SIDER CHATINMARCH 2017

SOU TH W ES TERN ILL INOIS COLLEGE

Spring is near!

Speak Your Piece - Open Mic Thursday, March 30 7 p.m. BC MC First Floor LoungeJoin a celebration of poetry, prose and music with Poetry Contest winners and other local artists.

Events are free and open to students, faculty and staff.

For more information or a complete calendar of events, visit swic.edu/diversity.

Event highlights include:

Celebrate Herstory at SWIC!

SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS COLLEGE

Diversity Chat: Audrie and Daisy Tuesday, March 21 3:45-6 p.m. Belleville Campus LA TheaterView and discuss this documentary that examines the effects when young women find that sexual assault crimes against them have been recorded for social media.

R.A.D. System - Rape Aggression Defense Training Saturday, March 25 8 a.m.-5 p.m. BC Intramural GymThis self-defense course will give women realistic, hands-on experience in learning to defend themselves. To register: jennifer.edwards@swic.edu.

Diversity Chat: Women Field Photographers Thursday, March 2 12:30-1:30 p.m. SWGCC Room 520Art instructor Nancy Friederich will talk about eight courageous women who have worked all over the world taking photographs of strange lands and combat situations.

Domestic Violence 101 Tuesday, March 7 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. BC LA 3309Jessica Woolbright of Saint Martha’s Hall will discuss the nature and dynamics of domestic violence.

2 Deadline to schedule appointment for 2017 Health Screenings see article for details

3-6 Life Experienced: A Senior Art Competition Schmidt Art Center, free admission

4 Creative Kids: Create a Seuss Character 12:30 p.m., BC Schmidt Art Center $5 per child

6 2017 Health Screenings SWGCC Wilmsmeyer Room walk-ins as available

7-9 2017 Health Screenings BC IS 2014 walk-ins as available

12-19 Spring Break college closed

21 Spring on the Quad! – SWIC Concert Band 2:30 p.m., BC Quad

23 Exhibition Opening Reception: High School Art Show 6-8 p.m., awards at 7 p.m. BC Schmidt Art Center free admission

24 George Portz and the Friends of Bluegrass 7 p.m., BC MC Theatre Tickets: $10

25 Creative Kids: Clay Stamped Bowl 12:30 p.m., BC Schmidt Art Center $5 per child

26 Explore the Sound III 7 p.m., St. Clare Catholic Church, O’Fallon

30 Chamber Music Series: An Evening in Spain 7 p.m., Schmidt Art Center

MARCH CALENDAR

Belleville CampusGet your tickets for George Portz and the Friends of Bluegrass before they’re gone! The long-running annual concert takes place Friday, March 24 at 7 p.m. in the BC MC Theatre. Tickets are $10. For more information, call ext. 5561.

Don’t miss your chance to see Life Experienced: A Senior Art Competition at the Schmidt Art Center. The exhibit will be on display from March 3-6. Check out the beautiful artwork created by area seniors. Admission is free and open to the public.

Get your first look at some of the area’s up-and-coming artistic talent when the Schmidt Art Center holds the annual High School Student Art Exhibition. The show kicks off Thursday, March 23 with an opening reception from 6-8 p.m. In addition to the SWIC awards presented at 7 p.m., students find out who wins the 13th Congressional District High School Art Competition. The show is on display through Thursday, April 6.

Bring your kindergartner through fifth-grader to the Schmidt Art Center for its March Creative Kids workshops. On Saturday, March 4, kids will create one-of-a-kind illustrations using markers and pencils during Create a Seuss Character. On Saturday, March 25, they’ll squish clay into a functional, stylish sculpted bowl. Each session costs $5 per child. Reserve a spot for either or both workshops.

Planning summer activities for your children? The Schmidt Art Center will again host its popular Summer Art Intensive programs in June and July. Topics include Drawing and Illustrations, Painting and Drawing, and Sculpture. To learn more, contact Jessica Mannisi at ext. 5278.

MARCH BRIEFS

ON MY MIND...

Pay It Forward,

Georgia Costello, Ph.D. President

As we close out the month of February and our Black History Month celebration, we are set to kick off our annual Women’s History Month activities that occur each March.

Both of these longstanding diversity and awareness-building celebrations have featured films, cultural activities, educational campaigns and speakers such as Herstory’s 2014 keynote speaker, author and activist Sister Helen Prejean of Dead Man Walking fame. These month-long celebrations ask each of us to learn something we may not have known before, challenge what may be long-held beliefs, think critically about our perceptions and perhaps even walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.

Well-developed programs like these don’t just happen. Passionate professionals put thought, time, energy and sometimes sweat behind them, such as the inaugural Black History Month’s Soulful Sunday Soiree event Feb. 12. College Activities, the Schmidt Art Center, the Culinary Arts and Food Management program, and Diversity and Inclusion Committee partnered to bring this new event to life. Based on its sold-out reception, we can expect to see a reprise next year, so mark your calendar.

As March gets underway, please visit swic.edu/diversity for the lineup of Herstory events and activities, including a Lunch and Learn session on Friday, March 3 featuring Sonya Jones from NBC’s The Biggest Loser. Plan to attend sessions that fit within your schedule to support your colleagues who’ve worked so hard to make Herstory happen.

We are very lucky to have such a devoted group of people who put in the extra time to ensure we recognize and celebrate diversity at SWIC. On behalf of President’s Staff, thank you to:

Diversity and Inclusion Committee members: Amy Brockman, Susan Bryant, Staci Clayborne, Debbie Darling, Ashley Dunn, Kieasha Ford, Rick Gregory, Tracey Hayes, Karen Jobe, Jill Lorance, Patricia Pou, Melanie Reinhardt, Latesha Rodgers, Jeff Blue, Mariann Ziegler, Angie Stewart-Brown, Amy Markus, Lisa Atkins and Michael Johnson

Herstory Committee members: Azizat Danmole, Ami Lilley Plexico, Meredith Verrochi, Kimberly Vrooman, Julie Willis, Barbara Hunter, Amy Brockman, Cynthia Hussain, Jeff Blue, Judi Quimby, Karen Jobe, Katherine Witzig, Emily Kelly-Padden, Monica Hatch, Nancy Friederich, Melanie Reinhardt, Steve Moiles and Winnie Kenney

While we shine a spotlight on diversity during these particular months, we should embrace and encourage each other’s differences all year long.

FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

At the February 2017 meeting, the SWIC Board of Trustees:

• Accepted an $2,000 grant renewal from the William Froelich Foundation to benefit the senior art show at the Schmidt.

• Accepted a $20,000 grant renewal from the William Froelich Foundation to benefit the Foster Grandparent Program at PSOP.

• Accepted a $10,000 grant renewal from the William Froelich Foundation to benefit PSOP.

• Accepted a $15,000 grant renewal from the William Froelich Foundation to benefit the SeniorLink program at PSOP.

• Accepted a $2,000 grant to benefit Retired Senior Volunteer Program at PSOP.

• Accepted a $5,000 grant renewal to benefit ATS for PSOP.

• Accepted a $62,000 renewal of the Multipurpose Senior Center Program Grant from the St. Clair County Board to benefit PSOP.

• Approved the full-time appointments of Foundation Accounting Specialist Clarissa Henry and Commissioned Public Safety Officer Melissa Mike.

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

Doing something cool over Spring Break?

Send pictures to taylor.crum@swic.edu to be featured in next month’s Insider Chat!

SWIC CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH The college held a variety of events throughout the month of February in honor of Black History Month, including performances, discussions, films and more.

Step It Up – Gentlemen of Vision, a group of young men from the St. Louis area, performed a step routine at both the Belleville and Sam Wolf Granite City campuses that eventually went viral with more than 200,000 views and counting. GOV is an organization created to help disadvantage males successfully complete high school and transition into higher education or trade. Watch their viral performance here.

The Black Rep – This year’s performance by The Black Rep was, “Stamping, Shouting and Singing Home,” a story about a young girl transitioning from child to adult activist in the Southern states of the U.S. The performance was held in the Main Complex Theatre for students, faculty and staff.

SPREADING THE LOVEEach year Community Education puts together Valentine’s Day goodies to send to Scott Air Force Base and this year was no different. Pictured with this year’s bags of goodies is NTC and Non-Traditional Programming Specialist Kassie Hund. The goodies go to all the servicemen and women at the SAFB Belleville dorm.

BACK TO SCHOOL…JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT!

The Community Education spring schedule is available online and you won’t want to miss out on this semester’s fun offerings. These noncredit classes offer something for everyone...

• Foreign Language & Travel

• Cooking & Cake Decorating

• Home Improvement

• Painting & Stained Glass

• Personal Finance

• Photography

• Dressmaking & Upholstery

Visit www.swic.edu/comedschedule/ or call ext. 5393 or 5618.

CELEBRATE SPRING WITH THE PLANT SALE AT SWICDig out your gardening tools – it’s spring! The annual SWIC plant sale is coming up.

You can get your green thumbs (and fingers) on these plants at the annual Plant Sale April 21-23 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the Belleville Campus greenhouse.

The SWIC Horticulture program is selling reasonably priced tropical, perennial and annual flowers, herbs and a few water flowers and plants to benefit the Horticulture program.

Only cash and check payments will be accepted.

For more information, contact Kurt Range at ext. 5135.

SWIC EMPLOYEES

SAVE BIGSWIC employees can take advantage of several deals and discounts with local businesses.

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car – save on car rental; use promo code 01SWICB during the reservation process

• Staples - discount on certain office supplies contracted through the college; contact Purchasing for details

• Office Depot - discount on certain office supplies contracted through the college; contact Purchasing for details

• Barcom Security – save $199 on select security system package; call 618-277-3344 for more information

• Drury Inn of Shiloh – receive a discount on hotel nights; contact Purchasing for details

• AT&T – save through the Signature Discount program; visit the link on the eSTORM employee homepage

• Dell – save on Dell products with the Member Exclusive Store; visit the link on the eSTORM employee homepage

For more information, contact the Purchasing office at ext. 5384.

FRIDAY, APRIL 28Doors open – 5:30 p.m.Glo bingo – 7 p.m.Belleville Campus • Varsity Gym

Friday Night

FUNdraiser

$25 per ticketincludes 6 bingo cards, glow hat, glow dauber, drink ticket

Buy your tickets today!thankyou.swic.edu/bluestorm618-235-2700, ext. 5663 Buy 8 tickets to reserve a table.

Bring your own snacks!Drinks will be available for purchase.

Limit

400 people!

Sold out

last year!

Come decked out in your 70s gear!

Glo BingoWin cash prizes in this fun glow-in-the-dark game!

Silent AuctionBid on great items from local businesses!

Proceeds benefit student scholarships

HELPING THE FIGHT College Activities Board members from the SWGCC raised funds by selling pinwheel sponsorships. The pinwheels were then displayed at the campus to honor World Cancer Day, Feb. 4. The money raised will support cancer research and awareness.

IN THE CHOPPER SWIC academic advisors recently boarded a helicopter, which picked them up from the Belleville Campus, for a trip to Midwest Helicopter and Jet Aviation in Cahokia. From left, Leroy Crisp, DeAnna Mueller and Angie Stewart-Brown, buckle up before they take off. The advisors toured the two facilities to become more familiar with local aviation career opportunities. The information about local industry will help them when advising students who are seeking degrees or certificates in Aviation Pilot Training, Aviation Maintenance Technology and Aviation Management.

SCHEDULE YOUR ONSITE HEALTH EVALUATION TODAY!Includes: testing for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver and kidney disease, and more.Free to employees and spouses on the SWIC medical plan; $210 for all others

Health evaluations are by appointment beginning at 7 a.m.

March 6 • SWGCC Wilmsmeyer Room (with at least 25 people participating)

March 7, 8, 9 • BC IS Room 2014

Schedule your appointment no later than close of business, Thursday, March 2. Walk-ins are welcome as available.

How to Schedule:

Online:1. Register at myinteractivehealth.com. First

time users enter the Sponsor Code NV586.

2. Click the SCHEDULE NOW box at the top of the page.

3. Confirm your personal information to proceed to the schedule.

4. Select your appointment location, date and time.

5. Continue until you are prompted to confirm your appointment.

6. Save time at your appointment by completing the Health Assessment online.

7. Share your results with your physician. Provide your physician’s name, fax and phone number when you register for your health screening.

How to Participate if You Are Unable to Attend on Campus

You can have your health screening at a participating off-site testing facility. Go online following the above directions. On the location page, click the second tab and select a LabCorp facility near you. Continue until you are prompted to confirm. If you prefer, you can call 1-800-840-6100 and ask to test at a lab. Once registered, Interactive Health will mail you the paperwork and instructions you will need to go to a LabCorp facility. If you use this option, please register by Thursday, April 13, and complete the testing no later than April 30.

Got something to talk about?

Email taylor.crum@swic.edu

SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT

LET’S GO BLUES Scottrade Center had 130 SWIC employees and their family members and friends cheering on the St. Louis Blues Feb. 16 at SWIC Night at the Blues. Taking in the action were Amberle Mikuleza, Financial Aid Technical Support Specialist Chelsey Mikuleza, Antonio Mendoza and Academic Advisor Jennifer Selden, as well as College Activities Administrative and Special Event Assistant Valerie Stoner and her husband, Greg. Thanks to all who came out!

SWIC Art faculty member Dawn Blum and her husband, Rob, are making virtual rounds of the country and even Kuwait thanks to a Belleville News-Democrat article about Dawn’s artwork, Listless Passage. The photograph, which she showcased at the Schmidt Art Center’s Art Faculty Show, features 188 thumbnail photos taken from the couple’s bedroom window to mark the days Rob was deployed in Kuwait. The story was distributed via a wire service and appeared in newspapers and on websites from the Pacific Coast to the Midwest to the East Coast and even Kuwait. Check out the article and BND video story.

Learn to see things from an ecological perspectiveThe Kaskaskia Valley Audubon Society is hosting several learning opportunities at the Red Bud Campus to increase understanding of the ecological diversity of the region. These events will be at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Room.

March 23, John B. Taft, Ph.D., will share “An Introduction to the Orchids of Illinois.”

April 20, this event, titled “Bring Back the Monarch Butterfly: A story of conservation efforts how everyone can help,” will share the story of this amazing insect. Lead by wildlife photographer Noppadol Paothong.

May 18, Botanist Alex Homes will share his knowledge of edible wild plants found in southern Illinois. Visit an outdoor location to find these foods and then return to SWIC for a brief presentation.

All these events are free and open to the public. For more information about this program, contact Bob Weck at ext. 5607.