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 Financial Aid Staff Schedules FAFSA Meetings and Completion Workshops at Macomb High School
Employees in the financial aid office at Spoon River College will present two meetings at Macomb High School regarding the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The first meeting will be an informational only event on Wednesday, October 30 at 5:30 p.m. The second meeting will be a FAFSA completion workshop on Wednesday, December 11, at 5:00 p.m. During this meeting, SRC staff will help attendees to complete the FAFSA application. Attendees may bring their own personal devices if they wish.
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 many 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.”
At the December FAFSA completion workshop, attendees should bring their 2023 income information (W-2’s or tax returns), as well as any additional untaxed income such as veteran’s benefits, child support (paid or received) and worker’s compensation. They should also bring the names, birth dates, social security numbers, and email address of any contributors. The school code for all locations of Spoon River College is 001643, and is needed to complete the FAFSA application.
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.
For more information about FAFSA or either of these meetings, please call 309-649-7030.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Financial Aid Staff Schedules FAFSA Meetings at Astoria High School October 22 and December 2
Employees in the financial aid office at Spoon River College will present two meetings at Astoria High School regarding the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The first meeting will be an informational only event on Tuesday, October 22 at 5 p.m. The second meeting will be a FAFSA completion workshop on Monday, December 2, at 5 p.m. During this meeting, SRC staff will help attendees complete the FAFSA application. Attendees may bring their own personal devices if they wish.
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.
“There have been many updates to the FAFSA application this past year, resulting in more than the usual amount of questions about the process,” said Nikki Rittenhouse, director of Financial Aid at Spoon River College. “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.”
At the December FAFSA completion workshop, attendees should bring their 2023 income information (W-2’s or tax returns), as well as any additional untaxed income such as veteran’s benefits, child support (paid or received) and worker’s compensation. They should also bring the names, birth dates, social security numbers, and email address of any contributors. The school code for all locations of Spoon River College is 001643, and this code is needed to complete the FAFSA application.
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.
For more information about FAFSA or either of these meetings, please call 309-649-7030.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Financial Aid Office Schedules FAFSA Information Meeting at Canton High School
Employees in the financial aid office at Spoon River College will present an informational meeting at Canton High School on October 7, at 6 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.
“There have been many updates to the FAFSA application in the past year, resulting in more than the usual amount of questions about the process,” said Nikki Rittenhouse, director of Financial Aid at Spoon River College. “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 7 meeting, please call 309-649-7030.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Student Conner Smith Awarded the Bonnie Stine Scholarship
Spoon River College student Conner Smith has been awarded the Bonnie Stine SRCFA Scholarship for $500 for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Originally from Bushnell, Smith is a 2024 graduate of Lewistown High School where he was a FFA member for three years, played baseball for four years, basketball for three years, served one year as a Student Mentor, was part of the Student Senate for two years, and completed a one-year work study program.
While in high school Smith also received a Heisman Scholarship and conference awards for baseball, was named the February Senior of the Month, and played in the McDonald’s All-Star game. He was employed at the Dairy Queens in Bushnell and Lewistown, and at Bass Equipment in Cuba.
Smith is a member of the Spoon River College baseball team, and is a recipient of an athletic performing grant.
When it came time to choose a college, Smith said he knew he wanted a community college. “I was looking for a smooth transition from high school to college,” Smith said. “I’ve always lived in small communities and attended small schools, and wanted to stay with a smaller college. One that was financially friendly was also important, and I wanted to continue to play baseball.”
Smith plans to earn an associate degree and then transfer to a four-year university. While still undecided about his major, he is interested in mechanics, nursing, business and marketing. “I feel that my time here will help me decide the career I want to pursue.”
The Bonnie Stine SRCFA Scholarship was previously known as the Spoon River College Faculty Association Scholarship. In 2013, faculty voted to rename it to recognize Stine’s role in establishing the original SRCFA Scholarship. Stine taught at the College for 31 years before retiring in 2008.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Announces Enrollment Increase for Fall 2024 Semester
Spoon River College officials announced a growth in student enrollment for the fall 2024 semester. Student headcount is up over 3% in 2024 compared to 2023, and nearly 5% increase compared to 2022 (as of census date). SRC has also seen an increase in fall 2024 credit hours from 2023 and 2022.
The increase includes a significant surge in first-time freshmen, up 23% in student headcount and 30% in credit hours.
“We are thrilled to welcome so many new students to Spoon River College, and we’re committed to providing them with the support they need to succeed on their educational paths,” said Missy Wilkinson, Dean of Student Services.
The college also saw an increase in retention rates for high school dual credit students, with nearly 50% of those students enrolling and continuing their college coursework at Spoon River College after they graduate from high school. “This growth highlights the value students see in continuing their education with us,” Wilkinson said.
In addition, enrollment in the college’s Illinois High School Diploma/GED classes saw an 11% increase, up from 137 students last year to 152 this year. Although fewer of this year’s completers continued on with college coursework, those that did took more classes. “While we won’t know for sure until we gather and analyze the data, we believe that decline is because more of the students are going directly into the workforce,” said Chad Murphy, Director of the Adult Education programs at SRC.
“We are pleased that more students are making Spoon River College their choice for higher education in West Central Illinois,” said Dr. Curt Oldfield, president of Spoon River College. “Community college education provides students with a high quality and affordable option to help them achieve their goals, and our goal is to do whatever we can to help increase student success.”
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 offers the first two years of college pre-professional courses as well as career and technical education programs. 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.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on College and Transfer Fair 2024 Scheduled for October 22 at SRC Canton Campus
Spoon River College will host College and Transfer Fair 2024 on Tuesday, October 22, from 9:30 – 11 a.m. at the Multi-Purpose Building on the Canton Campus. Representatives from multiple colleges, universities, trade schools, and military will be in attendance. This event is free, open to the public, and RSVPs are not required. Attendees may come and go at any time during the event.
“This is an excellent opportunity for parents, students, and adult learners to explore a variety of colleges and trade schools in one convenient location at one time,” said Jo Branson, assistant dean of student services. “Representatives will be able to answer questions regarding admission requirements, the registration process, tuition and board, athletics, student activities, and more.”
This event is also for current college students who are interested in learning more about the transfer process.
Spoon River College utilizes StriveScan, which allows attendees to sign up for a bar code in advance of the event. As they visit the various tables, the representatives who are also using StriveScan will be able to scan the barcode, making it possible for them to send additional information based on the specific information attendees are interested in receiving.
As of press time, the following colleges were scheduled to participate:
Missouri University of Science and Technology, Blackburn College, Carl Sandburg College, Bradley University, Western Illinois University, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing, National Louis University, Quincy University, Culver-Stockton College, Methodist College/Carle Health, St. Ambrose University, Illinois College, Illinois Wesleyan University, Midwest Technical Institute, U.S. Army, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, WIU Army ROTC, Eastern Illinois University, University of Illinois Springfield, Graham College of Nursing, Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Science, Truman State University, Eureka College, Grand Canyon University, Illinois State University, University of Northern Iowa, Tricoci University, 182 Airlift Wing, and St. Ambrose University.
Spoon River College programs and clubs that will be in attendance include Spoon River College STAGE/Theatre Program, Spoon River College Foundation, Spoon River College Allied Health Programs, Spoon River College Early Childhood Education Program, Spoon River College Computer Information Systems Program, Spoon River College Financial Aid Office, and Spoon River College Medical Laboratory Technician Program.
Spoon River College’s Multi-Purpose Building is located at 23235 N County 22 in Canton, IL. For more information about Spoon River College or College and Transfer Fair 2024, visit the Spoon River College Facebook event page or call 309-647-4645.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Announces Summer 2024 Graduates
Spoon River College congratulates the following individuals who have completed graduation requirements and received degrees and/or certificates during the 2024 summer semester.
Astoria: Jarret Bollinger, Commercial Driver Training certificate; Audrey Briggs, Associate in Science degree; Kloey Tanner, Practical Nurse certificate;
Bloomington: Joseph Jefferson, Associate in Arts degree;
Bushnell: Patricia Chambers, Associate in Arts degree; Dalton Horwedel, Associate in Arts degree; Mahkalay McCleery, Medical Coding certificate, Medical Insurance/Billing certificate; Dylan Silchack, Practical Nurse certificate; Madison Taflinger, Practical Nurse certificate;
Fairview: Mason Tessier, Associate in Science degree;
Farmington: Kyle Wise, Associate in Applied Science degree/Diesel and Power Systems Technology;
Gilson: Matthew McDaneld, Associate in Applied Science degree/Diesel and Power Systems Technology;
Guthrie, OK: Connor McCabe, Associate in Applied Science degree/Diesel and Power Systems Technology, Locomotive Mechanical certificate;
Havana: Macie Froman, Associate in Arts degree; Catie Jordan, Nursing Assistant certificate; Halicyn Minor, Associate in Arts degree; Tiffiny Ranes, Practical Nurse certificate; Elizabeth Sears, Associate in Degree in Nursing;
Holly Hill, SC: Traveon Davis, Associate in Arts degree;
Industry: Ezra Reneau, Associate in Arts degree;
Ipava: Kaden Fogleson, Welding certificate;
Lewistown: Brooklyn Barclay, Practical Nurse certificate; Cole Beekman, Associate in Arts degree; Skyler Parker, Commercial Driver Training certificate; Lakyn Kerr, Associate in Arts degree;
Lowell, IN: Bryce Vorwald, Associate in Arts degree;
Macomb: Eric Adams, Advanced Welding certificate; Marissa Atteberry, Practical Nurse certificate; Triana Banks, Associate in Arts degree; Olubukola Dopamu, Practical Nurse certificate; Kristyn Ford, Associate in Arts degree; Zachary Hagmeier, Associate in Arts degree; Rodishah Johnson, Nursing Assistant certificate; Emily Jordan, Associate in Arts degree; Mercedes Reynolds, Nursing Assistant certificate; Michael Rusher, Jr., Associate in Science degree; Luke Simmons, Welding certificate; Jayden Squire, Practical Nurse certificate; Machai West, Associate in Arts degree;
Rushville: Haley Emmett, Associate in Science degree; Kaitlin Fredriksen, Associate in Applied Science degree/Health Information Management degree, certificates in Medical Assistant, Medical Coding, Medical Insurance/Billing, Medical Records; Emily Gossage, Associate in Arts degree; Joshua Koch, Nursing Assistant certificate; Madison Quinn, Practical Nurse certificate; Andreas Smith, Practical Nurse certificate;
St. Augustine: Gage Coursey, Commercial Driver Training certificate;
St. David: Chole Hickle, Associate in Arts degree;
Stronghurst: Jackson Timmerman, Commercial Driver Training;
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Graduate Carries on Grandfather’s Dream
Spoon River College graduates are everywhere, including at the local farmers market. Connor Taylor graduated this past spring with his Associate in Applied Science degree in Agricultural Business Management as well as certificates in Agricultural Production and Agricultural Precision Technology. He’s putting that knowledge to use as he continues a dream that was started almost 40 years ago.
In 1985, Connor’s grandparents Scott and Cheryl Webb established Greengold Acres, an organic farm outside of Hanna City. It was a dream they lived until 2006 when Scott passed away at the too young age of 50. Connor was only two years-old when his grandfather died, but his grandmother brought him to life for Connor through pictures in the family photo album and the stories she has shared. “Connor came across those pictures and was fascinated, always wanting to hear more about his grandfather, and about the farm,” Cheryl said. And so began Connor’s own love affair with Greengold Acres. In the spring of 2020 when he was 17, Connor began the work of reviving the farm to continue his grandfather’s mission of “an unconventional small, self-sustaining farm that has been feeding families and benefitting the environment since 1985.”
Throughout this summer, Connor, Cheryl, and Connor’s mother Becky have spent their Saturday mornings at the Canton Main Street Farmers Market in Jones Park, offering a variety of homegrown produce, baked goods, homemade jams and jellies, dried seasonings, honey, fresh eggs, pork, beef, and more, all produced on the land that his grandfather loved. The small farm also specializes in custom hay baling and has hay for sale year-round.
During the spring commencement ceremony, Connor was honored with a Student Achievement Award, which is given to a student who shows initiative, personal development, achievement of goals, as well as participation and success in extra-curricular college activities. His nominator noted Connor’s engagement in the classroom, his dedication to learning along with his enjoyment of educating others on the importance of small, local farms, and his endless energy as he balanced school work with the work on the farm.
Somewhere in a green pasture up above, a grandfather’s heart is filled with pride.
Support your local farmers market. Love is the first ingredient those producers add, and that makes everything taste better.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Foundation Raises Funds at Annual Golf Outing
The Spoon River College Foundation is excited to announce the success of its annual Golf Outing, held on August 9, 2024. Thanks to the incredible support from our community, the Foundation received $15,870 in contributions, which will significantly benefit the Foundation’s programs and initiatives.
The event brought together 23 enthusiastic teams for a day of friendly competition at Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills Country Club. The Foundation congratulates Scott King, David Bland, Gregg Norman, and Ron Buhrow for being the winning team of this year’s Golf Outing. “They certainly earned it!” said Dusty Berg, Director of the Spoon River College Foundation.
Additionally, the Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to generous sponsors whose contributions were vital to the event’s success.
ACE SPONSORS: Corporate Clean; The Odendahl Family; Randy & Susie McMillen RE/MAX; Unland Insurance & Benefits; Quick Electrical Contractors; and 94.1 WBYS/Q98.1
BIRDIE SPONSOR: Progressive Vision Center
TEE SPONSORS: MidAmerica National Bank; Barnhart, Tinsman, & Parrish; Lance Moring – Country Financial; Henrickson & Company; Monical’s Pizza of Canton; Froehling, Weber, & Schell, LLC; State Rep. Norine Hammond; The Georgieff Family; Havana National Bank; and Maurer-Stutz
GREEN SPONSORS: DJ4U; John & Kathy Marshall; Judge Bruce and Jenny Beal; McDonough District Hospital; Orwig Auto Body, Inc; and Gorsuch Realty & Auction
The Foundation also extends a special thank you to Mark Hemmer, the winner of the 50/50 drawing, who generously donated winnings back to the Foundation. “This act of kindness truly exemplifies the spirit of community that defines our mission and ensures that the funds raised will make a lasting impact,” said Berg.
Berg went on to say, “The support we received from our sponsors, participants, and the community was truly inspiring. We are incredibly grateful for everyone’s contributions, which will significantly enhance our programs and support our students in their educational journey. Thank you for helping make my first event as Director a success!”
The Spoon River College Foundation is dedicated to supporting the mission of Spoon River College by providing financial resources and fostering community partnerships. Through scholarships, program support, and community outreach, the Foundation plays a crucial role in enriching the educational experience and expanding opportunities for students.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Community Chorus Rehearsals to Begin for Winter Concert 2024
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. Rehearsals begin Thursday, September 19 at 6:30 p.m.
Participation is open to anyone who has a love of music performance and enjoys raising funds for Spoon River College student scholarships. No auditions required.
Winter Blues & All That Jazz, directed by John L. Davis, will feature a combined program of classical, traditional, and jazz songs accompanied by live musicians. A celebration of the 1965
animated tv special, A Charlie Brown Christmas, will be interwoven throughout the performance with chorus members playing The Peanut Gang roles.
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, our Named Endowed Scholarship program, and the last 19 years of musicals, revues, and concerts, visit www.src.edu/chorus.
Please email Carol Davis, Artistic Director of the SRC Community Chorus, at srccommunitychorus@gmail.com for detailed information about becoming a part of this dynamic and talented group.
