SIUE’s ERTC Celebrates 44th Graduating Class with Ceremony and Awards
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Environmental Resources Training Center (ERTC) proudly celebrated the graduation of its 44th class from the Water Quality Control Operations Program during a ceremony held Friday, July 25. The class of 2025 included 22 students who completed the intensive, hands-on program designed to prepare them for careers in water and wastewater treatment operations.
Drew Hoelscher, director of the ERTC, welcomed graduates and guests, reflecting on the program’s rigorous training and its impact on communities across the state. Peter Panouzis, a proud ERTC graduate and current operations specialist with Missouri American Water Company, delivered the keynote address. Retired public works director Samuel McNeilly, City of La Salle, was honored with the Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to the field.
Multiple scholarships and awards were presented to outstanding students during the ceremony:
- Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act Awards: Austin Stewart, Charles Fulford, Walter Greathouse, Joseph Brandon
- St. Louis Metropolitan Sewer District Scholarships: David Creighton, Jenna Crowley, Nikol Harris
- Anthony J. LaRocca Memorial Award: Christopher Garcia
- Southern Illinois Wastewater Operators Association Scholastic Awards: Nick Jones, Gavin Powers
- Mississippi-Kaskaskia Valley Operators Association Scholastic Awards: Austin Stewart, Walter Greathouse
- Mid-Central Water Pollution Control Operators Association Scholastic Award: Christopher Garcia
- Illinois Association of Water Pollution Control Operators Scholastic Awards: Justin Siebert, Charles Fulford
- Donohue & Associates Award: Brandon Delaney
- Sylvanus Jackson Memorial Award: Dakota Harlan
- Patrick Curry Memorial Award: Shane Fortney
- Southwest Central Water Plant Operators Association Scholastic Awards: Noah Miller, Thomas Herzog
- ERTC Career Builder Award: Vincent Young
Graduates of the 2025 class include:
Elliot Boyer,Joseph Brandon, David Creighton, Jenna Crowley, Brandon Delaney, Conner Dine, Hoyt Dobson, Shane Fortney, Charles Fulford, Christopher Garcia, Walter Greathouse, Dakota Harlan, Nikol Harris, Thomas Herzog, Nick Jones, Noah Miller, Gavin Powers, Trey Schlechte, Braelynn Scott, Justin Siebert, Austin Stewart, and Vincent Young.
The ERTC, a nationally recognized training facility housed at SIUE, plays a critical role in preparing the next generation of environmental professionals through real-world instruction, laboratory experience, and industry partnerships. Graduates go on to serve in vital roles that protect water quality and public health across the Midwest and beyond.
PHOTO: Drew Hoelscher, ERTC director; Samuel McNeilly, retired public works director for the City of La Salle, Illinois; Peter Panouzis, graduate speaker and operations specialist at Missouri American Water Company
