Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Misty Peyer: Finding the Light
Misty Peyer remembers her first visit to Spoon River College in Macomb after making the decision to enroll. “I was very nervous, considering I was a non-traditional student in my 30’s and just happened to be covered in tattoos from head to toe, which is definitely something that stands out in a small town like Macomb.”
Peyer found only acceptance, and her confidence has been boosted by her academic success. She is the president of Phi Theta Kappa, was named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Team in 2024 after being nominated for the All-USA Community College Academic Team, and has received a number of academic scholarships. A member of TRIO, she will be the first in her family to receive a college degree when she walks across the stage at commencement next Thursday evening.
Peyer’s story could have been much different. Originally from Florida, she is the oldest of five children born to a mother who struggled with addiction, as did Peyer herself for a period of time. But that past addiction and too many foster care experiences are now what drive Peyer to not only succeed but to also help others. She credits Sociology professor Michael Maher with “helping me develop a sociological perspective early on that has helped me in my other classes, in everyday life, and in dealing with what needs to be dealt with.”
Sober for the past eight years, Peyer has learned to “find the light, no matter how bad the situation.” When her oldest brother was hit and killed on his motorcycle, the light came from making the heartbreaking decision to donate his organs. “His heart went to a veteran who had congestive heart failure, his liver went to a school teacher who had suffered from liver disease, and his kidneys helped two people.”
Peyer also finds the light in music, and is a dedicated fan of rapper Yelawolf. In 2017 she attended the Slumfest music event in Tennessee where he was performing, and met a man named Luke who was from Macomb. The two have been together ever since. They married four years ago after he proposed to her in front of the Eiffel Tower while on a trip to Paris. “Music brought us together. We’re blessed.”
Between the two of them, they have a total of 13 nieces and nephews. Driven by memories of less than joyful holidays as a child, Peyer makes sure they all receive birthday and Christmas gifts. “I love Christmas, you can’t shake the jollies off of me! I will never let anyone steal my Christmas joy again, and everybody gets something.” After her brother passed away, Peyer also started a yearly family reunion that she calls “a legacy for the future,” and she makes everyone a t-shirt with a tree of life design.
Peyer is a believer that “The windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror for a reason,” a quote by singer Jelly Roll, who she also met at a past Slumfest event. “This was in his hip-hop days and he was opening for Yelawolf. I’ve had the opportunity to talk with him and his buddy Struggle Jennings on several occasions. They are both great people, and I admire Jelly’s involvement with at-risk youth.” The singer has opened a music studio inside the Davidson County Juvenile Detentions Center in Nashville, where he was once incarcerated.
Currently a full-time life skills coach at Bridgeway in Macomb, Peyer’s long-term goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work and become either a crisis investigator for the Department of Children and Family Services, or a foster trainer for Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. Besides finishing up her last semester at SRC, a full-time job, and helping her sister care for her children, she and Luke are training to become foster parents. She will be the light for others.
“I have had an amazing experience at SRC, and graduating this spring will be bittersweet. I have been treated with kindness and generosity beyond measure by staff and the students. I could not have asked for a better support team than what I found here.”
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Op-Ed: It’s Time for Illinois to Empower Community Colleges to Grant Bachelor’s Degrees by Dr. Curt Oldfield
As Illinois continues to wrestle with workforce shortages in key sectors including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, education, business and information technology, one common sense solution remains largely untapped: empowering community colleges like Spoon River College to offer bachelor’s degrees.
Currently, Illinois is among a minority of states that prohibits community colleges from granting baccalaureate degrees. Meanwhile, 24 other states—including Texas, Florida, and California—have paved the way for their community colleges to step up and fill critical education and labor market gaps. It’s time for Illinois to follow suit.
A Smarter, More Equitable Approach to Higher Education
Spoon River College serves a largely rural population across Fulton, McDonough, Mason, Schuyler and Knox counties. In West Central Illinois, many students are place-bound by family, jobs, or economic realities. Giving community colleges the authority to offer bachelor’s degrees in high-demand fields like health careers, advanced manufacturing, education, business administration, information technology, or rapidly emerging careers where programs do not currently exist, would make a four-year education more accessible, more affordable, and more aligned with the region’s economic needs.
Local Degrees for Local Jobs
Illinois’ workforce needs aren’t abstract, they’re urgent. Employers across West Central Illinois routinely struggle to find workers with four-year degrees in fields that don’t necessarily require research-intensive university programs but do demand advanced training. Spoon River College already offers strong associate degree programs in many of these areas. Allowing the college to build on that foundation with specialized bachelor’s degrees would directly feed local talent pipelines, retain talent in the region, and give local industries the skilled professionals they need.
Financial Efficiency and Student Success
Bachelor’s degrees from community colleges come at a fraction of the cost of traditional universities. By leveraging existing faculty, facilities, and partnerships, Spoon River College could deliver four-year programs, and students would benefit from reduced student loan debt, smaller class sizes, and the personal support systems they already trust.
Critics may argue that expanding community college missions could encroach on universities, but evidence from other states shows that community college baccalaureate programs are targeted, non-duplicative, and focused on degrees in fields of study that universities do not offer. The real impact is additive: more degree holders, stronger local economies, and upward mobility for students who would otherwise be left behind.
A Path Forward for Illinois
As Illinois lawmakers continue to explore education reform, enabling community college baccalaureate degrees should be a top priority. Spoon River College, with its proven commitment to workforce development and regional service, stands ready to be a model. The State must embrace the changing landscape of higher education so that it can meet the needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s economy.
Let’s create pathways to prosperity for our students, our communities, and our State. Please consider contacting your legislator if you support the idea of helping the West Central Illinois region become more economically viable.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on 2025-2026 Student Trustee Logan Booth Seated at April Board Meeting
During the Board of Trustees meeting held April 23 at Spoon River College in Canton, outgoing student trustee Esmeralda “Esme” Uribe was recognized for her service as the 2024-2025 student trustee, and newly elected 2025-2026 student trustee Logan Booth was seated.
Booth, originally from Groveland, is residing in the Snapper Villas on the Canton Campus. He is a member of the baseball team, a student worker in the marketing department, and designs the graphics for athletics’ social media pages.
Booth describes himself as a good leader and a hard worker who has maintained good grades while juggling his obligations of studies, work, and athletics. He ran for the student trustee position because he felt it would be a valuable learning experience that would be beneficial as he goes forward, both in his academics and his future career. Booth plans to pursue a career in multi-media and graphic design.
Student trustees at Spoon River College attend monthly board meetings and represent the student body in the Student Government Association. Along with gaining leadership skills, trustees have opportunities to attend state trustee meetings and conferences. They serve one year, and receive a stipend towards their tuition and fees.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Still Time to Register for SRC Foundation Fundraiser the Mrs. Roper Romp in Havana
It’s not too late to register for the Mrs. Roper Romp in Havana on Saturday, May 10. The proceeds will go to support SRC scholarships for Havana students.
*Boutique crawl: 10:00-12:00
*Lunch, watch for Roper lunch specials: 12:00-2:00
*Bingo and group photo: 2:00-4:00 at Vic’s Place
*Bar crawl and 70’s band: 4:00-6:00 in the beer garden
The cost of this event is $25, and tickets will allow participants to enjoy special coupons and experiences for the day.
Businesses that will be participating are Gisela’s Haus, Blue Butterfly Resale Shop, Market Street Boutique, Riverside Bar & Grill, Twisted Sisters, The Hang-Up Boutique, Manhattan Fields Boutique, Stag Tap, The Main Room, Vic’s Place, and Babes on Plum. The schedule is as follows:
*Boutique crawl: 10:00-12:00
*Lunch, watch for Roper lunch specials: 12:00-2:00
*Bingo and group photo: 2:00-4:00 at Vic’s Place
*Bar crawl and 70’s band: 4:00-6:00 in the beer garden
A costume contest to award the best-looking Mrs. Roper will also be held. Gather your besties and come enjoy a day of fun, food, and shopping.
The SRC Foundation and Spoon River College offer a wide variety of scholarships each year. Scholarships may be for academic excellence or for talent or skill. The SRC Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, and gifts to the SRC Foundation may be tax deductible.
Mrs. Roper Romps celebrate the characters from the 70’s sitcom Three’s Company, and started as a costumed event in New Orleans in 2013. It’s now become the latest fundraising trend across the country.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Athletics Offering Elite Softball Camps
Spoon River College Athletics is offering two elite prospect softball camps. The first one will be held Wednesday, June 11, from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. The second one will be held Wednesday, July 30, from 11:30 a.m. -3:30 p.m. Both will be held at the Multi-Purpose Building on the Canton Campus located at 23235 N. County Hwy. 22.
These will be total skills camps that that cover all aspects of the game, and is for players who want to compete at the next level. It will include testing in multiple areas, an evaluation, campus tour, and a Q&A with coaches and current players. Evaluations will be shared with other coaches.
The cost is $65 (and includes a t-shirt), is open to students graduating from 2026-2029. Only the first 29 registrants will be accepted.
Register online by going to www.src.edu > Snapper Athletics > Camps. For more information, contact John Bassett at john.bassett@src.edu or call 309-649-6303.
Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in West Central Illinois, with campuses and Community Outreach Centers in Canton and Macomb, and Learning Centers in Havana and Rushville. It serves students in a 1,566 square mile area that includes portions of Fulton, McDonough, Mason, Schuyler, and Knox counties. For more information about Spoon River College, visit www.src.edu. It offers both transfer and career education classes, and sports includes men and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, bowling, E-sports, with cross country coming in Fall 2025.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Honors Foundation Donors at President’s Reception
Spoon River College president Dr. Curt Oldfield welcomed SRC Foundation donors and guests to the annual President’s Reception held April 17 at the Canton Campus. The event honors those who have reached specific levels of cumulative giving to the Foundation, those who established new named endowed scholarships in 2024, as well as Foundation Board members for their service. Along with President Oldfield, Dustin Berg, Foundation Director, and John Davis, SRC Foundation Chair, presented certificates of recognition and tokens of appreciation to donors.
The Fulton County Youth Council – Virgil Ball Scholarship was a new permanently endowed scholarship established in 2024.
Additions to the Friend level ($1,000-$4,999) included Advanced Rehab and Sports Medicine, JC and Tammy Barnard, Mary Louise Bishop, Helen M. Crosby, Camilla Avis, Erin L. Bishop, Dorothy N. Burnett, DJ4U, E-Code Solutions, Randall and Nanette Fornoff, Michael and Katrina Hamilton, IBEW Local Union #34, Dr. and Mrs. Jeremy Krock, Charles and Barbara Luthy, Kathleen Markey, John and Bobbie McCarthy, Charlotte A. Myers, Nutrien, Inc., John Quinones, Harriett Schleich, Kevin and Debbie Stephenson, Denise and Tom Vogel, Bruce and Jean Edwards, Good Steward Consulting, Lon Henderson, Kost Rentals LLC, Dr. Kenneth and Joann Krock, Macomb Rotary, Kathleen Matusik, Jeannette D. McWhorter, NJCAA Foundation, Peggy L. Pschirrer, Amy L. Rutledge, Sedgwick Funeral Home, Charles and Janet Taylor, and Jack Walker.
Being honored at the Ambassador level ($5,000-$9,999) were Brian and Sarah Dalpiaz, Patrick and Brandi Ketcham, Kathy Lock, Holly and Dave Norton, P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter LY, Schuyler County United Way, Rupa and Raj Siddaraju, Dr. Donald and Dr. Sue Spencer, Brenda and Fred Stadsholt, and Quick Electrical Contractors.
Benefactor level ($10,000-$24,999) honorees were Loren and Carol Blackfelner, Linda and Scott Butler, Fulton County Youth Council, Progressive Vision Center, Grant and Irene Stauffer, and William and Joyce Ulmer.
Recognized at the Honorary Director level ($25,000-$49,000) were Jane and William Buckley.
Recognized at the President’s Council level ($50,000-$99,999) were Kenneth and Nina Long, and Ruth M. Richert.
Recognized at the Found level ($100,00 and up) was Robert and Elizabeth Champlin.
Jena Goforth, SRC student and scholarship recipient, spoke about the importance of scholarships in helping students complete their education and extended her appreciation for the scholarship she was awarded.
Outgoing SRC Foundation board members who were recognized for their service were Mitch Coonradt, John Davis, Michelle Escapa, Laura Leezer, and Patrick O’Brien.
The SRC Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, and offers a wide variety of scholarships as well as support to the college every year. For more information about the Foundation or a potential gift to SRC, contact the Foundation at (309) 649-6260 or email foundation@src.edu.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Diesel and Power Systems Technology Students Awarded Scholarships
Five Spoon River College students in the Diesel and Power Systems Technology (DPST) program were awarded scholarships following a round of interviews with program faculty and members of the Diesel Advisory Board.
Advisory Board member Sam Brooks presented the awards to the following students:
Jack Godsil (Victoria), Edward R. Kaiser Scholarship for $1,500; Carter Chambers (Bushnell), Coachmen Scholarship for $1,250; Ethan Voss (Mendon), Phi Mu Tau Scholarship for $500 and a Coachmen Scholarship for $500; Kolette Slough, (Coal City, IN), Brian Telander Memorial Scholarship for $500 and a Coachmen Scholarship for $250; and Braden Hagerty (Abingdon), Harold Dare Memorial Scholarship for $450 and a Coachmen Scholarship for $200.
DPST Advisory board members and faculty members are Joe Clemens (faculty), Vance Geisendorfer, Von Geisendorfer, Sam Brooks, Eric Bunnell, Kevin Quick, Todd Thompson (faculty), Brian Friedrich, Kevin Kaiser, Danny Mahr, John Danielson, SRC President Dr. Curt Oldfield, Aaron Mayall (faculty), and Dave Andersen (faculty).
The two-year DPST program is one of the college’s longest-running career and technical education programs, offering education and training in the field of diesel power technology that culminates in an associate in applied science degree. In 2019, the College also became a certified training center for the railway industry through a partnership with NARS (National Academy of Railroad Science) and Johnson County Community College. Certificates are offered in Locomotive Mechanical, Preventive Maintenance, and Rail Transportation and Power System Technology.
For more information about the program, visit www.src.edu.
Pictured are Ethan Voss, Jake Godsil, Kolette Slough, Carter Chambers, and Braden Hagerty.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Community Outreach Hosts 32nd Lifelong Learning Conference
The Spoon River College Office of Community Outreach hosted the 32nd Lifelong Learning Conference April 11 at the Canton Campus, welcoming attendees, speakers, and resource fair vendors.
“It’s always wonderful to welcome this group of enthusiastic learners!” said Andrea Barbknecht Director of the SRC Canton Outreach Center. “It’s nice seeing old and new friends!”
Rick Klinedinst welcomed guests, and Mike Walters presented the keynote address on the history of Canton in honor of Canton’s Bicentennial Celebration that will be held June 20-29. Other sessions included AI in Everyday Life by Becca Werland, Shakespeare Goes to the Movies by Stan Ransom, Sensitive Personal Information by Cliff Magee, Introduction to Food and Wine Pairings by Brad Beam, Iran: A Personal Perspective by Frank Goudy, and Staying in the Eye of the Hurricane by Jeanine Standard.
“This event is a collaboration between our Community Leadership Academy graduates and many local experts and enthusiasts. I never cease to be amazed by the talent that is right here in our own backyard!” Barbknecht said.
The event was co-sponsored by MidAmerica National Bank. Other sponsors included Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development, The Loft Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Spoon River Home Health Services, Western Illinois Home Health Care, Canton Bicentennial Committee, The Clayberg Nursing Center, and Advanced Rehab and Sports Medicine.
Attendees enjoyed morning refreshments and a soup and sandwich buffet that was catered by the SRC River Roast Café.
The next Lifelong Learning Conference is scheduled for Friday, October 10, 2025, and College for Kids is scheduled for June 2 – 5 of 2025.
Pictures of the event can be viewed on the Spoon River College Community Outreach Facebook page. For more information about the classes and events offered through the Office of Community Outreach, visit https://src.augusoft.net, their Facebook page, or call (309)649-6260.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Cross-country Returning to SRC with Chase Fisher as Head Coach
Spoon River College is bringing back a cross-country program, with the season set to begin in the fall. Chase Fisher has been hired as the head coach, and he has already recruited 15 incoming freshmen to be on the team.
Fisher brings coaching experience at both the high school and college level, and says he’s looking for members with a high level of commitment to be the best version of themselves they can be, and to be committed to the team. “It’s easy to buy into something when everyone around you has also bought into it, not only for results, but also for relationships.”
Fisher credits his high school coach for having that type of mindset, and for inspiring him to become a coach.
“I was lucky to be brought up through a program that was more of a family than a team, where everyone cared for each other, and fought for each other, and those relationships last forever,” said Fisher, who a decade later still talks weekly with his former coach. “And two of teammates were my groomsmen in my wedding. A family like that is what I’m striving to build at Spoon River College.”
Fisher also intends to continually expand his coaching knowledge, and recently traveled to New York City for his USA Track and Field (USATF) certification. He also noted that they will be adding track and a half-marathon to the program.
“We are excited to bring back cross-country, and excited that Coach Fisher will be leading it,” said John Bassett, athletic director and head softball coach at Spoon River College. “His experience and enthusiasm will be an invaluable resource, and we look forward to a fun and competitive first season.”
Originally from Dixon, Fisher and wife Liz will be residing in Canton, and they are expecting their first child in August. “I am excited to be a Snapper and I look forward to joining the list of successful SRC athletic teams.”
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on The Importance of Solar Farms and the Use of Solar Energy on College Campuses
As college campuses strive to become more sustainable and eco-friendlier, the implementation of solar farms and the use of solar energy have emerged as key solutions. Solar energy, harnessed through solar panels and solar farms, offers significant environmental and financial benefits that can play a vital role in shaping a greener future for institutions of higher learning – including Spoon River College.
One of the most compelling reasons for colleges to invest in solar energy is the positive environmental impact. Traditional sources of energy, such as fossil fuels, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Solar energy, on the other hand, is a clean, renewable resource that significantly reduces carbon footprints. By establishing a solar farm, we can directly contribute to global efforts to combat climate change and can reduce the college’s reliance on the local power grid, leading to lower energy bills.
For many colleges, sustainability is a key part of their mission. A solar farm aligns with these goals by reducing the campus’s reliance on non-renewable energy sources and demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship. Additionally, the use of solar energy sends a powerful message to students, staff, and visitors about the importance of sustainable practices and the role everyone can play in protecting the planet.
The integration of solar energy through a solar farm on our campus is a step toward a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. By reducing carbon emissions, cutting energy costs, and providing educational opportunities, solar energy contributes to the overall success of the institution and the planet. More information will be available as we break ground on this exciting initiative for 2026.
2025 Student Trustee Logan Booth
