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 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.
Posted by Mitch Williams on | Comments Off on Wall Breaking Ceremony Kicks Off Renovation of Spoon River College Macomb East Campus
Spoon River College held a Wall Breaking Ceremony at their Macomb East building located at 2500 E. Jackson Street on August 29. The event celebrated the start of renovations of the facility, which the college purchased in 2006 and currently houses the SRC Office of Community Outreach.
The event included comments from Dr. Curt Oldfield, President, Spoon River College; Nicholas Klein, Assistant Deputy Director of Operations, Capital Development Board; Chris Chivetta, President, Hastings+Chivetta; Norine Hammond, State Representative; and Mike Inman, Mayor, City of Macomb.
“It is with immense pride and joy that I welcome you all to this wall breaking ceremony—a milestone event that marks the beginning of a new chapter for our community and region,” said Dr. Oldfield. “Today, we stand on the threshold of progress, ready to embark on a journey that will shape the future for generations to come.”
Representative Hammond gave kudos to community colleges for continuing to adapt to serve their communities and students, saying, “Dr. Oldfield and I talked about this vision and this transformation for a number of years, and to be here today and know that it is truly happening is just incredible.”
Mayor Inman joked with the crowd, “How many remember when this was Value Village? Good, I know how old you are now!” He expressed his excitement about the building’s soon-to-be new life. “We have long anticipated the façade of this building being opened up and new classrooms being here for these students. This fit entirely in sync with our plan to develop this part of East Jackson into an economic and retail commercial corridor.”
The college’s mascot, Sheldon the Snapper, made an appearance after comments concluded, posing near the drywall that was set up to be broken by dignitaries using commemorative Vaughn & Bushnell hammers. After the official wall breaking, visitors were welcomed inside the building for a tour and refreshments.
Besides classrooms, labs, and simulation suites for career programs, the 66,000-square-foot space will include administrative and faculty offices, and student support services. Spoon River College expects to start holding classes there in the fall of 2025.
Funding for the project includes a Rebuild Illinois grant for $6.2 million, approximately $1 million from congressionally appropriated funds to support the expansion of rural health care, and $10 million in local funds.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Theatre Student Earns Stage Combat Certification
Xander George Fields of Canton recently earned “Level 1” certification in stage combat.
Fields, a second-year student in the theatre program at Spoon River College, participated in a two-week stage combat workshop July 7-21 at Southeastern Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. The workshop was conducted by the independent organization Dueling Arts International, which has been offering instruction and certification in stage fighting since 1995.
The program Fields participated in included instruction in the disciplines of Unarmed Theatrical Combat, Medieval Broadsword, Rapier and Dagger of the Renaissance, Transitional Single Rapier, Smallsword of the Restoration, and Quarterstaff. The Level 1 certification requires a minimum of 12 hours of instruction in each skill.
Fields, who anticipates further collegiate study in Theatre beyond SRC, followed by a career in performance, intends to do more advanced work in stage combat as part of that training. Dueling Arts International offers both Level 2 and Level 3 instruction for more advanced learners, including the opportunity to become a trainer of combat students or a fight choreographer.
“When I was in high school and just getting started in theatre, I wanted more opportunities, not just acting or music or tech,” said Fields. “I wanted to learn more about every avenue of theatre. I wished I had more opportunities. So being able to do this workshop was really cool.”
The SRC Drama Program has an academic curriculum that includes acting courses as well as drama-oriented classes for humanities and fine-arts credit, and also offers performing grants. The Theatre program offers two productions yearly. This year’s fall production is The Book of Will by Lauren Gunderson, with open auditions taking place September 3 and 4 in the Taylor Hall Theater on the Canton Campus.
Douglas Okey, English and Drama instructor, serves as the advisor for the SRC Theatre program.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Election Pre-Filing Notice for Two Positions on SRC Board of Trustees
Two positions on the Spoon River College Board of Trustees will be filled in the consolidated election scheduled for Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The positions are for six-year terms on the College Board commencing April, 2025 through April, 2031. Currently, these positions are held by Mr. John Biernbaum of Macomb and Mr. Kent Schleich of London Mills.
Filing dates for candidacy will be Tuesday, November 12th, 2024 through Monday, November 18th, 2024. All candidates wishing to file petitions MUST either mail or submit in person to the Canton campus. Hours for filing will be 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, November 12th to November 15th, and Monday, November 18th, from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Petitions WILL NOT be accepted for filing at the Macomb Campus or the Havana and Rushville Centers.
On the first day of filing at Spoon River College, Tuesday, November 12th, petitions will be received in the Cabinet Room, Administrative Foyer, Centers Building at the Canton Campus. On the other days of filing, petitions may be filed at the reception desk, Centers Building, at the Canton campus.
According to the Consolidated Election Laws, all individuals present at the opening of the election office doors on the first day of filing Tuesday, November 12th, will be considered as having filed simultaneously. In addition, any petitions received during the first mail delivery of that day will be included in this simultaneous filing group. For all individuals in this “simultaneous group,” a lottery will be held on Thursday, November 14th at 1:00 p.m. to determine the ballot positions of all in the simultaneous group. Others who file later will be listed on the ballot after the simultaneous group in the order the other’s petitions are received.
To become a candidate for one of the positions on the College Board, the following documents are required for filing:
a Statement of Candidacy form,
at least 50 valid signatures on petition forms, which must be consecutively numbered, and each form notarized,
a receipt for filing a Statement of Economic Interest with the County Clerk of the county in which the principal office of the unit of local government with which the person is associated is located (Fulton County). To qualify as a candidate for trustee, an individual must be on the date of the election, a U.S. citizen, 18 years of age or older, a registered voter, and have resided for one year in the college district.
Petitions and other materials required for filing will be available August 20, 2024 at the Canton Campus, Reception Desk, Centers Building as well as from each of the three SRC off-campus locations (Macomb, Rushville, and Havana). Petitions and other filing materials may be obtained from each location during normal office hours. At the Canton campus, these are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Office hours at the off-campus locations may differ from those at the Canton campus. Contact the off-campus locations for hours when petitions and other candidate materials may be obtained from them.
Information is available by calling (309) 649-6232 at the Spoon River College Canton campus.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Hosting FAFSA Completion Events at All Locations
Spoon River College is partnering with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and the Illinois Community College Board to provide aid to students, including 2024 high school graduates, and their parents in completing the 2024-2025 FAFSA application.
All Spoon River College locations—Canton, Havana, Macomb and Rushville—will be hosting FAFSA Completion Events with food, drinks, gift cards and help in supporting and assisting students complete the application. Those who are 2024 high school graduates in the Spoon River College District will also be able to receive monetary assistance to offset the travel expenses of attending the event.
The dates are as follows: Canton Outreach Center, August 14, 3:30-5:30; Macomb Campus, August 13, 3:30-5:30 p.m.; Macomb Outreach Center, August 16, 4-6 p.m.; Rushville Center, August 20, 4-6 p.m.; and the Havana Center, August 21, 4-6 p.m.
Attendees should bring their 2022 income tax information including W-2’s and all other income, Social Security numbers, FSA ID’s and passwords, and email addresses for ALL contributors to the FAFSA. This includes the student, parent and/or parent’s spouse. Attendees may also bring their personal device to use if they choose.
Assistance will also be provided for those wanting help in creating the FSA ID, although it can take 3-5 days to verify the information and it must be verified before completing the FAFSA application itself. In that case, a one-on-one appointment can be scheduled with the college Financial Aid staff to assist in the completion by calling 309-649-7030.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Wall Breaking Ceremony to Kick off Renovation of Spoon River College Macomb East Campus
Spoon River College will hold a Wall Breaking Ceremony at their Macomb East building located at 2500 E. Jackson Street on August 29, starting at 1:00 p.m. The event will celebrate the renovation of that facility, which the college purchased in 2006 and that currently houses the SRC Office of Community Outreach.
The event will start with a welcome and comments from Spoon River College president Dr. Curt Oldfield, Sen. Dick Durbin, Capital Development Board officials, and Macomb mayor Mike Inman, followed by a tour of the building and refreshments.
“The completion of the building will allow us to finally have all of our operations in Macomb at one location,” said Oldfield. “More importantly, it will allow us to expand our current career programs, including Nursing, and also add new ones, such as HVAC and industrial maintenance. We were out of room at the Johnson Street building, and are excited to see this happen.”
Besides classrooms, labs, and simulation suites for career programs, the 66,000 square foot space will include administrative and faculty offices, and student support services. The college expects to start holding classes there in the fall of 2025.
Funding for the project includes a Rebuild Illinois grant for $6.2 million, approximately $1 million from congressionally appropriated funds to support the expansion of rural health care, and $10 million in local funds.
The public is invited to this event, and RSVPs can be made by calling 309-833-6031, or emailing email Velvet Powell.
