SRC Community Chorus 20th Anniversary Season A Success

The SRC Community Chorus celebrated its 20th anniversary season with two productions: The Dust Bowl, as part of the City of Canton’s Bicentennial in June, and Handel’s Messiah & Winter Olio in December. As always, the Chorus is self-funded through ticket sales and various grants from the Two Rivers Arts Council. Over 650 audience members attended the two concerts. As a result of these productions, a new named endowed scholarship – the Susie McMillen Memorial Scholarship – has now been officially established.  Endowed scholarships are established with a minimal investment of $10,000. The Chorus names these scholarships after SRC Chorus members who have passed on.

Carol Davis, founder and artistic director of the Chorus since its inception in 2005, announces she is stepping aside, and the Chorus will be left in the very capable artistic and administrative hands of long-time Chorus members Chad Murphy, Lindsey Larson, and Katey Davis. Carol will remain involved as a historian/consultant and participant. During these 20 years, the Chorus has produced 32 concerts/revues, 10 musicals, and 4 plays. In addition, the group has established a total of nine named endowed scholarships: The Tom Greenwell Memorial, the Marge Saville Memorial, the Harley Davis Memorial, the Roger Howerter Memorial, the Gail Mathis Memorial, the Vicki Murphy Memorial, the Dave Bishop Memorial, the Craig Zilly Memorial, and now the Susie McMillen Memorial Scholarship.

“The SRC Community Chorus has truly been one of the greatest joys of my life,” says Davis. “I have been able to put my Masters in Theatre from Illinois State University to use, worked with amazingly talented performers/musicians, and oversee a philanthropic program that benefits SRC students.  It’s been an honor and a privilege.”

The 2026 Chorus season will be announced within the first quarter of the year. Please visit SRC Community Chorus for updated information.

Spring Semester Registration Will Resume January 5 Following the Winter Break

All locations of Spoon River College will be closed for the winter break from December 22-January 2. When it reopens on January 5, registration for the spring classes that begins January 20 will resume.

Registration will also be open for the 12-week classes that begin Monday, February 17, and the second session of 8-week classes that begin Monday, March 23. These classes count for the same number of credit hours as regular 16-week classes, and are a great way to earn additional credit in a shorter amount of time. They also allow those who missed the spring deadline to begin classes without having to wait until summer or the next fall.

“Not all classes are available in a shortened session, but there is a mix of both transfer and technical classes that would get a student started on a degree or certificate,” said Brandy Chasteen, director of enrollment.

Available courses and their start dates can be viewed on the College’s website at Spoon River College

For more information about registering or to make an appointment with an advisor, call (309) 649-6400 in Canton, (309)543-4413 in Havana, (309)833-6069 in Macomb, and (217)322-6060 in Rushville.

Spoon River College Students Awarded Fall Scholarships

Four Spoon River College students were recently awarded scholarships from Compeer Financial, Spoon River Garden Club, and West Central FS.

Danica Geeseman of Canton received $1250 from Compeer Financial, $1,000 from Spoon River Garden Club, and $500 from West Central FS. Geeseman is in the Agriculture Business Management program.

Haily Harrison of Fairview received $1,000 from Spoon River Garden Club. Harrison is pursuing a General Studies degree.

Phillip Mahn of Garland, TX., and Mitchell Wilcox of West Point, IL. each received $500 from West Central FS. Wilcox also received $1250 from Compeer Financial. Both Garland and Wilcox are in the Diesel and Power Systems Technology program.

The Compeer Financial Scholarship Program provides two $1250 scholarships to deserving students enrolled in ag or ag-related programs. Preference is given to second-year or non-traditional students, students who demonstrate financial need, and students who promote diversity in agriculture.

The Spoon River Garden Club Scholarship is funded by the club’s annual plant sale and bi-annual Garden Walk, and aids Fulton County students who are majoring in agriculture or planning a career in horticulture.

West Central FS Agriculture Scholarships are generally offered the fall semester and are open to any student taking agriculture classes at SRC. In addition to normal scholarship procedures, students must submit a resume and agree to an interview process. It is funded through generous annual giving from West Central FS and GROWMARK.

The SRC Foundation and Spoon River College offer a wide variety of scholarships each year. The application for the 2026-2027 academic year is now available and due March 1, 2026. Visit SRC Foundation Scholarships  or call 309-647-4645 for more information.

Pictured is Danica Geeseman with Spoon River Garden Club members Janice Dare Bruster, Janice Reneau, and Mary Brown.

Spoon River College Students Present Research Posters

The fall Research Poster Session was held November 19 at Spoon River College in Canton. There was a total of 101 posters representing the fields of Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science, Environmental Science, and Microbiology.

“We began doing these in 2014 to give students experience in researching, which is common at four-year universities. It also gives them the opportunity to learn about topics more in depth than what can be covered in the classroom,” said Amy Rutledge, Biology professor.

Honorable Mentions were awarded to the best poster from each category, and the Best of Show is selected from those. Those winning Honorable Mentions received a $25 gift card, and the Best of Show was awarded an additional $25.

Best of Show was awarded to dual credit student Morgyn Guppy of Spoon River Valley High School for her poster “Different Genres of Music vs Speed of a Mouse Through a Maze,” (Scientific method, Biology). Also presenting from SRV were Ella Eathington and Taylor Morey. All are students of SRV science teacher Amy Mayall.

Honorable Mentions were awarded as follows: “Typhoid Fever” by Danielle Brown (Microbiology); “Nuclear Power” by Kylan Bowton (Environmental Science); and “Do Macros Affect Muscle Gain” by Johnathon Switzer (Scientific Method – Chemistry/Physical Science).

Fan Favorite—voted on by attendees—went to “The Unchanging Earth” by Damian Worden (Environmental Science).  He received a finals survivor basket.

Professors who had students participating were Amy Rutledge (Biology), Bridget Loftus (Chemistry), Kim Gilliepsie (Biology), and Alison Roxburgh (Physics).

Serving as judges were SRC staff Andrea Barbknecht, Candy Hadsall, and President Curt Oldfield.

   Morgyn Guppy, Best of Show

Fast Track Registration for Spring Semester at Spoon River College in January

Fast Track Registration for the Spring 2026 semester at Spoon River College will be held January 12-14 and January 20-21. On these days, the college will offer extended hours of operation from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. at both the Canton and Macomb campuses.

During this time, prospective students will be able to apply, test, and register in one day. No appointment is necessary, but a valid picture ID is required. Financial aid staff will be available during the extended hours to answer questions and assist in the aid process.

Tuition and fees are due at the time of registering for classes. Students have the option of paying in full or signing up for a deferred payment plan through Payment Portal by Nelnet. Visit www.src.edu and click on Tuition and Fees under the Admissions tab, or call 309-649-7030 for more information about payment options.

Regular 16-week classes and the first session of 8-week classes begin Monday, January 20. A 12-week class session begins Monday, February 17, and the second session of 8-week classes begins Monday, March 23.

The class schedule can be viewed by clicking on Course Schedule on the homepage of the website. For more information about the registration process or to make an appointment with an advisor, call (309) 647-6400 in Canton, (309) 543-4413 in Havana, (309) 837-6069 in Macomb, and (217) 322-6060 in Rushville.

The Canton Campus is located at 23235 North County 22 and the Macomb Campus is located at 2500 East Jackson.

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.