2015-2016 Community Report

SIC’s Model Illinois Government Team
Wins Third Consecutive Championship
SIC clinched its record third consecutive MIG championship
in February 2016 marking its first three-peat in school
history when it was named Outstanding Small Delegation
at the simulation.
During competition, students have the opportunity to
debate bills in the actual House and Senate chambers in
Springfield. This year, more than 300 students competed
from 21 colleges and universities across the state.
Southeastern Illinois College led all small schools in total
points, leadership positions, and major awards. “What is
particularly impressive is that not only is SIC the smallest
school in terms of enrollment at the simulation, but the
team is the third smallest in number of competitors,” said
political science instructor and advisor Matt Lees. “To
score ten points with just six students is truly impressive.”
SIC Alumni Share Their
Experiences in Politics
SIC Alumni and former MIG award-winners Joe Debose (left)
and Jenny Pruitt (enter) came back to visit advisor Matt Lees
(right) and speak to students about their careers in political
science.
SIC students got an inside look into the world of politics
during the annual Constitution Week in Sept. 2015. SIC’s
Chair of Social Science Division, Matt Lees invited SIC
alumni Jenny Pruitt and Joe Debose, former Southeastern
Model Illinois Government award-winners, to speak to a
number of students of all different areas of study.
After SIC, Pruitt worked for Governor Rauner’s campaign
where she led all downstate staffers in voter contacts.
While working on the campaign, she impressed her peers
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The SIC Model Illinois Government team won their division
at the state competition in Springfield for the third year in
a row. Pictured (l-r) are Stephanie Johns of Omaha, Tracy
Stokich of Galatia, Jenny Pruitt of Broughton, Advisor
Matt Lees, James Eversole of Norris City, Ryan Dennison of
Harrisburg, and Dana Hooven of Harrisburg.
so much that she earned a unanimous recommendation
to join Congressman John Shimkus’ staff. Pruitt currently
serves as a Congressional Aide where she deals with policy,
constituent service and runs Shimkus’ Harrisburg office.
After Debose left SIC, he started working as a political
consultant for The Eagle Forum. He has worked campaigns
across the country. He travelled to Nebraska to work on Ben
Sasse’s U.S. Senate race, then later went to South Carolina
where he worked on Governor Nikki Haley’s campaign and
worked for the South Carolina House caucus. Debose also
participated in Rick Snyder’s gubernatorial campaign in
Michigan and Terri Bryant’s primary campaign in Southern
Illinois. He currently works as a strategist and mid-west
director for political consulting firm, Trafalgar LLC.
Southeastern has a strong history of producing graduates
who continue on in the political science field.
“This small school has produced a senior member of
Speaker Madigan’s staff who later started her own lobbying
firm, three state representatives and a member of Congress,”
said Lees. “I am also proud to say this trend has continued
in recent years. SIC graduate Katie Pennell, is currently
working in Washington as a member of the Obama
administration, while another alumnus, Josh McClusky,
served as one of Governor Quinn’s field coordinators.”