Spoon River College Nursing Students Receive Florence Nightingale Award

Spoon River College nursing graduates Taylor Dimmitt of Colchester and Lindsey Harrison- McDowell of Canton were chosen by their peers during the spring semester as the recipients of the Florence Nightingale award for the 2023—2024 academic year.

Recipients who are chosen exemplify the traits of Florence Nightingale, who was described as being tough, a brilliant administrator, a loyal and emotional friend, a compassionate nurse, and a witty companion. She instituted formal nursing education in 1860 with the founding of the Nightingale Training School for Nurses.

Both Dimmitt and Harrison-McDowell graduated in May with their Associate Degree in Nursing, and are now eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.

Dimmitt, who will be working in the neonatal intermediate care unit at OSF, plans to eventually pursue a BSN and a MSN, and has some advice for current and future students. “Prioritize your schoolwork, find a good study routine and stick with it, and jump on any learning/skill opportunities that are available. Also, enjoy your time in the program, because it goes fast and believe it or not, you will miss it!”

The Spoon River College Nursing program offers an Associate Degree in Nursing, a Practical Nurse Certificate, and a Nurse Assistant Certificate. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and is fully approved by Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. For more information about the program, visit www.src.edu or call 309-647-4645.

31st Annual SRC Foundation Golf Outing Set for August 9

The 31^st annual golf outing to benefit the Spoon River Collee Foundation will be held on Friday, August 9, at Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills Country Club in rural Cuba. Lunch will be at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start set for noon.

“I am honored to be trusted with this event and beyond impressed with the enthusiasm the community has for our golf outing,” said Dusty Berg, director of the SRC Foundation. “It’s wonderful to have an event that is not only a lot of fun but at the same time also raises funds to help students succeed in bettering their lives.”

The golf outing committee is currently seeking individual and business sponsors, as well as golf teams to join in the outing. Sponsorship levels start at $100 and go up to $1,000. Depending on the level, sponsors may receive free entry for one or more golfers, publicity for their business in event materials, onsite promotion of their business or organization at the event, and mention in local media.

The cost is $75 per golfer or $300 for a team of four, and best-ball/scramble format will be followed. The fee includes lunch, golf, cart, an SRC-themed gift, and the chance to compete to be the outing’s top team, as well as the opportunity to win prizes throughout the day on every hole.

Over the years, the SRC Foundation Golf Outing has helped to provide hardship grants, scholarships, facilities upgrades, support to extracurricular programs, and much more.

“When someone comes to Spoon River College, they are trying to build a better future for themselves and their families. When someone chooses to put forth that effort to better their lives, we want to do what we can to remove barriers between the student and success. That’s what the SRC Foundation is all about. That’s what the golf outing is all about.”

The mission of the SRC Foundation is to provide excellent educational opportunities at Spoon River College.  The Foundation golf outing is the largest annual fundraising event for the SRC Foundation and is typically one of the best-attended outings of the summer.

“Every dollar raised by the golf outing is a net gain for all parties involved,” Berg said. “SRC is better able to serve students and the community. The students are better able to meet their education goals and improve their quality of life, and the donors get an opportunity to network and help build a skilled workforce for the communities we all love.”

The registration deadline is July 31. Team entry forms and sponsorship commitment forms are available on the Foundation’s  Golf Outing webpage, by calling (309) 649-6395 or emailing emailing Foundation Director Dusty Berg.

Work on the New SRC Macomb Campus Slated to Begin in July

In 1983, Spoon River College purchased the former Macomb high school building on South Johnson street and began college operations. In 2006, board trustees approved the purchase of the former Heilig-Meyers building at 2500 E. Jackson Street with the goal of expanding the college’s offerings in McDonough County.

Phase I of that expansion was completed in 2009 with the construction of approximately one-third of the space that houses the Community Outreach Center. While the Outreach Center became a vital part of the Macomb community as a place for college events and Outreach classes, as well as a rental facility for many community and business events, completion of the remaining build-out and expansion stalled. Until now.

On April 2 of this year, the Illinois Capital Development Board opened bids for this project followed by funding awards and notice to proceed approvals.  A preconstruction meeting was held June 4 at the Macomb site with lead contractor Hein Construction and their subcontractors, as well as officials from the Capital Development Board and Spoon River College. Funding for the project comes from the state’s Rebuild Illinois capital plan and SRC bonding for the required match.

Construction is scheduled to begin July 8 of this year, with substantial completion scheduled for May 23, 2025, and final completion scheduled for June 20, 2025.

“This is our most current time line, but as with any project it is subject to change. Because the construction will be taking place inside, there should not be any weather-related delays,” said Dr. Curt Oldfield, president of Spoon River College. “We are hoping to start offering classes in there in the fall of 2025.” All operations at the current campus located on South Johnson Street will move to the East Jackson location.

Oldfield also said the college has talked with the governor’s office about doing a wall breaking rather than a groundbreaking. “That event would most likely be held in July or August, and attendees could symbolically break pieces of dry wall.”

“The new building will allow us to substantially increase the learning spaces for nursing and career programs, while providing new classrooms and laboratories for our transfer and adult education programs.  This project will be a game changer local workforce preparation, and has been a long time coming, and we will be even more excited when construction begins.”

Summer College Visit Day Scheduled for July 17 at Canton and Macomb Campuses

Spoon River College will host a Summer College Visit Day Wednesday, July 17, at both the Canton and Macomb campuses from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.

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, including the different degrees and short-term certificates each program offers. Associate degrees typically take two years to complete, while certificate programs can often be completed in a year or less.

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.

RSVPs are encouraged, and can be made by visiting the Admissions page on the Spoon River College website 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.

Student Shout-Out Award Recipient Ryne Crum

Congratulations to Ryne Crum, for being the Student Shout-Out Award recipient for the spring semester. He excels in the classroom as well as on the baseball field. He was nominated by Laura Bandy (English faculty), who had this to say about him.

“He has perfect attendance, completes all assignments at a high level and on time, and always participates thoughtfully and knowledgably in class discussion—a teacher’s dream. Most importantly, he shows caring, respect, and integrity to his fellow students in the classroom by being consistently collaborative, respectful, and caring with everyone.

Whenever we have in-class small group work, Ryne takes the lead in his groups, but never in a forceful or overbearing way. Instead, he is always prepared and will direct productive discussion and written work with his classmates, helping them if they have questions and encouraging them to come up with their own responses for assignments. He is a team player, in the classroom and on the baseball field—I don’t know anyone who doesn’t think highly of Ryne Crum. His profile essay of The Church (where he lives with other athletes) was so strong and interesting, they hung it up on the bulletin board there, so everyone could enjoy it! 🙂  I shout him out with gratitude and delight at having him as a student.”

Ryne, who received a $100 Visa Gift Card from President Oldfield, is a Springfield High School graduate and plans to pursue a career in civil engineering.

President’s List for Spring 2024 Full-Time Students Announced

Spoon River College congratulates the following full-time students who were named to the President’s List in recognition of their academic achievement in completing 12 credit hours or more of college-level classes and earning a grade point average of 3.6 – 4.0 during the Spring 2024 semester. Please note that students with a privacy hold on their records will not be listed.

Astoria: Audrey E. Briggs, Elena C. DeWees, Alyssa A. Riggs, Jacob R. Wommack;

Avon: Emma E. Bearce, Holly J. Mason;

Bath: Shelby M. Garner;

Blandinsville: Erica J. Lacy, Jade V. Miller;

Bushnell: Peyton M. Bowman, Patricia K. Chambers, Jonathon R. Davis, Sarah E. Davis, Leah M. Kling, Shayna K. Ludwig, Mahkalay M. Myers, Benjamin Powell, Hollie R. Warner, Alyssa J. Zarello;

Canton: Haylee K. Anderson, Hanna E. Anderson-Nuttall, Gracie S. Chisum, Logan J. Clardy, Hallie E. Clark, Hannah C. Crum, Hailey N. DeLong, Lexus L. Ellsworth, Jace W. Emery, Tatum S. Featherly, Lucas J. Fontana, Cassandra Gay, Ella M. Goforth, Jena E. Goforth, Chole M. Haley, Emma S. Hamm, Isabelle Hardy, Chloe N. Hill, Lillian S. Kinne, Amanda S. Koll, Ian Kosier, Zachary R. Lingenfelter, Madison N. Long, Alexis A. Marvel, Ryleigh M. Moser, Rachel Parry, Carleigh R. Putman, Mason Rader, Breauna K. Rawley, Elijah S. Renner, LeeAnna L. Riddle, Leah N. Scharping, Abigail M. Spencer, Natalie Spiva, Rebecca A. Strode, Sydney E. Theinert, Emma J. VanMiddlesworth, Ava J. Wenger, Brandi M. Zeman, Bailey J. Abbott;

Colchester: Cydni J. Thrapp I;

Cuba: Olivia L. Beaty, Trever D. Goforth, Allyson M. Harrold, Justin A. Jockisch, Nellie J. Lehnhausen, Emma J. Staggs, Alexis A. Stone, Hayden H. Thum, Kelsie D. White;

Davenport, IA: Keegan J. Shovlain;

Dunfermline: Tyler N. Tucker;

El Dorado, KS: Addison Haskins;

Fairview: Tyler D. Heinz, Nathaniel J. Jennings, Samantha J. Munson, Mason W. Tessier;

Farmington: Ashley A. Nader, Margaret C. Toothaker;

Geneseo: Jake R. Nelms;

Glasford: Georgie A. Bessler, Maggie L. Grebner, Nathan W. Henkle, Ethan L. Patterson, Sydney E. Sager;

Good Hope: Kyle A. Rhoads;

Hannibal, MO: Kylie E. Simmons;

Havana: Tori L. McCamy, Alyssa N. Miller I, Halicyn Minor, Gabriella F. Oxendine, Allison J. Ralston, Braden W. Rapp, Karlie J. Richardson I, Shyler D. White, Taryn R. Wickman;

Industry: Danielle K. Icenogle;

Ipava: Angel L. Dailey;

Jasper, IN: Kylie R. Morton;

Kahnawake, Quebec (Canada): Emily K. Meloche

Kewanee: Mitch N. Lambert;

LaHarpe: Colton D. Walker;

Lewistown: Noah L. Beatty, Jackson C. Churchill, Elliot I. Dalpiaz, Samantha Hackleman, Brady R. Hines, John R. Hess, Sailor L. Johnson, Taylor G. Malott, Aiden C. Reed, Lanie R. Swearingen, Calvin D. Weaver, Katelyn R. Wickert;

Litchfield Park, AZ: Samuel R. Ruchala;

London Mills: Ashley R. Tarochione;

Macomb: Chole R. Cheesman, Dallas F. Davis, Lily R. Dennis, Melody H. Farkas, Emily G. Jordan, Noah S. Mercer, Nicole Quinn, Jacob L. Rouse, Alliana Seely, Samantha K. Sensor, Madelyn O. Skiles, Sarah C. Stufflebeam, Stephen L. Stufflebeam, Brady P. Sullivan, Pamela Teslow, Machai A. West;

Manteno: Bryce W. Vorwald;

Mapleton: Liliana G. Serna;

Maquon: Katie J. Baker, Lillian M. Mason;

Mason City: Clay M. Butler;

Naperville: Tela H. Meech;

Normal: Clint T. Goodman, Kellen J. Hershberger;

Oxbow, Saskatchewan (Canada):  Raivyn J. Millions

Pekin: Kylee A. Hadsall, Johnathan W. Mathews;

Ridgecrest, CA: Ryan G. Sweet;

Rushville: Conner J. Abernathy, Kyle J. Demaree, Ted Eifert, Camille G. Prefountain, Haley VanDeVenter;

St. Augustine: Gage M. Coursey;

Springfield: Ryne M. Crum;

St. David: Easton A. Haepp;

Streator: Kadence M. Ondrey;

Stronghurst: Brynna K. Seitz;

Vermont: Abigail A. Kessler, Easton J. Mercer;

Warsaw: Heidi J. Jones;

Washington: Ashlyn L. Whittington;

West Palm Beach, FL: Lazario J. Cornish;

Williamsfield: Chloee M. Secrist;

Yates City: Eliana C. Davis.

President’s List for Spring 2024 Part-Time Students Announced

Spoon River College congratulates the following part-time students who were named to the President’s List in recognition of their academic achievement in completing at least 12 credit hours of college level courses at SRC and who were enrolled in six to eleven credit hours and earned a GPA of 3.6 or higher during the Spring 2024 semester. Please note that students with a privacy hold on their records will not be listed.

Astoria: Denise Perry;

Avon: Quinton W. Gates;

Bryant: John P. Draper;

Bushnell: Washita C. Bradford, Kiley J. Daniels;

Camden: Reagan N. Horsch;

Canton: Paige C. Anderson, Kyle A. Bates, Timothy M. Bates, Courtney E. Behymer, Mykaela A. Billington, Brianna J. Dilts, Avery A. Dry, Sarah E. Goldring, Jennifer L. Gray, Brien Jarvis, Saige A. Kenser, Dominic M. Lomeli, Samuel B. Parry, Makynna A. Plunk, Jhil S. Raj, Kayleigh M. Shubert, Brent M. Skiles, Jolina M. Tutor, Alexis J. Williams;

Colchester: Teri S. Schoonover, Conner Shortall;

Cuba: Elizabeth E. Bass, Cali A. Hanson, Dustin A. Howarter, Cindy R. Luthy, Olivia S. Miller, Samantha J. Woods;

Dunfermline: Nova Lockhart;

East Peoria: Taylor A. Dimmitt, Susan N. Gray;

Farmington: Shelby L. Bull, Jarod L. Ebert, Megan M. Kelso;

Frederick: Paige C. Ackman, Lindsey C. Grafton;

Good Hope: Sharon E. Arnold;

Havana: Jennifer R. Hertter, Hallie R. Lindner, Ruth A. Lippert, Alexa Marshall, Kyli McCorkle, Ryan M. Specketer;

Huntsville: Taylor M. Armstrong;

Lewistown: Joshua C. Arnett, Mackenzie E. Bunting, Alivia J. Hootman I, Ella R. Hootman, Kelsey L. Irwin, Makenna R. Johnson, Zaya A. Peirce, Danielle Sill, Landry L. Smith, Esmerelda Uribe, Curtis H. Watson;

London Mills: Wyatt B. Howard;

Macomb: Mariam Adebo, Christopher T. Boone, Mallory J. Burg, Elizabeth C. Duncan, Hailey R. Emerick, Michael E. Ewen, Zachary M. Hagmeier, Jake S. Hobson, Alexis Joyner, Trustin L. Kimbrough, Chioma Mbakaogu, Adeola Nwamina, Bryonna K. Oden, Emmanuella Oke, Anaiah S. Payne, Misty A. Peyer, Mary Popoola, Jodi L. Schmitz, Aaron W. Spencer, Brandon L. Sprinkle, Gabe T. Trotter, Zoey B. Wagoner;

Manito: Jessica M. Pollitt;

Marietta: Autumn K. Hughes;

Payson: Caleb M. Rogers;

Pekin: Melanie K. Behymer;

Peoria: Sarah A. Wilson-McCoy;

Sarah A. Wilson-McCoy          Peoria

Rushville: Elizabeth L. Corrie, Faith A. Ferris I, Sophia A. Greene, Karlee A. Ham, Rosemary L. Hays, Lance V. Kelly, Kalynn A. Prather, Audrey L. Sutor, Ella A. Williams, Maci N. Wrench;

Smithfield: Emma C. Barrick;

Tennessee: Allie R. Schauble.

Dean’s List for Spring 2024 Full-Time Students Announced

Spoon River College congratulates the following full-time students who have been named to the Dean’s List by achieving a 3.0 – 3.5 grade point average for 12 credit hours or more of college-level classes during the Spring 2024 semester. Please note that students with a privacy hold on their records will not be listed.

Astoria: Jessica L. Fackrell, Gage A. Peters;

Auburn: Cole B. Smith;

Basco: Jerick L. LeMaire;

Baylis: Christian J. Clayton;

Brownfield, TX: Jackie N. Castillo;

Bushnell: Dalton H. Horwedel, Madison L. Taflinger;

Cameron: Luke W. Hawkins;

Canton: Angelina J. Adame, Ella R. Alexander, Hannah E. Anderson, Gabriel M. Blakely, Manuela Cianfriglia, Jersey R. Dilts, Taylor N. Dosier, Amy J. Edwards, Braden A. Evans, Jack K. Gilmore, Norah Gray, Katherine M. Jett, Brooklyn L. Kimbrough, Jayson M. Kuzniar, Lydia A. Malott, Makyla E. Marvel, Ayden T. Mench, Wyatt J. Neidig, Kaden J. Otto, Carter T. Parsons, Elijah, A. Perkins, Erika Redding, Baylee M. Reed, Rylee D. Reed, Elleanor K. Robinson, Kevin P. Schroer, Abhinandan Sharma, Kaitlynn M. Tutt, Jamaica I. Walker, Kyla Zedric;

Chandlerville: Bryce M. Willing;

Coral Springs, FL: Jordan Evans;

Cuba: Abigail E. Stevens;

Davenport, IA: Roderick R. Tanamor;

East Peoria: Brayden A. Foster;

Ellisville: Conner R. Crusen, Chloe M. Moulton;

Farmington: Haley D. Smith;

Findlay: Karson E. Park;

Fort Madison, IA: Matthew M. Hopper;

Guthrie, OK: Connor D. McCabe

Hanna City: Connor A. Taylor;

Havana: Cassidy S. Boehl, Jeremy V. Huynh, Emily L. Miller, Bryleigh L. Morris, Star A. Pence, Margaret A. Porter;

Heyworth: Emma K. Slayback;

Industry: Autumn G. Peacock;

Ipava: Haylie J. Boehl, Jett A. Woods;

Kilbourne: Addisyn R. Chapin;

Lewistown: Cole A. Beekman, Lily A. Derry, Brooke T. Lerch, William B. Myers, Jr., Roman Voitkovskyi, Jaiden K. Walters;

Lomax: Desiree G. Pflasterer;

London Mills: Elliet B. Wills;

Macomb: Triana J. Banks, Melia C. Butler, Olivia J. Gardner, Frances E. Long, Jason W. Miller, Kaden M. Scohy, Blaine D. Swedell, Alexander Vyhnanek, McKenzie L. Whitford;

Mulvane, KS: Lyric N. Edgerle;

Oswego: Chase G. Gerwig;

Prairie City: Elizabeth M. Gilfillan;

Prophetstown: Nash S. Clementz;

Rushville: Audrie A. Dodds, Emily A. Gossage, Isaac D. Little, Brandi M. Moore, Shawn D. Orr, Cortney S. Taylor, Lisa A. Villwock;

Silvis: Coy M. Dettmer;

St. David: Delaney N. Eastwood;

Table Grove: Allyson D. Bithos;

Tremont: Erin N. Pulliam;

Wentzville, MO: Wyatt B. Seymore;

West Peoria: Brady J. Osmulski;

Yates City: Alyvia K. Marcotte.

Dean’s List for Spring 2024 Part-Time Students Announced

Spoon River College congratulates the following part-time students who were named to the Dean’s List in recognition of their academic achievement in completing at least 12 credit hours of college level courses at SRC and who were enrolled in six to eleven credit hours and earned a GPA of 3.0 − 3.5 during the Spring 2024 semester. Please note that students who have a privacy hold on their records will not be listed.

Astoria: Aleah B. Foster, Kloey A. Tanner;

Burtonsville, MD: Irene Akinyemi;

Bushnell: Shannon K. Coultas, Tessa L. Reimolds;

Camden: Danielle J. Hammack;

Canton: Sabrina Adams, Isabella J. Alig, Kelly M. Anderson, Danielle S. Bailey, Tiffany R. Cohee, Makenzie R. Ewalt, Lindsey N. Harrison-McDowell, Olivia C. Hinds, Matthew J. Huggins, Lily L. Martin, Janelle M. McMahon, Ignacio Nascimento Zschaeck, Zachary A. Pittaway, Allison R. Robinson, Emily R. Stambaugh, Ryleigh Watson, Andrea D. Wrestler, Carissa L. Yocum, Jordon Yocum;

Chicago: Christiana T. Blount;

Cuba: Katherine R. Neese, Jake A. Owens-Shores, Carmen C. Pratt;

Dunfermline: Tanya L. Kellus, Ayden R. Weis;

Dunlap: Caprice M. Dellinger, Destiny L. Jordan;

Fairview: Tyler E. Lovitt, Jonas R. Tessier, Jace P. Weaver;

Farmington: Brock A. Renner I;

Havana: Rachel L. Bailey, Stephanie J. Bailey, Erin R. Danner, Savannah J. Hausman I, Madaline L. Kane, Kali Lynn, Tiffany Ranes;

Industry: Halie A. Moranville;

Keokuk, IA: Andrew D. Rairden;

Lewistown: Brookelyn P. Barclay, Traci L. Brown, Adah C. Cripe, Mattison J. Duffield, Kami S. Duncan, Natalee R. Miller;

London Mills: Carson J. Stuckel;

Macomb: Jordyn N. Bartlett, Westen J. Behymer, Destiny D. Bloodsaw, Kalea Foster, Kalynn M. Haley, Jennifer S. Henson, Amir B. Oden-Shabazz, Kevin M. Vollbrecht, Ethan D. Waldrop, Taylor W. Wolf;

Rushville: Camryn J. Flowers, Kaitlin Fredriksen, Alexandria J. Lamm, Erin A. Miller, Madisyn P. Quinn, Andreas R. Smith;

Springfield: Christian J. Schoeffel;

St. David: Chloe N. Hickle;

Table Grove: Luke E. Abernathy, Molly J. Hiland, Kaylee J. Steele;

Trivoli: Emmalea C. Carpenter;

Vermont: James A. Campbell, Doris A. Hammack;

West Peoria: Laquana Dorsey;

Yates City: Trista M. Nichols.

Ribbon Cutting and Open House at Spoon River College Recognizes Contributions to CTE Programs

Guests attending the ribbon cutting and open house in the newly renovated Votech building at Spoon River College in Canton on May 7 were welcomed by SRC President Dr. Curt Oldfield, who called the day “a significant milestone in our institution’s journey towards excellence in education.”

The event celebrated new scholarship funding, a new greenhouse, and extensive renovations and equipment upgrades that will benefit students in career and technical education programs. The college’s agriculture, diesel technology, and welding programs are housed in the Votech building.

The scholarship funding was provided by SRC alumnus and retired Caterpillar vice president and CEO Lynn McPheeters with a $500,000 gift earmarked for students entering career and technical education programs, which are currently ineligible for federal financial aid.

“Without SRC and SIU, I would have never been in a position to have the success I’ve had or to be able to make a gift like this,” said McPheeters.  “Businesses need a skilled workforce more than ever, and there are great opportunities available to graduates of CTE programs. This place, as it was in 1960, is still standing to provide those open doors to those who enter. It opened a door for me, and I hope these scholarships will provide that same opportunity for untold people in the future.”

The new greenhouse was funded with help from a $25,000 educational grant from Compeer Financials’ Agriculture and Rural Initiative, and will aid SRC agriculture students with more hands-on learning in horticulture and crop science by incorporating plant ID, research, and plant sales into the curriculum.

Karen Schieler, senior corporate giving specialist at Compeer Financial, noted that their partnership with SRC goes back at least 20 years. “We have seen time and time again with our philanthropic work that anytime a student can touch and feel agriculture, or interact with different things, it creates a life-long passion. And that passion leads to great workers in our communities who give back.”

A $1.5M grant from the Economic Development Administration provided electrical and mechanical upgrades, new welding booths, ventilators and exhaust systems, geothermal in the offices and classrooms, radiant heat, an overhead crane and overhead doors, and an air compressor and fans. LED lighting was installed, and a mezzanine was constructed for parts space. Two new semi-tractors and trailers were also purchased for the Commercial Driver Training program, which is housed off-site. The grant was part of the CARES Act Recovery funds, which the college applied for following the pandemic and the closing of the power plants at Duck Creek and Havana.

“These projects were a testament to our commitment to provide the best possible learning environment for all who pass thru these doors,” said Oldfield. “We could not do what we do without these partnerships.”