Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Pancakes for Bette Fundraiser November 5 Will Benefit St. Jude
The Phi Mu Tau Fraternity at Spoon River College will host their annual Pancakes for Bette fundraiser on Wednesday, November 5, from 7-10 a.m. in Lower Centers of the Canton Campus. The public is invited, and the cost is $5.00 for all the pancakes you can eat plus a side order of sausage. Water and coffee will be provided.
The fundraiser is in memory of former SRC employee Bette Dye, who lost her battle with cancer in September of 2010. “We started this fundraiser to help a friend and fellow employee, and we continue it in Bette’s honor,” said Todd Thompson, Phi Mu Tau faculty advisor. “She served my students a lot of pancakes over the years and always with a big smile and a ‘Hey! How are you this morning?’ She was our beloved pancake maker.”
A pancake eating contest for students will be held, with the winner taking home a $50 gas card donated by Student Services.
For those who would like to donate, please make checks payable to Phi Mu Tau-SRC with “Pancakes for Bette” in the memo line. Proceeds from the event will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The Phi Mu Tau Fraternity is comprised of students in the Diesel and Power Systems Technology program. For more information, contact Todd Thompson at 649-6244, Joseph Clemens at 649-6245, or Aaron Mayall at 649-6382, diesel instructors and advisors for Phi Mu Tau.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Grand Opening Celebration: Opera House Plaza Revives a Piece of Canton’s History
Excitement is growing in downtown Canton as the city prepares to celebrate the grand opening of the new Opera House Plaza on Friday, October 24, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The evening will kick off with a ribbon cutting and short ceremony in front of the decorative arch—an elegant replica of the original entrance arch that once welcomed visitors to the historic Opera House. Following the ceremony, guests can enjoy live music from the Monster Lane Band on the brand-new amphitheater stage, along with concessions hosted by EATS. The event is free and open to the public, inviting residents and visitors alike to gather, listen to great music, and celebrate this exciting addition to the heart of downtown Canton.
The new Opera House Plaza stands on a site filled with local history. Originally built in 1891, the Opera House was once a cornerstone of culture and entertainment, drawing crowds for vaudeville shows and even hosting legendary performers like Charlie Chaplin. A few years after opening, a drapery fire damaged the interior, but the community rebuilt it—an early sign of Canton’s resilience. The Opera House survived another challenge in 1975, when a tornado tore through downtown, again causing major damage.
In the early 2000s, a Peoria developer purchased the 19,500-square-foot building and began a major restoration, transforming it into the Opera House Professional Building with retail storefronts below and offices above. Sadly, the structure was lost in the 2016 downtown gas explosion, leaving behind an empty space and a deep sense of loss for the community.
That all began to change in 2024, when the City of Canton broke ground on plans to reimagine the long-vacant lot. The vision: to honor the Opera House’s storied past while creating a modern public gathering space for today and future generations. In a thoughtful nod to history, the new amphitheater stage sits in the exact same location as the original vaudeville stage once stood—linking past and present in a powerful way.
The completed Opera House Plaza blends historic remembrance with forward-looking design—a place for concerts, festivals, and quiet relaxation. More than just new brick and landscaping, it stands as a symbol of Canton’s resilience, community pride, and ongoing commitment to downtown revitalization.
Join the celebration on October 24 and be part of this historic moment as Canton opens a beautiful new chapter downtown.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Joins Second Annual Feed The Need Food Drive
Spoon River College is joining community colleges across Illinois this fall to help address food insecurity through the second annual Feed The Need Campus Food Drive. From October 15 through December 1, 2025, the college will collect non-perishable food items on campus, with donations benefiting local food pantries.
The statewide initiative, organized by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), engages all 39 community college districts in a friendly competition while serving a critical need. Last year, Illinois community colleges collectively donated more than 91,000 food items to support students and families across the state.
All donations collected will benefit the local food pantries and the SRC Student Needs pantries in the community they are donated in, ensuring students and local families have access to meals during the holiday season and beyond.
“At Spoon River College, we know that students can’t focus on their education if their basic needs aren’t met. Participating in the Feed the Need Food Drive is one way we can help remove those barriers,” said Missy Wilkinson, dean of student services at Spoon River College. “It’s also a great reminder of what’s possible when our college and community come together to support one another. Every contribution matters and helps make a real difference for our students.”
Donation boxes will be located in the lower level of Centers in the cafeteria and at the Havana, Macomb, and Rushville campuses. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are encouraged to participate by dropping off non-perishable food items throughout the drive.
“Food insecurity remains one of the biggest barriers to student success. By joining forces across the state, community colleges can make a meaningful difference not only on campus but also in the communities they serve,” said Brian Durham, executive director of the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB).
“Feed The Need represents the mission of community colleges—meeting students where they are, addressing real challenges, and building stronger communities together,” added ICCB Board Chair Dr. Sylvia Jenkins.
According to recent studies, as many as 39 percent of community college students nationally face food insecurity, highlighting the importance of initiatives like Feed the Need. By working together, Illinois community colleges are demonstrating their commitment to student well-being and to the communities they call home.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Fishermans Club of Canton Donates to SRC Foundation Scholarship Fund
Spoon River College President Curt Oldfield accepts a donation on behalf of the SRC Foundation from The Fishermans Club, an interfaith group of men who provide community service and mentoring, and promote the health and well-being of the community in a spiritual environment. The donation will benefit the general scholarship fund. Club member Alan Dilts presented the check to Oldfield.
“We appreciate the continued support of The Fishermans Club,” said SRC Foundation director Dusty Berg. “The Foundation wouldn’t be able to help so many students remove barriers to their education and success without the generosity of the many people in the local communities and beyond that we serve.”
Contributions to the Foundation are given in various ways including through donations, naming rights opportunities, grants, personal or organizational scholarships, fundraising activities, planned gifts, and special campaigns.
Besides funds for scholarships and college programs, the Foundation also supports hardship grants, innovation grants, faculty research, facility and technology upgrades, and community projects.
The Spoon River College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. For more information about the Foundation or ways to make a donation, visit www.src.edu or call 309-649-6395.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Denise Phillips Joins Spoon River College as Counselor
Denise Phillips has joined Spoon River College as a Counselor, and will be available on both the Canton and Macomb campuses.
Phillips, who earned a BA in Guidance and Counseling from Cal State University and a MS in Psychology with a PPS License from Chapman University, has more than 18 years of experience in counseling individuals of all ages, from elementary school students to transitioning military personnel and their family members. She was part of the District Guidance and Social Work Team for Abingdon-Avon, and was one of seven staff members recognized by ROE 33 at their 2019 Excellence in Education Banquet.
Phillips will assist students with addressing mental health challenges, anxiety and stress. “My goal is to provide support and promote overall well-being. A significant number of college students experience mental health issues, yet few seek help from campus counseling services.”
Phillips said it was counseling services like these that helped her accomplish her educational goals. “My education has afforded me employment opportunities that wouldn’t have otherwise been available.”
Phillips and husband Calvin Phillips, (SGM, US Army retired with 26 years of service), have four children, four great-grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Walking in the country with her four-legged children Miley, a German shorthaired pointer, Bella, a Labradoodle, and, Chloe, a Beagle—soon to become a therapy dog—is one of her favorite things to do. Her favorite place is Dairy Queen “because they have the best Pumpkin Blizzards ever!”
Phillips will hold office hours in the Wellness Rooms on Monday and Wednesday at the Canton Campus and on Tuesday and Thursday on the Macomb Campus from 9-2.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Announces Increase in Enrollment Numbers
Spoon River College announced an enrollment increase for the third year in a row after receiving their 10th day enrollment numbers.
“We increased nearly 4% in credit hours compared to 2024, and more than 1% in headcount,” said President of Spoon River College Dr. Curt Oldfield. “We are happy that more students are making Spoon River College their choice for higher education in West Central Illinois.”
The college also reported a 7% increase in full-time students, with students aged 26-30 years old driving that growth. The biggest increase came from students opting for online classes, with an 18% increase. Overall, this marks the highest enrollment of the past four years.
“The nearly 7% increase in full-time student enrollment shows students are making a strong commitment to their education and future,” said Missy Wilkinson, dean of student services. “We’re especially encouraged to see growth not only in full-time enrollment but also in the number of sophomores continuing their education at SRC.”
Jo Branson, assistant dean of student services, said that among the high school students taking dual credit classes during the spring 2025 semester, 48% of them had returned this semester to continue taking dual credit classes, while 35% of them were now enrolled as regular college students.
Adult Education enrollment at Spoon River College is showing an 8% growth this fall with 118 students actively attending classes. Chad Murphy, director of Adult Education, said that because these students must complete 12 hours of class before being officially counted, enrollment figures take longer to finalize than credit programs. “With several classes starting late this year than last, we anticipate enrollment will end up about 12% higher for the first quarter.”
The college is adding new career and technical education programs at their newly renovated Macomb Campus, and expect to see significant increases once those are in place.
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. It offers the first two years of college pre-professional courses as well as career and technical education programs. It serves students in a 1,566 square mile area that includes portions of Fulton, McDonough, Mason, Schuyler, and Knox counties.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SGA Members Hosting Blood Drive October 22 at Canton Campus
Members of the Student Government Association at Spoon River College are co-hosting a blood drive with ImpactLife on Wednesday, October 22, from 10:30 – 1:30 in Lower Centers on the Canton Campus.
Donors must be in good health and feeling well the day of donation, and should eat a meal within four hours of donating. A photo ID is required, last donation must have been before August 27, and three months since getting a tattoo. For more information or to schedule an appointment, email michelle.howe@src.edu, visit blood.center.org, or call ImpactLife at 800-747-5401. Successful donations receive a choice of a gift card, points in the reward store or donation to favorite charity.
The Canton Campus is located at 23235 N. County Highway 22.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Registration for Late Fall Classes and Spring 2026 Semester
The second 8-week session of fall classes at Spoon River College begins October 20, giving those who missed the fall deadline the chance to get started on their education without waiting until the spring semester.
Classes in Agriculture, Computer, English, Health Science, and Nursing Assistant are available, and online options include classes in Allied Health, Business, Early Childhood Education, and Health Science.
Registration for the Spring 2026 semester will open October 15 for current students, and November 1 for new students.
Visit Spoon River College for a complete list of all upcoming classes. Also available on the website is the course catalog, information about the admission process, and the admissions application.
For more information about registering or to make an appointment with an advisor, call (309) 649-6400 in Canton, (309) 543-4413 in Havana, (309) 833-6069 in Macomb, and (217) 322-6060 in Rushville.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Hosting College Visit Day featuring Career and Technical Programs at Macomb Campus
Spoon River College will host a College Visit Day on Monday, Oct. 13, from 9-11 a.m. at the Macomb Campus. This event will feature the career and technical education programs available at the college and will include hands-on simulations. Attendees will also hear from advisors and financial aid specialists, and receive information about the application process, tuition costs, and financial aid options, including scholarships.
“This would be a perfect time for parents and prospective students who haven’t seen our new building yet to visit. It’s a beautiful space that is allowing us to expand our career and technical training programs,” said Jo Branson, assistant dean of student services.
College Visit Day events are open to people of all ages who are interested in learning about both the transfer and the career education programs available at Spoon River College, including the different degrees and short-term certificates each program offers.
RSVPs are encouraged, and can be made at RSVP for College Visit Day or by calling 309-649-6400 (Canton) or 309-833-6069 (Macomb). All attendees will receive a free t-shirt.
The Macomb Campus is located at 2500 East Jackson Street.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Foundation Scholarships Available, Application Deadline is March 1, 2026
Spoon River College and the SRC Foundation offer a variety of scholarships to provide financial assistance to students as well as to recognize outstanding performance in academics, athletics, art/theatre, and career and technical interests. The deadline to apply for scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year is March 1, 2026.
Applicants must complete the scholarship application and the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and submit their most recent transcripts. This process is required for all scholarships, and all steps must be completed by the March 1 deadline. Students receiving other sources of revenue such as Pell Grants or Work Study are still eligible to apply for and receive scholarships.
The scholarships—which may be a permanent named endowed scholarship, a Foundation administered scholarship, an academic performing grant, or a performing skill grant—have differing eligibly requirements. Some may be targeted towards individuals from a specific town or county, a specific career field, or other criteria. Scholarships specifically for nursing students, agriculture students, and dual credit students are also available.
Once the paperwork is submitted, applicants will be considered for all available scholarships they are eligible for, and in some cases could receive multiple awards. Applicants will be notified of their status either way by the end of April.
