Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Announces Theatre Season for 2023-2024
The Theatre Program at Spoon River College has announced their season of plays for the 2023-2024 academic year. The program produces one play each fall and one play each spring.
For Fall 2023, SRC Theatre will present the 1962 absurdist drama Exit the King by French playwright Eugene Ionesco. The play explores death through the rapid decline of Berenger the First, king of an unspecified land. Four hundred years old at the time of the play, Berenger moves through recognizable stages of loss and existential confusion as his kingdom, in apparent sympathy with the King’s withering, gradually crumbles around him. Berenger is attended throughout by his first wife, his current wife, his doctor, his nurse, and one guard. The play includes gentle comedy as well as drama.
Spring 2024 will see the 1978 dark comic thriller Deathtrap by American playwright Ira Levin. Nominated for four Tonys and winner of the Edgar Award for Best Play, Deathtrap presents Sidney Bruhl—a middle-aged, once-popular writer of thrillers for the Broadway stage—enduring an alarming slump. Sidney concocts a plan to murder one of his student playwrights and produce the young man’s stunningly good play as Sidney’s own. Complicating the plan are Sidney’s wife, Myra, his lawyer, Porter, and Helga ten Dorp, the psychic next door. Deathtrap is a satisfying thriller with plenty of laughs as well as surprises and twists.
Performances of Exit the King are November 3-5, 2023, while Deathtrap will run March 1-3, 2024. All SRC Theatre productions are presented in the Taylor Hall Theatre on the SRC Canton Campus. Participation in productions is open to current SRC students as well as residents of the Spoon River College District. Open auditions for each upcoming show will be announced. For more information, contact Douglas Okey, director of the SRC Theatre Program, at 309-649-6308.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Foundation Golf Outing to Be Held July 28
The 30th annual golf outing to benefit the Spoon River College Foundation will be held on Friday, July 28 at Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills Country Club in rural Cuba. After lunch at 11 a.m., a shotgun start is set for noon.
“As the weather begins to warm up, we can’t help but be excited for this event,” said SRC Foundation Director Colin Davis. “Every dollar raised by the SRC Foundation is a dollar that can literally change a local student’s life and give young people in our area a chance to succeed.”
The golf outing committee is currently seeking individual and business sponsors, as well as golf teams to join in the festivities. Sponsorship levels start at $100 and go up to $1,000. Depending on the level, sponsors may receive free entry for one or more golfers, publicity for their business in event materials, onsite promotion of their business or organization at the event, and mention in local media, among other benefits.
Cost is $75 per golfer or $300 for a team of four, and best-ball/scramble format will be followed. The fee includes lunch, golf, cart, an SRC-themed gift, and the chance to compete to be the outing’s top team, as well as the opportunity to win prizes throughout the day on every hole. Additionally, the Golf Ball Cannon will return to the event for the first time in eight years.
“We know that our sponsors appreciate the benefits of sponsoring our outing and, in many cases, just believe in what we do and want to help our students,” said Davis. “We’re in a unique position to partner together to help local students achieve their goals, and we’re very grateful for any business, individual, or organization that considers supporting us. For the golfers, it’s a fun day for a great cause.”
Though the event began in 1994, the SRC Foundation Golf Outing has raised more than $300,000 for the Foundation since 2000 alone. Over the years, the SRC Foundation Golf Outing has helped to provide hardship grants, scholarships, facilities upgrades, support to extracurricular programs, and much more.
“We continue to receive hardship requests on a weekly basis, including a recent application from a student facing eviction,” said Davis. “Our food and supply pantries serve dozens of students regularly who aren’t sure where their next meal might come from.
“The current economic times have hit community college students particularly hard. You can imagine the stress that comes from potentially having to decide whether to stay in school or to eat full rations or pay rent. Local support of the 30th annual SRC Foundation Golf Outing helps to solve these issues. We want to help more SRC students in more ways, but we can’t without your support.”
The mission of the SRC Foundation is to provide excellent educational opportunities at Spoon River College. The Foundation golf outing is the largest annual fundraising event for the SRC Foundation and is typically one of the best-attended outings of the summer.
“The SRC Foundation golf outing is always a great event,” said Davis. “It gives our donors a chance to have fun, network, and promote their businesses, all while helping local students, and we intend to make this year’s event another great day for our generous friends of the college.”
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Employees Recognized for Service
Spoon River College held their annual Employee Appreciation dinner May 4 on the Canton Campus to recognize employees for their years of service and to present faculty awards. The event was held in Lower Centers, and a pasta bar dinner was prepared by the Snapper Café employees Micki Henderson, and Carrina Zamora
Honored for five years were Laura Bandy (English faculty), Curtis Bump (Coordinator, Technology Services), Melissa Miller (Director, Allied Health Programs), Shana Rudd (Coordinator, Academic Services), Heather Vining (Campus Assistant-Rushville), Jennifer Williamson (Facilities Office Assistant/Help Desk), and Ron Williamson (Maintenance Technician).
Honored for ten years were Rebecca Leverette (Psychology faculty), Jill Olson (Director, Student Support Services Grant), Sherri Rader (Director, Marketing), and Andrea White (Student Success Coach).
Honored for 15 years was Jim Sheff (Math faculty).
Honored for 20 years were Robert Walter (Coordinator, Commercial Driver Training), and Janet Young (Director, Rushville Center).
Honored for 25 years were Brian Dalpiaz (Math faculty), Michael Maher (Sociology faculty), and Tammy Smith (Accounts Payable Specialist).
Honored for 30 years was Julie Hampton (Executive Assistant to the President and Board of Trustees, Grants Specialist).
Beth VanTine (Math 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.
Shelli Stuart (Math faculty) was the recipient of the Spoon River College Outstanding Faculty Award and the Illinois Community College Trustees Association Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Award nomination, and Joe Glenn (History, Political Science, Geography 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.
SRC EmployeeAppreciation: Pictured (back) are Bob Walter, Brian Dalpiaz, Dr. Curt Oldfield, Shelli Stuart, Tammy Smith, (middle) Michael Maher, Becky Leverette, Heather Vining, Jim Sheff, Ron Williamson, (front) Shana Rudd, Melissa Miller, Julie Hampton, Jennifer Williamson, Janet Young, Jill Olson, and Beth VanTine.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Celebrates Graduates at 62nd Commencement
Spoon River College held their 62nd Commencement Thursday, May 11, at the Multi-Purpose Building on the Canton Campus. Approximately 126 students participated in the ceremony, and several students and two faculty members were recognized for their achievements during the event.
President of Spoon River College, Dr. Curt Oldfield, welcomed guests, as did Jerry Cremer, Chair of the SRC Board of Trustees, Bridget Loftus, Chair of the Spoon River College Faculty Association, and Zoey Lane, who served as the 2022-2023 Student Trustee.
Missy Wilkinson, Dean of Student Services, recognized members of the Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team. Those students were Joshua Bryan (transfer student from Macomb), Zoey Lane (transfer student from Havana), and Chester Ruff (career and technical education student from Macomb).
Also recognized for academic excellence were Phi Theta Kappa members who earned a perfect 4.0 graduation grade point. They were Joshua Bryan, Isabel Escapa, Trinity Friedrich, Zoey Lane, Bella Markley, Lael McKee, Clayton McKinstry, Henry Mordiva, and Lindsey Morgan.
Savanah Smith-Coulter, 2023-2024 Student Trustee, presented Student Achievement awards to transfer student Lael McKee of Macomb, who graduated with an Associate in Arts degree and will be attending Western Illinois University, and to career and technical education student Henry Mordiva of Rushville, who earned an Associate in Applied Science degree Computer Information Systems, as well as certificates in Computer Forensics, Computer User Support Specialist, and Cyber Security. Both are members of Phi Theta Kappa and were named to the President’s List. Mordiva was also a member of the All-Illinois Academic Team in 2022.
Holly Norton, Vice President of Educational and Student Services, presented faculty awards for teaching excellence. Shelli Stuart (Math) was the recipient of the Spoon River College Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Award and Illinois Community College Trustee Association Outstanding Full-Time Faculty nominee. Beth VanTine (Math), was the recipient of the H. Truman Standard award.
Dallas Davis and Brooke Hampton served as Student Honor Guards.
Henry Mordiva of Rushville was the recipient of a Student Achievement Award at the college’s 62nd Commencement held May 11. Mordiva received an Associate in Applied Science degree in Computer Information Systems, and certificates in Computer Forensics, Computer User Support Specialist, and Cyber Security. He was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and was named to the President’s List and to the All-Illinois Academic Team in 2022.
Lael McKee of Macomb was the recipient of a Student Achievement at the college’s 62nd Commencement held May 11. McKee, who earned an Associate in Arts degree, will be transferring to Western Illinois University. While at Spoon River College, McKee was named to the President’s List, was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and a member of the volleyball team.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Community Chorus Presents an Evening with Patsy Cline
After a seven-year hiatus, An Evening with Patsy Cline starring Julie Seeley, returns to Central Illinois for three performances only at Spoon River College’s Theatre in Taylor Hall on the Canton campus. The show runs June 23 and 24 at 7 p.m. and June 25 at 3:00 p.m. Seating is limited to 90 per performance.
Tickets are now available and may be secured by accessing the SRC Community Chorus webpage at www.src.edu/chorus.
Performing professionally for over 20 years, Julie Seeley’s portrayal as Patsy continues to be her most popular show. Over 8,000 people in and around central Illinois enjoyed An Evening With Patsy Cline at various venues including a six-week/sold-out run at Conklin Barn Theater, at Five Points Washington, at Big Horse Vineyards and other performance venues. Julie’s portrayal of Patsy, through biographical dialogue and iconic music, enthralls audience members who interact with the superstar throughout the show.
“Over the years hundreds of women have impersonated the great Patsy Cline, but Julie actually becomes Patsy on-stage,” says show writer and director Carol Davis. “The beauty of this show lies in Patsy’s personal and revealing storytelling accompanied by the songs we all know and love. Everywhere we go, audience members ask for autographs or request photos with Julie after the show.”
The show also features, The Coondogs, a four-piece country ensemble including Ray Crow on lead and steel guitars, Pam Willison on keyboard, Drew Ponder on bass, and Tom Sandman on drums. Patsy’s interactions with her band provide much of the fun-loving comedy.
The show’s playlist includes the country star’s top hits such as Lovesick Blues, Walkin’ After Midnight, Sweet Dreams, I Fall to Pieces, and Crazy and more.
Up next for the SRC Community Chorus season is 48 HOURS: A Musical Revue running for two performances only on Sunday, July 23. Seventeen performers attempt to stage a full show in just 48 hours. Can they do it? Tickets are now on sale. More information may be found at www.src.edu/chorus, by emailing srccommunitychorus@gmail.com, or by calling (309) 649-6260.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Community Outreach Hosts 28th Lifelong Learning Conference
The Spoon River College Office of Community Outreach hosted the 28th Lifelong Learning Conference on April 21 on 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 started off the day with “Lincoln: Assassination Attempts,” of which there were eleven. Other educational sessions included information on the Canton Park District from Amanda Atchley, Yoga 101 with Nathan Taylor, 7 Canton Women of Note by Kathy Myers, Cheryl Bielema, Janice Bruster and Hannah Cox; The Amazing Theodore Roosevelt by Stan Ransom; It Played in Canton by Kevin Stephenson; Safe Banking 101 by Rick Klinedinst, Mitch Coonradt and Susan Baldwin; Carnation Creations by Christine Wright; and Travel to Egypt with Mike Delligatti.
“This event is a collaboration between our Community Leadership Academy graduates and many local experts and enthusiasts. We have a lot of talent right in our back yard!” Barbknecht said.
The event was co-sponsored by MidAmerica National Bank. Other sponsors included Western Illinois Home Health Care, Fulton County Housing Authority, The Clayberg Nursing Center, Beacon of Hope Hospice, Spoon River Home Health, Courtyard Estates of Canton, and Renaissance Care Center.
Attendees enjoyed a soup and sandwich buffet that was catered by the SRC Sandbar Café.
The next Lifelong Learning Conference is scheduled for Friday, October 27, 2023, and a Community Leadership Academy is scheduled for the summer of 2023.
Photos 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 Students Inducted into Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society
Spoon River College inducted new members into its Nu Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society in a ceremony held at the Canton Campus on April 17.
After a welcome by Dr. Curt Oldfield, president of Spoon River College, the history of Phi Theta Kappa was presented by Mary Toothaker, president of the Canton Chapter. Missy Wilkinson, dean of student services, introduced the four 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 Joshua Bryan, Angel Dailey, Zoey Lane, and Chester Ruff.
Phi Theta Kappa faculty advisors Shelli Stuart and Rebecca Werland presided over the initiation of new members, who were introduced by faculty member Sarah Dalpiaz and student success coach Andrea White.
The new inductees were:
Astoria: Skye Stambaugh, Molly Westlake;
Bath: Ella Kramer;
Bourbonnais: Nicholas Rodriguez;
Browning: Andru Vaughn;
Bushnell: Holli Warner;
Canton: Hannah Anderson, Ethan Bender, Hailie Clark, Jersey Dilts, Ella Dixon, Austin Dornberger, Lindsey Harrison, Jennifer Hernandez, Cristian Hernandez, Emily Love, Bella Markley, Alicia Maxson, Jocee Miller, Stephanie Millikan, Nicholas Oldfield, Addison Palmer, Olivia Parkinson, Roxann Richardson, Allison Robinson, Kylie Simmons, Beau Slayton, Anna Taylor, Gage Wallick, Chase Williamson;
Easton: Dale Devore;
Fairview: Jenna Schleich;
Farmington: Shaylee Kellerstrass;
Glasford: Sydney Sager;
Havana: Tara McCausland, Halicyn Minor, Lindsey Morgan, Margaret Porter, Kaitlyn Robison, Elizabeth Towery;
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Students Named to Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team
Four Spoon River College students have been named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team as a result of their nomination to the All-USA Community College Academic Team. From the Canton Campus are Angel Dailey (CTE) and Zoey Lane (transfer), and from the Macomb Campus are Joshua Bryan (transfer) and Chester Ruff (CTE).
Joshua Bryan is completing an associate in science degree, and plans to transfer to Western Illinois University where he will major in Political Science Pre-Law and Spanish. While at Spoon River College, Bryan has served as president of the Student Government Association and of Nu Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, and has been named to the President’s List. He is also the assistant boys’ soccer and swim coach at Macomb High School.
Angel Dailey is enrolled in the Medical Lab Technician program, and will graduate with an associate of applied science degree. Dailey served as Valedictorian at her high school graduation, and has been named to both the Dean’s and the President’s lists while at Spoon River College. She has served as a volunteer for a local food pantry and for Toys for Tots.
Zoey Lane is completing her associate degree in science and will be transferring to Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville to work towards her pre-dental bachelor’s degree. Upon completion, she will then attend Alton’s Dental School of Medicine for four years to become a doctor of dental medicine before joining her family’s dentistry business. During her time at Spoon River College, Lane has been a member of HEAL (Healthcare Enthusiasts And Leaders) Student Association, was named to the President’s List, and served as the 2022-2023 Student Trustee.
Chester Ruff is enrolled in the Small Business Management program, and will graduate with an associate in applied science degree, as well as with certificates in Entrepreneurship and Business Plan Entrepreneurship. While at Spoon River College, he has been named to the President’s List. He has served at Victory Baptist Church in Macomb for more than a decade, and has run several disc golf fundraisers. Ruff plans to continue work at his current place of employment, and his goal is to pastor. He and wife Jessica have one daughter, Kaley.
These students were awarded $1,500 scholarships for the Spring 2023 semester from Spoon River College and the Spoon River College Foundation, and are also eligible for additional national scholarships. They were also honored at the Annual Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois awards banquet held April 27 at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield.
Spoon River College faculty Shelli Stuart (Macomb) and Rebecca Werland (Canton) are the advisors for the Nu Delta Chapters of Phi Theta Kappa at Spoon River College.
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.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on 2022-2023 Student Trustee Honored for Service on SRC Board of Trustees
Zoey Lane of Havana, who served as the 2022-2023 Student Trustee on the Spoon River College Board of Trustees, was presented with a Resolution honoring her service to the Board by Jerry Cremer, Board Chair at the regular public meeting held April 26 at the Canton Campus.
Lane will be transferring to Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville to work towards her pre-dental bachelor’s degree. Upon completion, she will then attend Alton’s Dental School of Medicine for four years to become a doctor of dental medicine before joining her family’s dentistry business. Besides serving as the Student Trustee, Lane was a member of HEAL (Healthcare Enthusiasts And Leaders) Student Association, and was named to the President’s List.
Samantha Smith-Coulter will serve as the 2023-2024 Student Trustee. Originally from St. Louis, Smith-Coulter and her husband now reside in Canton.
A self-employed dog groomer for the past two years, Smith-Coulter is working towards an associate degree in science in preparation for transfer to continue her studies in veterinary science.
Student trustees at Spoon River College attend monthly board meetings and give updates about student life and events to trustees, further the interests and promote the welfare of SRC students, 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 President’s Reception Honors SRC Foundation Donors
Spoon River College hosted the annual President’s Reception to honor those donors who have reached specific levels of cumulative giving to the SRC Foundation, and also those who established new named endowed scholarships in 2022. This year’s event was held April 30 in the Spoon River College Conference Center on the Canton Campus.
New, permanently endowed scholarships established were the Lukas R. Goforth Memorial Scholarship and the Long Family Scholarship.
Friend ($1,000-$4,999): Bard Optical, Coachmen Motor Club, Dempster Insurance Agency, LLC, Jill Eberle, Christina Fidler, Brian K. Huff, Kevin L. Kaiser, Scott and Angie Miller, Emile J. Smith, Spoon River Garden Club, Stinauer Family Dentistry, Shelli Stuart, Deborah Bender, Glen and Debbie Hamm, Judy Simpson Juraco, Meade Law Office PC, OSF Healthcare System, Donna Sorensen, and White Oak’s Tavern.
Ambassador ($5,000-$9,9999): Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Froehling, Dr. and Mrs. Ramayya Gowda, Jim and Susie Lafary, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Saunders, and Marlene Thompson.
Benefactor ($10,000-$24,999): Compeer Financial, Sarah and Jeff Gray, Kenneth and Nina Long, Mr. and Mrs. Edward McManus, Daniel and Sheryl Voorhis, and Melissa and Michael Wilkinson.
Honorary Director ($25,000-$49,999): Janice Dare Bruster and Drs. Tom and Robin Hines.
Founder ($100,000 and up): Sherman W. Reed Trust.
“These generous gifts from community members, alumni, and businesses are vital in allowing the SRC Foundation to continue to offer high quality academic programs, provide scholarships, and other assistance that aids our students in successfully meeting their academic goals, which also benefits our communities,” said Colin Davis, Director of the SRC Foundation.
In addition to honoring donors, outgoing Foundation board members Brendon Bauman, Staci Mayall, and Nick Tinsman were recognized for their six years of service on the SRC Foundation Board.
The SRC Foundation supports scholarships and college programs through hardship grants, innovation grants, faculty research, facility and technology upgrades, and community projects. For more information about the SRC Foundation visit www.src.edu.
Savanah Smith-Coulter, 2023-2024 Student Trustee