Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Trustee Linda Butler Honored for Years of Service
Spoon River College Board of Trustee member Linda Butler of Rushville was honored for 30 years of service to the college as a trustee during the regular meeting held Wednesday, August 27, in Rushville. The award was presented by Jim Reed, Executive Director of the Illinois Community College Trustees Association.
Butler first served the college as the director of the SRC Foundation in 1990. Five years later in 1995, she was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board, and since then has been elected to five regular terms as a board member.
During those 30 years Butler has worked with four presidents and participated in three presidential searches. She served as board secretary for one term, board vice chair for three terms, and board chair for two terms.
With a deep belief in the community college mission and a commitment to student success, Butler’s dedicated leadership has moved the college forward in numerous ways. Major construction projects during her tenure include a new Facilities Maintenance building (2003), Learning Centers in Havana and Rushville (2009), the Multi-Purpose Building and the Snapper Villas Student Housing (2017), baseball and softball fields (2020), and the new Macomb Campus, which was just completed in time for the 2025 fall semester.
When she attended her first trustee training, a trustee from another community college told her she didn’t need to be there as it was his opinion that Spoon River College would “be terminated and absorbed by other colleges.”
Thirty years later, Butler and Spoon River College proved the naysayers wrong. “I don’t listen to the negative talk, I just keep working towards the goals” said Butler following the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the new Macomb Campus held September 3. “That’s how you get things accomplished.”
Butler resides in Rushville and is Vice President & Trust Officer at the Rushville State Bank.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Financial Aid Office Presenting Free Workshops at District High Schools
Employees in the financial aid office at Spoon River College will present free workshops at district high schools. 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 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
“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 Nikki Rittenhouse, 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 2024 income tax information, rather than waiting until January 1, 2026 or after. The school code for all locations of Spoon River is 001643, and this code is needed to complete the FAFSA application. More than one college can be listed on the application.
This year will offer a more simplified invitation for contributors to fill out their portion of the FAFSA, by the student simply entering that person’s email and a code will be generated to be entered onto the student’s FAFSA to connect the contributor with the FAFSA. In addition, real time identity verification will occur, cutting down wait time during account creation on StudentAid
Rittenhouse 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:
Oct.1: 5:30-7:00 p.m., Cuba High School (presentation and completion)
Oct. 2: 6:00-7:30 p.m., Astoria High School (presentation and completion)
Oct. 8: 6:00-7:30 p.m., Lewistown High School (presentation and completion)
Oct. 15: 5:30-7:00 p.m., VIT High School (presentation and completion)
Oct. 22: 6:00-7:30 p.m., Canton High School (presentation only)
Feb. 11: 6:00-7:30 p.m., Farmington High School (Completion only)
Attendees who wish to fill out the FAFSA should bring students’ Social Security and driver’s license numbers, 2024 W-2’s, 2024 federal income tax return, parent’s 2024 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. Attendees may also bring their personal device if needed, along with 2024 tax information and income, FSA ID’s and passwords for ALL contributors for help with completion nights.
SRC staff who will be attending are financial aid coordinators Charlie Cox and Joseph Shelko.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Celebrates New Macomb Campus with Ribbon-Cutting and Open House
Macomb, IL. – Spoon River College held a ribbon-cutting and open house Wednesday, September 3, to celebrate the completion of the final renovations at their East Jackson Street campus, allowing them to move their operations from the South Johnson Street building.
“What a truly momentous day this is for Spoon River College, for the City of Macomb, and for all the communities we serve. Today, we officially open the doors to a new era of opportunity, growth, and education,” said Dr. Curt Oldfield, President of Spoon River College.
Oldfield expressed his appreciation to the State of Illinois for their support of the project, saying “Their investment in community colleges ensures that education remains accessible, affordable, and transformative for students across this region.” Others recognized were Hein Construction and Quick Electric for turning a vision into a reality, the Spoon River College Board of Trustees for their commitment to the project, and the Macomb community, who “stood shoulder to shoulder with Spoon River College, championing education and economic growth.”
Also speaking were Lisa Hennigh, Deputy Director of Construction on behalf of the Capital Development Board; Kevin Meade, SRC Board of Trustee and former SRC Foundation Board member; Justice Keene, SRC student; and Macomb Mayor Michael Inman.
Graham Health System was recognized for their generous investment in what is now the Graham Health System Nursing and Allied Health Learning Lab.
“As we prepare to cut this ribbon, 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,” said Oldfield. “The future begins today, right here, at the Macomb Campus.”
Tours of the campus and refreshments were available following the ribbon-cutting.
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.
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 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.
Photo by Dave Barknecht