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.

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.

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.”

SRC Community Outreach Hosts 31st Lifelong Learning Conference

The Spoon River College Office of Community Outreach hosted the 31^st Lifelong Learning Conference on October 18^th 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.

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.

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.

Dr. Curt Oldfield Chosen for the Aspen Institute’s Presidents Fellowship

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program (Aspen) has announced that Dr. Curt Oldfield, president of Spoon River College, is one of 25 innovative leaders selected from across the country to participate in the second cohort of the Aspen Presidents Fellowship, sponsored by JPMorgan Chase. The fellows will engage in a unique year-long professional development experience that will help them refine and enact a reform agenda to help more of their students succeed both during and after college.

“Community colleges educate millions of diverse students every year who are relying on them to deliver the education and credentials they need for a fulfilling life and career,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the College Excellence Program. “I am delighted that these 25 accomplished presidents have committed to strengthening their institutions’ strategies to ensure that more students achieve those aims.”

Through the year-long program, fellows will work with highly accomplished community college presidents, Aspen leaders, and each other to analyze their college’s outcomes and develop concrete plans inspired by field-leading practices. They will engage in a curriculum that will include exemplars from the field, data reports on available good jobs and student outcomes in completion and transfer, and qualitative reports about how well their current practices are aligned to what research reveals has led other colleges to high and equitable levels of student success.

This second cohort of Aspen Presidents Fellows reflects our country’s diverse talent: 52 percent are women and 44 percent are people of color. They join a network of 375 fellowship alumni, 176 of whom are community college presidents today. Aspen connects and supports this growing network of community college reform leaders with opportunities for targeted professional development, research briefings, and convenings at national conferences.

“I am excited for the opportunity to learn about new approaches to improve student success and implement changes to help students succeed during and after their time with Spoon River College,” said Oldfield. “As a lifelong learner, this is a fantastic opportunity and I’m honored to be chosen.”

The Presidents Fellowship is made possible with philanthropic support from JPMorgan Chase through the firm’s New Skills at Work initiative, which aims to prepare young people for the future of work and meet the growing demand for skilled workers, and JPMorgan Chase’s $30 billion commitment to advancing racial equity and driving an inclusive economy.

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. It serves students in a 1,566 square mile area that includes portions of Fulton, McDonough, Mason, Schuyler, and Knox counties. For more information about Spoon River College, visit www.src.edu.

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program aims to strengthen higher education leadership and practice to improve student outcomes—with the ultimate goal of advancing economic mobility and developing talent for the good of all people and society as a whole. For more information on our latest findings, research, and news, visit our website, subscribe to our newsletter, and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most important challenges facing the United States and the world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Institute has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, and an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.

SRC Softball Hosting Princess Party Fundraiser November 9

The Spoon River College softball team is hosting a Princess Party fundraiser on Saturday, November 9, from 3:30 – 5 p.m., at the Multi-Purpose Building on the Canton Campus located at 23235 N. County Highway 22.

Children can come dressed as a princess and enjoy a spa experience that includes royal hairstyles, magical manicures, and beauty makeovers. Dancing, games, refreshments, and a photo op with Prince Charming are also on the agenda for the afternoon.

All ages are welcome, but children four years of age or younger must have adult supervision. The cost is $25 per child. To register online visit https://bit.ly/SRCPrincessParty, which can be also be accessed on the Spoon River College Athletics Fb page. Registration can also be made by calling 309-649-6303 or emailing john.bassett@src.edu.

SRC Athletics Hosting Women’s Basketball Camp October 27

Spoon River College athletics is hosting a women’s basketball camp on Sunday, October 27, from 2-4 p.m., at the Multi-Purpose Building on the Canton Campus located at 23235 N. County Highway 22. This camp is for high school freshmen through seniors.

Camp attendees will work on all skills with the SRC women’s basketball coach Julie Thompson-Vass and assistant coach Ronnie Mayo-Gaston.

To register online, visit www.bit.ly/SRCCamps, or call 309-833-3031. For more information, email julie.thompson-vass@src.edu.

SRC Hosting FAFSA Informational Meeting at Rushville-Industry High School October 24

SRC Hosting FAFSA Informational Meeting at Rushville-Industry High School

Employees in the financial aid office at Spoon River College will present an informational meeting at Rushville-Industry High School on October 24, from 6 – 7 p.m., regarding the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The FAFSA is the official form that students or their families must complete to apply for federal financial assistance for college. This form must also be filled out before students can apply for additional college scholarships. The application for the 2025-2026 academic year will be available starting December 1, 2024.

Nikki Rittenhouse, director of Financial Aid at Spoon River College, said that the many updates to the FAFSA application this past year have resulted in more questions than usual. “Although the filing period doesn’t begin until December 1, 2024, having the correct information beforehand will make the process easier. I can’t stress enough how important it is to have it completed accurately and on time, so we are happy to answer questions and help students and parents be prepared.”

Information about other financial assistance programs such as funding for veterans, scholarships, student loans, and payment plans will also be presented, and even those not planning on attending Spoon River College are welcome to attend. These workshops are for students, their parents, and any adult learners who are interested in learning more about options for paying for college.

FAFSA completion workshops at all district high schools will be announced at a later date.

For more information about FAFSA or the October 24 meeting, please call 309-649-7030.