Who We Are

The LIGHTHOUSE Committee is dedicated to exceeding the requirements of the State of Illinois Public Act 102-0083 by fostering a compassionate and inclusive Bearcat community by acknowledging the needs of at-risk students, connecting them to vital resources, and building sustainable systems of support. Through intentional outreach, structured advocacy, and unwavering empowerment, we strive to transform hardship into opportunity and ensure that every student has the foundation to succeed.

Primarily, this is accomplished by assisting students who are:

• • experiencing housing insecurity,
  • experiencing food insecurity, or
  • are or were youth-in-care of DCFS.

 

We envision a campus where empathy and inclusion create meaningful opportunities for at-risk students by striving to transform hardship into opportunities that ensure success. Our commitment is to: 

• • Recognize and respond to student needs by increasing awareness of available resources. 
  • Establish structures of compassionate support that uplift and empower individuals. 
  • Promote long-term sustainability—both for students as they build their futures and for our community as a whole. 

Together, we light the way toward a stronger, more connected Bearcat community. 

The LIGHTHOUSE Committee Members

The following individuals are members of the committee in alphabetical order:

Carol Erickson

Manager of Accessibility Services

Office Location: Clark Hall, Lower Level 4

Phone: (618) 537-6901

Email: caerickson@mckendree.edu

 

 

 

Kathryn "Katie" Peters

Financial Aid Counselor
VA School Certifying Official 

Office Location: Wildy Hall, Room 103

Phone: (618) 537-2146

Email: kepeters@mckendree.edu

 

 

Emily Smith

Area Coordinator of Baker, Barnett, and Walton Halls

Office Location: Walton Hall, 1st Floor Office

Phone: (618) 537-3689

Email: emsmith@mckendree.edu

 

 

 

Lisa Storey

Assistant Director of Community Education

Office: Clark Hall 112

Phone: (618) 537-6854

Email: llstorey@mckendree.edu

 

 

 

Calvin R. Wertman

Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Illinois HOUSE Liaison 

Office Location: Clark Hall 111B

Phone: (618) 537-6912

Email: crwertman@mckendree.edu

Schedule an Appointment:  Microsoft Bookings

 

Dr. Rev. Beverly "Bev" Wilkes-Null,

University Chaplain/Director of Church Relations
Coordinator for the Dr. Lyn Huxford Center for Community Service

Office Location: Bothwell Chapel, Rm. 100

Phone: (618) 537-6962

Email: blwilkes-null@mckendree.edu 

 

 

Karyn Wilson

Assistant Dean for Student Success
Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Office Location: Clark Hall, Lower Level 12

Phone: (618) 537-6562

Email:krwilson@mckendree.edu 

 

 

Taking Those First Steps

Make an appointment with the HOUSE Liaison. During this meeting, you and the liaison will:

1. Review what the Housing and Opportunities that are Useful for Students’ Excellence (HOUSE) Public Act 102-0083 law provides for students in Illinois.

2. Discuss whether the student should complete the Application for Unaccompanied & Homeless Youth with the Office of Financial Aid.

3. Determine what campus services or resources would be of assistance.

4. Consider what services or resources from the local Continuum of Care for St. Clair County or the State of Illinois may be appropriate.

Please know that we value your privacy and comfort.  You will not be asked to share specific details about the events that led to your unstable housing situation.  Also, the liaison will not share any information with other on-campus faculty or staff unless the student gives permission or the liaison is concerned that the student’s safety is at risk.