SRC’s #GivingSPOONday Raises $61,900

CANTON, IL — The totals are in, and the Spoon River College Foundation’s 2025 #GivingSPOONday campaign received tremendous support from across the region and beyond. The fundraising campaign brought in $61,900 to benefit students at Spoon River College.

This year’s theme, “Our Community. Our Future.”, reflected the deep connection between local generosity and the opportunities created for SRC students. The Foundation once again participated in the global Giving Tuesday movement, inviting alumni, employees, businesses, and friends of SRC to join together and make an impact on December 2.

Over 210 gifts were received, and amounts ranged from $1 to $12,000. Gifts came from multiple states such as Florida, New Hampshire, and Arkansas, demonstrating once again that the SRC community extends far beyond western Illinois. The campaign continues to grow each year, building on the momentum that began in 2015 when the Foundation first set a goal of $5,000. Since then, #GivingSPOONday has raised over $510,000 to support scholarships, emergency aid, academic programs, and student-centered initiatives.

A vibrant social media campaign helped drive this year’s success. Several donor challenges encouraged participation and unlocked additional contributions of $1,000 and $5,000. A special giving hour between 2:00–3:00 p.m. rewarded every donor with an SRC umbrella, which generated a spike in giving.

Donors were also entered into a drawing for a Bistro 101 gift card, with Keith Mellert of Canton selected as this year’s winner.

“This year’s #GivingSPOONday truly showed how committed our community is to supporting our students,” said Dusty Berg, Director of the SRC Foundation. “The enthusiasm around the donor challenges, giveaways, and social engagement made the day fun, but more importantly, it helped create real opportunities for our students. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated.”

As in past years, donors were able to direct their gifts to areas most meaningful to them—including scholarships, facilities, academic programs, the Student Emergency Hardship Fund, or unrestricted support that allows the Foundation to quickly address emerging needs.

People who were unable to participate in this year’s #GivingSPOONday but still wish to support SRC students can visit src.edu/give or call (309) 833-6083. The College will be closed for winter break from December 20 through January 4, but gifts remain tax-deductible in 2025 if postmarked by December 31.

“What’s always special about #GivingSPOONday is how the entire SRC community—whether by sharing posts on social media or giving a single dollar—comes together to make a positive difference,” added Berg. “We are truly thankful for the kindness and generosity shown this year.”

A Family Tradition: Edward Kasier and Great-granddaughter Allysia Adams at New SRC Campuses

Edward Kaiser of Canton served in World War II and in Korea with the Army Corps of Engineers, and was also stationed at Camp Ellis in Ipava. When his tours of duty ended, the Army sergeant returned to civilian life, first working for the Oliver dealership in Fairview, then for the Mobile Oil Company in Canton before becoming a self-employed tractor mechanic for area farmers who dubbed him “The Tractor Man.”

In 1965, when Spoon River College was still known as Canton Community College and was in the process of relocating from Canton High School to various buildings in downtown Canton, Kaiser took on yet a different role; he helped establish and teach the farm machine diesel technology program, which today is known as the Diesel and Power Systems Technology (DPST) program.

In 1974, Kaiser had the privilege of setting up the new shop when the college—by then known as Spoon River College—moved to its present location at 23235 N. County 22. He continued to teach until he retired in 1986.

Fifty-one years later, Kaiser’s great-granddaughter and SRC welding instructor Allysia “Lysa Jo” Adams, had a similar experience as she helped prepare the welding shop on the college’s brand-new campus in Macomb, located at 2500 E. Jackson.

Allysia has fond memories of her Grandpa Ed, who passed away in 2006 when she was 16 years old. “He was a prankster. He used to sneak me cinnamon candies when I was young thinking they would be too hot for me, but I liked them as much he did. What started as a joke became our tradition.”

Allysia first started teaching welding at the Canton Campus in 2018, and has been teaching the night classes at the Macomb campus since 2021. Long interested in metallurgy, she chose welding as a profession because she knew it was a career that could support a family plus it paired well with her interest in different metals. “I knew from Grandpa Ed that blue-collar work was respectable, and he had an impact on my decision to teach, knowing it would be a great career and that Spoon River College was a great institution.”

Kaiser’s memory lives on in the Edward R. Kaiser Scholarship, established by his family to assist students in the DPST program. Recipients are selected annually by the SRC Diesel Advisory Committee, which Kaiser’s grandson, Kevin Kaiser. is a member of.

“I can’t say enough about how proud I am to have my daughter teaching at Spoon River College just like her great-grandfather. He would be proud too,” said Kevin Kaiser.

Michele Johnson Joins SRC as Director of Commercial Driver Training Program

Michele Johnson of Bartonville will fill the role of Director of the Commercial Driver Training program at Spoon River College following the retirement of long-time director Bob Walter.

Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree from Bradley University, but chose to be a stay at home mom for more than 20 years. After her youngest graduated high school, she entered the workforce. She considered a nursing career, but a short stint as a CNA made her realize that wasn’t the right fit, so she instead earned her Commercial Driver’s License.

Johnson drove over the road for Nussbaum Transportation for eight months, enjoying the job but missing her grandchildren, which prompted her to join DOT Foods, which offered a better schedule.  After completing the required two years of driving experience, she became an instructor at Illinois Central College.

While at ICC, Johnson reconnected with her high school sweetheart and moved to Missouri. Though they both loved their time there, they missed their Illinois families and also had aging parents to consider. They returned to Illinois, which brought her to Spoon River College where she is back in the driver’s seat and the classroom once again.

“I am so excited to continue my career in truck driving as the director of our CDL program. I am looking forward to teaching again and being a part of this wonderful organization,” Johnson said.

When not working, Johnson enjoys sports, traveling, and spending time with her family.

CCC/SRC Alumni Association Awards Reception and Athletic Hall of Fame

Spoon River College Alumni Association hosted their annual Alumni Association Awards Reception and Athletic Hall of Fame Induction on November 8, at the Spoon River College Canton Campus.

The Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Dr. Robert Bobell, owner and President of Progressive Vision Center, LTD in Canton for the past 37 years. He has been an active volunteer and leader in the community, serving on the boards of Spoon River College Foundation, Canton Park District, Graham Hospital, and Mid-America National Bank. He was honored as the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the Year in 2017.

The Distinguished SRC Retiree Award was presented to Lori Murphy of Canton. She retired in June of 2024 after for 35 years working in a variety of roles. She began as a student worker in the cafeteria while earning an administrative assistant certificate. She returned later and worked in the recruiting office and the small business departments, spending the last years in the offices of SRC Community Outreach and the SRC Foundation. Murphy is a member of the Elks Lodge No. 626 and Royal Neighbors of America.

The Outstanding Service Award was presented to Patrick O’Brian of Farmington. He began his career in management at McDonald’s, where he worked for 18 years, overseeing 250 employees and more than $10 million in annual sales, before launching several of his own businesses. Honors include the 2009 and 2012 Outstanding General Manager awards given to the Top 10% in the McDonald’s global system, and the selection to the Edgar Fellows Class of 2023. He has served as the Fulton County Clerk and Recorder since 2020, and was recognized as the 2023 Illinois Association of County Clerks & Recorders County Clerk of the Year. He is a past and present member of multiple organizations throughout Central Illinois.

Alumni Achievement Awards were presented to Amy Lynn Evans, KiLee Lidwell-McFerren, Jason Parsons, Robert Reading, and Clayton Shay Widmer.

Amy Lynn Evans of Canton, a Title I Intervention Reading Assistant at Lincoln Elementary School since 2008, is a devoted and tireless advocate for education and for mental wellness through her involvement with the Canton Education Association (serving as president since 2009), the Illinois Education Association (IEA), the National Education Association (NEA) Board of Directors, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. She was the 2024 Illinois NEA’s Association Support Professional of the Year, and this year received both the IEA Reg Weaver Human and Civil Rights Award and was among the Top 5 National Education Support Professionals by the National Education Association.

With a bachelor’s degree in Art Education, KiLee Lidwell-McFerren began her career in education as an art educator. Later, she earned a Master’s in Educational Organization and Leadership and transitioned into administration as an assistant principle. In 2017, she returned to Canton and took on the role of principle at Lincoln Elementary School. She has been honored with the Canton YWCA Women of Achievement Award (2024) and the Illinois Principals Association Illinois Principal of the Year Award (2025). She also serves as the CUSD #66 Homeless Liaison, supporting families and students in need.

Jason Parsons of Canton taught art and graphic design for 12 years, then was a K-12 administrator for 14 years for the CUSD #66 district. He helped launch several innovative programs, including Lego Education, the Dual Credit Running Start program, and Project Lead the Way courses in biomedical science, engineering, and computer science. He was honored as Teacher of the Year in 2007. For the past two years, Parsons has been the owner and operator of Snowman’s Reindeer Farm, and serves as part-time principle at Canton Royals Alternative School. He helped found the Archery and Trapshooting programs at Canton High School (serving as coach for six years), led local Canada canoe trips for 21 years, and coached numerous youth teams.

Robert Reading, originally of Morton, first had a career in pharmaceuticals and later in retail as housewares manager for K’s Merchandise before returning to college and earning a master’s degree in counseling. He achieved National Board-Certified Counselor and Certified AODA Counselor status in 1994, followed by Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in 2000, and spent 14 years at While Oaks Treatment Residential Center for Men in Peoria. Following his ‘first’ retirement, he helped coach high school wrestling, was a substitute teacher, and a church soup kitchen volunteer. He returned to counseling in 2007 at Samaritan Family Medical Services before retiring for good in 2017.

After graduating from Canton High School, Clayton Shay Widmer attended Spoon River College in 2013, serving as both vice president and president of the Student Government Association. He transferred to Illinois State University and studied sociology and psychology. Once finished with college, he made the decision to follow his heart and move to Nashville to pursue a career in music. Since then, he has toured across the U.S. and Canada, performing for crowds of up to 20,000 people. He has released 20 songs, earning tens of millions of streams and charting on the iTunes Country charts.

2022 graduate and former basketball player TC Wright of Louisville, KY was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. During his time at Spoon River College he earned numerous honors, including 1st Team All-Conference, 1st Team All-Region, and 2nd Team All-American. After earning his associate degree, Wright transferred to Campbellsville University before going on to play professional basketball for the Newfoundland Rogues.

The complete bios of all the recipients can be read on the college’s News Bureau page at www.src.edu.

Spoon River College alumni award recipients were recognized at the annual Alumni Association Awards Reception and Athletic Hall of Fame Induction on November 8, at the Spoon River College Canton Campus. Pictured (l-r) are Spoon River College President Dr. Curt Oldfield, Lori Murphy, KiLee Lidwll-McFerren, Amy Evans, T.C. Wright, Clayton Shay Widmer, Jason Parsons, Dr. Robert Bobell, Robert Reading, and (front) Dusty Berg, director of the SRC Foundation.

Catherine Calvert Named New Assistant Director of Learning Resource Center

Catherine Calvert, who has served as the Student Success Coach in the Learning Resource Center (LRC) at Spoon River College since the fall of 2023, will now fill the role of Assistant Director of the LRC.

Calvert, who earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Western Illinois University, said she appreciated her role in supporting students and building relationships as the Student Success Coach, and is looking forward to being able to continue assisting students while rekindling her passion for literature, libraries, and books.

Prior to joining Spoon River College, Calvert spent close to six years as the Children’s Librarian at Parlin-Ingersoll Public Library.

“I look forward to the future and truly feel like this is a full-circle moment for me,” Calvert said. “I have always had a very strong love of literature, books, and helping others. It is nice to be back in the stacks while still being able to help our students. It’s truly inspiring to watch SRC students reach their full potential as I continue striving toward my own.”

In her leisure time Calvert enjoys gardening, reading and writing, exploring thrift stores, tending and growing her extensive succulent plant collection, and spending quality time with her family, friends, and pets.

Calvert and her husband Wes, who is employed as the CUSD 66 director of transportation, are parents to sons, Wyatt, Briggs, and Sam.

Lori Murphy: 2025 SRC Distinguished SRC Retiree

Lori Murphy was born in Canton, Illinois, and graduated from Cuba High School in 1979. She earned an Administrative Assistant Certificate from Spoon River College in 2006. Over the years, Lori built a diverse and dedicated career—working at Four Seasons as both a waitress and in the kitchen, in the dietary department at Graham Hospital, and ultimately at Spoon River College, where she spent the last 35 years before retiring in June 2024.

At SRC, Lori held a variety of roles, beginning as a student worker in the cafeteria. She has worked in the recruiting office and in the marketing and small business departments, and spent many years with the SRC Foundation and Community Outreach. Each position provided valuable life lessons that she carried into the next.

Lori loved working at Spoon River College because of its positive culture, great benefits, and the lifelong friendships she formed. She also took pride in helping all three of her children attend SRC.

Lori is a member of the Canton Elks Lodge No. 626 and Royal Neighbors of America. She was married to the late Everett Murphy for 38 years, and together they raised three children—Brandon, Whitney, and Shaun. She is also a proud grandmother to Carter and Gwen.

Patrick O’Brian: 2025 SRC Outstanding Service Award

Patrick O’Brian was born in Canton, Illinois, and graduated from Farmington High School in 1998. He attended Spoon River College from 1999 to 2001 before earning a Governmental Accounting Certificate from the University of Illinois Geis School of Business and a Master Certificate in High Performance Leadership from the Professional Development Academy.

After SRC, Patrick began his career in management at McDonald’s, where he worked for 18 years. Through dedication and leadership, he advanced to the position of Area Supervisor, overseeing 250 employees and more than $10 million in annual sales. In 2012, Patrick launched his own restaurant business, which grew to include two restaurants, a property management company, and a retail business.

That same year, Patrick entered public service, winning election to the Fulton County Board, where he served two terms before being elected Chairman in 2019. In 2020, he was elected Fulton County Clerk and Recorder, a role in which he continues to serve today.

Patrick is deeply involved in his community, holding numerous leader-ship and volunteer roles throughout Central Illinois. He is an assistant high school football coach for the LVC Miners, assistant high school boys’ basketball coach for North Fulton, and a licensed IHSA official in baseball and basketball. He has also served as Past Jr. Governor of the Farmington Moose Lodge #1571, Past Master of the Farmington Masonic Lodge #192, Past High Priest of the Pekin Chapter #25 Royal Arch Masons, and is a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason (Valley of Peoria). Additionally, he is a former member of both the Spoon River College Foundation Board of Directors and the Spoon River Partner-ship for Economic Development Board of Directors.

Patrick’s leadership and service have earned him numerous honors, including 2009 and 2012 Outstanding General Manager awards given to the Top 10% in the McDonald’s global system, selection to the Edgar Fellows Class of 2023 and recognition as the 2023 Illinois Association of County Clerks & Recorders County Clerk of the Year.

Patrick has been married to his wife, Maria, for 18 years. They have five children—Stephanie, Ramon, Patrick, Eddie, and Samuel—and he is the proud grandfather of Mariana.

Dr. Robert Bobell: 2025 SRC Distinguished Alumni Award

Dr. Robert Bobell, was born in Peoria, Illinois, and graduated from Canton High School. He earned his Associate in Science degree from Spoon River College in 1982, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Western Illinois University and a Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

For the past 37 years, Dr. Bobell has served as Owner and President of Progressive Vision Center, LTD in Canton, Illinois. Throughout his career and community involvement, he has held numerous leadership roles, including Past President of both the Community Concert Association and the Kiwanis Club of Canton (where he was also named Kiwanian of the Year). He has also served as a member of the Spoon River College Foundation Board, the Canton Park District Board, and the Graham Hospital Board of Trustees (where he was Past Vice Chairperson). Since 2008, he has been a member and Past Board Chair of the Mid-America National Bank Board of Directors. In 2017, he was honored as the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the Year.

Dr. Bobell considers his greatest professional achievement—outside of his beloved family—to be building his optometric practice from the ground up, which has now grown to include three eye doctors, nine employees, and two locations. His advice to SRC students and employees is simple yet powerful: “Get involved as much as possible at both SRC and in your community. You will receive much more in return than you will ever give.”

Dr. Bobell is married to Carla, and they have two adult sons, Westin and Nathan.

Clayton Shay Widmer: 2025 SRC Alumni Achievement Award

Clayton Shay Widmer was born in Peoria, Illinois, and attended Canton High School. He graduated from Spoon River College in 2013 before transferring to Illinois State University, where he studied sociology and psychology. While at SRC, Clayton served as both Vice President and President of the Student Government Association.

Reflecting on his time at SRC, Clayton shared, “After my first semester, I had a terrible GPA. I dug myself out of a hole, and by the time I graduated, I was in great academic standing—thanks in large part to my professors and other staff. For me, SRC was a great transition into adulthood.”

After college, Clayton moved to Nashville to pursue a career in music. Since then, he has toured across the U.S. and Canada, performing for crowds of up to 20,000 people. He has released 20 songs, earning tens of millions of streams and charting on the iTunes Country charts.

Clayton’s advice to SRC staff is to “continue to push students to find something they are passionate about.”

Robert Reading: 2025 SRC Alumni Achievement Award

Reading, an Eagle Scout originally from Morton, Illinois, graduated from Spoon River College in 1967 Bob with an Associate of Arts in Biology. He credits SRC speech instructor Daisy Coty with transforming his life, saying she “used solution-focus tools to help turn my serious speech stuttering into coherent speech to-day.” Inspired by her impact, Bob has generously supported SRC students through scholarships and endowments.

With the perseverance he learned from Daisy, Bob went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Illinois State University. He then built a successful career—first in pharmaceuticals and later as a retail housewares manager at K’s Merchandise. His passion for helping others led him back to school, and in 1993 he earned a Master of Arts in Community Counseling from Bradley University. He went on to achieve National Board Certified Counselor and Certified AODA Counselor status in 1994, followed by Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in 2000.

Bob spent 14 years at White Oaks Treatment Residential Center for Men in Peoria, helping men overcome addiction and maintain recovery. During his first retirement, he stayed active as a high school wrestling assistant coach, substitute teacher for grades K–12 in Peoria schools, and volunteer at a church soup kitchen.

In 2007, Bob returned to his beloved counseling work, joining Dr. George Gilbert at Samaritan Family Medical Services, where he supported more than 200 addiction patients dealing with mental health challenges. He fully retired in September 2017.

Bob and his wife, Marianne, who retired from Caterpillar Inc., have been happily married for 52 years. A Master Gardener since 2012, Bob leads gardening projects at Holy Family Catholic Church in partnership with the U of I Extension. He also enjoys bicycling with friends from Landmark Health Club and, until recently, volunteered in the Cursillo spiritual program at prisons in Canton and Kewanee.