women’s basketball team • 13 men’s basketball All-Americans in 14 seasons • a final ranking of ninth in the nation for the 2014 women’s soccer team and • two NJCAA Hall of Fame coaches.

No matter the season, the Blue Storm is in action, so come on out!

Check out both the men’s and women’s team schedules: swic.edu/athletics

DON'T MISS A GAME!

FRONT PAW

BACK PAW

FRONT PAW

BACK PAW

FRONT PAW

BACK PAW

FRONT PAW

BACK PAW

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Three community “go-getters” have joined the SWIC Foundation Board to help advance the college’s service goals and provide special educational and cultural activities that are not part of the college budget. Their terms expire in 2017.

.

Carol A. Bartle of Caseyville• Business leader • Volunteer with Art on the Square and the Belleville 200 celebration;

volunteer and board member for organizations including the American Cancer Society, Masterworks Chorale and Women’s Crisis Center

• Recipient of the first peer-nominated Volunteer of the Year Award with the Women’s Crisis Center and also the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Kimmel Leadership Award for Community Service

Debra Harriman of Belleville• SWIC alumna • Donor, SWIC Foundation scholarship for nursing students• Grant writer and technology consultant• 24-year educator• Volunteer for Art on the Square, the Delta Kappa Gamma

International Society for Women Educators, Stonehenge Homeowners Association, the Huntington I Homeowners Association and St. Henry Church

Mark A. Lee of O’Fallon• Co-executive director of Ticket 2 Success, a 501(c)3 literacy,

leadership and empowerment nonprofit corporation he co-founded • Employee of Wells Fargo Advisors, where he manages contract,

agreement and disclosure revision projects for the firm’s multi-sales channel national footprint

• Passionate believer in the successful future of youth

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Mark A. Lee of O’Fallon

community “go-getters”

Debra Harriman of Belleville

Carol A. Bartle of Caseyville

Foundation DonorsOur donors’ willingness to join in our efforts enhances the college and the lives of our students. We thank you for making

the impossible possible through your gifts of friendship, involvement and financial support.

View our complete list of donors and memorials online at swic.edu/donors.

Foundation Financial SummaryEvery dollar invested in a community college yields a three-fold regional return on that investment.

Thank you for your philanthropic donation to the SWIC Foundation. Review the current financial summary at swic.edu/foundation/financial.

Foundation

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$211SWIC graduates’ increase in earnings per credit hour taken

(Statewide average: $159)

$2.94SWIC graduates’ increase in wage hours

(Statewide average: $2.41)

75%SWIC graduates and certificate earners employed

in Illinois in the year after completing

200%Percentage of student veterans enrolled at SWIC

over other community colleges in Illinois

SWIC vALUE BY THE NUMBERSSWIC outperforms the state community college average in several major economic impact and completion categories

according to a new Illinois Community College Board economic impact report.

Note: Border-state and federal-employment data were not included in the study.Source: 2014 Center for Governmental Studies (Northern Illinois University) report to the Illinois Community College Board

19.3%Rate of return

on a SWIC student’s

college investment

over a 40-year career

(Statewide average: 14.2%) 3.7%Rate of return on

investment in real estate

9.3%Rate of return on playing

the stock market

$14,000Amount students save by attending SWIC vs. other community colleges

$483,924Average 40-year earnings gain

for a 25-year-old SWIC graduate $4,200SWIC completers’ increase in earnings after one year compared to pre-enrollment wages (Statewide average: $3,600)

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Donor Spotlights

BEA FRIES MEMORIAL LIBRARY DEDICATION

James Marsh King, son of the late Belleville architect Charles King and late pioneering businesswoman Audrey Marsh, shared items from his family’s history as part of the Belleville 200 Celebration Belleville Bicentennial Exhibition: 200 event. On display in the William and Florence Schmidt Art Center’s Billie Jean and John H. Marsh Gallery (named for Audrey’s uncle John and his wife) were Charles E. King’s drafting table, stool and architectural drawings from the 1950s (pictured), as well as a Marsh Stencil Company Model A stencil cutter from 1925. The exhibition held last summer at the William and Florence Schmidt Art Center logged more than 3,000 visitors.

Bea cared deeply

for the library. For more

than 45 years, our students

received far more assistance

than they may have

bargained for by asking her

for research help. Naming

the library in her honor is a

fitting tribute to her service

and her generous Pay It

Forward commitment to

learning opportunities for

future generations.

President Georgia Costello, Ph.D.

❝

❞

Family, colleagues and friends of Bea Fries gathered Oct. 21 to dedicate the Bea Fries Memorial Library at the Belleville Campus. A Belleville Junior College graduate and Generations of Success award winner during the college’s 50th anniversary, Fries provided SWIC with more than 45 years of service as a librarian before her passing in June 2012. As she requested, the SWIC Foundation received the largest single cash gift in its history from her estate. The funds will ensure that students have the resources they need in the college’s three campus libraries.

A native of Freeburg, Fries graduated from then Belleville Junior College in 1964 with an associate degree. She went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign. She became the college’s first librarian in 1967.

FAMILY TREASURES SHARED

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Before retiring, longtime Sam Wolf Granite City Campus administrator Chuck Whitehead took one last action to ensure the success of the campus’ students into the future. He established the Alice Whitehead Memorial Scholarship awarded to part- or full-time students taking the majority of their credit hours at SWGCC.

"This memorial scholarship is a very small way to honor a very great woman who is singularly responsible for my character development and the foundational life skills and fortitude to succeed against challenges the culture would consider insurmountable," Whitehead said. "I can hear Mom saying 'Charles, you and Jesse didn't have to do that!' Yet, she would be extremely thrilled to know that some person is being assisted in pursuing the type of education for which she never had the opportunity."

Providing a scholarship is something his mom – a single parent whose formal education ended after the sixth grade – would have done. Whitehead and his brother get to do so for the woman who selflessly devoted herself to her sons and who felt servanthood was her life's calling.

For Whitehead, it was also a way to say thank you to the institution that provided "the exact second career" he desired. That career expanded his life experiences for the better, opened community involvement doors and gave him some of the most wonderful friends he has ever had, he notes. Growing up with economic struggles and seeing what students at the campus and in surrounding communities faced made him acutely sensitive to the needs of those who are less privileged. He is paying forward the grace and generosity of those individuals who compassionately extended them to his family during its time of need.

MISSION FOR MOM

Whitehead and first scholarship recipient Trersa Hollingshead

Beautifying the Campus Through ArtThe relationship between the Schmidts and the college grew when the couple supported the installation of the six-ton, 17-foot Astro Treillage sculpture on the Belleville Campus.

To keep the project costs manageable, the college purchased the materials; welding staff and students assembled the piece.

“I loved the fact that this got art and welding folks together,” said John. “It got us excited about the possibilities of art education at SWIC.”

Additional in-kind support came from individuals, organizations and dozens of area businesses. It took more than a year for the piece to be fabricated and the undertaking contributed to a feeling of shared success among the college and community members.

Today, the campus boasts nine outdoor sculptures.

THE SCHMIDT FOUNDATION

connects COLLEGE AND COMMUNITY

When John and Peg Schmidt reflect back, they can hardly believe the impact the William E. Schmidt Charitable Foundation has had through the years.

“We’ve always believed strongly in the value of education,” said John. “My father (William E. Schmidt) felt it was incredibly important to provide young kids the opportunity to get an education. We wanted to continue that legacy through the William E. Schmidt Charitable Foundation.”

Because of Peg’s background in art – which includes a bachelor’s degree in studio art and time spent as an interior designer – the Schmidts felt drawn to support arts education.

Their charitable foundation has provided significant gifts to the SWIC Foundation for scholarships in business and visual arts, the William E. and Florence Schmidt Art Center, outdoor sculptures and gardens, and special gifts for a number of other programs.

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Donor Spotlights

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2500 Carlyle Ave., BellevilleFree admission Hours @ swic.edu/theschmidt

Exhibition: SWIC Faculty Art ShowThrough Feb. 26

Exhibition: High School Art ShowMarch 26–April 9Opening reception: March.26.•.6-8.p.m.

Exhibition: SWIC Student Art ShowApril 23–May 14Opening reception: April.23.•.6-8.p.m.

Exhibition: Brian Smith, Adam West and Leandra SpanglerJune 4–July 30Opening reception: June.4.•.6-8.p.m.

DON'T MISS IT!Exhibition: Senior Art Competition March 26–April 9 Liberal Arts Complex Conference Room – second floor next to StarbucksOpening reception: March.26.•.6-8.p.m.

Schmidt Art CenterAs the college art program grew, the idea for a dedicated space to showcase students’ work and an expanding permanent collection was born.

Then Foundation Director Kathy O'Dell and Art Faculty Member Dale Threlkeld "were the spark plugs that initiated the idea and design of the art center" which opened its doors on the Belleville Campus in 2002, notes John.

Knowing that art appreciation is vital to a well-rounded education, the Schmidts chose to support their passion for art and honor John’s parents as lead donors of the art center and its gardens.

A loading dock was added last year to enhance exhibition management and storage of the permanent collection, the largest of any two-year college in Illinois.

ScholarshipThe Schmidt Charitable Foundation also established two endowed scholarships: the William E. & Florence Schmidt Memorial – Art and the William E. & Florence Schmidt Memorial – Business. Almost $200,000 has been awarded to more than 200 students over the years.

“Receiving letters from the scholarship recipients is an absolute joy,” said Peg. “The students are so sincere and we enjoy hearing about their plans for the future. It’s extremely gratifying.”

Today, The Schmidt:

• protects the college’s extensive art collection

• complements educational programs for college students

• provides educational programming for

local K-12 students

• hosts traveling art shows and exhibitions

• offers cultural enrichment for the community

• serves as a unique location to hold personal and professsional events

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Student Spotlights

Twenty-one-year-old Billy Meyers of Highland says he’s won the academic lottery.

Meyers, an administration of justice major, was the first recipient of The Sgt. Jon Brough Scholarship at SWIC.

“I cannot thank Sgt. Brough and his wife, Wendy, enough for such an incredibly awesome gift,” Meyers said. “When I received the phone call that I was the recipient of the scholarship, I was speechless and tremendously thrilled to be receiving this generous gift.”

The new scholarship is awarded to a full-time student seeking a degree in administration of justice. It is renewable for a second year within academic and eligibility requirements. The scholarship is even sweeter for Meyers because it bears Brough’s name and it reminds him of Brough’s strength and giving spirit, as well as how much he gave as a member of the police force, he notes.

For the Broughs, the scholarship was a way to repay the community for its support following his injury. They received many donations from people all over the area to support his recovery. The Broughs put those donations into an account in case they needed the funds.

“Once I was hurt like I was, we were so thankful that I had made it. We were very grateful to the people all over the area who sent checks on my family’s behalf,” he said. “We wanted to give back to the community.”

One of the ways they chose to give back was the creation of The Sgt. Jon Brough Scholarship to help someone with an interest in law enforcement, like Sgt. Brough’s, achieve their

career goals. He’d paid his own way through studies for an Associate in Applied Science in administration of justice at SWIC, then Belleville Area College, while working full-time in the city.

“It was tough for me,” said the 1986 alumnus. “I just want to help really good men and women pursue careers in law enforcement.”

The Broughs are excited about Meyers being the first recipient of the scholarship, noting he exemplifies so many qualities that are important to them, including a passion for police work.

THE FORCE IS WITH THIS FUTURE POLICE OFFICER

Wendy and Jon Brough, Meyers and Foundation Associate Director Rena Thoele

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When Adam Bauer was just a junior at Belleville West High School, he was approached by SWIC Head Baseball Coach Neil Fiala to continue his studies and baseball career at SWIC.

The son of a former student-athlete at SWIC, basketball player John Bauer, Adam was excited about the opportunity to continue the family tradition.

“I had a pretty good GPA in high school and had an OK season in baseball, so Neil offered me a scholarship,” said Bauer. “I came to SWIC because I wanted to continue my baseball career and because I could get some of my schooling paid for.”

Since coming to SWIC, Bauer has been more than just “OK.” During his freshman year, the outfielder was the leading hitter for the Blue Storm and was named to the All-Region 24 Team, all while studying accounting and maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA.

“Adam was one of our best players last year and also was our top player in the classroom,” said Fiala. “He is definitely a hard worker both on and off the field.”

Bauer plans to continue his baseball career at the four-year level. Interested schools so far include Saint Louis University, Murray State and Bradley. Depending on what happens with his baseball career, he plans to finish his bachelor’s degree, immediately start on his master’s and then sit for the CPA exam.

When asked about his time at SWIC so far, Bauer had nothing but great things to say about his experiences – both in the classroom and on the baseball field.

“Being a part of the team and enjoying the camaraderie has been great,” said Bauer. “Also, all of the teachers have been cool and very easy to get along with.”

Bauer is also incredibly grateful for the opportunity he’s gotten here at SWIC. “Being able to attend SWIC on a scholarship means I’ll have less debt down the road, which is a big deal right now, and it lets me play baseball, which is what I love to do.”

BAUER HITS HOME RUNS ON THE FIELD AND IN THE CLASSROOM

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Alumni Spotlights

ONE. TWO. THREE TIMES ... ALUMNIThree women from the same family proudly call themselves Belleville Area College or Southwestern Illinois College alumnae.

Cynthia A. South got the ball rolling when she enrolled at then Belleville Area College as a Belleville Township High School East senior in 1975. She didn’t begin her college journey alone, however. She roamed the corridors of the college with her maternal grandmother, Carmen Emge Fallon, who after a career as an executive secretary for a St. Louis insurance company decided to pursue a degree as well.

Over the next two years, the two women attended classes.

Both earned Associate in Arts degrees – South in 1977 and Emge Fallon in 1984.

South went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri Columbia in 1979 and a master’s degree in 1989 from the University of South Carolina. She now lives in Columbia, South Carolina and serves as president of the South Company, a full service advertising and marketing agency with clients in Georgia and South Carolina.

“My grandmother was proud to have finally earned a college degree,” she said.

While a secretary by trade, Emge Fallon was an artist at heart and her talents were on display at Belleville Bicentennial Exhibition: 200 at the college’s William and Florence Schmidt Art Center. Emge’s oldest daughter, Doris Johannsen of Swansea, submitted her mother’s 1927 fashion drawings that were chosen for display.

Emge Fallon’s great-granddaughter and Cynthia South’s oldest daughter, Caylen Thompson, earned her Associate in Applied Science in nursing education in 2009 and went to work for St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. She is now employed at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospitalin Columbia, South Carolina.

Cynthia South, Doris Johannsen and Carrie Thompson

I really feel that BAC expedited my college education,

enabling me to finish my bachelor’s degree in three years

and save funds necessary to attend

the top university journalism program.

I was well prepared and was able to earn a high GPA

to transfer into that competitive program.Cynthia A. South

❝

❞

Caylen Thompson Know anyone who bleeds SWIC blue and wants to share

their SWIC-cess story?

We want to know what they’re up to!

618-235-2700, ext. 5959

catalyst@swic.edu

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SIGHTS SET HIGH!For SWIC alum Michael Lemp of Pontoon Beach, economic reality, a lack of support for education in his working-class family and falling in with a bad crowd led him to drop out of school at 16 in the 1990s.

That choice led to another reality. “As a high school dropout, I realized I had very few options in life. I felt limited bagging groceries and working on horseradish farms. I knew I wanted something more,” he said.

He turned to then Belleville Area College’s Adult Basic Education department for help. His first step was earning his GED certificate, which he did in 1993. He used the confidence and skills gained to tackle his next goal – an Associate in Arts in psychology in 1999.

After completing his AA and working in emergency room and ambulance settings, he enrolled in and completed the Emergency Medical Technician program in 2002 to help him work more hands-on with patients.

An Associate in Applied Science in nursing education was now in his sights as a way of providing a higher level of patient care. He received that degree in 2010 before moving on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing over the course of the next three years. Within the next year, he hopes to enroll in a doctor of nursing practice program.

He currently provides care to patients as a nurse practitioner in the emergency department at Alton Memorial Hospital.

One day, he hopes to combine research and evidence-based practice to allow him to provide the best patient care. He would also like to teach future nurses, sharing the love of education he developed because of the people who helped him earn his GED and nursing skills.

GiveUsto Talk About

Something

We're on the hunt for SWIC-cess stories to talk about –

news of the ways in which former students are making a difference in their communities,

awards that they've earned, organizational boards they serve on,

new professional titles, achievements, and activities to promote community

betterment or education in some other way.

Former Chicago Cubs PitcherRandy Wells

Former NASA AstronautSandra Magnus

Entrepreneur James AllsupFormer Nursing Education Associate Professor Helene Seibert and

Nurse Meghan Seibert

FACULTY NEWSProfessor of Biology Bob Weck received the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award. The award is given to 100 teachers from the St. Louis Metropolitan area who demonstrate excellence in their field. He was also the SWIC Faculty Member of the Year for 2014.

The Illinois Community College Faculty Association has named its Faculty Member of the Year Award after Professor Emeritus of Biology Leo Welch.

Assistant Professor of Music Adam Hucke and his bandmates in The Funky Butt Brass Band released a new CD – “Sugar Sugar Whomp Whomp" – in November.

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Something to Talk About

ALUMNI NEWS

Jonathan Tidball, attended '98-99/'02-03, released a new fantasy novella – “Vendetta: The Awakening” – as part of the Noisivelvet Publishing Assistance Program.

Mackeigan Wuest, '14, was named a 2014 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Silver Scholar.

Angela Hauss, '04 and '08, and Garen Vartanian wed Dec. 27, 2014.

Ryan Schupbach, '09 and '10, and Samantha Wright, attended '08, '09 and '10, tied the knot Dec. 13, 2014.

Amber Frey, '12, and Andrew Rakers married Aug. 30, 2014.

In her estate, Bea Fries, ‘64, left the SWIC Foundation the largest single cash gift in its history in her estate. The Belleville Campus Library was named in her honor in October.

Navy Seal veteran Stephen Otten, '11, was a keynote speaker – alongside President Georgia Costello, Ph.D. – at the dedication ceremony of the college’s new Veterans and Career Services center on the Belleville Campus.

Former Blue Storm baseball player Tom Layne, '05, returned to St. Louis in August pitching for the Boston Red Sox in the Cards/Sox matchup.

COLLEGE NEWSThe Blue Storm women’s soccer players were Region 24 Champions, logging an undefeated regular season. The team was ranked among the top 10 in the nation.

Men’s Head Basketball Coach Jay Harrington marked 800 career wins in November. The basketball court in the Varsity Gym bears the longtime coach and former athletic director’s name. He has led several teams to the NJCAA National Championship Tournament since becoming coach in 1979 and coached 13 All-Americans since 2000. He was elected into the NJCAA Hall of Fame in 2002.

CATalyst will return for a "back to school" edition as the college begins its

70th year of operation with the start of the Fall 2015 Semester.

A year-long calendar of events is planned leading up to the fall 2016 celebration of the college's 70th Anniversary.

Stay tuned for exciting announcements about scheduled events and plan to join us as SWIC turns 70!

FEBRUARY_______________________________________

Black History Month

Through26 SWIC Faculty Art Show, Schmidt

Art Center22 St. Louis Metro East Baccalaureate College Fair, BC

MARCH_______________________________________

Herstory: Women’s History Month

3 Blood Drive, RBC4 Health Careers Job Fair, RBC16-22 Spring Break (College Closed)

APRIL_______________________________________

Fine Arts Festival

3-5 College Closed 15 AmeriCorps Volunteer Fair, BC Job Fair, RBC22 Foundation Golf Ball Drop, BC23 Spring Job Fair, BC24 Athletics Fundraiser, BC

MAY_______________________________________

19 Health Sciences Pinning Ceremony20 GED Certification Ceremony21 Graduation 22 SWGCC Annual Golf Scramble25 Memorial Day (College Closed)

WHAT’S HAPPENINGSpring 2015

Key: BC – Belleville Campus • RBC – Red Bud Campus • SWGCC – Sam Wolf Granite City Campus • ESLCCC – East St. Louis Community College Center

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