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 Visit Day Featuring CTE Programs March 21 at Spoon River College
Spoon River College will host College Visit Days at the Canton and Macomb campuses on Thursday, March 21, from 9-11.
The visit on the Canton Campus will include a special focus on career and technical education programs offered at the college and allow for more simulations and hands-on activities in the following areas: Agriculture, Commercial Driver Training/Logistics, Computer Information Systems, Diesel and Power Systems Technology, Early Childhood Education, Healthcare Career Programs (including Nursing), Medical Laboratory Technician, and Welding.
College Visit Days are open to people of all ages who are interested in learning about both the transfer and the career education 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.
RSVPs are encouraged but not required. RSVPS can be made at https://fs16.formsite.com/gXVe4r/qyy047rqkt/index.html or by calling 309-649-6400 (Canton) or 309-833-6069 (Macomb).
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 309-647-4645.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Healthcare Exploration Day Allows Hands-On Learning for High School Students
Spoon River College hosted a group of Canton High Schools students on February 16 for a Healthcare Exploration Day that included a number of hands-on simulations with SRC nursing students giving instruction.
Melissa Miller, director of Allied Health, and Becky Sherwood, director of Nursing, welcomed the group and presented an overview of the healthcare programs offered at Spoon River College, which includes both certificate and degree programs in a number of health-care related areas.
“We wanted to give students real-world hands-on learning opportunities, allowing them to learn about and then practice the types of job tasks that CNA’s, EMT’s, Nurses, MLT’s and Medical Assistants do on a daily basis,” said Miller.
Sherwood said that doing the event for a small group allowed students to have a better hands-on experience with the skills and tasks involved in healthcare. “Instead of just standing back and listening, students had the chance to handle ‘specimens’ and perform diagnostic testing, assisted with performing an EKG, administered injections into a fake arm, placed AED leads onto the simulator then provided CPR on our mannequin, obtained vital signs (blood pressure and pulse), and conducted well-baby checks with our SRC student experts.”
Miller hopes to expand the event to other high schools as well. “The students were engaged in learning about the different tasks and asked a lot of great questions.”
Sherwood agreed. “We look forward to reviewing the feedback we got from students so that we can improve and enhance the experience at similar events in the future.”
Healthcare degrees and certificates offered at Spoon River College include an Associate Degree in Nursing, a Practical Nurse certificate and a Nurse Assistant certificate. Associate in Applied Science degrees are also offered in Health Information Management and for Medical Laboratory Technician.
Visit www.src.edu to see more information, including the complete list of certificate programs that fall under Health Information Management.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Receives Illinois Community College Board Grant for CTE Programs
Spoon River College was one of 12 Illinois community colleges awarded a grant from the Illinois Community College Board to help implement virtual reality equipment into existing career and technical education programs throughout the state.
Overall, the funding will allow recipient colleges to purchase VR hardware and software to recruit and instruct students in a variety of workforce training programs for industries including but not limited to healthcare, criminal justice, manufacturing, and HVAC. Spoon River College will receive $23,481.
Brad O’Brien, dean of career and technical education at Spoon River College, said the college was excited and grateful to be one of the recipients of the ICCB grant. “We look forward to projects that will increase student interest and awareness of career and technical education programs at Spoon River College as well as the high paying, high demand jobs that are available to them after completion. The grant will also provide the opportunity for instructors to integrate virtual reality into their curriculum and lesson plans.”
Spoon River College offers a number of career programs, from advanced manufacturing to welding. Many of the programs offer both associate in applied science degrees as well as certificates, which can be completed in a shorter amount of time and stand alone or be combined to culminate in an associate degree.
“The Illinois Community College System is constantly looking to stay at the forefront of workforce development. This funding will not only help recruit students who want access to the latest technology but also provide new cutting-edge training opportunities to better position them for success in their chosen career fields,” said ICCB Executive Director Brian Durham. A total of $766,000 was awarded.
The two-year grant program was passed by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Pritzker in FY24. Individual grant amounts were awarded based on college program and equipment needs.
“This funding brings new perspectives to community colleges around the state through VR technologies that will enhance and explore new avenues of hands-on learning in our schools,” said bill sponsor and State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes (D-Chicago). “VR programs have been utilized in many industries and have so much potential for growth in the future that implementing these programs in our community college system can give Illinois students a competitive advantage in their education and beyond.”
Visit www.src.edu for more information about Spoon River College and the programs offered.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on March 22 Deadline for Fellheimer Scholarship Applications
Applications for the Spring 2024 Fellheimer Scholarship, offered through the Spoon River College Foundation, are available and due by Friday, March 22, 2024.
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 15, are available at https://www.src.edu/foundation/foundation-scholarships-grants.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on February Recognized as Career and Technical Education Month
February is recognized as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, and Spoon River College joins other Illinois community colleges in celebrating the valuable role they play in preparing the workforce for in-demand jobs.
“For more than 60 years, Spoon River College has been providing career and technical education programs that lead to employment in high-demand and high-wage careers such as nursing, agriculture, and computer technology,” said Brad O’Brien, dean of career and technical education at Spoon River College. “This benefits our students, our communities, and our regional employers.”
CTE programs offer a cost-effective way for individuals to pursue their career goals, and are designed to prepare students for immediate employment once they successfully complete the course work. Many offer short-term certificates, which can typically be completed in a year or less.
“Certificates within a program can stand-alone, or a student can complete all the certificates within the program and earn an associate in applied science. It’s a great way to get quick skills training and get started in a particular field,” O’Brien said.
CTE programs offered at Spoon River College include Advanced Manufacturing, Agricultural Business Management, Computer Information Systems, Diesel and Power Systems Technology, Health Information Management, and Nursing. Future programs in the works include HVAC and Robotics Repair. All CTE programs offered at Spoon River College can be viewed at www.src.edu.
“Illinois community colleges are a leading workforce developer in the state and are continuing to expand access and opportunities to dozens of good paying careers,” said Brian Durham, Executive Director of the Illinois Community College Board. “CTE programs at community colleges are an essential part of our state’s workforce development strategy, and we are proud to be a part of preparing the next generation of workers.”
Statewide, nearly 37,500 students graduated from the more than 4,600 approved CTE certificate and degree programs offered by Illinois Community Colleges in 2023.
The National Skills Coalition says nearly two-thirds of jobs in the U.S. economy are middle-skill jobs that require education beyond high school but not a four-year college degree. Many of these jobs are in CTE fields such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and IT which are among the fastest-growing occupations projected through 2029 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Hannah Stinocher Joins Nursing Faculty at Spoon River College
Hannah Stinocher has joined the nursing department at Spoon River College as a full-time faculty member, where she will be teaching OB/GYN and Pediatric nursing, as well as Medical/Surgery and Mental Health.
Nursing director Becky Sherwood said that Stinocher used an interactive tool during her interview that “thoroughly showed her ability to utilize technology, capture the audience, and have fun with learning. Hannah is motivated, eager, and excited to share her knowledge and experience with students. She is a great fit and a wonderful asset to our nursing department.”
Stinocher, who earned a BS in Nursing from Methodist College and a MS in Nursing from the University of Illinois, said she was excited to be joining the SRC nursing team.
“Teaching the future generation of nurses has been something that I have wanted to be a part of for many years. I feel fortunate to be employed at a college that places such high value in their employees and their students!”
Having lived in Macomb her entire life, Stinocher considers herself a true “Macomb Homie.” She and husband Josh have a one-year-old son, Bennet, who “is our world!” and a cat named Calvin. She enjoys traveling, cooking and baking, and spending time with her family.
The nursing team at Spoon River College includes (front l-r) Hannah Stinocher (faculty), Nursing Director Becky Sherwood, Tonja Huff (faculty), (back l-r) Sarah Turner (faculty), Cassidy Miller (coordinator, nursing asst./RN NSL), Sarah Bowton (office assistant/Allied Health), and Sarah Strode (faculty).
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Sarah Turner Joins Nursing Faculty at Spoon River College
Sarah Turner has joined Spoon River College’s nursing department as a full-time faculty member, and will be teaching Medical-Surgical Nursing and Fundamentals of Nursing. She received her Associate Degree in Nursing from SRC in 2019 before continuing her education through Walden University to earn a Master of Science in Nursing.
“Sarah reenters the classroom with familiarity and a solid understanding of the rigor of the program. Many things may seem ‘all too familiar’ for Sarah, but she has embraced the reverse role with a calm comfort that provides reassurance to the students,” said Nursing Director Becky Sherwood. “She found a great steppingstone into the nursing classroom by tackling the Nursing Assistant course on the Macomb campus. She is a superb example of student success and we are thrilled that she has come back to impart her nursing knowledge on the future nurses of our program.”
Turner, who also holds a Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management from Western Illinois University, said she decided to switch careers after realizing the need for health care workers. “I am happy to now be at Spoon River College to influence knowledge-hungry minds just like I was while attending here as a student.”
After 20 years of living in Macomb, Turner recently returned to her hometown of Hamilton. She and husband Josh are parents to fur babies Charlie and Rosie. In her free time, Turner likes to read, be outdoors, cook, and spend time with her family.
The nursing team at Spoon River College includes (front l-r) Hannah Stinocher (faculty), Nursing Director Becky Sherwood, Tonja Huff (faculty), (back l-r) Sarah Turner (faculty), Cassidy Miller (coordinator, nursing asst./RN NSL), Sarah Bowton (office assistant/Allied Health), and Sarah Strode (faculty).
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Announces Fall 2023 Graduates
Spoon River College congratulates the following individuals who completed degrees and/or certificates during the Fall 2023 semester at Spoon River College.
Canton: Haleigh Bohn, Associate in Arts; Avery Dry, Welding Operator; Aaron R. Evans, Associate in Science; Rochelle Green, Associate in General Studies, and Medical Coding certificate; Heuston A. Harkless, Associate in Arts; Gage Hasselbacher, Associate in Arts; Matthew Huggins, Welding Operator; Laryn Kephart, Associate in Science; Paige Nicole Kruschinsky, Associate in Arts; Dominic Lomeli, Welding Operator; Kaylen L. Nelson, Medical Coding certificate; Nicholas Tucker Oldfield, Associate in Arts; Addison Palmer, Associate in Arts; Jacob F. Randall, Basic Commercial Driver Training; Kai Schultz, Associate in General Studies; Gage Wallick, Associate in Arts; Phillip Benjamin Ward, Basic Commercial Driver Training;
Carmen: David Harn, Basic Commercial Driver Training;
Galesburg: Joseph D. Walter, Basic Commercial Driver Training;
Good Hope: Aric Webb, Basic Commercial Driver Training;
Havana: Cassie Jeanette Edmiston, Associate in Arts; Chris Fletcher, Basic Commercial Driver Training; Caleb Fleer, Associate in Arts; Gabriella Oxendine, Computer Information Technology, Computer User Support Specialist, Cyber Security, and Enterprise Computer Network Specialist; Skyler Don White, Computer User Support Specialist;
Knoxville: Ethan Maxwell Foster, Basic Commercial Driver Training; Carter Scott Mason, Basic Commercial Driver Training;
Lewistown: Chelsey Hopkins, Associate in Science, Associate in Arts; Daedalus William Lawrenz, Welding Operator; Curtis Hunter Watson, Computer Information Technology, Cyber Security, and Enterprise Computer Network Specialist;
Macomb: Thomas Engel, Associate in Arts; Isabel Huston, Nursing Assistant; Iris McMeekan, Emergency Medical Technician; Bryonna Kristine Oden, Associate in Applied Science/Health Information Management, Associate in General Studies, Computer User Support Specialist; Anaiah Payne, Enterprise Computer Network Specialist; William D. Payne, Computer and Network Technician, and Enterprise Computer Network Specialist; Haylee Pullon, Nursing Assistant; Andrew J. Rittenhouse, Computer and Network Technician, and Enterprise Computer Network Specialist; Amanda Noel Schack, Nursing Assistant; Brandon Sprinkle, Welding Operator; Jebrea Monet Weeden, Nursing Assistant;
Marietta: Shane E. Gossage, Basic Commercial Driver Training;
Rushville: Andrea Busby, Associate in Science; Cheyann V. Ide, Associate in Science; Katelyn G. Ingles, Associate in Applied Science/Small Business Management Entrepreneurship; Adin Koch, Basic Commercial Driver Training; Gabriel K. Park, Associate in Science; Camille Grace Prefountain, Emergency Medical Technician; Alec Wenger, Associate in General Studies;
Sciota: Michael Kindhart, Basic Commercial Driver Training; Dawson L. Root, Nursing Assistant;
Whiteman AFB: Samantha McElhiney, Associate in Arts;
Yates City: Aidan Colin, Associate in Arts; Casey Bednar, Associate in General Studies.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River Garden Club of Canton Donates $500 for Student Needs Center
Members of the Spoon River Garden Club visited the Canton Campus of Spoon River College to present a check for $500 to President Curt Oldfield that will go towards items for the Student Needs Center.
“We are fortunate to be in such a caring community, and are grateful for the generosity of those who help our students,” Oldfield said.
While the Student Needs Center originally stocked only food items, Oldfield said it had expanded to include non-perishable food items, household and hygiene products, and various school supplies after they realized that these items were needed as well.
In Canton and Macomb, the Student Needs Centers are located in the Learning Resource Centers, and all Spoon River College students—including those taking online classes or those taking classes at the Havana and Rushville centers—can request items via an online form or by reaching out to the Student Success Coaches. In addition, tables with some items are located at all of the college’s locations in areas where they can be freely accessed by students at any time.
“This is just one of the ways that we work every day to create an environment that supports student success, because when our students succeed, that benefits not only them but also the communities they’ll return to and work in,” said Oldfield.
The Spoon River Garden Club – Canton, Il is an organization whose mission is “to promote, foster, cultivate, and share,” and can be found on Facebook where they share all things plants related. The group also hosts an annual plant sale that takes place in May the weekend after Mother’s Day.
Members of Canton’s Spoon River Garden Club present a check for $500 to Spoon River College President Curt Oldfield to go towards the food pantry in the Student Needs Center. Pictured l-r are Jan Bruster, Janice Reneau, Becky Eyman, President Oldfield, Brenda Nuttall, and Janet Rock.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Foundation Scholarship Application Deadline is March 15
Spoon River College and the SRC Foundation offer a variety of scholarships to provide financial assistance to students as well as to recognize outstanding performance in academics, athletics, art/theatre, and career and technical interests. The deadline to apply for scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year is March 15, 2024.
Applicants must complete the scholarship application and the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and submit their most recent transcripts. This process is required for all scholarships, and all steps must be completed by the March 15 deadline. Students receiving other sources of revenue such as Pell Grants or Work Study are still eligible to apply for and receive scholarships.
The scholarships—which may be a permanent named endowed scholarship, a Foundation administered scholarship, an academic performing grant, or a performing skill grant—have differing eligibly requirements. Some may be targeted towards individuals from a specific town or county, a specific career field, or other criteria. Scholarships specifically for nursing students and dual credit students are also available.
Once the paperwork is submitted, applicants will be considered for all available scholarships they are eligible for, and in some cases could receive multiple awards. Applicants will be notified of their status either way by the end of April.
