Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on State Officials Praise Spoon River College Project that Advances Healthcare Education in Illinois
Macomb, IL— Spoon River College celebrated the grand opening of its newly renovated Macomb campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 3. Located at 2500 East Jackson Street, the new space marks a significant step in expanding educational opportunities in McDonough County.
“As Illinois’ world-class institutions continue to train the next generation of healthcare professionals, I am proud to see Spoon River College open its renovated site to students across West Central Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our historic state investments in community colleges and universities are enhancing academic facilities and programs, bolstering an array of workforce development opportunities for Illinois students.”
Since 1983, the institution had operated out of the high school building on South Johnson Street. In 2006, the Board of Trustees approved the purchase of the East Jackson Street site, planning for this development with the goal of growing academic and career training programs in the region. Phase 1 of the expansion was completed in 2009, with the opening of the SRC Office of Community Outreach in a portion of the space. The remaining 66,000 square feet has now been fully renovated to include classrooms, simulation laboratories, support services, and office areas.
“What a truly momentous day this is for Spoon River College, for the City of Macomb, and for all the communities we serve,” said Dr. Curt Oldfield, President of Spoon River College. “Having the space to expand our existing career programs and to build new ones, with HVAC and Industrial Maintenance at the top of the list, will be significant in terms of workforce preparation in West Central Illinois. Let us remember that what we dedicate today is more than brick and mortar. It is a place of promise. It is a home for learning. And it is a legacy that will shape lives for generations to come.”
The funding is made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois Capital program, with state investments totaling $6 million, $1 million in congressionally directed funds to support rural healthcare expansion, and $11.7 million in local funding through the Capital Development Board. Additionally, Graham Health Services (GHS) has invested $250,000 to fund the development of the Spoon River College School of Nursing and Allied Health Learning Lab, creating a clear pathway from RN certification to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the Graham Hospital College of Nursing. GHS provides patient care in their hospital in Canton, and in 12 medical clinics in Fulton, Knox, Mason, McDonough, and Peoria counties.
“The new academic facility at Spoon River College reflects the state’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that will directly benefit our students, like those in west-central Illinois, said TJ Edwards, Executive Director of the Illinois Capital Development Board. “CDB ensured this project will serve as a hub for healthcare education, workforce training, and academic support long-term.”
“This is exactly the kind of collaboration our region needs,” said Dr Oldfield. “We’re grateful for Graham Health System’s support and proud to work alongside them to invest in students, strengthen the healthcare workforce, and adapt to emerging healthcare needs.”
“I am very excited for Spoon River College as they open their doors at their new campus here in Macomb. For over 60 years, the residents of Western Illinois have been served by this school as they enter their academic years or continue their education to advance their careers, and this new center will further advance Spoon River’s contributions to our economy,” said State Senator Mike Halpin (D – Rock Island). “The investments by the Board of Trustees and the State of Illinois to make this facility happen will have a tremendous impact on the students, staff, and faculty, while also attracting new enrollment with this state-of-the-art learning environment.”
“As a lifelong resident and business operator in Western Illinois, I have seen first-hand the contributions Spoon River College has had in our communities. The two-year programs offered here have grown the professional workforce of the region for decades, and this new facility will bolster their impact for many decades to come,” remarked State Representative Dan Swanson (R – Alpha). As a member of the House Higher Education; Appropriations – Higher Education Committees, I am heartened to have such a commitment to the community colleges of Illinois, particularly here in the 71st District.”
Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in West Central Illinois dedicated to providing students a quality education. With campuses in Canton and Macomb, and Learning Centers in Havana and Rushville, Spoon River College serves students in a 1,566 square miles area including portions of Fulton, McDonough, Mason, Schuyler and Knox counties.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on TRIO Student Support Services Program Recruiting for 2025-2026 Cohort
The TRIO Student Support Services program at Spoon River College is currently recruiting new students for the 2025-2026 cohort. The program offers enhanced services, including exclusive scholarship opportunities, and is designed to assist with the retention and academic success of its members.
“We are excited to begin another year of offering this program that allows us to deepen our commitment to ensuring that all students—regardless of background—can thrive academically and personally,” said Jill Olson, TRIO director at Spoon River College. “It helps level the playing field and equips our students with the resources and confidence to earn a degree and better their lives.”
Those accepted to the program will have access to peer and professional tutors, personalized advising and assistance with financial aid, academic and personal enrichment workshops, visits to 4-year universities, and social opportunities. TRIO members also have a private computer lab, and can borrow instructional aids such as graphing calculators and voice recorders.
The program is federally funded and this year’s grant totaled $272,364 from the U.S. Department of Education to improve the retention and graduation rates among low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities. It has successfully served more than 1200 Spoon River College students over the past 15 years. Nationally, the SSS program has a proven track record, making a difference for nearly a million students each year.
Individuals that are currently enrolled in SRC courses for fall semester are encouraged to complete the online application to confirm eligibility for program services. For more information about the program and to apply, call 309-833-6030 or Apply Online Here.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Registration for Late Starting Fall Classes Underway at Spoon River College
Late starting classes give those who missed the fall deadline the chance to get started on their education without waiting until a new semester starts. Students will earn the same number of credit hours for these classes as they would in the traditional 16-week sessions.
“Not all classes are available in a shortened session, but there is a nice mix of both transfer and technical classes that would get a student started on a degree or certificate, and some of them, such as English, Math, and Communications, are general education classes for degree seeking students,” said Brandy Chasteen, director of enrollment services.
Available on the technical side are classes in Computer Information Systems, Logistics Operations Management, Nursing Assisting, and Welding.
Select classes are also available in Agriculture, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Drama, Early Childhood Education, Health Science, Physics, Psychology, Small Business Management, and Sociology.
For more information about these classes and to register, 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 SRC Community Chorus to Present Handel’s Messiah and Olio
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Spoon River College Community Chorus presents the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah & Winter Olio concert on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the First Christian Church in Canton. Anyone with a love for singing and philanthropy is invited to participate. No auditions are required.
“The SRC Community Chorus formed in 2005, and the first concert presented was Handel’s Messiah,” Carol Davis, Artistic Director explains. “We invite all our current singers, those who performed in our 2005 or 2012 Messiah concerts, and any newcomers who wish to participate in these special 20th anniversary performances. John L. Davis, who conducted the first two concerts, returns as director for this concert.”
The second half of the concert will be an olio of songs capturing the spirit of the holidays and the times of winter. The chorus will be accompanied by a string quartet, harp, brass, piano, keyboard and other instruments.
Rehearsals generally occur on Thursday evenings, beginning on September 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the First Christian Church of Canton, 215 W. Elm Street. Singers are asked to purchase the Watkins-Shaw edition of the MESSIAH (SATB) musical score. This is the same version used in 2005 and 2012. Where to purchase the scores and the full Rehearsal/Performance Schedule is available by Emailing here.
Tickets will go on sale mid-October. Proceeds fund Named Endowed Scholarships for SRC students. Please visit SRC Community Chorus for more information.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Foundation Golf Outing Raises Over $25,000
The totals are in from the 32nd annual Spoon River College Foundation Golf Outing, which was held Friday, August 8 at Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills Country Club. This year’s outing raised more than $25,600.
“The SRC Foundation wouldn’t be able to help so many students remove barriers to their education and success without the support of the local communities we serve,” said Dusty Berg, Director of the Spoon River College Foundation. “The golf outing is a wonderful example of that community support, and this year was hot in more ways than one!”
In all, more than 50 businesses and organizations from the SRC District and beyond sponsored the outing, and 28 teams competed in the event. More than 30 business also donated prizes for the various skill challenges and raffles.
Golfers this year were treated to lunch, an SRC golf towel, and the opportunity to compete for the coveted championship. This year’s winning team was comprised of MidAmerica National Bank employees Zack Krulac, Aden Emery, Ryan Spangler, and RJ Trimpe.
Additionally, golfers had the opportunity to compete for skill prizes on every hole. They also had the opportunity to win a free stay at French Lick Resort (courtesy of Cook Group), the chance to utilize a golf ball cannon, donated and built by Mike Krulac, opportunities for prizes at with the Wheel of Fortune, and a chance to win $100 at the chipping game.
“Thank you to our Ace Sponsors Cook Medical, Corporate Clean, Digital Copy Systems, Pella Corporation, Quick Electrical Contractors, Randy McMillen Re/Max, Unland Insurance & Benefits, and Q98.1/94.1BYS. Their partnerships with the SRC Foundation make it possible for local students to overcome financial challenges and focus on succeeding in the classroom with better outcomes for the students and the Spoon River College community,” said Berg.
The funds raised from the outing are used to support the mission of the SRC Foundation, which is to provide excellent educational opportunities at SRC. This comes in the form of scholarships, extracurricular or community program support, facility and technology upgrades, Emergency Hardship Grants to students, and so much more.
Next year’s event is tentatively scheduled for August 7, 2026. To learn more about the SRC Foundation, call (309) 649-6395, e-mail foundation@src.edu, or go to www.src.edu/foundation.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Graham Health System Invests $250,000 in Spoon River College’s Macomb Campus to Support Nursing and Allied Health Learning Lab
Graham Health System Invests $250,000 in Spoon River College’s Macomb Campus
Funding Will Support Development of State-of-the-Art Nursing and Allied Health Learning Lab
Canton, IL — Graham Health System is investing $250,000 in Spoon River College’s new Macomb campus to support a shared vision for growing the region’s healthcare workforce. The investment will fund the development of the Spoon River College School of Nursing and Allied Health Learning Lab, reinforcing an academic partnership that creates a clear pathway from RN certification to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the Graham Hospital College of Nursing.
Through this collaborative effort, students will complete their general education and RN coursework through Spoon River College’s nursing program, then have the opportunity to transfer into the newly developed BSN program at Graham’s College of Nursing. This model supports affordability, accessibility, and long-term retention of healthcare professionals within Fulton, McDonough and Mason Counties – the shared service area of both institutions.
“This investment is about building a strong foundation for future caregivers,” said Bob Senneff, CEO of Graham Health System. “Together with Spoon River College, we’re creating an affordable, local path into nursing – one that allows students to stay close to home while preparing to serve their own communities. We were able to fund a $500,000 scholarship at SRC two years ago, and our plans are to continue to invest in the college, and in education throughout the region we both are blessed to call home. This partnership also addresses critical workforce needs across a wide range of healthcare fields, not just in nursing but also in areas such as laboratory sciences, imaging, and other allied health professions. By expanding educational opportunities and clinical training resources, the new Allied Health Learning Lab will help develop a broader pipeline of skilled professionals ready to meet the growing demands of today’s healthcare system.”
While the initial focus is on core healthcare programs, the Allied Health Learning Lab is designed to grow and adapt as the healthcare field evolves, with the potential to incorporate technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) in the future.
“This is exactly the kind of collaboration our region needs,” said Dr. Curt Oldfield, President of Spoon River College. “We’re grateful for Graham Health System’s support and proud to work alongside them to invest in students, strengthen the healthcare workforce, and adapt to emerging healthcare needs.”
At its core, this partnership is about more than education it’s about investing in people. By creating a strong local pipeline of healthcare professionals, Spoon River College and Graham Health System are building a healthier future for the region one student, one nurse, and one community at a time.
Graham Health System provides quality patient care in our hospital, located in Canton, Illinois and our 12 Medical Group Clinics serving patients throughout Central and Western Illinois, with operations in five counties: Fulton, Knox, Mason, McDonough and Peoria.
Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in West Central Illinois dedicated to providing students a quality education. Spoon River College serves students in a 1,566 square mile area including portions of Fulton, McDonough, Mason, Schuyler and Knox counties.
Graham Health System is investing $250,000 in Spoon River College’s Macomb Campus to support development of a state-of-the-art Nursing and Allied Health Learning Lab. Pictured are Holly Norton, VP at SRC; Becky Sherwood, Director of Nursing at SRC; Michelle Daly, Senior VP of Clinic Operations at GHS; Wyatt Baxter, PA-C, Director of Advanced Practice Providers at GHS; Robert Senneff, CEO at GHS; Kevin Meade, SRC Board of Trustees; Dr. Curt Oldfield, President at SRC; Melissa Worley, SRC Foundation Board Treasurer; Glenda Bryan, SRC Foundation Board Secretary; Shelley Runyan, SRC Foundation Board member; Melissa Miller, Dean at SRC; and Dusty Berg, Foundation Director at SRC.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Fall 2025 College Visit Days Scheduled at Spoon River College
Spoon River College will host College Visit Days on both the Canton and Macomb campuses. Canton dates are Tuesday, September 16, 9-11 a.m., Wednesday, October 15, 9-11 a.m., and Tuesday, December 2, 1-3 p.m.
Macomb dates are Thursday, September 18, 9-11 a.m., Monday, October 13, 9-11 a.m., and Tuesday, December 2, 9-11 a.m.
The September 16 date in Canton and the October 13 date in Macomb will feature Career and Technical Education programs.
College Visit Days 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.
Attendees will hear from advisors and financial aid specialists, and receive information about the application process, tuition costs, 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, and can be made here College Visit Day RSVP 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 2500 East Jackson Street.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Announces Summer 2025 Graduates
Spoon River College congratulates the following individuals who have completed graduation requirements and received degrees and/or certificates during the 2025 summer semester.
Astoria: Mariah Allard, Practical Nursing Certificate; Jessica Fackrell, Associate in Arts; Kooper Jones, Basic Commercial Driver Training Certificate; Jenna Kinne, Practical Nursing Certificate; Denise Perry, Practical Nursing Certificate; Kloey Tanner, Associate Degree in Nursing; Jacob Wommack, Associate in Applied Science/Computer Information Systems;
Cambridge: Rowdy Beam, Basic Commercial Driver Training Certificate;
Canton: Hanna Anderson-Nuttall, Associate in Science; TaShina Baker, Practical Nursing Certificate; Drew Freeman, Associate in General Studies; Ella Goforth, Associate in Arts; Jonathan Hedges, Certificates in Agricultural Business Management and Agricultural Production; Chloe Hill, Practical Nursing Certificate; Katherine Jett, Associate in Science; Stormy Johnson, Medical Assistant Certificate; Bryson Kessinger, Practical Nursing Certificate; Erynn Lundeen, Practical Nursing Certificate; Brady Mayall, Associate in Arts; Abigail McCartney, Associate in Arts; Samantha Pratt, Associate in Applied Science/Health Information Management and Certificates in Medical Coding and Medical Insurance/Billing; Trinity Rilea, Associate in General Studies; Leah Scharping, Associate in Arts; Jamaica Walker, Associate in Arts; Alexandra Walters, Practical Nursing Certificate; Ryleigh Watson, Associate in General Studies; Andriea West, Associate in Science;
Davenport, IA: Jason Jack, Associate in Arts;
El Dorado, KS: Ignacio Nascimento Zschaeck, Associate in Arts;
Galesburg: Cody Park, Commercial Driver Training Certificate;
Galva: Jacob Conrad, Basic Commercial Driver Training Certificate;
Gilson: Zachary Hopkins, Basic Commercial Driver Training Certificate;
Glasford: Georgie Bessler, Associate in Applied Science/Health Information Management; Certificates in Medical Coding, Medical Insurance/Billing, Medical Records, and Phlebotomy Technician;
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Chicago Artist Creates Mural for New Macomb Campus
Macomb, IL – Chicago artist Sheryl Nieman has created the mural that will greet visitors as they walk into the new Spoon River College Campus in Macomb. The decorative art is done in an abstract style and the brilliantly colored landscape imitates a stained-glass window. “The intention of the piece is to engage and draw a person into the community, and mimicking a stained-glass effect accentuates the atrium feeling of the room,” Nieman said.
From start to finish, the piece took four months to complete, and Nieman said the actual painting took her two months to complete. After being transported in several pieces to the college, it was hung in one day by Nieman and three carpenters.
“It was my aim to use value as a way to infuse light into the piece similar to an actual stained-glass window, while also creating an element of surprise through pops of color. The landscape subject matter was chosen as a way to symbolize the timeless theme of inspiring a world of possibilities, a beautiful future using one’s education to make a difference.”
Nieman has been painting and teaching art around the world for more than 25 years, and her work can be found in both residential and commercial spaces. She specializes in murals/branding, mosaics, fine art, and pour paintings. You can view more of her artwork at SherylNiemanArt
The painting was commissioned through the Art-in-Architecture program, created by the Illinois General Assembly as part of the Capital Development Board in 1977, which requires a piece of art to adorn any public building undergoing a major renovation or construction using state funds. Artists are selected and commissions are awarded based upon the recommendation of the Fine Arts Review Committee, representing the Client Agency, designing architecture firm, Illinois Art Council, and the Illinois State Museum. The works of art that have been created through the program create a permanent art collection for the people of the state of Illinois.
Spoon River College is hosting a ribbon-cutting for the new campus on Wednesday, September 3, at 3 p.m. The campus is located at 2500 East Jackson Street.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River Community College Hosting Ribbon-Cutting for New Campus in Macomb September 3
Macomb, IL. – Spoon River College will hold a ribbon-cutting for their new Macomb Campus on Wednesday, September 3, at 3 p.m. The event will celebrate the renovation of the facility, which the college purchased in 2006 and that currently houses the SRC Office of Community Outreach. It is located at 2500 E. Jackson Street.
The event will start with a welcome and comments from Spoon River College President Dr. Curt Oldfield, as well as Macomb city officials and state representatives, followed by refreshments and tours of the building. The public is invited to the event.
“We have waited a long time for the day when we could have all of our Macomb operations at one location, and that day is finally here,” said Dr. Curt Oldfield, President of Spoon River College. “We can now expand our existing career programs, including Nursing, and build new programs, with HVAC and Industrial Maintenance at the top of the list. The increase in the number of students in those programs will be significant in terms workforce preparation in West Central Illinois.”
The Community Outreach Center, which has been housed at the location since 2009, has become a vital part of the Macomb community, offering a place not only for college events and Outreach classes, but also as a rental facility for community and business events. “That won’t change,” said Oldfield. “The Outreach Center will continue to function as it always has for the community.”
Funding for the project included a Rebuild Illinois grant for $6.2 million, approximately $1 million from congressionally appropriated funds to support the expansion of rural health care, and $10 million in local funds. Hein Construction was the lead contractor, and work began in July of 2024.
Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in West Central Illinois dedicated to providing students a quality education. With campuses in Canton and Macomb, and Learning Centers in Havana and Rushville, Spoon River College serves students in a 1,566 square miles area including portions of Fulton, McDonough, Mason, Schuyler and Knox counties.
Photo by Dave Barknecht
