Spoon River College News

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE SCHEDULES VISITS TO LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:52:37 +0100

Spoon River College Student Advisor Brandy Chasteen will be visiting area high schools to meet with students interested in attending Spoon River College.

“I will present information on our admission process, including financial aid and scholarship opportunities,” said Chasteen. “I will also provide information on our certificate and transfer programs, as well as answer any questions students may have about the college.”

The schedule for visits is as follows:
Spoon River Valley – Wednesday, September 22, 10:47 – 11:20 a.m.
Farmington – Wednesday, September 29, 2:40 – 3:00 p.m.
Cuba-Tuesday, October 5, Cuba 8 – 8:30 a.m.
Lewistown, Tuesday, October 5, 9:45 – 10:05 a.m.
Havana – Wednesday, October 6, 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Astoria – Thursday, October 7, 12:14 – 12:45 p.m.
Canton – Wednesday, October 13, 10:02 – 10:20 a.m.

“Having as much information as possible is the first step in choosing a college and then starting the application process,” said Chasteen. “It may seem too early for high school students to be thinking about college, but in reality, now is exactly when the process should start.”

Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in West Central Illinois with campuses in Canton and Macomb and learning centers in Havana and Rushville that serve approximately 4,000 credit students per year. The college offers comprehensive educational services including transfer courses in the areas of liberal arts and the sciences, career and technical education, developmental and basic skills education, community education, and workforce training. For more information about Spoon River College, visit www.src.edu or call 1-800-DEGREES.

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SPOON RIVER COLLEGE COMMUNITY CHORUS TO SING AT LINCOLN MUSEUM IN SPRINGFIELD

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 10:49:52 +0100

The Spoon River College Community Chorus has been invited to present an Americana Concert on Saturday, November 13 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Museum in Springfield. The concert will include music from the Civil War/1860s, Spirituals/Gospels, Folk Music, songs written by American composers such as Aaron Copland and Stephen Foster, and favorite songs of President Lincoln.

“We are extremely honored to have Phil Funkenbusch of the Lincoln Museum extend this invitation to our chorus,” said Carol Davis, producer of the organization. “The chorus has been in existence for only five years and has expanded the number of participants, the number of presentations, and the number of audience-members. This is another great addition to our program.”

The Chorus will present an Encore of the Americana Concert for the SRC district residents on November 14 at 6:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church of Canton. This concert will be recorded live. Tickets for the November 14 concert are $5.00 and may be reserved by calling 647-6260. They will also be available at the door.

The SRC Community Chorus is open to anyone who loves to sing. No auditions are required and there is no cost to participate. Any person interested in singing in the Americana Concert should contact Carol Davis at (309) 647-6395 or carol.davis@src.edu.

Rehearsals will be held on Thursday evenings from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. at the Canton Church of the Brethren beginning Thursday, October 7. There will be a total of six scheduled rehearsals. Music director for the Americana Concert is John L. Davis with Gretchen Fuller accompanying.

Information on the SRC Community Chorus can be located at
http://www.src.edu/src-community-chorus.

We have Basic Computer Classes!

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:01:31 +0100

Spoon River College is offering a course called The Basics of Your Computer.

Learn basics such as using the mouse and starting up/ shutting down your computer. Discover how the computer is organized, how to create, save, copy, rename files, and much more. Join this open enrollment class to gain the skills you need to be productive on a personal computer. Class will use the Windows XP operating system. Class includes two hours of instructional time with an optional 45 minute lab time.

Macomb, Spoon River College Community Outreach Center (CE895N1)
Tuesday, September 14, 5:30-8:15 p.m.
Instructor: Marikay Potter

Canton, Spoon River College Community Outreach Center (CE895F1)
Thursday, September 16, 5:30-8:15 p.m.
Instructor: Cynthia Beard

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE IMPLEMENTS STUDENT DEGREE PORTFOLIOS

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:12:52 +0100

With much anticipation, Spoon River College faculty and staff gathered on May 17 & 18, 2010 for the first annual reading of student degree portfolios. A portfolio is a collection of student work that demonstrates the student's overall academic success — the efforts, progress, and achievements in one or more areas of the curriculum over a specified period of time. In the final semester before the receipt of a degree, students graduating with an Associate of Arts & Science and an Associate of Arts in General Studies will be required to take a one credit Graduation Portfolio Development Course (HUM110). Students graduating with an Associate of Arts in Teaching or Associate of Applied Science Degree will meet this requirement during their program of study.

Ultimately, the portfolio enables a student to identify and reflect on his/her own accomplishments and strengths. The portfolio can serve as an example of academic achievement for university transfer or when applying for jobs after graduation.

Ten persons from a broad mix of reviewers across the college formed 5 teams of two, and then spent two days reading portfolios from students who had recently earned their degrees. Each team was responsible for reading the artifacts from 10 student portfolios. Using a rubric created by the Assessment Committee which consisted of reading a reflection statement and scoring how well the student related the artifact to a given General Education Competency (GEC).

Those serving as readers were Stacey Swanson (Chemistry), Michael Maher (Sociology), Carolyn Peters (Biology), Bob Zellmann (Philosophy), Janet Munson (Advisor), Gary Schindler (Student Services), Cheryl Hoffman (Nursing and Allied Health), Cara Kirkham (Academic Success Center), Julie Seeley (Instructional Services), and Doug Okey (English).

“This is the first time that I have participated in the reading of degree portfolios,” said Michael Maher. “I gained an appreciation and better understanding of all that is involved with this process; from introducing students to the degree portfolio process, to helping students understand and gather the artifacts, and then to finally assess the portfolios, gather and summarize the results, and report the assessment results to help faculty develop and improve our classes.”

“As this process is refined and as an understanding of the degree portfolio process becomes part of the culture of Spoon River College, I think that the degree portfolio will provide useful feedback for the college in general, and faculty in particular. I was also impressed with how this particular approach towards assessment allows us to do what needs to be done without posing any serious risk to the academic freedom of our faculty," said Maher.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE WELCOMES NEW EMPLOYEES

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:06:21 +0100

Spoon River College welcomes several new employees to the college for the fall semester.

New faculty members are Penny Cozart and Penny Pollock, who have joined the Nursing faculty staff and will be teaching courses in the Associated Degree in Nursing program.

Cozart received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2009 and completed her Master of Science in Nursing in 2010. She has been employed by Graham Hospital since 2006.

Pollock received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Culver-Stockton/Blessing Reiman College of Nursing in 1991, and her Master of Science in Nursing from St. Francis Medical Center College of Nursing in 2008. Pollock has been employed by McDonough District Hospital since 1991, and was also an adjunct teacher at Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing.

Ric Baxter joins Spoon River College as the golf coach. Baxter, a graduate of Peoria High School, has served as the golf teacher at Illinois Central College since 2004, and was previously an instructor at Quail Meadows Golf Course.

The college also welcomes Ron Clark as the new Athletic Director. In addition, Clark will coach the girls’ softball team. Clark received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Norwest Missouri State University in 1975 and his Master of Science in Education from NMSU in 1977. Before coming to Spoon River College, Clark was the Facility Supervisor at the Fort Scott Recreation Commission.

Andrea Freitag joins the staff of the Outreach Center as the Coordinator, Community Outreach for Technology Education. Freitag has an Associate in Art from Spoon River College, a Bachelor of Art in Leadership from Bellevue University, and a Master of Art in Communications from Jones International University. Freitag was previously employed as the Director of Administrative Services at Graham Medical Group, and also served as the Superintendent for a division of the Illinois Department of Agriculture during the State Fair.

Bobby Winters joins the Information Technology department of the college as a Unix Administrator. Winters gained extensive UNIX experience while in the Army, and was most recently employed as a Systems Analyst/Systems Engineer for Motorola, Inc.

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SRC Community Chorus to Honor Abraham Lincoln

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:54:30 +0100

SRC COMMUNITY CHORUS – November 2010 Americana Concert

The SRC Community Chorus has been invited to perform at the Lincoln Museum in Springfield on November 13, 2010. The chorus will present period choral works of Lincoln, favorite songs of President Lincoln, and songs of Americana. A public performance is scheduled for Sunday, November 14, 2010 in Canton. Details below:

Who? Anyone interested in performing with the SRC Community Chorus; no auditions required; high school age and above
What? Two Concerts: Directed by John L. Davis; Gretchen Fuller, accompanist

Concert at the Lincoln Museum on November 13 at 2:00 p.m.

Concert at the First Christian Church in Canton on November 14 – time tba
Music selections include favorites of President Lincoln; American Composers
such as Stephen Foster, Aaron Copland, and others; Songs of the 1860s; Songs of the Civil War; Gospels/Spirituals
Length: Concert will be approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Rehearsals: Thursdays - October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4 and 11 – 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Canton Church of the Brethren, 3rd and Chestnut Streets, Canton
Concert Attire: Long sleeve white shirts/blouses and black slacks or floor length black skirts
Other: The Lincoln Museum will allow us to bring family members at a reduced rate which will include a tour and the concert. This could be a wonderful activity for the entire family.

The concert at the First Christian Church will be recorded live so that everyone
can have a personal audio CD of our concert.

Tickets for the concert at First Christian Church will be only $5 with proceeds
going to pay for music and the trip to Springfield.
Contact: Carol Davis
carol.davis@src.edu
647-6395
338-7698

“PANCAKES FOR BETTE” BENEFIT PLANNED AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:34:32 +0100

The PHI MU TAU Fraternity (Diesel Tractor Technology students) at Spoon River College is once again sponsoring a benefit for Canton resident and SRC employee Bette Dye who has been battling cancer and is currently on medical leave. The All You Can Eat Pancake breakfast will be held Wednesday, September 8 from 7 a.m-10 a.m. in the SRC Sandbar Café located in Lower Centers. The cost for all the pancakes you can eat is $5.00 and includes coffee, water, and two sausage patties.

Organizers for the event are Todd Thompson and Joseph Clemens, SRC diesel technology instructors and PHI MU TAU advisors. Calling her “our beloved pancake maker,” Thompson said that Dye was a favorite with his students when she was working.

“I have worked with Bette for eleven years, and she has served a lot of my students a lot pancakes during that time,” Thompson said. “We did a benefit for her last year, and because it was such a success, we decided we would do one every year and donate the proceeds to a worthy cause. However, since Bette is still battling the cancer and unable to work, we will be donating the proceeds to her again. She is just a genuinely good and caring person, and we all want to do what we can to make this time easier for her.”

The event will include a pancake eating contest for students, which was popular at the first benefit. The winner will receive a $50 gas card.

The public is invited, and all proceeds will go to Dye. Anyone who wishes to make an additional donation may do so. Checks can be made out to PHI MU TAU-SRC with “Pancakes for Bette” in the memo line.

Dye has worked in the SRC cafeteria for 16 years, leaving for a short while when she and her husband Louie Dye (now deceased) relocated to Ohio after International Harvester shut down. She returned to work at SRC in 1997.

For more information, contact Todd Thompson at 649-6244 or Joseph Clemens at 649-6245.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AUGUST MEETING SUMMARY

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:18:26 +0100

HIGHLIGHTS OF BOARD APPROVED ITEMS

The following points of information were addressed in the regular meeting of The Spoon River College Board of Trustees. These notes are provided as a summary of the topics discussed during the Board meeting and do not constitute the official minutes of the meeting. The official minutes of the meeting will be available following approval at the regular September 2010 meeting. Official minutes can also be viewed on the college’s website at www.src.edu.

Action items:
• The Board approved the opening of the 2010-2011 Budget Hearing. Following this action, the Board approved the closing of the hearing.
• The Board approved the Resolution for Approval of the 2010-2011 budget. The operating budget for FY11 is 15.7 million, reflecting no increase over the FY10 budget. It was also noted that the State of Illinois owes the college $375,000 from FY10 and $100,000 from this current fiscal year.
• The Board approved a Resolution Repealing the Property Tax Abatement Incentive Eligibility Within the Macomb/McDonough County Enterprise Zone, City of Macomb, Westside Tax Increment Financing District. Kim Peirce of the Macomb Area Economic Development Corporation (MAEDCO) was present make the request and answer questions.

Consent items:
• The Board approved the appointment of Penny Cozart to the position of Nursing faculty. This is a full-time faculty position.
• The Board approved the appointment of Andrea Freitag to the position of Coordinator, Community Outreach (Technical Education). This is a full-time Professional Support position.
• The Board approved the appointment of Chad Murphy to the position of Director, Secondary Education Programs. This is a full-time Professional Support position.
• The Board approved the appointment of Penny Pollock to the position of Nursing faculty. This is a full-time Faculty position.
• The Board approved the appointment of Bobby Winters to the position of Unix Administrator. This is a full-time Professional Support position.

Reports:
• Dave Maguire, Board member and the college representative to the Illinois Community College Trustee Association, reported on the figures for the General Fund for the last year. There has been a $3.6 billion drop in revenue in the State of Illinois, which he noted was substantial and would significantly impact the college. He also reported that effective July 1, 2010 payments from the General Operating Fund to the college would be paid monthly rather than quarterly.
• Student trustee Taylor Snowman reported that approximately 200 students attended the new-student orientations held at the Canton and Macomb campuses, and that first week activities included free lunch and an activity fair. The golf and baseball teams have started fall practices, and the first golf meet is Friday, September 3 at Carl Sandburg College.
• Brett Stoller, Vice President of Administrative Services, presented the Board with an overview of the departments and their functions with the Administrative Services Division. These include Technology/Information Services, Facilities, Business Services, Purchasing and Auxiliary Services, and Human Resources.
• Carol Davis, Vice President of Community Outreach, also presented the Board with an overview of the various functions of Community Outreach and the Spoon River College Foundation.
• Renee Higgins, Dean of Transfer Education, presented a report on the outcome of the Assessment of Student Learning, which was measured by student degree portfolios that are a collection of students’ work demonstrating their overall academic success. The academic year of 2009-2010 was the first year the portfolio graduation requirement was implemented.
• Gary Schindler, Dean of Student Services, presented information from the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE), which provides information on student engagement as a measure of the quality of a community college. Approximately 400 Spoon River College students took part in the random sample survey and were asked questions designed to assess institutional practices and student behaviors that are linked to student learning and retention.
• Jim Genandt, Dean of Career and Technical Education, presented an update on the accreditation self-study process in preparation for the Higher Learning Commission visit in 2012. Genandt reported that the accreditation team is currently collecting and analyzing data that measures institutional effectiveness as it relates to processes for planning, implementation, evaluation, and accountability, and its alignment with the college’s strategic plan. He also noted that both the CCSSE results and the student portfolios would provide critical information to the accreditation process.
• Carol Davis presented Foundation updates, which included:
o $39,633.11 revenue for the month of August.
o Two new Start-Up Endowment Scholarships from the Canton Rotary Club and Watkins. Each will become endowed within the next five years.
o Approximately $14,000 was raised during the annual golf outing fundraiser.
In view of the financial crisis in Illinois, and its effect on educational funding, the Board also discussed their desire to limit future tuition increases in order to keep college affordable for students and also decrease the amount of debt they would have repaying loans upon graduation.

History of Winemaking Class Part of Tuesday Night Series in Canton!

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:41:14 +0100

History of Winemaking

Canton – Spoon River College is offering a course called Illinois Winemaking: Uncork the Mystery and the History on Tuesday, September 7th from 6-8 p.m. at the Spoon River College Community Outreach Center in Canton.

Join Dan Willett, owner of Willett’s Winery & Cellar, who will tickle your taste buds with the tantalizing story of how he got involved in winemaking. Along with presenting wine samples from his own private collection, Dan will cover the history of winemaking, local grape varieties, and the legislature surrounding the profession.

This course is part of Spoon River College’s Tuesday Night Series. Additional topics include: Broadway Showstoppers, Raven Lunatics of Spoon River, and A Day in the Golden Age of Radio.

Class will be held at the Spoon River College Community Outreach Center located at 45 E. Side Square, Suite 302 in Canton. For more information or to register, call 309-647-6260.

Download the "Tuesday Night Series" Program Flyer for more information at: http://www.src.edu/outreachsched

Group Tour to Costa Rica Planned!

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:20:36 +0100

Informational Meeting for Costa Rica Trip Scheduled

Macomb- Spoon River College is offering an Informational Meeting regarding an Educational Trip to Costa Rica on Thursday, September 9th, at 5:30 p.m. at the Spoon River College Community Outreach Center.

In partnership with Collette Vacations, Spoon River College is offering a 9 Day group tour to Costa Rica. Highlights of this trip include: San Jose, Coffee Plantation, Guanacaste, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Sky Walk Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal Cruise, Cano Negro Refuge, Poas Volcano, and more… This trip is scheduled for February 5-13, 2011. Informational meeting will discuss rates, accommodations, highlights, agenda, and more. If you are interested in traveling to Costa Rica, stop by to see if this is the trip for you!

Meeting will be held at the Spoon River College Community Outreach Center located at 2500 East Jackson St in Macomb. For more information or to register for this meeting, call Mike at the Macomb Travel Center at 309-833-5531.

More details at: http://www.collettevacations.com/group-page/index.cfm?ID=416786

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE HOLDS ORIENTATION FOR NEW STUDENTS

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:41:46 +0100

The silence that has been echoing through the halls of Spoon River College during the summer months came to an end as students returned for orientations in preparation for the start of the fall semester on Monday, August 23.

On Tuesday, August 19, orientation was held for all nursing students. Approximately 40 new students met in the morning and then were joined by the second year nursing students after lunch. They were welcomed by Cheryl Hoffman, Dean of Allied Health and Nursing, and Randy Greenwell, Vice President of Instruction and Student Services.

Students received general information regarding classroom and clinical expectations, college policies, and also visited the Academic Success Center and SRC Library. Guest speakers included representatives from Methodist College of Nursing, and Assessment Technology, Inc. (ATI), which provides services designed to prepare students for the NCLEX, the required exam that leads to professional licensure in the field of nursing. They were also given information on scholarship opportunities and the Student Nurse Association. More Medical from Macomb was on site, providing students with the option to purchase scrubs, stethoscopes, clipboards, and other necessary items.

Orientation for all other new students was held Tuesday, August 17 on the Macomb campus and Thursday, August 19 on the Canton campus. Students were welcomed by Gary Schindler, Dean of Student Services. They were given tutorials on navigating SRC Online, MySRC, the course catalog, Angel (SRC’s online learning component), and graduation and portfolio requirements. They also received information on various student policies, financial aid, student clubs and activities, disAbility Support Services, and career information.

Students received a free tee-shirt and lunch. Door prizes and prizes for a trivia contest included items from the Spoon River College Book Store, movie passes, and gift cards. In addition, three students had their name drawn to have the cost of one of their text books reimbursed courtesy of Dean Schindler.

The first week of the fall semester will feature free drinks and muffins, a Student Activity fair, and a rock climbing wall.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE FOUNDATION GOLF OUTING A SUCCESS

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:56:13 +0100

The 17th Spoon River College Foundation Golf Tournament was held on Friday, August 13th, 2010. The annual fundraiser has raised $185,000 since 2000. This year’s outing successfully raised $14,300, which will benefit Spoon River College students and community.

“The Foundation established a two year fundraising plan at its annual meeting in May,” said Carol Davis, Executive Director of the Foundation. “Our board decided to designate proceeds from the annual golf outing at Wee-Ma-Tuk for two SRC programs. We are pleased to contribute one-half of the proceeds in support of SRC Athletics. The funds may be used at the discretion of SRC’s Dean of Student Services and Athletic Director. The remainder of the funds will be held in reserve and used as a portion of the financial match required by the State of Illinois for the future Canton campus multi-purpose facility.”

Planning for the golf outing began in May, and Emily Gillett, Foundation Coordinator, says she is extremely grateful for the volunteers who are willing to jump on the golf cart and attend the many committee meetings needed to ensure a smooth event. One of those volunteers is Bonnie Krulac, who is also a former member of the Spoon River College Foundation Board.

“I have had the pleasure of serving on the golf outing committee for the past seven years,” said Krulac. “The event has grown every year, and it’s great to see all of the volunteers, sponsors and team members come together to support students and the mission of the Foundation.”

Seventeen teams played in this year’s tournament. Winners of the $300 cash prize were Ted Strode, Casey Blodgett, Josh Knowles and Julian Taylor, whose entry fee was contributed by Dee Clark, State Farm.

Major sponsors of the event included the following: ACE Sponsor-Corporate Clean, Inc., MidAmerica Bank, Jim and Carolyn Petersen; EAGLE Sponsor-Bank of Farmington; BIRDIE Sponsor-Benefit Administrative Systems, LLC, CEFCU, and Wells Fargo; SUPER GREEN Sponsors-Control Technology and Solutions, First Midstate, Inc., Froehling, Weber & Schell, LLP, Henricksen & Company, Inc., and Spoon River Electric Co-Operative, Inc. and Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills Country Club.

“In addition to the major sponsors, more than 75 other businesses and individuals also contributed,” Gillett said. “We are grateful for all the levels of support we receive. The Foundation could not carry out their mission without those who support us.”

That mission is to seek resources in order to provide excellent educational opportunities to the college, and one that the SRC Foundation has been carrying out successfully for thirty years. The Foundation was officially incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation in the spring of 1979 and received its 501(c)3 designation from the Internal Revenue Service later that fall.

Since 2000, the Foundation and the college have provided approximately one million dollars for scholarships and college programs, faculty research, facility and technology upgrades, and community projects. The Foundation Board of Directors works hand-in-hand with the college’s Board of Trustees and Administration to ensure that “excellent educational opportunities” are possible for ALL residents in the college’s district and beyond.

“MidAmerica National Bank has been an avid supporter of the Spoon River College Foundation Golf Outing for many years,” said Rick Klinedinst, President of MidAmerica National Bank and long-time outing participant and volunteer. “We support the mission of the Foundation to provide educational opportunities for students and this event is key to meeting those goals.”

For more information about the Foundation, visit www.src.edu/foundation or call 309-647-6260.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:59:30 +0100

The Spoon River College Board of Trustees will hold its regular public monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25 in Conference Room A in the Spoon River College Conference Center in Canton.

We support the Canton YWCA Women’s & Girls’ Empowerment Center!

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:34:20 +0100

The YWCA Empowerment Center offers a variety of services to Women and Girls.

Employability Training
The Empowerment Center will offer training classes to women who wish to improve their skills in order to seek initial or enhanced employment in the Fulton County area. Classes will be held in 8 week sessions. Topics include resume creation, proper appearance, appropriate work ethic skills such as timeliness, interpersonal skills such as working as a team member, working with customers and the general public in the work setting, completing assignments, relating to supervisors, and more. Students who graduate from the 8 week program may be eligible for further computer skills training in Microsoft Office via Empowerment Center scholarships.

Computer Lab
The Empowerment Center, located in Canton, provides a Computer Lab for women enrolled in the Employability Training and/or Financial Literacy Training Program and for women researching employment on their own. The Lab will be available for job search, resources, practice and follow-up on the skills learned in the available training programs. One-on-one assistance will be available for both employability counseling and advisement, and financial education. Laptop computers will be available to be utilized by the Empowerment Center Coordinator to assist women in other areas in the county with computer, employment and financial skills.

Financial Literacy Training
The Empowerment Center will offer classes for women needing basic financial education. Topics will include budgeting, managing a checking account, shopping skills, understanding credit and using it properly, the avoidance of payday and other high interest loans, establishing an emergency savings fund, and building consumer skills. Classes will be held in 8 week sessions and both daytime and evening sessions will be offered. The Computer Lab in Canton will be available during non-class times for budgeting, searching resources, guided self-training, one on one advisement with Empowerment Center staff, and more.

Techgyrls
TechGYRLS is a nationally offered YWCA program designed to broaden girls’ knowledge and interests and to help them develop the confidence to use math, science and technology skills in whatever profession they pursue. The program also increases girls’ competence with critical thinking and problem solving skills. Young girls are exposed to limitless possibilities and professional options for the future, along with involvement in community service, computer projects, team building activities, and leadership projects. TechGYRLS Clubs provide 9-13 year old girls with the opportunity for more intensive exploration of technology. Individual and group projects, chosen by the girls themselves, focus on fun and hands-on problem solving, and offer ongoing opportunities for the mastery of hands-on technical challenges. YWCA TechGYRLS Clubs give girls a chance to invent, design, and showcase their own work in the context of developing important life skills. The TechGYRLS Coordinator, along with other mentors, helps girls develop communication, critical thinking, time management and presentation skills while exploring racial justice, gender equity and community action issues.

Career Clothing Closet
The Career Clothing Closet is full of professional career wear, shoes, and accessories that will help you look your best at the interview and on the job. We have a full range of sizes, styles and colors to help you look and feel confident. All clothing is free. Quantities limited. Donations for every season are always welcome. Receipts are available upon request for tax deduction purposes. So clean out that closet and help the women of Fulton County. All donations remain local.

Contact Information
ywca Canton
Women’s & Girls’ Empowerment Center
(309) 649-3333
122 North Avenue A
Canton, IL 61520
(across the street from the YWCA's main building)
Patricia Clark, Empowerment Center Coordinator
ywcaempower@att.net

Are You Interested in Getting a FOOD SERVICE LICENSE?

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:21:34 +0100

Get Food Service Certified

Canton – A foodservice sanitation certification class will be held Wednesday, September 1st and Thursday, September 2nd from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Spoon River College Community Outreach Center.

The Illinois State Department of Public Health Food Service Sanitation Code requires that all food service establishments that prepare and serve food shall be under operational supervision of a certified manager. One certified person must be on the premises at all times. All establishments which serve food must complete 15 hours of instruction from a licensed Sanitation instructor and then successfully pass the Illinois State Food Service Sanitation exam.

This course covers up-to-date information on safe food handling, preparation, food storage, personal hygiene, and the prevention of food borne illnesses. The Illinois State Food Service Sanitation exam will be given at the end of this course.

Those seeking the five-hour refresher can sign up to attend on Thursday, September 2nd from 8:30 a.m. 2 p.m. Participants must provide a copy of their current State of Illinois certificate.

Classes will be held at the Spoon River College Community Outreach Center located at 45 East Side Square Canton. For more information or to register, call Spoon River College at 309-647-6260 or Insightful Foodservice at 309-837-5158.

Other dates available...

October 4 & 5 in Macomb
November 1 & 2 in Canton
December 6 & 7 in Macomb

SRC Offers Course on Becoming a Realtor. Realtor Laws are Changing in 2011 so Get Licensed NOW!

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 08:27:04 +0100

Have you considered becoming a Realtor? Now is the time to get licensed! Real Estate Laws will be changing in 2011 and this is the last class Spoon River College will be offering before the new education law takes effect. Real Estate Transactions will meet Tuesdays & Thursdays, September 7th-November 4th from 6-9 p.m. at the Macomb Spoon River College Community Outreach Center.

The Illinois Association of Realtors Licensing and Training Center at Spoon River College is offering this course which provides a basic understanding of real estate with a major emphasis on preparing for the real estate sales certification examination. Participants must be 21 upon completion of this course.

Class will be held at the Spoon River College Community Outreach Center located at 2500 East Jackson St in Macomb. For more information or to register, call 309-833-6031. Interested in other courses? Check us out on the web at www.src.edu/community.

SRC Offers Course on Becoming a Realtor (Macomb)

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 13:07:24 +0100

ROBBIN KOST-SPOON RIVER COLLEGE EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 14:56:21 +0100

Robbin Kost has been selected as the Spoon River College Employee of the Quarter for the first quarter of the academic year. She is the Senior Office Assistant for Student Services, and has been a SRC employee for 22 years. Kost was recognized for her adherence to the core values of the college-caring, respect, integrity, fairness, and responsibility-in her everyday interactions with all college employees, students, and community members.

Kost resides in Astoria with her husband Jodie. They have two daughters, Connie and Cathy, and one son, Jeff, and “eight wonderful grandchildren.” In her free time, Kost enjoys baking, crocheting, and camping. Kost’s baking skills-which consistently earn her awards at the Fulton County Fair every year-are well-known and much appreciated by her co-workers.

Kost serves as a Trustee on the Astoria Town Board and is a member of the Astoria Christian Church. She plans on retiring in the near future, and is looking forward to spending more time with her family.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE FOUNDATION 17TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 14:10:53 +0100

It’s once again time for the Spoon River College Foundation Annual Golf Tournament, which is in its 17th successful year of raising money to benefit the SRC students and community. The golf tournament is one of the Foundation’s major fundraisers and has raised more than $170,000 since 2000. This year, the funds raised from the event will be dedicated to two special causes.

Gillett notes there are ways to support this particular event besides entering a team to play. Alternative levels of participation-such as sponsoring a tee, green, or donating prizes-are offered.

Sponsors as of now include the following: ACE Sponsor-Corporate Clean, Inc., MidAmerica Bank, Jim and Carolyn Petersen; EAGLE Sponsor-Bank of Farmington; BIRDIE Sponsor-Benefit Administrative Systems, LLC, CEFCU, and Wells Fargo; SUPER GREEN Sponsors-Control Technology and Solutions, Henricksen & Company, Inc., and Spoon River Electric Co-Operative, Inc.

“In addition to these sponsors, we have over 50 other businesses and individuals who have also contributed,” Gillett said. “We are grateful for all the levels of support we receive. The Foundation could not carry out their mission without those who support us.”

This year’s tournament will be held on Friday, August 13 at Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills Country Club. It will begin with a light lunch at 11:15 a.m. and a Shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. The entry fee is $60 per person, and includes the lunch, a goody bag, greens and cart fees, a shot at prizes on every hole, an optional putting derby, and prizes for the top foursome and wild card teams. Refreshments will be available for purchase on the course. A social hour and awards presentation will conclude the tournament.

For more information or to register, contact Emily Gillett at emily.gillett@src.edu, or call (309) 833-6039 or1-800-DEGREES, ext. 6039.

For more information about the Foundation, visit www.src.edu/foundation or call 309-647-6260.

Spoon River Area to Read and Celebrate the Works of Edgar Allan Poe.

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:58:40 +0100

The Spoon River College Foundation was only one of 75 applicants who received a grant, as budget cuts trimmed awardees from 267 in 2009 to 75 in 2010. The Foundation was awarded a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to host The Big Read, compared to the $8,000 received last year. The Foundation partners in the grant with Parlin-Ingersoll Public Library in Canton and many other area agencies, businesses, schools and libraries throughout the Spoon River College district.

The Big Read gives communities the opportunity to come together to read, discuss, and celebrate one of 31 selections from U.S. and world literature. The $10,000 grant must be matched by the participating grantee. SRC and Parlin Library selected the works of Edgar Allan Poe for many reasons. According to The Big Read study guide, “Edgar Allan Poe invented the detective story, perfected the horror tale, and first articulated the theory of the modern short story as well as the idea of pure poetry. Poe has never been entirely respectable to American critics because of his twin “faults”: being too eccentric, and too popular among common readers.”

“It’s time to say the obvious. No author stays internationally popular for 150 years by accident. Poe is one of the classic authors of American literature—a master of the short story, a magician of the short poem, and a critic of brilliance and originality. And no small part of his artistic sleight of hand is that he appeals to readers from childhood to old age. Let us underestimate him nevermore!”

The selected organizations will receive Big Read grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 to promote and carry out community-based reading programs featuring activities such as read-a-thons, book discussions, lectures, movie screenings, and performing arts events. Participating communities also receive high-quality, free-of-charge educational materials to supplement each title, including Reader’s, Teacher’s, and Audio Guides.

“The Institute is pleased to support The Big Read, which brings communities together to enjoy literature in their public libraries,” said Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the NEA’s lead federal partner for The Big Read. “Libraries are community anchors that serve as centers of engagement, literacy, and lifelong learning. There is nothing better than to read a great book and share your delight and insights with others.”
Carol Davis, Vice-President of Community Outreach at Spoon River College, praised the Big Read’s many community partners as a reason for its continuous grant awards from the National Endowment for the Arts.

“We have received tremendous, widespread support from the area,” said Davis, who developed and promoted the grant proposal four years ago. “Our many partner agencies have worked to develop a great program of events and the steering committee continues to widen participation every year.”

Davis also credits Jenny Beal and Carol Blackfelner, who will once again serve as co-coordinators of The Big Read program, for much of the Big Read’s success and continued grant support.
“Grant awards were reduced to just about 25% of last year’s total,” Davis noted. “And it’s pretty obvious the NEA selected those communities who have presented the best programs in previous years to receive continued funding support. Carol and Jenny are the two key individuals who pull this all together.”

Beal and Blackfelner have coordinated all three previous Big Read programs. Their outstanding efforts were recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts last year when they were selected to serve on a panel of “repeat reader” experts, speaking on the subject of “Involving and Working with Schools.”

Once again, The Big Read will begin with a Kick-Off dinner event, scheduled for the evening of Tuesday, September 21. This year’s dinner will feature keynote speaker Sam Weller, the authorized biographer of Ray Bradbury and a creative writing instructor at Columbia College in Chicago. Weller was a big hit at the Retirement Learning Institute and local school assemblies last year. In addition to the keynote engagement and two presentations at area schools, Weller will be conducting a creative writing workshop at Spoon River College. More information will be forthcoming on both the kickoff dinner and the writing workshop.

The Big Read committee is currently exploring many other activities and is also in the process of expanding the number of participating communities. Davis, Blackfelner and Beal have lined up Spoon River College, library and school partners in the Macomb, Havana and Rushville communities this year.

The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The NEA presents The Big Read in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest. Support for The Big Read has been provided by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, the Boeing Company, the Poetry Foundation and the Ford Motor Company.

For more information about the National Endowment for the Arts program, visit http://www.neabigread.org/

FREE Computer Classes for Those Age 50 and Over in Havana and Rushville!

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:43:14 +0100

Computer Classes for the 50+

The Spoon River College Office of Community Outreach has received a
Grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity which enables the college to offer basic computer skills classes FREE for those who are age 50 or older. Class sizes are small, and taught at an unhurried pace. Students can complete all three classes and receive a certificate of completion. “The classes have been very popular at our Canton and Macomb Centers. We are excited to now be offering them in Havana and Rushville,” said Velvet Powell, director of community outreach. The next series of classes starts September 3rd in Havana and Rushville. The courses offered through the program are:

COMPUTER SKILLS FOR THE NOVICE - This class teaches computer basics such as using the mouse and starting up/shutting down the computer. Students learn how a computer is organized, how to create files and folders, and gain tips that will make them less hesitant about technology.

FINDING INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET - The Internet is full of resources, but where to start? Students will learn how to search to find the information they need online.

EMAILING MADE EASY - Staying in touch with family and friends is important and using email is the key. The class teaches students how to create a new email account or gain tips on how to use an existing one. Students learn how to compose, send, reply, and forward email at a slow, comfortable pace.

Classes will meet September 3rd, 17th, and 24th from 9-Noon at the Rushville Center located at 706 Maple Ave in Rushville. Classes will be held from 1:30-4:30 p.m. on the same days at the Havana Center located at 324 E. Randolph St. in Havana.

For more information or to register, call 217-322-6060 or 309-543-4413. Interested in other courses? Check us out on the web at www.src.edu/community.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE ANNOUNCES EXTENDED HOURS

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:21:52 +0100

Spoon River College will offer extended hours starting the week of August 16 in order to accommodate the needs of students leading up to the start of the fall semester. Classes will begin on Monday, August 23 at all the college’s sites and online.

Canton and Macomb: From August 16-August 26, Monday-Thursday, the student services, business and financial aid offices will be open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. On Friday, hours will be from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Havana Center: From August 23-August 27, the Center will be open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Monday and Thursday, and from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Friday, the hours will be from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Rushville Center: The Rushville Center will observe regular hours of 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

During this time, students will able to meet with advisors or admissions staff, and financial aid staff. They will also be able to register for classes and pay bills.

Canton Bookstore: During August 16-August 27, the Bookstore will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Friday. On Monday, August 23 and Tuesday, August 24, the Bookstore will open at 7:30 a.m. Students attending in Havana, Macomb or Rushville can purchase their books at any of the sites. Students may begin charging books and supplies to the appropriate financial aid starting on August 2.

For more information about the upcoming fall semester or for information about the programs offered at Spoon River College, visit www.src.edu or call 1-800-DEGREES.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE ANNOUNCES ORIENTATION FOR NEW STUDENTS

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:20:43 +0100

The Student Services staff at Spoon River College will host orientations on the Canton and Macomb campuses for all new students. It will be held in Macomb on Tuesday, August 17 from 9:30-noon in M206. In Canton, it will be held on Wednesday, August 18 from 9:30-noon in Lower Level Centers.

Orientation gives new students the opportunity to tour the college and receive information about registration, degree requirements, financial aid, student loans, student clubs and organizations, and to meet other students, staff and faculty. Students will receive a free lunch and SRC t-shirt, and have the chance to win prizes. Students may attend orientation at either location and are encouraged to RSVP by calling (309) 649-6400 in Canton and (309) 833-6069 in Macomb. Students unable to attend at either site may complete an online orientation at http://www.src.edu/orientation. Parents are encouraged to go to www.src.edu/parents for helpful information.

Not a new student but thinking you would like to be? Fall classes start Monday, August 23 at all the college’s sites and online, and there is still time to register. Whether considering an Associate degree, transferring to a four-year institution, obtaining the skills necessary for immediate employment, completing a certificate program, or simply taking a class for pleasure, Spoon River College can help you reach your goal.

The first step for new students is to apply, which is free and can be done online at http://www.src.edu/application. The application form can also be downloaded as a PDF and returned to any of the SRC locations. New students must also take the COMPASS assessment test or have evidence of official ACT scores before registering for classes, and are also encouraged to meet with an advisor first to ensure they enroll in the courses they need for their particular program of study. Returning students may register for courses online, and the complete fall schedule is available for viewing online at www.src.edu.

Several new programs have been added recently, including a Sustainable Food Production certificate and new courses in Gerontology and Historic Preservation (which is housed under the college’s Small Business Management program). For more information about registration or the programs offered at Spoon River College, call 1-800-DEGREES or visit www.src.edu.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE OFFERS SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION CERTIFICATE

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:42:21 +0100

If you care about the health of the environment, economic profitability, and social and economic equity, then a certificate in Sustainable Food Production may put you on the road to your new career. ABM 2114 Sustainable Food Production is the newest certificate program to be developed and offered at Spoon River College.

According to research by the University of California Davis, topsoil depletion, groundwater contamination, high production costs, and the breakdown of economic and social conditions have resulted from the overuse and misuse of chemicals, mechanization, and technology in the agricultural industry. Now, sustainable agriculture is receiving increased support from educational institutions and from state and local governments.

What is sustainable agriculture? According to the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC), which is the leading voice for sustainable agriculture in the federal policy arena, it is legally defined as “an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will over the long-term satisfy human food and fiber needs, enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agriculture economy depends, make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls, sustain the economic vitality of farm operations, and enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.”

In short, it rests on the principle that present day food needs can be met without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the sustainable agriculture industry is expected to “experience substantial growth” in multiple areas. Besides the agricultural sciences, employment options include farm management, marketing and sales, compliance, finance, land surveying and appraisal. These positions can be found in public agencies and private companies, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations.

The new certificate is a blend of agriculture classes and small business and entrepreneurship classes that include: AG103 Introduction to Soil Science; SBM101 Introduction to Entrepreneurship; ABM142 Introduction to Fruit and Vegetable Production; ABM155 Crop Clinic Seminar; ABM135 Applied Plant Science; SBM Small Business Development; and ABM144 Harvesting and Marketing Fruit and Vegetables.

“The AG103 (Soil Science) and SBM101 (Entrepreneurship) are both classes related to the Sustainable Food Production certificate that a student could take this fall,” said Jim Genandt, Dean of Career and Technical Education at Spoon River College. “The SBM101 course would also be a good course to take now in preparation for the Business Plan Entrepreneurship Certificate that we will be offering during the spring semester.”

Brad O’Brien, who teaches the SBM101 Introduction to Entrepreneurship course, agrees with that statement and notes that SBM101 can be beneficial to anyone who would like to start their own business regardless of the size or type of business being considered.

“The primary objective of SBM 101 is to begin thinking like an entrepreneur and to gain some skills in evaluating the opportunities for Entrepreneurship in any area that one might be interested in,” said O’Brien.

SUMMARY OF REGULAR MEETING, BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:19:50 +0100

Wednesday, July 28, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
Spoon River College Conference Center, Canton, Illinois

HIGHLIGHTS OF BOARD APPROVED ITEMS

The following points of information were addressed in the regular meeting of The Spoon River College Board of Trustees. These notes are provided as a summary of the topics discussed during the Board meeting and do not constitute the official minutes of the meeting. The official minutes of the meeting will be available following approval at the regular August 2010 meeting. Official minutes can also be viewed on the college’s website at www.src.edu.

Action items:
• The Board approved a review of unreleased closed session meetings from several past regular meetings.
• The Board approved the destruction of verbatim records of closed sessions for August 27, 2008, September 17, 2008, and October 8, 2008.
Reports:
• Dave Maguire, Board member and Illinois Community College Trustee, reported that Governor Quinn had signed a budget but the amount of funding that Spoon River College would receive was still unknown.
• Student trustee Taylor Snowman reported that the fundraiser held at Crane Creek Golf Club for the new SRC Golf team was a success and the playing schedule for fall had been finalized. She also reported that the Student Government Association was planning student activities for the fall semester.
• Dr. Robert E. Ritschel, President, presented the Board with an overview of the college’s Organizational Structure, and of the college’s strategic plan.
• Gary Schindler, Dean of Student Services, reported that the Student Handbook was now available online, and estimated the college had saved approximately $3000 by using an online version.
• Jim Genandt, Dean of Career and Technical Education, presented the Board with the accreditation criteria information they would need when meeting with the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
• Carol Davis, Executive Director of Community Outreach, reported:
o Revenue for the month of July was $20,964.61.
o The announcement of the BIG READ and the SRC Community College grant awards.
o A $15,000 grant from the Fellheimer Trust for scholarships for students attending the Macomb campus.
o New named endowed scholarships from Red Dog Cystic Fibrosis and Canton Elks Lodge 626.
o Updated dual credit scholarships are now available on the college website.
o The annual Spoon River College Foundation 17th Annual Golf Outing is August 13 at Wee-Ma-Tuk Country Club.
o The completion of the updated Community Outreach/Foundation websites.
o Funds from the new DCEO Digital Divide Grant and from the Foundation had provided over $33,000 in funds to the IT department. The money will be used for the following:
? A new technology enhanced classroom in Havana, Macomb, and Rushville.
? Six new computers for a second lab at the Macomb Outreach Center.
? New software for the Education department and for online tutoring.
? A new PDF machine for the Macomb Outreach Center.
? Wireless access at the Macomb Outreach Center.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE OFFERS SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:22:48 +0100

The Spoon River College Summer Youth program has been offering area children fun and educational activities during the summer months. The July classes included EcoCycling, Digital Slideshow, and Doodle-Me-This.

EcoCycling was held at Lakeland Park and was taught by Jenny Beal and Carol Blackfelner. Students bicycled around Lakeland and the Big Creek Trail, made nature prints, and played environmental games. One enthusiastic young student’s reaction to the class was, “It was awesome! Best day of summer!”

Making Your Digital Slideshow was held at the Spoon River College Community Outreach Center and was taught be Dan Callihan. Students brought their own digital photos and a favorite music CD to create their personal slideshow.

Doodle-Me-This was also held at the Spoon River College Community Outreach Center and was taught by Bobby McKenzie. Participants learned a brief history of how cartoons were made, including that Walt Disney sold his first painting at age seven. Students had the opportunity to create their own cartoons and their own unique cartoon character.

Another Summer Youth Program is scheduled for Tuesday, August 3. The morning session will be from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and the afternoon session will be from 1-4 p.m. Participants may choose the session time they prefer.

Sessions being offered in August are From Junk to Journals, Reading/Writing Workshop, and Nature’s Scrapbook.

Additional information on these courses can be found online at: www.src.edu/youth-programs.
A registration form and parent permission form is required and available for pickup at SRC, or online. For more information, or to register, call 309-647-6260.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROVIDES GRANT TO SRC FOUNDATION FOR MUSICAL PREMIERE

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:05:49 +0100

The Spoon River College Community Chorus will be presenting a new musical written by composer Richard Etter thanks to a generous grant from the Community Foundation of Central Illinois. The musical -- MASS THEATRICAL -- is a full two act production requiring a full cast/chorus, a children’s ensemble, and instrumentation. The premiere performance dates are February 17, 18, and 19, 2011 at the SRC Theatre in Taylor Hall on the Canton campus.

The project is being made possible by a grant from the Mildred L. Arends Musical & Cultural Activities Fund and the George A. Fulton Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois.

“The SRC Community Chorus is an outreach program sponsored by the SRC Foundation,” said Carol Davis, Vice President of Community Outreach for the college. “This will be our sixth year of presenting quality musical performances with educational/entertainment objectives. The opportunity afforded us by the Community Foundation of Central Illinois meets all of our objectives and more. We are extremely grateful for this grant.”

MASS THEATRICAL was written by Fulton County native Richard Etter in 2007. He has been searching for a group to premiere the work since that time. After taking part in the SRC Community Chorus production last February, he decided to approach Carol Davis to direct and John L. Davis to conduct.

“I am very excited to have this production produced,” said Richard Etter. “I feel confident in selecting the SRC Community Chorus as the vehicle for its first presentation and I look forward to working with John, Carol, and the rest of the SRC Chorus. We’ve already begun the interpretation process.”

The work will be refined and developed during the next two months and then receive its first printing in December. The chorus begins rehearsals in January. No auditions are required for participation in the SRC Community Chorus. A commitment to the rehearsal process and a love of music is all that is required. Chorus members range in age from 8 to 80.

This is not the first time the Community Foundation has awarded the SRC Foundation a grant. The Community Foundation of Central Illinois provided the funds for the establishment of the Spoon River College Community Chorus in 2005-06.

“We knew there was a desire for a community chorus in the college district,” Davis said. “We just needed the start-up funds to get it established. The Community Foundation gave us our start and over 60 individuals from throughout west central Illinois sang in our first presentation of Handel’s MESSIAH. The program has expanded every year since then.”

For more information about the SRC Community Chorus, please contact Carol Davis at (309) 647-6395 or carol.davis@src.edu.

For more information about the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, please visit
www.communityfoundationci.org.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE GOLF TEAM HOSTS SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISER

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:16:29 +0100

The newly established Golf Team at Spoon River College held their first successful fundraiser on Friday, July 16 at Crane Creek Golf Club in Kilbourne. Eleven teams competed to raise more than $1,000, which will go towards a spring training trip and to support the golf program.

The first place team consisted of Paul George, Doug Dean, Mike Ranallo, and Michael Ranallo. The second place team was the Spoon River College Team, and included Dylan Randall, TJ Blevins, and Garnitt Lewis.

Game hole winners were: Closest to the Pin-Doug Dean and Rusty Sepich; Longest Putt-Rusty Sepich; and Longest Drive-Dylan Randall and Ashton Heath.

Supporters for the event were G-M Mechanical, Fairview State Bank Police Productions, Star Drain, Yates City Bank, and the University of Arkansas Alumni. The following businesses also contributed to the event: Crane Creek Golf Club, Giant Scoop, Greg Garrett, Hardees, Illini Golf, Radio Shack, Sirloin Stockade, Spoon River Propane, Sweet Shoppe, and the Spoon River College Student Services and staff.

GUARANTEED BOOK BUYBACK PROGRAM AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:07:19 +0100

As the start of a new semester at Spoon River College draws near, Brad O’Brien, Director of Purchasing and Auxiliary services at the college, would like to remind students that the SRC Book Store implemented a Guaranteed Book Buyback program last fall in an effort to reduce the financial burden students face when buying textbooks.
This program guarantees that eligible books will be bought back at 50% of the new price for a period of at least three years, and longer if instructors are willing to continue using that book and they are available. Books identified as eligible candidates for the program are those used in classes that are offered at least every fall and spring semester.
“Textbook costs have become an issue of national, state, and local interest. The Higher Education Opportunity Act added a Textbook Provision-which became effective July 1-that addressed some of the issues that have contributed to the high costs of text books,” said O’Brien.

Under the new law, the practice of “bundling” would be restricted. This practice previously forced students to buy books together with supplemental materials, such as CDs, workbooks, or access codes that gave students the ability to access additional online information. Those extra materials must now be offered separately from the book. Publishers must also make available the copyright dates of the three previous editions and the description of the changes between the current and previous editions.

“Those two factors-bundling and the frequent changes publishers made to an edition- were the main contributors to the high price of text books, and also prohibited students from selling back their books at the end of the semester” O’Brien said.

The new law will also require publishers to provide bookstores with their wholesale prices, and provide college faculty with detailed price information before they select text books for use in their classes. In addition, schools must provide students with information about renting books, purchasing used books, and other cost-saving options, such as online sources.

The online book market can be a viable option, but it does have drawbacks.

“Students don’t always get the correct edition or are still waiting on them to arrive after classes have already started,” said O’Brien. “Also, the money from textbooks bought in the college bookstore helps fund student activities.”

Another option is textbook rental programs. While the cost to rent a book is less than half of the cost to buy one, O’Brien still believes that the Guaranteed Buyback program is a better deal than a book rental program.
“Basically, the benefit of a rental program over our program is the initial outlay of money from the student, not net savings. For example, compared to a pilot rental program recently implemented at another community college, our program costs our students a net of $1.25 more for the Psychology book, 85 cents more for Speech book, and $1.90 more for the Chemistry book ” O’Brien said, noting also that the GBB program allows the SRC Book Store to offer this kind of deal on many more titles than the rental program.
Since 2000, the bookstore has bought back more than $1.25 million worth of used books from Spoon River College students. O’Brien noted that besides text book dollars helping to fund student activities, the money students receive during the buyback period is money that goes back into the local economies.
Eligible books in the SRC bookstore will be marked with a sticker identifying it as Guaranteed Buyback book. For more information, contact the Bookstore at (309) 649-6294.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE RECEIVES BIG READ GRANT

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 10:20:47 +0100

July 9, 2010—Canton—“Raven Lunatics of Spoon River Country” is the theme of this year’s fourth annual Big Read program. Spoon River College-area residents will be encouraged to read and discuss the short stories and poems of the perennially popular Edgar Allan Poe, with activities commencing in mid-September and ending in mid-October 2010.
The Spoon River College Foundation was only one of 75 applicants who received a grant, as budget cuts trimmed awardees from 267 in 2009 to 75 in 2010. The Foundation was awarded a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to host The Big Read, compared to the $8,000 received last year. The Foundation partners in the grant with Parlin-Ingersoll Public Library in Canton and many other area agencies, businesses, schools and libraries throughout the Spoon River College district.
The Big Read gives communities the opportunity to come together to read, discuss, and celebrate one of 31 selections from U.S. and world literature. The $10,000 grant must be matched by the participating grantee.
SRC and Parlin Library selected the works of Edgar Allan Poe for many reasons. According to The Big Read study guide, “Edgar Allan Poe invented the detective story, perfected the horror tale, and first articulated the theory of the modern short story as well as the idea of pure poetry. Poe has never been entirely respectable to American critics because of his twin “faults”: being too eccentric, and too popular among common readers.”
“It’s time to say the obvious. No author stays internationally popular for 150 years by accident. Poe is one of the classic authors of American literature—a master of the short story, a magician of the short poem, and a critic of brilliance and originality. And no small part of his artistic sleight of hand is that he appeals to readers from childhood to old age. Let us underestimate him nevermore!”
The selected organizations will receive Big Read grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 to promote and carry out community-based reading programs featuring activities such as read-a-thons, book discussions, lectures, movie screenings, and performing arts events. Participating communities also receive high-quality, free-of-charge educational materials to supplement each title, including Reader’s, Teacher’s, and Audio Guides.
“The Institute is pleased to support The Big Read, which brings communities together to enjoy literature in their public libraries,” said Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the NEA’s lead federal partner for The Big Read. “Libraries are community anchors that serve as centers of engagement, literacy, and lifelong learning. There is nothing better than to read a great book and share your delight and insights with others.”
Carol Davis, Vice-President of Community Outreach at Spoon River College, praised the Big Read’s many community partners as a reason for its continuous grant awards from the National Endowment for the Arts.
“We have received tremendous, widespread support from the area,” said Davis, who developed and promoted the grant proposal four years ago. “Our many partner agencies have worked to develop a great program of events and the steering committee continues to widen participation every year.”
Davis also credits Jenny Beal and Carol Blackfelner, who will once again serve as co-coordinators of The Big Read program, for much of the Big Read’s success and continued grant support.
“Grant awards were reduced to just about 25% of last year’s total,” Davis noted. “And it’s pretty obvious the NEA selected those communities who have presented the best programs in previous years to receive continued funding support. Carol and Jenny are the two key individuals who pull this all together.”
Beal and Blackfelner have coordinated all three previous Big Read programs. Their outstanding efforts were recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts last year when they were selected to serve on a panel of “repeat reader” experts, speaking on the subject of “Involving and Working with Schools.”
Once again, The Big Read will begin with a Kick-Off dinner event, scheduled for the evening of Tuesday, September 21. This year’s dinner will feature keynote speaker Sam Weller, the authorized biographer of Ray Bradbury and a creative writing instructor at Columbia College in Chicago. Weller was a big hit at the Retirement Learning Institute and local school assemblies last year. In addition to the keynote engagement and two presentations at area schools, Weller will be conducting a creative writing workshop at Spoon River College. More information will be forthcoming on both the kickoff dinner and the writing workshop.
The Big Read committee is currently exploring many other activities and is also in the process of expanding the number of participating communities. Davis, Blackfelner and Beal have lined up Spoon River College, library and school partners in the Macomb, Havana and Rushville communities this year.
The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The NEA presents The Big Read in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest. Support for The Big Read has been provided by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, the Boeing Company, the Poetry Foundation and the Ford Motor Company.
For more information about The Big Read please visit www.neabigread.org.

FALL MINIMESTER OFFERED AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:00:38 +0100

Spoon River College will be offering a fall interim, or “minimester,” from August 2 until August 20. A minimester allows students to earn up to 4 credit hours (depending on the course) in only three weeks.

The two courses that will be offered are BIO290 Women in Biology and PSY240 Social Psychology (section K-1). Registration can be completed online at the college website www.src.edu.

BIO290 will explore fifteen famous women in the last two centuries who have contributed significantly to research in the biological sciences. The women who are included are recognized for their major social impact and diversity. The majority of them are well known with a diverse sampling of nationalities, ethnic groups, periods, and biological fields. These women contributed to biological research in the areas of botany, ecology, genetics, marine biology, microbiology, physiology, and zoology. This is an online class and will be taught by Biology instructor Dr. Carolyn Peters.

PSY240 is an introduction to the theory and method of social psychology and the influence of social factors on human behavior. Emphasis is placed on understanding behavior as the individual interacts with others in the social environment. This class will be held in Havana on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. until 11:45 a.m., and will be taught by Brenda Stadsholt.

The regular fall semester will begin Monday, August 23 at all of the college’s sites and online, and there is still time to register for those classes as well.

For more information about these classes or other courses and programs of study offered at Spoon River College, call (309) 647-6400 in Canton; (309)543-4413 in Havana, (309) 837-6069 in Macomb, and (217) 322-6060 in Rushville. Information is also available on the website at www.src.edu.

ONLINE APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FOR FALL CLASSES AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:53:29 +0100

It is not too late to sign up for fall semester classes at Spoon River College, which will start on Monday, August 23 at the college’s sites in Canton, Havana, Macomb, Rushville, and online.

Applying at Spoon River College is easy and free, and all students enrolling in credit courses for the first time must complete an application form as the first step towards enrollment. Prospective students can fill out the online application or download a pdf SRC application and return it to any of the SRC locations. The application form can be found at http://www.src.edu/prospective-students.

Although class registration can be done online, new students are encouraged to meet with an advisor first to ensure they enroll in the courses they need for their particular program of study. The complete fall 2010 schedule is available for viewing on the college website.

Individuals planning to attend Spoon River College for the first time must take the COMPASS assessment test or have evidence of official ACT scores before registering for classes. On the Canton and Macomb campuses, the test is offered on a walk-in basis between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. At the Rushville and Havana centers, appointments are encouraged.

The payment deadline for the fall semester is the August 1. Students currently enrolled for the fall must have their tuition paid in full by that date or should be enrolled in the automatic installment payment plan. Those individuals who have not paid or made arrangements by that date will be dropped from classes.

“This purging process enables us to drop those who may have registered but whose plans may have changed,” said Missy Wilkinson, director of enrollment services. “It frees up space in classes allowing students who do need the course to enroll.”

Wilkinson said students who enroll after August 1 must either pay their tuition in full at the time of registration or set up an automatic installment payment agreement.

For more information about COMPASS testing, the registration or application process, or to make an appointment with an advisor, call (309)647-6400 in Canton, (309)543-4413 in Havana, (309)837-6069 in Macomb, and (217)322-6060 in Rushville. Information is also available on the website at www.src.edu.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE OFFERS HONORS PROGRAM

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:24:43 +0100

Spoon River College offers an Honors Program designed for students who seek the opportunity to enhance their academic experience at the college. This program offers small classes with a high degree of interactive involvement and expanded learning experiences through special opportunities and unique social activities.

Past Honors students have enjoyed trips to the various museums in Chicago, the Museum of Funeral Customs and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, and to various theatre productions. They have toured the Executive Mansion and the State Capital, where they had the opportunity to observe the Illinois General Assembly in session. Honors Program students also play an active role in extra-curricular activities at the college.

Two Honors Course sections will be offered each semester; one at the Canton Campus and one at the Macomb Campus. In the upcoming fall semester, ART120 Introduction to Art will be taught by Art instructor Tracy Snowman on the Canton Campus, and SOC290 Special Topics-Media and Democracy will be taught by Sociology instructor Michael Maher on the Macomb Campus.

Traditional students entering Spoon River College within two years of graduating from high school must submit a completed application with a high school counselor recommendation and meet two of the following three criteria: an ACT composite of 24 or above, a GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale, and/or be in the top 20% of their graduating class. They must also exhibit leadership and citizenship ability.

Current Spoon River College students seeking admission into the program must have completed or currently be enrolled in 12 credit hours with a projected GPA of 3.25 or higher. They must also submit a completed application and recommendation letters from two SRC faculty.

Students who complete a minimum of nine semester hours of Honors Courses will receive special recognition at graduation and on their final transcript.

For more information on retention and other options in the Honors Program, to view a list of the Honors courses that will be offered through the 2013 spring semester, or to apply to the program, visit www.src.edu/honors-program. To speak to an Honors Program advisor, Canton Campus and Havana Center students may contact Janet Munson at (309) 649-6273. Macomb Campus and Rushville Center students may contact Patrick Denecke at (309) 833-6022.

####

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:48:53 +0100

The Spoon River College Board of Trustees will hold its regular public monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28 in Conference Room A in the Spoon River College Conference Center in Canton.

SUMMARY OF SPOON RIVER COLLEGE SPECIAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:48:03 +0100

SUMMARY OF BOARD APPROVED ITEMS

At the Special Meeting of the Spoon River College Board of Trustees held on July 7, 2010, the Board approved the following items:

1.3 Adopted a Resolution Providing for the Issuance of Taxable General Obligation Community College Bonds for the College.
5.0 CLOSED SESSION.
No action was taken after the closed session.

17th Annual Golf Tournament

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:59:42 +0100

Mark Your Calendar!
17th Annual
Spoon River College Foundation
Golf Outing
Friday, August 13, 2010
Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills Country Club
Cuba, Illinois
For more information contact:

The SRC Foundation
(309) 647-6260
emily.gillett@src.edu

“RED DOG” CF ORGANIZATION ESTABLISHES SCHOLARSHIP

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:57:37 +0100

FULTON COUNTY’S “RED DOG” CYSTIC FIBROSIS ORGANIZATION ESTABLISHES SRC FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
The Red Dog Cystic Fibrosis recently contributed $5,000 to the Spoon River College Foundation. This generous contribution will be matched dollar for dollar establishing a new $10,000 Named Endowed Scholarship available to Fulton County students attending Spoon River College.

The new named endowed scholarship for Spoon River College will enable Fulton County students to achieve their dreams of higher education. Once established, a named endowed scholarship is perpetual as the scholarship award consists of the interest earned each year. Red Dog also supports several local scholarships at area high schools.

The Red Dog organization has raised over $180,000 through its annual golf outing and auction. In addition to scholarships, the funds raised support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to send youth with cystic fibrosis to camp and for research to find a cure. Red Dog’s next golf outing is Friday, July 9th.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE NURSING STUDENTS RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:33:00 +0100

Three Spoon River College Nursing students in Macomb have been awarded scholarships for the 2010-2011 academic year.

Jessica Thorman of Macomb and Whitney Wise of Rushville have been chosen as the recipient of the Rosalie and Norman Severinsen Nursing Scholarship. These $300 awards are designated for a deserving Macomb nursing student who is a non-smoker and has successfully completed the summer session of NUR 145.

“Jessica and Whitney are very deserving of this award; both display excellent nursing skills, and a desire to excel in the nursing program,” said Julie Barclay, Nursing educator at Spoon River College. “Both also work while attending nursing school.”

Brooks Gentry of Canton has been awarded the Rosie Brown Memorial Nursing Scholarship in the amount of $100, which was established in memory of former Spoon River College nursing graduate Rosie Brown who died of cancer in 1993. The recipient of this award must be in the final semester of their first year of nursing school at the Macomb Campus, be over 25 years of age and starting over or retraining for a new career, display a positive nursing image and show potential for becoming a competent nurse through theory and application, and show financial need, with preference given to students who have overcome or are overcoming personal difficulties that might impede the completion of their nursing studies.

“Brooks is another great example of dedication to the nursing program,” Barclay said. “She has been working her way through college by working weekends. She is very deserving of this scholarship and will be a great asset to the nursing field.”

In addition, Kyle Brewer of Macomb was nominated by his peers as the winner of the Florence Nightingale PN award. He was described by his peers as “always helpful and a pleasure to work with”.

“In working with Kyle this summer, I found him to an excellent student. He is always willing to help the other students, and they have great respect for him,” Barclay said.

For a complete list of scholarships available at Spoon River College, visit www.src.edu/scholarships. For information about the Nursing program, visit www.src.edu/nursing.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE ANNOUNCES PRESIDENT'S HONOR ROLL

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:20:16 +0100

President’s Honor Roll
The following students have been named to the President’s Honor Roll in recognition of their academic achievement during the Spring 2010 semester for achieving 12 credit hours or more of college-level classes during the semester and earning a grade point average of 3.6--4.0.

Ezekiel J. Meehan Astoria
Clinton B. Peterman Astoria
Kurt Reihm Avon
Rendy Stephens Bath
Angela R. Thomas Bath
Steven T. Brackett Blandinsville
Jacob E. Caho Blandinsville
Jonathan R. Haney Blandinsville
Heather S. Clemens Browning
Aimee N. Roberts Bryant
David S. Dahmm Bushnell
Jessica R. Downey Bushnell
Kyle A. Hummell Bushnell
Krystal N. James Bushnell
Andrew Seck Bushnell
Courtney M. Conrad Cambridge
Larry D. Kelso Cambridge
Nicholas J. Billingsley Camden
Gavin M. Bordenkircher Canton
Haley J. Brown Canton
Raymond J. Cannon Canton
Kyla B. Culbertson Canton
Michael J. Derry Canton
Allison B. Deushane Canton
Justin Freeman Canton
Renato E. Gomez Canton
Angela M. Hale Canton
Andrea G. Hauk Canton
Sharon L. Hauk Canton
Kayla F. Hooker Canton
Laura A. Howard Canton
Alyssa Hulvey Canton
Lauren E. Janssen Canton
Ashley A. Jones Canton
Cody W. Jones Canton
Ashleigh Nagle Canton
Rachael E. Pluister Canton
William T. Precht Canton
Candi L. Rediger Canton
Brandon R. Richardson Canton
Kathryn A. Rude Canton
David Ruiz Canton
Kathy S. Schuring Canton
Brian A. Shiers Canton
Christine R. Smolczyk Canton
Taylor L. Snowman Canton
Sydney M. Soland Canton
Stephen A. Stremmel Canton
William J. Taylor III Canton
Zachary R. Taylor Canton
Allen S. Uhlik Canton
Juan M. Valdivia Canton
Sarah F. Wade Canton
Kyrie A. Wallace Canton
Victoria D. Wethington Canton
Timothy S. Woodworth Canton
Stacy J. McDaniel Chandlerville
Roberta L. Houston Cuba
Dakota Lehman Cuba
Shauna L. Link Cuba
Kendra K. Raymond Cuba
Jenna Tompkins Cuba
Takyra L. Dudley Danville
Amy L. Vaultonburg Dunfermline
Lindsey Whitehead Dunfermline
Sharon L. Kelly Fairview
Amanda J. Davis Farmington
Shayna Ehlers Farmington
Sarah E. Henkhaus Farmington
Blaire E. Martin Farmington
Deanna J. Smith Farmington
Melinda D. Yurkovich Farmington
Kristen J. Jackson Galesburg
Michael R. Burke Good Hope
Erica L. Bishop Havana
Zach Bryant Havana
Andrew S. Emmons Havana
Adam J. Goodrich Havana
Eric C. Hine Havana
Ryan M. Kolves Havana
Jennifer Lippert Havana
Adrianne L. Marshall Havana
Kyle J. McCarthy Havana
Alycia C. Owens Havana
Ashley N. Owens Havana
Britany N. Patton Havana
Brandon J. Perkins Havana
Jamy S. Perkins Havana
Carrie A. Pierson Havana
Carmen E. Ramirez Havana
Mary D. Rebman Havana
Morgan Rosenberger Havana
Megan S. Silva Havana
Allyson R. Stephens Havana
Pamela K. Tower Havana
Rosemary B. Johnson Huntsville
Brittanie J. Bell Kilbourne
Jennie M. Miller Kilbourne
Kayla Pierce Kilbourne
Devin A. White Kilbourne
Justin W. Adams Lewistown
Nathan A. Davis Lewistown
Margaret M. Erwin Lewistown
Allison S. Fuller Lewistown
Ashton Heath Lewistown
Raquel Romero Lewistown
Samuel T. Shafer Lewistown
David D. Smith Lewistown
Clayton A. Stufflebeam Lewistown
Randy S. Turner Lewistown
Emily J. Valencia Lewistown
Lisa D. Welker Lewistown
Whitney Wilkinson Lewistown
Joseph R. Henricks Littleton
Danyelle R. Marvel Littleton
Tania Baker Macomb
Tim C. Basch Macomb
Angela S. Benham Macomb
Kirsten K. Birch Macomb
Miriam L. Brabham Macomb
Henry T. Cantleberry Macomb
Paul G. Cook Macomb
Caitlin Cox Macomb
Tracy Daniels Macomb
Cecily A. Doyle Macomb
Mary V. Dunn Macomb
Chad M. Faxon Macomb
Joseph S. Haskins Macomb
Whitley Henness Macomb
Mary E. Hinman Macomb
Samuel C. Hostert Macomb
Suk C. Lee Macomb
Caleb Mackey Macomb
Chandler T. Moon Macomb
Kathryn A. Murphy Macomb
Chelsea R. Noblitt Macomb
Skyler T. Palen Macomb
Courtney B. Parker Macomb
Jessie R. Peterman Macomb
Andrew J. Poe Macomb
Jeremiah D. Price Macomb
David K. Reamer Macomb
Benjamin E. Ryan Macomb
Erica A. Simmons Macomb
Breann R. Stauffer Macomb
Lynn M. Traser Macomb
Allison A. Troy Macomb
Leah M. Wagner Macomb
Betsy D. Wellman Macomb
Sierra E. Williams Macomb
Cody R. Culjan Manilus
Elizabeth A. Nolan Marietta
Joseph L. Sprout Media
Jason A. Ellis Meredosia
Eric J. Finney Peoria Heights
Bethanie R. Shelley Plymouth
Riley L. Craver Prairie City
Brenden L. Ankrom Rushville
Kasey B. Grover Rushville
Russell W. Herche Rushville
Kristina R. Kirkham Rushville
Mackenzie E. Tomlinson Rushville
Hannah R. Wort Rushville
Rebecca L. Alborn Saint Charles
Melissa K. Baughman Smithfield
Melissa L. Brooks Smithfield
Mindy E. Miller Smithfield
Erin J. Vroman Smithfield
Sarah M. Chenoweth Table Grove
Ryan Harding Trivoli
Kathleen Rebec Vermont
Danielle R. Duma Vernon Hills
Shawn W. Bess Washington
Ashley N. Freidel Willow Springs

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE ANNOUNCES DEAN'S HONOR ROLL

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:18:50 +0100

Dean’s Honor Roll
The following students have been named to the Dean’s Honor Roll in recognition of their academic achievement during the Spring 2010 semester for achieving 12 credit hours or more of college-level classes during the semester and earning a grade point average of 3.0—3.5.

Aaron M. McFadden Adair
Devin N. Rowland Adair
Kortlyn A. Batterton Astoria
Broderick L. Cowin Astoria
Teresa N. Egleton Astoria
Antonina M. Prisby Astoria
Kari E. Robertson Astoria
Kyle A. Akers Avon
Casey T. Pratt Bath
William T. Osborne Bushnell
Ryan Clayton Camden
Bob J. Ackerman Canton
Alexandra M. Arndt Canton
Kara Barrick Canton
Matthew Beoletto Canton
Lindsey N. Blaker Canton
Derrick L. Boatman Canton
Ben J. Branchfield Canton
Tahnee D. Bull Canton
Cory L. Butler Canton
Jesus A. Callejas Canton
Keaton J. Canevit Canton
Sara K. Carrison Canton
Jacob D. Denney Canton
Jeremy A. Douglas Canton
Jeremy A. Dray Canton
Aubri K. Edwards Canton
Elvin S. Florez Canton
Brittany N. Ford Canton
Ashley N. Freiley Canton
Samantha R. Geeseman Canton
Jonathan W. Hillebrand Canton
Matthew D. Hoerr Canton
Robert T. Johnson Canton
Carl L. Kimmins Canton
Edna C. Kitchen Canton
Kayla N. Lansford Canton
Samantha J. Lowder Canton
Lori A. Mansker Canton
Richard L. Markley Canton
Madeline S. Martindale Canton
Michael D. McGruder Canton
Kaele J. McLaren Canton
Kyle E. Miller Canton
Manuel Osorio Canton
Alexander E. Plunkett Canton
Nolberto S. Rodriguez Canton
Zachary A. Rollet Canton
Matthew J. Sale Canton
Genna N. Snider Canton
Steven W. Stahler Canton
Earl Travis Canton
David P. Trull Canton
Lindsey R. Tucker Canton
James M. Valek Jr. Canton
Jennifer L. Valentin Canton
Tessa A. Valeu Canton
Joel A. VanTine Canton
Jing Wang Canton
Walton R. Weaver Canton
Stephanie M. Wyatt Canton
Ryan R. Yocum Canton
Michael M. Zyla Canton
Heath R. Knowles Carthage
Lucas Clark Chandlerville
Nicholas I. Calabrese Chicago
Brittanie Myers Colchester
Stephanie S. Sidwell Colchester
David Smail Cuba
Kimberly J. Stein Cuba
Noelle S. Woodruff Cuba
Mary E. Warfield Dunfermline
Mikayla A. Evans Fairview
Douglas J. Riney Fairview
Cole N. Swibold Fairview
Kaylee Brown Farmington
Kyle C. Girard Farmington
Donald J. Rose Farmington
Nicole M. Zeglen Farmington
Aaron D. Smith Fiatt
Julia L. Bertolino Girard
David L. Buehrer Glasford
Matthew Wallen Good Hope
Trisha R. Armstrong Havana
Melissa M. Barrow Havana
Nathan S. Budke Havana
Heather M. Carrington Havana
Michael J. Graham Havana
Lindsey M. Hajek Havana
Jeramie R. Harris Havana
Ashley N. Lacey Havana
Kali J. Lowe Havana
Jennifer R. Oney Havana
Maggie E. Pedigo Havana
Cheyenne A. Peterman Havana
Victoria M. Singleton Havana
Rebecca M. Sisson Havana
Brittany P. Smith Havana
Taylor K. Walker Havana
Tiara L. Miller Hillside
Kayla A. Sipes Huntsville
Amy N. Kirchgesner Industry
Alisha L. McHone Industry
Jessica L. Goodell Ipava
Kristen I. Porter Ipava
Levi B. Porter Ipava
Asha L. Narayan Joliet
Shawn R. Kroencke Kinderhook
Macey A. Beekman Lewistown
Bailey L. Hatfill Lewistown
Joan M. Russell Lewistown
Corby J. Taylor Lewistown
John D. Werland Lewistown
Ryan M. Dowell London Mills
Reid S. Anderson Macomb
Kendra S. Arthur Macomb
Greg Ash Macomb
Donnisha D. Barry Macomb
Jordan Collins Macomb
Alexa R. Corey Macomb
Georgia F. Coulter Macomb
Lindsay N. Courtois Macomb
Dorothy M. Davis Macomb
Lance P. Dearing Macomb
Shauna L. Denton Macomb
Ashley L. Edwards Macomb
Samuel A. Farber Macomb
Alex J. Fisch Macomb
Tracy J. Ford Macomb
Samantha K. Fowler Macomb
Tim D. Fowler Macomb
Mitch S. Gray Macomb
Jeremy M. Gusloff Macomb
Cody A. Hagerman Macomb
Scott Hedbloom Macomb
Gwendolyn D. Herbst Macomb
Thomas H. Hintze Macomb
Jeremy P. Kunkes Macomb
Raquella E. Lewis Macomb
Michael C. Lhommedieu Macomb
Teresa D. McKinley Macomb
Natasha O. Morgan Macomb
Jamie L. Morrison Macomb
Robin L. Myers Macomb
Jon M. Nicholas Macomb
Kevin Oglesbee Macomb
Samantha L. Pace Macomb
Jory W. Pieper Macomb
Kyle D. Rusher Macomb
Marek R. Sak Macomb
Miranda H. Steele Macomb
Thu W. Swe Macomb
Michele Teslicka Macomb
Jacob E. Trautmann Macomb
Keesha C. Vinson Macomb
Keith A. Wash Macomb
Alexandria N. White Macomb
Natisha Bryant Morris
Alex M. Birge Mount Zion
Kevin E. Dooley Normal
Kelsey R. Pasley Norris
Ellyn G. Romine Norris
Gregory S. Ward Norris
Amanda N. Jackson Pekin
Casey J. Flanigon Peoria
Chelsie L. Bowman Rushville
Keri Caputo Rushville
Irene T. Detmer Rushville
Travis C. Grenlund Rushville
Isaac Puckett Rushville
Cory B. Johnson Saint Augustine
Kody R. Johnson Saint Augustine
Brittany Slater Smithfield
Mandy Fawcett Table Grove
Raquel Beckner Tennessee
Jennifer J. Bollinger Vermont
Dakoda K. Wright Vermont
Erik L. Reich Versailles
John M. Brashers Yates City
Portia E. Watznauer Yates City

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE FACULTY MEMBERS HONORED FOR THEIR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:49:12 +0100

Two Spoon River College faculty members were recently honored for their excellence in teaching. Julie Barclay, Nursing educator, and Amy McCallister, Health Sciences and Allied Health educator, received the Illinois Community College Trustees Association Outstanding Faculty Award, Barclay as a full-time faculty member and McCallister as a part-time faculty member.

The award is presented each year to a faculty member who displays teaching excellence and an ability to take personal interest in students, contributes to students’ total educational and personal development, inspires enthusiasm for the subject area taught, and serves the college apart from classroom responsibilities.

“Both Julie and Amy are well deserving of this ICCTA Excellence in Teaching acknowledgement,” said Cheryl Hoffman, Dean of Nursing and Allied Health at Spoon River College. “Stemming from their varied healthcare work experiences, they both demonstrate motivation and originality while enthusiastically providing quality educational learning opportunities for their students.”

Barclay began her career in the healthcare field in 1984 as a nurse’s aide while pursuing her education at St. Francis School of Nursing. After gaining wide-ranging experience working as a nurse, she returned to school and completed her Master’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Phoenix-Online in 2007, when she then began her career as a Nursing educator in the Associate Degree Nursing Program at Spoon River College.

Barclay, who describes herself as a “lifelong learner,” enjoys teaching at all levels as a nurse and said, “I love to watch a student start as an unorganized first-year student and ‘grow’ into a competent registered nurse.”

Barclay is a member of a number of professional organizations including the Illinois Nursing Association, Illinois Organization of Associate Degree in Nursing, West Central Illinois Healthcare Continuing Education Alliance, National League of Nursing, Nursing Educators of Illinois, National Organization of Associate Degree in Nursing, and the Nursing Honor Society of Sigma Theta Tau International.

In addition, Barclay is a member of the Cuba Fire Department and also the Cass Putman Rescue Squad, where she serves as Supply Captain and Training Officer. She serves on numerous college committees, including Health Occupations Advisory, Nursing Admissions, Nursing Scholarships and Awards, Nursing Curriculum, Innovative Teaching Learning Center, and the committee for Recruitment, Assessment, and Retention.

While at Spoon River College, Barclay has initiated and assisted in the development of many innovative programs, instructive materials, and clinical opportunities for the nursing program and its students, including developing and leading the complex “Four-Phase Gerontological” service learning project that has enhanced student’s education in community and nursing care for the elderly population. She was instrumental in the development of the first online nursing courses, and was involved in teaching the first nursing course using the college’s recently installed Interactive Video System.

Although Barclay’s accomplishments are impressive, comments from more than 30 students who endorsed her nomination are even more telling of the dedication and excellence she brings to the classroom. While all praised her extensive knowledge, integrity, and creative teaching style, what stood out even more was Barclay’s willingness to “go above and beyond” her role as a teacher to help her students succeed. For students engaged in such a rigorous curriculum that also demands many hours of work outside of the classroom, that personal support “helps keep our stress level down and helps keep us motivated,” especially for those who are also juggling family and work obligations.

“Julie’s experience, wealth of knowledge, and high energy level combine to bring an exceptional educational experience to her students,” said Cheryl Hoffman, “She is an excellent asset to the nursing program at the college.”

Hoffman had similar words of praise for Amy McCallister, who is the full-time Community Health Director at the McDonough County Health Department (MCHD) in addition to teaching Health Sciences and Allied Health courses part-time at Spoon River College.

“Amy exudes high energy in blending her full-time position as a Community Health Director with teaching part-time in the Allied Health and Health Sciences programs at Spoon River College,” Hoffman said.

McCallister’s full-time job at the MCHD complements her part-time teaching job and her students benefit in numerous ways from that association. As the Pandemic flu and H1N1 flu coordinator at MCHD, she was able to provide SRC nursing students and faculty members the opportunity to participate in the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccination clinics through MCHD.

In addition, McCallister’s students have the opportunity to tour many health and nutrition sites that lead to enhanced learning benefits, and she provides educational materials and donated items to the Spoon River College healthcare programs and labs.

Grant writing and coordination are also part of McCallister’s duties at MCHD, and she collaborates with the full-time faculty and nursing students at the college to involve them with grant opportunities that improve healthcare needs and education for community members, such as Ticket for the Cure, Susan G. Komen, Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer, Heart Smart for Teens, Health Smart for Women, and the Public Health Emergency Funding Grant. These often provide students with hands-on opportunities that otherwise may not be available.

Although McCallister’s extensive base of healthcare knowledge makes her a popular public health educator for community groups and her students on such topics as safety, nutrition, and blood borne pathogens, she also arranges for speakers to present on topics outside of her expertise. Her participation in conferences, workshops and webinars, along with her ability to network with other healthcare professionals and agency employees, keeps her current in the latest theories and practices in both education and nursing education.

McCallister serves, and often chairs, many technical and special committees that also assist her in improving the educational processes and procedures for all Spoon River College healthcare students and the entire Nursing and Allied Health department at the college. These include the Spoon River College Health Occupations Advisory Committee, Paint the Town Pink, University of Illinois Extension Board, Interagency, McDonough County Tobacco Coalition, and the Illinois Project for Local Assessment of Needs committee.

McCallister initiated the development of the first phlebotomy course on the Macomb campus, including a phlebotomy lab, and is now in the process of establishing opportunities for students to gain phlebotomy experiences in a variety of healthcare settings. She has also been in instrumental in the development of other innovative programs, instructive materials and lab opportunities for her students.

McCallister, who has a Master of Science in Community Health and a Master of Science in Physical Education (both from Western Illinois University), is also certified as a Health Education Specialist (CHES) and a Child Passenger Safety technician.

When asked about her philosophy of teaching, McCallister said, “Teaching allows me to be a mentor, a guide, an educator, and a gatekeeper to a whole new and different world to my students.”

As in Barclay’s case, the best indicator of a teacher’s true ability comes from those who are sitting in the classroom. In McCallister’s case, word of mouth among students about her knowledge and teaching style keep her courses full.

“Students purposely enroll in more than one of Amy’s courses knowing that she is the instructor,” said Hoffman. “In less than three years of part-time teaching at SRC, it is evident that Amy is enthusiastically motivated in providing quality healthcare education for her students.”

Dave Maguire, Spoon River College Board of Trustee member and ICCTA representative for the district, attended the awards banquet that was held in Springfield.

“This award is a wonderful way to recognize excellence in teaching,” said Maguire. “Julie Barclay and Amy McCallister are two of our finest instructors and it was a privilege to see them honored.”

Faculty who receive the ICCTA Excellence in Teaching award are eligible for the ICCTA’s statewide Outstanding Faculty Award.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE SPRING 2010 GRADUATES

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:46:45 +0100

The following individuals received degrees and/or certificates during the Spring 2010 semester at Spoon River College:

Cody DiBella Amboy Associate of Arts & Science degree
Carolyn Cox Astoria Associate in Arts degree
Kari Robertson Astoria Associate of Arts & Science degree
Kyle Akers Avon Associate in Applied Science/Diesel Tractor Technology degree
Kurt Reihm Avon Associate in Applied Science/Diesel Tractor Technology degree
Dana Heye Bath Associate in Arts degree
Jessica Sarff Bath Associate of Arts & Science degree
Jonathan Haney Blandinsville Associate in Applied Science/Agriculture Business Management
degree
Tiffiny Pool Blandinsville Associate Degree Nursing
Jacob Caho Blandinsville Commercial Driver Training Certificate
Carl Davis, Jr. Bloomington Associate of Arts & Science degree
Aimee Roberts Bryant Associate in Arts degree
Alicia Furniss Bushnell Associate in General Studies degree
Colby Fayhee Bushnell Associate of Arts & Science degree
William Osborne Bushnell Associate of Arts & Science degree
Andrew Seck Bushnell Associate in Applied Science/Diesel Tractor Technology degree
Lucas English Bushnell Commercial Driver Training Basic Certificate
Larry Kelso Cambridge Commercial Driver Training Certificate
Nicholas Billingsley Camden Associate in Applied Science/Agriculture Business Management degree
Ryan Clayton Camden Associate in Applied Science/Diesel Tractor Technology degree
Clinton Fesler Cameron Associate in Applied Science/Diesel Tractor Technology degree
Jamie Baker Canton Associate in Arts degree
Nicholas Dudek Canton Associate in Arts degree
Sharon Hauk Canton Associate in Arts degree
Elizabeth Sagaser Canton Associate in Arts degree
Sarah Swise Canton Associate in Arts degree
Nicole Champlin Canton Associate of Arts & Science degree
Buffy Crouse Canton Associate of Arts & Science degree
Kayla Hooker Canton Associate of Arts & Science degree
Lori Mansker Canton Associate of Arts & Science degree
Corrinna Markland Canton Associate of Arts & Science degree
Brandon Richardson Canton Associate of Arts & Science degree
Katelyn Stinson Canton Associate of Arts & Science degree
Matthew Towery Canton Associate of Arts & Science degree
Ben Branchfield Canton Associate in Applied Science/Diesel Tractor Technology and Natural
Resources & Conservation degrees
Lisa Galyen Canton Associate Degree Nursing
Trinity Watson Canton Associate Degree Nursing
Christopher Alig Canton Commercial Driver Training Basic Certificate
William Taylor, III Canton Graphic Design Certificate
Cory Butler Canton Computer Technology Basic Certificate
Jeremy Dray Canton Computer Technology Basic and Advanced Certificates
Nolberto Rodriguez Canton Computer Technology Basic Certificate
Hector Padilla Canton Computer Technology Basic and Advanced Certificates
William Precht Canton Computer Technology Basic Certificate
Earl Travis Canton Computer Technology Basic Certificate
David Trull Canton Computer Technology Basic Certificate
Astol Arroyo, Jr. Canton Computer Technology Advanced Certificate
Andres Gutierrez Canton Computer Technology Advanced Certificate
Keiahty Jones Canton Computer Technology Advanced Certificate
Manuel Osorio Canton Computer Technology Advanced Certificate
Ronald Robinson Canton Computer Technology Advanced Certificate
David Turner Canton Computer Technology Advanced Certificate
Derrick Boatman Canton Food Service Program Certificate
Eric Cox Canton Food Service Program Certificate
Joseph Starks Canton Food Service Program Certificate
Edson Tapia Canton Food Service Program Certificate
Reyondos Taylor Canton Food Service Program Certificate
Antonio Thomas Canton Food Service Program Certificate
Tommy Clark, Jr. Canton Horticulture Certificate
Antonio Hollins, Sr. Canton Horticulture Certificate
Carl Kimmins Canton Horticulture Certificate and an Associate in General Studies
degree
Gilberto Soto Canton Horticulture Certificate
DuJuan Dixon Canton Associate in General Studies degree
Luke Clark Chandlerville Associate in Applied Science/Agriculture Business Management
degree
Brittanie Myers Colchester Associate of Arts & Science degree
Stephanie Sidwell Colchester Associate of Arts & Science degree
Kelsi Hall Colchester Administrative Assistant and Office Assistant Certificates
Victoria Ashwood Cuba Associate in Arts degree
Katherine Auxier Cuba Associate in Arts degree
Kristina Lynch Cuba Associate in Science degree
Kacie Archdale Cuba Associate of Arts & Science degree
Luke Shields Cuba Associate of Arts & Science degree
Brittany Hobbs Cuba Associate Degree Nursing
Brandy Maxwell Cuba Associate Degree Nursing
Tracey Burgard Cuba Associate Degree Nursing
Shauna Link Cuba Commercial Driver Training Certificate
Amy Vaultonburg Dunfermline Associate of Arts & Science degree
Ian Pshebelski Dunlap Associate in Applied Science/Natural Resources & Conservation
degree
Sharon Kelly Fairview Small Office Accounting Certificate
Lacey McMahill Farmington Associate in Arts degree
Kyle Girard Farmington Associate in Applied Science/Diesel Tractor Technology degree
Carrie Anderson Farmington Associate Degree Nursing
Jamie VanHouten Farmington Associate Degree Nursing
Alfred Alcocer Farmington Commercial Driver Training Basic Certificate
Michae l McGruder Galesburg Associate of Arts & Science degree
William Hagler Galesburg Associate Degree Nursing
Rod Howard Galesburg Commercial Driver Training Basic Certificate
Eric Sundberg Galesburg Commercial Driver Training Basic Certificate
David Buehrer Glasford Associate in Applied Science/Diesel Tractor Technology degree
Jerred Schisler Good Hope Associate in Arts degree
Stephanie Nelson Good Hope Associate of Arts & Science degree
Matthew Wallen Good Hope Associate of Arts & Science degree
Zachary Bryant Havana Associate of Arts & Science degree
Ashley Owens Havana Associate of Arts & Science degree
Carmen Ramirez Havana Associate of Arts & Science degree
Elizabeth Wilson Havana Associate of Arts & Science degree
Nickolas Douglas Havana Associate Degree Nursing
Monica Ferree Havana Associate Degree Nursing
Karen Fornoff Havana Associate Degree Nursing
Kali Lowe Havana Associate Degree Nursing
Christine Peltier Havana Associate Degree Nursing
Brandon Perkins Havana Commercial Driver Training Certificate
Linda Johnston Industry Associate in General Studies degree and Administrative
Assistant and Office Assistant certificates
Jenna Stephens Industry Associate Degree Nursing
Trista Bainter Ipava Associate of Arts & Science degree
Allison Fawcett Ipava Associate of Arts & Science degree
Brittanie Bell Kilbourne Associate of Arts & Science degree
Jennie Miller Kilbourne Associate of Arts & Science degree
Shawn Kroencke Kinderhook Associate in Applied Science/Diesel Tractor Technology degree
Andy Sargent Knoxville Commercial Driver Training Basic Certificate
Haley Heckenberg Lewistown Associate in Arts degree
Emily Valencia Lewistown Associate in Arts and Associate in Applied Science/Electronic
Design degrees, and Graphic Design and Web Design
Certificates
Kaele McLaren Lewistown Associate in Science degree
Clayton Stufflebeam Lewistown Associate in Science degree
Joan Russell Lewistown Associate of Arts & Science degree
Seth Weaver Lewistown Associate in Applied Science/Agriculture Business Management
degree
Nicole Rilea Liverpool Associate Degree Nursing
Virginia Davis London Mills Associate in General Studies degree
Jesse Endsley Macomb Associate in Arts degree
Kimberly Rhoads Macomb Associate in Arts degree
Peter Thompson Macomb Associate in Arts degree
Eric Wohlfeil Macomb Associate in Arts degree
Mika Ackman-Warren Macomb Associate of Arts & Science degree
Cecily Doyle Macomb Associate of Arts & Science degree
Samuel Hostert Macomb Associate of Arts & Science degree
Natasha Morgan Macomb Associate of Arts & Science degree
Chelsea Noblitt Macomb Associate of Arts & Science degree
Courtney Parker Macomb Associate of Arts & Science degree
Eliot Pyles Macomb Associate of Arts & Science degree
Kyle Rusher Macomb Associate of Arts & Science degree
Misty Smith Macomb Associate of Arts & Science degree
Allison Troy Macomb Associate of Arts & Science degree
Betsy Wellman Macomb Associate of Arts & Science degree
Tiffany Bentz Macomb Associate Degree Nursing
Nicole Carithers Macomb Associate Degree Nursing
Miho Choi Macomb Associate Degree Nursing
Meagan Kliffmiller Macomb Associate Degree Nursing
Elizabeth Pietsch Olsen Macomb Associate Degree Nursing
Sarah Hagen Macomb Associate Degree Nursing
Maria Villicana Macomb Associate Degree Nursing
Todd Coil Macomb Commercial Driver Training Basic Certificate
Jimmy Register, II Monmouth Commercial Driver Training Basic Certificate
Natisha Bryant Morris Associate of Arts & Science degree
Kelsie Briggs Palatine Associate of Arts & Science degree
Amanda Jackson Pekin Associate Degree Nursing
Eric Finney Peoria Heights Commercial Driver Training Certificate
Riley Craver Prairie City Associate in Applied Science/Diesel Tractor Technology degree
Brent Bourbon Rockton Associate of Arts & Science degree
Audrey Felland Rockton Associate of Arts & Science degree
Shari Thurman Rushville Associate of Arts & Science degree
James Divan Rushville Associate in Applied Science/Natural Resources & Conservation
degree
Russell Herche Rushville Associate in Applied Science/Diesel Tractor Technology degree
Chelsie Bowman Rushville Associate Degree Nursing
Mindy Davis Rushville Associate Degree Nursing
Mandy Walters Rushville Associate Degree Nursing
Leah Wilson Rushville Associate Degree Nursing
John McNeff Rushville Commercial Driver Training Basic Certificate
Kraig Prather Rushville Commercial Driver Training Basic Certificate
Dusti Hendricks Rushville Web Design Certificate
Lisa Davison Sciota Associate of Arts in Teaching degree
Melissa Baughman Smithfield Associate of Arts & Science degree
Mark Donsbach St. Augustine Associate in Applied Science/Diesel Tractor Technology degree
Cory Johnson St. Augustine Associate in Applied Science/Diesel Tractor Technology degree
Bailey Credille St. Charles Associate of Arts & Science degree
Jessica Markley Table Grove Associate of Arts & Science degree
Mandy Fawcett Table Grove Administrative Assistant Certificate
Paula Foxall Vermont Associate in Arts degree
Steven Snowden Vermont Associate in Applied Science/Agriculture Business Management
degree
Erik Reich Versailles Associate in Applied Science/Diesel Tractor Technology degree
Brian Snodgrass Virden Associate of Arts & Science degree
Brett Monson Walnut Associate of Arts & Science degree
Shawn Bess Washington Associate of Arts in Teaching degree

BOARD OF TRUSTEES JUNE MEETING SUMMARY

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:08:02 +0100

HIGHLIGHTS OF BOARD APPROVED ITEMS
The following points of information were addressed in the regular meeting of The Spoon River College Board of Trustees. These notes are provided as a summary of the topics discussed during the Board meeting and do not constitute the official minutes of the meeting. The official minutes of the meeting will be available following approval at the regular July 2010 meeting. Official minutes can also be viewed on the college’s website at www.src.edu.

Action items:

The Board approved the following:
• The Prevailing Wage Resolution. This action is required on an annual basis by state law.
• Appointment of College Attorney. Engaged the firm of Froehling, Weber, and Schell of Canton, Illinois as the college attorneys through June 2011.
• Appointment of Employment Law Consultant. Engaged the firm of Davis and Campbell of Peoria, Illinois, through June 2011 to provide services and advice concerning matters pertaining to employment law.
• The standing purchase order for the purchase of lifecycle computer equipment (PC, monitors, printers) for FY11. The total for the purchase order will not exceed $150,000. Funds for this standing purchase order are available from the FY11 lifecycle funds.
• A one year contract with Indiana Insurance in the amount of $80,312 for property, auto, general liability and school board legal liability insurance. This will be paid out of the Liability fund and represents a $5,450 (6.4%) decrease from last year.
• A one year contract with The Hartford in the amount of $48,212 for worker’s compensation insurance. This will be paid out of the Liability fund and represents a $37,571 (44%) decrease from last year.
• The Board approved the opening of a Public Hearing concerning the intent of the Board of Trustees of Community College District No. 534, counties of Fulton, Mason, Knox, Schuyler, and McDonough, and State of Illinois, to sell $3,500,000 General Obligation Funding Bonds for the purpose of paying claims of the district. Following this action, the Board approved the closing of the hearing.
• A motion for no salary increases for Professional Support Staff (2010-2011)
• A motion for no salary increases for Administrators (2010-2011)

Other Business:

Monthly reports presented:
o Dr. Robert E. Ritschel presented the semi-annual status report of the Strategic Plan for the college.
o Dave Maguire, Board member and Illinois Community College Trustee Association representative reported on the state of funding for community colleges in the Illinois.
o Gary Schindler, Dean of Student Services, reported on a retention plan developed by members of the Enrollment Management Team
o Jim Genandt, Dean of Career and Technical Education, reported on the progress of the accreditation process the college is currently undergoing for the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
o Taylor Snowman, Student Trustee, reported that five student-athletes had been named to the M-WAC All-Academic Team, and that the Art in the Park night hosted by Funk Kitchen was a tremendous success.
o Carol Davis, Vice-President of Community Outreach, reported on Foundation and Community Outreach news, including:
• The college has received the DCEO Digital Divide grant for technology training and support for the community outreach centers in the amount of $57,000. This includes making the college sites official Illinois Worknet Centers.
• Monthly revenue- $6,055.11
• A new named endowed scholarship has been established-the Canton Kiwanis Club Scholarship.
• The annual Canton golf outing is August 13.
• The college has been working with Cook Group and ACT WorkKeys and will now offer the National Career Readiness Certificate to those who reach the required test scores on the WorkKeys examinations.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE GOLF TEAM ANNOUNCES FIRST FUNDRAISER

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:19:07 +0100

The newly established Spoon River Golf Team will be busy this summer with a variety of fund raising events in order to raise money for golf equipment and for a 2011 spring break competition in Alabama and Florida.

“Since recruiting is over, we now look forward to raising funds to help support our program,” said Coach Greg Garrett. “The team will be utilizing not only student/athletes, but also parents and volunteers to help with several events.”

Their first event will be a 4-team scramble tournament to be held at the Crane Creek Golf Club in Kilbourne on Friday, July 16th at 1p.m. Participants will have the opportunity to win cash, donated prizes, gifts and golf equipment. Lunch will be provided, and the deadline to enter is July 10. This event is being sponsored by G-M Mechanical of Canton.

“We invite all the golf lovers to come out and attend,” Garrett said. “The course is in great shape and looks beautiful.”

Garrett said that PGA Pros Chris Bivens and Taylor Sangmeier have been a great help in getting the team started, and he also praised the tremendous support from businesses and individuals within the communities throughout the district.

“Although we are still in the early stages, we have already witnessed extraordinary support from many in our local communities,” said Garrett. “We appreciate all that is being done by our local area supporters, and they will all be acknowledged.”

Garrett plans to announce team events and progress reports via WBYS throughout the summer.

Listed below is the tournament flyer and invitation. For more information contact Greg Garret at (309) 219-3544 or greg.garrett@src.edu, or Kelly Mason at (309) 649-6275 or kelly.mason@src.edu.

FUNK KITCHEN HOSTS ART IN THE PARK

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:20:08 +0100

Funk Kitchen, the newly established Spoon River College Student Arts Organization, hosted their first event Friday, June 11 in Jones Park. The event featured student artwork, face painting, an open mic and Karaoke, as well as the opportunity to watch SRC Art instructor Tracy Snowman and several members of Funk Kitchen paint new pieces of work.

The organization was created to promote an appreciation of all the arts-music, drama, visual arts, dance, and literature-among students, faculty, staff and community members. Snowman and Dusty Day, SRC Communications/Drama instructor, are faculty sponsors for the group.

This was the first of many events the club plans to host that will be open to the public. Planning for an October event is already underway.

“This organization will work towards creating events where people in all the arts disciplines can work creatively together,” said Snowman. “These students are passionate about taking the arts into the community and making a difference, and they have some great ideas about how to do that.”

For more information about Funk Kitchen, visit www.src.edu/funk-kitchen-arts-organization.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE STUDENT ATHLETES NAMED TO M-WAC ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:18:30 +0100

Five Spoon River College student athletes have been named to the Mid-West Athletic Conference All-Academic Team. To earn this honor, students must have completed at least two full-time semesters of academic work with a minimum GPA of 3.50.

Baseball-Ezekiel Meehan of Astoria, freshman Agriculture major with a 3.79 GPA; and Allen Uhlik of Turtletown, TN, freshman Pre-Engineering major with a 4.0 GPA.

Softball- Shayna Ehlers of Farmington, a sophomore education major with a 3.63 GPA.

Women’s basketball-Dakota Lehman of Cuba, a freshman Pre-Law major with a 3.61 GPA; and Blaire Martin of Farmington, a freshman Accounting major with a 3.90 GPA.

The Mid-West Athletic Conference was founded in 1990 and is part of National Junior College Athletic Association, Region 24. There are 11 schools that are members of the M-WAC.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES PLAN MEETING AND RETREAT

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:36:15 +0100

The Spoon River College Board of Trustees will hold a planning retreat on Wednesday, June 23 in the Spoon River College Conference Center on the Canton campus from 1-5 p.m., followed by a light dinner. The regular public monthly meeting will then convene at 6 p.m. in Room A of the Conference Center. Please note this is a change from the usual 7 p.m. meeting time.

SPECIAL MEETING OF SPOON RIVER COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:34:18 +0100

The Spoon River College Board of Trustees will hold a special board meeting on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at 6 p.m. in the Cabinet Room, Centers Building on the Canton Campus, for the approval of a Bond Resolution Authorizing Funding Bonds.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE OFFERS EMT-B CLASS AT HAVANA IN THE FALL

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 09:32:35 +0100

An Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B) class will be offered in the fall at the Havana Center.
EMT-B is the entry level of a pre-hospital emergency medical provider in the State of Illinois.

EMT-Bs are trained to focus on rapid in-field treatment and transport to higher medical providers. EMT-Bs work in conjunction with other medical providers such as paramedics, nurses and physician as well as with other EMT-Bs. When operating in the pre-hospital environment, their actions are governed by protocols and procedures set by their system's physician medical director.

The Spoon River College EMT-Basic program follows the National Standard DOT curriculum and is designed to instruct students in service as a vital link in the chain of the health care team. Upon completion of this program, students will have learned the skills necessary to provide emergency medical care at a basic life support level with an ambulance service or other specialized service.

Emergency Medical Technology (EMT-Basic) is an introductory course of professional emergency medical services including medical legal/ethical aspects, patient assessment, care of wounds and fractures, airway maintenance, patient transportation, medical and environmental emergency, childbirth, and extrication. The program prepares graduates for employment with ambulance services and in acute emergency facilities. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the State of Illinois EMT-Basic Examination or The National Registry EMT-B Examination.

The fall semester class starts on August, 23, and ends December 15, 2010. The class will be held at the Havana Campus on Monday and Wednesday nights from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm each night. The instructor will be Douglas Richardson, EMT-P

For more information or to register for the class, contact the Spoon River College Havana Center at (309) 543-4413.

RUSHVILLE STUDENTS ARE ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT NEW CENTER

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:14:24 +0100

“So, what do you think of the new Spoon River College Center?”

The replies from several students came fast and loud; they answered in exclamation points while displaying an enthusiasm not typically found among college students sitting in a classroom getting ready to take a quiz.

“I love it!”
“I can go home for lunch or in between classes if I want!”
“It’s great having the new center right by the high school, especially if you want to take dual credit classes!”
“I’m pumped about being able to take classes with the new Interactive Video System!”
“I can sleep a half-hour later because I don’t have to drive to Macomb!”

Better technology including a computer lab, more classrooms that make it possible to offer more classes, and “more of a real college atmosphere”-things that were lacking at the old Center- were also high on the students’ list of what they liked about the Center.

Isacc Puckett, who just graduated from high school in May and will start at Spoon River College in the fall, has taken so many dual credit classes that he will be able to graduate after completing just one semester. He currently has 36 credits and will have 45 after completing two summer classes. His future plans include transferring to Michigan State University for their Engineering program.

Emilee Crane has the distinction of being the first full-time student to register at the new center.

“I wish the center had been available when I was still in high school and taking dual credit classes at Macomb, and that they had offered more dual credit classes then,” said Crane, who will be returning to SRC in the fall and splitting her time between Rushville and Macomb for classes. While still undecided about where she will transfer to after graduating from SRC, she is planning on majoring in Photography and Graphic Design.

Brenden Ankrom’s first choice was to join the military, but a medical discharge necessitated putting Plan B into action, which was college. Like many others, he worries about how he will continue to pay for it and also like many others, he works full-time while attending school full-time. For him, the new center and the additional classes that can now be offered there afford him the luxury of not having to drive out of town for his classes, saving him some precious free time.

Ankrom still hopes for a military career in some capacity, and will be taking two Criminal Justice classes in the fall at the Rushville Center via the Interactive Video System (IVS) that was recently installed.
The IVS allows a class being taught at Canton or Macomb to be accessed by students at any other SRC site. It not only provides students with more options for classes, it also decreases the possibility of a class being cancelled due to low enrollment at one particular site.

Emily Morrell is a high school senior who works at the Rushville Center two hours a day through the high school’s Business Partnership program.

“It’s fun working here, and convenient since the high school is right next door. It’s also very busy,” said Morrell, who is taking English Composition and Statistics through the dual credit program in order to facilitate the completion of the pre-requisites needed for the radiology program she plans to pursue.

Abby Morris is a high school senior who is currently taking Human Sexuality online as a dual credit class. She has already completed Psychology, Sociology, Nutrition, and both English Composition I and II as dual credit classes. Morris, who plans to pursue a nursing career, likes both the newness of the center and the proximity to the high school, adding “the computer lab is a huge plus.”

Kyle Strong works full-time at DOT Foods while attending school. He plans on pursuing a degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Nutrition. Although he acknowledges that the new building is nice, he’s just happy there is a center of any kind in Rushville.

“If it wasn’t for Spoon being here, I probably would not have gone to college,” he said.

Daniel Lefler echoes that sentiment.

“I guess I was what people referred to as kind of a bad kid,” Lefler said, who dropped out of high school after failing his freshman year.

He tried home schooling for awhile, but he felt like he was teaching himself and he knew he wasn’t motivated enough to do that job properly. He also knew he wanted to go to college and that he had to finish high school first in order to do that.

“I saw a poster advertising the GED program at Spoon River College and went in,” Lefler said, noting that Rob Kirkham, Director of the Rushville Center, talked him through the process and helped him get started. A year later, Lefler has successfully completed his freshman year at Spoon River College and looks forward to continuing in the fall, concentrating on art, music and drama.

As for Kirkham, his enthusiasm for the new Center matches that of the students, and as a resident of Rushville, he likes that he is readily available to answer questions from residents, whether it be in the local Subway shop at lunch or after hours at a community event.

According to Kirkham, community members are just as excited about the new center as he and the students are.

Lori Thomas is one of them. She works as an Occupational Therapist at Culbertson Memorial Hospital, where she leads a support group for stroke survivors. Kirkham spoke to the group about computer classes and other resources available to them at the Center.

“The group thought it was a great presentation, and we learned a lot,” Thomas said. “It’s a very nice facility with a lot to offer the entire community. There are a lot of good things going on there.”

Kirkham has no doubt that the enthusiasm for the Center will continue.

“Rushville residents are very proud of their community, their businesses, and are very involved in community events. They will support, utilize, and ensure the success of our new Center,” he said.

Now that the spring semester is over, Kirkham and office assistant Jean Hulvey are already busy preparing for the coming fall semester even as they gear up for the start of the summer session on Monday, June 7.

Summer classes being offered at the Rushville Center include Speech Communication and two IVS courses; American History and Introduction to Astronomy.

There are ten classes scheduled for fall that will utilize the IVS, while 13 will be offered directly on site at the Rushville Center. Additionally, a wide variety of online courses are available.

Kirkham stresses the fact that any college business can be handled at the Rushville Center, regardless of where the class will be taken.

“Students can register here and I can be their advisor even if they plan on taking some or all of their classes at another site,” he said. “They can get their textbooks, make payments, and take the Compass test right here at the Rushville Center.”

Kirkham added that they can also offer some assistance with financial aid, such as giving out forms, filing paper work, and helping to complete the FAFSA. However, they do urge students to make direct contact with the financial aid department, at least by phone.

For more information about Spoon River College, the programs of study offered, and a complete list of classes, visit www.src.edu or call 217-322-6060.

FUNK KITCHEN ART NIGHT IN JONES PARK RESCHEDULED

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:12:02 +0100

The Art Night in Jones Park being hosted by Funk Kitchen, the new Spoon River College Arts organization, which was cancelled in May due to the weather has been rescheduled for Friday, June 11 from 5-9. There will be live music, art, and interpretive reading. Artists will be drawing and painting during the evening, and there will be open mic opportunities for anyone who would like to perform. In addition, the SRC Student Government Association will provide free face painting. Bring the family and join us for a night of fun and art.

STUDENT ART WORK INSTALLED

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 11:34:26 +0100

Matt Sale of Canton, who recently graduated from Spoon River College with an Associate in Arts and Science degree, completed a unique service learning project as part of the ART 224-History of 20th Century Art class that he took during his final semester at SRC. His painting “New Horizon” was installed in the Student Services area of the College. The large scale acrylic on panel features a mass of graduates on top of a globe to symbolize the multi-cultural value of learning to the world.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE RECEIVES KRESGE FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIP AWARD

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 10:33:48 +0100

Spoon River College was awarded a 2010 Kresge Foundation Fellowship Award. Second Nature, with funding from The Kresge Foundation, has presented these fellowship awards to 25 higher education institutions out of 60 applicant institutions. Selection was based on a diverse selection committee’s assessment of these institutions’ level of need, statement of interest, and campus sustainability capacity.

The fellowship provides a senior member of the college/university community with education on green building and sustainability in higher education and peer-to-peer networking opportunities. Spoon River College has selected Jeff Bash, Agriculture instructor, to represent the school in this fellowship opportunity.

“I believe that sustainability in several different areas is going to become more and more important in the college campuses throughout the US,” said Bash. “The young minds that are in our classes everyday need to be exposed to the technology and mindset that will change the world for the better. My interest is in sustainable agriculture and renewable energy.”

Bash will be attending the annual AASHE (Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education) conference in Denver, Colorado in October where long-time environmental activist Ed Begley, Jr. will be a keynote speaker. The conference is being billed as the largest campus sustainability conference in North America.

“The Kresge fellows are becoming key players in the education for sustainability movement. We’re thrilled to welcome the selected 2010 fellows to this effort, and we are excited to support them as they champion green building on their own campuses and beyond,” says Dr. Anthony Cortese, President of Second Nature.

A goal of the fellowship program is to offer university executives the information and networks requisite to become successful green building leaders at their own under-resourced campuses. These representatives will attend one of two noteworthy green building-related conferences for the year 2010, where they will have the opportunity for training, networking, and inspiration for campus green building. The fellowship award will compensate for their travel, lodging, and conference registration expenses.

The Kresge Fellowship Program is one of the key educational and outreach programs within the Advancing Green Building in Higher Education Initiative. This capacity-building initiative, launched by Second Nature and funded by The Kresge Foundation, focuses on addressing some of the crucial challenges faced by under-resourced colleges and universities to ‘build green’ on their campuses. Through this initiative, Second Nature is helping under-resourced higher education institutions build champions for green building and learn about the resources and networks available to construct and renovate campus buildings in ways that save money, reduce environmental and health impacts, serve as educational tools, and increase student enrollment.

For more information on Second Nature's Advancing Green Building in Higher Education Initiative, please contact Ashka Naik, Program Manager, at anaik@secondnature.org.

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:50:20 +0100

HIGHLIGHTS OF BOARD APPROVED ITEMS: May 26, 2010 meeting
The following points of information were addressed in the regular meeting of The Spoon River College Board of Trustees. These notes are provided as a summary of the topics discussed during the Board meeting and do not constitute the official minutes of the meeting. The official minutes of the meeting will be available following approval at the regular June 2010 meeting. Official minutes can also be viewed on the college’s website at www.src.edu.

Action items:
• The Board approved a contract with Corporate Clean, Peoria, Illinois for custodial services for the Canton and Macomb campuses. This contract reflects an approximate 20% savings to the college compared to the previous contract.
• The Board approved a contract with Elam Private Detective, Inc. of Canton, Illinois to provide evening security coverage for the Canton and Macomb campuses. This contract reflects an approximate 15% savings to the college compared with the previous contract.
• The Board approved authorization of a submission of a capital budget request to the Resource Allocation and Management Plan (RAMP) Project for remodeling of Taylor and Centers at the Canton campus. It was noted that this submission was considered a “place holder” that would serve to save the College’s current spot on the RAMP list.
• The Board approved authorization of a submission of a capital budget request to the Resource Allocation and Management Plan (RAMP) Project for renovations of the East Jackson street facility in Macomb.
• Resolution Declaring the Intent of the College to issue funding bonds. A necessary step in a multi-step process. The Board reached consensus on a10 year payoff schedule.
• The Board approved the hourly rate for full-time and regularly scheduled part-time classified personnel be increased 3% for the 2011 fiscal year. This is a reduction from the 4.25% contractual increase with the Spoon River College Classified Personnel Association. Members of the Spoon River College Classified Personnel Association approved this contract concession by a majority vote.
• The Board approved the two-year contract of Dr. Randy Greenwell, Vice-President of Instruction and Student Services.
• The Board approved a three-year contract with Dr. Robert E. Ritschel, President of Spoon River College, at the same salary as the current fiscal year.

• Other Business:
• Monthly reports presented include:
o Dave Maguire, Board member and Illinois Community College Trustee Association representative, reported on the status of budget talks in Springfield concerning higher education funding. At the time of the report, a State budget had not yet been approved.
o Taylor Snowman, Student Trustee, reported the following:
? The new mascot logo for SRC was designed by SRC Art student Ryan Dowell.
? Five teams participated in the first Annual Fishing Contest.
? The Art Night in Jones Park planned by Funk Kitchen has been re-scheduled for Friday, June 11 from 5-9 p.m.
o Velvet Powell, Director of the Macomb Outreach Center, reported on the use of the new facility. Since September of 2009, a total of 192 groups have used the MOC. These include outside rentals, SRC events, and Community Outreach classes. Powell also shared comments from the group evaluations. All were very positive in regard to the facility itself and the SRC staff at the Center.
o Daniel Marvin, Director of the Macomb Campus reported the following:
? Student activities on the Macomb campus:
• Free Sun Damage Screenings facilitated by SRC Health Science instructor Elaine Lucas in collaboration with McDonough District Hospital.
• Get Fit Day that included an obstacle course and rock climbing wall provided by the National Guard, and free oral cancer screenings provided by the McDonough County Health Department.
• Increased membership and enhancement of the PEEPS Club and Phi Theta Kappa in collaboration with the Student Government Association.
? Advanced Rapid Deployment to Active Shooter training was conducted at the campus during the week of May 16 by members of the Macomb Police Department, McDonough County Sheriff’s Department, District 14 Illinois State Police 14 and Western Illinois University Office of Public Safety personnel.
? Marvin noted he had also completed the Macomb Leadership Academy; became a member of the Morning Rotary Club; and a member of the CUPP Committee and the newly developed committee on underage drinking.
o Carol Davis, Vice-President of Community Outreach, highlighted the accomplishments of the Spoon River College Foundation:
? A total of $300,188.74 has been brought in by the Foundation during the 2009-2010 year, including:
• Annual Golf Outing [Canton]-$18,000
• Last Beach Party [Havana]-$10,000
• 50th Anniversary Campaign-$27,000
• 6th Annual Celebrity Waiter Dinner [Macomb]-$23,000
• Employee Campaign-$17,000
? Projects and events supported by the Foundation include:
• Annual Art Awards
• SRC Golf team
• The BIG READ
• Innovation Research Grants
• Dual Credit Scholarships
• Retirees Leading Academy
• Interactive Video System (IVS)
? The SRC Foundation awarded 125 students over $67,300 in scholarship money.
o Gary Schindler, Dean of Student Services, reported that plans are being made to establish Campus Visit Days, which would include individual sessions for parents and for students, and would cover a variety of topics.
o Jim Genandt, Dean of Career and Technical Education, reported that the writing team for the upcoming Accreditation report has met with the steering committee and a rough draft of the report should be completed by mid-August.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE LITERACY VOLUNTEER RECEIVES SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICE AWARD

Wed, 26 May 2010 14:17:34 +0100

Glenn Fanter of Havana, volunteer tutor for the Spoon River College Literacy Project, was one of ten volunteers recently recognized by Secretary of State and State Librarian Jessie White and the Illinois Press Association with a Spotlight on Service award for his dedication and commitment as a literacy tutor.

“I am enormously proud to recognize our outstanding volunteer tutors for their generosity and encouragement in helping literacy students achieve their utmost potential,” said Secretary White during the ceremony that was held at the Illinois State Library in Springfield. “It is so important for each of us to give something back to our neighbors and our communities, and these heroes who help improve the lives of their students are a terrific example of the positive impact that comes from volunteerism."

Fanter and his wife Barb were already volunteering at the Havana public schools where they helped children practice reading when they were recruited to be adult literacy tutors by Cheryl Parr, a volunteer in the Spoon River College Literacy Program. In the nomination letter Parr wrote to the State, she noted that Fanter was a caring individual and dedicated to helping the students.

“The students can’t help but trust and admire Glenn,” Parr wrote. “The Spoon River College Literacy Program feels very lucky to have Glenn’s help.”

Besides volunteering with the Spoon River College Literacy Program, Fanter continues to volunteer in the Havana grade school, the Mason County Junior Master Gardener 4-H program, and his church. Last year during National Volunteer Appreciation Week, Fanter was featured in the Pekin Daily Times as an “Unsung Hero.”

The ten winning tutors received a plaque and personalized Illinois Blue Book from Secretary White, and $200 is donated by the Illinois Press Foundation to the literacy program where they serve as volunteer tutors.

“The Illinois Press Association and the Illinois Press Foundation are proud to join Secretary of State Jesse White in honoring the recipients of the Spotlight on Service awards,” said Dennis DeRossett, Executive Director of the Illinois Press Foundation. “We honor those individuals who devote their time and energy helping others to achieve their reading goals. Illinois newspapers are proud to be part of this commitment to help people overcome the crippling effects of illiteracy.”

Tutors are nominated from among the local providers who receive literacy grant funding from the Secretary of State/Illinois State Library Literacy Office. Last year adult literacy programs that received grant funding provided educational services to 22,725 adult students. Statewide, 8,797 volunteer tutors gave nearly 774,000 hours of time to help students develop and enhance their reading, writing, math and language skills. Persons interested in becoming volunteer tutors are urged to contact the Illinois Adult Learning Hotline at 1-800-321-9511.

Persons interested in becoming volunteer tutors for Spoon River College may contact the Adult Education department at (309) 833-6017 in Macomb or (309) 649-6204 in Canton.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE AND MCDONOUGH DISTRICT HOSPITAL OFFER SUN SCREENINGS

Wed, 26 May 2010 11:43:30 +0100

Sun damage screenings were held recently at Spoon River College in Canton and Macomb. The screenings were coordinated between Elaine Lucas, Health Science instructor at Spoon River College, and Diane Tate and Sharon Berlett, Health educators at McDonough District Hospital.

“Excessive sun exposure is responsible for most of the skin damage that is associated with aging,” said Lucas. “This damage slowly develops over time and starts at a young age. Much of the skin damage is cosmetic, but some effects, such as skin cancer, are more serious.”

The screening consisted of a digital image taken of the face that emphasized areas that may have accumulated sun damage. After receiving printouts of their images, participants were given an analysis of their results and received free sun protection handouts, chapstick, and sunscreen. Lucas emphasized that the screenings were not intended to be a diagnosis for skin cancer.

“Our goal was to educate people about the dangers of sun exposure, how to protect themselves from it, and to show exactly what areas of their faces had accumulated sun damage,” Lucas said.

Approximately 100 people, including students, faculty, and staff, took advantage of the free screenings.

“We were extremely pleased with the turnout,” Lucas said. “I look forward to working with McDonough District Hospital on future educational events such as this. I believe they are very important.”

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE FOUNDATION ELECTS NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Tue, 25 May 2010 11:42:52 +0100

The Spoon River College Foundation held its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 19th at the Spoon River College Community Outreach Center in Macomb. The current Foundation board members elected new board members and executive committee, reviewed the 2009-10 operating year, and set goals and objectives for 2010-11 and 2011-12.
Four new board members were elected by unanimous vote. Those joining the board will be Kevin Gaul of Macomb, Plant Manager for Pella Corporation’s Macomb Operations facility; Jennifer Beal of Cuba, retired educator, community volunteer, and co-coordinator of THE BIG READ; John Marshall of Ipava, Superintendent of VIT Schools; and Gary Davis of Lewistown, SRC alumnus and Principal of Farnsworth Group, Inc. of Peoria. In addition, Rusty Melhouse of Macomb was elected to a second three year term. All those elected will begin their three year terms on July 1, 2010.
“We are very pleased with the qualifications of this year’s new board members,” said Rusty Melhouse, current Foundation Board Chair. “We also have Jerry Cremer taking on the Chairmanship, with Greg Lardi as Vice Chair, Susie McMillen as Secretary, and Deny Bryant as Treasurer. This is an excellent leadership team and we are all looking forward to meeting the challenges in 2010-11.”
The Board also acknowledged the service of three outgoing members Bill Dodds, Jean Lewis and Bonnie Krulac each of which served two consecutive three year terms.
A review of the 2009-10 operating year indicated that over $300,000 had been raised through a variety of fundraising events such as the Annual Golf Outing at Wee-Ma-Tuk, “The Last Beach Party in Havana,” the Celebrity Waiter Dinner in Macomb, and two productions by the SRC Community Chorus. In addition, the SRC Foundation held donor campaigns including the annual Employee Campaign and the 50th Anniversary Campaign led by Lynn McPheeters.
Donors were recognized at the annual President’s Reception in April and a new recognition plaque recognizing the 24 current Named Endowed Scholarships was dedicated.
“The Foundation’s goal is to increase the number of Named Endowed Scholarships annually,” said Carol Davis of the Foundation. “These scholarships start with a minimum investment of $10,000 and award the interest which allows for the scholarships to be given every year without interruption. Named Endowed Scholarships are a great way to honor people, businesses or organizations through a legacy program that impacts lives forever.”
The Foundation provided 125 students over $65,000 in scholarships for both the 2009-10 and upcoming 2010-11 academic years. These students, both traditional and non-traditional, represent the entire SRC district.
The Foundation also supported the college by providing resources for a number of different programs including $1,500 in start up funds for the new SRC Golf Team, innovative research grants to faculty, the purchase of two art pieces from SRC Art Award Winners, $10,000 in dual credit scholarships, sponsorships of THE BIG READ, The Nature Quilt Project, the SRC Community Chorus, and the Retirees Leading Initiative programs.
Furniture was purchased for the lobby of the new SRC Community Outreach Center in Macomb, the Student Lounge at the SRC Havana Center, and technology was purchased for use throughout the district.
“It is the mission of the Foundation to secure resources to support the needs of the college as expressed by the SRC Board of Trustees,” Davis said. “The Foundation’s board members take great pride in being able to make such a positive difference for the college and its students.”
For more information about the SRC Foundation, please contact Carol Davis at (309) 647-6395 or carol.davis@src.edu or visit the Foundation’s website at www.src.edu/foundation.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE GOLF TEAMS SET FOR 2010 SEASON

Mon, 24 May 2010 09:18:14 +0100

The Spoon River College golf team was officially established on April 30 when several high school seniors throughout the district signed a Letter of Intent to play during the 2010-2011 academic year. Student athletes, parents and friends attended the ceremony and were welcomed by Gary Schindler-Dean of Student Services, Rick Eddy-Athletic Director, and Greg Garrett-SRC golf coach.

The women’s team will be comprised of Brandi Bishop of Canton; Dakota Lehman of Cuba; Amelia Renner and Blair Martin of Farmington and Chelsey Henderson of Macomb.

The men’s team will be T.J. Blevins, Tyler George, Dylan Randall, and Lea Turgeon of Canton; Travis Davenport, Alex Noble, and Taylor Walker of Havana; and Dalton Davis of Farmington.

“There is a high level of enthusiasm for the Spoon River College golf program,” said Schindler. “All of the athletes are from the college district and the area golf courses have been very supportive to meet our practice and future golf meet hosting needs.”

Eddy presented an overview of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) regulations and SRC college requirements for student athletes, while Garrett reviewed the current status of team development, including courses, equipment needs, and planned competitive schedules. He also discussed fund raising activities to help support a spring golf trip at which the Spoon River College team would have the opportunity to compete with southern colleges in a golf match.

“With the team now in place, we will focus our efforts on our first scramble golf outing on Friday, July 16 at Crane Creek Golf Club located in the Havana and Kilbourne communities,” said Garrett. “We hope to have an enjoyable outing and a successful golf tournament that will provide much needed funding assistance to support the first year of the college program.”

“With more than disappointing leadership out of Springfield driving deep cuts in education, including athletics, it becomes imperative that we all take up the cause to do what we can ourselves,” Garrett added.

Garrett also anticipates the team hosting an early September golf scramble at nearby Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills Country Club. Other fund-raising activities being planned include car washes, gas card raffles and an off-season dinner and auction that Garrett refers to as the main event.

“The dinner and auction should be a wonderful event,” said Garrett. “Donated items from the Dallas Cowboys, the University of Texas, PGA professionals and the country music industry are already arriving. I believe before we are done, attendees will be looking at items not normally found in central Illinois.”

“We are hoping to reach out to all of the local communities for support in our first year and look forward to meeting and working with the local businesses and residents,” said Garrett.

SRC CELEBRATES ACHIEVEMENTS OF GED COMPLETERS

Fri, 21 May 2010 12:23:35 +0100

Spoon River College celebrated the achievements of thirty-four students who successfully completed GED preparation courses and passed the examination at a ceremony at the Canton campus. Seventeen students participated in the achievement ceremony on Thursday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m., where they were joined by proud family and friends.

Eight of the students were selected by the Spoon River College Adult Education teachers and staff to each receive a scholarship for one three-credit college-level course at the college. The students were: Kaylie Chasteen, Leah Crosby, Cynthia Landes, Wendy Pyles, Jennifer Smith, Joseph Smith and David Thompson.

The keynote speaker for the event was David Kellogg, coordinator of the Criminal Justice program at Carl Sandburg College. Kellogg shared his own inspirational story of overcoming challenges as a young man to obtain a GED and continue on to successes in his life: obtaining bachelor and graduate degrees, a career in corrections and law enforcement, serving as a military reservist and now as a college instructor.

Also participating in the ceremony was Pat O’Brien, District Director for the 17th Congressional District. O’Brien brought a congratulatory message to the graduates from Congressman Phil Hare who was unable to attend due to commitments in Washington.

The Spoon River College Adult Education department provides GED preparation classes, literacy tutoring, ESL classes, family literacy services and teen parent programs. For more information, contact the Adult Education department at (309) 649-6229 in Canton and (309) 833-6017 in Macomb.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE EMPLOYEE APRRECIATION DINNER

Thu, 20 May 2010 13:18:17 +0100

Spoon River College recently held its annual Employee Appreciation Dinner at the Macomb Outreach Center. The event honors employees with five or more years of service, individuals who retired during the 2009-2010 academic year, and instructors who received outstanding faculty awards.

Honored for 5 years of service: Tina Advani, Kristy Boggs, Michelle Bugos, Sarah Dalpiez, Carol Davis, Lisa Dennis, and Jamie Weiss

Honored for 10 years of service: Stephanie Howerter, Sherry Nelson, Brad O’ Brien

Honored for 15 years of service: Margaret Barr, Jim Caudle, Mickey Decker, Denise Harrington, Carolyn Peters, Marty Simpson

Honored for 25 years of service: Vickie Churchill, Sue Freeman, Jeanine Standard

Retirees: Jody McCamey

The instructors receiving faculty awards for the 2009-2010 academic year are: Jason Strandberg, History/Political Science-H. Truman Standard Award; Julie Barclay, Nursing-Illinois Community College Trustees Outstanding Faculty Award for Spoon River College; and Amy McCallister, Health Science and Allied Health-Part-time Faculty Award.

COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY AT ILLINOIS RIVER CORRECTIONAL CENTER

Thu, 20 May 2010 12:45:20 +0100

The commencement ceremony held at Illinois River Correctional Center (IRCC) on May 13 honored 89 students for their academic achievements. The educational programs are offered by Spoon River College and the Illinois Department of Corrections’ Office of Adult Ed and Vocational Services.

Certificates were awarded to those students who completed one of the following: Adult Basic Education or the GED program; Computer Technology; Food Service; Construction Technology, or Horticulture. Three students were recognized for completing an Associate of General Studies degree from Spoon River College and one for completing an Associate degree in Liberal Studies.

Rick Birkey, Warden at IRCC, gave the welcoming address at what for many was a bittersweet occasion due to the financial crisis Illinois is experiencing. Because of that financial crisis, the Department of Corrections cannot assure the college that they would be able to pay for the training. College officials stated that discontinuing the program was an unfortunate, but unavoidable decision.

“This will most likely be the last graduation with Spoon River College,” said Birkey, adding “Spoon River College may not be here anymore, but this will not be our last graduation.”

Birkey commended those being honored for turning a negative experience into a positive one by pursuing their education while incarcerated.

“We may tell you what to do and when to eat and sleep, but we can never take away your education. Education is about much more than just learning; it’s about learning about life and how to function in society.”

In lieu of a keynote speaker, three members of the education staff shared their thoughts on the importance of prison education while also offering encouragement to the students.

Vickie Herman, SRC Horticulture instructor for the prison, shared her personal experience of having a loved one incarcerated and how it opened her eyes to the need for prison rehabilitation and education and inspired her to become a prison educator.

Herman also noted how her position with the IDOC had changed many times over the years depending on funding issues and echoed Birkey’s sentiment when she said, “Is it over here at IRCC? Absolutely not.”

Jeff Paisley, GED instructor at IRCC, encouraged the students to keep learning, regardless of whether they had access to an education program while incarcerated or not.

“You can still learn by going to the library, taking correspondence courses, and even by watching television, as long as you choose what you watch wisely.”

Adult Basic Education instructor Sheila Dye offered her congratulations to the graduates, and quoted Martin Luther King, Jr. who said, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.”
Several of the graduates also spoke, thanking the faculty and teaching assistants for their help and support. Literacy volunteers Cheryl Parr and David Pschirrer were in attendance and were recognized for their dedication. They received an enthusiastic round of applause from the graduates and teaching assistants.

One student who was being honored for achieving a Certificate in Horticulture encouraged the graduates to live their lives in such a way that when they are released that they won’t come back to prison.

“Make this your cornerstone, make it your foundation for education, but don’t make IRCC your destination,” he said.

Following the ceremony, graduates and guests were treated to cupcakes and pizza prepared by the Culinary Arts department under the supervision of SRC instructor Keith Shank. Music was provided by the R&B Band, and floral decorations were provided by Vickie Herman’s Horticulture class.

Members of the Spoon River College education staff at IRCC consist of Terry Dagit, Steve Hedge, Vickie Herman, Toni Scott, Keith Shank, Brooke Walters, and Tom Zaborac, Director of Correctional Education. Literacy volunteers include Cheryl Parr, David Pschirrer, and Glen Fanter, who was recently honored by Secretary of State Jessie White with a Spotlight on Service Award for his contribution as a literacy tutor.

EDUCATION BEHIND A WALL

Thu, 20 May 2010 12:37:51 +0100

“I can’t help but remember a kid who was a student at Spoon River College in 1985. For some unexplainable reason, he felt a need to take a semester off, promising himself he would return the following semester. Bad decision! One semester turned into 24 years of many bad decisions. One semester turned into 24 years of broken promises, habitual procrastination, wasted potential, and lost dreams. One semester turned into 24 years of could ofs, should ofs, and would ofs.”

These were the opening remarks of a speech given at the Illinois River Correctional Center Commencement ceremony a year ago by inmate Stacey Kemp when he received his Certificate in Computer Technology. Because Spoon River College contracts the education program at the prison, Kemp found himself in the ironic position of being educated by the same institution as an inmate as he had been as a free man 25 years before.

“There is a difference between bad people and bad decisions. The majority of our prison population falls into the bad decision category. The problem is that while we judge ourselves by our intentions, the world is judging us by our actions.”

Good intentions, bad decisions, and an escalating substance abuse problem put the former college student in and out of the prison system for the next two decades. When he wasn’t incarcerated, he seldom had trouble finding jobs; however, he did have trouble keeping them.

“I was always good at selling myself and always able to get a good job,” said Kemp. “I just couldn’t hang on to them because of my addiction and the crimes I committed to feed that addiction.”

According to the Illinois Department of Corrections, drug related crimes account for almost 69 percent of the state prison population and also contribute to the increased risk of recidivism.

“After 20 years, I finally put action behind my good intentions. One of the actions I took was to return to school. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn.”

A turning point in Kemp’s life came when he was incarcerated at Big Muddy Correctional Center and was taking classes through the education program there. He wrote a research paper for a composition class that explored the history of rehabilitation over incarceration. His teacher gave him an A and told him it was better than most of the papers she gets in her “real” college classes. The paper even came to the attention of the Centers for Disease Control and resulted in correspondence between Kemp and the CDC.

“That paper made me realize I could still think and it made me realize my potential for writing,” said Kemp.

What it didn’t do was keep him on the straight and narrow once he was released from Big Muddy. Old habits die hard and once again Kemp found himself behind bars for burglary, this time at IRCC.

Five years later, three credit hours shy of an Associate degree, and two years away from his release date, Kemp feels as if he has finally left behind “the lunacy of my past.” He has come to believe that rehabilitation without education cannot work, although he is well aware that money spent on prison education is harshly criticized by some.

“At least if prisoners are educated, there is a return on the investment,” said Kemp. “What’s the return to society on incarceration? There is none. Instead it leads to the need for more prisons and more employees, all of which cost more tax dollars.”

Illinois River Correctional Center has the capacity for 1,011 prisoners but currently has a daily average population of 1,950 at an average annual cost of $17,014.00 per inmate, according to the IDOC.

While Kemp regrets his choices and all they have cost him, he comforts himself with the knowledge that his experiences, along with the education he has received, have put him in the position of being uniquely qualified to help others stay out of prison.

“I believe in having lofty goals for when I get released,” Kemp said. “I want to work to change the correctional system. We currently have more prisons than any other nation, yet we also have more crime, which would seem to mean that more prisons do not work.”

According to the International Centre for Prison Studies at Kings College in London, the United States has the most prisons and the largest prison population in the world, both in absolute and proportional terms. Approximately 753 per 100,000 of the US population are incarcerated, for a total of 2,304,115 prisoners detained in one of 5,069 correctional institutions. In comparison, Russia hits the list at number three, with 609 per 100,000 of their national population incarcerated, for a total prison population of 862,300 in 1,049 correction facilities.

Instead of building more prisons, Kemp would like to like to see a system that favors preventive measures that start early, such as education programs on substance abuse that would be required for all junior high students, educational programs for at risk students, and mentoring programs for young people, especially those from troubled families and from neighborhoods of extreme poverty.

“I partly blame us older guys; we keep coming back to prison, which either leaves our younger brothers without good role models or with incorrect ones,” Kemp said, who remembers how he was looked up to in his neighborhood by those who thought he was cool for all the wrong reasons.

The debate on whether prison education works and whether tax payers should foot the bill will most likely continue. Research can be found that will support either side but regardless of the research, Kemp points out a very simple fact.

“Most prisoners are going to be released back into society at some point, and their choices will be to either get back to the misery of their old lives or start new ones,” Kemp said. “If society expects them to make significant changes, inmates must have the opportunity to gain the skills necessary for them to become contributing members of society.”

Kemp has vowed to himself that this time he will not return, not as a prisoner anyway. He would like to return in order to talk to other inmates and try to help them change their lives. Meanwhile, he is certified to teach PEER Education, HIV and Hepatitis, and Rational Thinking and ABE (Adult Basic Education) as a teaching assistant, and he attends AA meetings when they are offered.

Kemp seems sincere, but a valid question for a man who has been in and out of the system for 25 years, been in rehab in excess of five times, made a bad choice that returned him to prison even after starting his education, and who by his own admission can “sell himself” might be, “Why should society believe you really have changed now?”

Kemp realizes no good answer to that question exists; the answer will be reflected in the choices he makes once released. He also realizes he has a lot to prove to a lot of people, including his estranged family…and himself.

“For the first time in many years I like myself,” said Kemp. “I have come to a place of peace and at the end of every day, what matters to me is that I have helped someone else, and that I can look myself in the eye. Today, my integrity means a lot to me.”

Kemp may very well succeed as others have before him. Former prisoners have successfully started their own businesses, found employment in career fields that range from landscaping to computer technology, continued on with and completed their education, and worked with community organizations to mentor troubled youths. They all credit their success to the education and support they received from their instructors while in prison.

Kemp echoes that sentiment.

“The importance of the instructors’ jobs cannot be measured in dollars or years of service. It is measured by the number of lives changed and saved,” Kemp said.

The Illinois Department of Corrections is not replacing IRCC instructors who have retired, which means fewer educational programs, and as of June 30, 2010, Spoon River College will no longer contract the education program at the prison. Kemp had some final thoughts on that.

“Someone from my end needs to be heard from. Without educational opportunities, we will continue to create monsters in our prisons. Inmates spend so many years sitting in a closet with a stool and then are let out and expected to function and perform normally in society. It just doesn’t work that way.”

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE STUDENTS CELEBRATE ACHIEVEMENTS AT 49TH COMMENCEMENT

Tue, 18 May 2010 10:07:48 +0100

Former Spoon River College Alumnus and Hollywood Actor David Pires Provides Keynote Address

Spoon River College celebrated its 49th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 15, 2010. Hollywood actor and Spoon River College alumnus David Pires gave the commencement address. The afternoon ceremony was held at the Cuba Middle-Senior High School and recognized the achievements of 120 graduates.

Every year during the commencement ceremony, Spoon River College presents awards to outstanding students for their achievements while at Spoon River College. The following individuals were recognized at this year’s commencement ceremony:

Career and Technical Student of the Year

Tracy Burgard of Cuba was the recipient of this year’s Occupational Student of the Year award. Burgard has completed the Associate Degree in Nursing program and plans to continue her nursing education in an RN to MSN program. Burgard’s long term goal is to be a Nurse Practitioner specializing in diabetes.

A single mother who continued working full-time as a Registered Dietician at Graham Hospital while also attending school full-time, Burgard maintained a 3.62 GPA. She was praised by her instructors for her dedication to her studies, for her willingness to help others-both her patients and fellow students-and for her leadership abilities and volunteer activities. Burgard was elected by her peers to be the student representative for the SRC Health Occupations Advisory Committee. She was also one of the founding members of the SRC Student Nurse Association (SNA) and served as President for the group.

“Tracey will be an outstanding, successful employee and will be an asset to any healthcare agency,” said Nursing instructor Julie Barclay. “She is efficient, her leadership and management skills are excellent, and she quickly develops a wonderful rapport with clients, staff, and peers while on a clinical site.”

Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society Recognition

Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for students in two-year colleges. To become a member of Phi Theta Kappa, a student must have a 3.5 grade point average, and to maintain membership, the cumulative grade point average must be 3.3.

Each year Phi Theta Kappa honors students who have maintained a 4.0 grade point average throughout their time at Spoon River College. This year, those students are: Melissa Baughman, Smithfield; Henry Cantleberry, Macomb; Tiffany Collins, Canton, and Kurt Reihm, Avon.

Lisa Davison, Michael Derry, Misty Malda and Kari Robertson were also were recognized for their nomination to this year’s All-Illinois Academic Team. Along with their outstanding grade point averages, they were honored for their service to the college and their communities.

In addition, Michael Derry was recognized for being selected as a COCA-COLA FINALIST in a program that is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and administered by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. As a finalist, Derry will receive $1,000 stipend from the Foundation.

“Michael is a very focused young man. As evidenced by his 4.0 GPA at Spoon River College, he is very dedicated to his studies,” said Gary Schindler, Dean of Student Services. “Michael is also focused on service. He is a strong leader on campus, particularly in our Student Government Association. His exceptional academic performance at Spoon River College and his involvement in college and community service activities make him a very deserving awardee from the Coca-Cola Foundation.”

Student Achievement Recognition Awards

Each year since 1969, two students from Spoon River College have been chosen to be the recipients of the Student Achievement Recognition Award.

The first award recognizes a student who has conquered and progressed toward achievement of their personal goals, overcome many obstacles, and shown considerable initiative. This award went to Linda Johnston of Industry, who is a single mother of three children. Johnston worked full-time evenings and weekends as a nurse’s aide at the Elms in Macomb while attending school. In addition to the time constraints and family obligations, Johnston dealt with several serious medical problems and transportation issues. Despite those obstacles, Johnston maintained a 3.19 GPA and received an Associate in General Studies.

“Although Linda believes it has taken her too long to finish her degree, we realize what an accomplishment this is, especially in light of the many serious issues she was dealing with while attending school. That is why she was chosen to receive this award,” said Dr. Randy Greenwell, Vice-President of Instruction and Student Services.

The second award is given to a student who possesses individual initiative, personal development, and has made progress toward achievement of their goals, along with participation and success in college extra-curricular activities. This award was presented to Emily Valencia of Lewistown, a full-time Art major who began her college career while still in high school through the dual credit program.

“Of all the students I have had in my career, Emily is one of the most gifted designers I have ever seen,” said Art instructor Tracy Snowman. “I would place her in the top 5% of all students in my 20-year career. Emily’s attendance, grades and enthusiasm are all consistent proof that she is dedicated to her education.”

Valencia received an Associate of Arts and Science, Associate of Applied Science in Electronic Design, a Graphic Design Certificate, and a Web Design Certificate. While at Spoon River College, Valencia was active in art exhibitions, drama productions, Honors (maintaining a 3.75 GPA), student government events, and served as the Spoon River College Student Trustee. In spite of her busy schedule, which included working part-time, Valencia also volunteered her time to assist area elementary students with art projects, and with painting and maintenance work at Youth Acres in Canton. She will be attending Western Illinois University in the fall and majoring in Art Education. She is the daughter of Jay and Susan Valencia.

Faculty Recognition

The following faculty were previously honored at the college’s annual Employee Recognition Dinner and were recognized during the commencement ceremony:

Jason Strandberg, History/Political Science instructor, received the H. Truman Standard Award. The criteria for this award includes excellence in teaching, contributing to the educational and personal development of students, inspiring enthusiasm for the subject area, and exemplifying the core values of Spoon River College. The recipient of this award is determined by student nominations.

Julie Barclay, Nursing instructor, is the Spoon River College nominee for the Illinois Community College Trustees Association 2010 Outstanding Faculty Member Award. This award is presented each year to a faculty member who displays teaching excellence and an ability to take personal interest in students, contributes to students’ total educational and personal development, inspires enthusiasm for the subject area taught, and serves the college apart from classroom responsibilities. The instructor selected for this award is recognized at the annual ICCTA banquet and is eligible for the ICCTA’s statewide outstanding faculty award.

Amy McCallister, Part-time Health Science Instructor, received the Distinguished Faculty Award for part-time faculty.

HOLLYWOOD ACTOR AND FORMER SRC ALUMNUS DAVID PIRES DELIVERS GRADUATION SPEECH

Mon, 17 May 2010 11:05:23 +0100

What Is Your Ultimate?

by David Pires

Spoon River College
Commencement
May 15, 2010

dedicated to
Barbara J. Pires
1928-2009

Hi! My name is David Pires, and I am….SRC Rage.

I would like to thank President and Mrs. Ritschel (Rich-L), Carol Davis, the Board of Trustees, Faculty, Staff, the Foundation, Family, Friends, Enemies, the Academy, and most of all, the 2010 graduating class of Spoon River College for the distinct pleasure of being a part of your celebration today. I am truly flattered, humbled, proud, and most of all shocked, at this honor. Evidently, Flavor Flav, was not available.

It was exactly 25 years ago, when I sat where you are, anxiously waiting for the speaker to finish. I must admit….I am anxiously waiting for me to finish as well. But what a difference 9,128 days makes!

When Carol Davis called and asked: “Would you give this years’ commencement address?” I said: “Sure…send it to my Agent, and we’ll take a look at it.” Then there was an awkward silence, and she said: “Ah, no….you have to write it as well.” This is so bizarre, because in college I paid someone to write all of my papers, so to be asked to……(look at President, etc.)…..Ooops!

Now, as an Actor, I am much more comfortable with saying other people’s words. But I did take Speech 101 with Bob Gorg, so I decided I’d go ahead and give this a try.

Speaking of Bob Gorg….before I begin on my 4 hour oration, I would like to thank a few people. There are countless numbers of people in the Spoon River College Family who go out of their way on a daily basis to help us succeed in our academic life. I would like to mention three who went above and beyond the call of duty for me both during and after my SRC Career.

Farrell Till, my English Professor, met with me every Sunday morning in his video store uptown for an entire summer, so that I could achieve the one credit that I needed to graduate on time. You won’t get that kind of care and compassion outside of Spoon River. So thank you Farrell Till.

Dale Bishop allowed me to practice in the theatre during Spring Break. Every night, he would go out of his way to unlock the theatre for me, let me rehearse until the wee hours of the morning, and then lock up afterwards. He later went on to serve on the Spoon River College Board of Trustees. Dale really cares about the Spoon River College community. Thank you Dale Bishop.

And last, but certainly not least, there is Bob Gorg. I don’t know if he knew this when he cast me in THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, while I was still a senior at Canton High School……but I used to mow Mr. Gorg’s lawn. While at Spoon River College he was the COLLEGIATE’S advisor, which I was the editor of, he directed me in plays, and advised me on colleges, girls, and life in general. Although, he constantly reminds me that he has more hair…..he has become a dear friend. And thank you, Bob Gorg.

I have great memories of Spoon River College. It was a very rewarding experience for me. Additionally, all three of my sisters: Priscilla, Teresa, and Dee got their degrees at Spoon. And when my Parents became empty-nesters, they took classes here as well. My Mother coined the term: “We are sold on Spoon!” Seeing you where I sat twenty-five years ago, I am so glad that you have taken advantage of what Spoon River College has to offer.

And as you leave this institution, I have but one thing to say, or rather ask: What Is Your Ultimate? What Is Your Ultimate?

If you could Be, Do, or Achieve anything in your lifetime….what would it be? There are no limits…..rock star, farmer, lawyer, Indian Chief, raise wonderful Children, find a cure for cancer, solve world hunger, achieve peace in the Middle East, live on the moon. What would you do? What is going to make your presence on this earth meaningful and fulfilling?

What Is Your Ultimate? Some of you know. Some of you are struggling with it. Others have never even thought of it, and a few of you think that I am just plain crazy.

What Is Your Ultimate? The answer to this question is already inside each and every one of you. I firmly believe that by virtue of being alive, your Passion, your Desire, your Ultimate has already been placed into each and everyone of you. It is your Responsibility to open up your heart, mind, and soul to find out what Your Ultimate is. It is your Duty to yourself to then act upon it, otherwise you are cheating yourself. Finding your Ultimate requires contemplation, reflection, and complete honestly with oneself. Pursuing your Ultimate takes courage, resolve, and perseverance.

As Hamlet said: “To thine own self be true.”

What you are supposed to do in life is already inside of you. You will know it when you find it. Unlock that power….and you can write your own destiny.

What is it that you HAVE to do in this life, because it would drive you crazy if you did not do it? What do you HAVE to pursue, that you would regret if you did not pursue it? Is there something in life that would cause you more pain, if you DID NOT do it? What is the thing you have known since a child that you were born to do? What is the most important accomplishment you want to achieve? Whether it is big or small….it is what is important to you. Let the truth inside….guide you down life’s path.
Let Your Ultimate surface.

Friedrich Nietzsche, the 19th Century German philosopher said: “Become who you are.”

In my case, I don’t want to be an Actor….I HAVE to be an Actor. There were no genetic forces, nor am I a victim of my environment. This is something that has been in me since birth. This IS the very core of my being. This IS my Ultimate.

My acting journey began at birth. As I have said, I have always known what I would do with my life. In High School, I began doing plays. At Spoon River College I studied acting and performed in plays both here at the college, and at the Fulton County Playhouse. It was at this time when I started doing local commercials, which included one of the first MoneyCenter24, Little Green Guys spots. The studying then continued at Illinois Wesleyan University. And then to Hollywood, where I have been doing movies, television, cartoons, commercials, plays, stand-up, voice-overs, improve, and hosting live events for the past 22 years. Don’t get me wrong….the journey has not been easy at all. But I have stayed true to the course.

For those who don’t know what Your Ultimate is, it might take half your life before you get that “A ha” moment. Everyone’s journey will be different. No two lives are the same. Author C. S. Lewis said: “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

I guess maybe I am lucky to have always known what I was going to do with my life. In other ways, I am not so fortunate, as it is a very competitive field. There are over 120,000 Actors in the Screen Actor’s Guild, over 70,000 Actors in the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and over 48,000 Actors in Actors’ Equity Association, not to mention probably another 200,000 non-union Actors, as well as the rest of Los Angeles who ‘think’ they can act. Plenty of competition.

To break this down even further….for every role in a movie, television show, commercial, and even cartoon…..a casting director will receive over 9,000 submissions from Agents, Managers, and Actors. Depending on the time frame, they might audition 200 Actors for the role. Then, depending on time constraints, 100 Actors might get a call back. Then the top 5 or so choices must audition again for the director, producer, and network. And, alas, one will get the role.

So from nine thousand headshots and resumes being submitted, to one person getting the role…..as you can see, the competition is rough. Fortunately, I have been well-trained for this competition from my schooling at Spoon River College, Illinois Wesleyan University, and my continual training as an Actor.

The same is true for you as well. The competition is tough. As of yesterday…there were six billion, eight hundred nineteen million, five hundred forty four thousand, five hundred and ten people on this earth. (6,819,544,510). I don’t know if you have read the papers lately…. but there are not that many jobs.

The good news is that because you are getting a degree today, you already stand head and shoulders above a good portion of this competition. With this degree you have the advantage. I hope that each of you will choose to continue with your education to rise above even more of the competition.

So, again….What Is Your Ultimate?

Let Your Ultimate out.

75% of our lives is spent studying and then working. With that much time and energy consumed….we owe it to ourselves to do something that we love. Love your work. When your heart is in your work, success is inevitable. We owe it to ourselves to follow our hearts, pursue our passion, and achieve our Ultimate. Playwright James M. Barrie, who wrote PETER PAN said: “Nothing is really work, unless you’d rather be doing something else.”

Follow your heart…..and it will pay off many fold. Our legacy is not to be judged by how much we make, or what we can accumulate. Our legacy is about what we bring to the table in our short time on this earth.

If I died today, my grave would read: David G. Pires….1965 DASH 2010. The 1965 doesn’t matter. The 2010 doesn’t matter. It is the “DASH” that matters. What I did between 1965 and 2010 is what matters.

Did David Pires pursue his passion? YES.
Did David Pires follow his dreams? YES.
Did David Pires achieve his Ultimate? YES.

And just to let you know…..there is more to come!
Follow your heart….and you will live beyond yourself.
We have but one chance at “life”….this is NOT a dress rehearsal.

Do not give in, do not give up, do not settle for anything less than Your Ultimate.

No matter what your age, or where you are at in life….Open up your hearts, minds, and souls. Follow your dreams. Pursue your passion with a vengeance. Let your destiny prevail. Achieve Your Ultimate.

And let Your Ultimate shine.

Again, I would like to CONGRATULATE the Spoon River College Class of 2010!!

Thank you and GO RAGE!!

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE AG STUDENTS PLACE SECOND AT NATIONAL PAS CONFERENCE

Fri, 14 May 2010 15:34:51 +0100

Stephanie Nelson, Good Hope and Jacob Ekstrand, Yates City, placed second in competition at the National Post-Secondary Agriculture Students (PAS) National Conference held in St. Louis. Nelson placed 2nd in both Agriculture Sales Job Interview and Agriculture Sales Career Program selling her own product. This area allowed her to develop at sales pitch in regards to selling livestock feeders which consisted of used bias ply tractor tires inverted into livestock feeders. Stephanie will be transferring to Western Illinois University in the fall majoring in Agriculture Business. Ekstrand placed 2nd in the Agriculture Education Career Planning Area. This area allows students to strategize in planning short-term and long-term goals. His future plans include being elected an Illinois State FFA Officer leading a degree in Agriculture Education at Western Illinois University. Nelson and Ekstrand qualified for the national competition by placing second at the state contest in February.
Clayton Stufflebeam, Tyler Osborne, Bryce Ehlers, Morgan McMaster, Seth Weaver, and Jeremy Laird also attended the event in St. Louis. Stufflebeam, Nelson, Ehlers, Laird, and Osborne all participated in Career Progress. Osborne and Ehlers placed 9th as a team in the area of Landscaping Development. Stufflebeam will be transferring to the University of Illinois majoring in Crop Science, Osborne will be attending Illinois State majoring in Ag Business, and Weaver will be returning back to their family farm. The rest of the students will be returning to Spoon River College in the fall.
Jeff Bash, Agriculture Instructor, accompanied the students. Bash and the students were able to take tours to local points of interest. The tours included a Monsanto Research Laboratory, Dow Science Center, Alton Lock and Dam, and Purina Feeds Research Center. All of the 700 people at the conference were treated to an evening at the Gateway Arch with a private party.
“The students gained valuable experience from the interviews, workshops, tours, and travel through the Midwest,” said Bash. “The true benefit will come when the students apply for jobs in the future.”
Postsecondary Agriculture Student Organization (PAS) provides opportunities for individual growth, leadership and career preparation for students in agriculture/agribusiness/natural resources programs in approximately 550 secondary institutions in all 50 states.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE STUDENT GETS TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Fri, 14 May 2010 14:35:29 +0100

Spoon River College student Shawn Bess of Canton found out recently what it is like to be a chemistry teacher. As part of an Independent Study for his CHE290 class, Bess was required to research, prepare, and present a lecture, along with writing two laboratory experiments for “his” CHE 180 students to complete. He also had to design a lecture component and quiz for ANGEL, the college’s online teaching tool, prepare all handouts, and order all the needed supplies.

“Preparing for this class was a great experience,” said Bess, who plans on teaching high school chemistry. “I was expected to do absolutely everything that a teacher would have to do to prepare for a class.”

Bess chose to prove Le Chatelier’s Principle, which states “A change in one of the variables that describes a system at equilibrium produces a shift in the position of the equilibrium that counteracts the effect of this change.” More simply stated, this principle “describes what happens to a system when something momentarily takes it away from equilibrium.”

Bess graduated from Spoon River College with an Associate of Arts in Teaching-Secondary Science. He will be transferring to Eureka College in the fall.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE FACULTY ASSOCIATION PRESENTS SCHOLARSHIP

Wed, 12 May 2010 13:48:53 +0100

Hannah Neuendorf of Lewistown has been awarded the Spoon River College Faculty Association (SRCFA) scholarship for $500 for the 2010-2011 academic year.

Neuendorf is currently a senior at Lewistown High School, where she is a member of SWAT, the Spanish Club, and is the President of the Student Senate. She is also active in Girl Scouts, youth ministry at her church, and has participated in Fulton County Relay for Life for the last two years. In addition, Neuendorf was awarded the DAR Good Citizen Award, and works at Living Springs Camp.

Neuendorf plans on transferring to Illinois College to major in Sociology after completing her Associate Degree at Spoon River College.

“I appreciate this scholarship, and I’m excited about starting at Spoon River College in the fall,” said Neuendorf. “Besides being close to home and affordable, I believe starting here will make it much easier for me to transition to Illinois College.”

The SRCFA annually awards a scholarship to an incoming freshman.

TAYLOR SNOWMAN ELECTED NEW STUDENT TRUSTEE AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Wed, 12 May 2010 10:31:30 +0100

Taylor Snowman of Canton will serve as the Student Trustee on the Spoon River College Board of Trustees for the 2010-2011 academic year. Snowman was seated at the regular board meeting held on Wednesday, April 28.

“I am looking forward to representing the student body and helping make Spoon River College an even better place,” said Snowman.

Snowman is currently pursuing an Associate in Arts and Science degree and plans to transfer to Western Illinois University where she will major in Art Education. She hopes to teach art at the high school level, but her ultimate goal is to become a superintendent.

“I believe I can make more of a difference in the educational system as an administrator,” Snowman said.

Snowman is currently President of the Phi Theta Kappa, a member of the Student Government Association and the student art organization Funk Kitchen, and has served as editor of the Kaleidoscope Journal of Art and Literature for two years.

Board chairperson Linda Butler presented a plaque to outgoing Student Trustee Emily Valencia, who thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve.

SRC TO OFFER SUMMER ARCHAEOLOGY COURSE

Fri, 07 May 2010 15:32:06 +0100

Spoon River College will offer “Archaeology of the Midwest” during the summer session, running May 12 – June 23. The course will be taught by Dr. Jeremy Wilson of Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis (IUPUI). The course is designed to develop student awareness of the Midwestern Indian prehistoric culture, specifically the broad ecological adaptation prehistoric cultures made during the last 12,000 years. While the class is a summer archaeology field school for students in the IUPUI School of Anthropology, Dr. Wilson has agreed to allow Spoon River College students to take the course.

The class will be a combination of formal and informal lectures by Dr. Wilson and other visiting researchers, readings of the textbook and other materials, tours of local archaeological sites and museums and field excavations. This is a hands-on course as students will receive training in methods of excavation, survey, sampling, field photography, mapping, GPS and preliminary laboratory techniques.

The excavation site is at the Mississippian period archaeological site known as the Lawrenz Gun Club, also known as Mound Lake or Bluff Springs. The site is located northeast of Beardstown in the Sangamon River floodplain as it enters the central Illinois River valley of west-central Illinois.

The Field school will begin on Wednesday, May 12 and run through Wednesday, June 23. This corresponds with the first session of summer classes for IUPUI. Spoon River College students, or other non-IUPUI students, with Spring semester courses extending beyond May 12 will be allowed to join the class late.

State of Illinois residents can register for the course through the Spoon River College Havana Center at 324 E. Randolph. The course number is ANT 104: Archaeology of the Midwest. Registration at SRC continues.
Anyone requesting more specific information about the course, may contact Dr. Wilson at wilsojer@iupui.edu. Additional information about the course is available at www.iupui.edu.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE ANNOUNCES GED CEREMONY

Thu, 06 May 2010 15:30:30 +0100

Spoon River College will celebrate the achievements of students who have successfully passed the GED examination with a ceremony on Thursday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m. The event will be held on the Canton campus in Centers. Family and friends of the students are welcome to attend. A special guest, Congressman Phil Hare, will be in attendance.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE STUDENTS NAMED TO ALL-ILLINOIS ACADEMIC TEAM

Thu, 06 May 2010 13:20:08 +0100

Four Spoon River College students were recently honored for being named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team as a result of their nomination to the All-USA Community College Academic Team.

Lisa Davison and Misty Malda of Macomb, Michael Derry of Canton, and Kari Robertson of Astoria were recognized for their achievements at a dinner ceremony at the Hilton Hotel and Conference Center in
Springfield, Illinois on April 21.

Davison will graduate from Spoon River College with an Associate of Arts in Teaching-Special Education degree. She plans to transfer to Western Illinois University where she will continue to major in Special Education. Davison currently has a GPA of 3.64 and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. Davison is involved in volunteer activities at WIU, the Girl Scouts, and at her church.

Malda will graduate from Spoon River College with an Associate in Science degree. She plans to transfer to Western Illinois University where she will pursue a degree in Social Work. Malda has a GPA of 3.63, and is a member of PTK. She is a volunteer tutor at Spoon River College and is actively involved in community service.

Robertson will graduate from Spoon River College with an Associate of Arts in Teaching-Early Childhood Education degree. She plans to transfer to Eastern Illinois University where she will pursue a degree in Elementary Education. Robertson has a GPA of 3.82 and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. She was involved with the SRC Drama Department, and is dedicated to the missionary work she does for her church, not only locally but also overseas.

Derry plans to transfer to Monmouth College where he will pursue studies in the field of physical therapy. He has a 4.0 GPA and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the Honors Program, and the Student Government Association. He has been actively involved in the community events sponsored by the SGA.

Derry was also selected as a 2010 COCA-COLA NATIONAL FINALIST in a program that is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and administered by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Selection as a Coca-Cola Finalist was based on scores earned in the All-USA Community College Academic Team competition, which Derry was nominated for by the college. As a finalist, Derry will receive $1,000 stipend from the Foundation.

Spoon River College had the distinction of being the only community college to have four students rather than two named to the All-Illinois Academic Team. Jeff Bash and Kay Norton, PTK advisors for Spoon River College, Gary Schindler, Dean of Student Services at Spoon River College, and Board of Trustee member Dave Maguire accompanied the students to the recognition dinner. All members of the All-Illinois Academic Team were featured in the USA Today.

The All-USA Academic Team is sponsored annually by Phi Theta Kappa, USA Today, and the American Association of Community Colleges. The All-State Academic Team is a division of the Academic All-USA Team for Community, Technical and Junior Colleges. It seeks to honor outstanding community college students who show intellectual rigor in their course of study, demonstrate academic, leadership, and civic growth and who extend their community college education to better themselves, their schools and their communities.

Nominees are chosen based on the basis of academic achievement, volunteer work, campus activities, honors and awards. They must also submit a short essay explaining why they chose to start their higher education at a community college and to describe their most significant academic endeavors thus far in their college lives.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE AGRICULTURE STUDENTS ATTEND ILLINOIS PAS BOARD MEETING

Wed, 05 May 2010 14:21:07 +0100

Spoon River College Agricultural students Stephanie Nelson of Good Hope, Jake Ekstrand of Farmington, and Tara Knowles of Colchester participated in the Illinois Postsecondary Agriculture Students (PAS) Board Meeting April 26th in Springfield. Delegates from agricultural programs in both community colleges and the universities from across the state met to conduct business, develop leadership skills, and plan events and activities for the state.

New areas of competition were introduced, passage of the state budget, revision of policies and planning of the state and national conferences were discussed.

PAS seeks to unite education and industry in agriculture and hosts many leadership and career development events year round for college students across the State of Illinois. PAS is funded in part through assistance from grants, individual and corporate donations. For more information on PAS, visit www.illinoispas.org.

Jeff Bash and Jim Caudle, Spoon River College Agriculture instructors and PAS Advisors, accompanied the students to the meeting.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY MAY 15

Wed, 05 May 2010 14:19:41 +0100

Spoon River College will celebrate the achievements of its graduating students with a commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 15. The ceremony will be held at Cuba Middle/Senior High School at 1:00 p.m. The high school is located at 20325 N. IL 97 Highway, south of Cuba.

Hollywood actor David Pires, former Canton resident and Spoon River College alumnus, will be the keynote speaker. Since starring in the Zoo Radio directed by Jay Roach, Pires has become a formidable force in movies, television, commercials, and cartoons. He has appeared in over 100 hours of episodic television, which includes hosting VH1’s The Revengers, as well as guest starring on shows such as Monk, Kenan &Kel, and Married…With Children. He has an ongoing role on General Hospital that has lasted for more than19 years, and has also made many appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. His lengthy filmography includes starring alongside Brian Austin Green in Fast Track, Billy Crystal in Mr. Saturday Night, Lindze Letherman in Stamped!, and Samantha Morton in Expired.

Graduates should report to the “check-in” desk in the foyer of Cuba Middle/Senior High School by 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, with line-up beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Rehearsal for the graduation ceremony will be held Friday, May 14 at 1:30 p.m. at the high school.

On the day of the ceremony, parking will be limited, so car pooling is recommended if at all possible. There will be no parking on the grass surrounding the Cuba Middle/High School.

A cookie and lemonade reception will be held in the school’s cafeteria immediately following the ceremony.

SUMMARY OF APRIL BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

Mon, 03 May 2010 15:01:37 +0100

HIGHLIGHTS OF BOARD APPROVED ITEMS
The following points of information were addressed in the regular meeting of The Spoon River College Board of Trustees. These notes are provided as a summary of the topics discussed during the Board meeting and do not constitute the official minutes of the meeting. The official minutes of the meeting will be available following approval at the regular May 2010 meeting. Official minutes can also be viewed on the college’s website at www.src.edu.

Action items:

The Board approved the opening of a Public Hearing concerning the intent of the Board of Trustees of Community College District No. 534, counties of Fulton, Mason, Knox, Schuyler, and McDonough, and State of Illinois, to sell not to exceed $3,500,000 General Obligation Bonds (Alternative Revenue Source). Following this action, the board approved the closing of the hearing.
The Board approved a Resolution approving adding territory to the Enterprise Zone with the City of Macomb and County of McDonough and abating Ad Valorem Property Taxes.
The Board approved a contract with Entre Computer Solutions of Rockford in the amount of $40,000 to purchase and install Network Access Control to provide security the SRC network.
The Board approved the sale of land in the southwest corner of the parking lot in Havana.

Other Business:

Emily Valencia was honored for her service as the Student Trustee during the past year.

Monthly reports presented:

Dave Maguire, Board member and Illinois Community College Trustee Association representative on the state of funding for education in the Illinois.
Gary Schindler, Dean of Student Services, on the Enrollment Management Team.
Jim Genandt, Dean of Career and Technical Education, on the progress of the accreditation process the college is currently undergoing for the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Taylor Snowman, newly elected Student Trustee, on recent and upcoming student activities, including 24 Hour of Homelessness, Funk Kitchen – a Student Art Organization and their upcoming art event in Jones Park, and the Mascot logo contest.

Terri Shafer, Director of the Havana Center, gave Havana updates, including:

The success of the new Interactive Video System, has allowed students taking classes in Havana greater access to a number of courses.
Donor plaques from the first fund raiser are now on display in the reception area of the Center.
There are 12 classes scheduled for summer, and 34 for the fall 2010 semester. A Special Topics Biology course that will be held at Emiquon this summer is already full.
A Paramedic Program will be presented for the first time in Havana by Doug Richardson. The Basic EMT course will be offered for the first time in the fall 2010 semester.
Approximately 60 people participated in the first Retirees Leading Institute held at the Center.
Glen Fanter, tutor for the Havana GED program, will be receiving the Spotlight on Service award for Volunteer Tutors by the Secretary of State of Illinois.

Carol Davis, Vice-President of Community Outreach, reported on Foundation news, including:

A slate of officers and new board members will be voted on at the May Annual meeting.
Retiring board members Bonnie Krulac, Bill Dodds, and Jean Lewis were honored at the recent President’s Reception.
The Foundation has awarded 125 scholarships totaling over $63,000 for the 2010-11 academic year. The awards will be presented at the high school graduations.
A new Named Endowed Scholarship Plaque was unveiled at the President’s Reception. In addition, 33 new Friends were added to the Donor Wall and 15 individuals/businesses moved up the wall to new funding categories.
The annual golf outing committee is recommending to the Board that the proceeds be returned to the original intent for athletics and split with the new multipurpose facility.
Since January of this year, 142 classes with 968 participants have been offered through Community Outreach.

CONGRESSMAN PHIL HARE VISITS SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Mon, 03 May 2010 14:59:16 +0100

Canton, IL-Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL) a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, met with students at Spoon River College on Friday, April 30 to discuss new student loan reforms that were enacted as part of the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010.

The new law invests $36 billion over 10 years to increase the maximum annual Pell Grant scholarship to $5,550 in 2010 and to $5,975 by 2017. Starting in 2013, the scholarship will account for rising costs of living by tying it to the Consumer Price Index.

It makes federal loans more affordable by investing $1.5 billion to strengthen an Income-Based Repayment program that currently allows borrowers to cap their monthly federal student loan payments at 15 percent of their discretionary income. These new provisions would lower this monthly cap to just 10 percent for new borrowers after 2014. Additionally, borrowers who responsibly make their monthly payments will see their remaining balance forgiven after 20 years of repayment, reduced from 25 years.

Finally, it converts all new federal student loans to the stable, effective and cost-efficient Direct Loan program. Beginning July 1, 2010, all new federal student loans will be originated through the Direct Loan program, instead of private banks. The Direct Loan program is a more reliable lender for students and more cost-effective for taxpayers. According to the Congressional Budget Office, this switch will save taxpayers $61 billion and reduce the deficit by at least $10 billion over 10 years.

“These new reforms will make borrowing for college simpler and more affordable,” Hare said. “For decades, taxpayers have subsidized the banks in order to lend money to students. When a student defaulted, the government, not the bank, picked up the tab. The law we adopted ends this ridiculous practice, cuts out the middle man, saves taxpayers tens of billions of dollars, and ensures student loans are provided directly and securely.”

“I am very pleased that this legislation also increases the maximum Pell Grant and eases the terms of loan repayment,” Hare added. “I have long said that you should not have to go into bankruptcy to get a college degree.”

ACTING II STUDENTS PRESENT FINAL SCENES AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE HAVANA CENTER

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:52:31 +0100

The Acting II students are ready to show their talents in their final scenes of the semester. The public is invited to see the performances, which serve as the final exam for the students, on Tuesday, May 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Spoon River College Havana Center. Scenes will be presented from the following plays: I Hate Hamlet featuring Aaron Hake, Jennifer Oney, Erica Bishop and Carrie Karl; Agnes of God featuring Becky Sisson and Elissa Keefauver; Nighthawks featuring Bobby McKenzie and Ashley Trimpe, and Patter for the Floating Lady featuring Larry Mummert. Drama instructor, Bob Gorg, will lead a brief discussion following each scene. The scenes are free and open to the public, however seating is very limited. Please be aware that some scenes contain strong language and adult situations that may not be suitable for all audience members.

PUBLIC INVITED TO MIDWEST SCREENING OF NEW MOVIE STAMPED! WITH DAVID PIRES

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 10:24:35 +0100

The public is invited to attend a screening of a new film – STAMPED! - featuring Spoon River College Alumnus and Hollywood character actor David Pires. The Bryce Hatch production will be presented on Friday, May 14th at 7:00 p.m. at the Spoon River College Conference Center on the Canton campus, 23235 North County 22 Highway. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

The screening will be followed by a live question and answer session with the film’s star and is free and open to the public. The movie is acceptable for family viewing.

“We are very pleased to be able to showcase the work of this year’s SRC Commencement speaker David Pires,” said Carol Davis, organizer of the event for Spoon River College and the SRC Foundation. “David grew up in the Canton area, was in several local productions, and was an SRC drama student prior to going to Hollywood. He has had a very prolific career as a character actor and we are extremely proud of David and his great success.”

Pires has appeared in movies, television, commercials and cartoons with over 100 hours of episodic television to his credit. He has had an ongoing role on “General Hospital” for over 19 years and has been a guest on such shows as “Monk,” “Kenan & Kel,” “Married…With Children,” “The Best Damn Sports Show Period,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and many others.

STAMPED!, written and directed by Bryce Hatch and produced by Inspiration Studio, is both a hilarious and dramatic story set in a modern-day high school. As students make up a state mandated test on a Saturday, teenage misfit Mitchell psychoanalyzes the other students and tortures them about their stereotypes. They escape from the testing center, find out about each others’ secrets, and play practical jokes on the nerdy administrator, Mr. Kimmer (David Pires). During this time they break down racial and social barriers that high school has “stamped” on them. To view a trailer of the movie, please visit www.thestampedmovie.com.

Other actors in the film include Brian Kubach (Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, Chuck); Lindze Letherman (General Hospital, Clockstoppers, Virginia’s Run), Matt Thompson (Listen To Your Heart, King Side), G. Lane Hillman (Seventeen Again), and George “The Giant” McArthur (Big Fish, Firecracker). McArthur was a semi-finalist in last year’s America’s Got Talent.

-more-
“We are extremely pleased that Director Bryce Hatch has given us permission to present this special screening prior to its full release,” Davis said. “David is the college’s commencement speaker on May 15, but we also wanted to showcase his work. The screening gives community members an opportunity to come together to share in the Hollywood experience with one of our own. David particularly hopes to see some of his old friends at the screening.”

The SRC Conference Center has two large projection screens, ample seating, and a Bose stereo sound system. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information about the screening of STAMPED! please contact Carol Davis at
(309) 647-6395 or carol.davis@src.edu.

JUDGING RESULTS FOR THE ANNUAL STUDENT ART AND DESIGN EXHIBITION ANNOUNCED

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:59:23 +0100

Spoon River College Art instructor Tracy Snowman has announced the winners of the Annual Student Art and Design Exhibition held at the Canton campus on April 14.

Mandee Coulter was the judge for the show, which contained works in painting, drawing, sculpture, logo design, layout design, mixed media and photography. Coulter is a professional painter from Farmington who travels around the country teaching painting workshops on realism, and is a former SRC student.

The results for the Judges’s Choice Awards are as follows (in no particular order):

Ryan Dowell- McDeath, Installation Sculpture

Ryan Dowell-Self-Portrait, Painting

Ryan Dowell-Charred Remains, Ceramics

Ryan Dowell- Don’t Fall Sculpture, (wire and plaster)

Lindsay Courtois- Mother, Pen and Ink

Lindsay Courtois Frohe Weihachten Painting

Matt Sale DepenDance Pen and Ink

Matt Sale Artist Hands Pen and Ink

Matt Guerra Contained Painting (polyptych)

Lucien Winner Fire Truck Photography

Taylor Snowman Reflection Colored Pencil Drawing

Emily Valencia Foreigner Logo Design Logo Design

In addition, the Spoon River College Foundation gives two purchase awards each year-the People’s Choice Award and the President’s Choice Award. This year, the President’s Choice Award went to Mary Warfield of Canton for her oil painting "Columbine." The People’s Choice Award went to Lindsay Courtois of Macomb for her pen and ink drawing “Anne.” The winners of these two awards were announced during the Coffee Spoon Event held April 20 at the Canton campus.

“We had a record number of entries this year due to high enrollment in our studio courses,” said Tracy Snowman, Art instructor at Spoon River College. “The variety of styles and media is truly impressive. The talent in the SRC district is tremendous and consistent, enabling our art department to remain strong.”

END OF SEMESTER ACTIVITIES AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:24:41 +0100

As the semester winds down and students burn the midnight oil to finish papers, portfolios and projects and study for final exams, a variety of stress buster events have been planned. On Tuesday, May 4, the popular “Flippin’ for Finals” event will feature free pancakes cooked and served by Spoon River College administrators.

Also on Tuesday, May 4, a free fishing tournament for students and SRC employees will be held at Youth Acres from 3-6 p.m. Prizes for the most fish, least fish, largest/smallest, and total combined weight will be awarded, and food will be served. The college hopes to establish a student fishing organization, the Spoon River Anglers. Some surrounding community colleges have expressed an interest in having a competitive fishing event.

On Wednesday, May 5, Cinco De Mayo day will be celebrated in the Sandbar Café on the Canton campus with a South of the Border atmosphere and menu featuring Nacho Supremes and soft shell tacos. Prizes will be raffled off during lunch.

Final exams will start Monday, May 10 and continue through Thursday, May 13. Book Buyback will also be held during that time from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

The commencement ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 15 from 1-3 p.m. at the Cuba Middle-Senior High School.

DODD NAMED SPOON RIVER COLLEGE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:31:54 +0100

Ellen Dodd has been selected as the Spoon River College Employee of the Year. She is an assistant in the SRC Bookstore and has been with the college a total of 33 years; she worked full-time from 1973-1980, retiring after the birth of her son Jacob. Dodd returned to the college to work part-time in 1983.

Dodd resides in Fiatt with her husband Loyd and two of their “children” Nellie (the dog) and Junior (the cat). Her other children include son Jacob of Roseville and step-daughters Robbin Hibbitts and Lori Knowles of Liverpool. Dodd also has five grandchildren.

In her free time, Dodd enjoys spending time with family and friends, and participating in Church activities. She collects Breyer horses and Longaberger baskets, and is an avid reader.

Dodd is a member of the Maples Mill United Methodist Church where she serves as a Lay Leader and is a member of various Church boards. She is a Certified Lay Speaker, serves as a board member for the Fulton-Schuyler American Red Cross, and as a Fulton County Fair Superintendent. At Spoon River College, Dodd is the President of the Canton Community College/Spoon River College Alumni Association and the Treasurer for the Spoon River College Classified Personnel Association.

Although Dodd enjoys her work at the college, she admits that she is looking forward to retiring-again-in a few years.

“Loyd and I have a list of places we would like to visit, and I want to start on that list,” said Dodd. “We also want to enjoy family and home time, and who knows, I may even weed the flower beds!”

CLARY NAMED SPOON RIVER COLLEGE EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:05:30 +0100

Dean Clary was selected as the Spoon River College Employee of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of the academic year. He is the Director of the Technology Services and has been employed by the college for two years. Clary was recognized for his adherence to the core values of the college-caring, respect, integrity, fairness, and responsibility-in his everyday interactions with all college employees, students and community members.

Clary resides in Lewistown with his wife Anissa and children Isabella and Blayne. In his spare time, Clary enjoys camping, hunting, fishing and coaching his children’s sports teams.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE PEEPS MEMBERS ENJOY EDUCATIONAL FIELD TRIP

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:46:45 +0100

Spoon River College PEEPS (People for Earth’s Ecological Preservation) members recently enjoyed a field trip to learn more about healthy eating, recycling, and the importance of preserving nature.

On Friday, April 16, members and guests traveled to Peoria where they visited Naturally Yours Grocery and re- , both located in the Metro Center. Stops were also made at June restaurant and Forest Park Nature Center in Peoria Heights.

General Manager Roger Hutchinson from Naturally Yours greeted the group and presented an overview of the store’s history and their goal of providing healthy food that is free of chemicals and pesticides. The store features local meat, milk, eggs and produce, and also carries the largest selection of Organic produce in the area.

At re-, where according to their website everything is re-cycled, re-purposed, or re-claimed, PEEPS members saw purses made out of old license plates, recycled tires, and candy wrappers. Old liquor bottles were transformed into cheese trays, vinyl record albums became bowls, and hubcaps found new life as clocks. The group was inspired and impressed by the creativity and originality of the items.

A special treat of the day was a stop at June, a restaurant featuring direct from the farm products that owner and chef Josh Adams whips into culinary delights. Using only fresh products and ingredients, Adams has made his relationship with area farmers a priority and changes the menu three to five times a week depending on what is available. PEEPS members enjoyed a Green Gold Acres Farm fresh egg with housemade pancetta, coffee smoked shitake mushrooms, brioche, and hollandaise, followed by Peanut Cake with Caramel Corn ice cream.

The last stop on the itinerary was Forest Park Nature Center, where the group hiked through forested woodlands and prairies. Part of the Peoria Park District, the 540 acre center offers seven miles of hiking trails, a natural history museum, and a viewing room for bird watching.

PEEPS is a student club on the Canton and Macomb campuses, with a goal of improving the environment through projects, educational field trips, and other activities through the exploration of all areas of science.

Stacy Swanson, Chemistry instructor, is the advisor for the Canton campus, and Kristy Boggs, Biology instructor, is the advisor for the Macomb campus. For more information about PEEPS, visit the website at www.src.edu/peeps.

HALLWAS LECTURE AT MACOMB SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 08:23:20 +0100

More than 60 Spoon River College students took advantage of the opportunity to listen to renowned speaker Dr. John Hallwas as he presented “Shaping the Truth: The Writing of Nonfiction” to members of Kay Norton’s ENG132 Intro to Mass Media class in the SRC Macomb Auditorium on Wednesday, April 7.

Hallwas taught at Western Illinois University for 34 years and has written or edited two dozen books related to Illinois history and literature, including The Bootlegger, which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 1998. He has received many awards for his writing, teaching, and public service.

Norton, whose class was studying the influence of the media by genre and the importance of being smart media consumers, organized the event.

"Dr. Hallwas' remarks were especially pertinent to the students studying media, but also were important for anyone who is eager to become a more thoughtful reader and writer," said Norton, who also teaches Composition. "His comments about researching credible sources were especially meaningful to students who are learning to become better writers themselves."

Hallwas started his lecture by defining the difference between fiction and nonfiction, noting even nonfiction that is based on facts can differ depending on the writer’s interpretation of those facts.

“Facts are not meaningful in and of themselves. They only become meaningful to the readers when the writer’s vision runs through those facts,” Hallwas said, using the subject of the Civil War as an example and noting that while many books have been written on the Civil War that are based on fact, they still differ.

“The writer’s view of things shapes the truth regardless of interpretation,” Hallwas said. “It is all still truth, but the perspective is different.”

Hallwas pointed out the importance of using proper sources and verifying information, and cautioned students about the use of personal memories, often a main source of information in nonfiction.

“Memory is always subjective. Research clearly states that memory function is constantly changing and editing itself,” Hallwas said. “Memory is not just a recorder, but also a reshaper.”

Hallwas gave the students four rules to follow when writing any kind of nonfiction: create a well focused narrative, condense the material by knowing what to leave out, know how to make the material vivid, and create the “voice” of the story by bringing meaning to the facts through personal interpretation.

Hallwas used his book The Bootlegger about the small community of Colchester as an example of this, noting that his version of Colchester’s history focused on the murder in the street of one of its citizens turned bootlegger while another author’s history of Colchester never even mentioned the town’s most infamous resident.

“A different perspective gives a different meaning,” said Hallwas, adding that people’s perceptions are shaped by their experiences, attitudes, and values.

“If you want to write, take time to figure out what your vision is,” Hallwas said. “Work with YOUR themes. You will be drawn to them for a reason, and you need to recognize where they come from and why they have shaped you.”

“You will write at your very best if you do that.”

Many of the students stood in line to express their appreciation to Dr. Hallwas when the lecture ended, including Jim Jones of Macomb.

“I was encouraged and inspired by what he said and the advice he had for would-be writers,” said Jones. “I’m very glad I had the chance to hear him speak. It was great.”

Hallwas’s writings include biographical/true crime works like The Bootlegger (1998) and Dime Novel Desperadoes (2008), historical volumes like Western Illinois Heritage (1983) and Cultures in Conflict (1995), editions such as The Poems of H.: The Lost Poet of Lincoln’s Springfield (1982) and Spoon River Anthology: An Annotated Edition (1992), and collections of popular or scholarly writing like Illinois Literature: The Nineteenth Century (1986) and Studies in Illinois Poetry (1989). He is also a weekly columnist for the McDonough County Voice newspaper.

Raised in Antioch, Illinois, Hallwas received a Ph.D. from the University of Florida and taught for 34 years at Western Illinois University, before retiring in 2004. For more than three decades he has also worked as a public scholar, bringing historical and cultural insights to the people of Illinois and other nearby states through newspaper and magazine articles, lectures, workshops, and radio programs. He has spoken in more than one hundred Illinois communities on topics like Illinois outlaws, the Illinois frontier, the Illinois small-town heritage, and noted Illinois figures like Chief Black Hawk, Abraham Lincoln, and Carl Sandburg. Several of his talks are available on the Internet, including one devoted to his recent book about the state’s most noted outlaws, the Maxwell brothers: Doing Justice to Outlaws: The Writing of Dime Novel Desperadoes (www.wiu.edu/unews/lectures).

BOOK BUYBACK SCHEDULED AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:44:06 +0100

Brad O’Brien, Director of Purchasing and Auxiliary Services at Spoon River College, has announced the dates and times of book buybacks on the Canton and Macomb campuses. In Canton, book buyback will be Monday, May 10-Thursday, May 13 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. In Macomb, book buyback will be on the same dates from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

The college implemented a guaranteed book buyback program last fall, which guaranteed that books would be bought back at 50% of their new price for a period of at least three years. Eligible books are marked with a sticker identifying it as Guaranteed Buyback book.

FUNK KITCHEN ARTS NIGHT IN JONES PARK

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:25:20 +0100

Funk Kitchen, SRC Student Arts Organization, is a new student art club at Spoon River College and members have already planned a public event. Funk Kitchen Arts Night will be held in Jones Park on May 7 from 5-9. There will be live music, art, and interpretive reading. Artists will be drawing and painting during the evening, and there will be open mic opportunities for anyone who would like to perform. The group will also be holding a bake sale. The rain date will be May 8.

Art instructor Tracy Snowman and Communications/Drama instructor Dusty Day are the faculty sponsors for the new group and the ones responsible for its creation. Both wanted an organization that would promote an appreciation of all the arts-music, drama, visual arts, dance, and literature-among students, faculty, staff and community members.

“This organization will work towards creating events where people in all the arts disciplines can work creatively together,” said Snowman. “It will also give students hands-on experiences with things like lighting design, program and flyer construction, and performance production.”

Snowman said the overall goal is to raise interest in the arts, and they felt the best way to do that was by providing greater exposure of the arts through activities such as the Arts Night in Jones Park. In addition, several members of Funk Kitchen recently did art workshops for kindergarten and first-graders at Lincoln Elementary. The group is also sponsoring Karaoke Lunch on April 27 from 10am-2pm in the Student Center on the Canton campus.

Funk Kitchen will be coordinating other arts events and the formation of an Improv Comedy/Performance troupe is on the group’s ‘to do list.’ And while there will be field trips to theatre productions, art shows, museums, and other art venues, there will also be a focus on community service projects, whether it be through providing services or fundraising.

As for the name Funk Kitchen, Snowman said that was chosen “because we are always cooking up funky stuff and we throw in everything but the kitchen sink!” She added that the organization was created just this spring but already has more than 30 members.

“Dusty and I are excited about the number of students who have joined Funk Kitchen, and the students are excited about all the possibilities. It was their idea to host Arts Night in Jones Park. They are passionate about taking the arts into the community and making a difference, and they have some great ideas about how to do that,” Snowman said.

Snowman added that planning for an October event is already underway.

“Dusty and I both have a passion for Halloween and all the ‘dark arts’ that go with it,” said Snowman. “We are going to have fantastic fun with that.”

For more information about Funk Kitchen, visit www.src.edu/funk-kitchen-arts-organization.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE CHAPTER OF HABITAT FOR HUMANITY'S 24 HOURS OF HOMELESSNESS

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:37:01 +0100

Spoon River College Habitat for Humanity Chapter members are preparing for the 9th annual “24 HOURS OF HOMELESSNESS” event to be held from 12 noon on Friday, April 30 until 12 noon on Saturday, May 1. During this time, sponsored participants will spend the night in a box in an effort to raise awareness of poverty and homelessness in Fulton County, while also raising funds that will be used to build homes locally and around the world. The event will once again be held in Jones Park.

“Holding the event in the park last year worked out very well,” said Dr. Jeanine Standard, faculty advisor for the SRC Chapter of HfH. “It allowed us to make 24 HOURS OF HOMELESSNESS a real community event, and we hope even more people come out and join us this year.” Standard added that Lee Puleo has again offered the use of the former Café Europe building to serve as a soup kitchen for those staying the night.

Von Orthal Puppets from Chicago and the Peoria based band PINK SUSHI will provide entertainment Friday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Von Orthal Puppets have been captivating audiences for more than a decade with unique performances that integrate story, music, and imagination with expressively alive characters that are known for their high artistic quality. PINK SUSHI is an acoustic band that covers a wide range of genres, including hip-hop, country, classic rock and bluegrass, and artists such as Zac Brown, AC/DC, Jimi Buffet, and Matchbox 20 to Kenny Chesney, John Prine and John Cougar.

“We want to invite all community members to come and enjoy the entertainment, even if they aren’t spending the night,” said SRC Chapter President Brandon Richardson. “This is a great opportunity for some family fun.”

The popular “Can ‘Em” contest will have several Spoon River College employees and members of other community businesses and organizations competing with each other as they help raise funds. Cans with participants’ pictures on them will be placed around town, and people may vote for their favorite person by putting money in their cans. The person having the most money in their can “wins” and will spend the night in a box during the event. At press time, the following businesses/organizations and individuals had committed to participating in the “Can ‘Em” contest:
Canton Union School District 66: Jarrod Rackauskas
MidAmerica National Bank: Ben Johnson vs. Leigh Ryan
Spoon River College: Doug Okey vs. Win Htwe; Jim Sheff vs. Gary Schindler; Joseph Clemens vs. Jeff Bash.

State Farm: Chuck Taylor (who is being sponsored by his fellow State Farm agents).

Standard stressed that it is not too late to participate in the “Can ‘Em” project, noting that she is still waiting on confirmations from other individuals and organizations who have expressed a willingness to be involved.

“This year is a very special year for us. We hope to build our first Spoon River College dedicated Habitat for Humanity home,” said Standard. “If we can raise $5,000, we will receive the State Farm grant matching grant, and our local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity has pledged to match any amount we raise. With money we already have in the bank that would then be enough to build a home.”

Student members of the SRC campus chapter include: Brandon Richardson-President; Tish Markley-Vice-President; Rich Markley-Fundraising Development; Kendra Raymond-Treasurer; Denise Wittmer-Secretary; Megan Morse-Worksite Construction Coordinator; Melissa Baughman-Historian; Leigh Collins, who is organizing the education project required by State Farm, and Anna Seidelman.

The Spoon River College Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter has been educating, advocating, building and fund raising since 2001. The SRC Campus Chapter is partnered with the local affiliate, Habitat for Humanity of Fulton County to make a difference in the Fulton County area.

If interested in participating in 24 HOURS OF HOMELESSESS or in making a donation, contact Dr. Jeanine Standard at jeanine.standard@src.edu or by calling (309) 649-6234.

Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976, and is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.

TRACTOR SHOW AND CAR CRUISE IN AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:31:03 +0100

The Phi Mu Tau Diesel Fraternity at Spoon River College will host a Tractor Show and Car Cruise In on Saturday, April 24 at the Canton campus from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event will feature tractor games and fan voted favorites, with the winners being announced at 2:30 p.m. There will be a raffle for a Snap On Impact and a 50/50 drawing. Homemade ice cream and doughnuts will be available.

The event is open to the public and there is space available indoors in the event of inclement weather. There is no entry fee.

For more information about the event, interested participants can contact Todd Thompson at (309) 649-6244 or Joe Clemens at (309) 649-6245.

# # #

PHI THETA KAPPA INDUCTION HELD AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 10:01:22 +0100

Fifty new members were inducted into the Spoon River College Nu Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa on April 13, 2010. The ceremony was held in Centers on the Canton campus.

Dr. Robert E. Ritschel, President of Spoon River College, was the guest speaker. In keeping with this year’s PTK study topic, The Democratization of Information: Power, Peril, and Promise, Ritschel encouraged the inductees to extend their learning beyond the classroom, to question and investigate what they are being told to believe, and to show leadership-a PTK goal-by challenging their peers in order to bring about needed change.

Phi Theta Kappa is the largest internationally recognized honor society for two-year colleges. Their mission is to recognize academic achievement, promote individual growth and development, and provide opportunities through participation for leadership, service, and continuing scholarship.

To be eligible, students must complete a minimum of twelve hours of transferable course work and earn a cumulative GPA of 3.5.

New members inducted during the ceremony were: Astoria-Carolyn Cox, Ezekiel Meehan; Avon-Kurt Reihm; Canton-Shawn Bess, Haley Brown, Kyla Culbertson, Allison Deushane, Brittany Ford, Samantha Geeseman, Andrea Hauk, Alyssa Hulvey, Ashley Jones, Michael McGruder, Alycia Owens, Barbara Pollitt, Jessica Scanlan, Taylor Snowman, Zach Taylor, William Taylor III, Victoria Wethington; Farmington-Blaire Martin; Havana-Melissa Barrow, Ashley Lacey, Adrianne Marshall, Morgan Rosenberger, Megan Silva; Heyworth-Brandon Leake; Huntsville-Rosemary Johnson; Kilbourne-Brittanie Bell; Lewistown-Justin Adams, Ashton Heath; Littleton-Joseph Henricks; London Mills-Jacob Miller; Macomb-Timothy Basch, Sarah Beauchamp, Tiffany Bentz, Henry Cantleberry, Audrey Felland, Mary Hinman, Chelsea Noblitt, Benjamin Ryan, Brittany Smith, Jessica Thorman, Allison Troy; Palatine-Daniel Shine; Smithfield-Melissa Baughman; Table Grove-Sarah Chenoweth; Vermont-Kathleen Rebec; Willow Springs-Ashley Freidel; and from Yates City-John Brashers.

Four current PTK students also attended the induction and were recognized for their achievement in being named to the All Illinois Academic Team. They are Lisa Davison of Sciota, Michael Derry of Canton, Kari Robertson of Astoria, and Misty Malda Smith of Macomb. The All-State teams are a division of the All-USA Academic Team for Community, Technical and Junior Colleges, which is sponsored annually by Phi Theta Kappa, USA Today, and the American Association of Community Colleges.

In addition, Derry was recognized for being named a 2010 COCA-COLA FINALIST for the Coca-Cola Foundation Scholarship based on scores earned in the All-USA Academic Team competition. Derry will be awarded a $1,000 stipend, and all four students will be honored at a dinner in Springfield on April 21.

Inductee Victoria Wethington was surprised with a special presentation by her grandfather Harold Brazee, who gave Wethington the PTK pin he received 45 years ago during the first PTK induction held at what was then known as Canton Community College.

Jeff Bash, Agriculture instructor, is the Chapter advisor for the Canton campus, and Kay Norton, English instructor, is the Chapter advisor on the Macomb campus.

Spoon River College officials participating in the ceremony were Dr. Randy Greenwell - Vice President of Instruction and Student Services; Renee Higgins-Dean of Transfer Education, and Gary Schindler-Dean of Student Services. Faculty was represented by instructors Jeff Bash-Agriculture; Brian Dalpiez-Math; Dusty Day-Speech; Cheryl Hoffman-Dean of Nursing and Allied Health; Michael Maher-Sociology; Kay Norton-English; Scott Snowman-Education; and Tracy Snowman-Art.

AUDITIONS FOR DRAMA PERFORMING GRANTS ANNOUNCED

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 09:25:11 +0100

Dusty Day, drama faculty sponsor at Spoon River College, has announced that auditions for Drama Performing Grants for the 2010-2011 academic year will be held Tuesday, April 27 at 6:00 p.m. in the Taylor Hall Theatre on the Canton campus.

Grants are available for acting and for crew positions. Actors should prepare a two-minute monologue, and everyone should bring a list of theatrical experience. For more information or to inquire about an alternative audition time, please call Day at (309) 649-6263.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE OFFERS NEW PROGRAMS OF STUDY

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 11:49:15 +0100

Linking the development of new programs to emerging industry trends has resulted in two new programs at Spoon River College. SBM 150 Introduction to Historic Preservation and GRN 100 Preparing for Careers in Aging will both be offered in the Fall 2010.

The restoration of the Randolph Building on the Canton square by Bill Cook sparked enthusiasm and new interest in maintaining historic structures. The college, in association with Canton Main Street and the Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development, recently hosted a Historic Preservation Conference where Robert Ogle, Director of the Construction Technology and Historic Preservation program at Lamar Community College and founder of historic preservation programs at other community colleges said “community colleges are an untapped potential and a natural fit for historic preservation programs.”

Ogle noted also that the economic drive created by historic restoration can be significantly increased when tourism opportunities also exist, and stressed that partnerships with businesses and high schools are an important part of building a successful historic preservation program.

SBM 150 Introduction to Historic Preservation is the first course to be developed for what will eventually be a complete certificate program for Historic Preservation at Spoon River College. The course is under the auspices of the Small Business Management program, and will provide foundations in the historic preservation movement in America, with an overview of basic and American architectural styles. While the course is designed for students majoring in small business management, entrepreneurship, community and/or economic development, its appeal and benefits will likely reach beyond those sectors.

“This course offers an introduction into an area that has linkages into construction and related job options,” said Jim Genandt, Dean of Career and Technical Education at Spoon River College. “In addition, the course could well have a positive influence on enrollment into art, electronic design, and other small business management courses/programs.”

Among the learning goals for this course are identifying standard architectural styles and defining architectural terms, understanding the connection of historical preservation to community and economic development, and communicating the importance of historic preservation at the local level to the general public and governmental agencies.

“We believe there is a strong need for such a program in this area and that it will become a popular one,” Genandt said, adding that the course would consist of lectures and discussions, along with special projects, guest speakers and field trips.

The Executive Career Advisory Board (ECAB) of the College endorsed the implementation of a Historic Preservation program as part of the five-year plan for new and revised academic programs of study.

Studying current and emerging industry trends was also the catalyst for the development of a Gerontology program at Spoon River College. U.S. Census data shows that in Illinois, aging trends project that the population of those 65 and over is expected to grow from 12.1 percent of the population in 2000 to 16.6 percent of the population in 2025.
GRN 100 Preparing for Careers in Aging was offered for the first time in the fall of 2009 in Macomb, and enrollment in the Fall 2010 class is filling up quickly.

According to the Association of Gerontology in Higher Education, the field of aging is multidisciplinary, combining or integrating several areas of study. Biology, sociology, and psychology are the core subjects, but content from other areas such as public policy, humanities, and economics are also included.

“We believe that this program will also be of benefit to working professionals who take advantage of the curriculum to enhance their current careers, or transition to new careers, by acquiring up-to-date knowledge and skills of this demographic group,” said Cheryl Hoffman, Spoon River College Dean of Nursing and Allied Health.

Possible opportunities for employment in the field of Gerontology include service-providing industries for the aging population, as in business and financial services, fitness and wellness, consumer products (i.e., electronic and digital), housing (i.e., new construction, adaptive remodeling, planned communities) and travel (i.e., transportation and hospitality).

Hoffman also noted that some of the courses may further attract the attention of community members for their own personal enrichment, and as an aid to understanding and assisting aging family members who are in the midst of transitions and adjustments associated with this phase of life.

Students interested in this program have the option of completing an Associate in Applied Science degree in Gerontology, or a short-term (29 hours) certificate in Gerontology. In addition, many of the courses in the Gerontology program can also lead to a degree or certificate in the Health and Information Management program, which is also a growing field. Both the Gerontology and HIM programs are part of the Health Science Career Cluster.

“The advantage of these options allows for flexibility for students to meet their career and employment goals,” said Hoffman. “In small, rural college districts like ours, the more flexibility the student has, the more likely employment will be. It also allows students to start with a short-term certificate and to continue their education, one class at a time and complete the AAS or AA&S degrees.”

Registration for the Fall 2010 semester as well as Summer 2010 classes at Spoon River College is currently underway at all four sites. For more information about the registration process or to make an appointment with an advisor, call (309)647-4645 in Canton, (309)543-4413 in Havana, (309)837-5727 in Macomb, and (217)322-6060 in Rushville. Information is also available on the website at www.src.edu.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:38:04 +0100

The Spoon River College Board of Trustees will hold its regular public monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 28. The Board will convene for dinner at 6 p.m. at The Town House at 116 W. Market Street, followed by the public meeting at 7 p.m. at the Spoon River College Havana Center at 324 East Randolph.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE DIESEL TRACTOR TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:29:49 +0100

Three Spoon River College students in the Diesel Tractor Technology program were recently awarded scholarships for the 2010-2011 academic year at SRC.

David Dahmm, Bushnell, received the Harold Dare Scholarship. It was established in memory of lifelong farmer Harold Dare. Dahmm currently works at Bedwell Farm Equipment Co., Inc. in Bushnell and will do his internship there next year.

Blake Terwelp, Quincy, received the Phi-Mu-Tau Scholarship. Phi-Mu-Tau, which stands for “Fingers-Mind-Tools,” is an organization made up of students enrolled in the Diesel Tractor Technology program. Terwelp currently works at Selby Implement Company in Quincy and will serve his internship there.

Justin VanFleet, Plymouth, received the Ed Kaiser Scholarship. This scholarship was established by the family of former SRC Diesel Technology instructor Ed Kaiser. VanFleet is waiting on confirmation to serve his internship at John Deere.

The recipients were chosen by members of the Executive Advisory Board (EAB) of the College and by family members of the scholarship donors using a point system. Students received points for personal interviews that were conducted by EAB members, and were also rated on their mechanical ability and overall character by SRC Diesel Technology instructors Todd Thompson and Joe Clemens. The three young men competed against five other students for the scholarships.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE STUDENT NAMED A COCA-COLA NATIONAL FINALIST

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:09:40 +0100

Spoon River College student Michael Derry has been selected as a 2010 COCA-COLA NATIONAL FINALIST in a program that is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and administered by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Selection as a Coca-Cola Finalist was based on scores earned in the All-USA Community College Academic Team competition, which Derry was nominated for by the college. As a finalist, Derry will receive $1,000 stipend from the Foundation.

The All-USA Community College Academic Team is an annual recognition program that is administered by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and in cooperation with the American Association of Community Colleges. It seeks to honor outstanding community college students who show intellectual rigor in their course of study, demonstrate academic, leadership, and civic growth and who extend their community college education to better themselves, their schools and their communities.

While at Spoon River College, Derry has been a member of the Student Government Association and active in many of the community events sponsored by the SGA. He is also a member of the Honors Program and Phi Theta Kappa.

Derry, the son of Shawn and Kathy Derry, is a 2008 graduate of Canton High School. He plans to transfer to Monmouth College in the fall.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE HOSTS ANNUAL INVITATIONAL FFA LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:59:50 +0100

A sure sign of spring at Spoon River College is the sight of cows, pigs, sheep and goats on the Canton campus for the annual Invitational FFA Livestock Judging Contest. The popular event was attended by 119 students from 18 schools in the SRC and neighboring districts. Twenty-six teams competed. Jim Caudle, Agriculture Instructor at Spoon River College, organized the event along with SRC agriculture students.

This year, Illini West (Carthage) won the Invitational overall. They also had the top individual winner, Chris Holtsclaw. Farmington won the Section 12 FFA contest by just two points over Lewistown. Jeff Himegarner of Farmington was the top individual.

Also on hand were four Spoon River College graduates of the Agriculture program who are now Agriculture instructors themselves: Robin Fisher, Agriculture Instructor at Virginia High School; Tara LaFollette, Agriculture Instructor at Beardstown; Miles Allen, Agriculture Instructor at Illini Central; and Sam DeCounter, Agriculture Instructor at Illini West. They now participate in the annual Invitational FFA Livestock Judging Contest by bringing their students to the competition.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE PEEPS MEMBERS SOAK MACOMB DIRECTOR FOR GOOD CAUSE

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:37:25 +0100

The Spoon River College chapter of PEEPS (People for Earth's Ecological Preservation) held a unique event on the Macomb campus recently in celebration of World Water Day that combined educating students and staff about water issues along with a fundraiser for PEEPS that was both fun and profitable for the group.

The focus of the educational display was on safe water worldwide and on the mass consumption of bottled water. PEEPS members researched and then made an educational display for the front foyer, and were on hand to distribute informational handouts and discuss water issues with students and staff.

The group added a lighter side to a serious issue by devising a fundraiser where several SRC employees agreed to have their picture put on a can and then allowing students, staff and faculty to use their money to “vote” for someone to be soaked. The person with the most money won, and had to stand before a firing squad of water guns and water balloons.

When the counting was done, Daniel Marvin, Director of the Macomb Campus, was the lucky winner with a total of $154.39. The case could be made that the voting was rigged, since the next highest total was only $4.04, but Marvin took it good-naturedly and changed from his business attire into something more water appropriate, and then faced a line of students and SRC employees who were armed with water balloons and squirt guns.

The event raised a total of $165. 29, and will go towards future activities for PEEPS members. Besides Marvin, the following staff and faculty also put their faces on a can: Michael Maher, $4.04; Matt Vespa, $3.06; Sarah Billeter, $2.27; Patrick Denecke, $1.20; Lara Dively, .25; Kristy Boggs, .05; and Bob Zellmann, .03.

PEEPS members also shared their educational water display at Western Illinois University’s Seventh Annual Environmental Summit held on the WIU campus. While there, the group was invited to participate in an Earth Day event hosted by the Horn Environmental Learning Project group and co-sponsored by Sodexo that will be held at the Horn Field Campus on April 24.

Past PEEPS projects include helping with grade school field trips to Peace of Earth Environmental Learning Center for Watershed Protection Education in Rushville and co-sponsoring the 2009 Earth Day Fair “Rivers and Streams” with Environmentally Concerned Citizens, Western Audubon Society, and the Nature Quilt Project at the Spoon River College campus. The group has also toured organic farms and prairie restorations, and traveled to renewable energy fairs and green festivals.

Kristy Boggs, Biology instructor for Spoon River College, is the advisor for PEEPS.

ANNUAL STUDENT ART EXHIBIT ON DISPLAY AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:29:14 +0100

The SRC Annual Student Art and Design Exhibition is now on display in the Highlight Room in Centers on the Canton campus and will continue until Thursday, April 22. The Highlight Room is free and open to the public Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

The show contains work in painting, drawing, sculpture, logo design, layout design, mixed media and photography. Works range from abstraction to realism with many creative ideas employed to engage the audience. Many works are available for purchase as well as prints of originals.

The show will be judged on Wednesday, April 14 by Mandee Coulter, a professional painter from Farmington who travels around the country teaching painting workshops on realism. Coulter is a former Spoon River College student, and was one of the artists who worked on the mural of historic postcards in the SRC Sandbar Café. Coulter has won numerous awards for her work, including a Spoon River College Foundation Purchase Award for “Dad’s Boots,” which hangs outside the SRC library. Coulter will discuss the student’s artwork during the judge’s critique at 1:00 p.m. outside the Highlight Room. This is also free and open to the public.

The Spoon River College Foundation gives two purchase awards each year-the People’s Choice Award and the President’s Choice Award. These works become part of the college’s permanent art collection and most are currently on display on the Upper Level of Centers outside the library. The winners will be announced at the annual Coffee Spoon event on Tuesday, April 22. All who view the exhibit are welcome and encouraged to vote for the People’s Choice Award.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE FOUNDATION’S PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION TO BE HELD APRIL 22

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:48:43 +0100

The Spoon River College Foundation will honor donors at the annual President’s Reception on April 22 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. at the Conference Center on the Spoon River College Canton campus.
Fine hors d’oeuvres and desserts will be served. Pianist Keel Clemmens will provide piano music from 5:00 – 5:45 p.m. A short program, featuring Emily Valencia, outgoing SRC Student Trustee, begins at 5:45 p.m.

The public is invited to attend but reservations are required by calling (309) 647-6260. There is no cost to attend the event.

Those who will be placed or elevated on the Foundation’s Giving Society’s Donor Wall of Honor will be recognized during the program. Friends ($1,000-$4,999) include Sarah & Jeff Gray, Chad Murphy, Rupa & Raj Siddaraju, 1st Farm Credit Services, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Saunders, Dr. & Mrs. David Steutermann, Gary & Susan Barnhart, Dynegy Midwest Generation, Inc., Mr. & Mrs. William R. Dodds, First Congregational United Church, Curtis E. Oldfield, RLI Insurance Company, Mr. & Mrs. W. Edward Cox, Joseph Wood, Dr. Jeanine R. Standard, McDonough District Hospital, Pamela A. Caton, Mr. & Mrs. Clyde W. Meredith, Jean & William Lewis, Patricia Kaiser Pilkington, Peoria Area Community Foundation, CTS – Control Technology & Solutions, Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Crawford, Mr. Brian Crawford & Ms. Vicky Piper, Jack Bishop, Dan Bishop, Table Grove State Bank, Patrick T. Whalen, Alma Lee & John Wertman, Bradley & Michelle O’Brien, James D. Hanson, Alexander Lumber, and The Northern Trust Company.
Those moving to the Ambassador level ($5,000-$9,999) include Corporate Clean, Inc., Wal-Mart Foundation, CEFCU, Dr. & Mrs. Robert E. Ritschel, Robbin & Jodie Kost, Dr. William & Jody McCamey, Pella Rolscreen Foundation. New Benefactors ($10,000-$24,999) are Tracy & Scott Snowman, Mr. & Mrs. James Petersen, Bank of Farmington and the Illinois Community College Foundation. Purdum-Gray-Ingledue, Inc., Mr. & Mrs. Lynn McPheeters, Cassandra Miller, and Ipava State Bank have reached the Honorary Director level ($25,000-$49,999).
In addition, a new plaque will be unveiled acknowledging Named Endowed Scholarships with an investment level of $10,000 or more. The Foundation currently hosts 24 Named Endowed Scholarships: Avis A. Oliver Memorial Scholarship, Danny Ball Scholarship, Canton Rotary Club/Ketric & Alice Klingman Scholarship, Mildred & Emory Brott Memorial Scholarship. Dorothy M. Cox Scholarship, Dean & Mildred Crawford Scholarship, Harold Dare Memorial Scholarship, Donald & Helen English Scholarship, Carl F. Jackson Scholarship, Berneice Sprecher Kruschinsky Scholarship, Carl Kruschinsky Scholarship, Francis G. & Dorothea B. McPheeters Scholarship, MidAmerica National Bank Scholarship, Gustav A. & Elizabeth P. Miller Scholarship, Ed Kaiser/Phi Mu Tau Scholarship, Sherman Reed Trust Scholarship, Molly Kay O’Brien Memorial Scholarship, Mr. & Mrs. Glen Rogers Scholarship, Robert Smolich Memorial Scholarship, Louise Wood Memorial Scholarship, Sherrie L. Wood Memorial Nursing Scholarship, Tom Greenwell Memorial Performing Arts Scholarship, Leonard & Virginia Barnard Scholarship, and J. Marshall & Helen Quick Scholarship. Over 100 scholarships have been awarded for the 2010-11 academic year.

The SRC Foundation received over $330,000 in contributions and donations in 2009. The 501(c)3 organization exists to support scholarships, technology, facilities, research, and programs of Spoon River College and is celebrating its 31st year of advocacy.

Board members are Bill Dodds, Bonnie Krulac, Brenda Stadsholt, Carol Montague, David Haynes, Deny Bryant, Greg Lardi, Jean Lewis, Jeff Bonnett, Jerry Cremer, Linda Butler, Rusty Melhouse and Susie McMillen. Carol Davis serves as Executive Director of the Foundation with Emily Gillett, Foundation Coordinator, Lori Murphy, and Megan Dailey, Accountant on staff. Outgoing Board Members, Bill Dodds, Jean Lewis, and Bonnie Krulac, will be recognized at the reception for their six years of service.

For more information about the Spoon River College Foundation, please visit www.src.edu/foundation or call Carol Davis at (309) 647-6395.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE SPECIAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING SCHEDULED

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:55:25 +0100

The Spoon River College Board of Trustees will hold a special board meeting on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at 6 p.m. in the Cabinet Room, Centers Building on the Canton Campus, for the purpose of consideration and approval of a Bond Resolution Authorizing Alternate Revenue Bonds.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE PRESENTS 11TH ANNUAL COFFEE SPOON

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:58:20 +0100

The eleventh annual coffeehouse event, The Coffee Spoon, will be held at Spoon River College on Tuesday, April 20 from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. in the drama theatre in Taylor Hall on the Canton campus. The Coffee Spoon coincides with the publication of the Kaleidoscope, which celebrates the artistic and literary talents of SRC students, faculty, and staff.

The Coffee Spoon will feature literary readings and musical selections that were published in the 2009 Kaleidoscope, plus impromptu readings. Original student artwork will be on display, and the Student Art and Design Exhibit awards will be presented, including the People’s Choice Award and the President’s Choice Award.

Coffee will be provided, with other refreshments available for purchase courtesy of the SRC Relay for Life Bake Sale. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information about the event, contact Paige Edwards, Coffee Spoon Coordinator, at paige.edwards@src.edu.

Anyone interested in obtaining a copy of this year’s Kaleidoscope may contact the editors at kscopesubmit@src.edu. Spoon River College offers the publication at no charge, but the supply is limited so please be sure to submit a request soon.

SIGNED CARL SANDBURG BOOKS DONATED TO SPOON RIVER COLLEGE LIBRARY

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 09:36:04 +0100

Kathleen Menanteaux, Director of Library Services at Spoon River College, recently received a phone call from a former student inquiring whether the library would be interested in acquiring two books by Carl Sandburg that were signed by the author.

“Of course, I told him yes,” said Menanteaux. “I’m thrilled for the college to have two signed books by Carl Sandburg.”

The former student was Tom Doubet, whose mother Kathryn taught Rhetoric at Spoon River College in the mid-sixties when it was known as Canton Community College and still housed in the upper floor of Canton High School and then later in the downtown buildings.

“My mother absolutely loved teaching for the college,” said Doubet, who graduated from CCC in 1966. “Before being hired there, she taught Latin, French, and English at the Williamsfield high school. I didn’t realize at the time just how incredibly intelligent my mother was.”

Doubet inherited the books-the novel “Remembrance Rock” and the autobiography “Always the Young Strangers”- when his mother passed away in 2001. He in turn gave them to his son, but the books made their way back to Doubet when his son moved to the Ukraine. Doubet didn’t want to keep the books himself, nor did he want to dispose of them. A friend suggested donating them to the Spoon River College library.

“I thought that was a wonderful idea, and I believe my mother would be very happy to know that’s where they ended up,” said Doubet.

Although Doubet is not certain, he believes the books were signed in 1958 when his family traveled to Knox College in Galesburg for the Lincoln-Douglas debate centennial celebration, which Sandburg also attended.

“I wish I could remember more about that experience,” Doubet said. “I probably met Carl Sandburg that day, but I was too young at the time to appreciate the significance of the occasion.”

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 09:01:57 +0100

Anita Madden, an alumnus and former employee of Spoon River College, has earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology from Franklin University by participating in the Community College Alliance program. Spoon River College is a partner in this program, which offers SRC graduates the option of completing a bachelor’s degree at one of nine universities at a reduced cost.

Madden earned her Associates in Applied Science in Computer Information Systems from Spoon River College in 2001. After graduating, she worked for SRC as a Computer Coordinator until 2006. Madden began her studies at Franklin University in 2005 while simultaneously finishing the required general education courses through SRC.

Madden, who now works in the technology services department at Illinois Central College, was motivated to get her bachelor’s degree not only because continuing education is essential in the technology field, but also because of her personal goal of being the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Madden choose Franklin University because of its partnership with Spoon River College, which allowed her SRC credits to transfer smoothly. “That meant I didn’t have to take additional courses, and that resulted in significant savings for me,” Madden said.

Madden, who was impressed with Franklin’s IT program, was able to complete all of her courses online and at her own pace, making it easier to juggle full –time work and her family’s needs while working towards her degree.

Madden currently resides in Washington, IL with her family.

For information about the Degree Completion program at Spoon River College, contact Patrick Denecke at (309) 647-6022 or visit the website at www.src.edu/bachelor-degree-completion.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE HOSTS IMMIGRATION PROJECT PRESENTATION

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 13:18:13 +0100

Spoon River College will host a presentation by The Immigration Project on Thursday, April 15 from 10:30-12:00 at the SRC Rushville Center in Room 102. Marti Jones, immigration attorney and Executive Director for The Immigration Project, will be the speaker. The presentation is free and is open to the public.

Cyndi Johnston, Program Coordinator of English as a Second Language (ESL) at Spoon River College, arranged the presentation. Johnston also teaches ESL for the college.

Based in Bloomington and accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals, The Immigration Project offers legal immigration services. According to their website, it was established more than 12 years ago as an Immigration and Naturalization Service recognized Qualified Designated Entity (QDE) to assist eligible applicants for the Immigration "Amnesty" authorized under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Since that time, the services have been expanded to include a wide array of immigration and immigration related legal services, immigrant community education projects and social service assistance.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MARCH MEETING SUMMARY

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 08:52:36 +0100

SUMMARY OF REGULAR MEETING, BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
Spoon River College Conference Center, Canton

HIGHLIGHTS OF BOARD APPROVED ITEMS
The following points of information were addressed in the regular meeting of The Spoon River College Board of Trustees. These notes are provided as a summary of the topics discussed during the Board meeting and do not constitute the official minutes of the meeting. The official minutes of the meeting will be available following approval at the regular April 2010 meeting. Official minutes can also be viewed on the college’s website at www.src.edu.

Action items:
• The Board approved the consideration and action on a Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source) for Community College District No. 534, Counties of Fulton, Mason, Knox, Schuyler and McDonough and State of Illinois.
• The Board granted tenure to Mr. Jim Sheff, Developmental Math Instructor, effective with the Fall 2010 semester.
• The Board granted tenure to Ms. Julie Barclay, Nursing Instructor, effective with the Fall 2010 semester.

Other Business:
• Dave Maguire, Board member and Illinois Community College Trustee Association representative, reported on several meetings he attended recently, including the National Community College Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C., where a main topic of discussion centered on President Obama’s overhaul of higher education aid as it pertains to Pell Grant funding and student loans. Maguire also met with Senator Dick Durbin while in Washington.
• Student trustee Emily Valencia reported that Taylor Snowman of Canton was elected to serve as the Student Trustee for the 2010-2011 school year, and that students voted “Rage” as the new mascot, further explaining that it was meant to depict “the raging river.”
• Gary Schindler, Dean of Student Services, reported on the progress of the Enrollment Management Team, which included a process for promoting new programs as they are developed.
• Jim Genandt, Dean of Career and Technical Education, reported that the accreditation process underway at the college is on schedule and proceeding smoothly.
• Brett Stoller, Vice President of Administrative Services, gave an update on the status of the cost-cutting measures that have been recommended by the Efficiency Task Force. He noted that some of the measures have already been or will soon be implemented.
• Emily Gillette, Foundation Coordinator, reported that a new priority funding plan and new board members will be approved at the May meeting of the Foundation Board. Gillette also reported that the Foundation had received $2,813 in donations during March, and that 24 named endowed scholarships have reached the $10,000 or more level. In addition, the 17th Annual Golf Outing will be held at Wee-Ma-Tuk on Friday, August 13.
• Velvet Powell, Director of Community Outreach, gave a report on Community Outreach highlights for March, including the Historical Preservation Conference held at the Canton campus and the West Central Illinois Health Care Education (WCIHCE) conference held at the Macomb Outreach Center. Customized training for Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville was provided, and a Work Keys test for Cook Canton is scheduled for March 30. Powell noted that 31 groups had utilized the Macomb Outreach Center for meetings during March, and that 2011 dates are already being scheduled.
• Dr. Randy Greenwell, Vice President of Instruction and Student Services, reported to the Board that the administration is placing the basketball program in hiatus until the Multi-purpose facility, funded by the Capital Bill passed by the Illinois legislature, begins construction on the Canton campus grounds. He explained to the trustees that current student athletes, or freshmen, will be assisted in securing tryouts with other college basketball teams, or they will continue to receive scholarship assistance at Spoon River College if they wish to remain enrolled.
• Dr. Jeanine Standard, faculty advisor for the SRC Campus Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, and several HfH chapter members presented a picture slide show on their recent trip to Las Cruces, NM over spring break, where they assisted with various Habitat projects. Standard also noted that the 24 HOURS OF HOMELESSNESS fundraiser is April 30-May 1 in Jones Park.

MACOMB SPOON RIVER COLLEGE NURSING STUDENTS RECEIVE ALTRUSA SCHOLARSHIPS

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 08:41:55 +0100

Spoon River College nursing students Chelsie Bowman and Nicole Carithers received the Altrusa International of Macomb scholarship. Miriam Satern, a member of the Macomb Altrusa Club, presented this year’s award. Chelsie has been an LPN for five years and has five children. Nicole has been working fulltime and attending school. Both students are planning on finding a job and staying in the Macomb area after graduation.

Each student received a $750.00 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in the second year, second semester of the nursing program at Spoon River College.

Altrusa International is a women’s service organization comprised of more than 600 clubs dedicated to improving their local communities through various philanthropic activities. Altrusa International of Macomb provides scholarships to Spoon River College for second year nursing students. The Macomb Altrusa Club raises the scholarship funds from the Altrusa Bazaar.

The Altrusa Scholarship was originally established by Jessye M. Yates, a member of the Macomb Altrusa Club and an employee for the Illinois Department of Public Aid. At the time of her death, the Yates family donated $1,000.00 to provide a yearly scholarship of $100.00 to graduating practical nursing students residing in McDonough County. Over time, the Macomb Altrusa Club increased the amount of the award and now recognizes two students per year.

Spoon River College offers its two-year, state-approved nursing program at two sites, Canton and Macomb. For more information about SRC’s nursing program, call (309) 837-5727 or visit www.src.edu.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE NURSING STUDENTS SPONSOR BLOOD DRIVE IN MACOMB

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:33:32 +0100

Members of Spoon River College Student Nurses Association (SNA) will sponsor a blood drive with the American Red Cross on Monday, April 12. It will be held on the Macomb campus at 208 South Johnson from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

This event is for all community members, as well as SRC students, faculty and staff.

All potential donors must have a photo ID or two other forms of identification, and should eat before donating. Donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with a signed Red Cross parental/guardian consent form where state permits, and must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Individuals who have had a tattoo or a piercing in the past 12 months are not eligible to donate unless the procedure was performed in Iowa, Missouri, or Wisconsin in a licensed facility.

For more information or to make an appointment, call Tiffany Bentz, SNA member, at (816) 213-9567. Appointments are recommended, although walk-ins are welcome.

REGISTRATION FOR SPOON RIVER COLLEGE TO BE HELD AT AREA HIGH SCHOOLS

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:20:07 +0100

Advisors from the Student Services office at Spoon River College will be visiting area high schools to register graduating seniors who plan on attending SRC during the summer or in the fall 2010. Students who would like to take advantage of this service should contact their high school guidance counselor to make an appointment. The dates are as follows:

Thursday, April 8 – Lewistown
Friday, April 9 – Cuba
Friday, April 9 – Havana
Monday, April 12 – Rushville TENTATIVE
Tuesday, April 13 – VIT
Tuesday, April 13 – Canton
Wednesday, April 14 – Canton
Monday, April 19 – Spoon River Valley
Monday, April 19 – Astoria

“The fall 2010 schedule is now available for viewing on the college’s website,” said Missy Wilkinson, director of enrollment services. “This allows prospective students the opportunity to browse the classes and have an idea of what they would like their schedule to be before they meet with an advisor.”

A summer interim session will be held from May 17-June 4. Interim sessions last only three weeks and allow students to earn up to four credit hours, depending on the course. The regular summer session begins June 7 and runs through August 2. A fall interim will be offered August 2-August 20. The regular fall semester begins August 23.

Spoon River College continues to expand its educational offerings and utilize the latest technology to increase access to courses for current and prospective students. The Interactive Video System (IVS), which allows a class being taught at one campus to be viewed at any of the other sites, was used successfully this semester to offer five classes. In the fall, ten classes will be available via the IVS: AH116 Professional Medical Office Management; AH140 Health Records Management; BIO111 Anatomy/Physiology Fundamentals; CJ101 Survey of Criminal Justice; CJ102 Survey of Criminal Investigation; ENG290 Science Fiction; LA103 College and Career Success; Mat133 Business Calculus I; MAT151 Calculus/Analytic Geometry; and SBM215 Small Business Development.

Also new for fall are two 8-week hybrid English courses which will allow students to complete the required general education English sequence (ENG101 and ENG102) in just 16 weeks. Special topic courses for fall include BIO290 Women in Biology and ENG290 Science Fiction (which is also an IVS course). Honor courses being offered are ART120 Introduction to Art and SOC100 Introduction to Sociology. New certificate programs in Agriculture, Small Business Management and Diesel Tractor Technology have also been developed.

For more information about COMPASS testing and the registration process or to make an appointment with an advisor, call (309)647-4645 in Canton, (309)543-4413 in Havana, (309)837-5727 in Macomb, and (217)322-6060 in Rushville. Information is also available on the website at www.src.edu.

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR SPOON RIVER COLLEGE PRODUCTION OF "THE FOREIGNER"

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 11:05:21 +0100

Tickets are now on sale for “The Foreigner,” which is being presented by the Spoon River College drama department on April 9, 10, 16, and 17 at 7:30 p.m. and on April 18 at 2:00 p.m. in the Theatre in Taylor Hall on the Canton campus. Tickets may be reserved by calling (309) 649-6257. Ticket prices are $5.00 for general admission and $2.50 for students and seniors.

Written by Larry Shue and winner of two Obie Awards and two Outer Critics Circle Awards as Best New American Play and Best Off-Broadway Production, “The Foreigner” is set at a fishing lodge in rural Georgia often visited by “Froggy” LeSeuer, a British demolition expert who occasionally runs training sessions at a nearby army base. This time “Froggy” has brought along a friend, a pathologically shy young man named Charlie who is overcome with fear at the thought of making conversation with strangers. To protect Charlie, “Froggy” informs all those at the lodge that Charlie is from an exotic foreign country and speaks no English. It is when Charlie is alone at the lodge when the fun begins. He overhears more than he should – the evil plans of a sinister, two-faced minister and his redneck associate; that the minister’s pretty fiancée is pregnant, and many other damaging revelations – all because everyone believes that Charlie cannot understand a word being said. The comedy ends with a wildly funny climax where things go awry for the “bad guys” and the “good guys” emerge triumphant.

Cast members include Curtis Bump, Bobby McKenzie, Becky Sisson, Kristina Kirkham, Ryan Dowell, Joe Taylor, Daniel Lefler, Renato Gomez, Alexis Moore, and Kendra Raymond.

Ashley Trimpe is the student director with Sarah Miller serving as stage manager. Other technical staff members include Mindy Miller, Taylor Snowman, Emily Valencia, Rich Markley, Kimberly Leighton, Lissa Keefauver, Arron Kevilus, Nathan Jones, Matt Guerra, and Aubri Edwards.

“With this cast and such a wonderful comedic script, I am very confident that audience-goers will leave the play laughing all the way home,” said Dusty Day, new drama faculty sponsor at Spoon River College. “This is my first full production as a director and I could not have asked for a more talented cast than we have for this show.”

Mark Burnap

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:30:27 +0100

Marc Burnap graduated from Canton high school in 1997, attended Spoon River College for a year, and then joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 34 as an apprentice, later advancing to journeyman. College was out, work was in, and life was good. Burnap enjoyed his job and the money, even though he was shocked enough times to gain entry to what those in the brotherhood call the “277 Club.”

The good life, however, ended abruptly on February 11, 2006, when a car accident left Burnap paralyzed from the waist down and in a wheelchair. His days as an electrician were over.

“It’s hard to do electrical work if you can’t climb a ladder or navigate a work site,” Burnap said.

After an extended hospital stay and a stint in Chicago for therapy, Burnap was ready to tackle his future. With financial assistance from the Department of Rehabilitative Services (a division of the Department of Human Services), Burnap returned to SRC in the spring of 2007.

“It was hard to go back; I was 27 years old and physically disabled,” said Burnap. “I was nervous about being able to handle it.”

Burnap credits former Spoon River College speech instructor Bob Gorg and history instructor Jason Strandberg with helping him adjust.

“Both went out of their way to be supportive and encouraging,” said Burnap. “It makes a huge difference when you know you have someone in your corner.”

Burnap graduated in 2009 with an Associate in Science degree and transferred to Western Illinois University. He hopes to eventually pursue a teaching career in math, preferably at the secondary level and ideally at Spoon River College.

Burnap adds that SRC math instructors Brian and Sarah Dalpiaz had a major influence on his decision to pursue a teaching career.

“They have an amazing teaching style that makes math understandable, fun, and kept me interested,” said Burnap. “Brian is a phenomenal calculus teacher. I decided I wanted to do what they did.”

Burnap participated in the college honor's program and has some words of advice for students.

“If you want a bachelor’s degree, start here and then transfer. Don’t spend the extra money at a university the first two years. People seriously underestimate the quality of education that SRC offers. It is solid, and taught by experienced teachers, not grad students.”

REGISTER NOW FOR FALL CLASSES AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:45:03 +0100

While it may seem far away, now is the time to register at Spoon River College for the fall 2010 semester. Online registration for returning students began on March 15. Advisor registration for new and returning students will begin on Monday, March 29.

Although returning students may register early, Wilkinson still encourages students to meet with their advisor to review their degree plan and ensure they are on track to meet their goal, whether it’s transferring to a four-year college or getting a job after graduation.

Also new for fall in Canton and Macomb are two 8-week hybrid English courses that will allow students to complete the required general education English sequence (ENG101 and ENG102) in just 16 weeks. Special topic courses for fall include BIO290 Women in Biology and ENG290 Science Fiction (which is also an IVS course). Honor courses being offered are ART120 Introduction to Art and SOC100 Introduction to Sociology. New certificate programs in Agriculture, Small Business Management and Diesel Tractor Technology have also been developed.

If you prefer to get a head start on classes, summer registration is still open and that schedule is also available on the website. An interim summer session will be held from May 17-June 4. Interim sessions last only three weeks and depending on the course, up to 4 credit hours can be earned. The regular summer session begins June 7 and runs through August 2. A fall interim will be offered August 2-August 20. The regular fall semester begins August 23.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION CONFERENCE HELD AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:16:55 +0100

“Restoration of historic structures is a significant piece of the economic pie, and is only going to continue to grow.”

This provocative statement was made by Robert Ogle, Director of the Construction Technology and Historic Preservation program at Lamar Community College in Colorado, as he spoke to over 70 people gathered in the Spoon River College Conference Center in Canton on March 12 for a Historic Preservation Conference organized and hosted by the college.

The first of its kind meeting brought together city and county officials, historical preservationists, and other interested parties from across the state to learn about the economic benefits of restoration from three speakers with extensive knowledge and experience in this unique realm of construction.

Ogle has successfully founded Historic Preservation [HP] programs at community colleges in Pennsylvania and Colorado. He believes community colleges are an “untapped potential and a natural fit for historic preservation programs,” and that it is community colleges who should lead the way in educating and training historic preservationists.

That is exactly what Spoon River College hopes to do as they prepare to build a Historic Preservation program. One course—Introductory Historic Preservation—is already being developed to offer in the fall.

Ogle noted that currently there are only four accredited programs at two-year institutions and certified by the National Council for Preservation Education (NCPE). Most programs are at the graduate level, where students entering may have backgrounds in fields such as architecture, engineering, or art history, but little undergraduate background in historic preservation.

According to Ogle, historic restoration is experiencing a boom period and is a $2.7 trillion market. However, the supply of qualified college graduates and trainees to do the work is inadequate. Most HP programs focus on history and theory but don’t do enough to build the technical skills needed to actually do preservation work.

“If we do not train the next generation the skills needed to preserve our historic buildings, the skills may be lost.”

The “economic drive” of historic restoration can be significantly increased when tourism opportunities also exist. Ogle, who drove around the entire college district prior to the conference, was excited by the possibilities for tourism he saw that could be capitalized on. He noted that tourism is the third largest retail business after automotive and food, and that visiting historic sites is the third most popular activity people engage in for vacation and/or recreation, accounting for $56-$77 billion a year in domestic expenditures.

Ogle stated that partnerships with businesses and high schools are also an important part of building historic preservation programs at community colleges. “For example, a program at SRC could be tied in with district high schools to mutually support programs in the building trades. Another idea for a certificate would be to combine Museum Studies with Heritage Tourism, and HP programs make a great tie-in with entrepreneurial programs.”

Also speaking at the conference were George Ridgway, Chief Architect for Cook Group Inc. and Jim Murphy, President of CFC, a Cook owned company that is a leader in property management and the re-development of historic/and or architecturally significant structures. Both men have been involved with numerous restoration projects during their employment with Cook, including the well-known West Baden Springs and French Lick hotel restorations in Indiana.

Ridgway presented slides of “before” and “after” pictures of the hotels, calling attention to some of the difficulties that often arise during restoration of old buildings, such as twelve layers of shingles found under a clay tile roof or gas and steam lines running through a glass window, plus the more common problems of mold, asbestos, and lead paint.

Ridgway added that many structural problems are not apparent until after a property has been purchased, which was the case with West Baden.

“There were some major structural problems that we didn’t anticipate, but we fixed them all and I’m really glad we did,” Ridgway said.

Murphy also showed pictures of CFC property that had been restored, including pictures of the Randolph building on the square.

“Many buyers would want to tear some of these buildings down. We don’t. We want to build something that will connect the past, present and the future,” Murphy said. “It’s a great feeling to breathe life back into a building that has been empty for many years.”

Robert Ritschel, President of Spoon River College and host of the conference stated, “This region has a strong link to historical events and locales, and we feel the conference sets the stage for creating this program.”

The conference was sponsored by Spoon River College in association with Canton Main Street and the Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ATTEND "TOOLS OF LIFE" CONFERENCE AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:10:58 +0100

Approximately 130 students from area high schools attended the Tools for Life transition conference held March 5 at Spoon River College in Canton. The event was sponsored by the Western Regional Transition Planning Committee to give students the opportunity to learn more about transitioning into college or the work force, and about medial issues and balancing their lives as an adult.

The students were welcomed by Spoon River College president Dr. Robert E. Ritschel, who encouraged them to listen closely to the information presented in the workshops, as it would be about “real life” rather than a homework assignment that could be forgotten once completed.

All students were required to attend the Developing Job Interviewing Skills and How to Stretch Your Money workshops, and then were able to pick two more from the following: Getting Into College, Getting Along With Others, 10 Ways to Lose Your Job, and Ick-I’m Sick.

A humorous skit that highlighted the importance of proper etiquette when interviewing for a job was presented by Spoon River College staff members Sarah Phillips (the interviewer), and Julie Seeley (the “good” interviewee). Billie Vaultonburg, Program Coordinator of Western Area Career Systems (WACS), portrayed the “bad” interviewee who arrived late dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt, chewing gum, and carrying a beverage mug, which she drank from throughout the interview. She slouched, seldom made eye contact, checked her cell phone, became distracted, and made it clear she wouldn’t be able to work nights, weekends, or holidays. She got laughs while showing the students what NOT to do.

The event ended with keynote speaker Brett Eastburn sharing his inspiring life story. Eastburn was born with what he has named Quadmembral Limbs Deficiency, which means he has no arms or legs. While many would call that a handicap, Eastburn would disagree.

“A handicap is some thing that slows you down, gets in your way, or stops you completely from doing what you want,” Eastburn told the crowd as he propelled himself out of his wheelchair and onto a table, where he paced, jumped up and down, demonstrated his ability to throw a basketball and a football (with a spiral no less), Karate chop a board, open a can of soda, and sketch a picture of Garfield the Cat that creator Jim Davis would have been proud to call his own.

Eastburn gave special credit for his success to his mother, who “had the courage to close her eyes and walk out of the room the first time she saw me trying to get out of my wheelchair.” That first attempt landed him on his nose and feeling mad at his mom for letting him get hurt. By the next day however, he was getting out of the chair without being hurt.

While in school, he played basketball, baseball, and football, and was 4th in the nation in the 1988 Amateur Athletic Union wrestling competition. He has also earned a green belt in the martial arts. He began speaking professionally in 1990, and has done over 3,000 presentations worldwide to over one million people. He currently works full-time as a motivational and inspirational speaker, and also performs comedy. Upcoming projects include a Showtime special. Visit http://www.bretteastburn.com for more information about Eastburn and to view a clip of his presentation.

High schools participating in the event were Astoria, Avon, Canton, Cuba, Havana, Lewistown, Rushville-Industry, Spoon River Valley, V.I.T., West Prairie, and New Horizons.

The Western Regional Transition Planning Committee serves McDonough, Hancock, and Fulton counties. Members are represented by Bridgeway, Macomb; Western IL Service Coordination; Western Area Career Systems (Macomb and Canton locations); DHS/Division of Rehabilitation Services; West Central IL Special Education Cooperative; West Central Illinois Center for Independent Living; Spoon River College; Mosaic, Macomb; Parents of Special Needs Students; and DSCC-Division of Specialized Care for Children.

Funding for the conference was provided in whole or part by the Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services, and West Central Illinois Special Education Coop.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE REPRESENTED AT ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION WORKSHOP

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:07:34 +0100

Jeff Bash, Spoon River College Agriculture instructor and Brad O’Brien, Director of Purchasing & Auxiliary Services at the college, recently attended a workshop co-sponsored by the Illinois Association for Career and Technical Education and the Illinois Institute for Entrepreneurship Education. The workshop, held at the Capital Area Career Center in Springfield, was part of the celebration of National Entrepreneurship Week, February 20-27.

Presenters at the workshop included Mark Williams, Career and Technical Education Division Administrator, Illinois State Board of Education; Michael Scherer, CEO Founder, Dreamvizion; Kathy Mountjoy, Professor of Education, Illinois State University; Kevin Lust, Director, Small Business Development Center; Nat Seize, Executive Director, Springfield Chamber of Commerce; and Jeanne Dau, Director, Business Solutions Center, Eastern Illinois University.

The Illinois Institute for Entrepreneurship Education advocates entrepreneurship throughout the state of Illinois by helping communities realize the effect that entrepreneurship can have on their economic development. The mission of the Institute as defined by the legislation is to foster the growth and development of entrepreneurship education and to educate the citizens of Illinois to the role and contributions of entrepreneurs in economic development and job creation.

The Illinois Association for Career and Technical Education represents educators working in all areas of the career-technical education. The organization’s goals include provisions for quality career-technical educators, in-service opportunities and program improvement for Illinois’ career-technical educators, administrators and guidance counselors.

Spoon River College offers a Small Business Management program, which offers a mix of transfer and career courses for the student interested in business. The SBM program offers an Associate in Applied Science degree with connecting certificates in Customer Service, Entrepreneurship, Small Office Accounting and Supervision.

ILLINOS HUMANITES ROAD SCHOLAR SPEAKER AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:01:35 +0100

“Being from a well-off suburb in Wisconsin, I never thought about being white,” said Tim Engles. “After I started attending the University of Georgia to work on my PhD, I began thinking about it a lot.”

Engles, an English professor at Eastern Illinois University, presented “Deconstructing Whiteness: What We Talk about When We Talk about Whiteness” to students at Spoon River College in Canton on March 1. He included a short historical overview of race relations in the United States, stating that the concept of race did not exist until the 1600s when “economic elites” emphasized such a concept to justify seizure of the land and to “conquer and divide” white and black workers. He also noted that the Naturalization Act of 1790, which set forth the rules for being granted national citizenship in the US, limited that right to “free white persons,” effectively eliminating people of any color until the 1950s.

While some may protest that was long ago and discrimination no longer exists, Engles would disagree. He presented a clip of recent “doll tests” conducted in 2005 in which black children who attended a Harlem day care center were given two dolls that were identical in every way except for their color; one was black and one was white. They were then asked to pick the “bad” doll and the “nice” doll. Fifteen of the 21 children preferred the white doll.

“It’s heartbreaking to watch,” said Engles. “Even at such a young age, they have internalized the messages society has sent them regarding their status as compared to white people.”

The doll test was first designed by psychologists Kenneth and Mamie Clark in the 1940s to study the psychological effects of segregation on black children. The results of those tests were cited in the Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education.

Engles also made the argument that “people of color often understand things about whiteness that white people don’t,” because white people are not affected negatively by being white. They aren’t watched as closely by store clerks, don’t mind living or working in an all-white environment (and in fact don’t even think about that fact), and are more free to go where they want without thinking about the consequences. He also noted that research has shown job applicants with “non-white sounding names” are often delegated to the bottom of the list.

“If most people were honest with themselves, they would acknowledge that a perception of white superiority exists,” said Engles. “It is the flip side of an inferiority complex.”

And the answer (according to Engles) to the question “What DO we talk about when we talk about whiteness?”

“White people don’t talk much about it at all.”

Engles teaches courses in contemporary and multicultural literature, film studies and writing at Eastern Illinois University. His doctoral research was largely informed by his primary research area, critical whiteness studies. He is the editor of Towards a Bibliography of Critical Whiteness Studies (2006), and co-editor of Approaches to Teaching DeLillo's White Noise, (2006) and Critical Approaches to Don DeLillo (2000).

Engles is an Illinois Humanities Council Road Scholar speaker. His presentation was made possible in part by an award from the Illinois Humanities Council, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Illinois General Assembly.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:48:49 +0100

The Spoon River College Board of Trustees will hold its regular public monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 24 in the Spoon River College Conference Center on the Canton campus. The Board will convene for dinner at 6 p.m., followed by the public meeting at 7 p.m. in Room A.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE DRAMA DEPARTMENT TO PRESENT “THE FOREIGNER”

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:50:18 +0100

The Spoon River College drama department announces its spring production “The Foreigner” which will run April 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. and April 18 at 2:00 p.m. at the Theatre in Taylor Hall on the college’s Canton campus. This will be the directing debut of SRC’s new drama faculty sponsor Dusty Day. Tickets may be reserved beginning March 22nd by calling (309) 649-6257.

“I’m excited to build off the successes that the SRC Drama Department has established over the years,” Day said. “This is my first full production as a director and I could not have asked for a more talented cast than we have for this show.”

“The Foreigner,” written by Larry Shue is set at a fishing lodge in rural Georgia often visited by “Froggy” LeSeuer, a British demolition expert who occasionally runs training sessions at a nearby army base. This time “Froggy” has brought along a friend, a pathologically shy young man named Charlie who is overcome with fear at the thought of making conversation with strangers. To protect Charlie, “Froggy” informs all those at the lodge that Charlie is from an exotic foreign country and speaks no English. It is when Charlie is alone at the lodge when the fun begins. He overhears more than he should – the evil plans of a sinister, two-faced minister and his redneck associate; that the minister’s pretty fiancée is pregnant, and many other damaging revelations – all because everyone believes that Charlie cannot understand a word being said. The comedy ends with a wildly funny climax where things go awry for the “bad guys” and the “good guys” emerge triumphant.

“With this cast and such a wonderful comedic script, I am very confident that audience-goers will leave the play laughing all the way home,” stated Day.

Cast members include Curtis Bump, Bobby McKenzie, Becky Sisson, Kristina Kirkham, Ryan Dowell, Joe Taylor, Daniel Lefler, Renato Gomez, Alexis Moore, and Kendra Raymond.

For more information about “The Foreigner,” the SRC Drama Program or drama scholarships, please contact Dusty Day at (309) 649-6263 or dusty.day@src.edu.

CANTON ELKS LODGE #626 ESTABLISHES NAMED ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:28:43 +0100

Canton Elks Lodge #626 presented a check for $10,000 to the Spoon River College Foundation and is establishing a Named Endowed Scholarship for second year Fulton County students attending Spoon River College.

“We are very pleased to establish this new endowment for deserving students to attend Spoon River College,” said Elks Club member Larry Cook. “One of our members, Chad Murphy, told us about the opportunity and after we heard a presentation on how the process for the scholarship worked, our organization voted to fund the project. It’s just another way that Canton Elks Lodge #626 can help our community.”

The Protective Order of Elks was first organized in 1868 as a benevolent organization dedicated to “helping those who are less fortunate and in need.” In addition, the Order supports youth, Veterans Service, and furtherance of Americanism.

“The SRC Foundation is extremely grateful to the Canton Elks Lodge and its membership,” said Carol Davis, Executive Director of the Foundation. “A named endowed scholarship is perpetual as scholarships are offered every year based on the investment return. The Elks Lodge continues to help make our community a better place by providing educational opportunities for local students.”

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE'S COMMUNITY CHORUS PRODUCTION "BROADWAY, TOO" A SUCCESS

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:06:01 +0100

The Spoon River College Community Chorus production of “Broadway, Too! And the Tony Goes to…” was a great success according to producer Carol Davis. The show was presented to sold-out houses at each of its four performances the weekend of February 19-21.

“We are thrilled to provide quality entertainment with local talent that result in contributions toward the SRC Foundation’s scholarship fund,” Davis stated. “This is our 5th year and “Broadway Too!” was our 6th presentation. We look forward to many, many more in the future.”

The production featured 40 singers from 8 to 78 years of age and a band of six. Using a Tony Awards show format, audience members enjoyed songs from musicals first produced over 60 years ago to shows still performing on Broadway today.

As a result of the last three productions, the SRC Chorus has now raised the funds necessary to establish a permanent named endowed scholarship in memory of Tom Greenwell, a founding member of the chorus.

“Named endowed scholarships require a minimum of $10,000 which is invested so that the scholarships become permanent and are awarded annually,” Davis said. “Chorus members are extremely happy that we will be able to award the first Tom Greenwell Memorial Scholarship in 2011-12 for a student who has been active in the performing arts.”

Dave and Paula Grigsby contributed to this year’s revenue totals by hosting a concession stand at all four performances.

“Funds raised at the stand are also being contributed to the Tom Greenwell fund,” stated Dave Grigsby, brother of Tom Greenwell. “We know Tom would be thrilled about this scholarship. His legacy and devotion to theatre will live on.”

The Chorus will be announcing its show for 2011 early this summer. The chorus is open to anyone who enjoys singing and performing. No auditions are required.

For more information, about the SRC Community Chorus or named endowed scholarships, please contact Carol Davis at (309) 647-6395 or carol.davis@src.edu.

SUMMARY OF FEBRUARY 24, 2010 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:04:46 +0100

HIGHLIGHTS OF BOARD APPROVED ITEMS
The following points of information were addressed in the regular meeting of The Spoon River College Board of Trustees. These notes are provided as a summary of the topics discussed during the Board meeting and do not constitute the official minutes of the meeting. The official minutes of the meeting will be available following approval at the regular March 2010 meeting. Official minutes can also be viewed on the college’s website at www.src.edu.

Action items approved by the Board:
• An in-district tuition and comprehensive fee increase effective beginning in the fall of 2010. Tuition will be $88 per credit hour. It was noted that the tuition rate of $50 per credit hour for Dual Enrollment will not increase.
• The elimination of the business/economic program and one instructor due to continued low enrollment in the program. The college does ongoing reviews of all programs.
• Action was deferred on the motion to cease operations of the vocational program at the Illinois River Correctional Center due to non-payment of funds owed the college by the Department of Corrections.
• Revenue Bond if necessary to ensure the college has adequate operating funds for the coming year. It was noted by trustee Dave Maguire that the state has failed in its responsibility to higher education, thereby putting colleges and universities in the position of making financial decisions such as these and adding to the burden of students and taxpayers.

Other Business:
• Reports were presented by the following:
o Brett Stoller, Vice-President of Administrative Services, reported on the Efficiency Task Force that the college has organized. The ETF is comprised of college employees who volunteered, and provides equal representation for all three employment groups (faculty, classified, and professional support). The group is reviewing recommendations for reducing expenditures and raising revenue that are submitted by employees. President Robert Ritschel encouraged all employees to take part in the process, believing that “changes are best understood and accepted when the workforce is both involved and informed.” He added, “often the best suggestions come from those who are actually doing the work, rather than supervising the effort.” To date, approximately 100 suggestions have been submitted, ranging from turning off monitors when not in use to implementing furlough days. Stoller noted that some of the suggestions were already being put in practice, while others will have to come before the board. A final report will be made available to all employees.
o Dave Maguire, Board member and Illinois Community College Trustee Association representative, reported that the ICCTA meeting scheduled in Washington, D.C. was cancelled due to the weather. He was able to attend a meeting of the Institute of Government and Public Affairs and was given the opportunity to interact with the group while it was in session.
o Student trustee Emily Valencia reported on various student events, including that the spaghetti fundraiser held by the Spoon River College Chapter of Habitat for Humanity raised $2,123.
o Gary Schindler, Dean of Student Services, reported on the goals and progress of the Enrollment Management Team. He added that recruitment for the college Golf Teams was going well.
o Jim Genandt, Dean of Career and Technical Education, reported that progress on the Accreditation process was going very well, with the pertinent material being collected and organized.
o Carol Davis, Vice-President of Community Outreach, reported $27,614 was raised by the Foundation this month from events including the Celebrity Waiter Dinner in Macomb, the SRC Cookbook sales, tickets for the Broadway, Too, production and other donations. She also reported that there will be four new named endowed scholarships for the 2010-2011 academic year.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION CONFERENCE AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:30:59 +0100

Spoon River College, in association with Canton Main Street and the Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development, is sponsoring “Historic Preservation: A Key to Revitalizing Rural Communities.” The conference is Friday, March 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Spoon River College Conference Center on the Canton campus.

The college is currently in the process of developing a Preservation program that will begin in the fall of 2010, according to college President Robert E. Ritschel.

“Preservation programs have been highly successful in other states, and this region has a strong link to historical events and locales, thus setting the stage for interest in a preservation program,” said Ritschel. “Preservation has great potential for bringing new, high quality jobs to western Illinois.”

The conference will feature three speakers who are prominent in the area of historic preservation.

Robert W. Ogle is currently the Director of the Construction Technology and Historic Preservation Programs at Lamar Community College. He was the founder and Director of the Historic Preservation programs at Colorado Mountain College and prior to that served as Director of the Center for Historic Architecture and Preservation in the graduate Historic Preservation Program at the University of Kentucky. He also served as Historic Preservation Program Development Director and instructor for Bucks County Community College. Ogle is a frequent speaker on the subject of the business and economics of historic preservation and consults on historic preservation pedagogy and curriculum development.

George S. Ridgway is the Chief Architect for Cook Group Incorporated’s Engineering & Architecture Department in Bloomington, Indiana, where he is responsible for designing, planning, and supervising the construction of global projects of Cook facilities. Ridgway began teaching as an Assistant Professor at Vincennes University in 1968, where he designed the two-year Architectural Drafting Program and taught architecture and surveying. He founded G.S. Ridgway and Associates in 1979, and obtained his Indiana Land Surveyor’s Registration in 1983.

Jim Murphy is President of CFC, a Cook owned company that is a leader in property management and re-development of historic and/or architecturally significant structures. Murphy has 23 years experience with historic preservation and is actively involved on numerous community organizations, boards, and committees in Bloomington, Indiana.

“Attending this conference will afford people the opportunity to hear how successful Preservation programs can be when offered by community colleges and supported by economic development organizations,” Ritschel said. “We view this as a unique time in the history of the college and the region.”

To register for the conference, call (309) 647-6260. Cost is $10 and includes lunch. Deadline to register is Monday, March 7.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE CELEBRATES SUCCESS OF 6TH CELEBRITY WAITER DINNER

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:15:22 +0100

(Macomb) -- The Spoon River College Foundation’s Sixth Annual Celebrity Waiter Dinner was the Bee’s Knees event of the Season. The fundraising event was held on Saturday, February 13th at the Spoon River College Outreach Center in Macomb, where the MidAmerica National Bank Conference Hall was transformed into a 1920s Speakeasy. Approximately $22,650 was raised during the evening, making it the most successful CWD to date.

Many of the over 130 guests followed the event’s theme of “Gangsters and Flappers” and dressed appropriately in fringed dresses and gangster suits accessorized with feather boas and fedoras. The dinner was catered by Magnolia’s in Macomb, and entertainment was provided by All American Dueling Pianos from Chicago.

According to Emily Gillett, Spoon River College Foundation Coordinator, the celebrity waiters are the highlight of the event. This year, 23 waiters worked to bring $9,700 in tip money, the highest tip total to date. This year’s event also included a casino & lounge, a silent auction and souvenir “Mug Shots.”

“This event just gets better and better every year,” said Gillett. “The community support for the Celebrity Waiter Dinner continues to be tremendous, and the Foundation is deeply appreciative of that support.”

The annual dinner has raised over $100,000 since its inception and Gillett stressed that all the money stays in Macomb. She added that the money raised this year would be used to purchase computers for a computer lab in the new Macomb Community Outreach Center.

“On behalf of the Foundation, I would like to thank our many generous sponsors, the creative waiters, and the 50 volunteers who helped make the event such a success,” said Gillett.

Event sponsors for the Celebrity Waiter Dinner were:

‘Godfather’s table: PELLA Corporation

‘Feathered Flapper’ table: First Bankers Trust and The Hampton Inn of Macomb

‘Wise Guys’ tables: Citizens Bank, Colchester State Bank, First State Bank of Illinois, McDonough District Hospital, MidAmerica National Bank, Purdum Gray Ingledue, R&R Spa, Rushville State Bank, State Farm Insurance – Cathy Early, Spoon River College, Spoon River College Foundation, Table Grove State Bank, and the Women’s Health Center of Macomb.

This year’s talented group of waiters included: Jill Beck, Eric & Karen Blakely, Rhonda Briney & Vicky Wallen, Jim Cowgill, Mick Cumbie, Mike Gillett, Jessie Bowen, Lisa Johnson, Rick Klinedinst, Ray Krey, Daniel Marvin, Travis Mudloff, John & Brenda Nelson, Jane & Christie Reynolds, Tom Stites, Laura Swanson Leezer, and Steve & Jennifer Tibbits.

For more information about the Spoon River College Foundation, contact Emily Gillett at (309) 833-6039.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE GRADUATION APPLICATION DEADLINE MARCH 1

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 10:06:35 +0100

Missy Wilkinson, director of enrollment services at Spoon River College would like to remind students that they must apply for graduation in order to receive a degree or certificate. Additionally, those wishing to participate in the spring graduation ceremony must pay a fee when submitting their completed application. The deadline is Monday, March 1.

“I encourage students to seriously consider the advantages to receiving an Associate Degree or one of the many certificates offered and apply for graduation today, even if they don’t want to participate in the commencement ceremony,” said Wilkinson.

Students are encouraged to pick up a graduation application from their advisor, who can also answer any questions they might have about the graduation process. Canton students can call the Student Services Office at (309) 649-6323 to schedule an appointment; Macomb students can call (309) 833-6012 or 6015; Havana students can call (309)543-4413, and Rushville students can call (217) 322-6060.

Any applications received after the March 1st deadline will be processed with the summer semester.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING FEBRUARY 24, 2010

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:38:13 +0100

The Spoon River College Board of Trustees will hold its regular public monthly meeting on Wednesday, February 24 in the Spoon River College Conference Center on the Canton campus. The Board will convene for dinner at 6 p.m., followed by the public meeting at 7 p.m.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE AGRICULTURE STUDENTS WIN AT STATE COMPETITION

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:01:40 +0100

Several students in the Agriculture program at Spoon River College beat the competition at the 36th Annual State Post-Secondary Agriculture Student (PAS) Conference held February 5 and 6 at the Northfield Inn and Convention Center in Springfield. They competed in various categories against agriculture students from ten other colleges.

Agriculture Sales: Stephanie Nelson of Good Hope won first place in this competition for the second year in a row.

Agriculture Discussion: Stephanie Nelson placed 2nd in the debate that focused on current agricultural issues.

College Bowl: Nine teams of five students each competed in the double-elimination tournament. Spoon River College students placed 3rd in this event. SRC team members included Clayton Stufflebeam (captain), Lewistown; Nick Billingsley, Rushville; Seth Weaver, Lewistown; Jeremy Laird, Farmington; and Tad Chatten, Farmington.

Agriculture Computer: Tyler Osborne of Bushnell won this competition for the second year in a row. There was also a team component in this contest, with the Spoon River College team placing 3rd. Team members besides Osborne were Jake Ekstrand, Farmington; Tad Chatten, Clayton Stufflebeam, and Shelby Twaddle, Macomb. This competition included a computer knowledge test, word-processing problem, and an excel chart problem.

Career Planning and Career Progress: Designed to assist students in their career choices, this competition has two tiers. The freshman competition involves goal setting, interviewing professionals who work in the students’ field of interest, documenting their personal abilities, and an interview by a panel of judges. Sophomores who have previously gone through the planning stage as freshman record their advancement towards their individual goals. Freshman students who qualified to advance were Tad Chatten, Jake Ekstrand, Morgan McMaster of Canton, and Shelby Twaddle. Sophomores who won their competitions were Bryce Ehlers, Farmington; Jeremy Laird, Stephanie Nelson, Tyler Osborne, and Clayton Stufflebeam.

Bryce Ehlers and Tyler Osborne also competed in the Landscape Specialist contest.

Jeff Bash and Jim Caudle, Agriculture instructors at Spoon River College and advisors for the Spoon River College chapter of PAS, accompanied the students to the conference.

The National PAS Conference will be held in St. Louis in March.

ILLINOIS HUMANITIES COUNCIL ROAD SCHOLAR SPEAKER TO PRESENT PROGRAM AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:23:11 +0100

Spoon River College will host Illinois Humanities Council Road Scholar speaker Tim Engles as he presents “Deconstructing Whiteness: What We Talk About When We Talk About Whiteness” in the Spoon River College Conference Center on Monday, March 1 at 11 a.m. at the Canton campus.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend this free event, which is made possible in part by an award from the Illinois Humanities Council, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Illinois General Assembly.

The Illinois Humanities Council is an educational organization dedicated to fostering a culture in which the humanities are a vital part of the lives of individuals and communities. The IHC Road Scholars Speakers Bureau makes it possible for Illinois’ best writers, poets, historians, anthropologists, and living scholar-actors to offer high-quality, free public humanities programs to local audiences. The purpose of the program is to encourage reflection on the human condition from various perspectives and offering context for discussion, according to the IHC.

For more information contact Rick Eddy, director of athletics and student life at SRC at (309) 649-6303.

INCREASE IN ENROLLMENT NUMBERS AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:33:38 +0100

Spoon River College is reporting an increase in enrollment for the Spring 2010 semester. According to Gary Schindler, dean of student services at the college, the headcount for the Spring 2010 semester was at a three-year high, up 5.2% from Spring 2009. Additionally, registered credits and FTE for the Spring 2010 semester were up 3.6%.

“When the economy is experiencing a decline and significant employment scarcity, people turn to community colleges to increase their employability skills,” said Schindler. “We are serving those individuals who need education or want additional training to help them achieve their career and educational goals.”

An increase in the number of dual credit classes across the district and the addition of a Winter Minimester also boosted enrollment numbers. In addition, Cheryl Hoffman, dean of nursing and allied health at Spoon River College reported increased enrollment in the Health Information Management course.

“For the first time we are offering the majority of the HIM program on the Macomb campus,” said Hoffman. “We are experiencing approximately 150% allied health course credit enrollment growth for the HIM program this academic year compared to last year.”

The new centers in Havana and Rushville have also seen an increase in numbers.

“The Havana Center has seen a significant increase in enrollment since opening the new center in July of 2009. The new building has provided students with opportunities to enroll in more classes than previously offered and a spacious environment in which they can stay in between classes to study, socialize, get help from tutors, or have access to the computer lab,” said Terri Shafer, director of the Havana Center. “The new center has much more of a “college feel” to it. Current SRC students as well as people in the community have commented positively on the esthetic appeal of the Center and the commitment that SRC has made to the people of the district.”

Spoon River College is a public, two-year community college, with campuses in Canton and Macomb and centers in Havana and Rushville. Spoon River enrolls over six thousand students per year in all of its credit and non-credit instructional areas.

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR SPOON RIVER COLLEGE ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:24:38 +0100

Gary Schindler, dean of student services at Spoon River College is putting out a call for nominations to the newly established Spoon River College Athletic Hall of Fame.

“We want to recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves by their outstanding performances, work, support, and/or contributions to any Spoon River College athletic program,” said Schindler. “We are seeking nominations immediately.”

Nominees will be selected by a committee composed of the following individuals: two individuals from the community, two individuals from the current Spoon River College Athletic Department, two Spoon River College employees, the Spoon River College Athletic Director, and the President of Spoon River College or his/her designee. Former individual inductees of the Hall of Fame will be extended voting privileges for future Hall of Fame inductees.

Schindler is asking for two community volunteers to serve on the selection committee. Those interested should contact Rick Eddy at (309) 649-6303 or email rick.eddy@src.edu. Eddy is the Athletic Director at the college and will serve as chairperson for the Hall of Fame Selection Committee.

Eligible candidates should possess or shall have possessed outstanding ability in contribution to a sport, and other personal qualities such as sportsmanship, character and integrity, and be one who has brought distinction to Spoon River College. Selection will be limited to no more than four individuals and option to induct one team every other year.

Complete eligibility criteria and the nomination form are available on the Athletics page of the Spoon River College website at http://www.src.edu/athletics. Nominations are open to anyone who fulfills the criteria of the four classifications of the Spoon River College Hall of Fame categories: 1) Student-Athlete; 2) Coach;
3) Contributor; 4) Teams.

Nominations and support information should be mailed to the Spoon River College Athletic Office by February 26th. For more information, contact Rick Eddy at (309) 649-6303 or email rick.eddy@src.edu.

Josh Knouse

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:38:47 +0100

It’s not very often that college instructors hear from students after they’ve graduated and moved on. That was not the case for Spoon River College biology instructor Kristy Boggs. She recently received an e-mail from former student Josh Knouse. Knouse of Beardstown was writing Boggs to let her know that he had just enrolled at the University of Montana as a wildlife biology student.

In his e-mail, Knouse wrote: “I took biology 105, ecology and the special topics classes with you. I just wanted to say hi and to tell you I made it to the University of Montana and I am loving it. I start classes tomorrow and I am taking wildlife Bio and a math class. I am really glad to have had you as a teacher. I learned a lot from you and I just wanted to say thank you very much.”

Attached to the e-mail was a picture of Knouse standing in front of the University of Montana’s iconic Grizzly Bear Statue.

Knouse attended Spoon River College beginning in fall 2006 and took all of his classes at the Macomb campus. He earned an associate of arts degree in December of 2008. He then worked at the Cargill facility in Beardstown before finally pursuing his lifelong dream to attend the University of Montana.

“It’s been my dream since I was really young and visited Montana with my family,” said Knouse. “When I saw the campus, I knew that’s where I wanted to go to school.”

Knouse moved to Missoula and started attending the university in January of this year. He is enrolled in the wildlife biology program which provides coursework in both aquatic and terrestrial biology. He’s enjoying his new life as a resident college student and says, “I can’t say anything bad about it. I can’t say anything bad about Spoon River College either!”

Biology instructor Kristy Boggs, was pleased to hear from Knouse, "It is always great to hear from students after they have moved on. Josh worked really hard to reach his goal of studying wildlife biology at the University of Montana. I am very proud of him and happy he has made it to where he wants to be. I'm glad I could help him on his way there."

Along with Boggs, Knouse credits his Beardstown high school biology teacher, Randi Cowell and Spoon River College part-time microbiology instructor, Karis Keeran for giving him a strong foundation in biology.

Knouse plans to stay in Montana after he finishes his studies. His goal is to work as a biology field technician in the Flathead Range of northwestern Montana.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY CAMPUS CHAPTER TO HOLD SPAGHETTI DINNER

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:52:01 +0100

Members of the Spoon River College Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter will be holding a spaghetti dinner on Friday, February 12 at the Wesley Church Fellowship Hall in Canton from 5pm to 8pm. Proceeds will go towards the group’s upcoming trip to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where they will take part in the Collegiate Challenge over spring break.

Collegiate Challenge is Habitat for Humanity’s year round alternative break program. It offers groups of five or more students, 16 years of age and older, the opportunity to visit one of the 250 host affiliates throughout the United States. Students spend one week working in partnership with the local affiliate, the local community and partner families to help eliminate poverty housing in the area.

“I am really excited about the opportunity to spend my spring break making a difference to a family who is in need of a home,” said Collegiate Challenge participant Denise Wittmer. “This will truly be a memorable spring break.”

The meal will cost $10 for adults and $4 for children 3-12. Children under 2 are free. The dinner consists of spaghetti, breadsticks, and a green salad, drinks and desserts. Carryouts will be available.

“We are also going to hold a 50/50 drawing and cakewalk, and we are finalizing what our entertainment will be, such as a DJ and possibly Karaoke,” said Rich Markley, fundraising chair for the group. Markley added that the group needs to raise approximately $3500 before spring break, which is March 15-19.

While in New Mexico, students will be provided with safe accommodations in a local church. They will be expected to work from approximately 8a.m. to 3 p.m. for five days. According to HfH International, “projects may include improving existing housing structures, helping build a house or volunteering on other projects that help meet the goals of Habitat for Humanity in the community.”

Students who will be making the trip are: Rich Markley, Brandon Richardson, Tisha Markley, Melissa Baughman, Denise Wittmer, Carol Shaughnessy, Meagan Morse, Casey Pratt and Faculty Advisor, Dr. Jeanine Standard.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE NURSING STUDENTS TO HOLD BLOOD DRIVE

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:52:01 +0100

Students in the nursing program at Spoon River College will sponsor a blood drive with Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center on Wednesday, February 17 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the student center at the Canton campus.

Community members are encouraged to participate, along with Spoon River College students, faculty, and staff.

All potential donors must have a photo ID, and should eat before donating. The last date to have donated elsewhere is December 23, 2009. Individuals who have had a tattoo or a piercing in the past 12 months are not eligible to donate unless the procedure was performed in Iowa, Missouri, or Wisconsin in a licensed facility.

For more information or to make an appointment, call Christine Peltier at (309) 613-1986 or email christine.peltier@my.src.edu. Appointments are recommended, although walk-ins are welcome.

"GREEN" RIBBON CUTTING EVENT AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:36:59 +0100

In keeping with their eco-friendly ideals, members of PEEPS (People for the Earth’s Environmental Preservation Society) at Spoon River College provided a recycled ribbon made of old newspapers for the ribbon cutting held on the Canton campus to kick off the new campus wide recycling program at the college.

The event was in response to the new recycling bins recently purchased by the college that will be distributed around the campus.

“Although the college has been recycling materials for quite some time, we did not have enough designated receptacles that were clearly marked to distribute all around the campus,” said Stacy Swanson, chemistry instructor at Spoon River College and PEEPS advisor on the Canton campus. “I believe the number of clearly marked bins we now have will make it easier for students and college employees to recycle all those plastic bottles that otherwise get tossed in the trash.”

PEEPS is a student organization on both the Canton and Macomb campuses that works to improve the environment through projects, educational field trips and other activities through the exploration of all areas of science. The group has taken several educational field trips, traveling to the green festival in Chicago and a renewable energy fair in Oregon, Il. They have also toured an organic farm near Macomb and the prairie restoration project at Emiquon near Havana.

Their most recent trip was to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago to tour the “Smart Home-Green and Wired” exhibit that highlighted new technologies for improving efficiency and eco-friendly living. Members of Carolyn Peters’ Honors biology class and Swanson’s chemistry class accompanied them. Student PEEPS member Ryan Harding of Trivoli was impressed by what he saw at the museum.

“My favorite part was seeing the Green Home and learning about simple ways to be more energy efficient,” said Harding. “While some of the green technologies are costly to implement, there are many easy and affordable ways for everyone to do their share.”

Besides educating themselves, the group has also been active in helping to educate others about the benefits of being responsible stewards of the environment. They assisted with a fifth grade field trip to Peace of Earth Environmental Learning Center for Watershed Protection Education in Rushville, and co-sponsored the 2009 Earth Day Fair “Rivers and Streams” along with Environmentally Concerned Citizens (of Macomb), Western Prairie Audubon Society, and The Nature Quilt Project at the Macomb SRC campus.

PEEPS is currently selling reusable shopping bags that sport their logo to help raise money for the student organization. The bags are $3.50 each, with $1 going to help support PEEPS activities. They can be purchased in the book store on the Canton campus or can be ordered by emailing stacy.swanson@src.edu in Canton, or kristy.boggs@src.edu, who serves as the group’s advisor in Macomb. Arrangements will be made to deliver purchased bags to any of the SRC locations.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY CAMPUS CHAPTER RECEIVES STATE FARM GRANT

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:45:01 +0100

The Spoon River College Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter has been selected to receive a $5,000 matching grant from State Farm® for its outstanding work in building safe, decent and affordable homes.

A campus chapter is a student-led, student-initiated organization on a high school or college campus that partners with the local Habitat affiliate to build, fundraise, advocate and educate to support the work of Habitat for Humanity. The SRC Campus Chapter partners with Habitat for Humanity of Fulton County and has helped build more than ten houses since 2001 when the campus chapter started.

The Spoon River College Campus Chapter is one of 30 campus chapters to be awarded a matching grant from State Farm, the national corporate sponsor of Habitat for Humanity’s youth programs. To qualify for the State Farm grant, the SRC Campus Chapter must raise a matching amount. The money will be used to build houses in the community.

“We are grateful to have been selected as one of the matching grant recipients,” said chapter member Rich Markley, who completed the grant application. “The grant will help us to continue to make a difference in the lives of people in need of affordable housing.”

SRC chapter members are already making plans for their annual 24 HOURS OF HOMELESSNESS fundraiser, which will be held April 30-May 1 at Jones Park in Canton. Last year the event brought in approximately $12,000. The goal is to build a home that is entirely funded by the SRC campus chapter.

“The approximate cost to build a HfH home is $50,000, “said Dr. Jeanine Standard, psychology instructor and HfH Campus Chapter advisor. “We have raised $30,000 total so far, and this grant will help us get even closer to our goal.”

Helping to meet that goal will be Habitat for Humanity of Fulton County, who has pledged to match the amount raised and contributed by the SRC Campus Chapter during 24 HOURS OF HOMELESSNESS, according to Standard, who noted that 10% of any money raised goes to HfH International for tithe and that 5% is always set aside for the next year’s expenses.

The group is also working to meet the education requirement of the grant.

“Our hope is to create an educational program for the area schools and clubs that would emphasize architectural design and HfH’s mission of making decent shelter a matter of conscience and action,” said Brandon Richardson, who serves as President for the campus chapter. “We hope to create power point, posters, and presentations that highlight and educate the public regarding architectural home designs and then invite these community groups to participate in our 24 HOURS OF HOMELESSNESS by entering their own specially designed cardboard homes, for a contest that will be judged by community architects. There would be a nominal entry fee and prizes would be awarded.”

Student members of the SRC campus chapter include: Brandon Richardson-President; Brittany Lane-Vice-President; Rich Markley-Fundraising Development; Kendra Raymond-Treasurer; Elissa Keefauver and Anna Seidelman-Secretary; Megan Morse-Worksite Construction Coordinator; Melissa Baughman-Historian; and Leigh Collins, who is organizing the education project required by State Farm.

The Campus Chapters program is one of the many programs Habitat has to engage youth ages 5 to 25 in Habitat’s work. Since 2007, State Farm has served as the national corporate sponsor of Habitat for Humanity’s youth programs, with a sponsorship commitment of more than $1.1 million in grants each year. Additionally, State Farm offices contribute more than $500,000 annually to Habitat affiliates across the United States.

Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 350,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.75 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit www.habitat.org.

State Farm insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S., is the leading insurer of watercraft and is also a leading insurer in Canada. State Farm's 17,700 agents and 68,600 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - more than 78.7 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and more than 1.9 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 31 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com® or in Canada statefarm.ca®.

DODD NAMED SPOON RIVER COLLEGE EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:58:38 +0100

Ellen Dodd was selected as the Spoon River College Employee of the Quarter for the third quarter of the academic year. She is an assistant in the SRC Bookstore and has been with the college for 33 years. Dodd was recognized for her adherence to the core values of the college-caring, respect, integrity, fairness, and responsibility-in her everyday interactions with all college employees, students, and community members.

Dodd resides in Fiatt with her husband Loyd and “children” Nellie (the dog) and Junior (the cat). In her spare time, Dodd enjoys spending time with family and friends, collecting Breyer horses, and reading. She is a member of the Maples Mills United Methodist Church where she serves as Lay Leader and as a member on various Church boards.

Dodd is also a Certified Lay Speaker and a Fulton County Fair Superintendent, and serves as a board member for the Fulton-Schuyler American Red Cross.

WINTER INTERIM A SUCCESS AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:55:19 +0100

In order to provide alternative course delivery options to students, Spoon River College piloted a Winter Interim during the college’s winter break. The five online classes averaged 17 students per class for a total of 86 students who chose to cut their winter vacation short in order to hasten their educational goals. The classes offered were: Accounting, American History, Nutrition, Beginning Algebra with Geometry, and Statistics.

Spoon River College regularly offers summer interim classes immediately following the spring semester, but this was the first time a winter session had been offered.

“The winter interim was more successful than we dreamed it would be,” said Jim Genandt, dean of career and technical education at Spoon River College. “It shows the need to be continually developing new ways of making education accessible to those who want it.”

Interim sessions, or minimesters, allow students to earn up to 4 credit hours (depending on the course) in only three weeks.

“Interim classes are intense,” said Brandi Ketchum, student services advisor at the college. “You live it and breathe it for three weeks, but then it’s over and you walk away with 3 credit hours in three weeks that normally would have taken you 16 weeks to earn.”

Genandt said he was extremely pleased by the motivation of the students, noting that their Cumulative GPA was 3.38 (on a 4.0 scale). He also expressed his appreciation for the faculty members who were willing to teach the classes during their winter vacation.

“Alternative methods of course delivery, such as minimesters and online offerings, are becoming more popular with non-traditional and/or working students who are often limited on the amount of time they have to obtain their credits and complete their degrees,” said Genandt.

More interim sessions are being planned; one will be offered immediately following the end of the current spring semester and the other will be offered immediately following the regular summer session, according to Genandt.

For more information on the programs offered at Spoon River College and how to register, call 1-800-DEGREES or (309) 649-6400.

Individuals planning to attend Spoon River College for the first time must take the COMPASS assessment test before registering for classes, or have evidence of official ACT scores. On the Canton and Macomb campuses, the test is offered on a walk-in basis between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. At the college’s Rushville and Havana sites, the test is offered by appointment only. For more information or to schedule an appointment please call (309) 649-6400 in Canton, (309) 833-6069 in Macomb, (309) 543-4413 in Havana, or (217) 322-6060 in Rushville.

ADDITIONAL NURSING ASSISTANT CLASS OFFERED AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:40:11 +0100

Cheryl Hoffman, dean of nursing and allied health at Spoon River College has announced that an additional nursing assistant class will be offered beginning March 22 and ending May 11 on the Canton campus.

“The NA110 class that starts February 22 filled up so quickly that we realized there was a need for an additional class,” said Hoffman.

The theory section of the course will begin on Monday, March 22, and classes will be held Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. The clinical section will start on Tuesday, April 27 and will take place Monday-Thursday from 6:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Heartland Healthcare Center in Canton. Deb Burkhead will be the class instructor.

The Nursing Assistant Program is a prerequisite to becoming a Certified Nurse's Assistant. This course is designed to prepare individuals for entry-level positions in the health care field. The course meets the Illinois State guidelines for nursing assistant curriculum, and students who successfully complete the program are eligible to take the examination for certification by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Those interested in registering for the class must first take the pre-entrance SDRT (Stanford Diagnostic Reading Test) in the Student Services office on the Canton campus. Registrations will be accepted up to the first day of the course.

Students must be 16 years old, be able to speak and understand the English language, and must have completed at least eight years of grade school or provide proof of equivalent knowledge. A non-fingerprint background check, physical and immunizations, including a two-step TB test are required prior to entry into the program.

For more information about the Nursing Assistant Program, contact Teresa Welch at (309) 649-6227. To arrange a time to take the SDRT, call (309) 649-6400.

COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY AT ILLINOIS RIVER CORRECTIONAL CENTER

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:50:09 +0100

Commencement ceremonies were held December 10 at Illinois River Correctional Center (IRCC) with 65 students recognized for their academic achievements. The educational programs are offered by Spoon River College and the Illinois Department of Corrections’ Office of Adult Ed and Vocational Services.

Certificates were awarded to 64 students who completed one of the following: Adult Basic Education or the GED program; Automotive Technology; Computer Technology; Electronics; Food Service; or Horticulture. One student completed an Associate of General Studies from Spoon River College. In addition, one student was recognized for obtaining a high school diploma from King’s Word Academy, and another received an Associate of Bible Theology from International College.

Jim Genandt, dean of career and technical education at Spoon River College was the guest speaker. He talked of the support system necessary for people to be successful, comparing his role as an adoptive parent to that of the literacy tutors, teaching assistants, and faculty who support the student’s efforts to better themselves.

“Lives are changed when people have a strong and positive support system,” said Genandt. “You are being given the chance to change your lives.”

Several of the graduates also spoke, thanking the faculty, teaching assistants, and the literacy tutors for their help and support. They encouraged the other graduates to continue their education, and to live their lives in such a way when they are released that they won’t come back to the prison.

Following the ceremony, graduates and guests were treated to cakes and pizza prepared by the Culinary Arts department under the supervision of SRC instructor Keith Shank. Music was provided by the Spanish Band, and floral decorations were provided by Vickie Herman’s horticulture class.

This year marked the 20th anniversary of IRCC, and Tom Zaborac, director of the education program at IRCC noted that 2,151 certificates and 265 Associate of General Studies degrees have been awarded during that time.

Members of the SRC education team at IRCC consist of Terry Dagit, Steve Hedge, Vickie Herman, Toni Scott, Keith Shank, Brooke Walters, and Tom Zaborac.

AREA PLANNING COUNCIL MEMBERS MEET AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:23:05 +0100

Staff members from the Adult Education office at Spoon River College and individuals from several area social service agencies met in the SRC Conference Center in Canton recently for the biannual meeting of the Area Planning Council. Because they often serve the same clients, the group meets to network and share information about the various services each offers.

Organizations represented at the meeting besides Spoon River College included Early Beginnings, Career Link, USDA/Rural Development, Illinois Community College Board, Community Action/Head Start of Canton, and the Fulton County Health Department.

The guest speaker was Janet Munson, student services advisor at Spoon River College, who presented an overview of the services available to SRC students with disabilities. Munson told the group that all services are tailored to meet an individual’s needs, and noted that students with temporary disabilities, such as from an accident or surgery, are also eligible for support services.

Jenny Briney, director of Adult and Developmental Education at the college shared that SRC has been awarded an Illinois Community College Board Bridge Project Grant, which will be used to create a health care field based GED curriculum. This will give students the opportunity to improve their reading, writing, and math skills using material with a health field focus.

“This will be a wonderful program that will help to transition GED students into further education, and that is our goal,” said Briney. “We want students to continue with their education once they have completed the GED program.”

Briney also reported that additional GED classes have been added in both Canton and Macomb because of increased enrollment.

Jennifer Miller, associate director for Adult Education & Family Literacy and Program Support Specialist for Region III of the Illinois Community College Board, provided an update from the ICCB, which included information about the development of a five-year strategic plan for Adult Education that will be implemented July 1 of this year. Miller said one of the main goals is to transition students from Adult Education into higher education or immediate employment.

The Spoon River College Adult Education and Family Literacy Department is committed to providing adult learners and their families with free quality services to acquire the basic skills to achieve their education and employment goals. For more information about the adult education programs offered at Spoon River College, call Jenny Briney at 649-6307.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE ADVISORS TO VISIT AREA HIGH SCHOOLS

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:24:17 +0100

Advisors from the Student Services office at Spoon River College will be visiting area high schools to meet with students interested in attending Spoon River College.

“I will present information on our admission process, including financial aid and scholarship opportunities,” said Brandy Chasteen, student advisor at the college. “I will also provide information on our certificate and transfer programs, as well as answer any questions students may have about the college.”

The schedule for visits is as follows:
Lewistown: Thursday, January 28 from 9:45-10:05.
Havana: Thursday, January 28 from 11:40-12:30.
Spoon River Valley: Friday, January 29 from 10:47-11:20.
Farmington: Friday, January 29 from 2:40-3:00.
Cuba: Tuesday, February 2 from 8:30-9:00.
Canton: Wednesday, February 3 from 10:02-10:20.
Astoria: Thursday, February 4 from noon-12:30.

SRC COMMUNITY CHORUS PRESENTS “BROADWAY, TOO” TO BENEFIT SCHOLARSHIPS

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:16:56 +0100

The SRC Community Chorus presents its 5th full production, BROADWAY, TOO , on February 19-21 in the theatre located in Taylor Hall on the Spoon River College Canton campus. General admission tickets are now on sale by calling 647-6260.

The Chorus consists of approximately 50 singers and musicians from throughout the Spoon River College district. It presents a minimum of one production each year with ticket sale proceeds going to the SRC Foundation’s Scholarship Fund. This year the proceeds will once again support the Tom Greenwell Memorial Scholarship Fund. The show is also dedicated in memory of the late Shirley Shannon of Lewistown.

“Broadway, Too! is a direct result of last year’s popular and sold out 50 Years of Broadway show,” said Carol Davis, producer. “We had to add an additional performance to accommodate all those who wanted to see the show, so this year we added a fourth performance from the very beginning.”

Performance times are Friday, February 19 at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, February 20 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, February 21, at 3:00 p.m.

“Broadway, Too! features staged musical numbers from shows that have won or were nominated for Tony Awards, “ Davis said. “We’ve created a sparkling set and written a presentation format to resemble the various awards shows you see on television each year. It’s a very fast-paced, high energy show with songs from the old familiar Broadway shows like South Pacific to more current productions like Jersey Boys. There’s something for everyone.”

While those who attended last year’s show will be pleased to see some similarities in the 2010 show, there are new aspects to enjoy. One is a change in the show band. This year’s show band includes Pamela Willison on piano, Rye Randolph on drums, Deb Rodney on guitar, Jaimie Jenkins on bass, and Tony Roberts on harp.

“The harp adds a whole new dimension to the sound,” John Davis, Musical Director, said. “A musician like Tony Roberts, who can play the harp as well as sing in some musical numbers, is evidence of the range of talent we have in the SRC Chorus.”

Members of the Chorus include Jean Arndt, Bruce Beal, Cynthia Beard, Loren Blackfelner, Carla Bobell, Nathan Bobell, Rob Bobell, Carol Davis, Harley Davis, Jackie Davis, Ann Doolen, Richard Etter, Andrea Freitag, Jeanine Gaumer, Peggy Glatz, John Harmon, Roger Howerter, Leta Krock, Chad Leitschuh, Sara Mathis, Carmen McCarthy, Bobby McKenzie, Janet Munson, Chad Murphy, Lisa Nickerson, Natalie Orwig, Tony Roberts, Shirley Roberts, Marj Saville, Julie Seeley, Jean Sprecher, John Stanko, Pat Stanko, Randy Weaver, Tammy Weaver, Judy White and Kandy Wright.

The production is also supplemented with the talents of SRC students and employees. Drama scholarship students Bobby McKenzie, Emily Valencia, and Taylor Snowman are providing graphic and visual art work and six of the performers are SRC staff members.
“The more, the merrier,” Carol Davis said. “We come out of our Thursday evening rehearsals amazed at the sounds from so much talent in one room. We are really looking forward to sharing that sound with an audience. Most people have no idea that we put the entire production together in less than a total of 48 rehearsal hours. It’s impressive.”
For more information or to order tickets, please call 647-6260.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING NOTICE

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:42:30 +0100

The Spoon River College Board of Trustees will hold its regular public monthly meeting on Wednesday, January 27 in the Spoon River College Conference Center on the Canton campus. The Board will convene at noon for a planning retreat. College business will be discussed, but no action is expected. The Board will convene for dinner at 5 p.m., followed by the public meeting at 6 p.m. This meeting time has been changed from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE APPOINTS NEW DEAN OF TRANSFER EDUCATION

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:47:10 +0100

Renee Scheiter-Higgins has been appointed as the Dean of Transfer Education at Spoon River College. Higgins began her new duties at SRC on January 11, 2010. Her office will be based on the Macomb campus.

Scheiter-Higgins most recently served as the Director of Education Programs at John Wood Community College in Quincy. Prior to that, she served as a Counselor and as the Director of Education to Careers at JWCC.

“I am excited to be part of such a wonderful institution and look forward to getting to know every member of the Spoon River community,” said Higgins. “ My role as Dean of Transfer Education is to support each member of transfer education and continue to build internal and external partnerships to support our vision of providing an innovative environment that is dedicated to learning and student success. I am passionate about Education and the students we are here to serve.”

Scheiter-Higgins received a B.S. in Business Administration from Culver-Stockton College and a M.Ed. in Human Resource Development from the University of Illinois.

Scheiter-Higgins resides in Quincy with her husband Curtis and their two sons Grant and Gavin.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE TO OFFER FREE FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOPS

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:41:01 +0100

Over the next several weeks, staff from the Spoon River College Financial Aid department will be hosting free Financial Aid informational seminars throughout the college’s district. Students -- from high school juniors to adult learners -- and parents who would like assistance with understanding or completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will have the opportunity to receive assistance from financial aid professionals at these events. According to college officials, completing the FAFSA accurately, and on time, is the first and most important step to obtaining federal and state aid.

“By completing the FAFSA in February, students will meet financial aid deadlines at the colleges they are considering,” said Jo Branson, Spoon River College director of financial aid.

Branson and other members of the Spoon River College Financial Aid staff will be explain the various financial assistance programs that are available, as well as review the FAFSA and explain the information and documentation that is required.

The information sessions are open to anyone planning on attending college, not just prospective Spoon River College students. The schedule is as follows:
January 27–VIT @ 6:30 pm
January 28 – Cuba @ 6:00 pm
January 28 – Rushville-Industry @ 6:00 pm
February 2 – Macomb @ 6:00 pm
February 3 – Lewistown @ 7:00 pm
February 4 – Canton @ 6:30 pm
February 9 – Havana @ 6:00 pm
February 10 – Farmington @ 6:00 pm
February 11 – Spoon River Valley @ 6:00 pm
February 17 – Astoria @ 6:30 pm
February 18 – Farmington @ 6:00 pm

FAFSA completion workshops will also be conducted at the Macomb High School on February 2 from 6-8 p.m. and at Spoon River Valley High School on February 4 and February 11, both from 6-8 p.m. During the workshops, the staff will be on hand to review the form and answer any questions, as well as assist with online FAFSA applications. As with the informational sessions, any student, regardless of where they plan to attend college is welcome to attend the workshops. At Macomb, the computer lab will be open if families would like to complete and submit online that evening.

Those attending the FAFSA Completion Workshops should bring the following documentation:
• Completed or estimated 2009 tax information (parents’ and student’s 1040, 1040A, telefile and/or 1040EZ and all W-2 forms)
• Student’s driver’s license and social security number
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• Parents’ social security numbers
• Records of untaxed income (welfare, social security, AFDC or ADC, or veteran benefits)
• Current bank statements
• Records of businesses, farm and other assets (stocks, bonds, and other investments)
• A calculator – optional, but helpful.

Current and prospective Spoon River College students may go to the Financial Aid offices on the Canton and Macomb campuses and file their financial aid application electronically. The offices are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Department of Education is no longer making paper FAFSA applications available. All applications need to be completed via the website at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The DOE also has made available online the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet to assist in completion of the online application.

For information about the events, FAFSA or financial aid, please contact the Spoon River College Financial Aid office at (309) 649-7030 in Canton or (309) 833-6066 in Macomb.

PERFORMING ART GRANT RECIPIENTS DISPLAY ARTWORK

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:45:18 +0100

The Spoon River College Art Department is proud to present the work of the 2009-2010 Art Performing Grant recipients, which is currently on display in the Highlight Room at the college on the Canton campus.

The art of Tiffany Collins, Morgan Rosenberger, Taylor Snowman, Rachel Trone, Emily Valencia, and Mary Warfield will be on display through February 2. A public reception will be held on Thursday, January 28 from 4-6 p.m. The exhibit can also be viewed Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. until 6p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The Highlight Room is located in Centers.

Selected pieces are for sale.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE HIRES GOLF COACH

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:36:17 +0100

The game of golf is coming back to Spoon River College as part of a five-year development plan that calls for new and improved academic and athletic programs at the college.

Greg Garrett of Cuba, business instructor at SRC, has been hired as the new coach. He hopes to have a team in place by the start of the Fall 2010 semester. The goal is to establish both men’s and woman’s teams. Garrett is confident that Spoon River College can support a strong and competitive golf program and he looks forward to helping build that program as quickly as possible.

“I intend to start visiting with high school athletic directors and coaches, as well as area golf clubs in order to begin recruiting players immediately,” said Garrett. “We hope to attract students who want to supplement their educational investment with a competitive sports experience, and who want to learn to do something they can participate in all their lives and to do it as well as they can.”

Scholarship opportunities will be available.

Golf has long been a significant part of Garrett’s life. He began playing at the age of 7, and was first taught by his father and then later Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills PGA professional golfer Tim Sweborg. When he began his freshman year at Cuba High School, he was disappointed there was not a golf program. That soon changed.

“Alan Coleman, who was teaching algebra then, along with some other teachers and Principal Dave Ford saw that I had some talent and knew I wanted to compete, so they created an environment that would support a golf program,” Garrett said. “I owe a lot to those two men, the teachers at Cuba and the support of the entire Cuba community.”

Garrett advanced to the state level twice while playing in high school; as a senior, he endured the targeted ribbing of his girlfriend Rhonda for missing their senior Homecoming dance so he could compete in the state tournament. Garrett may have missed the dance, but he received a golf and basketball scholarship to the University of Florida.

Garrett eventually settled in Houston, Texas where he worked in the oil and gas industry for 25 years and learned early on that just as many business deals are closed on the golf course as in a boardroom. Over the years he has provided golf instruction to players of all ages, and he often told them golf was one of those sports that can be used to network and utilize as a positive leverage throughout life.

When Garrett returned to Fulton County to marry the high school sweetheart he had reconnected with-the same one that was disappointed when he missed that Homecoming dance all those years ago-it was a golf game that helped him find employment.

“I was playing in the annual Spoon River College Foundation golf outing and met Jim Genandt (dean of career and technical education at SRC). He mentioned that the college was looking for a part-time business teacher who had ‘real world business experience’ and asked me if I might be interested someday,” Garrett said. “I was very interested.”

“It has worked out very well. I truly love teaching college level students and hope to continue teaching for a long time.”

Garrett attended the University of South Florida before transferring to the University of Arkansas, where he earned a BS in Finance. He has an accounting degree from the University of Houston, holds a CPA license, and earned a Masters in Business from Houston Baptist University.

The five year plan for new and improved academic and athletic programs at Spoon River College was approved by the SRC Board of Trustees in 2009 following a recommendation by the task force that had extensively reviewed the existing programs. The plan also called for a gymnasium and fitness center to be built on the Canton campus.

The proposed building will support academic programs including health and fitness, sports management, and gerontology, as well as provide a home court for the college’s basketball teams and a wellness center to be used by students, faculty and staff. Part of the $29 billion capital construction program signed by Governor Quinn includes $4,027,100 for the construction of a multi-purpose building for the Spoon River College Canton campus.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:09:00 +0100

High school students or other individuals planning to attend Spoon River College in the fall can apply now to receive a scholarship that can help with college costs. Applications for Spoon River College and Spoon River College Foundation general scholarships for the 2010-2011 school year are available now.

Scholarships may be for academic excellence or for talent or skill. Some scholarships are named after individuals who wish to continue making a difference in the lives of others. Some scholarships are for a particular profession or degree.

Applications will begin being accepted on January 15, and the deadline to apply is March 15. Information on the scholarships, as well as the application, is available on the college’s website at www.src.edu/scholarships. Students must be formally admitted to Spoon River College (www.src.edu/getting-started-at-src) to apply for scholarships through the Spoon River College Foundation. Applying for scholarships at Spoon River College requires three steps – completing the scholarship application; completing the online FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at www.fafsa.ed.gov; and submitting all transcripts.

Once the three-step process is completed properly, applicants will become eligible for all relevant scholarships. The scholarship application process only needs to be completed once each year.

Many of the scholarships are awarded to incoming freshman and presented during area high school end of year award events or graduations. Currently enrolled Spoon River College students may also apply for scholarships. For more information on the scholarship program contact the college’s Financial Aid department at (309) 649-7030 in Canton or (309) 833-6066 in Macomb.

COOKBOOK SALES TO BENEFIT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:53:33 +0100

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Spoon River College, the SRC Foundation has compiled a cookbook featuring 500 recipes. A Celebration of Tastes and Traditions features recipes from 193 people, including SRC faculty, staff, alumni, Board of Trustee members and SRC Foundation board members

The book features recipes for a variety of foods and dishes ranging from Greek Tacos to salt water taffy. Also included are venison and crock pot recipes, low calorie and Weight Watchers’ recipes, and recipes for favorite standbys. In addition to 191 pages of recipes are several pages of additional information such as a calorie counter, a definition of cooking terms, quick fixes for kitchen mistakes, correct food quantities for large groups of people, an equivalency chart, a measurement and substitution chart, and an herb and spice page. The history of the college is provided on the divider pages.

“These books would make a great present for a birthday, secret pal, Easter, Mother’s and Fathers’ Day, or a just because gift,” said Robbin Kost, senior office assistant in Student Services. “The many extra informational pages included would also make this an ideal cook book for someone living on their own for the first time.”

The cost of the cookbook is $10.00, and all proceeds will go towards scholarship funds provided by the Spoon River College Foundation. The Foundation has been in existence for 30 years and exists solely to support the students and mission of Spoon River College by securing the resources for scholarship and facility/technology upgrades. In the past 30 years, hundreds of students have been able to achieve their educational goals because of scholarships awarded through the Foundation.

Since just 2000, the Foundation and the college have provided over three quarter of a million dollars for scholarships and college programs, faculty research, facility and technology upgrades, and community projects.

The cookbooks are available for purchase at all four SRC sites. For more information or to order a copy of A Celebration of Tastes and Traditions, call (309) 649-6323 or (309) 647-6260.

SRC MASCOT TAKES A MULLIGAN

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:04:20 +0100

Officials at Spoon River College announced today they are conducting a college-wide effort to name a new mascot. This is the do-over, or a second time in three years that the college has initiated a change to the mascot. This second process is the result of a settlement with a minor league baseball club in North Carolina.

After the Mudcat was chosen in 2007 by a rather large margin of ballots collected across the district, the college registered the logo, Spoon River College Mudcats, Rulers of the River with the US Trademark Office. Their assessment was that no similar trademark existed and the college was granted a trademark. However, the Carolina Mudcats, a AA league team in Zebulon, NC and owned by the Cincinnati Reds, challenged the trademark because their team name was registered. Through negotiations between representatives of the Carolina Mudcats and Spoon River College a settlement was reached in October 2008 and signed in March 2009. The college agreed to drop the mascot name having been advised that although a legal challenge would likely prove successful, it could result in costs to the college of as much as $100,000.

Spoon River College President Robert Ritschel has directed Dean of Student Services, Gary Schindler to coordinate with the Student Government Associations [SGA] on both the Canton and Macomb campuses to begin a process in February for identifying a new college mascot.
Schindler stated that the SGA has developed a process for soliciting suggestions and will begin accepting names in February.

“My research of the mascot naming process in colleges and schools across the county has shown that students are the group most often voting in the selection,” said Schindler. “Spoon River College will conduct its selection in the same manner.”

SRC Student Trustee and member of the SGA, Emily Valencia will provide an update to the Board of Trustees at one of the meetings scheduled during the semester.

DEADLINES TO REGISTER FOR NURSING TESTS EXTENDED AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:29:56 +0100

The registration deadlines to take the Nursing Entrance Test (NET) and the NLN-Acceleration Challenge Examination I Test (NLN-ACE) required for admission to the Spoon River College nursing program for the 2010-2011 academic year have been extended. Testing will be done at both the Canton and Macomb campuses, and the test dates and deadlines are as follows:

Test date Deadline
February 2 (M) January 26
February 4 (C) January 26
February 9 (M) February 2
February 11 (C) February 2
February 16 (M) February 9
February 18 (C) February 9
February 23 (M) February 16
February 25 (C) February 16

The Spoon River College nursing program provides the prospective student with several options: a two-year (RN) nursing program-(Associate Degree in Nursing); an exit-out option after one year-(LPN); and the option for current LPN’s to enter the second year (RN) as advanced standing students.

A non-refundable fee is required to take the tests, which can be taken three times per calendar year. For more information about the SRC nursing program or to register for the test, call Teresa Welch in the Department of Nursing and Allied Health at (309) 649-6227.

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS GET A DOSE OF REALITY

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:42:26 +0100

Spoon River College Student Services and Western Area Career System (WACS) teamed up to stage a unique career-awareness event for approximately 730 area 8th graders. The annual Reality Store event was held on the Canton campus of Spoon River College on Tuesday, January 5.

Students began by hearing a presentation about the career of their choice, and then received a “paycheck” that reflected a monthly starting salary for that particular career field, minus taxes.

As part of the simulated life experience, students had to “live” on their paycheck for one month. Each participant visited several booths where they paid rent or a house payment, chose a car and correlating insurance, paid for health insurance, bought groceries, contemplated an entertainment budget, and concluded the “month” with a spin on the wheel of chance, which often threw off even the most frugal budget with an expensive home repair or speeding ticket.

“The goal is to provide students a glimpse into their future,” said Billie Vaultonburg, program coordinator of WACS. “They see exactly what it is like try to live on a paycheck associated with their chosen careers. As a side benefit, they may have a new understanding of what their parents go through every month.”

Eleven schools from across the Spoon River College district participated in the Reality Store event including: Astoria, Bushnell-Prairie City, Cuba, Havana, Ingersoll-Canton, Lewistown, Macomb, New Horizons, Schuyler-Industry, Spoon River Valley, and V.I.T.

“This is our sixteenth Reality Store,” Vaultonburg said. “Each year we listen to suggestions of participants and add vital pieces of ‘reality’ for the next year. From the comments we receive, it is clear this event shows them a side of being grown-up that is not always fun, and more importantly, it starts them thinking more about their future and their career choices.”

CANTON HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN HONORS CLASS VISITS SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:10:04 +0100

Members of Martha Harr’s Freshman Honors English I class at Canton High School recently visited the art department at Spoon River College for a special presentation and project on the WPA (Works in Progress Administration) and how it affected artists of the post-WWII era. The students in this course are studying a wide range of topics for their research papers, which all revolve around post-WWII issues.

The project came about as Harr’s students read To Kill A Mockingbird, which is set during the Great Depression, and she realized how little they knew about that time period.

“I wanted to do a project that would allow them to experience an environment outside of the high school, plus offer them a chance to learn about that era. I called Tracy and Scott (Snowman) and they put this all together,” said Harr, who also an adjunct English faculty member at Spoon River College. “They did a fantastic job.”

Mirroring the photographic documentation done by the Farm Security Administration Office that captured the plight of rural families during the Depression and the Dust Bowl, students used the resources in the college art department to create a present day social commentary.

“They were to gather and use images from our present culture as a way of recording history, just as Dorothea Lange’s Migrant Mother photograph captured the plight of families during the Depression,” said Harr.

After selecting the images they wanted to use, students used the art department computers to create their own negatives. They then worked in the darkroom to develop contact prints. Scott Snowman, SRC education instructor and Tracy Snowman, SRC art instructor, will go to the high school to help the students mount and construct the final product. The students will then share their presentation with the entire high school.

“I am very appreciative of the cooperation between the college and the high school that allows for special projects such as this,” Harr said. “It was a wonderful opportunity for the students. If offered not only a great learning experience, but also allowed them to get a glimpse of college life.”

INTERACTIVE VIDEO SYSTEM INSTALLED AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:05:12 +0100

In order to better serve all students in the Spoon River College district, a new Telepresence Interactive Video System (IVS) is being installed at the college. This system will allow a class being taught at either Canton or Macomb to be accessed by students at any other SRC site. This technology will especially benefit students at the Havana and Rushville centers, where classes must often be cancelled due to low enrollment. Students will be able to interact with the teacher and other classmates just as if they were in the same room.

The installation of the IVS will give Spoon River College the distinction of being the first community college in the state to utilize the Telepresence system to conduct distance learning classes. A grant from the USDA helped make the purchase of the system possible, and it will be tested during the upcoming spring semester. The Telepresence IVS is a product of Cisco Systems, Inc. of San Jose, CA., and also offers the capability of being linked to area high schools in the future.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO HOLD PLANNING RETREAT

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:26:53 +0100

The Spoon River College Board of Trustees will hold a planning retreat on Friday, January 8 from 9 a.m. to
5 p.m. in the Spoon River College Conference Center on the Canton Campus. College business will be discussed, but no action is expected.

EXTENDED HOURS AT SRC DURING START OF SPRING SEMESTER

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:32:27 +0100

The 2010 Spring semester at Spoon River College begins on Tuesday, January 19. In order to accommodate the needs of students leading up to and during the first week of spring classes, Spoon River College will offer extended hours of operations. Offices to assist students in admissions, advising, financial aid, and student accounts will be open as follows:
• Canton and Macomb campuses: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, January 11 through Thursday, January 14; Tuesday, January 19 through Thursday, January 21; and Monday, January 25.
• Havana Center: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, January 11 through Thursday, January 17.
• Spoon River College Bookstore: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, January 11 through Thursday, January 14.
• Rushville: regular hours of operation will be observed, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Regular hours of operation will also be observed on Fridays, 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. in the bookstore and at all SRC sites.

There is still time to register for the spring semester at Spoon River College. While new students are encouraged to meet with an advisor to ensure they enroll in the courses they need for their program, returning students can use the college’s online registration process by visiting www.src.edu.

“We realize that many students had to put off beginning their college education in the fall,” said Missy Wilkinson, director of enrollment services. “However, we offer many of the general education courses that students need in the spring semester as well, so it’s good time to get that college degree started.”

Along with the general education college courses, several of the college’s career programs offer opportunities in the spring semester. Two short-term programs are Nursing Assistant and Commercial Driver Training. The nursing assistant program is a seven week course, while the driving program offers options including a 10-hour certificate and an advanced 17-hour certificate.

Wilkinson stated that the spring semester offers students the opportunity to get some of the general education requirements out of the way before starting a career program, such as nursing, in the fall semester.

“Our online courses are a great option for those who want to obtain a college degree but might be unable to attend classes at a campus because of work or family obligations.”

The complete course schedule for both Spring and Summer 2010 may be viewed online at www.src.edu.
For more information, call 1-800-DEGREES or visit www.src.edu.

EDUCATION AND ART STUDENTS VISIT SPRINGFIELD

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:01:30 +0100

Early Childhood Education and ART 180-Ceramics students from Spoon River College visited the Lincoln Library and Museum and the Dana-Thomas House in Springfield recently. The trip was sponsored by the education department.

The education students were particularly interested in Mrs. Lincoln’s Attic, an interactive children’s area within the Lincoln museum. Children can dress up like people did in the late 19th century, play with Lincoln Logs and do a variety of reading and art activities. Only one student had previously visited the Lincoln museum.

While touring the Dana-Thomas House students saw a number of valuable high quality three-dimensional art works including a copper vase valued at $250,000.00 and a Tiffany Lamp valued at over $1,000,000.00. The Dana-Thomas House was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1904 and is considered a symbol of artistic and architectural excellence.

Instructor Scott Snowman in the education department and instructor Tracy Snowman in the art department accompanied the students on the trip.

SRC COMMUNITY CHORUS TO BEGIN REHEARSALS IN JANUARY FOR “BROADWAY, TOO”

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:18:44 +0100

The Spoon River Community College Chorus will be celebrating its 5th anniversary in 2010 with a sequel to its sold-out performances of 50 YEARS OF BROADWAY last February. BROADWAY, TOO! rehearsals begin on Thursday, January 7th with production dates scheduled for February 19-21.

“Last year over 50 singers and musicians came together to present a wonderful show filled with Broadway show tunes,” Carol Davis, producer of the chorus stated. “Not only did we sell out every performance, but we had to add an additional performance as well. This year we just went ahead and scheduled a fourth show because of the response.”

The 2010 production includes songs from shows which have won various Tony Awards throughout Broadway’s history. Numbers from such shows as GREASE, SOUTH PACIFIC, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, THE LION KING, FOOTLOOSE, GRAND HOTEL, RAGTIME, NINE and many others will be featured. The set design re-creates a “Tony Awards Show” atmosphere. A live band will accompany the chorus.
John Davis will provide musical direction with Pamela Willison serving as accompanist and assistant musical director.

The SRC Community Chorus is open to anyone who likes to sing. There are no auditions but Davis requests that people contact her at (309) 647-6395 or carol.davis@src.edu by December 18th if they wish to be included in the 2010 show.

“We have people of all ages and from every corner of the college district participate,” Davis said. “People are already calling about tickets even though they don’t go on sale until January 15.”

Rehearsals take place every Thursday beginning January 7th from 6-9 p.m. at the Canton Church of the Brethren, located at 3rd and Chestnut Streets in Canton. The productions take place on one weekend in the theatre at Taylor Hall on the SRC Canton Campus. The performances are scheduled on February 19 at 7:00 p.m., February 20 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and on February 21 at 3:00 p.m. A “snow date” of February 22 at 7:00 p.m. has been set in case inclement weather forces cancellation of any scheduled performance.

Proceeds from the show will again go to the Tom Greenwell Scholarship Fund facilitated by the SRC Foundation and the show will be dedicated in memory of the late Shirley Shannon.

“It’s a great time and a great cause to support,” Davis concluded.

An ensemble from the SRC Community Chorus presented A GOLDEN HOLIDAY in November. All three performances also were sold-out and an additional $1,000 was added to the Greenwell Scholarship.

For more information, please contact Carol Davis.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE 50TH ANNIVERSARY COOKBOOKS FOR SALE

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:49:16 +0100

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Spoon River College, a cookbook has been compiled featuring 500 recipes submitted by the SRC family and friends. The cookbooks are $10.00 each and will be available for purchase after December 15.

The cookbooks will be available at all four SRC sites. If you wish to order one as a Christmas gift, please note that the college will be closed for winter break from December 21 until January 4, 2010. Cookbooks will still be available when the college re-opens in January. For more information or to order a 50th Anniversary Cookbook, call (309) 649-6323 or (309) 647-6260.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE TO CLOSE FOR WINTER BREAK

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:47:19 +0100

With final exams quickly approaching, and faculty wrapping up classes, activity at Spoon River College is winding down. Final exams will be December 14 through 17 at all of the college’s sites. The college will be closed for Winter Break from December 21 through January 3. College offices will reopen on January 4.

With the Spring semester starting on Tuesday, January 19, college officials say now is a good time to register for classes. Currently enrolled students can use the college’s online registration and avoid any lines and delays in registering for classes after the start of the new year. Students are encouraged to check with their advisors to ensure they select the courses they need to successfully follow their degree plans. Those scheduled to graduate in the May 2010 can use the college’s online degree audit as a guide to verify their degree requirements.

“We encourage those who may have delayed their college plans in the fall to make an appointment with our advisors,” said Missy Wilkinson, director of enrollment services at Spoon River College. “The Spring semester is a perfect time to get started on obtaining that college degree.”

Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college with campuses in Canton and Macomb and centers in Havana and Rushville.

ALTERNATIVE COURSE DELIVERY OPTIONS POPULAR WITH SPOON RIVER COLLEGE STUDENTS

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:12:16 +0100

The decision to offer a three-week mini-mester during the winter break at Spoon River College has been met with unexpected enthusiasm. Five classes are being offered totally online, and 83 students are currently enrolled. A mini-mester allows students to earn up to 4 credit hours (depending on the course) in only three weeks. Summer mini-mesters are routinely offered at the college.

“The Winter Mini-mester idea came from a number of folks and we are pleased with the support of several instructors and with the college staff who make sure we can handle all of the issues and processes that come with new initiatives like this, and we are extremely pleased with the student response,” said Jim Genandt, dean of career and technical education at the college.

Alternative methods of course delivery, such as mini-mesters and online offerings, are becoming more popular with non-traditional and/or working students who are often limited on the amount of time they have to obtain their credits and complete their degrees. Increasingly, traditional students are also taking advantage of those opportunities.

“Online courses and online learning continues to grow as one method of increasing access for students,” said Genandt. “In the winter, online courses offer the extra advantage of reducing travel and weather concerns for students and instructors.”

The Winter Mini-mester will begin on Monday, January 4 and run through January 22. Courses being offered are: BUS 151, Financial Accounting; HIS 261, American History-1865-Present; HS 106, Nutrition I; MAT 016, Beginning Algebra with Geometry; and MAT 132, Statistics.

“We will continue to explore ideas such as the mini-mester so we can enhance our ability to provide learning to people almost anytime and anywhere,” Genandt said.

For more information on the winter mini-mester or the regular Spring 2010 semester, call 1-800-DEGREES or (309) 649-6400. The complete course schedule for the Winter Mini-mester, Spring 2010, and Summer 2010 may be viewed online at www.src.edu.

JAMIE BALL NAMED AS SPOON RIVER COLLEGE EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:08:22 +0100

Jamie Ball was selected as the Spoon River College Employee of the Quarter for the second quarter of the academic year. Ball is a Human Resource Generalist and has been with the college for two years. Ball was recognized for her adherence to the core values of the college-caring, respect, integrity, fairness, and responsibility-in her everyday interactions with all college employees, students, and community members.

Ball resides in Fairview with her husband Troy and daughter Ashlyn. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family, reading, turkey hunting, and gardening.

8TH GRADE REALITY STORE AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:51:24 +0100

Spoon River College is teaming up with the Western Area Career System (WACS) to stage a unique career-awareness event for approximately 800 area 8th graders Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at the Canton campus.

Students will hear a presentation about the career of their choice, at the conclusion of which they will receive a “paycheck” which reflects a monthly starting salary for that career field-minus taxes.

Now for the dose of reality; students must actually attempt to live on their paycheck for one month. Each participant will visit several booths where they will pay rent or make a house payment, choose a car and correlating insurance, pay for health insurance, buy groceries, contemplate an entertainment budget, and conclude the “month” with a spin on the wheel of chance, which can throw even the most frugal budget off with an expensive home repair or speeding ticket.

“We hope to provide the students a glimpse into their future,” said Billie Vaultonburg, program coordinator of WACS. “They will see exactly what it is like to try to live on a paycheck associated with their chosen careers. As a side benefit, they may gain a new understanding of what their parents go through every month.”

Eleven schools from across the Spoon River College district will participate in the Reality Store: New Horizons, Astoria, Bushnell, Schuyler-Industry, Central-Lewistown, VIT, Macomb, Spoon River Valley, Havana, Cuba, and Ingersoll-Canton.

“This is our sixteenth Reality Store,” Vaultonburg said. “Each year we have tried to listen to suggestions of participants and add vital pieces of ‘reality’.”

Reality Store will be held on the Canton campus of Spoon River College on Tuesday, January 5th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Parents of area 8th graders are welcome to attend. Please call to find out what time your child’s school will be participating. For that information or other questions, call 649-6396.

BOOK BUYBACK SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:45:19 +0100

The staff of the Spoon River College Bookstore would like to remind students that book buybacks will occur during final exam week, which is Monday, December 14-Thursday, December 17, at all four SRC locations. The dates and times are as follows:

Canton Campus: Monday, December 14 through Thursday, December 17 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Havana Center: Monday, December 14 through Wednesday, December 16 from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Thursday, December 17 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Macomb Campus: Monday, December 14 through Thursday, December 17 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Rushville Center: Monday, December 14 through Thursday, December 17 from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Students returning books to the Canton and Macomb campus will receive cash refunds. Those returning books to the Havana and Rushville centers will be issued checks. NOTE: Although the Havana and Rushville centers will accept books on Thursday, December 17, checks may not be issued until the college reopens after the winter break on January 4, 2010.

Brad O’Brien, director of purchasing and auxiliary services at Spoon River College, would also like to remind students that a Guaranteed Buyback system was implemented in the fall to help defray the cost of books. This guarantees that the bookstore will buy back textbooks at 50% of the new price for a period of three years. Books that are eligible for the 50% buyback price are marked with an identifying sticker, while others will be paid at the normal buyback rate.

SRC IMPROVES ACCESS TO HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:27:53 +0100

In an effort to provide greater access to courses in the Health Information Management program, staff and faculty in the Spoon River College Allied Health department have developed a schedule that includes classes taught in Canton, Macomb, and online.

The Health Information curriculum offers not only an associate degree option, but also short-term certificates in Medical Coding, Medical Insurance Billing, Medical Transcription, Medical Records, and Medical Assistant.

“We realize that there are probably residents throughout the Spoon River College district who are interested in careers in the growing field of Health Information Management,” said Cheryl Hoffman, Spoon River College Dean of Allied Health. “This revised schedule will allow students to have access to a greater number of courses each semester, therefore making more progress toward the completion of their degree or certificate.”

While a couple of the scheduled courses may only be offered in Canton or Macomb, Hoffman added that time has been built into the schedule to allow students to travel between campuses if needed.

Several of the courses will be offered online, and one course will be taught using the college’s new interactive video system. That course, Introduction to Pharmacology, is a requirement in four of the certificates and the associate degree program.

“This course will be taught with the instructor teaching from the Canton campus, with students not only in Canton, but also in the video receiving classroom on the Macomb campus,” said Hoffman.

The revamped schedule also offers opportunities for students to complete many of the general education requirements of the degree and certificate programs. Required courses in speech, general psychology, and sociology will be taught either on the Canton or Macomb campuses or online.

Another addition for the spring semester is the Introduction to Gerontology online course. While, a main component of the college’s new Gerontology program, students in the Health Information Management program can take the course as an elective.

“Gerontology is an emergent field that has many applications as we face a growing senior population,” said Hoffman. “While students in the HIM program will benefit from a greater understanding of the needs of an aging population, anyone who works with seniors, from the banking industry, to fitness centers, to managing specialized housing communities, would benefit from the Introduction to Gerontology course.”

The courses in the improved schedule will be offered in the spring semester beginning January 19. For additional information about the program, contact the Spoon River College Office of Advising in Canton at (309) 649-6400 and Macomb at (309) 833-6069.

SRC TO OFFER PHLEBOTOMY COURSE IN CANTON AND MACOMB

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:25:27 +0100

As part of its Medical Assistant certificate program, Spoon River College will be offering a course in phlebotomy on the Canton and Macomb campuses during the upcoming spring semester. The course will educate students in the proper collection of blood specimens used for diagnostic testing. Phlebotomists work in a variety of healthcare settings including hospital and independent laboratories, medical offices, and non-profit blood collection organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center.

While the course is offered as part of the Medical Assistant program, it can be taken as a stand-alone course for individuals interested in careers as phlebotomists in healthcare facilities or with blood collection organizations.

The 16-week course will teach proper specimen collection, safety and infection control practices, safe patient identification, specimen labeling and quality assurance.

The phlebotomy course will be taught on the beginning January 19 on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:30 to 5:10 on the Canton campus and from 6:15 to 9:35 on Monday evenings on the Macomb campus.

The Medical Assistant certificate program is a 30-credit program that prepares students to work as medical assistants in a variety of health care settings. According to the US Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, “employment (as a medical assistant) is projected to grow much faster than average, ranking medical assistants among the fastest growing occupations over the 2006-16 decade.”

For information, and to register for the phlebotomy course, contact the Spoon River College advising office at
(309) 649-6400 or visit the college’s website at www.src.edu/health-information-management.

JUNIOR INITIATIVE! HELD AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE IN CANTON AND MACOMB

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:05:53 +0100

Spoon River College recently invited district high school juniors to attend the Junior Initiative! at the Canton and Macomb campuses .The open house focused on Career & Technical Education (CTE) and Transfer Education programs offered at the college.

“The emphasis was on giving students the information they need now in order to be prepared for college when they graduate,” said Chad Murphy, coordinator of college readiness at Spoon River College. “Breakout sessions were focused on areas of career interest based on the Career Clusters model. Students leaning towards a Bachelor’s degree were given information on the benefits of attending a two-year institution in preparation for transfer to a four-year university, while those interested in occupational training were provided with information regarding the programs of study available through the college.”

The dual credit program, which allows eligible students to take college level courses and earn college credits while still in high school, was discussed with both groups.

“This program is available to degree seeking students and to those seeking career and technical training,” said Murphy. “It gives students an accelerated start on their post-secondary education at a significant cost savings, especially now that scholarships opportunities have been established for dual credit courses.”

Students who attended the degree/transfer sessions were provided with information on: college placement tests and the importance of them; general education courses; the services provided by the Academic Success Center; developmental classes that lead to college readiness; and the Associate in Arts Teaching degrees.

Students interested in career programs were provided with tips for securing employment along with information on the career programs offered at Spoon River College, including Health Care Opportunities; Transportation-related Opportunities; Electronic Design & Office Technology; Agriculture/Natural Resources; and Small Business/Entrepreneurship.

District students from Astoria, Rushville, Spoon River Valley, and VIT attended the event. The sessions were conducted by Spoon River College faculty and staff.

For more information on degree and career programs or the dual credit program at Spoon River College, call (309) 647-4645 in Canton or (309) 833-6008 in Macomb. Information is also available at www.src.edu.

RIBBON CUTTING AND OPEN HOUSE AT SRC HAVANA CENTER

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:11:59 +0100

Spoon River College-Havana Center invites you to an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at 324 East Randolph. The ribbon cutting will take place at 4:00. Visitors will be able to tour the new center, have their questions answered by the Havana Center staff, and see the recent additions made possible by the generous donations given during the SRC Foundation Fundraiser. Light refreshments will be served.

Spoon River College Havana Center is dedicated to serving Havana and its surrounding communities. We hope that you will take this opportunity to see how we are keeping your future as our focus.

ASSISTANT EDITORS ANNOUNCED FOR THE SPOON RIVER COLLEGE KALEIDOSCOPE JOURNAL OF ART AND LITERATURE

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:09:07 +0100

Ryan Dowell of London Mills, Danielle Madtson of Canton, and Kendra Raymond of Cuba have been selected as assistant editors for the Spoon River College Kaleidoscope Journal of Art and Literature for the 2009-2010 academic year.

The Kaleidoscope is a student edited and designed publication featuring short stories, poems, essays, song lyrics, photography and visual arts by students, faculty, employees, and friends of Spoon River College. It is published and distributed each spring on the day of the popular “Coffee Spoon” event, an annual celebration of the arts that was born as a Kaleidoscope spin off.

Bobby McKenzie of Lewistown and Taylor Snowman of Canton are the current student editors. Advisors are Doug Okey, SRC English instructor and Tracy Snowman, SRC Art instructor.

SRC STUDENTS TO PRESENT FINAL SCENES

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:48:58 +0100

The Fundamentals of Acting students are ready to show their talents in their final scenes of the semester. The public is invited to see the performances, which serve as the final exam for the students, on Wednesday, December 16 at 6:30 PM at the Spoon River College Havana Center.

Scenes will be presented from the following plays: Collected Stories featuring Erica Bishop and Carrie Karl; Proof featuring Marilou Gaw and Jennifer Oney; Laundry and Bourbon featuring Becky Sisson and Ashley Trimpe; and Pizza Man featuring Elissa Keefauver, Bobby McKenzie, and Morgan Rosenberger.

Drama instructor, Bob Gorg, will lead a brief discussion following each scene. The scenes are free and open to the public, however seating is very limited. Please be aware that some scenes contain strong language and adult situations that may not be suitable for all audience members.

The Wilson Family Tradition

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:35:44 +0100

“If there are any fields of endeavor that have a touch of immortality, teaching is certainly one of them. As we use knowledge and wisdom learned from our teachers, so will our students pass on this knowledge and wisdom to future generations. Hopefully, each generation will build and improve on what the previous generations have learned.”

Penned by Spoon River College biology instructor William D. “Bill” Wilson, these words hang below a picture of Wilson that is located on the second floor of Taylor Hall, close to the science classrooms where he taught from 1966 until his death in 1991. Wilson was considered a member of what came to be known as the Dream Team of the Science department, along with Dr. Gary King, Bob Harland, and Mervin Smart.

“I’m not sure why they were called the Dream Team,” said Mary Wilson, Bill’s widow, “but it was a name that stuck. It may have been because they all got along so well. They also shared the same commitment to their students. Their office doors were always open.”

During his 25 years at SRC, Wilson had the opportunity to pass on his acquired knowledge and wisdom to countless students. Like many teachers, Wilson had an important and positive impact on his students, including his own four children who all started their post-secondary education at Spoon River College. In fact, Wilson moved his family to Canton in 1966 specifically because of the new junior college that had been established there.

“We were living in Oregon, Illinois and Bill was teaching biology and chemistry at the high school,” said Mary. “We wanted to move to a junior college district; we knew we were going to have more than one child in college at a time, plus Bill wanted to teach at that level.”

“Bill heard about the college, although we had never heard of Canton before. We liked the town as soon as we got here. It was a good move, and we never regretted it.”

Mary says none of her children ever balked at starting their education at a community college, and all felt that it was a perfect starting point,

Randy Wilson was the first of Bill and Mary’s children to attend Spoon River College, graduating in 1972 with an A.A. degree in Liberal Arts and then transferring to the University of Illinois where he graduated cum laude with a B.A. in English in 1974. He earned his Masters in Library Science from the University of Texas at Austin in 1980. He worked in the Spoon River College Library from 1980-1983, then moved to his present position as the Director of the Parlin-Ingersoll Public Library in Canton, a job he says he plans to retire from. Randy served as President of the Illinois Library Association (ILA) from 1992-93 and continues to be an active member. He served on the Graham Hospital Board for 12 years and was president for three of those years. In 1987, he was honored as a Spoon River College Distinguished Alumni. He met his future wife when they were both students at the U of I, and he and Melissa have now been married 35 years. He considers that one of his most impressive accomplishment in life and said, “We still actually like each other too, which I believe is even harder to do than loving one another.” Randy and Melissa reside in Canton and have two children, Sierra and Aaron.

“I had many excellent teachers. I especially appreciated Marian Guyton, who served as our advisor for the Lancer newspaper, and Martha Strode, who further inspired my love of literature.” Randy Wilson

Jeff Wilson earned his Associate in Science degree in 1973, and then transferred to the University of Illinois where he earned a B.S. in Biology in 1975. He went on to study environmental health education at Southern Illinois University and mediation at the University of Calgary in Alberta before “embracing wilderness guiding and experiential therapeutic work” at the Minnesota and Canadian Outward Bound Schools, where he was a senior instructor for seven years. Jeff also worked as the director for youth at risk programs, a winter staff trainer, and sled dog coordinator/trainer. He was the Program Director for Enviros Wilderness School, and was a wilderness/urban experience coordinator for TRUST Treatment Center. He is a fully certified Alberta Child and Youth Care Worker and supervises an experiential addictions program for young adults, and is a senior facilitator with Sources of Executive Action, which delivers custom leadership/teamwork programs to corporate clients.
In 1992, Jeff and his wife and partner Jill Bennett, along with their two children Juli and Jeremy started Klondike Ventures in Alberta, Canada, which features skijoring, dog sledding, cross-country skiing and backcountry skills in the winter.

“There was never a question that we would attend Spoon U and, to this day, I still tell everyone that the education I received at SRC exceeded all that followed. The tight community fostered a holistic learning and the quality and commitment of the instructors was exceptional.” Jeff Wilson

Carol Wilson attended Spoon River College from 1972-1974, and graduated from the Graham Hospital School of Nursing in 1975 before earning a B.S. in Nursing from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1976. She completed her MSN in Parent Child Health Nursing in 1979 and a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction in 1985, both from the University of Texas at Austin. Carol also completed a post-doctorate Family Nurse Practitioner certification program at the University of Wisconsin in Oshkosh in 1997. She has taught nursing at the University of Texas, Northern Illinois University, and Loyola University. Since 2004, she has been the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Nursing programs at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, and is the Project Director of a $2.1 million HRSA grant for the USF Health and Wellness Center, a nurse-managed clinic where nursing faculty and students meet the health care needs of the underserved and uninsured patients in the Joliet area. Carol also teaches in the undergraduate and graduate programs at the university, including the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and serves one day per week as a nurse practitioner assessing and treating patients at a satellite clinic in Guardian Angel Services, a domestic violence shelter for women and children. She has been married to Charlie Vasconez for almost 20 years, and they share their home in Shorewood, Illinois with their two cats, Kasha and Simba.

“I didn't want to let my father down in front of his colleagues so I made sure I did well in school. I was in Phi Theta Kappa and received the Edward G. Greenfield Award for highest GPA at graduation from Graham. My Dad was a corpsman in the Navy and would always listen to my nurse stories with great interest.” Carol Wilson

(Carol Wilson is third from the left in the front row)

Pam Wilson graduated from Spoon River College in 1977 with an A.S. degree in Science, and received a Phi Theta Kappa award for Second Highest GPA. Pam knows exactly where the “Dream Team” phrase came from; she herself coined it and says her mother is correct when she said it was due to their commitment to their students.

“I used to come in early to help Dad set up his labs for the day,” said Pam. “Once that was done, I would hover around, waiting for Mr. Smart, who taught Physics. He would walk out of his office, empty coffee cup in hand as he headed to the coffee pot down the hall. He would spy me and realize his cup was going to stay empty awhile longer as he said, ‘Come on it, Pam.’ I always had questions, and he always took the time to answer them.”

(The Dream Team, l-r: Mervin Smart-Physics; Bill Wilson-Biology; Bob Harland-Biology; and Dr. Gary King-Chemistry, staged this picture when the college moved from the downtown buildings to its present location.)

“The Dream Team jointly provided an impressive solid foundation for their students’ future scholastic, professional, and personal endeavors.”

Pam’s scholastic record after she graduated from SRC would seem to prove that the Dream Team certainly provided her with a solid foundation.

In 1979, Pam graduated with honors (Phi Beta Kappa; Charles L. Foote Award – Outstanding Senior in Zoology; National Education Award) from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a B.S. in Science. She went on to the University of Texas at Austin to earn a Master of Education in 1991, and again graduated with honors (Phi Kappa Phi; 4.0 GPA). She also passed the national exam to become a Certified Health Education Specialist. She worked as a Registered Veterinary Technician at a small animal clinic in Austin, Texas for 15 years. For the past 16 years, she has worked in veterinary public health in Zoonosis Control at the state health department in Austin. Pam also teaches veterinary medical terminology at Austin Community College and instructs training workshops for veterinary assistants at Texas Veterinary Medical Association. Pam has received the following awards: Texas Animal Control Association’s Humane Educator (2000), Texas Veterinary Medical Association’s Veterinary Technician of the Year (2002), and SRC Alumni Achievement (2002).

Since 2002, Pam has published three books: Tales From Tubblewood: A Duck For All Seasons, Puppy Pal Pointers: From the True Tails of Ripple and Jessie, and Tales from Tubblewood Too: Miss Duck to the Rescue.

“Pop incorporated his humor into his lectures and lab practicals; a little humor increases the students’ interest and attention. I have tried to follow his example by doing the same for my students. His co-workers were like extended family to me. As instructors and role models, they provided me with the infrastructure I needed to succeed in future academic and professional pursuits.” Pam Wilson

Along with excelling at their studies, all four Wilson children were also involved in extracurricular activities while at Spoon River College.

Randy served as president of Phi Theta Kappa, and was a member of the SRC Speech Team under the direction of Miss Daisy Coty. He was co- editor of the student newspaper the Lancer in 1970-71and editor in 1971-72, an experience that landed him a reporting job at the Canton Daily Ledger during the summers.

“I have many fond memories of the college, the friends I made and teachers I had. I remember the Dungeon (which was the "student center" and a real pit!) and the three-story fire escape at Dahm (we called it “Damn”) Hall. I remember the science department tucked away in Kuchan Hall, which used to be Kuchan Bakery. I also remember pledging a fraternity, having lineups in the country and then getting dumped in the middle of nowhere. We ate hot dogs with all the trimming at Em's, three-day-old chili at Marcos and late night coffee at Macs to sober up. There were off-campus parties and the May Ball. REO Speedwagon and Head East...whooeee, those Central Illinois rock bands!” Randy Wilson

Jeff was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the Speech Club under the direction of Jan Gardner, and the Governance Committee. He also served as Student Senate President, which was under the guidance of Warren Potter.

“My favorite memory would be the passion for learning and the relationship with instructors I experienced in the downtown 'campus' (The Science and English departments were particularly stunning!). There was a strong aura of creativity and destiny! There was a support and closeness with students and instructors that my other University days could not match.” Jeff Wilson

(Jeff Wilson is far right in the back)

Carol loved singing, and was a member of the SRC chorus directed by Ketric Klingman, the Graham Hospital School of Nursing chorus, and the Madrigal Singers, directed by Richard Etter. She served as a Phi Theta Kappa officer, and was a member of the Royal Court at the Canton Friendship Festival during her freshman year.

“I have many great memories of SRC! The nursing students used to walk from the hospital to just past the Canton Square in a group to take our classes. The Biology department was mainly located in Kuchan Hall, which used to be Kuchan Bakery. In Mr. Harland's microbiology class we would be particularly careful to keep our Petrie dishes covered because the yeast and mold spores in the air could contaminate our assigned organisms.” Carol Wilson

(Carol Wilson is 2nd from the right)

Like her older brother Randy, Pam also served as president of Phi Theta Kappa. She was a member of the Speech Team, and was in the play 6 RMS RIV VU. Pam was also well known for her tennis playing abilities; in 1975 she won the women’s singles, the women’s doubles, and junior women’s singles for Fulton County. She was voted Miss Congeniality at the 1975 Friendship Festival.

(Top photo: Dr. Gary King, Carol, Jeff, Mary, Pam and Bob Harland when Pam was the Commencement Speaker at SRC in 2003)

“I wrote a poem to read at the 2003 graduation when I was the Commencement speaker. It contains some favorite memories and mentions my wonderful instructors. I felt a close connection with them then, and still do to this day. They were all very approachable whenever you had a question and very compassionate when you had a problem. I also developed some remarkable friendships that have endured through the years. I will always treasure the secure sense of community I felt during my days at SRC.” Pam Wilson

While some young people might have found it stifling to begin their college experience at the institution where their father taught, nothing could have been further from the truth for the Wilson children. When they stepped into Bill Wilson’s classroom, they were just another student.

“There were so many excellent teachers, including, of course, my Dad, who I had for Zoology. He strived so hard and so successfully to be completely fair in his treatment of me (and my sibs) as a student. I believe he even had his colleague and office-mate (who was like a brother to him), Bob Harland, look at some assignments to see how he would grade them.” Randy Wilson

My dad was a true professional and I felt I was just another student - carving my own way. That the course he taught was also my desired career was a bonus!” Jeff Wilson

“Bill Wilson was the best teacher I ever had (to this day!) and not just because he was the best father either! He made learning anatomy and physiology fun with his quick wit and sense of humor. The foundation he provided in anatomy and physiology made the rest of my nursing studies relatively easy.”
Carol Wilson

“I had my dad as an instructor for zoology. Some of my fellow students thought I had an “in” on outside help, exams, etc.; however, class time and home time were kept separate!” Pam Wilson

(The Wilson kids and Mom,l-r: Jeff, Pam, Mary, Carol, and Randy. Their shirts say "Mom likes me best," except Mary's, which says "I like Pam best." Guess who bought that for her?)

The Wilson tradition of attending SRC continued with Bill Wilson’s granddaughter Sierra Wilson. Sierra graduated from Spoon River College in 2004 with an A.A. degree, then transferred to Western Illinois University where she earned her B.A. in Social Work. In 2008 she received a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Illinois, and is currently a Licensed Social Worker at St. Francis Hospital in Peoria. Sierra, who began her college education studying graphic design, credits the change in her career choice to a psychology course at SRC taught by Dr. Jeannine Standard. Sierra was one of two in a class of approximately 30 who earned a scholarship that covered her final semester at the U of I.

(Sierra, Pam, and Mary when Pam was honored with the Alumni Achievement Award in 2002)

Randy, like his father, felt that a community college was an excellent place for his children to begin their college careers, and notes the only reason son Aaron didn’t attend SRC was because he was a National Merit Scholar and earned a full-ride at Truman State University, where he received a B.A. in chemistry. He has since completed a PhD in Environmental Chemistry and is currently doing post-doctoral work at the University of Kentucky, Lexington. His goal is to secure a teaching job at the college level.

The gamble Bill and Mary Wilson took all those years ago--moving to a town they had never heard of because of a small community college that had only been established six years prior and didn’t even have its own campus yet--paid off for them, their children, and their grandchildren.

Although her grandfather was long gone by the time Sierra attended SRC, she was always aware that he had walked those halls before her.

“The thing that made me feel so at home at SRC was being able to feel my grandpa there. I loved being able to walk the halls of a place where he spent his time and that he loved so much. If I was having a bad day, I would go and look at his plaque on the wall and it would always put a smile on my face.” Sierra Wilson

WINTER INTERIM SESSION BEING OFFERED

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:43:46 +0100

Spoon River College will be offering a winter interim session from January 4-22. Students will earn 3 credit hours upon successful completion of the course, the same as they would earn upon completion of the same course in a regular 16 week semester. The classes will be offered online.

Interim sessions are typically very popular with non-traditional and/or working students who are often limited on the amount of time they have to obtain their credits and complete their degrees, although many traditional students also appreciate the opportunity to accelerate their transfer to a four-year university by earning the required credits more quickly.

In addition to the time factor, students often take advantage of interim sessions to take the classes that are required for an associate degree yet are often dreaded, such as the advanced math classes. Interim classes are not easier, and demand dedication on the students’ part, but for many, the long-term gain is well worth the short-term pain.

As Sarah Dalpiez, SRC math instructor said, “Complete a statistics course in just three weeks. What a great way to start off the spring semester, having already finished statistics!”

The classes being offered for this session are: BUS 151, Financial Accounting; HIS 261, American History-1865-Present; HS 106, Nutrition I; MAT 016, Beginning Algebra with Geometry; and MAT 132, Statistics.

Financial aid is available for the winter interim session, which is considered part of the Spring 2010 session. Payment arrangements must be made by December 1. Those interested should note that the college will be closed for the holiday break from Monday, December 21 until Monday, January 4, the day the interim session begins.

For more information and to register for the interim or the regular Spring 2010 semester, call 1-800-DEGREES or (309) 649-6400. Registration may also be completed online. The complete course schedule for both Spring 2010 and Summer 2010 may be viewed online at www.src.edu.

Spoon River College Agriculture Department Hosts State Post-secondary Agriculture Students

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:24:31 +0100

Seth Weaver, Stephanie Nelson, and Tad Chatten took home first place honors at the Fall Conference of Illinois Post-secondary Agriculture Students (PAS) on Friday, November 6, 2009 on the Canton campus of Spoon River College. Ten Illinois colleges with agriculture programs attended the event, with a total of 175 students taking part in the competitions related to their field of study in agriculture.

All of the Spoon River College winners were in the Employment Interview category. This career program requires the students to prepare a resume, cover letter, list of references, and an employment application for a job of their choice. They are then interviewed for that job by a professional in that field. Seth Weaver, Lewistown, won the Agriculture Equipment Service area; Stephanie Nelson, Good Hope, won in Agriculture Sales; and Tad Chatten, Farmington, won in Fertilizers and Agriculture Chemicals.

Jeremy Laird, Clayton Stufflebeam, and Shelby Twaddle placed second in their respective areas. Third place competitors were Jake Ekstrand and Bryce Ehlers.

SRC agriculture instructors Jeff Bash and Jim Caudle hosted the event. Bash welcomed the group on behalf of Spoon River College. Ben Wurmnest, State PAS President, provided instructions on room assignments and time tables. Career program competitions followed in crops, floriculture, livestock, and career interviews. The winning teams and individuals won plaques and qualified to represent Illinois at the National PAS conference in St. Louis in March.

Spoon River also competed in the Livestock Specialist areas of Beef and Swine. Jake Ekstrand, Stephanie Nelson, and Bryce Ehlers made up the Beef team. Josh Heaton, Jeremy Laird, and Shelby Twaddle comprised the Swine team.

In the Crop Specialist area, Spoon River had two-person teams of Seth Weaver and Clayton Stufflebeam, as well as a team of Eric Shelby and Tad Chatten.

The State PAS Annual Meeting will be held February 5-6, 2010 in Springfield. Additional career events will held along with the annual business meeting.

ILLINOIS HEALTH IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:03:12 +0100

Spoon River College has announced the recipients of the Illinois Health Improvement Association Scholarship (IHIA). The Illinois Community College System Foundation (ICCSF) presented $800 to the IHIA winners. The money was divided between Kali Lowe of Havana and Melinda Yurkovich of Farmington.

Yurkovich is a 1st year student, and Lowe is a 2nd year student. Both students are on the Canton campus and are enrolled in the Associate Degree Nursing with Practical Nurse Exit Option at Spoon River College.

The students must meet certain criteria to be eligible to receive the award. Based on these guidelines, the students were selected by an impartial committee that included various campus staff. One of the criteria is to have the intention to practice in Illinois or in a situation directly beneficial to Illinoisans.

The ICCFS and Spoon River College are proud to be able to award these scholarships. For more information about scholarships or financial aid, please contact SRC at 309-649-7030.

SPOON RIVER COLLEGE AWARDS MARILYN CASEY SCHOLARSHIP

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:53:26 +0100

Spoon River College announced the recipient of the Marilyn Casey Scholarship. The award went to Tracey Burgard of Cuba, who will receive $800 from the scholarship.

Burgard is a 2nd year student on the Canton campus. She is enrolled in the Associate Degree Nursing with Practical Nurse Exit Option at Spoon River College.

To qualify for the award, a student must meet certain criteria. Based on these guidelines, recipients are selected by an impartial committee that includes various campus staff. One of the criteria is that the recipient is expected to be employed as a healthcare worker in Illinois upon successful completion of the nursing program.

The Illinois Community College System Foundation (ICCSF) and Spoon River College are proud to award this scholarship. For more information about scholarships or financial aid, please contact Spoon River College at 309-649-7030.