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 Construction Begins at Spoon River College: Funding supports renovations for new CTE facility
Macomb, IL – Today, the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) announced construction has begun on the $17.8 million investment for a Career and Technical Education (CTE) facility at Spoon River College in Macomb. The funding was made possible through the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois Capital program, in conjunction with $11.7 million in institutional and local contributions.
“When I signed Rebuild Illinois into law, my administration set out to turn infrastructure neglect into opportunity for Illinoisans,” said Governor JB Pritzker.“Today’s announcement extends that promise to the very infrastructure that houses our community college students. Spoon River College’s new, state-of-the-art center will foster a stronger, more dynamic regional workforce for students in west central Illinois by equipping them with the skills they need for the future.”
The project includes a complete renovation of the Macomb East Building, the former site of Hellig-Meyers Furniture. The new CTE facility will provide more than 66,000 square feet of administrative and faculty offices, student support services, classrooms, and lab space, including simulation suites for applied learning. The building will also accommodate a bookstore and student center. Exterior walls, interior insulation, and electrical systems will be upgraded or replaced. Additionally, geothermal heating and cooling systems will be considered.
The CDB will oversee the project in accordance with the protocol for state-appropriated construction projects. Architecture firm Hastings & Chivetta are leading the design, and Hein Construction Company, Inc. will serve as the General Contractor.
“The new CTE facility will provide the infrastructure required to support interdisciplinary education, research, and career training to west-central Illinois students,” said the Capital Development Board Executive Director, TJ Edwards.
The new campus will allow for the expansion of Spoon River College’s existing programs, including the Nursing program, and for the creation of new programs such as HVAC, robotics, and industrial maintenance. Current and future students not only gain more career choices, but they also gain the ability to receive the education and skills training needed close to where they live, something especially important for adult students who may be juggling family responsibilities while attending classes.
“The new Spoon River College Macomb Campus will create a profound and lasting impact on our region’s workforce development, along with providing support to our local economic development strategies,” said Macomb Mayor Michael Inman. “In particular, the build out of the SRC Macomb Campus’ Health Career Labs will provide a variety of health career development opportunities to meet current and future health care needs for the citizens of west central Illinois.”
President of Spoon River College, Dr. Curt Oldfield, said that the new space will be a game changer in terms of meeting the workforce demands of the Macomb and western Illinois region. “Spoon River College plays an important role in educating students for employment in the Macomb area, particularly in health care, and the new building will give us the space to substantially increase the number of students in career program courses. This has been a long time coming and we are excited for construction to start.”
Governor Pritzker’s bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan provides essential funding to support the revitalization and improvement of Illinois roadways, state facilities, universities, bridges, and railways over a six-year period. The plan addresses critical infrastructure and economic opportunities.
About the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB)
The Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) oversees the construction of new state facilities, such as prisons, state parks, mental health institutions, and college and university projects. In addition, CDB is responsible for renovation and rehabilitation projects at over 8,770 state-owned buildings spread over more than 100 million square feet of floor space.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on New Student Orientations Scheduled at Spoon River College
In preparation for fall classes that start August 19, Spoon River College will hold orientations for new students at both the Canton and Macomb campuses.
Orientation at the Macomb Campus will be held Tuesday, August 13, in the Learning Resource Center (2nd floor), and the Canton orientation will be held on Wednesday, August 14, in the Multi-Purpose Building. Both will begin at 9 a.m. with a welcome from President Oldfield, followed by break-out sessions, a tour of the facilities, and a free pizza lunch at 12:30.
“This is an excellent way for new students to learn the lay-out of the college, where classrooms and faculty offices are located, and to receive overviews of financial aid options, student clubs, the support services available to them, and more,” said Jo Branson, assistant dean of student services.
All students will receive a free t-shirt, and a variety of door prizes will be available to win. All students will also be entered into a drawing for the chance to win a $100 Visa gift card.
“We encourage students to attend. It’s a fun way to meet other students while also getting important information, and can help alleviate any nervousness before the first day of classes,” Branson said.
Students may attend orientations at either campus, regardless of where they are enrolled. RSVPs can be made online under the Admissions tab on the college’s website (https://www.src.edu/admissions/rsvp) or by calling 309-649-6400 for Canton or 309-833-6069 for Macomb.
The Canton Campus is located at 23235 N County 22, and the Macomb Campus is located at 2085 S Johnson Street.
The fall session begins Monday, August 19, and there is still time to register for classes. For more information about the classes at Spoon River College and registration, visit www.src.edu or call (309)649-6400 in Canton, (309)543-4413 in Havana, (309)833-6069 in Macomb, and (217)322-6060 in Rushville.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Selected to Join 2024-2025 Aspen-AASCU Transfer Student Success Intensive Cohort
Spoon River College was selected by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program (Aspen) and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) to join the 2024-2025 cohort of the Aspen-AASCU Transfer Student Success Intensive.
Spoon River College joins its partner Western Illinois University and 18 other two- and four-year colleges engaged in the third Intensive cohort. Selected from an applicant pool of 97 institutions and three systems from 24 states, the three cohorts collectively represent a total enrollment of over 1.3 million undergraduate students from across the U.S.
The Intensive, funded by Ascendium Education Philanthropy, is a one-year initiative of monthly sessions designed to support partnerships between community colleges and AASCU members in advancing the practices and policies associated with improved, more equitable transfer student success. Spoon River College will join a community of practice focused on transfer and equity, receive one-on-one consulting with experts, and work to identify, collect, understand, and utilize critical transfer outcomes and equity data to develop a forward-looking strategic transfer plan.
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 the Spoon River College website.
The Aspen-AASCU Transfer Student Success Initiative is presented by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and generously funded by Ascendium. Learn more at the Aspen Institute Transfer Intensive page.
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program supports colleges and universities in their quest to achieve a higher standard of excellence, delivering credentials that unlock life-changing careers and strengthen our economy, society, and democracy. We know it takes visionary college leaders to lead scaled, sustainable reforms, and we make it our mission to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and research-backed tools to inspire change, shift practice, and advance the capacity of colleges to deliver excellent and equitable student outcomes.
The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association of 350 public colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning- and teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to underserved student populations, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions’ economic progress and cultural development. These are institutions Delivering America’s Promise. Visit us at www.aascu.org.
Dr. Curt Oldfield (Spoon River College president) and Dr. Kristi Mindrup (WIU president)
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Fast Track Registration with Extended Hours Starts August 5
Fast Track Registration for the Fall 2024 semester at Spoon River College will begin the week of August 5 and run through the week of August 21. During that time, the college will offer extended hours of operation from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Mondays thru Wednesdays at both the Canton and Macomb campuses. On Thursday and Fridays, the college will be open regular hours of 8 a.m. 3:30 p.m.
Regular 16-week classes and the first session of 8-week classes start August 19, and a 12-week session of classes starts September 1
Prospective students will be able to apply, test, and register in one day. It is not necessary to make an appointment, but a valid picture ID is required. Financial Aid staff will be available during the extended hours to answer questions and assist in the aid process.
Tuition is due August 1, so those registering after that date must pay their tuition in full or be enrolled in the automatic payment plan. For more information about financial aid options and deadlines, call 309-649-7030 or visit www.src.edu.
The Canton Campus is located at 23235 North County 22 and the Macomb Campus is located at 208 South Johnson. Current and prospective students may also register at the Havana Center located at 324 E Randolph and the Rushville Center located at 706 Maple Avenue.
A course schedule can be viewed on the College’s website at www.src.edu. For more information about the registration process or to make an appointment with an advisor, call (309) 647-6400 in Canton, (309) 543-4413 in Havana, (309) 837-6069 in Macomb, and (217) 322-6060 in Rushville.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Still Time to Register for Fall Classes at Spoon River College
Registration is open for fall classes at Spoon River College that begin August 19, and there are four main steps prospective students should complete.
The first steps are completing an admission form, which can be completed online, and taking an assessment test. For placement, SRC accepts ACT, SAT, ACCUPLACER, and previous college credit. The ACCUPLACER testing is offered at all four SRC locations, and there are no fees for the application or the testing.
Prospective students should also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal financial aid, and the school’s code is 00164300. Throughout the month of July, financial aid staff at Spoon River College are offering walk-in assistance in filing the FAFSA on Tuesday mornings from 9-noon at their Canton and Macomb campuses.
The final step in registering is to make an appointment with an advisor. Academic advisors are currently available for advising and registration appointments during July in-person and by phone Monday – Thursday from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm. The college is currently observing summer hours, and will return to being open on Fridays in August.
An appointment with an advisor can be scheduled online by filling out the Advisor Meeting form on the website under the Admissions tab, and should include the date and time that is being requested, along with the program of interest. Please allow 1-2 business days for confirmation as date and time is not guaranteed until it has been confirmed by the Student Services Office. Advisors can also be reached by emailing advisor@src.edu or by calling call (309)647-6400 in Canton, (309)543-4413 in Havana, (309)837-6069 in Macomb, and (217)322-6060 in Rushville.
The payment deadline for the fall semester is August 1. Students must have their tuition paid in full by that date or be enrolled in the automatic installment payment plan. For more information about financial aid, call (309) 649-7030 or (309) 833-6073. More financial aid information is also available on the college’s website under the Student Services tab.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on “Take Care of It Tuesdays” in July for FAFSA Application Assistance
The financial aid staff at Spoon River College will be offering a “Take Care of It Tuesdays” initiative during the month of July to promote FAFSA completion, and will also be available to help students with filling out the application.
“Given the difficulties that students and parents encountered with the new 24-25 FAFSA, we wanted to reach out and offer assistance and help increase the completion numbers,” said Nikki Rittenhouse, assistant director of financial aid.
Starting on July 9, and continuing for each Tuesday in July (16, 23, and 30), financial aid staff will be available for walk-in visits from 9 a.m. until noon at both their Canton and Macomb campuses.
More information about the FAFSA application and financial aid can be viewed on the college’s website or by calling 309-649-7030.
Posted by Mitch Williams on | Comments Off on SRC Receives NJCAA Sport Opportunity Grant
Spoon River College has been selected to receive a $1,000 Sport Opportunity Grant from the NJCAA Foundation. The grant will assist in sustaining the bowling program, which will begin this fall.
“We’re excited to announce and honored to receive a grant from the NJCAA Foundation that will help us kick-start our new bowling program,” said John Bassett, athletic director and head softball coach at Spoon River College. “The NJCAA continues to invest resources into schools to help with continued growth and expanded opportunities for student-athletes.”
“Through the NJCAA Sport Opportunity Grant, the NJCAA Foundation is creating opportunities for member colleges to expand and develop sports offerings,” stated Brian Luckett, NJCAA Foundation Executive Director. “Athletics at the two-year level continue to grow and progress, resulting in student-athletes being afforded more significant development opportunities athletically and academically.”
In addition to the new bowling program, Spoon River College offers baseball, softball, both men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, and E-sports, and is a member of the NJCAA. Not only do sports provide a fun activity for students, studies have shown that student-athletes tend to perform better academically than their non-athlete peers due to the increased motivation and discipline they gain from participating in sports. Student-athletes are more likely to stay in school and graduate than those not participating in athletics. “This year at SRC, our student-athletes had a cumulative 3.26 GPA, the highest ever on record,” Bassett said.
The addition of a bowling program was announced in the late fall of 2023, and Kenny Shockency of Canton was hired as the head coach. There will be both men’s and women’s teams, and he is looking for experienced bowlers. “We’re hoping to recruit six men and six women,” Shockency said, noting that the team will be playing other junior colleges in Illinois as well as traveling to other states to compete as part of the NJCAA. Practices will be held at Linn Lanes in Canton.
Shockency attended Spoon River College before transferring to Western Illinois University where he bowled at the collegiate level for two years. He has been coaching for the past 20 years, and has bowled 85/300 games and 40+/800 series.
“We are excited to add competitive bowling, and even more excited that Coach Shockency will be leading it,” Bassett said. “His experience with competitive youth bowling in the area will be an invaluable resource, and we look forward to a fun and competitive first season.”
Current and prospective students who are interested in the being part of the bowling team can call 309-649-6303, or email John Bassettemail Coach Shockency.
Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in West Central Illinois offering both transfer and career and technical programs. With campuses and Community Outreach Offices in Canton and Macomb and Learning Centers in Havana and Rushville, Spoon River College serves students in a 1,566 square mile area including portions of Fulton, McDonough, Mason, Schuyler and Knox counties. Visit the Spoon River College website for more information.
The mission of the NJCAA Foundation is to enhance the NJCAA national organization, student-athletes, member colleges and local communities through financial support, scholarships, program initiatives and community service.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Nursing Students Receive Florence Nightingale Award
Spoon River College nursing graduates Taylor Dimmitt of Colchester and Lindsey Harrison- McDowell of Canton were chosen by their peers during the spring semester as the recipients of the Florence Nightingale award for the 2023—2024 academic year.
Recipients who are chosen exemplify the traits of Florence Nightingale, who was described as being tough, a brilliant administrator, a loyal and emotional friend, a compassionate nurse, and a witty companion. She instituted formal nursing education in 1860 with the founding of the Nightingale Training School for Nurses.
Both Dimmitt and Harrison-McDowell graduated in May with their Associate Degree in Nursing, and are now eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
Dimmitt, who will be working in the neonatal intermediate care unit at OSF, plans to eventually pursue a BSN and a MSN, and has some advice for current and future students. “Prioritize your schoolwork, find a good study routine and stick with it, and jump on any learning/skill opportunities that are available. Also, enjoy your time in the program, because it goes fast and believe it or not, you will miss it!”
The Spoon River College Nursing program offers an Associate Degree in Nursing, a Practical Nurse Certificate, and a Nurse Assistant Certificate. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and is fully approved by Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. For more information about the program, visit www.src.edu or call 309-647-4645.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on 31st Annual SRC Foundation Golf Outing Set for August 9
The 31st annual golf outing to benefit the Spoon River Collee Foundation will be held on Friday, August 9, at Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills Country Club in rural Cuba. Lunch will be at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start set for noon.
“I am honored to be trusted with this event and beyond impressed with the enthusiasm the community has for our golf outing,” said Dusty Berg, director of the SRC Foundation. “It’s wonderful to have an event that is not only a lot of fun but at the same time also raises funds to help students succeed in bettering their lives.”
The golf outing committee is currently seeking individual and business sponsors, as well as golf teams to join in the outing. Sponsorship levels start at $100 and go up to $1,000. Depending on the level, sponsors may receive free entry for one or more golfers, publicity for their business in event materials, onsite promotion of their business or organization at the event, and mention in local media.
The cost is $75 per golfer or $300 for a team of four, and best-ball/scramble format will be followed. The fee includes lunch, golf, cart, an SRC-themed gift, and the chance to compete to be the outing’s top team, as well as the opportunity to win prizes throughout the day on every hole.
Over the years, the SRC Foundation Golf Outing has helped to provide hardship grants, scholarships, facilities upgrades, support to extracurricular programs, and much more.
“When someone comes to Spoon River College, they are trying to build a better future for themselves and their families. When someone chooses to put forth that effort to better their lives, we want to do what we can to remove barriers between the student and success. That’s what the SRC Foundation is all about. That’s what the golf outing is all about.”
The mission of the SRC Foundation is to provide excellent educational opportunities at Spoon River College. The Foundation golf outing is the largest annual fundraising event for the SRC Foundation and is typically one of the best-attended outings of the summer.
“Every dollar raised by the golf outing is a net gain for all parties involved,” Berg said. “SRC is better able to serve students and the community. The students are better able to meet their education goals and improve their quality of life, and the donors get an opportunity to network and help build a skilled workforce for the communities we all love.”
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Work on the New SRC Macomb Campus Slated to Begin in July
In 1983, Spoon River College purchased the former Macomb high school building on South Johnson street and began college operations. In 2006, board trustees approved the purchase of the former Heilig-Meyers building at 2500 E. Jackson Street with the goal of expanding the college’s offerings in McDonough County.
Phase I of that expansion was completed in 2009 with the construction of approximately one-third of the space that houses the Community Outreach Center. While the Outreach Center became a vital part of the Macomb community as a place for college events and Outreach classes, as well as a rental facility for many community and business events, completion of the remaining build-out and expansion stalled. Until now.
On April 2 of this year, the Illinois Capital Development Board opened bids for this project followed by funding awards and notice to proceed approvals. A preconstruction meeting was held June 4 at the Macomb site with lead contractor Hein Construction and their subcontractors, as well as officials from the Capital Development Board and Spoon River College. Funding for the project comes from the state’s Rebuild Illinois capital plan and SRC bonding for the required match.
Construction is scheduled to begin July 8 of this year, with substantial completion scheduled for May 23, 2025, and final completion scheduled for June 20, 2025.
“This is our most current time line, but as with any project it is subject to change. Because the construction will be taking place inside, there should not be any weather-related delays,” said Dr. Curt Oldfield, president of Spoon River College. “We are hoping to start offering classes in there in the fall of 2025.” All operations at the current campus located on South Johnson Street will move to the East Jackson location.
Oldfield also said the college has talked with the governor’s office about doing a wall breaking rather than a groundbreaking. “That event would most likely be held in July or August, and attendees could symbolically break pieces of dry wall.”
“The new building will allow us to substantially increase the learning spaces for nursing and career programs, while providing new classrooms and laboratories for our transfer and adult education programs. This project will be a game changer local workforce preparation, and has been a long time coming, and we will be even more excited when construction begins.”
