Category Archive: Uncategorized

Employability Skills Academy April 9 at Canton Campus

Spoon River College will hold an Employability Skills Academy Thursday, April 9, from 8:3 a.m.-2:30 p.m. in the Engle Conference Center on the Canton Campus. The free event is open to the public, including high school students who are interested in receiving tips and information on conducting a successful job search.

A morning and an afternoon session will be offered, and attendees can register for one or both. Check-in and morning refreshments are from 8:30-9 a.m., with check-in for the afternoon session at 12:15-12:30. For those attending both sessions, lunch will be on their own.

Morning presentations are Job Search Strategies (9-9:45) with presenter Mike Sorrill; Employer Expectations in Today’s Workplace (9:50-10:30) with presenter Hannah Neuendorf; and Customer Service and Business Etiquette (10:45-11:30) with presenter Cathy Onion. Afternoon sessions are Interviewing (12:30-1:10), and Resume and Cover Letter (1:15-2:30) with Michelle Howe presenting at both.

To register, visit Employability Skill Academy . For more information, contact Brandi Ketcham at 309-649-6400.

This event is being held in advance of the job fair the college  will also host on Friday, May 8, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Building on the Canton Campus, located at 23235 N County 22. More information will be shared at a later date.

34th Lifelong Conference Scheduled for April 17 at Canton Campus

The Spoon River College Office of Community Outreach will host the 34th Lifelong Learning Conference on Friday, April 17, at the Canton Campus. This popular event for lifelong learners  offers interesting speakers, lunch, and a resource fair.

Rick Klinedinst will start the day with a keynote presentation titled “America 250: Independence Won—and Almost Lost” as he explores the fragile years after 1776, when independence had been secured but the republic itself nearly failed. Seven break-out sessions will follow, with attendees choosing three of those to attend.

Morning sessions include “Pursuit of Creative Endeavors” by Jeanine Standard and Linda Brown as they explore how creative endeavors can affect mood, relationships, and brain functioning, followed by “Hidden Lives of the Titanic Stories of the Unrecognized Passengers and Crew” by Gwen Alexander, who brings to light the stories of those who largely remain unknown and a local family’s surprising connection to the Titanic.

Afternoon sessions include “1776 in 2026” by Stan Ransom featuring clips from the Broadway musical 1776; Christine Wright will present “Designing with Daisies” (bring your clippers!); Local winemaker Bradley Beam will present “C’est si bon: An Introduction to the Wines of France”; Mike Delligatti will share his travel adventures with “35 Fabulous Days in Australia,” and Larry Eskridge will lead the discussion of “one of the world’s most unpopular books” and its effect on people everywhere.

Check-in and refreshments are from 8-8:30 a.m., followed by opening remarks and the keynote presentation at  9 a.m. A Resource Fair and a soup and sandwich buffet will be held in between the morning and afternoon sessions, and the day wraps up at 2:30 p.m.

The event is sponsored by MidAmerica National Bank and resource fair venders CASA of West Central Illinois, Farmington Village Nursing and Rehab, Help at Home, SRC Adult Education; Spoon River Home Health, The Clayberg Nursing Center, Willow Ridge Hospice, and Canton Family YMCA. All attendees will be entered for door prize drawings compliments of the sponsors. Cost of the event is $25 ($35 after April 10) and registration can be completed online  at https://src.augusoft.net/ or by calling 309-649-6260.

2nd Annual Mrs. Roper Romp In to Raise Scholarship Funds May 9 in Havana

2nd Annual Mrs. Roper Romp In to Raise Scholarship Funds May 9 in Havana

It’s time to turn downtown Havana into a sea of caftans, curls, and cocktails for the 2nd Annual Mrs. Roper Romp on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

This lively, costumed fundraising event celebrates the iconic Mrs. Roper from Three’s Company while raising funds for Spoon River College (SRC) scholarships for Havana students. The day will kick off at 9:00 a.m. at The Stag Tap Beer Garden with breakfast and registration, along with shopping, dining, and entertainment throughout the day.

Participants can look forward to a full day of fun, including a boutique and bar crawl, themed drink specials, make and take floral bar, bingo with Chris Boggs, prizes, live entertainment, and Mrs. Roper costume contest. New this year, attendees can also sign up for a Bags Tournament at the Stag Tap, adding a little friendly competition to the festivities.

Tickets are $40 and include breakfast, bingo, live music, and event coupons. Attendees will also have the option to purchase an official Mrs. Roper Romp t-shirt and join the Bags Tournament for an additional fee. To register for the event or purchase a t-shirt, click here Mrs. Roper Romp

The SRC Foundation and Spoon River College offer a wide variety of scholarships each year, including awards for academic achievement, talent, and skill. The SRC Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, and gifts may be tax deductible.

Mrs. Roper Romps originated in New Orleans in 2013 and have since grown into a nationwide trend, bringing communities together through humor, nostalgia, and charitable giving.

Picture of attendees at the Mrs. Roper Romp fundraiser in downtown Havana last year.

Attendees at the 2025 Mrs. Roper Romp

Spoon River College Hosting Job Fair May 8th at Canton Campus

A “Spring into Action” job fair will be held on Friday, May 8, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Multi-Purpose Building on the Canton Campus located at 23235 N. County 22.

Job seekers are encouraged to bring their resumes and be prepared to talk with employers on site. Event sponsors are Spoon River College, Spoon River College Office of Community Outreach, Canton Area Chamber of Commerce, and Career Link.

As of press time, the following employers were registered to attend: OSF Healthcare; Nature’s Grace and Wellness; Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services; Illinois Department of Public Health; Canton Police Department; Truck Centers, Inc.; Loft of Canton; State of Illinois Central Management Services; Spoon River College; Liberty Steel and Wire; Caring Senior Service; Mason District Hospital; Graham Health System; United States Navy; Illinois Oil Marketing Equipment; Illinois Department of Agriculture; Illinois Department of Transportation; Advanced Medical Transport of Central Illinois; BuildTheQC: Heritage Woods of Canton; and Lutheran Social Services of Illinois.

To see the most recent list of employers attending, or to register as a participating employer, Click Here

Registration for 2026 Summer and Fall Classes Begins April 1

Registration for 2026 summer and fall classes at Spoon River College begins April 1, with a variety of sessions and start time options available.

Summer sessions include 3-week interim classes that run May 18-June 4, and 4- and 8-week sessions that begin June 8. A second 4-week session starts July 6. Shortened sessions offer the same number of credit hours as regular 16-week classes.

Fall interim classes will run August 3-21, and regular 16-week classes begin August 24.

SRC Foundation scholarships are available for both summer and fall classes. 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. More than one college can be listed on the application.

The college offers both transfer and career education classes that can lead to a degree and/or short term certificates, with locations in Canton, Havana, Macomb, Rushville, and online.

For more information about registering for classes, Click Here. For information about applying for scholarships, Click Here.  

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.

 

 

 

WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS Show to be Presented at Opera House Plaza

The Spoon River College Community Chorus and the Canton History & Arts Alliance present WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS, a multi-focus staged musical, at 7:00 p.m. on June 28, 2026, at the Opera House Plaza in downtown Canton.  The production will be free and open to the public. Singers are currently being sought to take part in the production.

Those interested in taking part in the new production should Contact Carol Davis  by April 30.

WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS, written and directed by Carol Davis, commemorates and examines the 250th anniversary of the United States of America through the eyes of the country’s founders.

“It is June 2026 and Sage Stark (Corrinna Markland Pickel), television reporter/moderator, has invited Presidents George Washington (Phil Funkenbush), John Adams (Chad Murphy), and Thomas Jefferson (Douglas Okey) to an open air forum to reflect on their founding intentions, to discuss the struggles defining the new government, and to comment on how they believe the whole United States of America experiment is faring,” Davis explains.

“Understanding how instrumental Abigail Adams (Sara Mathis) was in the formation of the new country, Sage Stark, has also invited Mrs. Adams to be present.  Sage has many questions for these individuals.  Their responses and interchanges are poignant, humorous, thought-provoking, engaging, relevant, shocking, and profound.”

The production includes songs from the 1700s as well as contemporary songs by American artists, including a song written specifically for the 250th anniversary.  The chorus members portray the open-air forum’s audience.

Two music rehearsals are scheduled for June 18 and 22 at 7 p.m.  All participants in the show are required to rehearse from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. with the performance to follow at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 28.  For more information, Email Carol Davis.

 

Spoon River College Annual Tractor Show and Car Cruise-In April 25 at Canton Campus

The 19th Annual Tractor Show and Car Cruise-In will be held Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m.-2 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 2 p.m. Raffle and 50-50 drawing winners will also be announced at 2 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.

The Canton Campus of Spoon River College is located at 23235 N. County Hwy 22.

 

Spoon River College Inducts 91 New Members into Phi Theta Kappa

Spoon River College inducted 91 new members into the Nu Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society in a ceremony held March 5 at the Spoon River College Outreach Center in Macomb.

After a welcome by Spoon River College President Dr. Curt Oldfield, the history of Phi Theta Kappa was presented by Chi Chi Wang, President of the Canton Chapter, and Samantha Sensor, President of the Macomb Chapter.

Missy Wilkinson, Dean of Student Services, introduced the four members who were named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team, chosen on the basis of their academic achievement, volunteer work, campus activities, honors, and awards. Those students were Leah Kling, Amelia Fuller, Samantha Sensor, and Tiffany Wilson.

Phi Theta Kappa faculty advisors Jill Olson and Rebecca Werland presided over the initiation of new members, who were introduced by Sarah Etter, Nursing faculty, and Candy Hadsall, Success Coach.

The following students were inducted.

Avon: Quinton Gates;

Bath: Olivia Kramer;

Bloomington: Blake Willan;

Browning: Addi Howell;

Bushnell: Joy Hadley, Karly Diaz;

Canton: Addison Edwards, Anistin Hackley, Austin Wright, Regan Averett, Taylor Baughman, Mia Bowers, D’Aundre Evans, Danica Geeseman, Jack Jochums, Joshua Liggin, Jodie Lingenfelter, Jessica Moyemont, Reese Murphy, Bryer Nelson, Morgan Neptune, Samuel Parry, Camri Phillips, Ryan Rosich, Own Spahn, Grace Spencer, Jack Wheelwrght:

Cedar Rapids, IA: Olivia Young;

Chandlerville: Tucker Pherigo;

Chillicothe: Irvin Griffin;

Coal Valley: Nolan Buchen;

Colchester: Alexandra Off;

Cuba: Sadie Arnett, Jack Lowry, Olivia Miller, David Roberts, Nicole Southerd;

Delavan: Kelton Nafziger;

Dunfermline: Ashlynn Howarter, Olivia McLouth;

Edwardsville: Kelley Chase;

Ellisville: Jace Featherlin;

Elmwood: Jennee Stear;

Farmington: Drew Henkhaus;

Galesburg: Adrian Bailey;

Gibson City: Mallory Rosendahl;

Glasford: Layne Byrns; Adam Maroney;

Groveland: Logan Booth;

Hamburg: Josephine Hoagland;

Havana: Ryan Dye, Ryne Lorek, Dylan Yocum;

Heyworth: Logan Mills;

Industry: Ashlyn Downs, Alice Hynek;

Kilbourne: Alexis Richardson;

Lewistown: Diellza Mehmedi, Addison Roddis, Savannah Stahl, Landry Smith, Grace Tarvin;

Macomb: Brady Gage, Lucy Gilliland, Sarah Hess, Raya Huston, Alicia Lasley, Macyn McMillan, Michael Skipworth, Rachel Norville, Aaron Spencer, Addison Taylor;

Manito: Ayden Forbis, Isabella Passmore;

Normal: Jace Crawford;

Oglesby: Brendan Boudreau;

Orlando, FL: Chi Chi Wang;

Paris, France: Kane Marieme;

Paris, France: Marieme Kane:

Paxton: Lucas Krumwiede;

Pekin: Sierra Sitter;

Peoria: Jolie Jeffreys;

Pontiac: Olivia Lindsay;

Rushville: Erin Miller, Darcie Govaert, Madeline Stoll, Mallory Vining;

Sherrard: Maddux Harksen;

Springfield: Ryne Crum;

Stronghurst: Jackson Timmerman;

Table Grove: Jackson Kessler;

Winchester: Brylee Lawson.

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.

Spoon River College Hosting Public Forums Seeking Community Input in Search for New President

Spoon River College will host three public forums to gather input that will assist with the development of the Presidential Profile as the search to identify the next President of Spoon River College begins.

The hour-long forums will be held on Wednesday, March 25, with the first taking place at 8:30 a.m. in Room A of the Macomb Outreach Center, located at 2500 East Jackson Street. Forums will then be held in the Engle Conference Center on the Canton Campus at 11 a.m. and at 2 p.m. The Canton campus is located at 23235 N. County Highway 22.

For those unable to attend, an online survey is available at Presidential Profile Survey . The Profile will be used in the recruitment and evaluation of candidates. Please submit survey feedback no later than 6:00 PM (Central) on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Dr. Curt Oldfield, who has served as the SRC president since 2012, has accepted the presidency of Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, effective July 1.

The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) has been selected to assist the college with the Presidential search process. ACCT’s assistance will include providing support with the development of the Presidential Profile, recruiting highly competitive candidates, and working extensively with the College and the Board of Trustees. Keith Miller, Ph.D. and former Spoon River College president, will serve as the ACCT Search Consultant and will assist the College throughout the process.

 

ICAC Esports Competition Hosted by Spoon River College

More than 60 esports team members from nine highs schools gathered at Spoon River College on Friday, March 13, to compete in the annual ICAC Esports Competition, which was created three years ago. The teams vie for the IHSA title in Super Smash Brothers (solos), Super Smash Brothers (crew), Rocket League, Mario Kart, and Madden. Schools attending were Cuba, Delevan, Elmwood, Illini Bluffs, Peoria Heights, Peoria Christian, Valley, and Rova/Williamsfield.

“Each school will be competing for a trophy in each title in a double-elimination format. It was a big hit last year, and we are hoping to provide another great experience for the participating students,” said ICAC and Spoon River College coach  Anthony Jurewicz.

Spoon River College launched their esports program in the fall of 2020 when it was first exploding in popularity as a competitive form of gaming. At that time more than 170 institutions were already competing as members of the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), a nonprofit organization, and more than 600 colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and Canada were on board.

“This is yet another avenue SRC offers for students to learn to compete. Like any other sport, it offers lessons in how to function in a team environment, gain time management skills, and an opportunity to gain valuable leadership experience,” said John Bassett, SRC athletic director. “Esports competitions rival traditional sporting events in size and scale.”

For more information about the esports programs at Spoon River College, For more information about the esports programs at Spoon River College, visit Esports Information