Community & Alumni
ART AT SOUTHEASTERN
Students and visitors to Southeastern will experience a diverse collection of art on the college campus where large monumental sculptures grace interior and exterior spaces. The Art Gallery of the George T. Dennis Visual and Performing Arts Center features rotating exhibitions year-round, and the Ella Elizabeth Hise Regional Museum which features exhibitions from local and regional artists specific to southern Illinois.
In 1987, the artist Bob Dixon completed installation of a series of three monumental welded sculptures. Sentinels Guarding the Winds of Time, located south of the Harry L. Crisp Conference Centers’ lobby represents two vigilant figures celebrating mankind. On the north side of campus, gracing the entrance to the lobby of the Harry L. Crisp Conference Centers, Pegasus’ Portal represents the gateway of the winged horse Pegasus, who according to Greek mythology brought a widespread dispersal of learning to the world with schools available for all people. Symbolizing the omega of one’s formal education while celebrating the commencement and continuation of life-long learning, Wings and Echoes embellishes Southeastern’s nature preserve east of Deaton Gymnasium.
As part of Illinois’ Art in Public Places program, Southeastern acquired two more large-scale sculptures upon completion of the George T. Dennis Visual and Performing Arts Center, the Harry W. Abell Administration Building, and the Mary Jo Oldham Center for Child Study. Installed in 1999, Night of the Meteor Shower and Solar Pathways are the work of Christiane T. Martins, an internationally known Illinois artist. Composed of brushed and polished stainless steel, Night of the Meteor Shower enhances the lobby of the George T. Dennis Visual and Performing Arts Center, while Solar Pathways adorns the entrance to the Child Study Center.
In 2020, artist Aldon Addington of Carbondale donated a sculpture to The Ella Elizabeth Hise Museum of Regional Art at Southeastern Illinois College. The 16-foot tall, welded stainless steel sculpture titled “Three Portals” stands centered in front of the grand windows of the Harry W. Abell Administrative Building on the south side of campus. This ties together both the George T. Dennis Visual & Performing Arts Center and the museum.
The Southeastern Illinois College Foundation provides generous support for art acquisitions on campus. Many of the works of art displayed in the main corridors of buildings A through C were selected by the College Art Purchase Committee and funded by the Foundation in honor of retired and deceased college faculty members. In 1990, the Southeastern Illinois College Foundation dedicated Pristine Illinois Landscape, a mural depicting the unspoiled beauty of the Southern Illinois landscape as experienced by Native Americans and the early European visitors. Painted by artistnaturalist Robert G. Lawson, this large painting hangs in the lobby of the Harry L. Crisp Conference Center.
The Hise Museum was a nearly $3 million gift from William C. Hise and his late brother, James C. Hise in memory of their sister, an art educator from the region. This museum features art about or artists from the river region of southern Illinois, western Kentucky, southwest Indiana, and southeast Missouri. With the addition of the Ella Elizabeth Hise Regional Art Museum, SIC now has a permanent collection gallery space along with space for larger exhibits. Traveling exhibitions, art talks, and other activities can be scheduled at the Hise Museum. This museum is a centerpiece of cultural preservation and education for the whole region and Midwest.
Art at Southeastern Illinois College offers rich and varied experiences and enhances the environment of the institution for the benefit of the College family as well as the community at large, from young children through senior citizens who visit the campus. This collection represents Southeastern’s commitment to and appreciation for the arts, humanities, history and education.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
The College frequently hosts seminars, workshops and conferences for partner groups and the general public. The topics range from consumer, educational and business interests to those of more hobby or leisure activities. The College is willing to work with outside organizations in cooperative planning and development of programs to meet their particular needs.
SIC ALUMNI & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION
The Alumni & Friends Association was created to continue the relationship between the College and its former students and friends of the College. Through Alumni & Friends Association Memberships, funds are raised for student scholarships.
THE SIC FOUNDATION
The Southeastern Illinois College Foundation was established by the College Board of Trustees in November 1983 to provide a means of raising and administering funds from the private sector to support activities and programs at the College. The Foundation serves as a depository for gifts presented to the College by individuals, businesses, civic groups, and corporations wishing to participate philanthropically in the growth and future of Southeastern Illinois College. In its fundraising capacity, the Foundation supports Southeastern in its mission to provide numerous educational opportunities for the development of intellectual, cultural, social, personal, and productive skills to the residents of Community College District 533. The Foundation supports activities that improve one’s quality of life, extends educational opportunities, and contributes to the College’s constant pursuit of excellence.
THE DAVID L. STANLEY WHITE COUNTY CENTER
The David L. Stanley White County Center serves the diverse educational needs of residents living in the White County area, which is in the northern portion of Southeastern Illinois College’s district. A variety of transferable baccalaureate, vocational, and community education courses are offered. The Center is a receiving as well as a broadcasting site for distance learning classes. A computer lab is also available on-site. Regular hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the year. The White County Center serves as a host site for the Illinois Worknet Center, which provides services through the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and Southern 14 Workforce Investment Board (WIOA partner).
WORKFORCE & ILLINOIS SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER AT SIC
The Southeastern Illinois College WISBDC’s services provide both workforce development training to meet the needs of business and industry in the College district, and small business development training, to provide individual counseling and practical training for small business owners. Sample services include custom tailored training programs, free business consulting services, and safety training and recertification.
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
The Southeastern Illinois Service Learning class (SERV 121) is open to any student or member of the community who wishes to serve on an unpaid voluntary basis either at the College, in the community or with an area agency, institution or business. A person may earn one (1) credit hour of Pass/Fail credit each semester for 30 contact hours of unpaid service. There is no tuition charge for enrolling in this course. For more information call 2525400, ext. 4130.