Please Note: that all locations of SRC are closed Fridays for Summer Hours from May 16 through July 25. SRC also closed: Thursday, July 3 for the Independence Day holiday. 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 Help SRC Students Rise: #GivingSPOONday Kicks off Season of Giving
With the rising cost of gasoline, goods, services, and cost of living, financial need among SRC students has never been greater.
That’s a point that Spoon River College Foundation Director Colin Davis wants to make sure is known.
“Nationwide, nearly 80 percent of community college students work to support their education, and still, at SRC, nearly 90 percent of our first-time, full-time students receive financial aid,” said Davis. “Half of SRC students who responded to a survey indicated they had experienced food insecurity.
“We know that the next generation of leaders is here at SRC and ready to rise to the top, but how can you rise if you’re fighting and scrapping just to tread water?”
But there’s another point Davis wants to make sure is known – that YOU can help SRC students rise.
And the opportunity is quickly approaching.
#GivingSPOONday, SRC’s version of Giving Tuesday, the worldwide day of giving that kicks off the holiday season, is Tuesday, Nov. 28.
“Giving Tuesday is like Black Friday or Cyber Monday, but instead of getting things, you give things,” said Davis. “Not only does it help to raise funds to help local students rise, it also brings more awareness about the SRC Foundation and the ways it supports SRC, its students and staff, and our communities.”
The SRC Foundation has set a goal of 300 separate gifts to be raised in the campaign, which ends at 11:59 p.m. Nov. 28. The campaign promotes giving online at www.src.edu/givingtuesday, but cash or check donations are gladly accepted, too.
“The best thing about #GivingSPOONday is that every gift counts toward our goal, so it doesn’t matter how much you give,” Davis said. “Even if you can only give a dollar, that dollar can purchase a meal or snack for a student who is facing food insecurity.”
To the SRC Foundation and to local students, this campaign matters. Donations to #GivingSPOONday in previous years have kept over 100 students from potentially having to drop out of college and helped the SRC Foundation nearly double what it offers in scholarships annually from even a few years ago.
The #GivingSPOONday campaign will be conducted through direct mail, peer-to-peer methods, online marketing and social media, and email. In addition, many local businesses and organizations get involved by sharing #GivingSPOONday posts on their social media.
“Many Spoon River College students, employees, and friends will be sharing our campaign via email and on their social media pages. If those that they share with also share, we have the potential to reach thousands of people,” said Davis.
“Because this is our biggest fundraiser of the year, it’s vital to student success, and we can’t fall short. Our goal is lofty, but reachable. Every time we’ve bet on the generosity of our communities, we’ve been rewarded. We hope that this time is no different.”
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Celebrates National First-Generation Day November 8
Spoon River College celebrated National First-Generation Day November 8, which is the day when the Higher Education Act of 1965 was signed by President Lyndon Johnson, providing federal funding with a goal of strengthening resources and making college more accessible to all students.
It is estimated that 55% of college students identify as first-generation, meaning that their parents did not complete a four-year college or university degree. In the fall of 2022, 46% of the students at Spoon River College were first-generation students.
Jill Olson, director of the TRIO Student Support Services program at the college, said that can have a significant effect on students as historically, first-generation students have lower retention and graduation rates than continuing-generation students.
“They are less likely to be familiar with college processes, like the FAFSA and how to get financial aid in place. It can be overwhelming, and TRIO helps students navigate these systems and processes. Helping at risk students overcome as many of these barriers as possible increases their chances of successfully completing a college degree or a certificate program.”
Olson and TRIO advisors Brandy Chasteen and Johna Lawens held cake and punch celebrations on the Canton and Macomb campuses to mark the occasion, with all students and staff invited, and shared profiles of students who were first generation college attendees on the TRIO SSS social media pages. Free bowling was also offered to all SRC students at Linn Lanes in Canton and at College City Bowl in Macomb.
TRIO is a federally funded program designed to help students overcome social, academic, class, and cultural barriers in higher education. Participants in the program are provided with personalized advising for career, transfer, and degree planning, and workshops covering topics ranging from personal financial literacy to time management and study tips are offered. Professional math and science tutors as well as peer tutors are available for both one-on-one and group study opportunities.
TRIO advisors place an emphasis on preparing students to transfer, aiding in selection of the correct transfer classes to take and traveling with students to visit four-year universities. Eligible transfer students who are TRIO members can have their application fees to their four-year schools waived. Cultural outings, including to museums and art exhibits (at no expense to students), are part of the program, and members regularly participate in community service projects.
“Our off-campus trips enable the TRIO students to connect socially with other students, while exposing them to experiences they may have never taken part in on their own,” said Olson.
TRIO participants are also eligible for an exclusive scholarship program and have access to a private computer lab and study space, free printing, and are able to borrow textbooks, graphing calculators and voice recorders. In 2020, the program introduced a laptop lending program that has been highly utilized by students.
“TRIO works with each student where they are at,” Olson said. “If the student wishes to use all our services, we are happy to cater to that. If they only need transfer assistance, we can provide that for the student. Each student’s academic journey and needs are different, and we work to meet each student’s individual needs while they are at Spoon River College.”
“Our goal is to improve the academic success of our students so they can successfully graduate and transfer to a four-year university. Since this program was initiated in 2010, we have served close to 1,100 students.”
To learn more about the TRIO program, visit www.src.edu, or contact Jill Olson at jill.olson@src.edu or 309-833-6029.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Literacy Program and District Libraries Celebrating Family Reading Night November 16
The Spoon River College Literacy Program is pleased to announce that the 32nd Annual Family Reading Night will be celebrated on Thursday, November 16. Held in partnership with libraries and schools throughout the SRC district, the goal is to encourage families to take time to read together as a family. With help from a grant from Dollar General, Spoon River College will provide 25 free books to each library to hand out to attendees.
“Family reading promotes healthy brain development in children, and can improve their language and listening skills. It can also help create a strong parent-child bond and instill a lifelong love of reading,” said Cyndi Johnston, adult education coordinator at Spoon River College.
“Our libraries do a wonderful job of finding fun and supportive ways to support Family Reading Night, and we hope families will take advantage of these free events. Taking time to read together is a great habit to cultivate.”
The activities, locations and times of each library’s events are listed below.
Astoria Public Library will celebrate on Thursday, November 16, starting at 5:30 p.m. Families are invited to come in their pajamas to enjoy Storytime, a fun craft, and refreshments. Families will receive handouts, and children are invited to bring a stuffed animal to sleepover at the library with Foxy Loxy, the library’s stuffed fox.
Canton Parlin-Ingersoll Library will host Family Reading Night Thursday, November 16, 6:00-7:30 p.m. There will be special guest speakers, a craft activity, and books to give away.
Cuba: The Spoon River Library did their program in October with the grade school.
Farmington Area Public Library is celebrating with a Dinovember theme as a family reading focused week November 13-18 with take-home packets that have dinosaur themed stories, poems, crafts and activities for families to do together. They are also teaming up with Farmington elementary school for a family reading event at the school on the evening of Thursday, November 16 (time to be determined).
Havana Public Library District will celebrate November 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., and are encouraging attendees to wear their favorite pajamas for a fun-filled night of guest readers, snacks, and magic with magician Rick Eugene. Snacks will be provided by Skye Mibbs, Snap-Ed Community Worker.
Lewistown Carnegie Public Library District will celebrate on Thursday, November 16 by handing out books, art kits, and treats.
Macomb Public Library will celebrate Family Reading Day on Thursday, November 16 with story time in the morning for daycares and in the afternoon for school agers. Book marks and cookies will be distributed.
Rushville Public Library will celebrate on Thursday, November 16, 4-7 p.m., with a craft and snacks, and all children will be able to pick out a free book.
For more information about the Literacy Project at Spoon River College, visit www.src.edu or call Cyndi Johnston at (309) 833-6038.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on DPST Students Host 13th Annual Pancakes for Bette Fundraiser
The 13th Annual Pancakes for Bette fundraiser was held at Spoon River College in Canton on November 1. It was hosted by the Phi Mu Tau fraternity, which is comprised of students in the Diesel and Power Systems Technology program.
What was started as a way to help longtime Spoon River College employee Bette Dye with medical expenses became a way to honor her memory following her passing in 2010. “I worked with Bette for eleven years, and she served many pancakes to my students during that time,” said Todd Thompson, Diesel and Power Systems Technology instructor and Phi Mu Tau advisor. “She cared about all the students and made it a point to know them by name, and would ask about them even after they had graduated.”
This year’s event raised $903 that will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. DPST student Mitch Lambert of Kewanee was the winner of the pancake eating contest, earning him a $50 gas card, which was donated by Student Services. Caleb Rogers of Payson was the second-place winner, receiving a $25 gift card to the SRC River Roast Café, which was donated by the Café.
DPST student Tyler Heinz of Fairview won $57 in the 50/50 drawing, which he donated back.
“On behalf of the Phi Mu Tau, we thank everyone who continues to make this a successful event, with special thanks to Central Butane in Norris for the use of their grills and gas, to Performance Food Group for donating the sausage, and to the Café staff for the donation of the gift card, beverages, pancake batter, and their assistance,” said Thompson.
Pictured l-r: Aaron Mayall (DPST instructor), Caleb Rogers, Mitch Lambert, and Joe Clemens (DPST instructor).
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Bowling Added to SRC Sports Fall 2024
Spoon River College is adding bowling to their list of competitive sports, with the season set to begin August of 2024. Kenny Shockency of Canton has been hired as the head coach.
Shockency said there will be both men’s and women’s teams, and that they are looking for experienced bowlers. “We’re hoping to recruit six men and six women,” he said, noting that the team will be playing other junior colleges in Illinois as well as traveling to other states to compete as part of the NJCCA (National Junior College Athletic Association). Practices will be held at Linn Lanes.
Shockency is a Canton native, graduating from Canton High School and then attending Spoon River College before transferring to Western Illinois University and bowling at the collegiate level for two years. He has been coaching for the past 20 years, and has bowled 85/300 games and 40+/800 series.
“We are excited to add competitive bowling, and even more excited that Coach Shockency will be leading it,” said John Bassett, athletic director and head softball coach at Spoon River College. “His experience with competitive youth bowling in the area will be an invaluable resource, and we look forward to see all that he can accomplish.”
We’re very excited to add a competitive bowling team, and even more excited that Coach Shockency will be leading it,” said John Bassett, athletic director and head softball coach at Spoon River College. “His experience with competitive youth bowling in the area will be an invaluable resource, and we look forward to seeing all that he can accomplish.”
Shockency resides in Canton with wife Shelly and son Zayne.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Athletics Hosting Elite Softball Camp November 12
The Spoon River College athletic department is hosting an Elite Prospect Softball Fall Camp on Sunday, November 12, at the Multi-Purpose Building on the Canton Campus.
“This camp is for players who want to compete at the next level,” said John Bassett, athletic director and head softball coach at Spoon River College.
The camp will be a total skills camp that will cover all aspects of the game. It will include testing in multiple areas, an evaluation sheet, a scrimmage, campus tour, and question and answer period with coaches and players. Evaluations will be shared with other college coaches.
Students graduating in 2024 and 2025 will have priority, while 2026 and 2027 graduates will be wait listed. The cost is $25 per athlete. Attendees can register at www.bit.ly/SRCCamps or by calling John Bassett at 309-649-6303 or emailing john.basset@src.edu.
The Canton Campus is located at 23235 North County 22.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Registration Open for 2024 Spring and Summer Semesters
Registration for the 2024 spring and summer semesters at Spoon River College is open for all current and new students starting November 1. Spring classes begin Tuesday, January 16.
“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. “Current students can register online or schedule an appointment with an advisor for face-to-face registration, while new students must meet with an advisor. 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.
Regular 16-week classes and the first session of 8-week classes begin Tuesday, January 16. A session of 12-week classes begins Monday, February 12, and the second session of 8-week classes begins Monday, March 18. A spring interim session will be offered January 3-24 for select classes. Coursework for interim classes is condensed into three weeks, and students earn full credit for them.
Tuition for the spring semester must be paid in full by Friday, December 1, or arrangements made to be enrolled in the automatic installment payment plan. For more information about financial aid options, deadlines, and setting up a payment plan, visit www.src.edu, or call (309) 649-7030 in Canton or (309)833-6073 in Macomb.
Also available on the website is the course catalog, information about the admission process, and the admissions application.
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 SRC Chorus Presents the Wonder, Full World of Winter
The 2023 SRC Community Chorus Winter Concert, The Wonder, Full World of Winter, directed by John L. Davis, runs Saturday, December 2 at 7PM, and Sunday, December 3 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at www.src.edu/chorus. All three concerts will be held at the First Christian Church in Canton.
The concert’s international theme offers a wide variety of songs from throughout the world, plus features a fun “Classic” Radio Show, like those that broadcast in the 1940-50s.
“This concert is extra special,” says Carol Davis, artistic director of the SRC Community Chorus. “We have seasonal and holidays songs from the USA, Germany, Nigeria, Ireland, West Indies, Israel, Austria, France, Spain, Scotland, Norway, Britain, and Sweden. With the world in so much conflict, we are trying to bring us all just a little bit closer through our love of music.”
Several new and returning members are singing with the chorus this winter. Approximately 1/3 of the chorus is under the age of 40 with our youngest being 18 and our oldest 82. The group is comprised of SRC students, alumni, faculty/staff, and district residents. Members include Gloria Bradford, Janice Dare Bruster, Sarah Fouts, Katie Jett, Emy Leffler, Corrinna Markland-Pickel, Sara Mathis, Sue Maurice, Natalie Orwig, Virginia Reter, Karen Shaw, Jean Sprecher, Jeanine Standard, Jake Haarman, Allen Smith, Chad Murphy, Colin Davis, Kenny Taylor, Kevin Dearing, Steve Mason, Shane Smith, Edwin Brinklow, David Cottrell, Jim Gage, Trygve Meade, Tony Roberts, Noah Stevens, Mike Varnes, Larry Von Behren, Tori Albanito, Lauren Avery, Carla Bobell, Carol Davis, Katey Davis, Linda Dilts, Angie Hale, Jacqueline Huggins, Denise Kirgan, Carol Kohler, Lindsey Larson, Aja Lawson, Janet Munson, Shirley Roberts, Cynthia Robison, Erika Shults, Stacy Smith, Linda Von Behren, Jendy Way and Lauren Wilcoxen.
Musicians are Gretchen Fuller (piano), Matt Buckzo and Pam Willison (keyboards), Tom Sandman (percussion), Tony Roberts (harp) and Christopher Adams-Wenger (strings). Technicians are Greg Pollitt, Hannah Zimmerman, and Sydney Munson.
The SRC Community Chorus is a fundraising arm of the SRC Foundation. Proceeds go to the newly established Susie McMillen Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Seating is limited to 150 per performance. Patrons are encouraged to purchase their tickets early online or through any chorus member.
Those encountering online access issues, please call (309) 649-6260 M-F between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Final Fall Semester College Visit Day November 16
Spoon River College will host a College Visit Day Thursday, November 16, from 9-11 a.m. at both the Canton and Macomb campuses. This will be the last College Visit Day of the fall semester.
College Visit Day 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.
RSVPs are encouraged online at https://www.src.edu/college-visit-days, 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.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Graduate Attending University of Essex in the UK
Long fascinated with the United Kingdom, SRC graduate A Roos had a dream come true when he/they had the chance to travel there during a group visit to Europe, with London becoming a favorite place. “As cliché as it sounds, I felt more at home there than I ever did here. I was finally able to relax and be in a place I truly enjoyed, even if it was only for a day.”
A will be living that dream for the next four years as a student at the University of Essex, working towards a bachelor’s degree in Global Studies with Human Rights. That may not be a typical degree choice, but for A, it’s the perfect choice.
“Advocating has always been such a big part of my life it’s hard to place that moment when I realized I was doing it or that I needed to do it. It was just something I did, without really thinking. Throughout my life I have advocated not only for myself but for my brother as well.”
A’s older brother Parker was born with Fragile X syndrome, and A grew up watching—and being a part of—advocacy in action.
“I grew up seeing my mom talk with various groups of people about Fragile X syndrome, including going to Congress to talk about certain bills that would help people with Fragile X and other disabilities. I even went with her a couple of times to Washington DC to talk to members of Congress as well. It was an amazing experience and further fueled my passion for advocacy.”
While the classes A took at Spoon River College don’t transfer in the way they would in the States, those with a political science concentration will put him/them at the same level as other entering freshman.
“We spend high school taking a variety of classes, while in the UK their classes are focused on what field they are most interested in to help them prepare for college.”
The admission process is also different; the majority of prospective students all apply though the same non-profit website. They can choose up to three colleges, then must fill out an application as well as write a letter stating why they would be a good candidate for a program. “Once that information is accepted, students must then get a letter of recommendation from a current or former teacher that is submitted privately—thank you, Mr. Maher!”
The completed paperwork is sent to the department head of each university for the specific program selected, and they decide if an offer will be made. Offers come through the same website students applied through, with an option to accept or reject. “I was fortunate to be accepted into all three schools I applied to, but the University of Essex had the program most focused on Human Rights that appealed greatly to me.”
Different also is the length of time to earn a degree; it typically takes just three years to earn a bachelor’s degree in the UK because students only focus on classes that are relevant to a specific degree. They also have trimesters, so school starts in early October and runs until the end of June.
The program in Global Studies would also typically be a three-year degree, but A has opted to do a placement year that will give him/them the opportunity to work in the field and gain job experience.
“The other difference is the cost; college is significantly less in the UK, and you don’t see students graduating with tremendous amounts of debt. Even as an international student, the cost is less than a lot of universities here.”
While A is excited for college life in the U.K., he/they won’t forget favorite moments at Spoon River College, particularly those in a creative writing class taught by English faculty Laura Bandy. “This class was filled with so many wonderful people who all shared a love for writing, especially poetry. Everyone was always super supportive of everyone’s work and it was an amazing environment to be in. We would all mess around and have a great time while expanding our abilities as writers.”
As for a future career, A’s main goal is simply to help others and try to create a kinder world through change.
“My ultimate career goal is to do advocacy work and help make the world a better and more accepting place for everyone. I want to help create long-lasting change and help people live in a world they can be themselves in without living in fear. I want to uplift the voices of minorities, I want to be part of creating a world filled with equality for all, not just for some.”
