The Aspen Institute is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering leadership, advancing policy, and promoting dialogue on critical issues facing society. Founded in 1949, the Institute is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has campuses across the United States and abroad.
With a mission to drive change through values-based leadership and open dialogue, the Aspen Institute brings together leaders from business, government, education, and the nonprofit sector. Its programs and fellowships focus on a wide range of areas including education, economic opportunity, global affairs, and civic engagement.
One of its key initiatives is the College Excellence Program, which works to improve student outcomes in higher education—especially at community colleges—by promoting strong leadership and innovative practices.
Through conferences, fellowships, research, and partnerships, the Aspen Institute continues to be a respected platform for developing solutions to complex global and local challenges.
SRC and the Aspen Institute
Spoon River College participates in two prestigious programs led by the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program, underscoring its commitment to improving student outcomes and advancing educational equity.
In July 2024, SRC was chosen to join the 2024–2025 cohort of the Aspen-AASCU Transfer Student Success Intensive. This initiative, a collaboration between the Aspen Institute and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), aims to strengthen partnerships between community colleges and four-year institutions to enhance transfer student success. SRC will work alongside its partner, Western Illinois University, and other institutions to develop strategies that support equitable transfer pathways.
Additionally, SRC President Dr. Curt Oldfield was named an Aspen Presidents Fellow for the 2024–2025 academic year. This year-long fellowship, sponsored by JPMorgan Chase, brings together 25 community college presidents nationwide to engage in professional development focused on advancing student success. Fellows collaborate with peers and experts to analyze institutional outcomes and implement reforms that promote equitable student achievement.
These recognitions reflect SRC’s dedication to fostering academic excellence and providing students with opportunities for successful transfer and career advancement.