Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Hosting College Night 2021 on October 5
Spoon River College will host College Night 2021 on Tuesday, October 5 from 5:30−7 p.m. in Lower Centers on the Canton Campus. This is an opportunity for high school students, parents, and adult learners to meet with representatives from different colleges, universities, and trade schools.
“This is an excellent opportunity to explore a variety of colleges, all in one place and at one time,” said Brandi Ketcham, student advisor at Spoon River College. “Representatives will be able to answer questions regarding admission requirements, the registration process, tuition, room and board, athletics, student activities, and more.”
As of press time, the following colleges were scheduled to participate:
Bradley University, Carl Sandburg College, Columbia College, Eastern Illinois University, Eureka College, Graham Hospital School of Nursing, Greenville University, Illinois College, Iowa Wesleyan University, Lincoln College, McKendree University, Quincy University, SIU-Edwardsville, U of I-Springfield, US Air Force, US Merchant Marine Academy, US Navy, Western Illinois University, and Western Illinois University-Military Science.
Spoon River College tables will include Admissions/Advising, Financial Aid, Transfer Programs, Agricultural Business Management, Commercial Driver Training, Computer Information Systems, Diesel and Power Systems Technology, Early Childhood Development, Emergency Medical Technician, Health Information Management, Logistics Operations Management, Medical Laboratory Technician, Natural Resources and Conservation, Nursing, Nursing Assistant, Small Business Management, Welding, and Student Life Organizations.
Spoon River College is located at 23235 N County 27 in Canton.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on First College Visit Day Held, Two More Planned
Spoon River College hosted the first of three College Visit Days on September 13 at both the Canton and Macomb campuses. Prospective students and parents were able to talk with advisors, get the facts on financial aid options, and learn about the support resources that are available for students, including tutoring, counseling, and disability support services. Transfer education and career programs offered by Spoon River College were also highlighted.
Two more College Visit Days are scheduled for Tuesday, October 12, and Wednesday, November 17 from 9−11:30 a.m. in Canton and Macomb. These events are for people of all ages, and high school students using a college visit day will be provided with a letter confirming their attendance at the event. Tours of the campuses will be given, and will include the Multi-Purpose Building and Snapper Villas student housing on the Canton Campus. All attendees will receive a free t-shirt.
RSVP online at src.edu/collegevisit to choose your preferred date. Masks are required at Spoon River College for all students, staff, and visitors.
The Canton Campus is located at 23235 N. County Hwy. 22, and the Macomb Campus is located at 208 S. Johnson Street.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Summer 2021 Graduates
Spoon River College congratulates the following individuals who have completed graduation requirements and received degrees and/or certificates during the 2021 summer semester.
Abingdon: Ethan Fowler, Associate in Applied Science degree/Diesel and Power Systems Technology
Adair: Jaimie A. Beal, Associate in General Studies degree
Astoria: Breckon K. McKinney, Associate in Arts degree/Early Childhood Education certificate
Augusta: Sydnee Marie George: Practical Nursing certificate
Banner: Katy Bucco, Practical Nursing certificate
Bardolph: Ethan C. Stambaugh, Associate in Applied Science/Computer Information Systems degree, Computer Information Technology, Computer and Network Technician, and Cyber Security certificates
Bath: Jacob Blakeley, Associate in Arts degree
Beardstown: Amber Chisholm, Associate Degree in Nursing
Blandinsville: Jennifer Rodeffer, Associate Degree in Nursing
Canton: Regina L. Featherston, Medical Coding certificate; Faith Marie Haley, Associate in Science degree; Amanda Lynn Hedges, Associate in Arts degree; Mackenzie Hess, Associate in Science degree; Tessie D. Hilton, Associate Degree in Nursing; Alizé Hoffman, Associate in Arts degree; Cassidy Anne Locke, Practical Nursing Certificate; Brandon McGraw, Computer User Support Specialist certificate; Tarah Ann Murphy, Practical Nursing certificate; MacKenzie Rhoads, Practical Nursing certificate; Reynalda Roger, Associate Degree in Nursing; Hannah Snook, Associate in Arts degree; Mackenzie R. Stockham, Associate in Arts degree; Ciara Tedrick, Early Childhood Education certificate; Hunter Varnes, Associate in General Studies degree
Chicago: Christian Gilkey, Associate in Arts degree; Daja S. Williams, Associate Degree in Nursing
Colchester: Emerald L. DeWitt, Practical Nursing certificate; Torie Kreps, Associate Degree in Nursing; Emily Richardson, Associate in Arts degree; Eric Zimmerman, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate
Creve Coeur: Shelby K. Null, Associate in General Studies degree
Cuba: Taylor Ann Sims, Practical Nursing certificate
Dunfermline: Ann E. Lockhart, Associate Degree in Nursing
East Peoria: Tiffany Shankle, Associate in General Studies degree
Essex: Nathan Joseph Smith, Associate in Arts degree
Farmington: Mary Patricia Rose, Practical Nursing certificate
Havana: Ruth A. Hackney, Associate in Applied Science/Health Information Management degree, Medical Assistant, Medical Insurance/Billing, and Medical Records certificates; Reggan Hall, Associate in Arts degree; Mary King, Practical Nursing certificate
Humble, TX: Rayna D. Davis, Associate in Arts degree
Jim Thorpe, PA: Brittany A. Wegrzynowicz, Associate in Arts degree
Lewistown: Nick Hebb, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate; Dorinda Lange, Computer Information Technology and Computer User Support Specialist certificates; Brooke Massingale, Practical Nursing certificate
Littleton: Alex Triplett, Associate in Applied Science/Computer Information Systems degree
London Mills: Jessica Lynn Tompkins, Associate in Arts degree
Macomb: Nicole Lynn Ackley, Medical Assistant certificate; Candace Bainter, Associate Degree in Nursing; Christian M. Brewer, Advanced Welding certificate; Abigail L. Cebuhar, Associate in Arts degree; Kaitlyn R. Ellis, Associate in Arts degree; Kelsey Flynn, Associate in Arts degree; Tori Marie Fosdyck, Associate in Applied Science/Health Information Management degree, Medical Assistant, Medical Insurance/Billing, and Medical Records certificate; Jordan Graham, Associate in Arts degree; Megan Diane-Gale Kokoszka, Associate Degree in Nursing; Angela Locke-Bowen, Early Childhood Education certificate; Madison Merritt, Practical Nursing certificate; Alexandrea Neve, Practical Nursing certificate; Timothy Pollock, Associate in Applied Science/Computer Information Systems degree; Dustin L. Shinn, Associate Degree in Nursing; Devon Simpson, Associate in Applied Science/Health Information Management degree, Medical Assistant, Medical Insurance/Billing, Medical Records, and Phlebotomy Technician certificates; Dana L. Wesley, Practical Nursing certificate
Memphis, TN: Chancey Jackson, Associate in Science degree
Montrose: IA: Danielle Marie Birdsell, Associate Degree in Nursing
Mt. Sterling: Kara M. Taylor, Practical Nursing certificate
Normal: Desmond Dion Boyd, Associate in Arts degree
Oneida: Tina Fogleson, Associate in Science degree
Pekin: Emily Knaus, Practical Nursing certificate
Rosevill: Kevin C. Holliger, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate
Rushville: Stacy R. Demaree, Associate in Arts degree; Lillian A. Fisher, Associate in Arts degree
St. David: Caleb Michael Keithley, Associate in Science degree
Springfield: Gracie L. Henrikson, Associate in Arts degree
St. Louis, MO: Alexander Schmidt, Associate in Applied Science/Diesel and Power Systems Technology degree
Tinley Park: Mark T. Garcia, Jr., Associate in Science degree
Trophy Club, TX: Dianna Juliusson, Associate in General Studies degree
Vermont: Leslie A. Kessler, Associate Degree in Nursing
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Workforce Development Programs at SRC Get a Boost with $1.5M EDA Grant
In May, Spoon River College officials learned that the college would be receiving $1.5M in CARES Act Recovery Assistance to boost its workforce development programs. That boost will be in the form of new training equipment and renovations of the college’s Vocational and Technical Education Center (VOTECH) over the next three years.
Advanced Manufacturing, Agriculture, Commercial Driver Training (CDT), and Diesel and Power Systems Technology (DPST) programs are among those slated for the updates.
“Almost all local, regional, and national skilled trades are suffering from a skills gap in the talent pipeline. The jobs are there, but the skilled workforce is not,” said Brad O’Brien, dean of career and workforce education at Spoon River College.
O’Brien noted that it is predicted there will be three million job openings in the US in skilled trades by 2028. “Our goal is to provide training with more technologically updated equipment in order to close the gap, feed that talent pipeline, and give our students the skills that will lead to them being successful.”
Students in the Ag program will benefit from a new tractor with auto steer capability, allowing expansion of the existing precision technology program. “These tractors have become a staple in the agricultural world and provide multiple benefits to farmers working their fields, including taking the human error out of the equation,” O’Brien said.
Truck driving continues to be a high demand career, and the current fleet of tractors and trailers in the CDT program will be replaced over time with more modern equipment. “The demand for truck drivers is only going to increase, and it’s also a high wage earner. We’ll be able to give our students an updated look into the future of the field of truck driving,” said O’Brien.
As with Ag and CDT, the Diesel and Power Systems Technology program will also become more modernized. The grant will provide more technologically modern diesel engines for training purposes, allowing students to learn diagnostics and trouble-shooting on a higher level.
“The updated engines, with their functioning diesel emissions after-treatment components, will give students an enhanced hands-on training experience, as will use of diagnostic software,” said Joe Clemens, DPST instructor. “There could also be the possibility of being able to offer additional training certificates to our students, making them even more preferred by employers and capable of filling the numerous job opportunities that are available.”
New welding booths and manufacturing/robotics training simulators will be purchased for the Advanced Manufacturing program to expand the current program as well as contribute to the development of newer areas within manufacturing.
The VOTECH building itself will also receive an upgrade with new ventilation and exhaust systems plus an overhead crane in the shop area, geothermal in the offices and classrooms, radiant heat, new overhead doors, LED lights, a new air compressor and large fans. A Mezzanine will also be constructed in the diesel tool area.
These career training programs can be completed in two years or less.
O’Brien said that college officials regularly meet with local and regional workforce representatives. “We have to stay current on industry needs and modern technology as we prepare students for the jobs that are available now, as well as for future jobs that don’t even exist yet.”
“While other sectors have struggled during the pandemic, the skilled trades have remained strong throughout and are expected to do so post-pandemic. The workforce shortage they are experiencing had begun before the pandemic as the number of new workers lagged behind the number of those retiring. The jobs will be there, and skilled workers will be needed,” said O’Brien.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on SRC Financial Aid Visits to District High Schools Scheduled
Employees in the financial aid office at Spoon River College will present free workshops at district high schools during October. These workshops are for students, their parents, and any adult learners who are interested in learning more about options for paying for college.
Following an overview of the aid programs available, staff will also assist attendees with filling out and filing the 2022-2023 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
“Filling out the FAFSA is always the first step to take in order to obtain federal and state aid for college, and also to apply for scholarships,” said Jo Branson, financial aid director at Spoon River College. “I can’t stress enough how important it is to have it completed accurately and on time.”
FAFSA applications can be filed beginning October 1, using 2020 income tax information, rather than waiting until January 1 or after. The school code for all locations of Spoon River is 001643. This code is needed to complete the FAFSA.
Branson noted that 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.
The schedule for the high school visits and FAFSA completion workshops is as follows:
October 5 – College Night – 5:30 – 7PM Canton Campus Cafeteria – Financial Aid Information
October 6 – Farmington High School 5:30 to 6:30PM – Financial Aid Information & FAFSA Completion
October 6 – Lewistown High School 6PM – Financial Aid Information & FAFSA Completion
October 7 – Macomb High School 5:30 – 7:30 PM – Financial Aid Information & FAFSA Completion
October 13 – Havana High School at SRC Havana Center – 2 – 7 PM start times FAFSA Completion
October 13 – Spoon River Valley High School – 6PM – Financial Aid Information & FAFSA Completion
October 14 – Rushville/Industry High School – 6PM – Information Session Only
October 20 – Cuba High School – 6-7PM – Financial Aid Information & FAFSA Completion
October 21 – VIT High School – 4 – 5:30 PM – Information Session & FAFSA Completion
October 21 – Astoria High School – 6PM – Information Session & FAFSA Completion
October 26 – Canton High School – 6 -7:30PM – Information Session & FAFSA Completion
Attendees who wish to fill out the FAFSA should bring students’ Social Security and driver’s license numbers, 2020 W-2’s, 2020 federal income tax return, parent’s 2020 federal income tax return and W-2s (if required), and any additional untaxed income such as veteran’s benefits, child support (paid or received) and worker’s compensation.
SRC staff who will be attending are Branson, financial aid coordinators Charlie Cox and Peggy Roth, and Nikki Rittenhouse, financial aid/veterans specialist. Dillon Austin, representative from ISAC (Illinois Student Assistance Commission), will also be participating in some of the visits.
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 ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Graham Health System Launches Scholarship Program at SRC with $500,000 Gift
In a collaborative effort to create a scholarship program that invests in the local community, Graham Health System has donated $500,000 to launch a new scholarship program that could guarantee employment to its recipients upon the completion of their studies at Spoon River College.
Beginning in the Spring 2022 semester, the Graham Health System Scholarship for the Advancement of Rural Healthcare, administered by the SRC Foundation, will be available to students who plan to pursue certain areas of study at SRC. In exchange for a scholarship that may cover the entire cost of tuition, fees, books, materials, and potentially other expenses, the recipient will agree to work for Graham Health System for a period of time after graduation.
“It is part of our mission to support the community, and this partnership allows us to do so. We are proud to support SRC and future healthcare professionals. One of the keys to our long-term success as a thriving independent health system has been our ability to retain and recruit great employees and providers. This scholarship allows us to assist aspiring healthcare professionals at a time when a student’s finances should never be a barrier to their dreams,” said Bob Senneff, President and CEO of Graham Health System.
Eligible programs of study at SRC include, but are not necessarily limited to: Nursing, Health Information Management, Computer Information Systems, Emergency Medical Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Industrial Maintenance, and all related degree/certificate programs.
“Graham Health System is one of the largest employers in the SRC District and a major employer of SRC alumni,” said Curt Oldfield, President of SRC. “While student success is always the primary goal at SRC, developing avenues for community partnerships and meeting the needs of local employers is one of SRC’s most important goals. Graham’s vision and support is a win-win for Graham, for SRC students, and for the community. We look forward to many years of this partnership and other, future collaborations with Graham.”
In addition to supporting future employment needs at Graham, this new scholarship program helps to alleviate financial need among a portion of SRC’s student body where the need is often significant.
“In our effort to help to provide excellent educational opportunities at SRC, one issue the SRC Foundation has been trying to address is the need for scholarship funding among programs that may not qualify for traditional financial aid such as Pell Grants,” said Colin Davis, Executive Director of the SRC Foundation. “Despite an SRC education being a relative bargain, the upfront cost to pursue a degree or certification can be a significant barrier. Graham’s foresight and generosity will help to break down these barriers for a number of individuals in our community, and we’re so grateful to Bob Senneff, Holly Henline, and the Graham Hospital Board of Trustees – with a special nod to Kevin Meade, who serves as a Trustee for both Graham and SRC – for this opportunity.”
Applications will become available on or around September 15 and be available on a rolling basis. Current and future SRC students will be eligible. More information on the scholarship, including how to apply, will be forthcoming at www.src.edu/grahamscholarship.
To learn more about SRC, the SRC Foundation, and Graham Health System, please visit www.src.edu, www.src.edu/foundation, and www.grahamhealthsystem.org/.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on SRC Chorus and SRC Theatre Present The Guys
In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. and to honor first responders, The SRC Community Chorus and SRC Theatre jointly announce the production of THE GUYS, a two-person play written by Anne Nelson.
The production will be presented on September 10, 11 @ 7:00 p.m., and 12 @ 3:00 p.m., 2021 in the SRC Theatre in Taylor Hall on the Canton Campus. The cast features Douglas Okey as Nick and Carol Davis as Joan.
Seating is limited to 40 people per performance. Reservations are required and may be made by completing the show form at www.src.edu/chorus. You may also call (309) 649-6260 between 8:30 – 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Proceeds benefit the Howard Strube Memorial Scholarship and the SRC School of Nursing. First responders and frontline workers will be recognized at each production.
THE GUYS was developed and first produced at The Flea Theatre in December 2001 with Sigourney Weaver as Joan and Bill Murray as Nick. The 2021 SRC production is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service.
Based on true events, THE GUYS takes place less than two weeks after the attacks on New York City. An editor, Joan, receives an unexpected phone call on behalf of Nick, a New York City Fire Captain, who lost most of his department in the attack. Nick must deliver eulogies at several memorial services and seeks Joan’s help in developing these extremely emotional speeches.
Nick and Joan spend a long afternoon together, recalling the fallen by recounting their virtues and their foibles, and then fashioning the stories into memorials of words. In the process, Nick and Joan discover the possibilities of friendship in each other and their shared love for the unconquerable spirit of the City. As they make their way through the emotional landscape of grief, they draw on humor, the tango, the appreciation of craft in all its form, and the enduring bonds of common humanity.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on College Visit Days Scheduled for September 13, October 12, November 17
Spoon River College will host College Visit Days at both their Canton and Macomb campuses on Monday, September 13, Tuesday, October 12, and Wednesday, November 17, from 9-11:30 a.m. on all three days.
“We will be showcasing our transfer education and career programs, and the degrees and the certificates that are offered at Spoon River College,” said Eve Zimmerman, dual credit coordinator.
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.
This event is for people of all ages who are interested in learning about the transfer and career education programs available at Spoon River College.
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.
RSVP online at src.edu/collegevisit to choose your preferred date. Masks are required at Spoon River College for all students, staff, and visitors.
The Canton Campus is located at 23235 N. County Hwy. 22, and the Macomb Campus is located at 208 S. Johnson Street.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Athletic Department Inaugural Snapper Golf Tournament September 17
The athletic department at Spoon River College will host the inaugural Snapper Golf Tournament on Friday, September 17, at Harry Mussatto Golf Course in Macomb. Lunch will be at 11 a.m. and tee-off is at noon. The deadline to sign up is September 10.
“This will be our biggest fundraiser of the year, so we hope to have a good turnout,” said John Bassett, athletic director and head coach for the softball team, adding that the athletic department’s wish list includes a press box, outside hitting tunnels, and a new volleyball net.
Cost is $75 per person or $300 per foursome, and includes lunch, 18 holes of golf with a cart, chances to win skill prizes, an SRC-themed gift, and prizes for the top foursome.
Bassett noted that six years ago when he first came to Spoon River College, the only athletics being offered were baseball and softball. Since then, the addition of the Multi-Purpose Building and the Snapper Villas student housing has allowed the college to add volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, and eSports. “I had 30 active student athletes my first year. Now I have 116.”
During last year’s season, baseball, softball, and men’s basketball were all nationally ranked, with the men’s basketball team ending their season at #13 after being in the rankings for six consecutive weeks, making it up to #8 at one point. They also ended the season as MWAC Co-Conference Champions, and Coach Chance Jones was named MWAC Coach of the Year. A number of students were also recognized by both the MWAC and the NJCAA for their academic and athletic achievements.
“Even if you can’t make the golf outing, we hope folks will come watch some games. Our athletes play hard and appreciate a good crowd,” said Bassett.
For more information about signing up or sponsoring a team contact John Bassett at john.bassett@src.edu or by calling 309-649-6303. Multiple levels of sponsorship are available.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on 2021 ICCTA Full-Time Faculty Award Nominee Michael Maher
Michael Maher, Spoon River College sociology teacher, was the nominee for the 2021 Illinois Community College Trustee Association Full-Time Faculty award. The award honors teaching excellence, the ability of a teacher to take a personal interest in students, and to inspire enthusiasm through their teaching techniques.
This is the second time Maher has been the ICCTA nominee. He has also been honored twice with the H. Truman Standard Award for teaching excellence, in 2006 and 2016.
Nearing his 25th year of teaching at Spoon River College, Maher’s focus is on social problems and inequality issues as they relate to race and gender, and his teaching style is often described by students and colleagues alike as passionate. He doesn’t disagree with that, and it may be because education itself is something Maher passionately values.
“Learning is often thought of as a purely cognitive exercise, but learning is also a deeply emotional experience. Faculty who successfully fuse the cognitive and the emotional components of learning are better equipped to teach in ways that are meaningful and life changing.”
Developing a rapport with students both inside and outside of the classroom is key to Maher’s teaching style and it starts with how he arranges his classroom; he arrives fifteen minutes early to prep his materials, cue up some music, and talk with students as they arrive. “The opportunity to talk with students prior to class is an important time. When an inviting environment is created, students are more likely to show up for class on time and often come early to be a part of the discussion. When students begin talking before class, they engage more quickly when class begins.”
He continues that engagement outside of the classroom by making it a point to attend student events whenever possible, such as Phi Theta Kappa inductions, theatrical performances, and athletic events.
Maher was the driving force behind implementing an annual College Theme—now in its twelfth year—as a way of promoting the value of general education coursework. “Helping students understand the value of that coursework and the purpose of a liberal arts education has always been a passion of mine,” Maher said. “The goal is for students to see the overlap in academic disciplines as well as appreciate the contributions made by various fields.”
Maher’s passion for education extends to those outside of the college. “I’ve come to understand the significance of the word ‘community’ in community college, and I believe that it’s important to provide learning opportunities for citizens in the communities served by Spoon River College.” He has served as a guest lecturer at WIU and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Macomb, offered community education classes in Canton and Macomb, and over the summer offered a series of classes to all SRC employees.
Having a deep appreciation for the history of the college governance system within higher education—”It fosters collaborative decision making and promotes decisions that are focused on students, learning, and teaching.”—Maher has served on at least one standing committee almost every year of his tenure, including eight years as the college senate chair. He has served as president of the faculty union three times as well as serving several years on the union executive committee and participating in contract negotiations. For the past six years, he has served as the Division Chair for Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences.
Comments from students supporting Maher’s nomination made it clear that he is succeeding in his goal of building connections with those in his classroom. “Mr. Maher inspires students with his passion, always lets us speak freely, makes his textbooks affordable, and emphasizes that we all are sociologists at heart,” said one, while another wrote, “He reaches out when he notices someone struggling, and he never leaves us lost and confused. I’ve taken multiple courses from Mr. Maher and he never misses class. He is always early, greeting us, and enthusiastic about what he’s teaching.”
What is the one thing Maher would most like his students to understand about a college education?
“Education is a vehicle to a better career and overall quality of life, but education means so much more than a career path or income. Education leads to thinking, informed decision making, questioning, and changing our mind. I want my students to be professionally successful, but more than that I want my students to discover what they are passionate about, what they care about, and what really matters to them.”
