Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Employees Recognized for Service
Spoon River College held their annual appreciation event April 12 at the Canton Campus and April 19 at the Macomb Campus to recognize employees for their years of service. Faculty awards were also presented. President of Spoon River College Dr. Curt Oldfield presided over the events.
Honored for five years was Sarah Strode, Nursing faculty.
Honored for ten years were Scott Heidemann, Systems Administrator; and Dr. Andrew Kirk, Speech faculty.
Honored for 15 years were Tad Bugos, Technician Maintenance; Brandy Chasteen, Project Advisor, Student Support Services; Dean Clary, Director, Technology Services; and Joe Clemens, Diesel Technology faculty.
Honored for 25 years were Velvet Powell, Director, Community Outreach; and Todd Thompson, Diesel Technology faculty.
Honored for 30 years were Kevin Bell, Programmer/Analyst; and Mickey Decker, Specialist, Admissions/Recruiting.
Honored for 35 years was Lori Murphy, Office Assistant, Community Outreach.
Brian Dalpiaz, Math faculty, was awarded the Spoon River College Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Award and the Illinois Community College Trustees Association Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member nomination.
Jill Myers, Criminal Justice faculty, was awarded the Spoon River College Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Award and the Illinois Community College Trustees Association Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member nomination.
The Illinois Community College Trustees Association Outstanding Full-Time and Part-Time Faculty nomination awards are presented to those who display teaching excellence, have an ability to take a personal interest in students, and inspire enthusiasm through teaching techniques.
Allyson Smith, Agriculture Management faculty, was the recipient of the H. Truman Standard Award, presented each year to a faculty member for teaching excellence, meritorious service to the institution, and displaying the Spoon River College Core Values of Caring, Respect, Integrity, Fairness, and Responsibility.
Faculty award recipients will be recognized at the commencement that will be held Thursday, May 9.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Student Government Association Members Visit State Capitol
Members of the Student Government Association at Spoon River College in both Canton and Macomb visited the State Capitol Building on Friday, April 12. Besides getting a tour of the Capitol, they met with Representative Norine Hamond and spoke with her about the new Macomb Campus, as well as the growing need for mental health services for all students. They also had the opportunity to observe the representatives in session, and were introduced during the opening announcements.
Pictured are Rep. Norine Hammond, SGA members Sarah Jordan, Margaret Toothaker, Esme Uribe, Jessica Fackrell, and Holly Norton, vice president of educational/student services, and SGA advisor.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Farm King Shoppers Can Save Money on Purchases by Wearing SRC Apparel on April 27
Thanks to Spoon River College ag student Dallen Lashmett of Rushville, shoppers at the Farm King stores in both Canton and Macomb can enjoy 10% off their purchases on Saturday, April 27, if they are wearing Spoon River College apparel.
Lashmett, who is enrolled in the Agriculture Business Management program at the college is doing his internship at the Canton Farm King store, and the special sale he is organizing will serve as his required project. “I was uncertain if Farm King would allow it, but Don Pollit, Canton Farm King manager, was all for it.” Cindy Foster, Macomb Farm King Manager, also got on board.
Lashmett, who is from Rushville, had worked on farms and enjoyed it, but had never envisioned a career in agriculture. That changed in his junior year at Rushville-Industry High School when Ag teacher Sydney Riden sparked an interest in ag that has continued to grow.
“She doesn’t realize the impact she had on me my last two years of high school,” said Lashmett. “She opened the door to the place I am today.”
While still uncertain what his ultimate career goal will be, it will be agriculture related, and Lashmett is grateful for the people in his life—such as Riden—who helped guide him this far, as well as his grandmother. “Mamaw is the reason I came to college. She made me promise I would, so I did.”
And that says all that one needs to know about the kind of young man Dallen Lashmett is.
The Canton Farm King is located at 2091 N Main Street, and the Macomb Farm King is located at 1620 E. Jackson Street. Saturday hours for both stores are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The sale excludes green tagged items and those already on clearance.
Spoon River College apparel can be purchased at both the Canton and Macomb campuses, and online at https://store.src.edu/home.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Diesel and Power Systems Technology Students Receive 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:
Pierce Boyer of Lewistown received $400 from the Coachmen Motor Club Scholarship; Jared Cheline of Aledo received $350 from the Coachmen Motor Club scholarship; Wyatt Leinenbach of Emden received $500 from the Brian Telander Scholarship; Jerrick LeMaire of Bosco received $1,000 from the Ed Kaiser Scholarship; Isaac Little of Rushville received $500 from PHI-MU-TAU Scholarship and $200 from the Coachmen Motor Club; , and Gage Peters of Astoria received $500 from the PHI-MU-TAU Scholarship and $50 from the Coachmen Motor Club.
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 and its related application 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. Instructors in the program are Todd Thompson, Joe Clemens, Aaron Mayall, and Dave Andersen.
For more information about the program, visit www.src.edu.
Pictured left to right is Gage Peters, Jared Cheline, Isaac Little, Jerrick LeMaire, Peirce Boyer, and Wyatt Leinenbach.
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.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Ribbon Cutting and Open House May 7 for the Vocational and Technical Education Center
Spoon River College will host a ribbon cutting and open house in the Vocational and Technical Education Center (VOTECH) on the Canton Campus on May 7, from 2-4 p.m. The event will recognize contributions from SRC alumnus Lynn McPheeters, Compeer Financial, and the Economic Development Administration. The public is invited to this event.
Being celebrated are the unveiling of the display honoring The McPheeters Family Hands-On-Learning Lab, a new greenhouse for the Agriculture department, and the renovations and equipment upgrades of the VOTECH building.
Lynn McPheeters was a first-generation college student who was the first student to enroll and to graduate from Spoon River College, then known as Canton Community College. After graduating in 1962, McPheeters completed baccalaureate studies at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and then began a career with Caterpillar, Inc. that spanned more than 40 years. He retired as the Vice President and CFO in 2005. His gift of $500,000 will help in supporting students entering career and technical education programs, which are ineligible for federal financial aid.
“Without SRC and SIU, I would have never been in a position to have the success I’ve had or to be able to make a gift like this,” said McPheeters. “Businesses need a skilled workforce more than ever, and there are great opportunities available to graduates of CTE programs. SRC is a great value for students seeking education, but many students still face financial barriers that keep them from attending. It is my hope that The McPheeters Family Scholarship endowment will allow those who need extra assistance to attend SRC and succeed in the workforce in their chosen field.”
Funds from the Francis G. and Dorothea B. McPheeters scholarship, established by McPheeters in honor of his parents in 2002, will be rolled into the new scholarship, and a limited number of scholarships are expected to be offered in the 2024-2025 academic year.
The new greenhouse was possible with a $25,000 educational grant for career and technical education from the Agriculture and Rural Initiative, Compeer Financial’s donor advised fund, which has granted $175,000 to community and technical colleges across the cooperative’s 144-county territory.
“Our clients continue to list workforce development among their highest concerns, and these grants and scholarships are the first step to improving this challenge for the industry,” said Stephanie Wise, a Compeer Financial Director. “The future of agriculture and our client’s farms rely on a strong, vibrant and robust agricultural workforce, and our partners in higher education provide opportunities for young adults to explore and gain hands-on experience in these careers.”
“Thanks to this generous donation, the greenhouse will provide students with more hands-on learning in horticulture and crop science by incorporating plant ID, research, and plant sales into the curriculum,” said Allyson Smith, SRC Agriculture instructor.
A $1.5M grant in CARES Act Recovery Assistance to boost workforce development program was put towards new training and renovations of the Vocational and Technical Education Center. Upgrades funded by the grant include new welding booths, new ventilation and exhaust systems plus an overhead crane in the shop area, geothermal in the offices and classrooms, radiant heat, new overhead doors, LED lights, a new air compressor, and large
fans. A mezzanine was constructed in the Diesel and Power Systems Technology area to allow for clean, organized parts storage. In addition, the fleet of tractors and trailers in the Commercial Driver Training program will be upgraded with more modern equipment.”
“This was a crucial investment that will allow us to continue to enhance our workforce programs, and provide high demand, high wage career pathways for students well into the future,” said Brad O’Brien, dean of career and workforce education at SRC.
Attendees at the event will be able to see the unveiling of the display honoring The McPheeters Family Hands-On-Learning Lab, tour VOTECH to see and learn about the renovations and equipment upgrades, meet instructors and students from Career and Technical (CTE) programs, and enjoy cookies and refreshments.
The recognition event will begin at 2:45, with the ribbon cutting following the recognition speeches. To RSVP, please call 309-649-6260 or email foundation@src.edu. The Canton Campus is located at 23235 N. County Highway 11.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Commencement May 9 at Canton Campus
Spoon River College will hold their 63rd Commencement on Thursday, May 9, at 6 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Building on the Canton Campus, located at 23235 N County 22. Check-in time for graduates is 5:15 p.m. Sha Lyn Photography will be available from 4-5:15 to take individual graduation photos, and students will be provided with the proper order form for that service.
Cap and gown pickup will begin the week of April 29, and rehearsal for students participating in the ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 8, at 2 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Building on the Canton Campus.
The cost for caps and gowns purchased before April 12 will be $35. After April 12, the cost will increase as follows: April 15-19: $40; April 22-26: $45, and April 29-May 3: $50. No orders will be placed after May 5.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on 17th Annual Tractor Show and Car Cruise-In April 29
The 17th Annual Tractor Show and Car Cruise-In will be held Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Spoon River College Campus in Canton.
The event is hosted by Phi Mu Tau fraternity students in the Diesel and Power Systems Technology program. Anyone who has a classic car or tractor is invited to bring or drive them to the college and be part of the show. There is no entry fee.
“This is a free, fun, casual event,” said Todd Thompson, DPST instructor and Phi Mu Tau advisor. “Bring the family and come on out. There is always a nice variety of antique vehicles and tractors, plus some new and unique ones.”
Registration will be from 9-11 a.m. Awards for best car and best tractor will be determined by fan voting and announced at 3 p.m. Raffle and 50-50 drawing winners will also be announced at 3 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public. In case of inclement weather, it will be held inside the VOTECH building. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
For more information about the car show, contact Todd Thompson at (309) 649-6244. The Canton Campus of Spoon River College is located at 23235 N. County Hwy 22.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Final Spring College Visit Day Is April 17 from 1-3
Spoon River College will host its final College Visit Day of the spring semester at both the Canton and Macomb campuses on Wednesday, April 17, from 1-3 p.m.
College Visit Days are open to people of all ages who are interested in learning about both the transfer and the career education (trade) programs available at Spoon River College, as well as the different degrees and short-term certificates each program offers.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with advisors and financial aid specialists, and will receive information about the application process, tuition costs, and financial aid options including scholarships, as well as student life activities, clubs, and organizations.
Tours of the campuses will be given, and will include the Snapper Villas student housing on the Canton Campus. All attendees will receive a free t-shirt.
High school students should inquire with their school about using a college visit day, and letters from the College confirming their attendance at the event will be provided.
The Canton Campus is located at 23235 N. County Hwy. 22, and the Macomb Campus is located at 208 S. Johnson Street. For more information, call 309-649-6400 (Canton) or 309-833-6069 (Macomb).
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Esmeralda “Esme” Uribe Elected the 2024-2025 Student Trustee
Esmeralda “Esme” Uribe of Lewistown will serve as the 2024-2025 student trustee for the Spoon River College Board of Trustees after a vote by her peers.
“I’m excited about being elected the new student trustee!” said Uribe. “I improved my communication skills after serving as a peer tutor for the college’s TRIO Student Support Services, and decided to run for the student trustee because I felt like it would be the perfect opportunity to gain leadership skills also, as well as get closer to the student body and the community.”
Uribe is a graduate of Lewistown High School, and is currently taking the prerequisite classes in preparation for completing the Associate Degree in Nursing at Spoon River College. After that, she intends to earn a bachelor of science in nursing degree.
During the fall semester, Uribe was a recipient of the Student Shout Out Award for exemplifying the SRC core values of caring, responsibility, integrity, respect, and fairness. TRIO director Jill Olson said that not only was Uribe a diligent tutor for TRIO, but that she also visited the math labs twice a week to assist students there, and other instructors noted that even when “not on the clock,” she was willing to help students in the classroom.
Besides TRIO, Uribe is also a member of Healthcare Enthusiasts and Leaders (HEAL), Phi Theta Kappa, Student Government Association, and Students for Environmental Action (SEA). She also works at her parents’ restaurant, “La Fogata,” in Lewistown. “By working there, my parents have given me the opportunity to learn about finances, but most importantly, they have influenced me to pursue the things I want in life.”
Uribe stresses the importance of being involved. “I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field, which is why I joined HEAL, and as a group, we have spread the word about mental and physical wellness. I also highly recommend TRIO, which helped me grow outside of my box.”
Uribe will be seated during the regular Board of Trustees meeting on April 24. 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 New Members Inducted into Phi Theta Kappa at Spoon River College
Spoon River College inducted new members into the Nu Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society in a ceremony held March 26 at Spoon River College Outreach in Macomb. A total of 77 students joined this year, with 20 attending the induction.
After a welcome by Dr. Curt Oldfield, President of Spoon River College, the history of Phi Theta Kappa was presented by Triana Banks, President of the Macomb Chapter, and Margaret Toothaker, President of the Canton Chapter.
Missy Wilkinson, dean of students services, introduced the three members who were named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team, chosen on the basis of academic achievement, volunteer work, campus activities, honors, and awards. Those students were Delaney Eastwood, Jennifer Henson, and Misty Peyer.
Phi Theta Kappa faculty advisors Shelli Stuart and Rebecca Werland presided over the initiation of new members, who were introduced by faculty members Barbara Ashwood and Kristy Boggs.
Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society – Nu Delta Chapter is the internationally recognized honor society for two-year colleges. Spoon River College’s Nu Delta Chapter offers membership to students who distinguish themselves academically with 12 credit hours of completed enrollment at SRC with a 3.25 cumulative GPA.
