Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Save the Date for SRC Foundation’s Mrs. Roper Romp in Havana
Channel the 70’s, find a caftan and a curly red wig, and mark your calendar for the first Mrs. Roper Romp in downtown Havana on May 10, starting at 10 a.m. The funds collected will go to support SRC scholarships for Havana students.
The event will feature a boutique and bar crawl, prizes, and a band. The cost of this event is $25, and tickets will allow participants to enjoy special coupons and experiences for the day.
Businesses that will be participating are Gisela’s Haus, Blue Butterfly Resale Shop, Market Street Boutique, Riverside Bar & Grill, Twisted Sisters, The Hang-Up Boutique, Manhattan Fields Boutique, Stag Tap, The Main Room, and Babes on Plum. The schedule is as follows:
*Boutique crawl: 10:00-12:00
*Lunch, watch for Roper lunch specials: 12:00-2:00
*Bingo and group photo: 2:00-4:00
*Bar crawl and band: 4:00-6:00
A costume contest to award the best-looking Mrs. Roper will also be held. Gather your besties and come enjoy a day of fun, food, and shopping.
The SRC Foundation and Spoon River College offer a wide variety of scholarships each year. Scholarships may be for academic excellence or for talent or skill. The SRC Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, and gifts to the SRC Foundation may be tax deductible.
Mrs. Roper Romps celebrate the characters from the 70’s sitcom Three’s Company, and started as a costumed event in New Orleans in 2013. It’s now become the latest fundraising trend across the country.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Phi Theta Kappa Members Creating Birthday Boxes for Food Pantries
Phi Theta Kappa members at Spoon River College believe everyone should have a birthday cake, and are hosting a community service project to build “birthday boxes” for local food pantries. They are encouraging the use of “soda cakes,” which eliminates the need for oil or eggs.
“If you’ve never tried baking a cake with just a cake mix and a can of soda, it may seem impossible, but I promise you that it works perfectly,” said Becca Werland, Phi Theta Kappa advisor. “We made a test cake with coke and chocolate cake mix, and it was very fluffy and moist—and best of all, it doesn’t require expensive eggs or oil, both of which are in low-supply at food pantries.”
They are also collecting cans of frosting, birthday candles and cards, and aluminum cake pans with lids. Items will be collected until March 19, and can be dropped off at the Canton Campus. Members will then build the birthday boxes and deliver them to the food pantries.
Werland noted that the most popular soda cake choices are for coke or cherry coke and chocolate cake mix, Sprite and yellow cake mix, cream soda and vanilla cake mix, and Mountain Dew and lemon cake mix. Diet sodas can also be substituted.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on March 28 Deadline for Fellheimer Scholarship Applications
Applications for the Spring 2025 Fellheimer Scholarship, offered through the Spoon River College Foundation, are available and due by Friday, March 28, 2025.
To be eligible, students must be a resident of McDonough County, live in the Spoon River College district 12 months of the year, and have a cumulative SRC GPA of 2.5. Preference will be given to non-traditional students 25 years of age or older or who have a dependent child. A current year’s FAFSA is required, but students do not need to be eligible for financial aid in order to be eligible for this award.
Full details and the application for the Fellheimer Scholarship, as well as information and applications for additional SRC scholarships, which are due March 14, 2025, are available at www.src.edu under the Foundation and Alumni tab.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Receives Mental Health Grant to Address Student Needs
Spoon River College was one of 32 community colleges in Illinois awarded a grant to support student mental health efforts, and will receive $105,600 in funding from the Illinois Community College Board.
“A recent U.S. News survey revealed nearly 70% of college students reported struggling with their mental health,” said ICCB executive director Brian Durham.
Spoon River College dean of student services Missy Wilkinson said the funds will be used to enhance mental health services already in place as well as to implement new services. “In the coming year, Spoon River College is dedicated to using these funds to support and grow its mental health services and address gaps to better meet the mental health needs of SRC students.”
On the list is the addition of an in-person mental health counselor to supplement TimelyCare, the free 24/7 existing telepath service that all SRC students currently have access to, which offers a TalkNow hotline, scheduled counseling, connections to low or reduced-cost community resources, a peer community/safe space where students can share anonymously with other students, and self-care content.
In addition, targeted workshops that incorporate mindfulness, exercise, resilience-building activities, and self-care strategies as well as a peer support program will also be added.
Massage chairs will be added to the wellness rooms, which were created during the fall semester at both the Canton and Macomb campuses. The rooms offer a comfortable, quiet, and private space for relaxing and emotional recharging, and are equipped with inspirational messages, eye masks, yoga mats, aromatherapy, white noise machine, foam roller, coloring books, neck massager, and comfortable chairs and blankets.
The funding will aid the college in addressing underserved student populations by offering culturally responsive care and addressing barriers to accessing mental health services in the SRC district. “By focusing on increasing student engagement with mental health resources, the goal is to enhance student well-being, retention, and overall academic success,” said Wilkinson.
“Our overall goal is to build a supportive campus culture where all students can access the tools and environment needed to thrive academically, socially, and personally.”
Besides the U.S. News survey, the Lumina Foundation State of Higher Education 2024 Report indicated that 64% of currently enrolled students who recently considered stepping out of their program say emotional stress or mental health concerns are significant reasons why.
The Illinois Community College Board is the state coordinating organization for the Illinois Community College System – the third largest in the country and the leading public workforce development trainer in the state. They provided more than $3.6 million to the 32 colleges to support student mental health in 2025.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Career Education College Visit Day March 25 at Canton Campus
Spoon River College will host a College Visit Day Tuesday, March 25, from 9-11 a.m. at the Canton Campus, with a focus on the career and technical education programs offered at the college. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in simulations and talk with faculty.
This is open to people of all ages who are interested in learning more about the college’s programs, including the different degrees and short-term certificates each program offers. Associate degrees typically take two years to complete, while certificate programs can often be completed in a year or less. Those interested in transfer education are also welcome to attend.
Programs being featured include Agriculture, Commercial Driver Training/Logistics, Computer Information Systems, Diesel and Power Systems Technology, Early Childhood Education, Healthcare Career programs, Medical Laboratory Technician, Nursing, Rail Transportation, and Welding.
In addition, 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. All attendees will receive a free t-shirt.
RSVPs are encouraged, and can be made by visiting the Admissions page on the Spoon River College website or by calling 309-649-6400 (Canton). The Canton Campus is located at 23235 N. County Hwy. 22.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Theatre Presents The Runner Stumbles February 28-March 2
Spoon River College Theatre will present The Runner Stumbles on Friday, February 28 through Sunday, March 2.
Set in 1911, the 1976 drama by American playwright Milan Still was inspired by real events. It’s the story of a young Catholic nun who has died under mysterious circumstances in a remote parish in northern Michigan. Her superior, Father Rivard, has been charged with her murder. The action of the play weaves together various parts of the priest’s timeline, alternating between the murder trial in the narrative present and scenes from the time before Sister Rita’s death.
Xander Fields will play Father Rivard and Brianna Morrill will play Sister Rita. Other cast members are Grace Havens, Jace Emery, Evalynn Roderick, Trygve Meade, Faith Angelo, Tiffany Carlin, and Damien Patino. Carlin and Patino will also be part of the backstage crew along with Ava Dunham, El Roderick, Annaliese Dowell, Ella Bass, Rachel Hickle, Amanda Koll, and Marissa Moore.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Ag Students Compete at Spring PAS Conference
Students in the Agriculture program at Spoon River College attended the Illinois State PAS Spring Conference that was held at Heartland Community College in Normal on February 13.
Ag instructor Allyson Smith commended her students for stepping out of their comfort zones, participating in networking, and gaining skills through competitions that can be added to their resumes.
“This was a new experience for everyone involved, so while we didn’t walk away with any awards, students did walk away with knowledge of how the competition works and areas to work on improving for next year,” said Smith.
Students participated in three categories: Soil Science: Clay Butler (Mason City), Jayson Kuzniar (Canton), Ayden Mench (Canton); Conservation and Natural Resources: Emily Vallianatos (Farmington); and Livestock Specialist, Beef Production: Jace Featherlin (Canton), and Nate Kramer (Avon).
PAS—Professional Agricultural Student Association—was founded in 1980 for two- and four-year college level students to provide them with hands-on development opportunities through competition events at the local, state, and national levels. Approved by the U.S. Department of Education as a vital part of career and technical education, the skills students gain can aid them in being better prepared to enter the workforce and become leaders in their career fields and their communities.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on WIU Hosting LEJA Event at Spoon River College
The Western Illinois University Law Enforcement and Justice Administration Department (LEJA) will visit the Spoon River College – Macomb campus from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, at Spoon River College Room M107.
This event is open to any Spoon River College student interested in transferring to WIU and majoring in LEJA, Emergency Management or Fire Protection Services. LEJA acting director Jamie Johnson will be on hand to discuss what these programs offer, including the hands-on experience and connections students can make at WIU.
Participants will visit with an on-site admissions team and receive an admissions decision at the event. Students interested in on-site admissions are required to provide an unofficial transcript from any college they have attended. WIU welcome packets will be provided to attendees.
Spoon River College continues to partner with WIU in many ways and looks forward to helping our students with all the transfer options.
“We are excited to provide this opportunity for students to meet with the head of these highly ranked programs and learn about the outstanding career options available,” said Doug Freed, director of undergraduate admissions and enrollment services at WIU.
WIU will provide pizza and soda to all participants.
For more information on WIU’s LEJA program, visit wiu.edu/LEJA.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on President’s Reception April 17-Save the Date
Spoon River College will host their annual President’s Reception on Thursday, April 17, starting at 5:30 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres at 6 p.m. in the SRC Cafeteria on the Canton Campus.
The event honors those who have reached specific levels of cumulative giving to the SRC Foundation and those who established new named endowed scholarships in 2024. Foundation Board members will also be recognized for their service. President Curt Oldfield and Foundation Director Dusty Berg will present certificates of recognition and tokens of appreciation to donors and Board members.
This event is free and open to the public. RSVPs are encouraged by April 10 and can be made by calling 309-649-6348 or emailing foundation@src.edu.
The SRC Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, and offers a wide variety of scholarships as well as support to the college every year. For more information about the Foundation or a potential gift to SRC, contact the Foundation at (309) 649-6260 or email foundation@src.edu.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on February Recognized as Career and Technical Education Month
February is celebrated as Career and Technical Education (CTE) month as a way to put the spotlight on the value that CTE programs offer to students, the workforce, and the overall economy. Community colleges and the programs they offer are key to preparing students for the expanding workforce.
According to the Association for Career and Technical Education, there is a projected deficit of 6 million skilled workers through 2032. CTE programs can prepare individuals for these high-skill, in-demand jobs in fields which can pay up to $2.8 million in lifetime earnings, as well as pay more than bachelor’s degrees in other fields, while also limiting student debt.
Spoon River College offers a variety of CTE programs that lead to an associate in applied science degree and/or a variety of certificates, and college officials work closely with area and regional industry employers to ensure their programs are meeting their needs.
On Thursday, March 25, from 9-11, the college will host a College Visit Day with an emphasis on CTE programs, and simulations and hands-on activities will be available. Faculty, current students, and employees from student services and financial aid will be on-hand to answer questions about the programs, the admission process, and financial aid options.
“This is a great opportunity to learn more about career programs that get students job-ready and into the workforce in a short amount of time, whether it be with an associate degree or a short-term certificate,” said Todd Thompson, DPST instructor and Division Chair for CTE programs. “Some of the certificates can be completed in a year or less, which means even quicker entry into the job market.”
Available programs offered at the college include Ag Business Management, Commercial Driver Training, Computer Information Systems, Diesel and Power Systems Technology, Logistics Operations Management, Nursing, and more.
For more information about the career programs at Spoon River College, visit www.scc.edu or call 309-647-4645.
