Posted by Vickie Parry on | Comments Off on Women in STEM
The upcoming issue of The Bridge features our five full-time science professors. All are smart, capable women who teach classes ranging from anatomy/physiology to zoology and everything in between, preparing students for success as they begin their educational journeys.
Here’s more about these dynamic women:
Biology professor Kristy Boggs has a passion for nature and was working in a river research lab in 1999 when she got the opportunity to teach part-time at the SRC Havana Center. She discovered a new love for SRC and for teaching, and became full-time at the Macomb Campus in 2005.
Kristy wants her students to learn and understand the material while developing critical thinking and coping skills, and she enjoys watching them grow and achieve their goals. She credits the freedom to teach creatively and to adjust and use a variety of methods to meet the needs of each student to make that happen. “I design my classes to empower students with control of their circumstances, getting out of class what they put into it. Standards are set forth at the start of each semester, and my role is to guide, mentor, and cheer them on while they work to be successful in meeting or exceeding those standards.” Kristy, who earned her B.S. and M.S. at WIU, was the recipient of the 2017 ICCTA Outstanding Full Faculty Award Nominee.
Biology professor Amy Rutledge dreamed of being a doctor, but said, “What I am now has come from an evolution of experiences and opportunities, not what I was planning for.” A marine biology class in high school introduced her to the world of aquatic biology and she continued that path while at SIU where she earned a B.S. in Zoology with a minor in Environmental Science, followed by a M.S. in Zoology Science. After graduate school, she had the opportunity to work as an aquatic biologist for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. While she loved the field work, she didn’t love the extensive time away from home. She began teaching part-time at Spoon River College in 2012, and became full-time two years later. Looking back, she wouldn’t change anything about her career path, and would like to pursue a doctorate in the future. A committed environmentalist, Amy said, “I love opening students’ eyes to the natural world around us. If people don’t see how amazing it is, they are not likely to try and protect it.”
Chemistry professor Bridget Loftus was sure about her career choice as a forensic scientist until her senior year of undergraduate school when she realized how much she had enjoyed being a tutor in high school and during her time at Carroll University, where she earned a B.S. before attending the University of Oregon to complete her M.S.
A fan of small schools, Bridget said, “They have always been a part of me,” and it’s one the things she likes most about Spoon River College. “I started teaching at Spoon in 2014 and I’ve never looked back.” She advises students to trust their instructors even when they
don’t immediately see the reason for a specific task, and “to follow directions. It seems simple but is really important in school and in life.” In 2022, Bridget was honored as the 2022 ICCTA Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member Award Nominee.
Biology professor Kim Gillespie’s love of learning began at her local community college in northern Illinois, where as a first-generation college student she was highly motivated to keep going for the next degree. After completing her associate degree, she transferred to WIU and earned a B.S. and M.S. in biology.
She realized her love for biology—specifically in parasites in fish—in grad school. “I dissected more than 200 bluegill and counted each of their parasites. I’m big on dissections, so A&P is perfect for me.” Grad school is also where decided on a teaching career. When she was hired as an adjunct instructor by Spoon River College and experienced being able to create her own lessons and lead her own class for the first time, she was certain of her path, and in 2023 was hired full-time.
“The students here are the best. I love watching them experience ‘aha’ moments, and learning about their college and career plans.”
Physics professor Alison Roxburgh was born in Florida, grew up in the UK, and moved back to Florida where she earned a B.S in Physics with a concentration Astrophysics at the UNF before earning her M.S. in Physics and her Ph.D in Applied Physics from the UCCS. Her graduate research was in the field of theoretical magnonics, the manipulation of spin wave properties in magnetic materials. Her decision to study physics was made after reading the history of physics to pass the time on a train ride in London.
“Physics and astronomy have always been fascinating to me, and one of the most wonderful feelings is watching others begin to understand it and fall in love with it too. Witnessing the moment where someone finally grasps a difficult concept, or seeing their face light up at an astronomy viewing, is a gift that I’m grateful to experience in teaching.”
A teaching assistant while in grad school, Alison knew she wanted to continue to teach college level courses, and she joined SRC in 2025. She looks forward to hosting public astronomy pop-up events in SRC communities.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on GED to College Degrees
Destiny and D’Aundre Evans remember “starting over a lot with a new house, new school, and new friends.” Raised by a single mother with a father who was in and out, they moved approximately 17 times, at one point spending a month in a Missouri homeless shelter.
D’Aundre declared himself done with the school system after 8th grade. Labeled as the bad kid and often bullied, he developed severe anxiety that eventually manifested in physical symptoms. “I remember being called racist epitaphs, and wondering why white people hated me so much.”
Younger sister Destiny was also the victim of bullying and had trouble fitting in and making friends. Her goal at each new school was to find a teacher she felt comfortable with and who would offer some stability. When she landed in a school where no such teacher existed, she dropped out.
With their mother’s encouragement, both found their way to the GED program at Spoon River College. At 19, Destiny competed the program and continued with college classes. She earned her associate degree in 2023, transferred to Eureka College for a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and is now working towards a master’s degree at Chicago’s Adler University. Her area of interest is behavioral disorders, and her goal is a career in art therapy, a passion that was first sparked by SRC Art professor Jamie Kotewa.
“Destiny started as an insightful and considerate student in a painting class, and then went on to take numerous other art classes,” said Kotewa. “She absolutely blossomed in her confidence, and her willingness to leap into the unknown with art was a delight to help foster. She valued the community built in the art classes as well, so her presence was really felt in the department. It’s been a joy to keep in touch post-graduation, as she has continued to pursue new paths, perhaps some that were imaginable to her years ago.”
At 18, D’Aundre sailed through his GED classes and passed all the tests on the first try. “GED teacher Melissa Koke and the small classroom made it easier for me to open up and be more social.” Koke shared that after he competed the program, he wrote her a letter thanking her for her kindness and encouragement. “A couple of years later when I was having a bad day and questioning whether what I did truly made a difference to anyone, I re-read that letter. It was exactly what I needed at that moment,” said Koke. “He is a kind and smart young man. Students like Destiny and D’Aundre make my job enjoyable and I’m glad I was part of their journeys.”
While D’Aundre’s first attempt at college classes was hindered by his anxiety and transportation issues, he returned five years later and is now excelling, despite underlying issues with BPD and PTSD. “I work hard at being the best person I can be. It’s less stressful when there are instructors I know I can trust with my school and personal life.”
Math professor Sarah Dalpiaz said that following an exam that D’Aundre had scored highest in his class on, he told her his mom had hung it on their refrigerator. “I loved that for him. He came prepared to every class ready to learn, worked diligently, and showed a strong determination to succeed.”
On track to graduate next spring, he will transfer to WIU with an eye towards majoring in psychology. Like his sister, he’s passionate about social justice issues and will follow that path in his career. “I wish him all the best and look forward to hearing about his future accomplishments,” Dalpiaz said.
Both Desitny and D’Aundre were Phi Theta Kappa inductees, and on the Honors lists each semester.
When asked who at SRC had the biggest impact on them, Destiny immediately said it was Art professor Jamie Kotewa, while D’Aundre said it was GED teacher Melissa Koke. And then they continued naming professors. Turns out that all SRC faculty and GED employees they had contact with supported their journeys in some way. Each and every one of them.
It takes a village, and Destiny and D’Aundre found theirs at Spoon River College.
While at Eureka College, Destiny was honored with a Student Spotlight. Read more about her accomplishments Here.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on 2025-2026 Kaleidoscope Distributed at Annual Coffee Spoon
The 2025-2026 edition of Kaleidoscope Journal of Art and Literature, a Spoon River College student publication, was distributed at the annual Coffee Spoon held at Spoon River College in Canton on April 21.
The Kaleidoscope began in 1983 under the direction of communication professor Bob Gorg and was originally called the Collegiate. At that time it was filled with stories, poetry, essays and public commentary. It soon began including pen and ink sketches and eventually became a yearly publication instead of a semester project as originally planned.
The name was changed to the Kaleidoscope in 1996 and now features short stories, poems, essays, song lyrics, photography, and fine art, but it remains a student-run publication.
The Coffee Spoon was created in 1999 by then SRC employee Paige Edwards who, inspired by Jack Kerouac and the 1960s’ beat generation, envisioned a coffee house/open mic event featuring flavored coffees where students and staff could share a reading or a song. Over the years attendees have performed musical numbers, stand-up comedy routines, monologues, skits, dramatic readings, and more. Both the Kaleidoscope and the Coffee Spoon have stood the test of time.
This year’s winning Kaleidoscope cover was designed by student Carl Moreland. Student editors were Addi Howell, Samantha Sensor, and Calvin Hormann. Faculty advisors are English professors Laura Bandy and Barbara Ashwood.
Visit Kaleidoscope to view both the present and past issues of the Kaleidoscope.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on 33rd Annual SRC Foundation Golf Outing Set for August 7
The Spoon River College Foundation is gearing up for one of its most anticipated events of the year—the 33rd Annual SRC Foundation Golf Outing—set for Friday, August 7 at Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills Country Club in rural Cuba. The day will begin with lunch at 11 a.m., followed by a noon shotgun start.
The Foundation is currently inviting teams and sponsors to be part of this long-standing tradition. Sponsorship opportunities range from $100 to $1,200 and offer valuable visibility for businesses and organizations through event materials, on-site promotion, and local media recognition. The highest sponsorship level also includes team entry.
Golfers will enjoy a full day on the course in a best-ball scramble format, with registration set at $400 per team of four. The fee includes lunch, green fees, cart, snacks, an SRC-themed gift, and plenty of opportunities for friendly competition. Prizes will be awarded to top teams, along with skill prizes featured throughout the course.
In addition to great golf, participants can look forward to crowd-favorite activities like the Golf Ball Cannon and Wheel of Fortune, along with a 50/50 raffle, grand prize raffle, and hole-in-one contests.
Proceeds from the outing directly support Spoon River College students through scholarships, emergency hardship assistance, facility improvements, and extracurricular programs—helping remove barriers and open doors to opportunity.
“When students choose to invest in their future, we want to do everything we can to support their success,” said Dusty Berg, Director of the SRC Foundation. “This event is a fun way for the community to come together and make a real difference for our students.”
As one of the Foundation’s largest annual fundraisers, the event continues to bring together community members, alumni, and supporters for a meaningful day on the course.
The registration deadline is July 24. Team and sponsorship forms are available at Golf Outing Sign-up, or by calling (309) 649-6348 or Email Michelle Howe.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on 4 Central Illinois Community Colleges Generate $800 million in Economic Impact, support more than 10,000 jobs
CANTON/Macomb — Sandburg, Spoon River College, Illinois Central College and Heartland Community College together generate $799.6 million in economic impact and support 10,464 jobs across the west central Illinois community college region, according to a new study.
The largest share of that impact, $645.6 million, comes from former students now working in the regional economy, earning more than they would without their credentials and spending those wages locally. The colleges’ own operations and capital spending account for another $130 million, while current students contribute $22.9 million through housing, food, transportation and other living expenses.
Regional workforce impact
The four colleges support one out of every 47 jobs in the region. Their day-to-day payroll and purchasing flow directly to local businesses, vendors and contractors, while capital projects put construction and infrastructure dollars to work across the 20-county area.
“Our colleges demonstrate the concrete value of continued investment in community colleges as a driver of workforce development, regional growth, and long-term opportunity for students and communities,” Sandburg President Dr. Seamus Reilly said. “From the broader perspective, we contribute to statewide economic growth and social benefits of added income and public and private sector savings. Our students are earning more and reinvesting by largely staying here in the communities we serve.”
Returns for students
Students who complete credentials at these colleges see an average 14.6 percent annual return on their educational investment compared to workers with only a high school diploma, after accounting for tuition and foregone wages. Those higher earnings add up over a career, and because most graduates stay in the area, that money goes right back into local businesses and communities.
“The study proves that this return from investing in education is greater than the 30-year average annual rate of return of the stock market. Those higher earnings add up over a lifetime,” Spoon River President Dr. Curt Oldfield said. “Because most graduates stay in the area, that money goes right back into local businesses and communities.”
Statewide impact
A statewide economic impact study found that Illinois community colleges are a powerhouse of growth, contributing $27.2 billion annually to the Illinois economy (about 2.7% of the state’s gross product) and supporting 324,273 jobs (one in every 26) in the state.
“Illinois community colleges serve as economic drivers for our communities, generating value not only with our operations but furthering the investment in the students we serve,” Heartland President Keith Cornille said. “Our institutions bring jobs and growth to the community, but most importantly, our students generate higher earnings, which in turn helps our neighborhoods thrive.”
About the study
The economic impact analysis was conducted by Lightcast and commissioned by the Illinois Community College Board. It covers a 20-county region served by the four colleges, including Bureau, DeWitt, Ford, Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Knox, Livingston, Logan, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McLean, Mercer, Peoria, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Warren and Woodford counties.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Announces Mark A. Cenicola as Head Coach, Women’s Basketball
Spoon River College (SRC) has announced Mark A. Cenicola as the new head coach of its women’s basketball team. Bringing over 12 years of combined coaching experience across multiple levels of basketball and baseball plus a unique background in business leadership, Cenicola is strongly positioned to make SRC a serious contender for success in a very competitive Region 24 that saw three programs ranked in the top 10 nationally in the most recent season.
Cenicola most recently served as head coach of the Western Gulf Collegiate women’s basketball program where he also previously served as associate head coach during the 2025-2026 season.
His responsibilities will combine leading all aspects of the women’s basketball program including player support and development both on and off the court to prepare the team for competition amongst top-ranked NJCAA DII teams. Cenicola brings significant connections in recruiting, especially in the strong basketball area of Houston, TX which has consistently produced high-level talent amongst very competitive high school programs.
“We are excited to bring Coach Cenicola into a women’s basketball program that offers a small-campus environment where players are well-known and supported,” said John Bassett, director of athletics at Spoon River College. “As we look to improve our standings in Region 24, Cenicola brings the recruiting experience to help us attract talent to our wonderful campus and facilities in Canton.”
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to improve the competitiveness of SRC’s women’s basketball program and make it a top contender in Region 24 and the country,” said Cenicola. “My plan is to attract local area talent and compliment it with additional strong talent from my various recruiting connections in other locations to make SRC women’s basketball program seen as one of the toughest teams on our competitors’ schedules.”
A seasoned coach, Cenicola has worked with female basketball players ranging from youth developmental leagues to college levels, as well as male and female athletes aged 10 to 40, including professional baseball players. Recent coaching roles include head coach of the Girls Varsity White Basketball Team at Annunciation Orthodox School, where he focused on skill enhancement and teamwork for 7th and 8th graders, and head coach of BV Basketball, a corporate-sponsored club team in Texas emphasizing development for second-chance players. At Cornerstone Christian Academy, he led the middle school girls’ team to a West Houston Christian Athletic Conference Consolation Bracket Tournament Championship, and at Katy Youth Basketball, he coached junior high girls in one of the largest programs of its kind, preparing athletes for competitive play at the high school level.
Beyond basketball, Cenicola’s multi-sport background includes playing and managing the Las Vegas Rattlers baseball team (2002-2008), where he worked with former college and minor league athletes. His athletic experience complements his professional achievements as Chairman, President, and CEO of BannerView.com, a Cenicola-Helvin Enterprise Brand. An author of two books – ”Help Wanted: Women to Play College Basketball” and “The Banner Brand – Small Business Success Comes from a Banner Brand, Build it on a Budget”; Cenicola translates his entrepreneurial leadership to empower women and girls in sports. Cenicola holds a Bachelor of Science from Southern Utah University and an Associate of Applied Science from Snow College.
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:
Devin Martin (Canton), Del Miller Scholarship for $500; Conner Simmons (Galesburg), Harold Dare Scholarship for $500; Phillip Mann (Garland, TX), Brian Telander Scholarship for $500; Kaden Peterman (Rushville), Phi Mu Tau scholarship for $1,000; and Mitchell Wilcox (West Point), Ed Kaiser Scholarship for $1,500.
In addition, each student was also awarded a $200 Strip Miners Retiree Group Diesel Scholarship.
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. The college is also 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 Click Here
l-r: Devin Martin, Mitchell Wilcox, Conner Simmons, Kaden Peterman, and Phillip Mann
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Celebrates Community College Month
[Canton, IL)] — Spoon River College joins colleges nationwide in celebrating April as Community College Month, highlighting the essential role community and technical colleges play in powering America’s workforce and expanding economic opportunity.
“Community colleges are a smart first step for millions of learners, whether they are preparing to transfer, seeking a career-ready credential, or building new skills through short-term training,” said Spoon River College President Curt Oldfield.
Community colleges also provide adult literacy programs and offer a variety of community classes that enhance personal and professional development, business training, and lifelong learning experiences.
“We do all of that here at Spoon River College, and every day, our dedicated faculty and staff create an environment where students thrive, and when students succeed, our communities grow stronger,” Oldfield said. “Community colleges provide the pathways to each individual’s goals, no matter where they begin.”
Spoon River College fosters partnerships with both local and regional employers, economic development organizations, and with four-year universities to ensure the college is meeting the needs of the communities they serve. Career and workforce education programs utilize advisory boards that offer insight and advice on their specific employment area.
Support systems within the college—TRIO, the Student Needs Pantry, peer tutors and Student Success Coaches—provide direct support to students as they strive to complete their educational goals.
“We recognize that every student’s journey is unique, and we are committed to providing the guidance and support they need to achieve their goals,” said Oldfield. “Community colleges are first-class institutions that are vital to our local and state economies, and this month allows us the opportunity to celebrate that importance and value.”
Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in West Central Illinois with campuses and Community Outreach Offices in Canton and Macomb and Learning Centers in Havana and Rushville, serving students Fulton, McDonough, Mason, Schuyler and Knox counties.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Employability Skills Academy May 1 at SRC Macomb Outreach Center
Spoon River College will hold an Employability Skills Academy Friday, May 1, at the Macomb Outreach Center from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The free event is open to the public, including high school students who are interested in receiving tips and information on conducting a successful job search.
A morning and an afternoon session will be offered, and attendees can register for one or both. Check-in and morning refreshments will be from 8:30-9 a.m. with check-in for the afternoon session at 12:15-12:30. For those attending both sessions, lunch will be on their own.
Morning presentations are Job Search Strategies (9-9:45) with presenter Mandi McRaven; Employer Expectations in Today’s Workplace (9:50-10:30) with presenter Hannah Neuendorf; and Customer Service and Business Etiquette (10:45-11:30) with presenter Shay Holland. Afternoon sessions are Interviewing (12:30-1:10) with Melissa Worley; and Resume and Cover Letter (1:15-2:30) with presenter Hannah Neuendorf.
To register, visit Employability Skill Academy . For more information, contact Mariah Huston at (309) 837-6069. The Macomb Outreach Center is located at 2500 E. Jackson.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Student Samantha Sensor Named a 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team Silver Scholar
Macomb- Samantha Sensor, a student at Spoon River College, has been named a member of the 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team and will receive a $1,300 scholarship.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion. Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service.
Sensor is pursuing an Associate of Arts degree. A member of Phi Theta Kappa, she serves as chapter president and is actively involved in service initiatives that support both campus and community needs. She plans to transfer to Western Illinois University to continue her studies with a focus on broad-based, interdisciplinary learning while remaining engaged in leadership and service.
Sensor has balanced being a wife and mother to five children while pursuing her education at Spoon River College. In addition to be active in Phi Theta Kappa, she is also a member of the Student Government Association, volunteers weekly as a tutor in the Adult Education program, and previously served as a TRIO Peer Tutor and as the co-editor of the Kaleidoscope, the student-run literary and visual arts journal. She is currently employed part-time in the college’s Learning Resource Center on the Macomb Campus.
“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Paulsen, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow’s global community leaders.”
Coca-Cola Academic Team members will be recognized in both local and statewide ceremonies. They will also be recognized internationally during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst, in Baltimore, Maryland, March 26-28.
“We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Scholarships like these are integral to the success of these students in reaching their educational and career goals.”
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation celebrates and empowers visionary leaders who are refreshing the world. Supporting more than 1,400 exceptional college students each year, it awards $3.55 million in scholarships annually through three nationally recognized programs. Learn more at coca-colascholarsfoundation.org.
Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.
