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.
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.
Jennifer Henson 
Misty Peyer
