Southern Illinois University Vocational Technical Institute Carterville, Illinois This site is dedicated to the Vocational Technical Institute of Southern Illinois University, located at Carterville, Illinois, and to its' Alumni. The VTI Student Center in 1971. The north end of the building also housed the Commercial Art Department. Student enjoy a game of pool at the Student Center. The TV lounge was always a popular spot. Many students spent their spare time socializing with friends. The West dorm, fondly called "Playboy Hall" was located just South of the Student Center. The Southern Acres Dining Hall. Home of the "Mystery Meat." Inside shot of the Dining Hall looking to the South. The only permanent building on the VTI grounds was the new boy's dorm. January 21, 1971 Fire destroys wing of VTI building Fire destroys part of the women's co-op apartments and classrooms in a wing of the "H" Building. Other wings of the building housing the library, computer lab, and other apartments, were emptied by students anticipating the entire structure was in danger. Looking North at the West side of the wing. Southern Acres fire equipment is no match for the blaze. This view of the East side of the wing shows how far the fire has spread in just a few short minutes. Fire crews battle the blaze from the East side while students and faculty watch in shock. Smoke in the courtyard on the East side of the wing was heavy due to the wind. A snorkel from West Frankfort arrives, but due to the small access roads behind the building, must park on the North side and shoot water over the building to the fire. Finally the fire crews get the fire under control. Furniture, office equipment, and even IBM computer card sorters were hauled out of the building and left in the road. The snorkel prepares to leave as the fire is contained. Note the furniture and other items piled outside the front of the building. About this Site As an alumni of VTI, Class of 1971, I was surprised that I could find very little about the school on the web. So, I decided to start building this site. I hope to add many more items about VTI in the near future. If you have any comments or something to contribute, you can reach me via the link below. Nicholas K. Whitlow, Springfield, IL Last Update: October 3, 2001