Please Note: that all locations of SRC are closed Fridays for Summer Hours from May 16 through July 25. Announcement: all operations for the Macomb campus have temporarily moved to the Outreach Center (2500 E Jackson) until further notice as we make the transition to the new campus.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Outstanding FT Faculty Award, ICCTA Outstanding FT Faculty Award Nominee Recipient Rebecca Werland
Spoon River College faculty member Rebecca Werland is the recipient of this year’s Spoon River College Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Award and Illinois Community College Trustee Association Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Nominee. The award is presented each year to an outstanding faculty member who displays teaching excellence, has the ability to take a personal interest in students, and inspires enthusiasm through teaching techniques.
Werland has been a full-time English professor with Spoon River College since 2008, with a particular expertise in Developmental English Composition. She has been instrumental in developing the curriculum and coursework during the past fifteen years as well as consistently adjusting it through significant changes during her tenure. She was at the forefront of researching and implementing the corequisite model of teaching remedial English at the college even prior to the passage of the Developmental Education Reform Act.
In addition, Werland now teaches a full range of composition and literature courses as well as her “signature” class, Introduction to Visual Communication. She is highly skilled at delivering high-quality, academically rigorous instruction in every modality.
Werland is a leader among her peers in understanding the application of AI in the classroom, and her time and effort to understand AI programs and how AI can be utilized positively in the classroom are exceptional. Her work in this area has made her colleagues more informed and better equipped to recognize and utilize AI in ways that enhance rather than detract from academic rigor. Where others see obstacles, she often finds opportunities. This example perfectly typifies the kind of professor and faculty member that Werland has become.
In addition to serving several years as a faculty advisor to SRC’s student publication of poetry and art, Kaleidoscope, Werland has also served as faculty advisor to Phi Theta Kappa for the greater part of 15 years. Her leadership and commitment to this position have provided Spoon River College students more opportunities to explore their education and engage in service learning.
“Ultimately, my success as an educator is not measured by how much content I deliver but by how empowered my students feel when they leave my classroom. If they walk away more confident in their ability to think critically, ask questions, and persist through challenges, then I have done my job,” said Werland about her teaching philosophy.
The award was presented during an employee appreciation luncheon and announced at the college’s 64th Commencement held May 8 at the Canton Campus.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on 2025 H. Truman Standard Award Recipient, Sarah Etter
Spoon River College faculty member Sarah Etter is this year’s recipient of the H. Truman Standard Award, presented for teaching excellence, meritorious service to the institution, and adherence to the SRC core values of Caring, Respect, Integrity, Fairness, and Responsibility.
Etter joined Spoon River College in January 2024 as a full-time faculty member within the Nursing Department, and has taught many Nursing and Nursing Assistant (CNA) courses on the Macomb Campus. She is known for going above and beyond to connect with students both academically and personally, taking her time to offer individualized support and providing guidance not only for academic success but also for professional growth. She plays a vital role in promoting student success through initiatives such as mentoring at-risk students and demonstrates a commitment to preparing future nurses who are well-prepared to make a difference in healthcare.
According to her students, Etter “pushes students to their best abilities, stands by us, praises us when we do well, and gives some amazing corrective criticism.” One student said, “Her dynamic teaching style, paired with real-world experiences, makes nursing both fascinating and relevant. She has the unique ability to inspire students to engage deeply within the subject matter, motivating us to continually strive for excellence in our studies.”
The award was presented during an employee appreciation luncheon, and was announced at the college’s 64th Commencement on May 8 at the Canton Campus.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Phi Theta Kappa Students Host National Marrow Donor Program Registry Drive
Phi Theta Kappa members at Spoon River College hosted a registry recruitment drive for the National Marrow Donor Program on the Canton Campus on April 29 and 30th.
The registry tracks blood stem cell donors who could be a life-saving match for those with life-threatening blood disorders such as leukemia, lymphoma, and sickle cell. A total of 59 potential donors volunteered for the simple cheek swab and were added to the registry.
Pictured is Delaney O’Brien and her finance Tyler Ludlum holding the completed test swabs. Delaney is daughter of Brad O’Brien, former Dean at Spoon River College who is fighting leukemia. For those interested in joining the registry, kits can be sent through the mail. For more information about the NMDP registry or about becoming a donor, visit the National Marrow Donor Program website.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on 32nd Annual SRC Foundation Golf Outing Set for August 8
The 32nd annual golf outing to benefit the Spoon River College Foundation will be held on Friday, August 8, at Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills Country Club in rural Cuba. Lunch will be at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start set for noon.
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, snacks, 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,” said Dusty Berg, Director of the SRC Foundation.
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 25. Team entry forms and sponsorship commitment forms are available on the Foundation’s website at our Golf Outing event page, by calling (309) 649-6348 or email Michelle Howe.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Tickets on Sale May 15 for SRC Community Chorus Dust Bowl Concert
Tickets for the SRC Community Chorus Concert Music from the Time of the Dust Bowl, An Edu-Concert are on sale beginning May 15. Tickets may be purchased online at Community Chorus webpage or from any chorus member listed below. Two one-hour performances will be presented at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, at the First Christian Church, 215 W. Elm Street, in Canton.
“Because of a generous grant from the Two Rivers Arts Council, because it’s the 20th anniversary of the Chorus, and because the SRC Chorus is supporting Canton’s 10 Days of Bicentennial Events, general admission tickets may be purchased for just $5,” Carol Davis, Artistic Director said. “We have over 50 singers, musicians, and technicians under the direction of John L. Davis, presenting popular and meaningful songs from 1929 to 1940.”
Songs include 42nd Street, The Joint is Jumpin’, Brother, Can You Spare a Dime, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Take Me Out to the Ballgame. Special guest Nathan Taylor portrays the traveling musician, and Lindsey Larson presents moments of Canton history as the fictitious Clara Irene. Gretchen Fuller accompanies on the piano with additional instrumental accompaniment by Matt Buczko. Greg Pollitt is tech manager.
Performing in the concert are Lindsey Larson, Carol Kohler, Melissa Walker, Denise Kirgan,
Charlene Kornoski-DuVall, Carla Bobell, Carol Davis, Katey Davis, JoEllyn Welch, Linda Dilts, Gloria Bradford, Jendy Way, Peggy Roberts, Jeanette McWhorter, Lauren Wilcoxen, Stacy Smith, Aja Lawson, Tori Albanito, Sally Campbell, Michelle Howe, Sara Mathis, Janice Bruster, Cindy Schneider, Andrea Barbknecht, Natalie Orwig, Tammy Kessler, Sarah Fouts, Jean Sprecher, Jeanine Standard, Edwin Brinklow, John Harmon, Kevin Dearing, Sue Smith, Ron Smith, Bruce Beal, Trygve Meade, Kevin Watson, Tony Roberts, Mike Varnes, Chad Murphy,
Kevin Kessler, Colin Davis, Clay Klinedinst, Lydia Robinson, Janet Munson, Sherry Coffey,
Cecily Pearson, Michelle Stremmel, Nana Cook, and Shirley Roberts.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and local funds from the Two River Arts Council.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Misty Peyer: Finding the Light
Misty Peyer remembers her first visit to Spoon River College in Macomb after making the decision to enroll. “I was very nervous, considering I was a non-traditional student in my 30’s and just happened to be covered in tattoos from head to toe, which is definitely something that stands out in a small town like Macomb.”
Peyer found only acceptance, and her confidence has been boosted by her academic success. She is the president of Phi Theta Kappa, was named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Team in 2024 after being nominated for the All-USA Community College Academic Team, and has received a number of academic scholarships. A member of TRIO, she will be the first in her family to receive a college degree when she walks across the stage at commencement next Thursday evening.
Peyer’s story could have been much different. Originally from Florida, she is the oldest of five children born to a mother who struggled with addiction, as did Peyer herself for a period of time. But that past addiction and too many foster care experiences are now what drive Peyer to not only succeed but to also help others. She credits Sociology professor Michael Maher with “helping me develop a sociological perspective early on that has helped me in my other classes, in everyday life, and in dealing with what needs to be dealt with.”
Sober for the past eight years, Peyer has learned to “find the light, no matter how bad the situation.” When her oldest brother was hit and killed on his motorcycle, the light came from making the heartbreaking decision to donate his organs. “His heart went to a veteran who had congestive heart failure, his liver went to a school teacher who had suffered from liver disease, and his kidneys helped two people.”
Peyer also finds the light in music, and is a dedicated fan of rapper Yelawolf. In 2017 she attended the Slumfest music event in Tennessee where he was performing, and met a man named Luke who was from Macomb. The two have been together ever since. They married four years ago after he proposed to her in front of the Eiffel Tower while on a trip to Paris. “Music brought us together. We’re blessed.”
Between the two of them, they have a total of 13 nieces and nephews. Driven by memories of less than joyful holidays as a child, Peyer makes sure they all receive birthday and Christmas gifts. “I love Christmas, you can’t shake the jollies off of me! I will never let anyone steal my Christmas joy again, and everybody gets something.” After her brother passed away, Peyer also started a yearly family reunion that she calls “a legacy for the future,” and she makes everyone a t-shirt with a tree of life design.
Peyer is a believer that “The windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror for a reason,” a quote by singer Jelly Roll, who she also met at a past Slumfest event. “This was in his hip-hop days and he was opening for Yelawolf. I’ve had the opportunity to talk with him and his buddy Struggle Jennings on several occasions. They are both great people, and I admire Jelly’s involvement with at-risk youth.” The singer has opened a music studio inside the Davidson County Juvenile Detentions Center in Nashville, where he was once incarcerated.
Currently a full-time life skills coach at Bridgeway in Macomb, Peyer’s long-term goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work and become either a crisis investigator for the Department of Children and Family Services, or a foster trainer for Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. Besides finishing up her last semester at SRC, a full-time job, and helping her sister care for her children, she and Luke are training to become foster parents. She will be the light for others.
“I have had an amazing experience at SRC, and graduating this spring will be bittersweet. I have been treated with kindness and generosity beyond measure by staff and the students. I could not have asked for a better support team than what I found here.”
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Op-Ed: It’s Time for Illinois to Empower Community Colleges to Grant Bachelor’s Degrees by Dr. Curt Oldfield
As Illinois continues to wrestle with workforce shortages in key sectors including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, education, business and information technology, one common sense solution remains largely untapped: empowering community colleges like Spoon River College to offer bachelor’s degrees.
Currently, Illinois is among a minority of states that prohibits community colleges from granting baccalaureate degrees. Meanwhile, 24 other states—including Texas, Florida, and California—have paved the way for their community colleges to step up and fill critical education and labor market gaps. It’s time for Illinois to follow suit.
A Smarter, More Equitable Approach to Higher Education
Spoon River College serves a largely rural population across Fulton, McDonough, Mason, Schuyler and Knox counties. In West Central Illinois, many students are place-bound by family, jobs, or economic realities. Giving community colleges the authority to offer bachelor’s degrees in high-demand fields like health careers, advanced manufacturing, education, business administration, information technology, or rapidly emerging careers where programs do not currently exist, would make a four-year education more accessible, more affordable, and more aligned with the region’s economic needs.
Local Degrees for Local Jobs
Illinois’ workforce needs aren’t abstract, they’re urgent. Employers across West Central Illinois routinely struggle to find workers with four-year degrees in fields that don’t necessarily require research-intensive university programs but do demand advanced training. Spoon River College already offers strong associate degree programs in many of these areas. Allowing the college to build on that foundation with specialized bachelor’s degrees would directly feed local talent pipelines, retain talent in the region, and give local industries the skilled professionals they need.
Financial Efficiency and Student Success
Bachelor’s degrees from community colleges come at a fraction of the cost of traditional universities. By leveraging existing faculty, facilities, and partnerships, Spoon River College could deliver four-year programs, and students would benefit from reduced student loan debt, smaller class sizes, and the personal support systems they already trust.
Critics may argue that expanding community college missions could encroach on universities, but evidence from other states shows that community college baccalaureate programs are targeted, non-duplicative, and focused on degrees in fields of study that universities do not offer. The real impact is additive: more degree holders, stronger local economies, and upward mobility for students who would otherwise be left behind.
A Path Forward for Illinois
As Illinois lawmakers continue to explore education reform, enabling community college baccalaureate degrees should be a top priority. Spoon River College, with its proven commitment to workforce development and regional service, stands ready to be a model. The State must embrace the changing landscape of higher education so that it can meet the needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s economy.
Let’s create pathways to prosperity for our students, our communities, and our State. Please consider contacting your legislator if you support the idea of helping the West Central Illinois region become more economically viable.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on 2025-2026 Student Trustee Logan Booth Seated at April Board Meeting
During the Board of Trustees meeting held April 23 at Spoon River College in Canton, outgoing student trustee Esmeralda “Esme” Uribe was recognized for her service as the 2024-2025 student trustee, and newly elected 2025-2026 student trustee Logan Booth was seated.
Booth, originally from Groveland, is residing in the Snapper Villas on the Canton Campus. He is a member of the baseball team, a student worker in the marketing department, and designs the graphics for athletics’ social media pages.
Booth describes himself as a good leader and a hard worker who has maintained good grades while juggling his obligations of studies, work, and athletics. He ran for the student trustee position because he felt it would be a valuable learning experience that would be beneficial as he goes forward, both in his academics and his future career. Booth plans to pursue a career in multi-media and graphic design.
Student trustees at Spoon River College attend monthly board meetings and represent the student body in the Student Government Association. Along with gaining leadership skills, trustees have opportunities to attend state trustee meetings and conferences. They serve one year, and receive a stipend towards their tuition and fees.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Still Time to Register for SRC Foundation Fundraiser the Mrs. Roper Romp in Havana
It’s not too late to register for the Mrs. Roper Romp in Havana on Saturday, May 10. The proceeds will go to support SRC scholarships for Havana students.
*Boutique crawl: 10:00-12:00
*Lunch, watch for Roper lunch specials: 12:00-2:00
*Bingo and group photo: 2:00-4:00 at Vic’s Place
*Bar crawl and 70’s band: 4:00-6:00 in the beer garden
The cost of this event is $25, and tickets will allow participants to enjoy special coupons and experiences for the day.
Businesses that will be participating are Gisela’s Haus, Blue Butterfly Resale Shop, Market Street Boutique, Riverside Bar & Grill, Twisted Sisters, The Hang-Up Boutique, Manhattan Fields Boutique, Stag Tap, The Main Room, Vic’s Place, and Babes on Plum. The schedule is as follows:
*Boutique crawl: 10:00-12:00
*Lunch, watch for Roper lunch specials: 12:00-2:00
*Bingo and group photo: 2:00-4:00 at Vic’s Place
*Bar crawl and 70’s band: 4:00-6:00 in the beer garden
A costume contest to award the best-looking Mrs. Roper will also be held. Gather your besties and come enjoy a day of fun, food, and shopping.
The SRC Foundation and Spoon River College offer a wide variety of scholarships each year. Scholarships may be for academic excellence or for talent or skill. The SRC Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, and gifts to the SRC Foundation may be tax deductible.
Mrs. Roper Romps celebrate the characters from the 70’s sitcom Three’s Company, and started as a costumed event in New Orleans in 2013. It’s now become the latest fundraising trend across the country.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Athletics Offering Elite Softball Camps
Spoon River College Athletics is offering two elite prospect softball camps. The first one will be held Wednesday, June 11, from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. The second one will be held Wednesday, July 30, from 11:30 a.m. -3:30 p.m. Both will be held at the Multi-Purpose Building on the Canton Campus located at 23235 N. County Hwy. 22.
These will be total skills camps that that cover all aspects of the game, and is for players who want to compete at the next level. It will include testing in multiple areas, an evaluation, campus tour, and a Q&A with coaches and current players. Evaluations will be shared with other coaches.
The cost is $65 (and includes a t-shirt), is open to students graduating from 2026-2029. Only the first 29 registrants will be accepted.
Register online by going to www.src.edu > Snapper Athletics > Camps. For more information, contact John Bassett at john.bassett@src.edu or call 309-649-6303.
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 serves students in a 1,566 square mile area that includes portions of Fulton, McDonough, Mason, Schuyler, and Knox counties. For more information about Spoon River College, visit www.src.edu. It offers both transfer and career education classes, and sports includes men and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, bowling, E-sports, with cross country coming in Fall 2025.
2025 Student Trustee Logan Booth