Spoon River College Receives $8,000 Grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to Support Adult Literacy

Canton, Illinois – May 22, 2025 – The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded the [Spoon River College Adult Education Program] an $8,000 grant to support adult literacy.  The funds are a part of a record-setting, one-day donation in the Foundation’s history of more than $13.2 million to support adult, family, and summer literacy programs in the 48 states in which Dollar General operates.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation,” said Chad Murphy, Director of Adult Education at Spoon River College. “Their continued investment in adult literacy highlights the transformative power of education, not just for individuals, but for entire communities. This funding allows us to expand our reach, support more learners, and help adults build the skills they need to succeed academically, professionally, and personally.”

Through its Adult Education Program, Spoon River College helps individuals earn their Illinois High School Diploma and transition into college-level coursework. Preparation classes focus on reading, writing, social studies, science, and math—core subjects required to pass the GED exam and build a strong academic foundation. These free classes are offered at multiple times and locations across the college’s service area to accommodate diverse student needs.

“For over 30 years, the Foundation has been investing in literacy and basic education programs in our hometown communities,” shared Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “Today’s grant announcement is a celebration of our unwavering commitment to student and teacher success. We are grateful to all the grant recipients for their commitment to advancing education and helping students thrive.”

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports organizations that increase access to educational programming, stimulate and enable innovation in the delivery of educational instruction and inspire a love of reading. Each year, DGLF awards funds to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center to support adult, family, summer and youth literacy programs. The Foundation also offers a student referral program for individuals interested in learning how to read, speak English, or prepare for the high school equivalency exam.  Referrals to a local organization that provides free literacy services are available online here or through referral cards found in the Learn to Read brochures that are available at the cash register of every Dollar General store.

The Foundation also plans to launch its sixth annual The Yellow Glasses Project campaign on July 21, 2025, in which customers can purchase yellow sunglasses at Dollar General stores for $2 each to benefit the DGLF.

About the Dollar General Literacy Foundation

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is proud to support initiatives that help others improve their lives through literacy and education. Since 1993, the Foundation has awarded more than $271 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 23 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy, a general education diploma or English proficiency. Each year, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation provides financial support to schools, nonprofit organizations and libraries within a 15-mile radius of Dollar General stores and distribution centers. To learn more about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation or apply for a literacy grant, visit www.dgliteracy.org.

SRC and WIU Partner for LEJA Transfer Pathway Program

Western Illinois University and Spoon River College (SRC) continue to build upon their strong partnership with a new Law Enforcement and Justice Administration transfer pathway program.

Students who complete an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Criminal Justice at SRC will have a seamless transition of credit transfer to pursue a bachelor’s degree at WIU. SRC’s Criminal Justice program is aligned with WIU’s curriculum and, upon transferring, students will have the flexibility to complete their degree either on campus or online.

This collaboration simplifies the transfer process and provides students with accessible options to achieve their educational goals.

“Partnerships like this one with Spoon River College demonstrate our commitment to creating clear, student-centered pathways to a four-year degree,” said Kassie Daly, WIU associate director of admissions and director of transfer services. “By aligning our programs and offering flexible options, we’re making it easier than ever for students to reach their academic and career goals.”

Spoon River College has been one of the top five feeders of new transfer students to WIU for several years, with more than 100 new students since 2022. Both institutions have teamed up to offer a unique college experience to our students. Students can attend Spoon River College, our local community college, and stay in a residence hall on the WIU campus. WIU can offer out-of-classroom living/learning space to complement the SRC education.

To learn more about WIU’s LEJA program, visit wiu.edu/leja. For more information on the transfer partnership, contact WIU Admissions at admissions@wiu.edu. For information about the AAS in Criminal Justice degree at SRC, call (309) 647-4645.

SRC Theatre Announces Season for 2025-2026

A storm at sea. A plot to usurp a throne. A new love. And a sorcerer on an island, commanding an army of faeries, with the fate of his enemies in his hands…

 The Tempest, a revenge fantasy that ultimately takes a comic turn, and is the last play known to be entirely from William Shakespeare’s own pen. With many of the features of a tragedy in place at the start, The Tempest explores betrayal, redemption, mercy, and forgiveness—without asking whether it’s been earned. SRC Theatre’s Fall 2025 production of this “late romance” of Shakespeare’s will perform November 14-16.

“Nothing to be done.” Or is there?

Step into a world where time stands still, and anything—or nothing—can happen. In Waiting for Godot (1952), Samuel Beckett’s iconic tragicomedy, two vagabonds wait on a desolate road beneath a solitary tree for the mysterious Godot. Blending dark humor with poignant insight, Waiting for Godot is a theatrical landmark that redefined modern drama. This Spring 2026 production from SRC Theatre performs March 6-8.

For more information about the SRC Theatre Program, contact Douglas Okey at 309-649-6308 or Email Douglas Okey.

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

Spoon River College Employees Recognized for Service

Spoon River College held an appreciation event April 4 at the Macomb Campus and April 2 at the Canton Campus to recognize employees for their years of service. Faculty awards were also presented. President of Spoon River College Dr. Curt Oldfield presided over the events.

Honored for five years were Barbara Ashwood (English faculty), April Coulter (Community Outreach Assistant), Sara Gilpin (Bookstore Specialist), Jeannette Glover (Assistant Director, Learning Resource Center), Jamie Kotewa (Art faculty), and Sherri Whitmore (Marketing Assistant).

Honored for ten years were John Bassett (Athletic Director), Katey Davis (Business Services Director), Bridget Loftus (Chemistry faculty), and Amy Rutledge (Biology faculty).

Honored for 15 years was Elaine Lucas (Health Science faculty).

Honored for 20 years were Lisa Dennis (Academic Support Director), Jason Strandberg (History/Political Science faculty), and Dr. Robert Zellmann (Philosophy/Religion faculty).

Honored for 25 years were Stephanie Howerter (Director of the Havana Center), and Brad O’Brien (Dean of Career/Workforce Education).

Honored for 30 years was Denise Harrington (Financial Aid Assistant).

Honored for 35 years was Douglas Okey (English faculty).

Retirees honored were Betty Fink (Music faculty), Cyndi Johnston (Adult Education Program Coordinator), and Lori Murphy (Community Outreach Senior Office Assistant).

Rebecca Werland (English faculty), was awarded the Spoon River College Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Award and the Illinois Community College Trustees Association Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member nomination. award. This award is presented to faculty who display teaching excellence, have an ability to take a personal interest in students, and inspire enthusiasm through teaching techniques.

Sarah Etter (Nursing 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.

Faculty award recipients were also recognized at the commencement that was held Thursday, May 9 at the Canton Campus.

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

  Macomb employees    Canton employees

College For Kids Summer Youth Camp at SRC Rushville Center

The College for Kids Summer Youth Camp in Rushville hosted by Spoon River College is Tuesday, June 10, and Thursday, June 12 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. This is for children from first through sixth grade levels.

The Tuesday schedule features three sessions, each an hour long.

Knowing Natives, taught by SIUC Zoology student Sabrina Vining, will look at plants and insects that were brought in from other places, see what prairie gardens look like, check out cool plants that grew in Illinois long ago, and learn how plants benefit the creatures that live here.

To Bake or Not to Bake participants will mix, decorate, and enjoy easy and yummy no-bake cookies under the direction of LeeAnn Eifert of Daisy Garden Cookies.

Animals Around Us, taught by Bridget Hinchee of Argyle State Park, will teach participants about Illinois mammals past and present using pictures, pelts, fur, skins, and other signs of their presence in nature.

Two sessions are planned for Thursday. Working with Wood, Parts 1 and 2, will take place from 8:30-10:30, with Andrew Stevenson of Rushville-Industry High School guiding attendees in the building of a cool candy dispenser. This will take place in the high school industrial arts room.

Nature Art with Andrea will be taught by Andrea Kliffmiller from 10:30-11:30. Attendees will be using nature objects as both material and inspiration to create drawings, paintings, and prints. Participants may bring a handful of found flowers, plants, etc., to use, but are not required to do so.

Visit src.augusoft.net to register. The cost is only $10 per day thanks to a grant from the United Way. If further financial assistance is needed, or for more information about the program, please call 217-322- 6060.

Registration Open for Summer and Fall 2025 Semesters at Spoon River College

Registration for the 2025 summer and fall semesters at Spoon River College is now open.  Summer classes include 4-week and 8-week classes that start June 2, and the second session of 4-week classes that begins June 30.

A three-week interim class will run from August 4-22, and all other fall classes will begin Monday, August 25.

“We know that fall seems far away, but we always encourage prospective students to register as soon as possible, which increases their chances of getting the classes they need and the schedule they want,” said Brandy Chasteen, director of enrollment services.

Chasteen also noted that the 4- and 8-week summer classes are a great way for students to earn extra credits in a short amount of time, and a way for new students to get started now instead of waiting until the fall semester.

Students should also be filing a FAFSA application if they haven’t already to determine their eligibility for financial aid. When completing the FAFSA, the school code for all SRC locations is 001643. More than one college can be listed on the application for those who are undecided about the college choice.

New students must meet with an advisor to register. Academic advisors are available for appointments in person and by phone. There is no charge to apply, and the steps required for admission can be found under the Admissions tab on the homepage of the SRC website at www.src.edu. The course catalog can also be viewed on the college’s website, as well as information about FAFSA, tuition, and payment plans.

For more information or to make an appointment with an advisor, call Canton: (309)647-6400, Havana: (309)543-4413, Macomb: (309)837-6069, and Rushville: (217)322-6060.

Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in West Central Illinois, with campuses and Community Outreach Centers in Canton and Macomb, and Learning Centers in Havana and Rushville. For more information, visit www.src.edu.

Students Get a Glimpse of “Adulting” at 8th Grade Reality Store

Spoon River College welcomed 640 students from Astoria, Bushnell Prairie City, Canton, Cuba, Farmington, Havana, LaHarpe, Lewistown, Macomb, Spoon River Valley, and VIT to their annual 8^th Grade Reality Store held April 25 at the Canton Campus.

The unique career awareness event, organized by SRC advisor Brandi Ketcham, allows students to get a dose of ‘adulting’ and money management. “The event does two things; it allows them to hear real inside information about various careers from people actually working in those areas, plus shows them how little money is often left from a paycheck after paying for the necessities such as food, housing, utilities, and other bills,” said Ketcham.

After choosing a career and attending an informational session with a professional from that field, students receive a paycheck that reflects the starting salary in their chosen career—minus taxes—and then visit stations where they ‘pay’ their monthly living expenses—clothing, food, medical, transportation, entertainment, and housing. Some students also are randomly designated as married with children, single with children, which comes with additional expenses, or single without children.

“They also have to spin the dreaded Wheel of Chance, which might be a windfall such as winning money in a contest, or an unexpected expense like a car repair,” Ketcham said. “They also learn that sometimes having children means you can’t afford that cool car or that dream vacation.”

And year after year, they comment on the follow-up survey that they were surprised how much their parents have to spend each month on bills. “It definitely gives them a difference perspective on being an adult,” said. Ketcham.

Assisting with the event were students from Canton High School, as well as Spoon River College students, athletes and employees.

Presenters who shared information about their professions were Dr. Jason Chamberlin, healthcare professional; Evyn Way, welding careers; Dean Clary, computer careers; Jamie Kotewa, art careers; Allyson Smith, farming, fishing, forestry; Dr. Jacob Standard, animal science; Nick Tinsman, lawyer; teacher, Holly Frisby and Ashley McKown; law enforcement, Deputy Brock Vogel; nursing, Katy Tinsman; business owner, Jace Chamberlin; beauty services, Spencer Smith and Ashley Wilcoxen; military, retired Army Colonel Corey Wise; engineer, Ted Neuendorf; and psychologist/counselor, Andrea Garnett.

Pictures of the event will be posted on the Spoon River College Facebook page.

Spoon River College Holds 64th Commencement

Spoon River College held their 64^th Commencement Thursday, May 8, at the Multi-Purpose Building in the MidAmerica National Bank Gymnasium on the Canton Campus. A total of 430 degrees and certificates were awarded, with 173 students participating in the ceremony. Several students as well as two faculty members were recognized for their achievements.

President of Spoon River College Dr. Curt Oldfield welcomed guests and congratulated the graduates. “This is your day to celebrate your commitment to learning. We are proud of the effort and dedication you invested to pursue your education, and your perseverance to make this day possible. I hope you will be lifelong learners, desire to strive for excellence academically, personally, and professionally, and that you made lasting friendships.”

Oldfield also acknowledged the family and friends who supported students’ efforts throughout their educational journey and who often attended various student events. “Seeing supporters at these events make us keenly aware that we don’t succeed alone.”

Also providing welcome remarks were Kevin Meade, Chair of the SRC Board of Trustees, Bridget Loftus, Chair of the SRC Faculty Association, and 2025 graduate Margaret Toothaker, who spoke on behalf of the student body.

Missy Wilkinson, Dean of Student Services, recognized members of the Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team. Those students were Samantha Ayala, Amanda Koll, Bre Rawley, and Sarah Davis. Also recognized were members of the Phi Theta Kappa Nu Delta Chapter who earned a perfect 4.0 GPA. They were Tatum Featherly, Jena Goforth, Addison Haskins, Ella Hootman, Taylor Malott, Brent Skiles, Rebecca Strode, Sarah Stufflebeam, Stephen Stufflebeam, Ryan Sweet, and Haley VanDeVenter.

Students recognized for their service in the military were Gage Coursey, Ted Eifert, Whitney Holtz, and Shawn Orr.

Six high school dual credit students were recognized for receiving their college degrees ahead of their high school graduations. They were Paige Anderson, Mackenzie Bunting, Ella Hootman, Abigail McCartney, Aubriana Putman, and Brent Skiles.

Logan Booth, Student Trustee, presented two Student Achievement Awards, which are given to students who have shown initiative, personal growth, and progress toward their academic and personal goals, as well as active participation and success in extracurricular activities.

The recipient of the Transfer Degree Student Achievement Award was Amanda Koll, and the recipient of the Career and Technical Student Achievement Award was Alyssa Gilstrap.

President Oldfield presented Pay It Forward scholarships for up to 5,000 each to Ryleigh Moser and Shyler White. These awards, courtesy of an anonymous donor, were introduced last year to empower SRC students in achieving their academic and career goals, encouraging a spirit of giving back to local communities, and developing a culture of “paying it forward” to the next generation of SRC students.

Holly Norton, Vice President of Educational and Student Services, presented faculty awards for teaching excellence. Rebecca Werland (English) was the recipient of the Spoon River College Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Award and Illinois Community College Trustee Association Outstanding Full-Time Faculty nominee, and Sarah Etter (Nursing) was the recipient of the H. Truman Standard award.

Chloe Heath and Landry Smith. served as Student Honor Guards.

Pictures of the event will be posted on the Spoon River College Facebook page.

Student Achievement Award Recipients Amanda Koll and Alyssa Gilstrap

Each year at graduation, Spoon River College recognizes one transfer student and one career education student who have shown initiative, personal growth, and progress toward their academic and personal goals, as well as active participation and success in extracurricular activities.

The recipient of this year’s Transfer Degree Student Achievement Award was Amanda Koll of Canton, who has demonstrated consistent academic excellence and a strong commitment to student life at Spoon River College. She not only maintained outstanding grades but has also been a dedicated and involved member of the campus community.

While at SRC, Koll was actively involved in TRIO, Phi Theta Kappa, Students for Environmental Action, Student Government Association, Gay Straight Alliance, and the SRC Theatre Artists Group for Education. She also volunteers at the Fulton County Humane Society, Helping Hands, and other community programs. Koll plans to transfer to Western Illinois University to pursue a degree in social work, with a specialty in crisis work.

The Career and Technical Student Achievement Award was presented to Alyssa Gilstrap of Farmington. She is known for consistently offering support and encouragement to classmates and being a reliable resource to others whenever possible.

Gilstrap completed the Licensed Practical Nurse certificate at SRC several years ago and is now earning her Associate Degree in Nursing. She was credited for excelling in her studies and building her knowledge in nursing, and described as a dedicated student who worked hard, gave 110%, and set an example of success and professionalism for the SRC nursing program.

In addition, two Pay It Forward scholarships for up to $5,000 each were awarded to Ryleigh Moser of Canton and Shyler White of Havana. These awards were introduced last year courtesy of an anonymous donor to empower SRC students in achieving their academic and career goals, encouraging a spirit of giving back to local communities and developing a culture of “paying it forward” to the next generation of SRC students.

Amanda Koll                            Alyssa Gilstrap

  Ryleigh Moser                          Shyler White

SRC Outstanding FT Faculty Award, ICCTA Outstanding FT Faculty Award Nominee Recipient Rebecca Werland

Spoon River College faculty member Rebecca Werland is the recipient of this year’s Spoon River College Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Award and Illinois Community College Trustee Association Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Nominee. The award is presented each year to an outstanding faculty member who displays teaching excellence, has the ability to take a personal interest in students, and inspires enthusiasm through teaching techniques.

Werland has been a full-time English professor with Spoon River College since 2008, with a particular expertise in Developmental English Composition. She has been instrumental in developing the curriculum and coursework during the past fifteen years as well as consistently adjusting it through significant changes during her tenure. She was at the forefront of researching and implementing the corequisite model of teaching remedial English at the college even prior to the passage of the Developmental Education Reform Act.

In addition, Werland now teaches a full range of composition and literature courses as well as her “signature” class, Introduction to Visual Communication. She is highly skilled at delivering high-quality, academically rigorous instruction in every modality.

Werland is a leader among her peers in understanding the application of AI in the classroom, and her time and effort to understand AI programs and how AI can be utilized positively in the classroom are exceptional. Her work in this area has made her colleagues more informed and better equipped to recognize and utilize AI in ways that enhance rather than detract from academic rigor. Where others see obstacles, she often finds opportunities. This example perfectly typifies the kind of professor and faculty member that Werland has become.

In addition to serving several years as a faculty advisor to SRC’s student publication of poetry and art, Kaleidoscope, Werland has also served as faculty advisor to Phi Theta Kappa for the greater part of 15 years. Her leadership and commitment to this position have provided Spoon River College students more opportunities to explore their education and engage in service learning.

“Ultimately, my success as an educator is not measured by how much content I deliver but by how empowered my students feel when they leave my classroom. If they walk away more confident in their ability to think critically, ask questions, and persist through challenges, then I have done my job,” said Werland about her teaching philosophy.

The award was presented during an employee appreciation luncheon and announced at the college’s 64^th Commencement held May 8 at the Canton Campus.