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.

2024 SRC/CCC Alumni Award Recipients Announced

Spoon River College will host its Annual Alumni Association Awards Reception on Saturday, Nov. 9. Dinner will be offered beginning at 5 p.m., and the program will begin at 6 p.m. and will last approximately two hours. The event will be held at SRC’s Canton Campus.

Alumni Achievement Awards are given to alumni to celebrate outstanding achievements made by alumni of SRC or Canton Community College, and this year’s recipient is James Bixby of Peoria, being given posthumously.

The Outstanding Service Award, given to alumni or community members who have made significant voluntary contributions to the community and/or to the college will be presented to Stanley Ransom of Canton.

Sonny Meredith of Macomb will be honored with the Distinguished Spoon River College Retiree Award, which is based upon an individual’s significant contributions to Spoon River College, its students, and the community.

Miranda Aguilar of Ontario, Ca.  and Steve Lance of Cuba, Ill. will be inducted into the SRC Athletic Hall of Fame.

Though donations will be accepted and appreciated, the event is free, and the public is invited to attend; though, reservations are required.  Please RSVP to Michelle Howe at (309) 649-6348 or at michelle.howe@src.edu by Friday, Oct. 25.

The SRC Alumni Association exists as a function of the SRC Foundation and seeks to close the gap between past alumni, present students and future leaders.  SRC alumni need not be graduates.  Those who were nominated but not selected this year will remain in consideration for future years.  To learn more about the SRC Alumni Association, to register as an alumnus/alumna, or to nominate someone for a future award, please visit https://src.edu/alumni or call (309) 649-6348.

Celebrating National Transfer Student Week October 21-25

Spoon River College will celebrate National Transfer Student Week October 21-25. NTSW is recognized every third week in October as a way to highlight the success of transfer students, as well as to continue to improve the transfer process for students.

For bachelor degree seeking students, the required curriculum for the first two years is the same regardless of where they are taken, and students often complete those first two years at a community college before transferring to a four-year university.

“Starting at a community college is a smart move financially for students; tuition is less and the need for student loans is reduced.  It can also be less overwhelming than starting at a bigger institution,” said Holly Norton, vice president of educational and student services at Spoon River College.

Spoon River College participates in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a statewide agreement that allows transfer of the completed Illinois General Education Core Curriculum between participating institutions. Completion of that curriculum at any participating college or university in Illinois assures transferring students that lower-division general education requirements for an associate or bachelor’s degree have been satisfied.

Spoon River College also partners with Southern Illinois University Carbondale to offer the Saluki Step Ahead program, which enables SRC students with an associate degree to continue at SIU and earn their bachelor’s degrees completely online in a number of programs, including business administration, RN to BSN, and accounting.

In addition, SRC and Western Illinois University are partners in the Aspen-AASCU Transfer Student Success Intensive, a year-long study to analyze the transfer process and identify the successes and barriers of transferring.

According to the Illinois Board of Education, Illinois not only leads the nation in bachelor degree completion rates (53.8%) among community college students who transfer to four-year colleges, it has also exceeded the national average of 42.2%.

Fellheimer Scholarship Application Deadline October 25

The Spoon River College Foundation is now accepting applications for the Fall 2024 Fellheimer Trust scholarship. This scholarship is for students who are full-time residents of McDonough County. Students must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and preference will be given to non-traditional students who are 25 years of age or older with a dependent child.

Awards are made for fall, spring, and summer semesters, and a new application is required for each semester. A student may receive a maximum of four awards while enrolled at Spoon River College. An application specific to this award must be filled out rather than the general SRC scholarship application.

The deadline to apply is October 25. Applications can be picked up in the Student Services office or downloaded at https://www.src.edu/foundation/foundation-scholarships-grants. Completed applications can be returned to the Student Services office.

For more details about this scholarship, contact Foundation Director Dusty Berg at 309-649-6395 or visit www.src.edu and click on the Foundation/Alumni tab and go to Foundation Scholarships.

SRC Financial Aid Office Schedules FAFSA Information Meeting at Cuba High School

Employees in the financial aid office at Spoon River College will present an informational meeting at Cuba High School on November 13, from 6 – 7:30 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 November 13 meeting, please call 309-649-7030.