Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on New Student Orientations Scheduled at Spoon River College
Orientations for new students starting the fall semester at Spoon River College will be held on Tuesday, August 16 at the Macomb Campus and on Wednesday, August 17 at the Canton Campus, both from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
The welcome address and opening sessions will be held in the Learning Resource Center in Macomb and in the Multi-Purpose Building in Canton, followed by break-out sessions and walking tours.
Lunch will be provided, during which students will have the chance to win door prizes, including a $100 Visa gift card. Attendees will also receive a welcome bag that includes a free t-shirt.
“This is an excellent way for new students to learn the lay-out of the college, where classrooms, faculty offices, and the Learning Resource Centers are located, and to receive overviews of financial aid options, student clubs, the support services available to them, and more,” said Janet Munson, director of enrollment services.
“We encourage all new students to attend. It’s a fun way to meet other students while also getting important information, and can help alleviate any nervousness before the first day of classes,” Munson said.
Regardless of attendance at the Canton and Macomb orientations, new students are required to complete a one-time online orientation in Canvas, the learning management system utilized by the college, in order to gain access their courses.
The fall session begins Monday, August 22, and there is still time to register for classes.
For more information about classes and programs of study available at Spoon River College, visit www.src.edu or call (309)649-6400 in Canton, (309)543-4413 in Havana, (309)833-6069 in Macomb, and (217)322-6060 in Rushville.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Fast Track Registration with Extended Hours Starts August 8
Fast Track Registration for the Fall 2022 semester at Spoon River College will begin the week of August 8 and run through the week of August 22. During that time, the college will offer extended hours of operation from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at both the Canton and Macomb campuses. On Thursday and Fridays, the college will be open regular hours of 8 a.m. 3:30 p.m.
Regular 16-week classes and the first session of 8-week classes start August 22, and a 12-week session of classes starts September 19.
Prospective students will be able to apply, test, and register in one day. It is not necessary to make an appointment, but a valid picture ID is required. Financial Aid staff will be available during the extended hours to answer questions and assist in the aid process.
The deadline for tuition payment is Monday, August 1, and students must have it paid in full by then or be enrolled in the automatic payment plan. For more information about financial aid options and deadlines, call 309-649-7030 or visit www.src.edu.
The Canton Campus is located at 23235 North County 22 and the Macomb Campus is located at 208 South Johnson.
A course schedule can be viewed on the College’s website at www.src.edu. For more information about the registration process or to make an appointment with an advisor, call (309) 647-6400 in Canton, (309) 543-4413 in Havana, (309) 837-6069 in Macomb, and (217) 322-6060 in Rushville.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Seeking Volunteer Tutors for SRC Adult Literacy Programs
Spoon River College’s Adult Education Office is seeking volunteer tutors for students in their GED®, ESL (English as a Second Language), and Adult Literacy classes. The classes are offered at all four SRC locations—Canton, Havana, Macomb, and Rushville, and volunteers are needed at each location.
In the ESL classes, tutors will help students improve their reading, writing, speaking, listening skills, and in learning about American culture.
“There are so many things my students don’t understand. Idioms such as ‘it’s raining cats and dogs’ make no sense to them. Customs we take for granted are very unfamiliar to those from other countries,” said Cyndi Johnston, adult education program coordinator and ESL teacher. “English is taught in almost every country in the world and most of our students can read and write English at varying levels but have trouble actually speaking it, which impacts their ability to communicate in social and business situations.”
Johnston’s students are from all over the world. Some have already earned degrees in their homelands, but they aren’t recognized in the US. “All of my students are fascinating, intelligent, and hard-working. They are far from home and struggling to communicate in an unfamiliar land.”
Former student Ava Aoyagi of Japan took advantage of the ESL classes during her three-year stay in America and said she “discovered much more than how to speak, write, and read English.” She learned how to sell her car, how to open a bank account, and “just exactly what a garage sale really is.”
The GED® program is open to those who are 17 years or older and withdrawn from high school, providing a second chance for them to earn their high school equivalency.
“When you’re 17 and making bad decisions it’s hard to understand how much they will affect your future, your whole life,” said a former GED graduate. “I want others to know that the GED program at Spoon River College is completely doable, and the support they will get from the tutors, teachers, and all the staff will be 100%.”
Former GED® volunteer Jasper Brown said “I like working with students, watching them develop the skills and life strategies they need to be successful. Everyone deserves the same chance to learn and to succeed, and to be treated with respect.”
The Literacy Program offers services to adults in the district that are centered on improving the reading, writing, and math level of each individual while understanding their unique needs and goals.
Johnston said that training is provided to the volunteers and no special degree is needed. “Volunteers are a vital part of student success. The need for tutors is great, the time commitment is minimal, and both tutors and students benefit greatly from the interaction.”
For more information about being a volunteer tutor, contact Johnston at (309) 833-6038 or email cyndi.johnston@src.edu.
For more information about the Adult Education programs offered at Spoon River College, visit https://www.src.edu/academics.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on SRC Alum Brett Johnson Selected by Diamondbacks in MLB Draft
Spoon River College alumnus Brett Johnson (Shorewood, Ill./Joliet West), an infielder and outfielder on the Snappers’ baseball team in 2019 and 2020, was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks with the 288th overall pick in the 10th round of the Major League Baseball Draft on Monday.
“I’m so grateful for this new opportunity, as well as for my time at SRC and SIUE,” said Johnson. “Today is a dream come true for my family and me, and I can’t thank all my teammates, coaches, and all the people who have supported me enough for their friendship.”
“This is an incredible moment for Brett,” said John Kurtz, SRC Head Baseball Coach, who recruited Johnson to SRC as an assistant under Coach John Dyke and became Head Coach before Johnson’s second season. “He took a chance on us near the beginning of a difficult rebuild and immediately proved he belonged against some of the best competition in the country. It is so exciting to see this day come for him, because he has truly earned this opportunity.”
During the 2019 season, Johnson earned Second Team All-Midwest Conference honors as he finished second on the Snappers in hits (56), runs scored (27), stolen bases (8), batting average (.357), and on-base percentage (.466), and finished third in slugging (.433). Before the 2020 season was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, he was on pace for a truly historic year, slashing .434/.545/.792 in 16 games with three home runs, 15 RBIs, and 22 runs scored. He finished with 18 stolen bases, including several straight steals of home, without being caught once. In both seasons, he finished with more walks than strikeouts.
In addition to excelling on the field, Johnson was named to the Dean’s List, President’s List, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society during his time at SRC.
“While Brett is certainly among the most talented players SRC has seen, his leadership on and off the field were what set him apart,” said Kurtz. “Not only was he a model player, he was a model citizen and student-athlete. He led by example, and his teammates knew his example was one they should follow.”
Johnson went on to Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE), where he started in center field for two seasons. Hitting at the top of the Cougars’ lineup, Johnson hit .329 with an OPS of 1.116, driving in 96 runs in 105 games. His 33 career home runs rank second all time at SIUE, and his 23 home runs in 2022 broke the former SIUE single-season record of 15. After an All-Ohio Valley Conference Second Team season in 2021, he was a second team All-Midwest Region selection and earned First Team All-OVC honors in 2022, ranking among the nation’s leaders in home runs and slugging percentage.
After his selection by the Diamondbacks, Johnson becomes the second SRC alumnus to be selected in the MLB draft (Fred Mims, 1969, 1971, 1972) and now has the opportunity to be the third former SRC player to play affiliated professional baseball (Mims, Mike McDonald).
“Brett’s work ethic is second to none,” said Kurtz. “With as hard as he works, I have no doubt that he’ll find success at the professional level. I couldn’t be prouder of him and am excited to watch what he accomplishes.”
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on SRC Nursing Graduates Honored with Florence Nightingale Award
Spoon River College nursing graduates Cassidy Miller of Canton and Madi Merritt Severs of Macomb were chosen by their nursing classmates as this year’s recipients of the Florence Nightingale Award.
The award is given in honor of Florence Nightingale, who instituted formal nursing education in 1860 and was described as tough, a brilliant administrator, a loyal and emotional friend, a compassionate nurse, and a witty companion.
Miller is currently working on the respiratory floor of Methodist Hospital and also at Serenity Point Hospice.
“Cassidy is compassionate and caring to everyone she meets,” said Penny Cozart, nursing faculty. “She is a very high-energy person who has the ability to make her classmates laugh during hard times. She always has a smile on her face and doesn’t let life get her down. Cassidy has what it takes to be an exceptional nurse.”
Severs has accepted at position in the surgery department at McDonough District Hospital.
“Madi is a team player that works fluidly with peers, patients, and families throughout her studies at SRC,” said Sarah Strode, nursing faculty. “Her kindness, trustworthiness, emotional stability, empathy and compassion are a few of the qualities that will make Madi a great success in the nursing field.”
The Spoon River College nursing program is ACEN accredited and offers an Associate Degree in Nursing, a Practical Nurse Certificate, and a Nurse Assistant certificate. For more information about the program visit www.src.edu or call 309-647-4645.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on President’s-Reception-Honors-SRC-Foundation-Donors-
Spoon River College hosted their annual President’s Reception to honor donors who have reached specific levels of cumulative giving to the SRC Foundation and those who established new named endowed scholarships in 2021. This year’s event was held June 30 at the Canton Campus.
New Scholarships: Donald E. Ball Scholarship, Janice Dare Bruster Paramedicine Scholarship, Harold and Millicent Groves Memorial Scholarship, Graham Health System Scholarship for the Advancement of Rural Healthcare.
Friend ($1,000 – $4,999): Ben and Kay Bishop, Adam K. Dalton, Dr. and Mrs. Bruce DeReuntz, Kim Donnelly, Paula and Dave Grigsby, Stephen and Janet Hopper, Isabella and Carl Jacobson, Karen and Stephen Johnston, Kathy Lock, Kevin and Terry Meade, Terry and Claudia Moss, Nagle Accounting and Tax Service, Clinton W. Pedigo, Dr. Sarah Phipps, Nancy Randol, Virginia Reter, Earlom C. Rives, Cody M. Schall, Trinity Lutheran Church of Canton, Mark and JoEllyn Welch, Canton Wesley United Methodist Church.
Ambassador ($5,000-$9,9999): Loren and Carol Blackfelner, Canton Helping Hands Resale Shoppe, Dian and Stan Cook, Crawford’s Home Furnishings, Davis Ford and Davis Buick-GMC, Alison and Warren Wolf.
Benefactor ($10,000-$24,999): Bruce and Jenny Beal, Colin and Katey Davis, George D. and Amber Lercher, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Ritschel, Anne and Roger Taylor, Janice Dare Bruster, Nadine Groves, Del and Ethel Miller, Dr. and Mrs. John Swalec, Bobby and Krista Winters.
Honorary Director ($25,000-$49,999): Edward P. Juraco, West Central FS, Inc.
President’s Council ($50,000-$99,999): Mr. Gregory Zaborac
Founder ($100,000 and up): Donald E. Bell, Nature’s Grace and Wellness, Graham Health System.
“I appreciate the support of community members, alumni, and businesses who have given to the SRC Foundation. These generous gifts allow us to continue to offer high quality academic programs and provide scholarships to students in order to help our students and our communities succeed,” said Colin Davis, Foundation director.
In addition to honoring donors, outgoing Foundation board members Alan Acheson, Denise Kirgan, Zach Maher, and Dr. Sarah Phipps were recognized for their dedication and commitment to education and the SRC Foundation.
The SRC Foundation supports scholarships and college programs through hardship grants, innovation grants, faculty research, facility and technology upgrades, and community projects. For more information about the SRC Foundation visit www.src.edu.
Pictured are (front, l-r) Ethel Miller, Kathy Lock, Paula Grigsby, Janice Dare Bruster, Nadine Groves, (middle row) Carol and Loren Blackfelner, John and Gloria Davis, Toni Scott and Linda Ford accepting for Helping Hands Resale Shoppe, JoEllen Welch, (back) Colin Davis, Zach Maher, Kevin Meade, Curt Oldfield, and Mark Welch.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Announces Spring 2022 Graduates
Spoon River College congratulates the following individuals who completed degrees and/or certificates during the Spring 2022 semester at Spoon River College.
Astoria: Nathan Shields, Associate in Applied Science/Diesel and Power Systems Technology; Hannah J. Spencer, Associate in Applied Science/Small Business Management degree, Business Plan Entrepreneurship certificate; Shauna Marie Spencer, Associate in Arts degree; Trinity L. Taylor, Associate in Science degree; Justice Miles Westlake, Associate in Arts degree;
Augusta: Sydnee Marie George, Associate Degree in Nursing;
Beardstown: William Robertson, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate;
Blandinsville: Kutler Ray Kitch, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate;
Bloomington: Kyrie Edla, Associate in Science degree;
Bowling Green, KY: Trevor Alston Dennis, Associate in Arts degree;
Browning: Jacob R. Miller, Associate in Applied Science/Agricultural Business Management degree;
Bryant: Emily Suzanne Wise, Associate in Science degree;
Burkburnett, TX: Garrett M. Mooney, Associate in Arts degree;
Burlington, WI: Mackenzie Stiewe, Associate in Science degree;
Bushnell: MacKenzie Rhoads, Associate Degree in Nursing; Daniel J. Taflinger, Associate in Applied Science degree/Diesel and Power Systems Technology degree;
Camden: Collin Eugene Shelts: Associate in Science degree;
Canton: Elizabeth Adami, Associate in Arts degree; Irene Adami, Associate in Arts degree; Breanna Amerine, Associate in Science degree; Britny Baker, Associate in Science degree; Jacob Barnard, Associate in Applied Science/Agricultural Business Management degree, Agricultural Precision Technology certificate; Kyle Bates, Advance Welding certificate; Skyler T. Burgard, Associate in Applied Science/Diesel and Power Systems Technology degree; Jace Dawson, Advanced Welding certificate; Rachel Diekhoff, Associate Degree in Nursing; Cheyann Eyman, Associate in Arts degree; Amanda Lynn Grove, Associate in General Studies degree; Ashley J. Harper, Associate in Arts degree; Cody Ray Heckart, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate; Sylvia Rona Lynn Hecox, Associate in Arts degree; Logan Howell, Advance Welding certificate; Ivory L. Hungerford, Associate in Arts degree; Alex Johnson, Welding Operator certificate; Rilea Marshall, Advanced Welding certificate; Brandon McGraw, Associate in Applied Science/Computer Information Systems degree, Computer Forensics certificate; Cassidy Miller, Associate Degree in Nursing; Damian L. Minder, Associate in Applied Science/Medical Laboratory Technician degree; Allison Rose Mortland, Associate in Arts degree; Sydney K. Munson, Associate in Arts degree; Anna Kayt O’Brien, Associate in Arts degree; Joshua O’Donnal, Computer and Network Technician, Computer User Support Specialist, and Server Administrator certificates; Deanna Jean Patton-Spotser, Associate in Applied Science/Medical Laboratory Technician degree; Khloe Piles, Associate in Arts degree, Carson Powers, Associate in Arts degree; Sienna E. Rader, Associate in Arts degree; Mallory L. Schielein, Associate in Science degree; Ashlyn Strob, Associate in Science degree; Evan Wheeler, Associate in Science degree; Kacey Wheeler, Welding Operator certificate; Emily Widger, Nursing Assistant certificate; Liberty Davis, Associate in Arts degree;
Cavaion Veronese VR: Giulia Cianfriglia, Associate in Science degree;
Chandlerville: Sarah A. Dyson, Associate in Science degree;
Chennahon: Jacob Allgeyer, Associate in Arts degree;
Chicago: Michael Mitchell, Associate in Arts degree; Savannah Reed, Associate in Arts degree;
Chillicothe: Jansan Leanna Davis, Associate in Science degree;
Colchester: Kyah Beck, Associate in Arts degree; Mary K. Vyhnanek, Associate in General Studies degree;
Collinsville: Carson A. Richardson, Associate in Science degree;
Crystal Lake: Corrine Hamill, Associate in Science degree;
Cuba: Triston Lee Eddlemon, Associate in Arts degree; Tyler A. Hensley, Advanced Welding certificate; Michael E. Kennedy, Nursing Assistant certificate; Sloan Louise Miller, Associate in Arts degree; Addyson Nicole Williams, Associate in Arts degree;
Easton: Alexander M. Roat, Associate in Science degree;
Tyler Dean Heinz, Welding Operator certificate; Ian Lister, Associate in Arts degree;
Farmington: Joah T. Breese, Advanced Welding certificate; Cole Jacob Riggen, Associate in Applied Science/Computer Information Systems degree; Mary Rose, Associate Degree in Nursing; Samantha Smith, Associate in General Studies degree; Blake Springer, Associate in Arts degree;
Galesburg: Aaron Lee Boughton, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate; BaShawn Stewart, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate; Nicolas Wilson, Computer User Support Specialist certificate;
Gilson: Paige Collopy, Associate in Arts degree;
Griggsville: Tucker Allen Kunzeman, Associate in Arts degree;
Hanna City: Laurel A. Keyt, Associate in Science degree;
Havana: Melanie Bleem, Associate in Applied Science/Health Information Management degree; Kevin James Mibbs, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate; Quia DeVaughn Quinlan, Nursing Assistant certificate; Matthew Aaron Schaad, Associate in Science degree; Erin Smith, Associate in General Studies degree; Taylor Faith Stockham, Associate in Arts degree; Colin D. Sullivan, Associate in Science degree; Kody L. Wickert, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate; Tory R. Wickman, Associate in Science degree; Cody Zeeck, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate;
Industry: Kaleb Jones, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate;
Kendleton, TX: De’Asisa T. Davenport, Associate in Arts degree;
Kilbourne: Kristen Alexandria Nall, Associate in Arts degree;
Lewistown: Clay Anthony Beekman, Associate in Science degree; Matthew Bowers, Welding Operator certificate; Kruze David Chasteen, Associate in Arts degree; Charlie Cripe, Welding Operator certificate; Peyton Hampton, Welding Operator certificate; Jayson R. Herrick, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate; Libby McKenna Hopkins, Associate in Science degree; Dorinda Lange, Associate in Applied Science/Computer Information Systems degree; Luke Lange, Associate in Applied Science/Computer Information Systems degree, Computer Information Technology certificate; Abigayle J. McAdams, Associate in Science degree; Schreen Ogden, Associate in General Studies degree; Hannah Randall, Associate in Arts degree; Amy Shaeffer, Associate in Science degree; Dwight Sheets, Welding Operator certificate; Kyle Lee Simpson, Associate in Science degree; Avery Elizabeth Smith, Associate in Arts degree; Jonathon Starnes, Associate in Applied Science/Diesel and Power Systems Technology degree; Tysin Emmett Stone, Associate in Science degree;
Mackinaw: Griffin Noe, Associate in Science degree;
Macomb: Kiara Booker, Nursing Assistant certificate; Rachel Ann Bosworth, Associate in Arts degree; Lollita Campbell, Computer and Network Technician and Computer User Support Specialist certificates; Jennifer Chenoweth, Associate in Arts degree; Janell M. DeWeese, Associate in Arts degree; Walter Jacob Elsner, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate; Kaitlyn Geltmacher, Associate in Applied Science/Health Information Management degree, Medical Assistant, Medical Insurance/Billing, and Medical Records certificates; Emma J. Gilliland, Associate in Arts degree; Amanda E. Glover, Nursing Assistant certificate; Desmond Graves, Associate in Arts degree; Daniel Kent Hammond, Associate in Applied Science/Diesel and Power Systems Technology degree; Shawn Hanold, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate; Lyndsay Hughes, Nursing Assistant certificate; Alyssa Iversen, Associate in Arts degree; Sierra Keefer, Associate in Arts degree; Matthew Robert Kessler, Associate in Applied Science/Medical Laboratory Technician degree; Angela Locke-Bowen, Associate in General Studies degree; Alexandrea R. Neve, Associate Degree in Nursing; Connesha Posey, Small Office Accounting certificate; Shiloh Santanna, Associate in Science degree; Tessa Jo Sargeant, Associate in Arts degree; Luke Silberer, Associate in Arts degree; Grace Stufflebeam, Associate in Arts degree; Alexander Sullivan, Associate in Arts degree; Dana L. Wesley, Associate Degree in Nursing; Joseph W. Willoughby, Computer and Network Technician and Enterprise Computer Network Specialist certificates; Kelly Wilson, Nursing Assistant certificate;
Maquon: Sidney Anderson, Welding Operator certificate; Grace A. Bridson, Associate in Science degree; Caleb Mason, Advanced Welding certificate;
Marietta: Renda S. Milleson, Associate in Applied Science/Health Information Management degree, Medical Insurance/Billing and Medical Records certificates; Mary Ellen Nolan, Emergency Medical Technician certificate;
Millstadt: Jack Toenjes, Associate in Arts degree;
Monticello: Miranda J. Fogal, Associate in Science degree;
Morris: Cole M. Laurie, Associate in Arts degree;
Mt. Pulaski: Benjamin Charles Fricke, Associate in Arts degree;
Murray, UT: Logan Kalei Otu, Associate in Arts degree;
Oak Forest: Bradley Miller, Associate in Arts degree; Samuel Ochoa, Associate in Arts degree;
Omaha, NE: Kurstin Bohanan, Associate in Arts degree;
Orleans, IN: Sydney Owens, Associate in Science degree;
Owasso, OK: Rachel Marie Beaty, Associate in Science degree;
Peoria: Mijamneu Chenelle Buckner, Associate in General Studies degree; Blake Fengel, Associate in Arts degree;
Regina SK, Canada: Jayden A. Montana, Associate in Arts degree;
Roseville: Sean McIntyre, Associate in Applied Science/Computer Information Systems degree Computer and Network Technician, Computer Information Technology, and Enterprise Computer Network Specialist certificates;
Rushville: Madison Rose Funke, Associate in Arts degree; Fletcher Lee Higgins, Associate in Arts degree; Remi Irwin, Associate in Science degree; Matthew Alan Little, Associate in Applied Science/Diesel and Power Systems Technology degree; Tyler Trone, Advanced Welding certificate;
Sebastian, FL: Devare Parks, Associate in Arts degree;
Smithfield: Peter H. Howerter, Associate in Applied Science/Computer Information Systems degree, Computer Forensics, Computer Information Technology, and Server Administrator certificates;
Springfield: Kira Brown, Associate in Arts degree; Todd M. Porter, Associate in Science degree; Edward W. Saner, Associate in Science degree;
St. David: Glen Alan Hamm, Associate in General Studies degree; Logan R. Owens, Associate in Arts degree; Terra L. Pasley, Associate in General Studies degree;
St. Louis, MO: Wayne L. Daggs, Jr., Associate in Arts degree;
Trivoli: Taylor Ann Sims, Associate Degree in Nursing;
Vermont: Chloe Sue Cracraft: Associate in General Studies; Kianna Gilson, Associate in Arts degree; Rodge D. Heaton, Associate in Applied Science/Diesel and Power Systems Technology degree, Locomotive Mechanical certificate; Aaron Miller, Associate in Applied Science/Diesel and Power Systems Technology degree;
Yates City: Emma Vallas, Associate in Arts degree.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Celebrates Graduates At 61st Commencement
Spoon River College held their 61st Commencement on May 12 at the Multi-Purpose Building on the Canton Campus. Approximately 140 students participated in the service, and several students and two faculty members were recognized for their achievements during the event.
Students Emma Gilliland (transfer student from Macomb), Henry Modiva (career and technical education student from Rushville), and Allison Mortland (transfer student from Canton), were recognized for being named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team after being nominated to the All-USA Academic Team.
Recognized for academic excellence were Phi Theta Kappa members who have maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while at Spoon River College. Those students were Clay Beekman, Emma Gilliland, Brandon McGraw, Sydney Munson, Anna O’Brien, Collin Shelts, Grace Stufflebeam, Claire Wheelwright, and Tory Wickman.
Zoey Lane, 2022-2023 Student Trustee, announced the recipients of the Student Achievement awards, given each year to one transfer student and one career and technical education student who possess individual initiative, personal development, and have made progress toward achievement of goals, along with participation and success in college extra-curricular activities.
Transfer student Matthew Schaad of Havana and career and technical student Daniel Hammond of Macomb were this year’s recipients of the Student Achievement Awards.
Following the student awards, President Oldfield recognized faculty members for teaching excellence.
Bridget Loftus (Chemistry) was this year’s nominee for the Illinois Community College Trustee Association Full-Time Faculty Award, and Dr. Win Htwe (Physical Science), was the recipient of the H. Truman Standard Award.
Dean Clary (Computer Information Systems) was the ICCTA nominee for Outstanding Part-time Faculty Award.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Illinois Transfer Symposium Held at Spoon River College
Spoon River College and the University of Illinois System hosted the third Illinois Transfer Symposium for community college academic advisors, K-12 guidance counselors and others on May 6 at the Canton Campus.
“The goal was to come together to talk about issues and solutions to help students of our region transfer more efficiently and effectively to four-year universities after completing an associate degree,” said Holly Norton, Dean of Transfer Education at Spoon River College.
Many students do their first two years of higher education at a community college, where they take the same required general education courses that they would take in the first two years at a four-year institution. It’s a smart move financially as tuition is less and reduces the need for student loans, and also allows students to become comfortable with the higher education experience in a smaller setting.
“Typically, once a student completes those required general education courses at a community college, they will be accepted by the university they are transferring to,” said Norton.
But not always. Depending on the university and the student’s major, some institutions may not accept all the class credits on the grounds that they’re not comparable to theirs, resulting in students re-taking classes upon transfer and costing them time and money.
To help prevent that, Norton said that Spoon River College is one of the more than 100 participating colleges and universities who are part of the Illinois Articulation Initiative’s statewide transfer agreement. “This means that member institutions agree to accept a “package” of IAI general education courses in place of their own comparable lower-division general education requirements, which is why we encourage transfer students to earn an associate degree. Another option is to complete the IAI General Education Core Curriculum before transferring.”
According to the Illinois Board of Education, Illinois not only leads the nation in bachelor degree completion rates (53.8%) among community college students who transfer to four-year colleges, it has also exceeded the national average of 42.2%.
Included in the day’s schedule of speakers was a panel of recent Spoon River College graduates—Faith Haley, Anna O’Brien, Tessa Sargeant, and Erbin Zejnuloski —who answered questions from attendees and shared their own transfer experiences.
All four said that whether or not their classes would transfer had been a concern (they all did), and agreed that working with their advisors—at Spoon River College and their intended transfer university—was key to a smooth transition.
“Advisors are your biggest resource, but there are others. Find the resources and then use them, like the TRIO program,” said Zejnuloski. He earned an Associate in Arts in 2020 before transferring to Western Illinois University to major in marketing, and in May graduated with his bachelor’s degree.
O’Brien’s career goal is to be an immigration lawyer— “I love to argue and to help people, so it seemed perfect!”—and her transfer goal was to experience a bigger university in a large city that offered a variety of social activities. She had several colleges in mind and their acceptance of her credits was an absolute must for her. This fall, she’ll start as a junior at the University of Missouri St. Louis, where all the credits from her Associate in Arts degree were accepted.
One of the questions university representatives had for the panel was how they determined where they wanted to start college and where they wanted to transfer to. Tessa Sargeant said “the pandemic, price, and a flexible schedule that allowed me to work” landed her at Spoon River College, and a tour of Western Illinois University determined her transfer choice. She graduated in May with an Associate of Arts and will be majoring in Agriculture Education at WIU.
Faith Haley, who graduated with an Associate in Arts in 2021, also said it was a campus tour that sold her on Illinois State University, where she is majoring in elementary education and also earning a reading endorsement. Haley said she worked and saved money the two years she was at SRC so she could do her first year at ISU without worrying about working and told attendees “Sometimes we need more help than we let on when it comes to transitioning to a four-year university.”
Throughout the day Spoon River College representatives were able to network with institutions that SRC students are most likely transferring to. “These connections to enhance and expand our partnerships with not only our university partners but also with regional community colleges and our high school districts are vital to transfer programs,” Norton said.
Institutions represented at the Transfer Symposium were Spoon River College, Carl Sandburg College, Lincoln Land Community College, Illinois Central College, Admissions staff from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago, University of Illinois Springfield, Illinois State University, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and Western Illinois University, as well as high school guidance counselors from within the Spoon River College District.
For more information about the academic transfer programs offered at Spoon River College or to register for fall classes that begin August 22, visit www.src.edu or call 309-647-4645.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on SRC, Foundation Launch “Finish What You Start” Scholarship
The benefits to completing an associate degree are numerous and well-documented. That’s why Spoon River College is partnering with the SRC Foundation to help get people across the finish line with a new scholarship opportunity, available during the Fall 2022, Spring 2023, and Summer 2023 semesters only.
Anyone who is nine or fewer credit hours from completing their associate degree and did not take courses in the Spring 2022 or Summer 2022 semesters may qualify for the new “Finish What You Start” Scholarship during the 2022-23 academic year for courses necessary to completing their degree. Through this new opportunity, the SRC Foundation will pay two-thirds of the tuition and all fees. The student will be responsible for paying one-third of the tuition and paying for books or materials.
“Through our research, we realized there are potentially hundreds of students in our district who only needed a handful of credits to finish their degrees,” said Brandi Ketcham, SRC Advisor, whose idea got the initiative rolling. “It’s our hope that this will inspire them to return to SRC to finish what they started.”
Data has shown that an associate degree can be used to obtain a higher salary or a better job. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with an associate degree are more likely to find employment than those with some college coursework but no degree. On average, those with an associate degree earned $244 more per month in 2020 than those with some college coursework but no degree.
“In this increasingly-competitive workforce, there has never been a better time to have a college degree,” said Missy Wilkinson, SRC Dean of Student Services. “Earning your degree matters, and this scholarship opportunity will give that opportunity to students who might not have been able to afford to make the decision to re-enroll.”
The Finish What You Start Scholarship is entirely privately funded by donations to the SRC Foundation, which is responsible for the scholarship’s administration. The scholarship application will be available on a rolling basis, and scholarships will be available until funds are expended.
“While I’m grateful to SRC’s Student Services Department for their foresight in developing this idea and to our Board of Directors for supporting the scholarship, our biggest debt of gratitude is to our donors,” said Colin Davis, Executive Director of the SRC Foundation. “It’s their generosity that gives us the ability to launch new initiatives like this and to provide excellent educational opportunities at Spoon River College.”
Preference will be given to students with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater, and students must be degree-seeking. Anyone who believes they may be eligible should contact an SRC advisor as soon as possible to see if they meet the qualifications and to set up a degree plan. Advisors will help you enroll in the appropriate coursework and complete the necessary steps to be eligible for the Finish What You Start Scholarship.
“Student success is our number one goal at Spoon River College and our faculty and staff are dedicated to helping students succeed,” said Curt Oldfield, President of SRC. “We hope that the Finish What You Start Scholarship will help motivate those who are already so close to the finish line to make the last push to earn their associate degree.”
To learn more about Spoon River College, the SRC Foundation, or the Finish What You Start Scholarship, call (309) 647-4645 or visit www.src.edu. Fall 2022 classes begin August 22.
