Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on 33rd Annual SRC Foundation Golf Outing Set for August 7
The Spoon River College Foundation is gearing up for one of its most anticipated events of the year—the 33rd Annual SRC Foundation Golf Outing—set for Friday, August 7 at Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills Country Club in rural Cuba. The day will begin with lunch at 11 a.m., followed by a noon shotgun start.
The Foundation is currently inviting teams and sponsors to be part of this long-standing tradition. Sponsorship opportunities range from $100 to $1,200 and offer valuable visibility for businesses and organizations through event materials, on-site promotion, and local media recognition. The highest sponsorship level also includes team entry.
Golfers will enjoy a full day on the course in a best-ball scramble format, with registration set at $400 per team of four. The fee includes lunch, green fees, cart, snacks, an SRC-themed gift, and plenty of opportunities for friendly competition. Prizes will be awarded to top teams, along with skill prizes featured throughout the course.
In addition to great golf, participants can look forward to crowd-favorite activities like the Golf Ball Cannon and Wheel of Fortune, along with a 50/50 raffle, grand prize raffle, and hole-in-one contests.
Proceeds from the outing directly support Spoon River College students through scholarships, emergency hardship assistance, facility improvements, and extracurricular programs—helping remove barriers and open doors to opportunity.
“When students choose to invest in their future, we want to do everything we can to support their success,” said Dusty Berg, Director of the SRC Foundation. “This event is a fun way for the community to come together and make a real difference for our students.”
As one of the Foundation’s largest annual fundraisers, the event continues to bring together community members, alumni, and supporters for a meaningful day on the course.
The registration deadline is July 24. Team and sponsorship forms are available at Golf Outing Sign-up, or by calling (309) 649-6348 or Email Michelle Howe.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on 4 Central Illinois Community Colleges Generate $800 million in Economic Impact, support more than 10,000 jobs
CANTON/Macomb — Sandburg, Spoon River College, Illinois Central College and Heartland Community College together generate $799.6 million in economic impact and support 10,464 jobs across the west central Illinois community college region, according to a new study.
The largest share of that impact, $645.6 million, comes from former students now working in the regional economy, earning more than they would without their credentials and spending those wages locally. The colleges’ own operations and capital spending account for another $130 million, while current students contribute $22.9 million through housing, food, transportation and other living expenses.
Regional workforce impact
The four colleges support one out of every 47 jobs in the region. Their day-to-day payroll and purchasing flow directly to local businesses, vendors and contractors, while capital projects put construction and infrastructure dollars to work across the 20-county area.
“Our colleges demonstrate the concrete value of continued investment in community colleges as a driver of workforce development, regional growth, and long-term opportunity for students and communities,” Sandburg President Dr. Seamus Reilly said. “From the broader perspective, we contribute to statewide economic growth and social benefits of added income and public and private sector savings. Our students are earning more and reinvesting by largely staying here in the communities we serve.”
Returns for students
Students who complete credentials at these colleges see an average 14.6 percent annual return on their educational investment compared to workers with only a high school diploma, after accounting for tuition and foregone wages. Those higher earnings add up over a career, and because most graduates stay in the area, that money goes right back into local businesses and communities.
“The study proves that this return from investing in education is greater than the 30-year average annual rate of return of the stock market. Those higher earnings add up over a lifetime,” Spoon River President Dr. Curt Oldfield said. “Because most graduates stay in the area, that money goes right back into local businesses and communities.”
Statewide impact
A statewide economic impact study found that Illinois community colleges are a powerhouse of growth, contributing $27.2 billion annually to the Illinois economy (about 2.7% of the state’s gross product) and supporting 324,273 jobs (one in every 26) in the state.
“Illinois community colleges serve as economic drivers for our communities, generating value not only with our operations but furthering the investment in the students we serve,” Heartland President Keith Cornille said. “Our institutions bring jobs and growth to the community, but most importantly, our students generate higher earnings, which in turn helps our neighborhoods thrive.”
About the study
The economic impact analysis was conducted by Lightcast and commissioned by the Illinois Community College Board. It covers a 20-county region served by the four colleges, including Bureau, DeWitt, Ford, Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Knox, Livingston, Logan, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McLean, Mercer, Peoria, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Warren and Woodford counties.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Announces Mark A. Cenicola as Head Coach, Women’s Basketball
Spoon River College (SRC) has announced Mark A. Cenicola as the new head coach of its women’s basketball team. Bringing over 12 years of combined coaching experience across multiple levels of basketball and baseball plus a unique background in business leadership, Cenicola is strongly positioned to make SRC a serious contender for success in a very competitive Region 24 that saw three programs ranked in the top 10 nationally in the most recent season.
Cenicola most recently served as head coach of the Western Gulf Collegiate women’s basketball program where he also previously served as associate head coach during the 2025-2026 season.
His responsibilities will combine leading all aspects of the women’s basketball program including player support and development both on and off the court to prepare the team for competition amongst top-ranked NJCAA DII teams. Cenicola brings significant connections in recruiting, especially in the strong basketball area of Houston, TX which has consistently produced high-level talent amongst very competitive high school programs.
“We are excited to bring Coach Cenicola into a women’s basketball program that offers a small-campus environment where players are well-known and supported,” said John Bassett, director of athletics at Spoon River College. “As we look to improve our standings in Region 24, Cenicola brings the recruiting experience to help us attract talent to our wonderful campus and facilities in Canton.”
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to improve the competitiveness of SRC’s women’s basketball program and make it a top contender in Region 24 and the country,” said Cenicola. “My plan is to attract local area talent and compliment it with additional strong talent from my various recruiting connections in other locations to make SRC women’s basketball program seen as one of the toughest teams on our competitors’ schedules.”
A seasoned coach, Cenicola has worked with female basketball players ranging from youth developmental leagues to college levels, as well as male and female athletes aged 10 to 40, including professional baseball players. Recent coaching roles include head coach of the Girls Varsity White Basketball Team at Annunciation Orthodox School, where he focused on skill enhancement and teamwork for 7th and 8th graders, and head coach of BV Basketball, a corporate-sponsored club team in Texas emphasizing development for second-chance players. At Cornerstone Christian Academy, he led the middle school girls’ team to a West Houston Christian Athletic Conference Consolation Bracket Tournament Championship, and at Katy Youth Basketball, he coached junior high girls in one of the largest programs of its kind, preparing athletes for competitive play at the high school level.
Beyond basketball, Cenicola’s multi-sport background includes playing and managing the Las Vegas Rattlers baseball team (2002-2008), where he worked with former college and minor league athletes. His athletic experience complements his professional achievements as Chairman, President, and CEO of BannerView.com, a Cenicola-Helvin Enterprise Brand. An author of two books – ”Help Wanted: Women to Play College Basketball” and “The Banner Brand – Small Business Success Comes from a Banner Brand, Build it on a Budget”; Cenicola translates his entrepreneurial leadership to empower women and girls in sports. Cenicola holds a Bachelor of Science from Southern Utah University and an Associate of Applied Science from Snow College.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Diesel and Power Systems Technology Students Awarded 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:
Devin Martin (Canton), Del Miller Scholarship for $500; Conner Simmons (Galesburg), Harold Dare Scholarship for $500; Phillip Mann (Garland, TX), Brian Telander Scholarship for $500; Kaden Peterman (Rushville), Phi Mu Tau scholarship for $1,000; and Mitchell Wilcox (West Point), Ed Kaiser Scholarship for $1,500.
In addition, each student was also awarded a $200 Strip Miners Retiree Group Diesel Scholarship.
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 (faculty).
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 that culminates in an associate in applied science degree. The college is also 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.
For more information about the program, visit Click Here
l-r: Devin Martin, Mitchell Wilcox, Conner Simmons, Kaden Peterman, and Phillip Mann
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Celebrates Community College Month
[Canton, IL)] — Spoon River College joins colleges nationwide in celebrating April as Community College Month, highlighting the essential role community and technical colleges play in powering America’s workforce and expanding economic opportunity.
“Community colleges are a smart first step for millions of learners, whether they are preparing to transfer, seeking a career-ready credential, or building new skills through short-term training,” said Spoon River College President Curt Oldfield.
Community colleges also provide adult literacy programs and offer a variety of community classes that enhance personal and professional development, business training, and lifelong learning experiences.
“We do all of that here at Spoon River College, and every day, our dedicated faculty and staff create an environment where students thrive, and when students succeed, our communities grow stronger,” Oldfield said. “Community colleges provide the pathways to each individual’s goals, no matter where they begin.”
Spoon River College fosters partnerships with both local and regional employers, economic development organizations, and with four-year universities to ensure the college is meeting the needs of the communities they serve. Career and workforce education programs utilize advisory boards that offer insight and advice on their specific employment area.
Support systems within the college—TRIO, the Student Needs Pantry, peer tutors and Student Success Coaches—provide direct support to students as they strive to complete their educational goals.
“We recognize that every student’s journey is unique, and we are committed to providing the guidance and support they need to achieve their goals,” said Oldfield. “Community colleges are first-class institutions that are vital to our local and state economies, and this month allows us the opportunity to celebrate that importance and value.”
Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in West Central Illinois with campuses and Community Outreach Offices in Canton and Macomb and Learning Centers in Havana and Rushville, serving students Fulton, McDonough, Mason, Schuyler and Knox counties.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Employability Skills Academy May 1 at SRC Macomb Outreach Center
Spoon River College will hold an Employability Skills Academy Friday, May 1, at the Macomb Outreach Center from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 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 will be 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 Mandi McRaven; 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 Shay Holland. Afternoon sessions are Interviewing (12:30-1:10) with Melissa Worley; and Resume and Cover Letter (1:15-2:30) with presenter Hannah Neuendorf.
To register, visit Employability Skill Academy . For more information, contact Mariah Huston at (309) 837-6069. The Macomb Outreach Center is located at 2500 E. Jackson.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Student Samantha Sensor Named a 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team Silver Scholar
Macomb- Samantha Sensor, a student at Spoon River College, has been named a member of the 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team and will receive a $1,300 scholarship.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion. Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service.
Sensor is pursuing an Associate of Arts degree. A member of Phi Theta Kappa, she serves as chapter president and is actively involved in service initiatives that support both campus and community needs. She plans to transfer to Western Illinois University to continue her studies with a focus on broad-based, interdisciplinary learning while remaining engaged in leadership and service.
Sensor has balanced being a wife and mother to five children while pursuing her education at Spoon River College. In addition to be active in Phi Theta Kappa, she is also a member of the Student Government Association, volunteers weekly as a tutor in the Adult Education program, and previously served as a TRIO Peer Tutor and as the co-editor of the Kaleidoscope, the student-run literary and visual arts journal. She is currently employed part-time in the college’s Learning Resource Center on the Macomb Campus.
“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Paulsen, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow’s global community leaders.”
Coca-Cola Academic Team members will be recognized in both local and statewide ceremonies. They will also be recognized internationally during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst, in Baltimore, Maryland, March 26-28.
“We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Scholarships like these are integral to the success of these students in reaching their educational and career goals.”
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation celebrates and empowers visionary leaders who are refreshing the world. Supporting more than 1,400 exceptional college students each year, it awards $3.55 million in scholarships annually through three nationally recognized programs. Learn more at coca-colascholarsfoundation.org.
Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Students Named to All-Illinois Academic Team
Four 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 Amelia Fuller and Tiffany Wilson (Canton Campus), and Leah Kling and Samantha Sensor (Macomb Campus).
The All-Illinois Academic Team annually recognizes the top Phi Theta Kappa students across Illinois. Students are selected from more than 50 statewide PTK chapters for excellence in academic achievement, leadership and community service.
Amelia Fuller of Canton is working towards a degree in Early Childhood Education. She is an active member at her church, teaching children’s programs and operating a daycare that she and her sister opened. She also started “A Dress for Every Girl” project that provides free formal prom and homecoming gowns for area high school girls.
Tiffany Wilson of Tuttle, Oklahoma intends to transfer to Western Illinois University to complete a degree in Elementary Education, and wants to teach second grade. While at SRC she has been a member of the volleyball team, and serves as the social media officer for the Nu Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Spoon River College. A current student worker at the college, she is also a barista at a local coffee shop.
Leah Kling is from Bushnell and is majoring in Nursing.
Samantha Sensor is a student at Spoon River College pursuing an Associate of Arts degree. A member of Phi Theta Kappa, she serves as chapter president and is actively involved in service initiatives that support both campus and community needs. She plans to transfer to Western Illinois University to continue her studies with a focus on broad-based, interdisciplinary learning while remaining engaged in leadership and service.
The students will be recognized at the Annual Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois awards banquet on Thursday, April 16, at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield.
Spoon River College faculty Jill Olson (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.
Amelia Fuller Tiffany Wilson Leah Kling Samantha Sensor
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on 8th Grade Reality Store Comes to SRC Macomb Campus
For more than two decades Spoon River College has been hosting the 8th Grade Reality Store, but this year marked the first time it was able to be held in Macomb. “What a treat to have 360 students join us at our new Macomb campus for this unique event that allows students to get a taste of ‘adulting’ and money management,” said Mariah Huston, SRC advisor and event coordinator.
The event allows students to choose a career and then attend an informational session with a professional from that field. They receive a paycheck that reflects the starting salary in the career they chose—minus taxes—and then rotate through stations where they ‘pay’ their monthly living expenses—clothing, food, medical, transportation, entertainment, and housing. Students may be randomly designated as parents, which comes with additional expenses. Students also spin the Wheel of Chance, which might be a windfall such as winning a lottery, or an unexpected expense like a car repair.
“Students choose how to budget their monthly salary based on lifestyle choices. Our hope is to give them an early glimpse of what it takes to be an adult and how certain educational paths may lead to greater salaries,” Huston said. “It also gives us the chance to interact with our area youth in a fun way.”
Schools attending were Astoria, Bushnell Prairie City, La Harpe, Macomb, Rushville-Industry, VIT and West Prairie. Assisting with the event were volunteers from Macomb Altrusa, Macomb Youth Leadership Organization (MYLO), Spoon River College TRIO and Phi Theta Kappa members, Western Illinois University Athletics, and West Prairie High School students.
Presenters were Hannah Stinocher (Nursing); Jordan Fink (Physical Therapist); Chuck Harris (Welding); Joe Clemens (Diesel Repair Technician); Doug Erickson (Engineering); Chase Lockard (Computer Careers); Anne Ingersoll (Business Owner); Jamie Kotewa (Art Careers); Stephanie Hilton (Lawyer); Lydia Perrilles (Teacher); and Korrie Cameron (Law Enforcement).
Pictures of the event can be viewed on the Spoon River College Facebook page.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on April College Visit Days at Canton and Macomb Campuses
Spoon River College will host College Visit Days at both their Canton and Macomb campuses to give prospective students the opportunity to explore transfer education and SRC career technical programs. The Canton date is Tuesday, April 14, and the Macomb date is Thursday, April 16. Both are from 1-3 p.m.
Attendees will receive information about the application process, tuition costs, and available scholarships. Campus tours will be given, including the Snapper Villas student housing on the Canton Campus. All attendees will receive a free t-shirt.
RSVPS are encouraged and can be made at www.src.edu under the Admissions tab, 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 2500 East Jackson.
