Please Note: that all locations of SRC are closed Fridays for Summer Hours from May 16 through July 25. Announcement: all operations for the Macomb campus have temporarily moved to the Outreach Center (2500 E Jackson) until further notice as we make the transition to the new campus.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Student Ted Eifert: Using Veteran’s Benefits to Earn Nursing Degree
Before he was a Spoon River College student, Ted Eifert of Rushville served five years in the US Marine Corps as a Ground Radio Repairman 2841, and obtained the rank of sergeant. He’s now using his veteran benefits to prepare for a nursing career.
“College wasn’t my first thought after separating from the Marines,” Eifert said. “I just wanted to return to work and get back to enjoying home.” Returning to college came after he began working part-time for the Rushville Police Department.
“Initially I thought I would enjoy a program focusing on psychology, more specifically, criminology. It was wasn’t until I decided to obtain my NREMT that I found a passion for healthcare and decided to pursue nursing.”
Although still unsure of where a nursing career might lead, one thing Eifert is considering is a career as a pre-hospital registered nurse, which would allow him to practice within an EMS system as a medical services worker for pre-hospital and inter-hospital emergency care and non-emergency medical transports.
“I loved my time in the military, and I love being a police officer and an EMT. I loved serving my country and now my community. I don’t know what my ultimate goal will be, but I know I will keep improving my skills every day.”
Despite the rigors of the nursing program, Eifert is a member of Healthcare Enthusiasts and Leaders (HEAL), Health Occupations Advisory Committee, Phi Theta Kappa, and TRIO at Spoon River College.
When not studying or working, Eifert enjoys spending time with his wife LeeAnn and their two children, five-year-old Chloe and one-year-old Lincoln. “LeeAnn has been so supportive of me pursing my nursing degree, as is Chloe, who gives me big hugs and always asks me how school went.”
“I am very fortunate for the instructors that I have in the nursing program, the amount of time they put into us and the knowledge that they pass along to us. I know we have early days but the instructors’ days are even earlier than ours and their days are longer than ours. I cannot say thank you enough to all of them for what they do for us. “
Spoon River College is approved for veterans’ education benefits through the Illinois State Approving Agency, and participates in the Illinois Veteran’s Grant, Illinois National Guard Grant, and the MIA-POW Scholarship.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Celebrates National First-Generation Day
Spoon River College celebrated National First-Generation Day November 8, which is the day when the Higher Education Act of 1965 was signed by President Lyndon Johnson, providing federal funding with a goal of strengthening resources and making college more accessible to all students.
It is estimated that 55% of college students identify as first-generation, meaning that their parents did not complete a four-year college or university degree.
Jill Olson, director of the TRIO Student Support Services program at the college, said that can have a significant effect on students as historically, first-generation students have lower retention and graduation rates than continuing-generation students.
“They are less likely to be familiar with college processes, like the FAFSA and how to get financial aid in place. It can be overwhelming, and TRIO helps students navigate these systems and processes. Helping at risk students overcome as many of these barriers as possible increases their chances of successfully completing a college degree or a certificate program,” said Olson.
TRIO is a federally funded program designed to help students overcome social, academic, class, and cultural barriers in higher education. Participants in the program are provided with personalized advising for career, transfer, and degree planning, and workshops covering topics ranging from personal financial literacy to time management and study tips are offered.
TRIO advisors place an emphasis on preparing students to transfer, aiding in selection of the correct transfer classes to take and traveling with students to visit four-year universities. Cultural outings, including to museums and art exhibits (at no expense to students), are part of the program, and members regularly participate in community service projects.
“Our off-campus trips enable the TRIO students to connect socially with other students, while exposing them to experiences they may have never taken part in on their own,” said Olson.
TRIO participants are also eligible for an exclusive scholarship program and have access to a private computer lab and study space, free printing, and are able to borrow textbooks, graphing calculators and voice recorders.
“TRIO works with each student where they are at,” Olson said. “If the student wishes to use all our services, we are happy to cater to that. If they only need transfer assistance, we can provide that for the student. Each student’s academic journey and needs are different, and we work to meet each student’s individual needs while they are at Spoon River College.”
To learn more about the TRIO program, visit www.src.edu, or contact Jill Olson at jill.olson@src.edu or 309-833-6029.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Literacy Program and District Libraries Celebrating Family Reading Night November 21
The Spoon River College Literacy Program is pleased to announce that the 33rd Annual Family Reading Night will be celebrated on Thursday, November 21. This year’s theme is “Read. Renew. Repeat.”
Held in partnership with libraries and schools throughout the SRC district, the goal is to encourage families to take time to read together as a family. With help from a grant from Dollar General, Spoon River College will provide 25 free books to each library to hand out to attendees.
“Family reading promotes healthy brain development in children, and can improve their language and listening skills. It can also help create a strong parent-child bond and instill a lifelong love of reading,” said Melissa Koke, Adult Education advisor.
“Our libraries do a wonderful job of finding fun and supportive ways to support Family Reading Night, and we hope families will take advantage of these free events. Taking time to read together is a great habit to cultivate.”
The activities, locations and times of each library’s events are listed below.
Astoria Public Library will kick off Family Reading Night on Saturday, November 16 with an Elephant and Piggie character Storytime. Families can get their picture taken with Elephant and Piggie and pick up a fall reading packet, along with a free book.
Canton Parlin-Ingersoll Library is planning a “Turkey in Trouble” Escape Room activity, Story Time, and Dean, a real live turkey, will be a guest on Thursday, November 21, 6-7:30.
Cuba/Spoon River Library held their event on November 7.
Farmington Area Public Library is celebrating Family Reading Night on Thursday, November 21, 5:30-6:30, at Farmington Central Elementary School.
Havana Public Library District will celebrate on Thursday, November 21, 6:30-8, with guest readers, free books and goodies, magician Rick Eugene Brammer, and pumpkin pancakes. Attendees are welcome to come in pajamas for this free, fun family friendly event.
Lewistown Carnegie Public Library District will be providing snacks, art kits, and books to all families that stop by the library.
Macomb Public Library will celebrate Family Reading Night as an ALL DAY READ DAY, and cookies will be served.
Rushville Public Library will celebrate with special guests Elephant and Piggie on Thursday, November 21 from 4-5 p.m. Guests will read a story, and snacks and coloring pages will be provided.
For more information about the Literacy Project at Spoon River College, visit www.src.edu or call Melissa Koke at 309-649-6310.
Sponsored by the Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian and the Illinois State Library’s Illinois Center for the Book, Family Reading Night is an annual statewide event held the third Thursday in November to encourage families to spend quality time reading together.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Annual Pancakes for Bette Fundraiser Hosted by Phi Mu Tau
The 15th Annual Pancakes for Bette fundraiser was held at Spoon River College in Canton on October 30. It was hosted by the Phi Mu Tau fraternity, which is comprised of students in the Diesel and Power Systems Technology program.
This year’s event raised $610, which will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Aden Greene of Canton was the winner of the pancake eating contest, earning him a $50 gas card that was donated by Student Services. SRC employee Mike Strauman was the winner of the 50/50 drawing, which he donated back.
The event was originally created to aid long-time SRC employee Bette Dye with medical expenses after she was diagnosed with cancer. Sadly, Dye lost her battle with cancer on September 19, 2010, just 11 days after the second fundraiser was held.
“I worked with Bette for eleven years, and she served many pancakes to my students during that time,” said Todd Thompson, Diesel and Power Systems Technology instructor and Phi Mu Tau advisor. “She cared about all the students and made it a point to know them by name, and would ask about them even after they had graduated.”
“On behalf of the Phi Mu Tau, we thank everyone who continues to make this a successful event, with special thanks to Central Butane in Norris for the use of their grills and gas, to Performance Food Group for donating the sausage, to Student Services for donating the gift card, and to the SRC River Roast Café for the donation of beverages, pancake batter, and their assistance,” said Thompson.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Know Your Impact: #GivingSPOONday Kicks Off Season of Giving: Goal of 350 gifts by midnight Dec. 3; All Gifts Benefit Local Students
#GivingSPOONday, Spoon River College’s version of Giving Tuesday, the worldwide day of giving that kicks off the holiday season, is Tuesday, Dec. 3.
And students like Breauna Rawley hope you consider making a donation to impact the lives of SRC students. “Last year, I walked into Stats class for the first time, and I remember walking with one of my friends. We were dreading the class because it’s a longer class and it’s math,” said Rawley.
But instead of dreading the class, Rawley struck up a mentoring relationship with SRC math professor Sarah Dalpiaz. “She is like a mom to me. She’s not only a great teacher, I’ve also learned so much from her.”
Dalpiaz has gained a lot from this mentoring relationship as well. “It reminds me of that nice responsibility that we have to look after them not just in our classroom, but outside of it as well.”
Stories like this are common place among faculty and students at Spoon River College. Often times, faculty are on the frontline hearing about student struggles with food insecurity, housing, domestic violence, or other major concerns. And your gift to SRC during #GivingSPOONday can support these students.
“Unlike Black Friday or Cyber Monday, where you buy things, Giving Tuesday is all about giving back,” said Dusty Berg, Director of the SRC Foundation. “It’s a chance to raise funds that help local students succeed while also highlighting the SRC Foundation and its impact on SRC, its students, staff, and the communities we serve.”
The SRC Foundation has set a goal of 350 separate gifts to be raised in the campaign, which ends at 11:59 p.m. Dec. 3. The campaign promotes giving online at www.src.edu/givingtuesday, but cash or check donations are gladly accepted, too.
Spoon River College students, employees, and friends will also be sharing the campaign via email and on their social media pages. “The more people that get involved with the campaign, the more students we could potentially help,” said Berg. For #GivingSPOONday, every gift counts toward their goal. Even a $10 donation can provide a meal for a student facing food insecurity.
“Your donation can help so many people, and it helps them in more ways than one,” said Dalpiaz. “If the stress of paying for college is off of them, they may have more energy to establish relationships with their instructors.”
To make your gift or to learn how you can get involved, visit www.src.edu/givingtuesday, visit the Spoon River College Foundation Facebook page (www.facebook.com/spoonrivercollegefoundation), or call (309) 833-6083.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Theatre Presents The Book of Will November 8-10
Spoon River College Theatre will present their fall production, The Book of Will, on Friday and Saturday, November 8 and 9, at 7 p.m., and on Sunday, November 10, at 4 p.m. in the Taylor Hall Theatre on the Canton Campus.
The Book of Will tells the story of Shakespeare’s beloved friends, who shorty after his death set out to make sure that their comrade would live on by publishing the texts of his many plays. Their struggle to accomplish this challenge is a (mostly) modern English, (mostly) true story of loss, laughter, legacy, and love.
The Book of Will was written by Lauren Gunderson, recognized as the most-produced living American playwright in 2017, 2019, and 2020,it takes place shortly after Shakespeare’s death.
Tickets ($15) can be reserved by calling the box office at 309-649-6257.
The SRC Drama Program has an academic curriculum that includes acting courses as well as drama-oriented classes for humanities and fine-arts credit. Each academic year, student-centered performance opportunities are available with planned productions in both fall and spring semesters. The Drama Program offers performing grants (scholarships) to recognize and reward the work of talented students. For more information about the program, visit www.src.edu.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on College and Transfer Fair Hosted by Spoon River College
Approximately 175 people attended the College and Transfer Fair hosted by Spoon River College on October 22 at the Canton Campus.
District high school students from Canton, Cuba, Lewistown, Spoon River Valley, and VIT, as well as area college students, were able to visit with more than 35 representatives from a variety of higher education institutions and military branches.
“This event is an excellent opportunity to explore a variety of colleges and options, all in one place, at one time, and to get answers to questions regarding admission requirements, tuition, room and board, and more,” said Brandi Ketcham, SRC advisor and coordinator of the event.
The event coincided with National Transfer Student Week, which is celebrated annually to highlight the successes and the challenges for transfer students.
Baccalaureate degree seeking students often complete the first two years of study at a community college for a significant cost savings. To ensure a smooth transfer of credits, SRC participates in the Illinois Articulation Initiative, a statewide agreement that allows transfer of the completed Illinois General Education Core Curriculum between participating institutions.
“This agreement assures transferring students that lower-division general education requirements for an associate or bachelor’s degree have been met,” Ketcham said. “Having an event like this gives students the chance to get additional information that can help them make decisions about their future educational journey.”
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Community Outreach Hosts 31st Lifelong Learning Conference
The Spoon River College Office of Community Outreach hosted the 31st Lifelong Learning Conference on October 18th on the Canton Campus, welcoming attendees, speakers, and resource fair vendors.
“It’s always wonderful to welcome this group of enthusiastic learners!” said Andrea Barbknecht Director of the SRC Canton Outreach Center. “It’s nice seeing old and new friends!”
Rick Klinedinst started off the day with the keynote address: “The Pursuit of Lincoln’s Assassin.” Other educational sessions included The American Banker in Paris by Bill and Helen Engelbrecht, The Magic of Reindeer by Jason Parsons, Two Presidents Who were Better than their Reputations by Stan Ransom, Can “Blue Zones” Increase Quality? by Jeanine Standard, Fall Garden Harvest Arrangements by Christine Wright, Take a Trip to Jordan by Mike Delligatti, and President Truman by Kevin Meade.
“This event is a collaboration between our Community Leadership Academy graduates and many local experts and enthusiasts. We have a lot of talent right in our back yard!” Barbknecht said.
The event was co-sponsored by MidAmerica National Bank. Other sponsors included Advanced Rehab & Sports Medicine, the Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development, Helping Hands Resale, Serenity Point Hospice, Spoon River Home Health, The Clayberg Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, The Loft Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, and Western Illinois Home Health Care.
Attendees enjoyed morning refreshments and a soup and sandwich buffet that was catered by the SRC River Roast Café.
The next Lifelong Learning Conference is scheduled for Friday, April 11, 2025, and a Community Leadership Academy is scheduled for late summer of 2025..
Photos of the event can be viewed on the Spoon River College Community Outreach Facebook page. For more information about the classes and events offered through the Office of Community Outreach, visit https://src.augusoft.net, their Facebook page, or call (309)649-6260.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Community Chorus Winter Concert Tickets on Sale November 1
Now in its 19th season, the SRC Community Chorus presents Winter Blues & All That Jazz Saturday, December 7 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 8 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 215 W. Elm Street in Canton. Tickets are on sale November 1 and may be purchased from any chorus member or online at www.src.edu/chorus.
“Our director, John L. Davis, has selected a wide variety of musical arrangements which includes something for everyone,” Carol Davis, Artistic Director stated. “The selections demonstrate the breadth of the musical talents of this 60-member group ranging in ages from 18-80. Our singers and musicians come from four different counties in west central Illinois.”
The program features pieces such as Rene Claussen’s All That Hath Life and Breath, Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, and John Williams’ Star of Bethlehem as well as uniquely arranged madrigals including one based on Wannabe by The Spice Girls. Also included is a lovely arrangement of Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming and The Rose as recorded by Bette Midler and songs originated by The Eagles, Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac, and The Carpenters. Standard holiday songs are presented in unique new arrangements.
Audiences may also enjoy a special tribute to Charles Schultz and The Peanuts Gang as depicted in the 1965 TV Holiday Special “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
Singers participating in the 2024 Winter Chorus are Tori Albanito, Carla Bobell, Vanessa Coker, Carol Davis, Katey Davis, Linda Dilts, Angie Hale, Denise Kirgan, Carol Kohler, Lindsey Larson, Aja Lawson, Janet Munson, Cynthia Robison, Erika Shults, Stacy Smith, Linda Von Behren, Jendy Way, Joellyn Welch, Lauren Wilcoxen, Gloria Bradford, Janice Dare Bruster, Sherry Coffey, Chris Dilts, Sarah Fouts. Corrinna Markland-Pickel, Wendy Martin, Sue Maurice, Natalie Orwig, Cecily Pearson, Lisa Renner, Jean Sprecher, Jeanine Standard, Colin Davis, Kevin Dearing, Jake Haarman, Steve Mason, Chad Murphy, Shane Smith, Sue Smith, Kevin Watson, Edwin Brinklow, Bruce Beal, Clay Klinedinst Trygve Meade, Tony Roberts, Alex Smith, Ron Smith, Noah Stevens, Mike Varnes, and Larry Von Behren. The group is accompanied by musicians Gretchen Fuller (piano), Pamela Willison (keyboard), Matt Buczko, (keyboard/trumpet) Tony Roberts (harp), Tom Sandman (percussion), and Christopher Adams-Wenger on cello and bass.
The SRC Community Chorus is self-funded through ticket sales and proceeds are currently funding the Susie McMillen Memorial Scholarship. To learn more about the SRC Community Chorus, the Named Endowed Scholarship program, and the last 19 years of musicals, revues, and concerts, visit www.src.edu/chorus.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on College Visit Day Featuring Career Programs November 6 at Spoon River College
Spoon River College will host the final College Visit Day of the fall semester on Wednesday, November 6, from 9-11 a.m. at both the Canton and Macomb campuses. In Canton, there will be a focus on career and technical education programs.
Programs being featured include Agriculture, Commercial Driver Training/Logistics, Computer Information Systems, Diesel and Power Systems Technology, Healthcare Career programs, Medical Laboratory Technician, Nursing, Rail Transportation Diesel and Power System Technology, and Welding.
This is open to people of all ages who are interested in learning about both the transfer and the career education programs available at Spoon River College, including the different degrees and short-term certificates each program offers. Associate degrees typically take two years to complete, while certificate programs can often be completed in a year or less.
Attendees will have the opportunity to 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.
Tours of the campuses will be given, and will include the Snapper Villas student housing on the Canton Campus. All attendees will receive a free t-shirt.
RSVPs are encouraged, and can be made by visiting the Admissions page on the Spoon River College website at www.src.edu 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 208 S. Johnson Street.
