Alumni Basketball Game Reunion at Spoon River Community College in Canton on February 7

The Spoon River College Foundation is teaming up with Spoon River College Athletics to host an Alumni Basketball Game reunion on Saturday, February 7, in the Multi-Purpose Building on the Canton Campus. “We’re planning a fun afternoon of reconnecting and celebrating as we cheer on our current players during their games that day,” said Michelle Howe, Alumni and Foundation coordinator.

The event will start at 11:30 a.m. with light appetizers for the alumni before the women’s team takes the court at 1 p.m. The men’s team will follow with their game at 3 p.m. Both teams are taking on Parkland Community College. Alumni will receive free admission to the games, and a recognition ceremony will be held between them.

“Whether you suited up last year or decades ago, we’d love to see you, and we hope you’ll spread the word to fellow alumni,” said Howe.

Head coach for the men’s team is Kent Jones, assisted by Rodney Hunter. Coaching the women’s team is Julie Thompson-Vass and assistant coach Ronni Mayo-Gaston.

Email Michelle Howe or call 309-649-6348.

Save the Date for the 2nd Annual Mrs. Roper Romp in Havana on May 9

Channel the 70s, find a caftan, grab a curly red wig, and save the date for the 2nd Annual Mrs. Roper Romp in downtown Havana on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

This lively, costumed fundraising event will celebrate the iconic Mrs. Roper from Three’s Company while raising funds for Spoon River College (SRC) scholarships for Havana students. Festivities will kick off in the morning and continue throughout the day with shopping, dining, entertainment, and plenty of Mrs. Roper flair.

Participants can expect a full day of fun, including a boutique and bar crawl, themed activities, bingo, prizes, live entertainment, and a Mrs. Roper costume contest. Participating locations, online registration, and a complete schedule will be announced closer to the event.

Tickets will be $40 which includes coupons, live music, bingo, and breakfast. New this year is an option to purchase a Mrs. Roper Romp t-shirt and participate in a bags tournament, both at an additional charge. Proceeds will support local students through SRC Foundation scholarships. Gather your besties, dust off your caftans, and get ready for a groovy day downtown.

The SRC Foundation and Spoon River College offer a wide variety of scholarships each year, including awards for academic achievement, talent, and skill. The SRC Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, and gifts may be tax deductible.

Mrs. Roper Romps originated in New Orleans in 2013 and have since become a popular fundraising trend nationwide, bringing communities together through humor, nostalgia, and charitable giving.

Showcase of Career Training Programs at Spoon River Community College February 26 Event

Spoon River Community College will host a Career Training Showcase event for people of all ages on Thursday, February 26, from 9-11 a.m., at the Canton Campus to highlight the career training programs available at the college.

Programs being featured include Agriculture Business Management, Commercial Driver Training/Logistics, Computer Information Systems, Diesel and Power Systems Technology, Early Childhood Education, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Healthcare Careers (Medical Assisting, Medical Billing/Coding, Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy), Medical Lab Technician (MLT), Nursing, Nursing Assistant, Small Business Management, and Welding.

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on career specific activities and receive information about job opportunities and salaries. They can also meet with advisors and financial aid specialists, and will receive information about the application process, tuition costs, and financial aid options including scholarships, as well as student life activities, clubs, and organizations. Campus tours will be given, including the Snapper Villas student housing. All attendees will receive a free t-shirt.

Career training and short-term certificate programs prepare students of all ages to work in high-demand career fields. Certificate programs can often be completed in a year or less and lead to immediate employment. Certificates can stand alone or be combined to culminate in an AAS degree.

Spoon River College works with advisory boards to continually review area and regional economic and employment conditions to ensure that their programs successfully train students for their chosen career field as well as meet the needs of area employers.

RSVPs are encouraged, and can be made Here or by calling 309-649-6400. The Canton Campus is located at 23235 N. County Hwy. 22.

Spring College Visit Days Scheduled at Spoon River Community College

Spoon River Community College has set the dates for the Spring College Visit Days on both the Canton and Macomb campuses.

These events are open to people of all ages who are interested in learning about both the transfer and the career training programs available at the college, including the different transfer degrees and the short-term certificate programs.

They kick off in February starting Wednesday, February 4, at the Macomb Campus, and Thursday, February 26, at the Canton Campus, both from 9-11 a.m. The Canton event will also feature the college’s Career and Technical Education programs, offering attendees the opportunity to participate in hands-on career specific activities, and to receive information about job opportunities and salaries.

The remaining dates at the Canton Campus are Thursday, March 12, from 9-11 a.m.; and Tuesday, April 14, from 1-3 p.m.

The remaining dates at the Macomb Campus are Thursday, March 12, from 9-11 a.m.; and Thursday, April 16, from 1-3 p.m.

Attendees at all of these events will hear from advisors and financial aid specialists, and receive information about the application process, tuition costs, and financial aid options, including scholarships. Tours of the campuses will be given, which includes the Snapper Villas student housing on the Canton Campus. All attendees will receive a free t-shirt.

RSVPs are encouraged and can be made at College Visit Day RSVP  or by calling 309-649-6400 (Canton) or 309-833-6069 (Macomb). The Canton Campus is located at 23235 N. County Hwy. 22, and the Macomb Campus is located at 2500 East Jackson Street.

Spoon River Community College is a two-year junior college in West Central Illinois, with campuses and Community Outreach Centers in Canton and Macomb and Learning Centers in Havana and Rushville.

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.”