Posted by Mitch Williams on | Comments Off on Seeking Volunteer Tutors for SRC Adult Literacy Programs
Spoon River College’s Adult Education Office is seeking volunteer tutors for students in their GED®, ESL (English as a Second Language), and Adult Literacy classes.
There is a particular need for a math tutor in the Tuesday/Thursday morning GED® class that meets from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on the Canton Campus, and also for ESL tutors in the morning classes (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) at the Macomb Campus, according to Cyndi Johnston, adult education program coordinator and ESL teacher at Spoon River College.
In the ESL classes, tutors will help students improve their reading, writing, speaking, listening skills, and in learning about American culture. “I have several different levels from beginners to those preparing to take college level classes next fall,” Johnston said.
“English is taught in almost every country in the world and most of our students can read and write English at varying levels but have trouble actually speaking it, which impacts their ability to communicate in social and business situations.”
No special degree is required and training is provided. “Volunteers are a vital part of student success. The need for tutors is great, the time commitment is minimal, and both tutors and students benefit greatly from the interaction.”
For more information about being a volunteer tutor, contact Johnston at (309) 833-6038 or email Cyndi.
For more information about the Adult Education programs offered at Spoon River College, visit visit the SRC Website or call 309-647-4645.
Posted by Mitch Williams on | Comments Off on Michael Maher Receives Honor from Highland Community College
Sociology professor, Michael Maher
Spoon River College Sociology faculty member Michael Maher was recently honored as a Distinguished Alumnus from Highland Community College in Freeport, Il, where he began his higher education following his graduation from Lena-Winslow High School. He was nominated for the honor by Chris Kuberski, president of Highland Community College and Jim Phillips, interim vice president of academic services at Highland.
“Jim Phillips and I nominated Mr. Michael Maher for the Distinguished Alumni award based on his contribution and passion for education,” said Kuberski. “When Jim and I learned of his recognition as the ICCTA Outstanding Full-Time Faculty in 2021, and that he was a Highland Community College graduate, we invited him to serve as our commencement speaker for 2022.”
Kuberski added that Maher’s commencement speech was “one of the best, if not the best, that I have heard over the many years of attending community college graduations. It is evident that Michael has distinguished himself as an educator, so it is quite fitting that he be recognized by his alma mater as a Distinguished Alum.”
After graduating from Highland Community College in 1993, Maher attended Western Illinois University and earned his Bachelor’s in Sociology with a minor in Anthropology in 1995, followed by a Master’s degree in Sociology in 1997. He has taught at Spoon River College for the past 26 years.
Maher is a staunch supporter of community colleges and has been open about his lack of academic motivation during high school—other than staying eligible to play basketball. “I entered Highland an utterly unremarkable, below-average student. I was directionless, depressed, unhappy, and anxious about my future.”
That changed during his second semester at Highland, and when he graduated from there and transferred to Western Illinois University, he was ready to make up for lost time. “The fact that I’m standing here this evening accepting this award is a testament to the power of teachers and the community college system to change people’s lives, provide opportunities, and positively impact our communities.”
You can read both President Kuberski’s and Maher’s full speeches from the event, included below.
Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in West Central Illinois dedicated to providing students a quality education. Its district encompasses a 1,566 square mile area that includes portions of Fulton, McDonough, Mason, Schuyler and Knox counties.
Posted by Mitch Williams on | Comments Off on President’s List, Full-time Fall 2022
Spoon River College congratulates the following full-time students who were named to the President’s List in recognition of their academic achievement in completing 12 credit hours or more of college-level classes and earning a grade point average of 3.6–4.0 during the Fall 2022 semester. Students who have a privacy hold on their accounts will not be listed.
Astoria: Elena C. DeWees, Erin C. Elliott, Christina M. Kling, Dagain P. Reneau, Molly R. Westlake
Athens: McKayla A. Clark
Avon: Matthew R. Sinnett
Bath: Ella R. Kramer I
Blandinsville: Joshua L. Miller
Bourbonnais: Nicholas W. Rodriguez
Browning: Andru W. Vaughan,
Bushnell: Patricia K. Chambers, Alyssa J. Zarello
Canada: Emily K. Meloche, Raivyn J. Millions
Canton: Isabella J. Alig, Hannah E. Anderson, Hanna E. Anderson-Davis, Halle E. Bair, Melody R. Barnes, Ethan M. Bender I, Amber L. Burnett, Hailie Clark, Austin R. Corsaw, Shannon M. Coughlin, Jersey R. Dilts, Ella J. Dixon, Destiny S. Evans, Katelynn N. Ferguson, Trinity M. Friedrich, Sarah E. Goldring, Heuston A. Harkless, Gage W. Hasselbacher, Cristian I. Hernandez, Jennifer F. Hernandez, Paige N. Kruschinsky, Jakob R. Malin, Bella S. Markley, Lily L. Martin, Joseph S. Matthews, Alicia K. Maxson, Janelle M. McMahon, Jocee S. Miller, Rylee M. Murphy, Joshua L. O’Donnal, Nicholas T. Oldfield, Addison D. Palmer, Bethany M. Pankratz, Maya Phillips, Madison M. Reeder, Brenna N. Reid, Roxann R. Richardson, Allison P. Roos, Beau B. Slayton, Brenna N. Reid, Abigail M. Spencer, Anna G. Taylor, Gage J. Wallick, Heather E. Weaver, Chase M. Williamson, Lacey N. Yaeger
Colchester: Douglas R. Buford
Cuba: Ethan L. Patterson, Carley B. Seward
Easton: Dale E. DeVore
Elmwood: Casey J. Bednar
Fairview: Jenna M. Schleich
Farmington: Shaylee B. Kellerstrass, Austin M. Marinich, Brooklyn M. Murphy
Fiatt: Isabelle E. Bradley
Frederick: Austin J. Dosset
Galva: Tyvin D. Holdge
Geneseo: Jake R. Nelms
Glasford: Sydney E. Sager
Good Hope: Kyle A. Rhoads
Grant Park: Clayton J. McKinstry
Guthrie: Connor D. McCabe
Hanna City: Connor A. Taylor
Havana: Zoey R. Lane, Tara R. McCausland, Halicyn Minor, Lindsey M. Morgan, Gabriella F. Oxendine, Allison Tibbs, Elizabeth S. Towery
Hazlehurst: Morgan A. Yearty
Jasper: Kylie R. Morton
Kewanee: Mitch N. Lambert
Kilbourne: Addisyn R. Chapin, Chole S. Turner
Lewistown: Traci L. Brown, Elliot I. Dalpiaz, Brooke E. Hampton, Brady R. Hanes, Emma J. Henderson, John R. Hess, Chelsey M. Hopkins, Madalyn G. Jones, Robert W. Micklus, Kyle A. Smith, Esmeralda Uribe, Calvin D. Weaver, Ethan L. Yaste
Liverpool: Jacob E. Warren
London Mills: Deacon M. Clardy, Aidan M. Kenyon I
Mackinaw: Taylor M. Purdy
Macomb: Eric Y. Akto, Nathan C. Andrews, Joshua P. Bryan, Lollita Campbell, Alexander M. DeWeese, Alexis L. Ebey, Thomas Y. Engel, Mallory A. Hoyt, Jennie R. Ismail, Arberim Kadriu, Trustin L. Kimbrough, Lael J. McKee, Brady P. Sullivan, Bethany J. Swanson, Cydni J. Thrapp I, Jasmine N. Zachary
Maqon: Katie J. Baker, Lillian M. Mason
Marietta: Autumn K. Hughes
Naperville: Tela H. Meech
Normal: Clint T. Goodman
Payson: Calen M. Rogers, Kylie E. Simmons
Pekin: Melanie K. Behymer, Kylee A. Hadsall
Roseville: MaKenna J. Babcock
Rushville: Christian L. Bertoux, Haley R. Emmett, Isabel M. Escapa, Emily A. Gossage, Cheyann V. Ide, Erica J. Lacy, Austin M. Lindsey, Sherilyn A. Umphryes, Abigail G. Wright
Posted by Mitch Williams on | Comments Off on President’s List, Fall 2022 Part-Time Students
Spoon River College congratulates the following part-time students who were named to the President’s List in recognition of their academic achievement in completing at least 12 credit hours of college level courses at SRC and who were enrolled in six to eleven credit hours and earning a GPA of 3.6 or higher during the Fall 2022 semester. The names of students who have designated a privacy hold will not appear on this list.
Bushnell: Lillian K. Powell
Canton: Daniel E. Burnett, Cy Carrithers, Vanessa B. Coker, Alexander J. Dornberger, Austin J. Dornberger, Rochelle R. Green, Jace W. Gudzinskas, Lindsey N. Harrison, Matthew R. Kumer, Dalton R. Leezer, Emily K. Love, Taylor K. Marshall, Brooke L. McBride, Cooper Nelson, Justin A. Rollet, Andrew T. Tarvin, Sheldon N. Toft, Daniel E. Vollmar, Sarah E. Ward, Kayleigh E. White, River Williams, Hannah E. Zimmerman
Cuba: Emily E Graham, Cindy R. Luthy
Elmwood: Blake L. Umiten
Fairview: Holly L. Henry
Farmington: Jill R. Ifft, Keith H. Ifft, Mary R. Toothaker
Havana: Ryan Emme, Kaley R. Meyer, Margaret A. Porter, Allison J. Ralston, Kaitlyn M. Robinson
Industry: Ethan G. Eskridge
Lewistown: Curtis A. Bump, Casey M. Jones
Macomb: Mariam Adebo, David M. Adkisson, Irene Akinyemi, Dallas F. Davis, Olubukola A. Dopamu, Annaliese Goc, Zachary M. Hagmeier, Diana M. Hanks, Chloe M. Moulton, Misty A. Peyer, Chester Ruff
Norris: Anthony J. Delost
Rushville: Reagan N. Horsch, Alexandria J. Lamm, Amy L. Logsdon, Hayden E. Moon, Henry N. Mordiva, Melanie J. Norton, Gabriel K. Park, Adam L. Sipes, Andreas R. Smith, Andrew C. Tomlinson, Sabrina R. Vining
Posted by Mitch Williams on | Comments Off on Dean’s List, Fall 2022 Full-Time Students
Spoon River College congratulates the following full-time students who have been named to the Dean’s List by achieving a 3.0 – 3.5 grade point average for 12 credit hours or more of college-level classes during the Fall 2022 semester. The names of students who have designated a privacy hold will not appear on this list
Alton: Lynna G. Fischer
Astoria: Hunter D. Protsman, Skye R. Stambaugh
Bowling Green, KY: Geovonni D. Floyd
Burlington, IA: Brynn L. Casady
Bushnell: Dalton H. Horwedel, Haley Waller, Holli R. Warner
Cameron: Luke W. Hawkins
Canton: Lauren E. Avery, Owen Bohn, Rylee C. Demott, Lexus L. Ellsworth, Emily N. Foster, Alanah G. Howarter, Haiden A. Lee, Olivia G. Manock, Alexis A. Marvel, Liam T. Murphy, Wyatt J. Nedig, Madyson J. Passmore, Elijah A. Perkins, Zachary A. Pittawy, Oivia Spahn, Kayleen H. Tarter, Sydney E. Theinert, Ryleigh Watson, Gracie L. Widger
Carthage: Cassandra J. Whitford
Colchester: Halle S. Sowers
Cuba: Kelsie D. Hampton, Allyson M. Harrold, Kyla R. Hughes, Justin A. Jockish, Wayde D. Lane, Dylan A. Lyons, Alexis A. Stone
Davenport, IA: Keegan J. Shovlain
Duncanville, TX: Robert Banks
Dunlap: Caprice M. Ping
Ellisville: Conner R. Crusen
Fairview: Tyler D. Heinz
Farmington: Jonas A. Beoletto, Laryn K. Kephart, Brock A. Renner I
Galesburg: Nicholas R. Winters
Gilson: Matthew J. McDonalds
Good Hope: John R. Burton
Havana: Zoe L. Porter
Ipava: Angel L. Dailey
Keokuk, IA: Andrew D. Rairden
La Harpe: Colton D. Walker
Lewistown: Jackson C. Churchill, Stephanie J. Donaho, Tyler B. Svob
Macomb: Karlye J. Allen, Brennan C. Brady, Martin L. Chestnutt III, Haley R. Dorethy, Taegen K. Perry, Noah C. Spencer, Jarius L. Tarver, Regan W. Weaver, Machai A. West
Manito: Luke D. Towery
Manteno: Bryce W. Vorwald
Maquon: Madison S. Hickman
Mount Sterling: Gabriel M. Blakeley
Oneida: Pauline J. McClay
Peoria: Jenna N. Beck
Plano: Ayden J. Halverson
Plymouth: Katie J. Stolp
Prairie City: Christopher M. Taylor III
Rushville: Andrea P. Busby, Kaitlin Fredriksen, Aubree E. Jones, Paul M. Malcomson, Kraig M. Street
Posted by Mitch Williams on | Comments Off on Dean’s List, Fall 2022 Part-Time Students
Spoon River College congratulates the following part-time students who were named to the Dean’s List in recognition of their academic achievement in completing at least 12 credit hours of college level courses at SRC and who were enrolled in six to eleven credit hours and earned a GPA of 3.0 − 3.5 during the Fall 2022 semester. The names of students who have designated a privacy hold will not appear on this list.
Bartonville: Corrie E. Plunkett
Bath: Tayden M. Friend
Bushnell: Jalyn K. Fayhee
Canton: Mason Alig, Hailey E. Ashwood, Courtney E. Behymer, Eli B. Eberle, Joel G. Fleisch, Delores M. Gilliam, Clayton J. Horner, Tara R. Johnson, Amelia L. Painter, Allison R. Robinson, Alexander D. Ruck, Alexis N. Shaw, Jeremy A. Skinner, Brady M. Sprout
Chicago: Joshua X. De Leon
Colchester: Taylor A. Dimmitt
Cuba: Collin J. Brooks, Brenna R. Hubbs, Katherine R. Neese
Peoria: Sara K. Smith
Elmwood: Will D. Hayden
Fairview: Weslee J. Frame I
Farmington: Christopher P. Breese, Melinda L. Brown
Havana: Rachel L. Bailey, Stephanie J. Bailey, Erin R. Danner, Tiffiny M. Ranes, Shyler D. White
Industry: Christian M. Danner
Lewistown: Ronald L. Hardy, Alivia J. Hootman I
Macomb: Marjorie O. Baker, James R. Doyle, Nick S. Fitzjarrald, Tori F. Fluke, Trenton R. Ford, Alexandria Forman, Bria N. Goines, Jennifer S. Henson, Emily G. Jordan, Grant M. Kilburn, Sadie L. Magee, Ebony R. Polk
Rushville: Andree C. Ambrosius, Bronson K. Bartlett, Audrie A. Dodds, Katelyn G. Ingles, Madisyn P. Quinn, Kayde M. Shaw, Harley E. Street
Posted by Mitch Williams on | Comments Off on First Christian Church of Macomb Launches “Operation Generosity” Scholarship at SRC
Students pursuing certification in SRC Career and Technical Education programs encouraged to apply
Through its “Operation Generosity” program, the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Macomb has assisted many worthy causes and organizations throughout McDonough County.
Left to right: representing Spoon River College: Brad O’Brien, Dean of Career & Workforce Education, and Dr. Curt Oldfield, President; and representing First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Macomb: Patti Jones, Rev. Kelly Ingersoll, and Anne Ingersoll.
Now, students at SRC will benefit.
As part of Phase Two operation Generosity, the church is making a gift of $15,000 to the Spoon River College Foundation to provide scholarships for several students over the next couple of academic years.
“As part of Phase One, we asked all of our active participants to each share $500 to benefit the lives of others in McDonough County,” said Rev. Kelly Ingersoll, FCC’s Senior Minister. “We saw gifts to places such as animal shelters, childcare facilities, organizations that help the poor and homeless, and even individuals who simply fell upon hard times and needed a leg up.
“Now, as part of Phase Two, the church is using the remaining funds to benefit the community in ways that it sees fit and that achieves one of our goals – to continue to expand our Christian service and outreach programs.”
McDonough County students who are pursuing a certificate program in Career and Technical Education (CTE) at Spoon River College and who demonstrate financial need are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to students entering programs that do not qualify for federal financial aid and to students who are 25 years of age or older.
“Historically, these students have fallen into a bit of a blind spot, because, even though their personal financial need may be significant, they’re often unable to receive federal or state financial aid for their education,” said Colin Davis, SRC Foundation Executive Director. “The generosity and foresight of Reverend Ingersoll and his congregation will provide a real boost to students who are selected to receive this scholarship opportunity, and we cannot express our gratitude enough.”
Scholarships of up to $2,500 will be awarded, with the first scholarships likely to be awarded in the Spring 2023 semester. FCC also plans to offer additional, non-financial support systems to the students as they progress through their educational journey.
Left to right: Dr. Curt Oldfield (President, SRC), Colin Davis (Exec. Director, SRC Foundation), Rev. Kelly Ingersoll (FCC), Brad O’Brien (Dean of Career & Workforce Education, SRC), and Anne Ingersoll (FCC).
“We know that while financial support is a big deal, it’s not everything,” said Ingersoll. “It is our goal to ensure that the students who go through this program know that we’re here to provide them with additional support and that they’re welcome in our family, in addition to the student success services that SRC offers.”
Students who meet these qualifications are encouraged to apply, and the application will be available beginning in January at the SRC Scholarships webpage. Scholarships will be offered on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.
For more information about this scholarship or other scholarship opportunities, or to learn how you can support this scholarship or any project of the SRC Foundation, please call (309) 649-6395 or Email Colin Davis.
Posted by Mitch Williams on | Comments Off on November Student Shout-Out Awards: Zachary Hagmeier and Jarius Tarver
Jarius Tarver with President Curt Oldfield
Spoon River College students Zachary Hagmeier (not pictured) and Jarius Tarver of Macomb were the recipients of the SRC Student Shout-Out awards for November. Both will receive $100 Visa gift cards.
“Zachary is an outstanding online student who exhibits hard work, effort, and responsibility in all of his coursework,” said Becky Leverette, Psychology faculty who nominated Hagmeier for the award. “He is always highly engaged in our online environment and showcases his knowledge of the weekly material in every discussion post, homework assignment, and short essay response he submits. His writing illustrates that he not only understands the material but also has the ability to apply, analyze, and evaluate it. It has been an absolute honor to have Zachary as part of this online course, and I predict he will make great strides toward accomplishing his future educational and career goals.”
Tarver was nominated by Jade Powers, student advisor, who said “Jarius is always welcoming students and staff with a warm smile. He works almost (if not) full time at MDH, and mentors young men on how to be professional and productive and respectful members of society. He is a member of the Macomb SGA and was the only student volunteer to serve the Thanksgiving lunch. He is an absolute gem.”
Tarver also received words of praise from TRIO advisor Johna Lawens. “Jarius always brings great ideas to every SGA meeting along with the drive to implement them. He gives 100% to everything that he does, even though he works evenings and sometimes lacks sleep. He is very goal driven and I am excited to see him achieve all of those goals in his future!”
The Student Shout-Out is an initiative that encourages any faculty or employee to nominate a student who deserves a special shout-out for exhibiting the core values of the college—caring, respect, integrity, fairness and responsibility—or going above and beyond to help others.
Posted by Mitch Williams on | Comments Off on SRC’s #GivingSPOONday Smashes Records, Raises Over $100,000
The totals are in, and the Spoon River College Foundation’s #GivingSPOONday campaign received 396 gifts, far surpassing its goal of 300 gifts. Including all matching funds, the campaign raised $100,154.75, shattering the previous record of $61,925 set in 2021.
As part of the larger Giving Tuesday movement to create a worldwide day of giving, the SRC Foundation had challenged all friends of SRC to “show SRC students that they matter,” and give 300 separate gifts to benefit SRC in the 24-hour period of November 29.
“Our goal this year was a ‘stretch’ goal, so we came right down to the wire, but our supporters came through for our students,” said Colin Davis, Executive Director of the SRC Foundation. “While SRC students’ need is greater than ever, this proves that they’re not facing their challenges alone. To see this kind of response when we know how much financial need is out there right now is simply incredible. We can’t thank our communities enough.”
According to Davis, gifts ranged from $1 to $15,000, with a median gift of $50. When the large “challenge” gifts are removed, the average gift was around $112, and gifts came from 15 states and 93 zip codes. Gifts came from as far away as Florida, Vermont, and California.
“The appeal of helping students at SRC truly reaches all corners of the country,” said Brendon Bauman, SRC Foundation Board member and #GivingSPOONday co-chair. “But it’s our communities here in west central Illinois that stepped up for us in the biggest way.”
What started with a goal of $5,000 in 2015 has grown to the SRC Foundation’s largest fundraising campaign each year. Dozens of new donors get involved annually, and it takes the efforts of over 50 people, not including the donors themselves. Since 2015, the campaign has raised over $320,000 to help benefit SRC students, and donors from 28 states have made an impact on students.
As always, donors had the option of directing their gifts to be used however they saw fit. While some directed funds to specific scholarships, facilities, student or community programs, or the Student Emergency Hardship Fund, many donors made unrestricted gifts, which help the Foundation quickly meet the needs of SRC and students as the needs arise.
“With our unrestricted funds, we were able to launch our new Emergency Hardship Fund in 2020 as a way to help SRC students remain enrolled in classes and on track,” Davis said. “That has helped us keep 79 students enrolled who otherwise may have been forced to drop out. That’s the kind of impact our donors can have, even if they just tell us to use the funds where they’re needed most.
People who were unable to participate in #GivingSPOONday but still wish to help local students at SRC by visiting the Giving Tuesday webpage or by calling (309) 649-6395. The college is closed for winter break from Dec. 17 through Jan. 1, but gifts are tax-deductible in 2022 as long as they are postmarked via USPS by December 31.
“Higher costs of gas, utility bills, rent, and other goods and services have impacted all of us, but community college students are affected disproportionately, and student need remains great” Davis said. “The generosity of our friends during #GivingSPOONday will allow us to meet more and more of those needs.
“The beautiful thing about #GivingSPOONday is how everyone – even if it’s just by sharing information about the campaign on social media or making a gift of a dollar – makes an impact on the campaign, and thus, students’ lives. We are so grateful for everyone who helped make the campaign a success and remain thankful to live and work in such generous, caring communities.”
Posted by Mitch Williams on | Comments Off on Research Poster Presentations Held
How temperature affects a baseball game, the Flint, Michigan water crisis, depletion of the ozone layer, and the art making process as a mood booster were just a few of the topics Spoon River College students explored for the Research Poster sessions held November 17 at the Canton Campus.
Biology and chemistry faculty members Amy Rutledge and Bridget Loftus first implemented research poster sessions in 2014 as a way for students to gain experience in research and presenting. “We also wanted them to have the opportunity to delve deeper into class topics they were personally interested in learning more about,” said Rutledge.
A total of 90 posters were on display representing different areas in agriculture, biology, chemistry, and drama, with students available to answer questions about their research. College employees Jake Douglas, Jeanette Glover, and Andrea White served as judges.
An Honorable Mention and $25 SRC gift certificate were awarded to the best poster from each category, and from those, the Best of Show was selected and awarded an additional $25 gift certificate.
Receiving an Honorable Mention and ultimately Best of Show was Jenna Schleich for “What Effect Do Oil Spills Have on Aquatic Plants?” Honorable Mentions were also awarded for “Effectiveness of Sunlight” by Katie Ferguson, “Leaded Gasoline in Aviation” by Alex Dornberger, “Miss Julie” by Lauren Avery, and “Polio” by Hannah Barclay.
