Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Financial Aid Office Presenting Free Workshops at District High Schools
Employees in the financial aid office at Spoon River College will present free workshops at district high schools starting in October with a focus on previewing the changes in the FAFA application.
The major change this year is that the FAFSA application will not be available by October 1 as it has been in the past several years. It is expected to be available mid to late December, and is required by law to be available by January 1, 2024. In addition, all contributors will now be required to have a FAFSA username and password.
Because the application will not be available until December, financial aid staff will be unable to assist attendees with filling out and filing it. Instead, they will help with the creation of usernames and passwords as well as provide an overview of the program and answer questions. During the spring, visits, staff will once again be able to assist with the FAFSA filing.
Information about other financial assistance programs such as funding for veterans, scholarships, student loans, and payment plans will also be presented, and even those not planning on attending Spoon River College are welcome to attend. These workshops are for students, their parents, and any adult learners who are interested in learning more about options for paying for college.
The schedule for the high school visits is as follows:
Farmington: October 3, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Lewistown: October 4, 6 – 7 p.m.
Canton: October 5, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Spoon River Valley, October 25, 6 – 7 p.m.
Rushville: October 25, 6 – 7 p.m.
VIT: October 26, 6 – 7 p.m.
Cuba: October 26, 6 – 7p.m.
Macomb: November 6, 6 – 7p.m.
Astoria: November 7, 6 – 7 p.m.
Havana: December 6, 6-7 p.m.
The spring schedule of visits will be available at a later date.
For more information, visit www.src.edu and click on the Financial Aid link under the Student Services tab or call (309) 649-7030 in Canton or (309) 833-6073 in Macomb.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Faculty Complete Safe Zone Training
Spoon River College faculty completed Safe Zone Training during an orientation held August 17 at the Canton Campus. It was presented by Cassie Lucchesi of Peoria Proud, Becca Mathis of Central Illinois Friends, and Marshall Seidel, also of Peoria Proud.
Lucchesi, who serves as president of Peoria Proud, said the Safe Zone Training brings awareness to the marginalization of LGBTQ+ people. “Through the training, businesses and organizations gain context and knowledge about real scenarios LGBTQ+ people face, learn complex concepts surrounding the LGBTQ+ community, challenge personal and systemic biases, and gain awareness of and respect for others.”
The three-hour long training provided information about LGBTQ+ identities, gender and sexuality, and examined prejudice, assumptions, and privilege. Goals of the training included creating environments that are inclusive to all, helping people become more comfortable with the language, and learning best practices for interacting with LGBTQ+ people in professional spaces, including in the classrooms.
Holly Norton, vice president of educational and student services at Spoon River College, said it is important to create a welcoming environment and foster an atmosphere where all individuals could thrive, regardless of their backgrounds or identities. “Spoon River College promotes inclusivity, understanding, and respect, which ultimately enhances the educational experience and ensures that our college remains a place where every person’s voice is valued and heard. This type of training empowers our faculty to be allies for our diverse student body.”
Math faculty member Sarah Dalpiaz said she found the training to be worthwhile and enjoyed the energetic interactive method used by the presenters.
“The presenters were also encouraging and receptive to questions, which created an environment that made us feel comfortable to ask anything,” said Dalpiaz. “Providing a safe space for my students is important to me, and this training has prepared me to make my classroom an even safer space than before.”
Lucchesi noted that the faculty came to the training with an open mind and ready to engage, and that the questions they asked guided the discussion and allowed the training to be tailored to their needs. “Safe Zone Training allows employees, staff, and consumers the ability to create spaces where LGBTQ+ folks are seen and celebrated for their authentic selves. Spoon River College is making the effort to be inclusive of their LGBTQ+ population.”
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Summer 2023 Graduates Announced
Spoon River College congratulates the following individuals who have completed graduation requirements and received degrees and/or certificates during the 2023 summer semester.
Astoria: Gage Peters, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate; Skye Renay Stambaugh, Associate in Science degree; Molly R. Westlake, Medical Assistant certificate;
Bath: Ella Rose Kramer, Associate in Arts degree;
Birnamwood, WI: Adam Joseph Fellner, Associate Degree in Nursing;
Bowling Green, KY: Geovonni D. Floyd, Associate in Arts degree;
Canton: Daniel Burnett, Associate in Applied Science/Computer Information Systems degree; Sarah Goldring, Associate in Science degree; Jace W. Gudzinskas, Associate in Arts degree; Mallory Jackson, Associate in Arts degree; Taylor K. Marshall, Early Childhood Education certificate; Addison Jo Scapecchi, Nursing Assistant certificate; Brady Sprout, Associate in Science degree; Andrew T. Tarvin, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate; Gracie Louella Widger, Associate in Arts degree; Chase Williamson, Associate in Arts degree; Hailey E. Ashwood, Practical Nurse certificate; Allison Reenie Robinson, Practical Nurse certificate;
Colchester: Taylor Austyn Dimmitt, Practical Nurse certificate;
Cuba: Collin Brooks, Associate in Arts degree; Tressa Mahr, Associate in General Studies degree; Carley Brianne Seward, Associate in Applied Science/Small Business Management degree and certificates in Business Plan Entrepreneurship, Customer Service, Entrepreneurship, and Supervision;
East Peoria: Sara K. Smith, Associate in Arts degree;
Elmwood: William D. Hayden, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate;
Fairview: Weslee James Frame, Associate in General Studies degree;
Farmington: Jesse Ebert, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate; Brock A. Renner, Associate in Arts degree;
Fiatt: Isabelle Bradley, Associate in Applied Science/Small Business Management degree and certificates in Customer Service, Entrepreneurship, and Supervision;
Galesburg: Tallen McWilliams, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate;
Glasford: Jessica Schabatka, Associate Degree in Nursing;
Green Valley: Brittany Nicole Mackey, Associate Degree in Nursing;
Havana: Layla M. Gray, Nursing Assistant; Christopher Trent Matthew Pitzer, Associate in Arts degree; Zoe Lynn Porter, Associate in Arts degree; Rachel Leeann Bailey, Practical Nursing certificate; Stephanie Jo Bailey, Practical Nursing certificate; Erin Rene Danner, Practical Nursing certificate; Olivia Faye Herbst, Practical Nursing certificate;
Ipava: Shane Matthew Hickle, Welding Operator certificate;
Kilbourne: Chloe Suzanne Turner, Associate in Science degree;
Knoxville: Kali Amber Orten, Associate Degree in Nursing;
Lewistown: Charlie Cripe, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate; Brady R. Hanes, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate; Preston Horwedel, Associate in Science degree; Madalyn Jones, Associate in General Studies degree;
Liverpool: Madison Scrogum, Nursing Assistant certificate; Kristyn M. Shoaf, Nursing Assistant certificate;
London Mills: Lionel E. Gillis, Associate in General Studies degree;
Macomb: Caitlyn Behymer, Associate Degree in Nursing; Mallory A. Hoyt, Associate in Applied Science/Health Information Management degree and certificates in Medical Coding, Medical Insurance/Billing, and Medical Records; Arberim Kadriu, Associate in Science degree; Makayla Sikes, Associate in Science degree; Mariam A. Adebo, Practical Nursing certificate; Irene Akinyemi, Practical Nursing certificate; Tricia L. Burkholder, Practical Nursing certificate; Xanthe April Gast, Practical Nursing certificate; Jennifer Sue Henson, Practical Nursing certificate;
Pekin: Melanie Behymer, Medical Insurance/Billing certificate;
Peoria: Chenelle Buckner, Associate Degree in Nursing;
Peoria Heights: Mitchell David Martin, Associate in Arts degree;
Plainfield: Jeremy McGuigan, Associate in Arts degree;
Plymouth: Sara Elizabeth Inman, Practical Nursing certificate;
Rushville: Sherilyn A. Umphryes, Associate in Applied Science/Health Information Management degree and certificates in Medical Assistant, Medical Coding, Medical Insurance/Billing, and Medical Records; Madison Rose Funke, Practical Nursing certificate;
Silver City, NM: Robert Banks, Associate in Arts degree;
Willowbrook: Aaron Tims, Associate in Arts degree.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Hosting College Visit Day September 12
Spoon River College will host a College Visit Day Tuesday, September 12 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at both the Canton and Macomb campuses.
This is 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 also have the opportunity to meet with advisors and financial aid specialists, and will receive information about the application process, tuition costs, student life activities, clubs and organizations, and financial aid options, including scholarships.
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.
Additional College Visit Days will be held Wednesday, October 11, and Thursday, November 16.
The Canton Campus is located at 23235 N. County Hwy. 22, and the Macomb Campus is located at 208 S. Johnson Street.
Pictured are members of Student Services Janet Munson, Brandi Ketcham, Brandy Chasteen, Jo Branson, and Sarah Fouts, who will be on hand during the upcoming College Visit Day.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Community Chorus Begins Rehearsals for 2023 Winter Concert
Rehearsals begin for The Wonder, Full World of Winter, the Spoon River College Community Chorus Winter Concert, on Thursday, September 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 215 W. Elm in Canton, Illinois. Anyone with a love for singing and philanthropy may join the choir. No auditions are required.
Rehearsals generally occur every Thursday from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Performances are December 2 at 7:00 p.m. and December 3 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
This year’s concert features an international theme focusing on the musical diversity in our world – past and present. Director John L. Davis has selected a wide variety of songs representative of all genres and styles from around the globe. Songs such as El Hambo (sung in Swedish), the Hebrew song Chanukah Prayer for Children, and Russia’s The Sleigh will be featured along with The Place Where the Lost Things Go and Walking in the Air from Britain and so much more.
“In a divided world, music provides unity,” artistic director Carol Davis said. “Together we sing in unison, in harmony, and in languages beyond our own. As Spoon River College supports diversity in education, the Chorus, a funding arm of the SRC Foundation, seeks to assist and sustain those from all backgrounds with our annual concerts and productions.”
This year’s concert also offers a bit of nostalgia from times gone by. Recalling the days when families sat around the radio listening to Little Orphan Annie, Dimension X, Suspense, and The Lone Ranger, the Chorus offers a fun-filled re-creation of a 1940-50s style Radio program, complete with audience participation, commercials, and unusual sound effects.
“I was inspired by Radio Classics on Sirius XM to create our own radio show this year,” says Carol Davis. “I listen to Radio Classics (Channel 148) every day and the station has a Spoon River College connection. For over 20 years, Greg Bell has served as host and program director of Radio Classics. I had the pleasure of spending time with Greg when he came to visit his mother, Phyllis Hedden, who lives in Havana. Radio Classics could be considered a precursor to today’s podcasts.”
Ticket pre-sales begin October 1 and may be purchased through Chorus members only. General public and online sales will begin October 15. Information about tickets will be posted on the Chorus webpage www.src.edu/chorus and on Facebook.
As always, proceeds from the concert fund the SRC Community Chorus Scholarship program. After the success of our 2023 summer shows, An Evening with Patsy Cline and 48 Hours, the Chorus fully funded its eighth named endowed scholarship in memory of past chorus member Craig M. Zilly.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Volunteer Tutors Needed for English as a Second Language Classes
With the start of the new semester at Spoon River College comes the search for volunteer tutors in the college’s Adult Education office, specifically for the students in the English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.
“Volunteers are a vital part of student success, and the time commitment is minimal, less than two hours per week,” said Cyndi Johnston, program coordinator for Adult Education. “Most of our students can already read and write English at varying levels, but often struggle with actually speaking it. That impacts their ability to communicate in social and business situations.”
There are two classes most in need. The Rushville ESL meets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. until noon in a face-to-face class, and an evening online class using Google Meets is divided into three different levels that meet at three different times between 5-9:30 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday nights.
“For the online class, all one would have to do is click on an email link that will be provided, using either a computer or a smartphone,” Johnston said, adding that no special degree is required and that training would be provided to all tutors.
The English as a Second Language class is designed for adults 16 years or older whose native language is not English. The goal is to help students improve their reading, writing, and speaking skills to a higher level to ensure their success in the workplace and their communities, as well as for future course work.
“We also help students learn about the American culture, which can be confusing in itself for those from other countries,” Johnston said. “I’m always so grateful for our volunteers, and they make a world of difference in our students’ lives.”
For more information about being a volunteer tutor, contact Johnston at (309) 833-6038 or email cyndi.johnston@src.edu. For more information about the Adult Education programs offered at Spoon River College locations, visit www.src.edu or call 309-647-4645.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Lu Fest Raises $53,000 for Lukas R. Goforth Memorial Scholarship at SRC
The Lu Fest Committee is excited to announce that the first Lu Fest event, held at White Oak’s Sports Bar on May 27, 2023, raised over $53,000 for the Lukas R. Goforth Memorial Scholarship at Spoon River College.
At the event, attendees had the opportunity to partake in a bags/cornhole tournament, bid on many silent and live auction items donated by local businesses and organizations, hear live music from Sushi Roll, and much more.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the turnout,” said Sarah Gray, one of the organizers of the event and Fiscal Officer for the SRC Foundation. “The success of this event is a testament to how generous this community is, especially when one of its own is in need,”
A 2021 graduate of Canton High School and a standout student-athlete in multiple sports, Lukas Goforth had just completed his freshman year at SRC when he tragically passed away in a UTV accident. He competed as part of the Snappers’ baseball team and appeared in 13 games during his freshman year, ranking fifth on the team in innings pitched.
Upon his passing, his friends and family established the Lukas R. Goforth Memorial Scholarship with the SRC Foundation. Preference for this permanent, endowed scholarship is given to applicants who were student-athletes during their time at Canton High School.
“Lukas was so proud to be from Canton,” said Chantel Goforth, Lukas’ mother. “Once we knew we were going to establish this scholarship in his name, having it be awarded to students from CHS who displayed many of his qualities made sense.”
Lu Fest also relied heavily on generous sponsors, who helped to underwrite expenses of the event, led by Billy’s Tap, Graham Medical Group, Ipava State Bank, Jones Surveying & Engineering Corporation, Mid-Illinois Companies, and Tyson Smith American Family Insurance. With many volunteers stepping up to make the event successful, the event committee consisted of Andra Chamberlin, Tracy Delost Goforth, Gray, Angie Miller, Billy Oaks, Sophie Oaks, Tori Oaks, Ellyn Petty, Courtney Putman, Amy Smith, Renee Stockov, and Georgia Strantz-Oaks.
“For events like this to be successful, it really takes a lot of work and a lot of people pulling the same direction, but this is incredible,” said Colin Davis, Executive Director of the SRC Foundation. “We are so grateful to everyone who loved Lukas for their time, effort, and generosity, and we are honored to preserve his legacy for decades to come.”
Lu Fest II is tentatively scheduled for May 25, 2024, and more information about the event will be forthcoming.
Members of the Goforth Family present a check to the Spoon River College Foundation for the proceeds from Lu Fest, held May 27, 2023 at White Oak’s Sports Bar in Canton. The event raised over $53,000 for the Lukas R. Goforth Memorial Scholarship at SRC. Pictured, L to R: Ella Goforth, Chantel Goforth, Trent Goforth, Jena Goforth, and Colin Davis (Executive Director, SRC Foundation).
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on New Flexible Pathway to Bachelor Degree Completion for SRC Students with the Saluki Step Ahead Program
Qualified students who earn an associate degree at Spoon River College now have a new transfer pathway to completion of a bachelor’s degree in select programs that is offered completely online and also comes with a cost savings. In a virtual meeting held August 2, SRC President Curt Oldfield and Southern Illinois University Chancellor Austin A. Lane signed an agreement for the Saluki Step Ahead program.
“The Saluki Step Ahead program with Southern Illinois University Carbondale will help Spoon River College students achieve their academic goals,” Oldfield said. “This flexible pathway to a bachelor’s degree will be life changing for those students who participate.”
Established in 2021, the program enables students who graduate with an associate degree from partnering community colleges to complete their SIU bachelor’s degrees online in accounting, business administration, criminology and criminal justice, early childhood, elementary education, health care management, history, industrial management and applied engineering, information technology, nursing (RN to BSN), psychology and radiologic sciences.
Students in the Saluki Step Ahead program pay the community college rate for their first two years. In the third and fourth years, they receive an annual $4,000 scholarship. Besides the cost savings, the program also eliminates the need and expense of students relocating while continuing their education.
“We are pleased to collaborate with Spoon River College to provide another option for place-bound students in this region,” Lane said. “If these students cannot come to Carbondale to complete their education, we will bring the experience and resources of a doctoral research university to them.”
With the signing, Spoon River College became one of more than 40 community colleges in Illinois, Missouri, and Texas to be part of the Saluki Step Ahead program.
“This brings an accessible and affordable bachelor’s degree to the SRC students and SRC alumni who are able to keep living and working in this area while achieving their dream,” said Oldfield.
Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in west central Illinois, with campuses and Community Outreach Centers in Canton and Macomb, and Learning Centers in Havana and Rushville. If offers career and technical education and more than 25 transfer programs, and serves students in a 1,566 square mile area that includes portions of Fulton, McDonough, Mason, Schuyler, and Knox counties, For more information about Spoon River College, visit www.src.edu.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale officials (from left) Wendell Williams, associate chancellor of enrollment management; Josi Rawls, associate director for transfer relations, and Sarah Jiter, undergraduate admissions director, celebrate the signing of a Saluki Step Ahead agreement with Spoon River College President Curt Oldfield and Holly Norton, vice president of educational and student services. (SIU photo by Russell Bailey)
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Receives $25,000 Grant from Compeer Financial for Agriculture Program
Canton, Ill., (August 1, 2023) – Spoon River College is one of five community colleges to be chosen as a recipient of a $25,000 educational grant for career and technical education from the Agriculture and Rural Initiative, Compeer Financial’s donor advised fund, which has granted $175,000 to community and technical colleges across the cooperative’s 144-county territory.
In 2021, Compeer committed $1.9 million in grants and scholarships at select colleges over the next five years with the goal of further developing agriculture’s workforce. This announcement represents the third of three rounds of grants being presented.
“Our clients continue to list workforce development among their highest concerns, and these grants and scholarships are the first step to improving this challenge for the industry,” said Stephanie Wise, a Compeer Financial Director. “The future of agriculture and our client’s farms rely on a strong, vibrant and robust agricultural workforce, and our partners in higher education provide opportunities for young adults to explore and gain hands-on experience in these careers.”
The grant will go towards a new greenhouse, and Allyson Smith, Agriculture faculty member at the college, said it will allow her the opportunity to provide students with more hands-on learning in horticulture and crop science by incorporating plant ID, research, and plant sales into the curriculum. “On behalf of the Spoon River College Agriculture Department, I would like to thank Compeer Financial for their generous donation.” Smith, who began teaching at Spoon River College in 2022, earned her Master of Science Crop and Soil degree with a focus on Agronomy and Weed Science from Michigan State University. Prior to teaching, she was a research specialist at the University of Missouri.
In addition to the grant, as one of thirty partner colleges, Spoon River College will also receive two annual $1,250 scholarships to award students enrolled in the college’s agriculture program or pathway over the next four years. Partner colleges were selected based on their agricultural education offerings, agriculture workforce development, and geographic impact.
“I would like to thank Compeer Financial for their continued commitment to education and sustainable agriculture,” said Brad O’Brien, dean of career and workforce education at the college. “We are very excited about the hands-on opportunities that their contribution towards this greenhouse will give our students.”
The agriculture program at Spoon River College is one of the college’s longest running programs and prepares students for a variety of agriculture careers in areas of production, management, business, precision technology, natural resources and conservation, and much more. The Agricultural Business Management program culminates in an Associate in Applied Science degree that can be adapted for students planning to transfer to a four-year university. Stand-alone certificates that can be completed in a shorter amount of time than a degree are also offered.
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 new Learning Centers in Havana and Rushville, and covering a 1,566 square mile area including portions of Fulton, McDonough, Mason, Schuyler, and Knox counties.
The Agriculture and Rural Initiative was created by the Compeer Financial Board of Directors in 2019 to make signature investments in programs and projects that directly address the needs of farmers and others who work in agriculture. To date, $10 million has been invested in the Initiative. To date, the Initiative has awarded $1.8 million to support communities during the pandemic and agriculture workforce development.
“These grants represent Compeer’s commitment to champion rural, by supporting our clients and communities, creating sustainable and long-term success in the industry.” said Wise, of Joliet, Il. “As we wrap our final round of this support to community and technical colleges, we are seeing positive impacts on the students studying agriculture by providing one-of-a-kind educational opportunities.”
Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural communities. The $30 billion organization provides loans, leases, risk management and other financial services throughout 144 counties in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Based in the Upper Midwest, Compeer Financial exists to champion the hopes and dreams of rural America, while providing personalized service and expertise to clients and the agriculture industry.
Compeer Financial is the third largest cooperative of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of lending institutions supporting agriculture and rural communities with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. Learn more about Compeer Financial.
Pictured (l-r) are Julie Hampton, executive assistant to the President/Board of Trustees and Grants Coordinator, President Curt Oldfield, Karen Schieler, senior corporate giving specialist at Compeer Financial, Allyson Smith, Agriculture faculty, Brad O’Brien, dean of career and workforce education, Katey Davis, business office director, and Colin Davis, SRC Foundation director.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Destination Learning Experiences Include Wine About Spoon River Country and Lincoln’s New Salem Tour
If you enjoy road trips, learning, shopping, and having the chance to taste good wine, the Spoon River College Office of Community Outreach invites you to climb aboard the Snapper bus for a destination learning experience.
Two such trips have already been offered and were met with enthusiasm. In the Wine About Spoon River Country Tour, attendees traveled to Spoon River Junction Winery, where owner Bradley Beam talked about making his long-held dream of opening a winery come true and the path from fruit to bottle he uses in the production of his wines.
From there, the group traveled to Native Hills Winery and Big Horse Vineyards in rural Lewistown. At each location they learned more about the wine-making process, the care of vineyards, and the public and private events hosted by each. They also enjoyed tastings of select wines as well as the opportunity to make purchases to take home.
“This tour was a way of trying something new for our department, and it went over really well! Attendees enjoyed the relaxed learning environment… and the wine!” said Andrea Barbknecht, Director of the Canton Office of Community Outreach. “We’re always looking for new classes to add to our schedule, and new ways to connect with our communities.”
Next up will be Lincoln’s New Salem Tour, with Rick Klinedinst joining as the tour guide and sharing his knowledge of all things Abraham Lincoln. It will take place September 15, and the bus will depart from the SRC Canton Campus at 10 a.m., and return at approximately 4:30 p.m.
The tour will start at Rockwell Mounds, the site of a Lincoln debate, then continue to The Yellow Door Boutique in Oakford for some shopping. Following that, attendees will enjoy a box lunch and a self-guided tour at New Salem before the final stop at Hill Prairie Winery near Oakford for wine tastings.
Comfortable shoes are encouraged, as there will be some walking and stair climbing. Attendees much be 21 or older, and drinking is not allowed on the bus.
