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 Diesel and Power Systems Technology Students Receive Scholarships
Five Spoon River College students in the Diesel and Power Systems Technology (DPST) program were awarded scholarships following a round of interviews with program faculty and members of the Diesel Advisory Board.
Advisory Board member Sam Brooks presented the awards to the following students:
Pierce Boyer of Lewistown received $400 from the Coachmen Motor Club Scholarship; Jared Cheline of Aledo received $350 from the Coachmen Motor Club scholarship; Wyatt Leinenbach of Emden received $500 from the Brian Telander Scholarship; Jerrick LeMaire of Bosco received $1,000 from the Ed Kaiser Scholarship; Isaac Little of Rushville received $500 from PHI-MU-TAU Scholarship and $200 from the Coachmen Motor Club; , and Gage Peters of Astoria received $500 from the PHI-MU-TAU Scholarship and $50 from the Coachmen Motor Club.
The two-year DPST program is one of the college’s longest-running career and technical education programs, offering education and training in the field of diesel power technology and its related application that culminates in an associate in applied science degree. In 2019, the College also became a certified training center for the railway industry through a partnership with NARS (National Academy of Railroad Science) and Johnson County Community College. Certificates are offered in Locomotive Mechanical, Preventive Maintenance, and Rail Transportation and Power System Technology. Instructors in the program are Todd Thompson, Joe Clemens, Aaron Mayall, and Dave Andersen.
For more information about the program, visit www.src.edu.
Pictured left to right is Gage Peters, Jared Cheline, Isaac Little, Jerrick LeMaire, Peirce Boyer, and Wyatt Leinenbach.
DPST Advisory board members and faculty members are Joe Clemens (faculty), Vance Geisendorfer, Von Geisendorfer, Sam Brooks, Eric Bunnell, Kevin Quick, Todd Thompson (faculty), Brian Friedrich, Kevin Kaiser, Danny Mahr, John Danielson, SRC President Dr. Curt Oldfield, Aaron Mayall (faculty), and Dave Andersen.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Ribbon Cutting and Open House May 7 for the Vocational and Technical Education Center
Spoon River College will host a ribbon cutting and open house in the Vocational and Technical Education Center (VOTECH) on the Canton Campus on May 7, from 2-4 p.m. The event will recognize contributions from SRC alumnus Lynn McPheeters, Compeer Financial, and the Economic Development Administration. The public is invited to this event.
Being celebrated are the unveiling of the display honoring The McPheeters Family Hands-On-Learning Lab, a new greenhouse for the Agriculture department, and the renovations and equipment upgrades of the VOTECH building.
Lynn McPheeters was a first-generation college student who was the first student to enroll and to graduate from Spoon River College, then known as Canton Community College. After graduating in 1962, McPheeters completed baccalaureate studies at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and then began a career with Caterpillar, Inc. that spanned more than 40 years. He retired as the Vice President and CFO in 2005. His gift of $500,000 will help in supporting students entering career and technical education programs, which are ineligible for federal financial aid.
“Without SRC and SIU, I would have never been in a position to have the success I’ve had or to be able to make a gift like this,” said McPheeters. “Businesses need a skilled workforce more than ever, and there are great opportunities available to graduates of CTE programs. SRC is a great value for students seeking education, but many students still face financial barriers that keep them from attending. It is my hope that The McPheeters Family Scholarship endowment will allow those who need extra assistance to attend SRC and succeed in the workforce in their chosen field.”
Funds from the Francis G. and Dorothea B. McPheeters scholarship, established by McPheeters in honor of his parents in 2002, will be rolled into the new scholarship, and a limited number of scholarships are expected to be offered in the 2024-2025 academic year.
The new greenhouse was possible with a $25,000 educational grant for career and technical education from the Agriculture and Rural Initiative, Compeer Financial’s donor advised fund, which has granted $175,000 to community and technical colleges across the cooperative’s 144-county territory.
“Our clients continue to list workforce development among their highest concerns, and these grants and scholarships are the first step to improving this challenge for the industry,” said Stephanie Wise, a Compeer Financial Director. “The future of agriculture and our client’s farms rely on a strong, vibrant and robust agricultural workforce, and our partners in higher education provide opportunities for young adults to explore and gain hands-on experience in these careers.”
“Thanks to this generous donation, the greenhouse will provide students with more hands-on learning in horticulture and crop science by incorporating plant ID, research, and plant sales into the curriculum,” said Allyson Smith, SRC Agriculture instructor.
A $1.5M grant in CARES Act Recovery Assistance to boost workforce development program was put towards new training and renovations of the Vocational and Technical Education Center. Upgrades funded by the grant include new welding booths, new ventilation and exhaust systems plus an overhead crane in the shop area, geothermal in the offices and classrooms, radiant heat, new overhead doors, LED lights, a new air compressor, and large
fans. A mezzanine was constructed in the Diesel and Power Systems Technology area to allow for clean, organized parts storage. In addition, the fleet of tractors and trailers in the Commercial Driver Training program will be upgraded with more modern equipment.”
“This was a crucial investment that will allow us to continue to enhance our workforce programs, and provide high demand, high wage career pathways for students well into the future,” said Brad O’Brien, dean of career and workforce education at SRC.
Attendees at the event will be able to see the unveiling of the display honoring The McPheeters Family Hands-On-Learning Lab, tour VOTECH to see and learn about the renovations and equipment upgrades, meet instructors and students from Career and Technical (CTE) programs, and enjoy cookies and refreshments.
The recognition event will begin at 2:45, with the ribbon cutting following the recognition speeches. To RSVP, please call 309-649-6260 or email foundation@src.edu. The Canton Campus is located at 23235 N. County Highway 11.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Commencement May 9 at Canton Campus
Spoon River College will hold their 63rd Commencement on Thursday, May 9, at 6 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Building on the Canton Campus, located at 23235 N County 22. Check-in time for graduates is 5:15 p.m. Sha Lyn Photography will be available from 4-5:15 to take individual graduation photos, and students will be provided with the proper order form for that service.
Cap and gown pickup will begin the week of April 29, and rehearsal for students participating in the ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 8, at 2 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Building on the Canton Campus.
The cost for caps and gowns purchased before April 12 will be $35. After April 12, the cost will increase as follows: April 15-19: $40; April 22-26: $45, and April 29-May 3: $50. No orders will be placed after May 5.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on 17th Annual Tractor Show and Car Cruise-In April 29
The 17th Annual Tractor Show and Car Cruise-In will be held Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Spoon River College Campus in Canton.
The event is hosted by Phi Mu Tau fraternity students in the Diesel and Power Systems Technology program. Anyone who has a classic car or tractor is invited to bring or drive them to the college and be part of the show. There is no entry fee.
“This is a free, fun, casual event,” said Todd Thompson, DPST instructor and Phi Mu Tau advisor. “Bring the family and come on out. There is always a nice variety of antique vehicles and tractors, plus some new and unique ones.”
Registration will be from 9-11 a.m. Awards for best car and best tractor will be determined by fan voting and announced at 3 p.m. Raffle and 50-50 drawing winners will also be announced at 3 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public. In case of inclement weather, it will be held inside the VOTECH building. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
For more information about the car show, contact Todd Thompson at (309) 649-6244. The Canton Campus of Spoon River College is located at 23235 N. County Hwy 22.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Final Spring College Visit Day Is April 17 from 1-3
Spoon River College will host its final College Visit Day of the spring semester at both the Canton and Macomb campuses on Wednesday, April 17, from 1-3 p.m.
College Visit Days are open to people of all ages who are interested in learning about both the transfer and the career education (trade) programs available at Spoon River College, as well as the different degrees and short-term certificates each program offers.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with advisors and financial aid specialists, and will receive information about the application process, tuition costs, and financial aid options including scholarships, as well as student life activities, clubs, and organizations.
Tours of the campuses will be given, and will include the Snapper Villas student housing on the Canton Campus. All attendees will receive a free t-shirt.
High school students should inquire with their school about using a college visit day, and letters from the College confirming their attendance at the event will be provided.
The Canton Campus is located at 23235 N. County Hwy. 22, and the Macomb Campus is located at 208 S. Johnson Street. For more information, call 309-649-6400 (Canton) or 309-833-6069 (Macomb).
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Esmeralda “Esme” Uribe Elected the 2024-2025 Student Trustee
Esmeralda “Esme” Uribe of Lewistown will serve as the 2024-2025 student trustee for the Spoon River College Board of Trustees after a vote by her peers.
“I’m excited about being elected the new student trustee!” said Uribe. “I improved my communication skills after serving as a peer tutor for the college’s TRIO Student Support Services, and decided to run for the student trustee because I felt like it would be the perfect opportunity to gain leadership skills also, as well as get closer to the student body and the community.”
Uribe is a graduate of Lewistown High School, and is currently taking the prerequisite classes in preparation for completing the Associate Degree in Nursing at Spoon River College. After that, she intends to earn a bachelor of science in nursing degree.
During the fall semester, Uribe was a recipient of the Student Shout Out Award for exemplifying the SRC core values of caring, responsibility, integrity, respect, and fairness. TRIO director Jill Olson said that not only was Uribe a diligent tutor for TRIO, but that she also visited the math labs twice a week to assist students there, and other instructors noted that even when “not on the clock,” she was willing to help students in the classroom.
Besides TRIO, Uribe is also a member of Healthcare Enthusiasts and Leaders (HEAL), Phi Theta Kappa, Student Government Association, and Students for Environmental Action (SEA). She also works at her parents’ restaurant, “La Fogata,” in Lewistown. “By working there, my parents have given me the opportunity to learn about finances, but most importantly, they have influenced me to pursue the things I want in life.”
Uribe stresses the importance of being involved. “I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field, which is why I joined HEAL, and as a group, we have spread the word about mental and physical wellness. I also highly recommend TRIO, which helped me grow outside of my box.”
Uribe will be seated during the regular Board of Trustees meeting on April 24. Student trustees at Spoon River College attend monthly board meetings and represent the student body in the Student Government Association. Along with gaining leadership skills, trustees have opportunities to attend state trustee meetings and conferences. They serve one year, and receive a stipend towards their tuition and fees.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on New Members Inducted into Phi Theta Kappa at Spoon River College
Spoon River College inducted new members into the Nu Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society in a ceremony held March 26 at Spoon River College Outreach in Macomb. A total of 77 students joined this year, with 20 attending the induction.
After a welcome by Dr. Curt Oldfield, President of Spoon River College, the history of Phi Theta Kappa was presented by Triana Banks, President of the Macomb Chapter, and Margaret Toothaker, President of the Canton Chapter.
Missy Wilkinson, dean of students services, introduced the three members who were named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team, chosen on the basis of academic achievement, volunteer work, campus activities, honors, and awards. Those students were Delaney Eastwood, Jennifer Henson, and Misty Peyer.
Phi Theta Kappa faculty advisors Shelli Stuart and Rebecca Werland presided over the initiation of new members, who were introduced by faculty members Barbara Ashwood and Kristy Boggs.
Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society – Nu Delta Chapter is the internationally recognized honor society for two-year colleges. Spoon River College’s Nu Delta Chapter offers membership to students who distinguish themselves academically with 12 credit hours of completed enrollment at SRC with a 3.25 cumulative GPA.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Students Named to All-Illinois Academic Team
Three Spoon River College students have been named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team as a result of their nomination to the All-USA Community College Academic Team. They are Delaney Eastwood, Jennifer (Henson) Reedy, and Misty Peyer.
Delaney Eastwood attends the Canton Campus and is completing an associate degree. She plans to transfer to Illinois State University to major in psychology for a future career as a clinical psychologist. While at SRC, Eastwood has served as the president of the Gay Straight Alliance, vice-president of Phi Theta Kappa, and has been recognized on both the Dean’s and President’s lists for academic excellence. She also volunteers at the Salvation Army Canton and Fulton County 360 Life Center.
Jennifer (Reedy) Henson attends the Macomb Campus and is completing the Associate Degree in Nursing. She has worked at McDonough District Hospital for five years, and is currently working as an LPN in the Wound Clinic. She intends to continue working there after becoming an RN, and also plans to pursue a Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse Certification.
Misty Peyer attends the Macomb Campus to complete an associate degree and intends to transfer to a four-year university. She currently works full-time as a life skills coach for Bridgeway Disability Services. She has been recognized each semester on the President’s List for academic excellence, and has received multiple scholarships. She volunteers with animal rescues and is currently involved with the community cat project in Macomb.
The students will be honored at the Annual Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois awards banquet on April 25 at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield.
Spoon River College faculty Shelli Stuart (Macomb) and Rebecca Werland (Canton) are the advisors for the Nu Delta Chapters of Phi Theta Kappa at Spoon River College.
The All-USA Academic Team is sponsored annually by Phi Theta Kappa, USA Today, and the American Association of Community Colleges. The All-State Academic Team is a division of the Academic All-USA Team for Community, Technical and Junior Colleges.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Dustin Berg Joins Spoon River College as SRC Foundation Director
Dustin “Dusty” Berg has joined Spoon River College as the director of the Spoon River College Foundation.
Born and raised in Hancock County, Berg is an alum of Spoon River College and Western Illinois University. He lives in Macomb with his wife, Larissa, and daughter, Marjorie.
“As an SRC alumnus, I know what an important role the college has in helping people make a better life for themselves, and I’m beyond excited to be a part of helping others achieve more,” said Berg.
“The College looks forward to building on the momentum that the SRC Foundation has already developed in supporting students,” said Dr. Curt Oldfield, Spoon River College President. “Dusty’s experience in relationship building will be important to ongoing efforts to deepen ties with alumni and supporters.”
Berg has an Associate in Arts degree from Spoon River College and a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Western Illinois University.
In his spare time, Berg enjoys playing tabletop games with family and friends. He also has a history of service with various community organizations including the Macomb Food Co-Op, Macomb Heritage Days, and McDonough County Board.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Registration Open for Summer and Fall 2024 Semesters at Spoon River College
Registration for the summer and fall 2024 semesters at Spoon River College is now open for current students, who can apply either online or with their advisor. Advisor registration for new students will begin April 1.
Summer classes include a 3-week interim session that starts May 13, and 4-week and 8-week classes that start June 3. Fall 2024 classes begin August 19.
“Registering as soon as possible increases the chances of students getting the classes they need and the schedule they want,” said Janet Munson, director of enrollment services. “The interim classes as well as the 4- and 8-week classes are a great way for students to earn extra credits in a short amount of time, and a way for new students to get started now instead of waiting until the fall semester.”
“Students should also be filing a FAFSA application if they haven’t already to determine their eligibility for financial aid.” When completing the FAFSA, the school code for all SRC locations is 001643.
New students must meet with an advisor to register. Academic advisors are available for appointments in person and by phone. There is no charge to apply, and the steps required for admission can be found under the Admissions tab on the homepage of the SRC website at www.src.edu. The course catalog can also be viewed on the college’s website, as well as information about FAFSA, tuition, and payment plans.
For more information or to make an appointment with an advisor, call Canton: (309)647-6400, Havana: (309)543-4413, Macomb: (309)837-6069, and Rushville: (217)322-6060.
