Posted by Mitch Williams on | Comments Off on Dean’s List, Fall 2022 Full-Time Students
Spoon River College congratulates the following full-time students who have been named to the Dean’s List by achieving a 3.0 – 3.5 grade point average for 12 credit hours or more of college-level classes during the Fall 2022 semester. The names of students who have designated a privacy hold will not appear on this list
Alton: Lynna G. Fischer
Astoria: Hunter D. Protsman, Skye R. Stambaugh
Bowling Green, KY: Geovonni D. Floyd
Burlington, IA: Brynn L. Casady
Bushnell: Dalton H. Horwedel, Haley Waller, Holli R. Warner
Cameron: Luke W. Hawkins
Canton: Lauren E. Avery, Owen Bohn, Rylee C. Demott, Lexus L. Ellsworth, Emily N. Foster, Alanah G. Howarter, Haiden A. Lee, Olivia G. Manock, Alexis A. Marvel, Liam T. Murphy, Wyatt J. Nedig, Madyson J. Passmore, Elijah A. Perkins, Zachary A. Pittawy, Oivia Spahn, Kayleen H. Tarter, Sydney E. Theinert, Ryleigh Watson, Gracie L. Widger
Carthage: Cassandra J. Whitford
Colchester: Halle S. Sowers
Cuba: Kelsie D. Hampton, Allyson M. Harrold, Kyla R. Hughes, Justin A. Jockish, Wayde D. Lane, Dylan A. Lyons, Alexis A. Stone
Davenport, IA: Keegan J. Shovlain
Duncanville, TX: Robert Banks
Dunlap: Caprice M. Ping
Ellisville: Conner R. Crusen
Fairview: Tyler D. Heinz
Farmington: Jonas A. Beoletto, Laryn K. Kephart, Brock A. Renner I
Galesburg: Nicholas R. Winters
Gilson: Matthew J. McDonalds
Good Hope: John R. Burton
Havana: Zoe L. Porter
Ipava: Angel L. Dailey
Keokuk, IA: Andrew D. Rairden
La Harpe: Colton D. Walker
Lewistown: Jackson C. Churchill, Stephanie J. Donaho, Tyler B. Svob
Macomb: Karlye J. Allen, Brennan C. Brady, Martin L. Chestnutt III, Haley R. Dorethy, Taegen K. Perry, Noah C. Spencer, Jarius L. Tarver, Regan W. Weaver, Machai A. West
Manito: Luke D. Towery
Manteno: Bryce W. Vorwald
Maquon: Madison S. Hickman
Mount Sterling: Gabriel M. Blakeley
Oneida: Pauline J. McClay
Peoria: Jenna N. Beck
Plano: Ayden J. Halverson
Plymouth: Katie J. Stolp
Prairie City: Christopher M. Taylor III
Rushville: Andrea P. Busby, Kaitlin Fredriksen, Aubree E. Jones, Paul M. Malcomson, Kraig M. Street
Posted by Mitch Williams on | Comments Off on Dean’s List, Fall 2022 Part-Time Students
Spoon River College congratulates the following part-time students who were named to the Dean’s List in recognition of their academic achievement in completing at least 12 credit hours of college level courses at SRC and who were enrolled in six to eleven credit hours and earned a GPA of 3.0 − 3.5 during the Fall 2022 semester. The names of students who have designated a privacy hold will not appear on this list.
Bartonville: Corrie E. Plunkett
Bath: Tayden M. Friend
Bushnell: Jalyn K. Fayhee
Canton: Mason Alig, Hailey E. Ashwood, Courtney E. Behymer, Eli B. Eberle, Joel G. Fleisch, Delores M. Gilliam, Clayton J. Horner, Tara R. Johnson, Amelia L. Painter, Allison R. Robinson, Alexander D. Ruck, Alexis N. Shaw, Jeremy A. Skinner, Brady M. Sprout
Chicago: Joshua X. De Leon
Colchester: Taylor A. Dimmitt
Cuba: Collin J. Brooks, Brenna R. Hubbs, Katherine R. Neese
Peoria: Sara K. Smith
Elmwood: Will D. Hayden
Fairview: Weslee J. Frame I
Farmington: Christopher P. Breese, Melinda L. Brown
Havana: Rachel L. Bailey, Stephanie J. Bailey, Erin R. Danner, Tiffiny M. Ranes, Shyler D. White
Industry: Christian M. Danner
Lewistown: Ronald L. Hardy, Alivia J. Hootman I
Macomb: Marjorie O. Baker, James R. Doyle, Nick S. Fitzjarrald, Tori F. Fluke, Trenton R. Ford, Alexandria Forman, Bria N. Goines, Jennifer S. Henson, Emily G. Jordan, Grant M. Kilburn, Sadie L. Magee, Ebony R. Polk
Rushville: Andree C. Ambrosius, Bronson K. Bartlett, Audrie A. Dodds, Katelyn G. Ingles, Madisyn P. Quinn, Kayde M. Shaw, Harley E. Street
Posted by Mitch Williams on | Comments Off on First Christian Church of Macomb Launches “Operation Generosity” Scholarship at SRC
Students pursuing certification in SRC Career and Technical Education programs encouraged to apply
Through its “Operation Generosity” program, the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Macomb has assisted many worthy causes and organizations throughout McDonough County.
Left to right: representing Spoon River College: Brad O’Brien, Dean of Career & Workforce Education, and Dr. Curt Oldfield, President; and representing First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Macomb: Patti Jones, Rev. Kelly Ingersoll, and Anne Ingersoll.
Now, students at SRC will benefit.
As part of Phase Two operation Generosity, the church is making a gift of $15,000 to the Spoon River College Foundation to provide scholarships for several students over the next couple of academic years.
“As part of Phase One, we asked all of our active participants to each share $500 to benefit the lives of others in McDonough County,” said Rev. Kelly Ingersoll, FCC’s Senior Minister. “We saw gifts to places such as animal shelters, childcare facilities, organizations that help the poor and homeless, and even individuals who simply fell upon hard times and needed a leg up.
“Now, as part of Phase Two, the church is using the remaining funds to benefit the community in ways that it sees fit and that achieves one of our goals – to continue to expand our Christian service and outreach programs.”
McDonough County students who are pursuing a certificate program in Career and Technical Education (CTE) at Spoon River College and who demonstrate financial need are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to students entering programs that do not qualify for federal financial aid and to students who are 25 years of age or older.
“Historically, these students have fallen into a bit of a blind spot, because, even though their personal financial need may be significant, they’re often unable to receive federal or state financial aid for their education,” said Colin Davis, SRC Foundation Executive Director. “The generosity and foresight of Reverend Ingersoll and his congregation will provide a real boost to students who are selected to receive this scholarship opportunity, and we cannot express our gratitude enough.”
Scholarships of up to $2,500 will be awarded, with the first scholarships likely to be awarded in the Spring 2023 semester. FCC also plans to offer additional, non-financial support systems to the students as they progress through their educational journey.
Left to right: Dr. Curt Oldfield (President, SRC), Colin Davis (Exec. Director, SRC Foundation), Rev. Kelly Ingersoll (FCC), Brad O’Brien (Dean of Career & Workforce Education, SRC), and Anne Ingersoll (FCC).
“We know that while financial support is a big deal, it’s not everything,” said Ingersoll. “It is our goal to ensure that the students who go through this program know that we’re here to provide them with additional support and that they’re welcome in our family, in addition to the student success services that SRC offers.”
Students who meet these qualifications are encouraged to apply, and the application will be available beginning in January at the SRC Scholarships webpage. Scholarships will be offered on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.
For more information about this scholarship or other scholarship opportunities, or to learn how you can support this scholarship or any project of the SRC Foundation, please call (309) 649-6395 or Email Colin Davis.
Posted by Mitch Williams on | Comments Off on November Student Shout-Out Awards: Zachary Hagmeier and Jarius Tarver
Jarius Tarver with President Curt Oldfield
Spoon River College students Zachary Hagmeier (not pictured) and Jarius Tarver of Macomb were the recipients of the SRC Student Shout-Out awards for November. Both will receive $100 Visa gift cards.
“Zachary is an outstanding online student who exhibits hard work, effort, and responsibility in all of his coursework,” said Becky Leverette, Psychology faculty who nominated Hagmeier for the award. “He is always highly engaged in our online environment and showcases his knowledge of the weekly material in every discussion post, homework assignment, and short essay response he submits. His writing illustrates that he not only understands the material but also has the ability to apply, analyze, and evaluate it. It has been an absolute honor to have Zachary as part of this online course, and I predict he will make great strides toward accomplishing his future educational and career goals.”
Tarver was nominated by Jade Powers, student advisor, who said “Jarius is always welcoming students and staff with a warm smile. He works almost (if not) full time at MDH, and mentors young men on how to be professional and productive and respectful members of society. He is a member of the Macomb SGA and was the only student volunteer to serve the Thanksgiving lunch. He is an absolute gem.”
Tarver also received words of praise from TRIO advisor Johna Lawens. “Jarius always brings great ideas to every SGA meeting along with the drive to implement them. He gives 100% to everything that he does, even though he works evenings and sometimes lacks sleep. He is very goal driven and I am excited to see him achieve all of those goals in his future!”
The Student Shout-Out is an initiative that encourages any faculty or employee to nominate a student who deserves a special shout-out for exhibiting the core values of the college—caring, respect, integrity, fairness and responsibility—or going above and beyond to help others.
Posted by Mitch Williams on | Comments Off on SRC’s #GivingSPOONday Smashes Records, Raises Over $100,000
The totals are in, and the Spoon River College Foundation’s #GivingSPOONday campaign received 396 gifts, far surpassing its goal of 300 gifts. Including all matching funds, the campaign raised $100,154.75, shattering the previous record of $61,925 set in 2021.
As part of the larger Giving Tuesday movement to create a worldwide day of giving, the SRC Foundation had challenged all friends of SRC to “show SRC students that they matter,” and give 300 separate gifts to benefit SRC in the 24-hour period of November 29.
“Our goal this year was a ‘stretch’ goal, so we came right down to the wire, but our supporters came through for our students,” said Colin Davis, Executive Director of the SRC Foundation. “While SRC students’ need is greater than ever, this proves that they’re not facing their challenges alone. To see this kind of response when we know how much financial need is out there right now is simply incredible. We can’t thank our communities enough.”
According to Davis, gifts ranged from $1 to $15,000, with a median gift of $50. When the large “challenge” gifts are removed, the average gift was around $112, and gifts came from 15 states and 93 zip codes. Gifts came from as far away as Florida, Vermont, and California.
“The appeal of helping students at SRC truly reaches all corners of the country,” said Brendon Bauman, SRC Foundation Board member and #GivingSPOONday co-chair. “But it’s our communities here in west central Illinois that stepped up for us in the biggest way.”
What started with a goal of $5,000 in 2015 has grown to the SRC Foundation’s largest fundraising campaign each year. Dozens of new donors get involved annually, and it takes the efforts of over 50 people, not including the donors themselves. Since 2015, the campaign has raised over $320,000 to help benefit SRC students, and donors from 28 states have made an impact on students.
As always, donors had the option of directing their gifts to be used however they saw fit. While some directed funds to specific scholarships, facilities, student or community programs, or the Student Emergency Hardship Fund, many donors made unrestricted gifts, which help the Foundation quickly meet the needs of SRC and students as the needs arise.
“With our unrestricted funds, we were able to launch our new Emergency Hardship Fund in 2020 as a way to help SRC students remain enrolled in classes and on track,” Davis said. “That has helped us keep 79 students enrolled who otherwise may have been forced to drop out. That’s the kind of impact our donors can have, even if they just tell us to use the funds where they’re needed most.
People who were unable to participate in #GivingSPOONday but still wish to help local students at SRC by visiting the Giving Tuesday webpage or by calling (309) 649-6395. The college is closed for winter break from Dec. 17 through Jan. 1, but gifts are tax-deductible in 2022 as long as they are postmarked via USPS by December 31.
“Higher costs of gas, utility bills, rent, and other goods and services have impacted all of us, but community college students are affected disproportionately, and student need remains great” Davis said. “The generosity of our friends during #GivingSPOONday will allow us to meet more and more of those needs.
“The beautiful thing about #GivingSPOONday is how everyone – even if it’s just by sharing information about the campaign on social media or making a gift of a dollar – makes an impact on the campaign, and thus, students’ lives. We are so grateful for everyone who helped make the campaign a success and remain thankful to live and work in such generous, caring communities.”
Posted by Mitch Williams on | Comments Off on Research Poster Presentations Held
How temperature affects a baseball game, the Flint, Michigan water crisis, depletion of the ozone layer, and the art making process as a mood booster were just a few of the topics Spoon River College students explored for the Research Poster sessions held November 17 at the Canton Campus.
Biology and chemistry faculty members Amy Rutledge and Bridget Loftus first implemented research poster sessions in 2014 as a way for students to gain experience in research and presenting. “We also wanted them to have the opportunity to delve deeper into class topics they were personally interested in learning more about,” said Rutledge.
A total of 90 posters were on display representing different areas in agriculture, biology, chemistry, and drama, with students available to answer questions about their research. College employees Jake Douglas, Jeanette Glover, and Andrea White served as judges.
An Honorable Mention and $25 SRC gift certificate were awarded to the best poster from each category, and from those, the Best of Show was selected and awarded an additional $25 gift certificate.
Receiving an Honorable Mention and ultimately Best of Show was Jenna Schleich for “What Effect Do Oil Spills Have on Aquatic Plants?” Honorable Mentions were also awarded for “Effectiveness of Sunlight” by Katie Ferguson, “Leaded Gasoline in Aviation” by Alex Dornberger, “Miss Julie” by Lauren Avery, and “Polio” by Hannah Barclay.
Posted by Mitch Williams on | Comments Off on Pancakes for Bette Fundraiser Benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
The 12th Annual Pancakes for Bette was held at Spoon River College in Canton November 30, hosted by the Phi Mu Tau fraternity. Jacob Warren of Liverpool scored a $50 gas card (courtesy of Student Services) for winning the pancake eating contest, and Tyler Svob of Lewistown won the 50/50 drawing—$60 that he donated back.
A total of $660 will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“On behalf of the Phi Mu Tau, we thank everyone who continues to make this a successful event, with special thanks to Central Butane in Norris for the use of their grills and gas, and to the staff in the Sandbar Café for all of their assistance,” said Todd Thompson, DPST faculty and advisor for Phi Mu Tau.
Posted by Mitch Williams on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Hosts 10th Grade Career Expos
Approximately 175 sophomores from district high schools attended the 10th Grade Career Expos held at Spoon River College campuses in Canton and Macomb where career professionals gave them a close-up look at their respective occupations.
“We had a range of careers fields from art to wildlife, and the businesses found interactive and engaging ways of capturing the students’ attention while also providing an overview of the work involved in their professions,” said Brandi Ketcham, student advisor at Spoon River College and organizer for the Canton event.
Four separate career clusters were represented: Health Care Professionals; Education/Human and Public Services; Arts/Communication, IT, and Business; and Agriculture/Food/Natural Resources and Manufacturing, and Engineering/Logistics.
The goal was to not only show students the wide range of career fields available to them, but to also allow them the opportunity to see what they are drawn to. Students had the chance to try their hand at welding, see themselves on thermal cameras, practice laparoscopic surgery, pitch a business plan, and more. They also received information on the skills and education needed for similar careers.
Students commented that the event had introduced them to careers they had either never heard of or considered before, and that the information they received as well as the hands-on component would be helpful as they decide on career paths.
Patrick Denecke, student advisor and event organizer on the Macomb Campus, likes hearing that kind of feedback. “As sophomores, many are still undecided about what they want to do after high school. This event gives them an opportunity to explore a variety of careers and the education and training needed for them, which helps them better prepare for the classes they will take in the last two years of high school and after they graduate.”
High school students from Astoria, Bushnell Prairie City, Cuba, Farmington, Lewistown, Macomb, Spoon River Valley, and West Prairie were in attendance. Pictures of the event can be viewed on the Spoon River College Facebook page.
How much does all that fire firefighting gear weigh? Quite a bit, as high school students who attended the 10th Grade Career Expo at Spoon River College found out thanks to members of the Copperas Creek Fire Protection District.
Elaine Stone from the Fulton County Farm Bureau promoted agricultural careers at the 10th Grade Career Expo by having students play Ag Careers Bingo.
While a career in a fish hatchery might not be front of mind for students searching for their future career path, those attending the 10th Grade Career Expo at Spoon River College in Canton were fascinated by the tiny fish eggs (and tiny fish) on display, and surprised at the skill necessary to move the eggs when needed.
Businesses attending were Advanced Rehab and Medicine, Barnhart, Tinsman and Associates, LTD, 94.1 BYS, Canton Park District, Canton Police Department, Carl Sandburg College (Dental Hygiene, Imaging), Carthage Veterinary Service, Catch A Star (Daycare), Cook, Inc., Copperas Creek Fire Protection, Corteva Agri Science, Counseling Cares (Therapist), Dot Foods, Inc., Fulton County Emergency Medical Association, Fulton-Mason Crisis Service, Fulfill Your Destiny Coaching, Fulton County Farm Bureau, Graham Health System (Human Resources, Laboratory, Pharmacist, Physician, Physical Therapy, Nurse Practitioner, Radiology), Illinois State Museum-Dickson Mounds, Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery, Macomb Fire Department, Macomb Police Department, Martin Tractor, Inc., McDonough District Hospital (Medical Lab Technician), McDonough Telephone Cooperative, MidAmerica National Bank, ONEFIRE, Inc., Q 98.1, Spoon River College (Agriculture, Commercial Driver Training, Computer Information Systems, Diesel and Power Systems Technology, Health and Information Management, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Nursing, Welding), University of Illinois Extension, VIT Education, Western Illinois University (Agriculture, Audiology, Dietician, Exercise Science, Hospitality, Pathology, Movement and Stage Combat, Supply Chain Management), and YWCA, Canton.
Posted by ONEFIRE on | Comments Off on Election 2023 Pre-Filing Notice
Three positions on the Spoon River College Board of Trustees will be filled in the consolidated election scheduled for Tuesday, April 4, 2023. The positions are for six-year terms on the College Board commencing April, 2023 through April, 2029. Currently these positions are held by Mr. Dave Maguire of Macomb, Mr. Kevin Meade of Canton, and Mr. Phillip Murphy of Canton.
Filing dates for candidacy will be Monday, December 12th through Monday, December 19th, 2022. All candidates wishing to file petitions MUST either mail or submit in person to the Canton campus. Hours for filing will be 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, December 12th to December 16th, and Monday, December 19th, from 4:00p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Petitions WILL NOT be accepted for filing at the Macomb Campus or the Havana and Rushville Centers.
On the first day of filing at Spoon River College, Monday, December 12th, petitions will be received in the Cabinet Room, Administrative Foyer, Centers Building at the Canton Campus. On the other days of filing, petitions may be filed at the reception desk, Centers Building, at the Canton campus.
According to the Consolidated Election Laws, all individuals present at the opening of the election office doors on the first day of filing Monday, December 12th, will be considered as having filed simultaneously. In addition, any petitions received during the first mail delivery of that day will be included in this simultaneous filing group. For all individuals in this “simultaneous group,” a lottery will be held Wednesday, December 14th at 1:00 p.m. to determine the ballot positions of all in the simultaneous group. Others who file later will be listed on the ballot after the simultaneous group in the order the others petitions are received.
In order to become a candidate for one of the positions on the College Board, the following documents are required for filing:
a Statement of Candidacy form,
at least 50 valid signatures on petition forms, which must be consecutively numbered, and each form notarized,
a receipt for filing a Statement of Economic Interest with the County Clerk of the county in which the principal office of the unit of local government with which the person is associated is located. To qualify to be a candidate for trustee, an individual must be on the date of the election, a U.S. citizen, 18 years of age or older, a registered voter, and have resided for one year in the college district.
Petitions and other materials required for filing will be available September 20, 2022 at the Canton Campus, Reception Desk, Centers Building as well as from each of the three SRC off-campus locations (Macomb, Rushville, and Havana). Petitions and other filing materials may be obtained from each location during normal office hours. At the Canton campus, these are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Office hours at the off-campus locations may differ from those at the Canton campus. Contact the off-campus locations for hours when petitions and other candidate materials may be obtained from them.
Information is available by calling (309) 649-6232 at the Spoon River College Canton campus.
Posted by ONEFIRE on | Comments Off on Student Groups Host Bonfire on Canton Campus
Spoon River College students who are members of SEA (Students for Environmental Action) and Alpha Gamma Tau (agriculture fraternity) hosted a bonfire November 14 in the area between the Snapper Villas and the SRC Arboretum on the Canton Campus. The two student groups teamed up earlier in the semester to discuss restoration of the Arboretum and a way to make it a place where students and community members can enjoy nature.
SEA advisor Jim Sheff and Alpha Gamma Tau advisor Allyson Smith both hope that this bonfire is just the first in many activities and events that can be hosted at the Arboretum, a 10-acre tract of native trees and trails on the northern edge of the Spoon River College Canton campus.
“We had a good turn-out, the students had a blast, and they are already asking if we can have another one in the spring,” said Sheff.
The idea of an arboretum was born and sponsored by the SRC Foundation in 1979 for use as an outdoor learning laboratory, as well as for community groups such as art, photography, bird watching, and wildlife study. Development began in 1980, funded by private donations, fund-raising efforts, and a $55,853 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs.
Currently, the arboretum provides forestry and conservation educational opportunities to students in the agriculture program as well as biology students. The annual Section 12 FFA forestry competition is also held there, but both Sheff and Smith would like to see it getting more use by more people.
“I would like to see the arboretum used more by our students and our community for hikes, walking the dogs, education, graduation or family pictures, but mainly just a spot to get out into nature and clear your mind,” Smith said.
