Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Students Race to Solve Clues in First-Year College Experience Class
Freshman students at Spoon River College enrolled in LA 103 The College Experience class taught by Amy Rutledge (Biology) recently competed in “The Great Race,” a scavenger hunt designed to assist new students in getting orientated to the campus buildings and location of the offices and spaces often utilized by students.
Five teams of two each had to solve a series of riddles, leading them to the correct location where they then received the next riddle that would lead them to the next location. Teams were given just one hour to find all the locations.
“I wanted to give them a better sense of where some of the resources they could benefit from were located and thought this would be a fun way to do that,” said Rutledge, who also encouraged staff to prepare handouts detailing the services they provided that they could give to students along with the next clue.
Locations each team raced to find were the weight room in the Multi-Purpose Building, Community Outreach Office in Engle Hall, the SRC Theatre, IT Helpdesk, and Rutledge’s office in Taylor Hall, and Advising, Cafeteria/Coffee Shop, Dean’s office, Financial Aid, Learning Resource Center, and the Bookstore in Center.
“Each group made it to the finish line in the allotted time, and all said they enjoyed it and found it helpful. I’m already thinking about how to make it even better the next time,” said Rutledge.
The College Experience class is designed for first-year college students, but open to any student wanting to get the most out of the college experience. It plays a vital role in helping students navigate the challenges of the their first year in college, and aims to foster personal growth, academic achievement, and a smoother transition into higher education.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on 2023 SRC/CCC Alumni Award Recipients Announced
Spoon River College will host its Annual Alumni Association Awards Reception on Saturday, Nov. 4. Dinner will be offered beginning at 5 p.m., and the program will begin at 6 p.m. and will last approximately two hours. The event will be held at SRC’s Canton Campus.
The Distinguished Alumni Award, reserved for those SRC alumni who have previously been honored with an alumni award and have reached the top of their field or otherwise achieved extremely noteworthy accomplishments of statewide notoriety, will be presented to William “Bill” Thomas of Atlanta, Ill.
Alumni Achievement Awards are given to alumni to celebrate outstanding achievements made by alumni of SRC or Canton Community College, and this year’s recipients are Wesley and Stephanie (Musson) Carrithers of Astoria, Dr. Kayla (Johnson) Miller of Havana, Dr. Tony Roberts of Havana, and Julie (Dalmasso) Reeder of Canton.
The Outstanding Service Award, given to alumni or community members who have made significant voluntary contributions to the community and/or to the college will be presented to Larry Peterson of Canton.
Bonnie Swedell of Adair will be honored with the Distinguished Spoon River College Retiree Award, which is based upon an individual’s significant contributions to Spoon River College, its students, and the community.
DeAndre Alexander of Arcadia, La. and Dick Brown of Elkart, Ill. will be inducted into the SRC Athletic Hall of Fame.
Though donations will be accepted and appreciated, the event is free, and the public is invited to attend; though, reservations are required. Please RSVP to Lori Murphy at (309) 649-6260 or at lori.murphy@src.edu by Friday, Oct. 27.
The SRC Alumni Association exists as a function of the SRC Foundation and seeks to close the gap between past alumni, present students and future leaders. SRC alumni need not be graduates. Those who were nominated but not selected this year will remain in consideration for future years. To learn more about the SRC Alumni Association, to register as an alumnus/alumna, or to nominate someone for a future award, please visit https://www.src.edu/alumni or call (309) 649-6260.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Foundation Golf Outing Raises Over $23,000
The totals are in from the 30th annual Spoon River College Foundation Golf Outing, which was held Friday, July 28 at Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills Country Club. This year’s outing raised more than $23,600.
“In these uncertain times where times remain difficult for many, having the success we had with our outing is incredible,” said Colin Davis, director of the SRC Foundation. “With the high cost of gasoline, food, and other goods and services, times remain difficult for our students, too, and every dollar raised will help local students have the best educational experience possible at SRC.”
In all, over 60 businesses and organizations from the SRC District and beyond sponsored the outing, and 27 teams competed in the event.
“The extreme heat we dealt with during our outing made things a bit more challenging than usual, but our golfers still came out in full force,” said Davis. “We also owe a debt of gratitude to all of our sponsors, and especially our Ace Sponsors: Corporate Clean, Cook Medical/CFC Inc., the Odendahl Family, Randy & Susie McMillen/RE/MAX, and Unland Insurance and Benefits.”
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, with a score of 18-under, was comprised of Greg Garrett, Don Heller, Tim Merna, and Chuck Taylor. The Very Most Average Team award, given to the team which finishes closest to the average score that day, went to Ed Georgieff; Edward Georgieff, Jr.; Roy Hopper; and Mark Minder, who finished at 9-under.
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) and the chance to utilize a golf ball cannon, donated and built by Mike Krulac.
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.
“This is our biggest in-person fundraising event of the year, and without it, there’s no way we’d be able to meet our mission,” said Davis. “The support of our communities means everything to us and to our students in a normal year, but in this time where our students’ need is greater than ever, the support of our sponsors and teams means even more.”
Next year’s event is tentatively scheduled for July 26, 2024. To learn more about the SRC Foundation, call (309) 649-6260, e-mail foundation@src.edu, or go to www.src.edu/foundation.
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 starting in October with a focus on previewing the changes in the FAFA application.
The major change this year is that the FAFSA application will not be available by October 1 as it has been in the past several years. It is expected to be available mid to late December, and is required by law to be available by January 1, 2024. In addition, all contributors will now be required to have a FAFSA username and password.
Because the application will not be available until December, financial aid staff will be unable to assist attendees with filling out and filing it. Instead, they will help with the creation of usernames and passwords as well as provide an overview of the program and answer questions. During the spring, visits, staff will once again be able to assist with the FAFSA filing.
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. These workshops are for students, their parents, and any adult learners who are interested in learning more about options for paying for college.
The schedule for the high school visits is as follows:
Farmington: October 3, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Lewistown: October 4, 6 – 7 p.m.
Canton: October 5, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Spoon River Valley, October 25, 6 – 7 p.m.
Rushville: October 25, 6 – 7 p.m.
VIT: October 26, 6 – 7 p.m.
Cuba: October 26, 6 – 7p.m.
Macomb: November 6, 6 – 7p.m.
Astoria: November 7, 6 – 7 p.m.
Havana: December 6, 6-7 p.m.
The spring schedule of visits will be available at a later date.
For more information, visit www.src.edu and click on the Financial Aid link under the Student Services tab or call (309) 649-7030 in Canton or (309) 833-6073 in Macomb.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Faculty Complete Safe Zone Training
Spoon River College faculty completed Safe Zone Training during an orientation held August 17 at the Canton Campus. It was presented by Cassie Lucchesi of Peoria Proud, Becca Mathis of Central Illinois Friends, and Marshall Seidel, also of Peoria Proud.
Lucchesi, who serves as president of Peoria Proud, said the Safe Zone Training brings awareness to the marginalization of LGBTQ+ people. “Through the training, businesses and organizations gain context and knowledge about real scenarios LGBTQ+ people face, learn complex concepts surrounding the LGBTQ+ community, challenge personal and systemic biases, and gain awareness of and respect for others.”
The three-hour long training provided information about LGBTQ+ identities, gender and sexuality, and examined prejudice, assumptions, and privilege. Goals of the training included creating environments that are inclusive to all, helping people become more comfortable with the language, and learning best practices for interacting with LGBTQ+ people in professional spaces, including in the classrooms.
Holly Norton, vice president of educational and student services at Spoon River College, said it is important to create a welcoming environment and foster an atmosphere where all individuals could thrive, regardless of their backgrounds or identities. “Spoon River College promotes inclusivity, understanding, and respect, which ultimately enhances the educational experience and ensures that our college remains a place where every person’s voice is valued and heard. This type of training empowers our faculty to be allies for our diverse student body.”
Math faculty member Sarah Dalpiaz said she found the training to be worthwhile and enjoyed the energetic interactive method used by the presenters.
“The presenters were also encouraging and receptive to questions, which created an environment that made us feel comfortable to ask anything,” said Dalpiaz. “Providing a safe space for my students is important to me, and this training has prepared me to make my classroom an even safer space than before.”
Lucchesi noted that the faculty came to the training with an open mind and ready to engage, and that the questions they asked guided the discussion and allowed the training to be tailored to their needs. “Safe Zone Training allows employees, staff, and consumers the ability to create spaces where LGBTQ+ folks are seen and celebrated for their authentic selves. Spoon River College is making the effort to be inclusive of their LGBTQ+ population.”
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Summer 2023 Graduates Announced
Spoon River College congratulates the following individuals who have completed graduation requirements and received degrees and/or certificates during the 2023 summer semester.
Astoria: Gage Peters, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate; Skye Renay Stambaugh, Associate in Science degree; Molly R. Westlake, Medical Assistant certificate;
Bath: Ella Rose Kramer, Associate in Arts degree;
Birnamwood, WI: Adam Joseph Fellner, Associate Degree in Nursing;
Bowling Green, KY: Geovonni D. Floyd, Associate in Arts degree;
Canton: Daniel Burnett, Associate in Applied Science/Computer Information Systems degree; Sarah Goldring, Associate in Science degree; Jace W. Gudzinskas, Associate in Arts degree; Mallory Jackson, Associate in Arts degree; Taylor K. Marshall, Early Childhood Education certificate; Addison Jo Scapecchi, Nursing Assistant certificate; Brady Sprout, Associate in Science degree; Andrew T. Tarvin, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate; Gracie Louella Widger, Associate in Arts degree; Chase Williamson, Associate in Arts degree; Hailey E. Ashwood, Practical Nurse certificate; Allison Reenie Robinson, Practical Nurse certificate;
Colchester: Taylor Austyn Dimmitt, Practical Nurse certificate;
Cuba: Collin Brooks, Associate in Arts degree; Tressa Mahr, Associate in General Studies degree; Carley Brianne Seward, Associate in Applied Science/Small Business Management degree and certificates in Business Plan Entrepreneurship, Customer Service, Entrepreneurship, and Supervision;
East Peoria: Sara K. Smith, Associate in Arts degree;
Elmwood: William D. Hayden, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate;
Fairview: Weslee James Frame, Associate in General Studies degree;
Farmington: Jesse Ebert, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate; Brock A. Renner, Associate in Arts degree;
Fiatt: Isabelle Bradley, Associate in Applied Science/Small Business Management degree and certificates in Customer Service, Entrepreneurship, and Supervision;
Galesburg: Tallen McWilliams, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate;
Glasford: Jessica Schabatka, Associate Degree in Nursing;
Green Valley: Brittany Nicole Mackey, Associate Degree in Nursing;
Havana: Layla M. Gray, Nursing Assistant; Christopher Trent Matthew Pitzer, Associate in Arts degree; Zoe Lynn Porter, Associate in Arts degree; Rachel Leeann Bailey, Practical Nursing certificate; Stephanie Jo Bailey, Practical Nursing certificate; Erin Rene Danner, Practical Nursing certificate; Olivia Faye Herbst, Practical Nursing certificate;
Ipava: Shane Matthew Hickle, Welding Operator certificate;
Kilbourne: Chloe Suzanne Turner, Associate in Science degree;
Knoxville: Kali Amber Orten, Associate Degree in Nursing;
Lewistown: Charlie Cripe, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate; Brady R. Hanes, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate; Preston Horwedel, Associate in Science degree; Madalyn Jones, Associate in General Studies degree;
Liverpool: Madison Scrogum, Nursing Assistant certificate; Kristyn M. Shoaf, Nursing Assistant certificate;
London Mills: Lionel E. Gillis, Associate in General Studies degree;
Macomb: Caitlyn Behymer, Associate Degree in Nursing; Mallory A. Hoyt, Associate in Applied Science/Health Information Management degree and certificates in Medical Coding, Medical Insurance/Billing, and Medical Records; Arberim Kadriu, Associate in Science degree; Makayla Sikes, Associate in Science degree; Mariam A. Adebo, Practical Nursing certificate; Irene Akinyemi, Practical Nursing certificate; Tricia L. Burkholder, Practical Nursing certificate; Xanthe April Gast, Practical Nursing certificate; Jennifer Sue Henson, Practical Nursing certificate;
Pekin: Melanie Behymer, Medical Insurance/Billing certificate;
Peoria: Chenelle Buckner, Associate Degree in Nursing;
Peoria Heights: Mitchell David Martin, Associate in Arts degree;
Plainfield: Jeremy McGuigan, Associate in Arts degree;
Plymouth: Sara Elizabeth Inman, Practical Nursing certificate;
Rushville: Sherilyn A. Umphryes, Associate in Applied Science/Health Information Management degree and certificates in Medical Assistant, Medical Coding, Medical Insurance/Billing, and Medical Records; Madison Rose Funke, Practical Nursing certificate;
Silver City, NM: Robert Banks, Associate in Arts degree;
Willowbrook: Aaron Tims, Associate in Arts degree.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Hosting College Visit Day September 12
Spoon River College will host a College Visit Day Tuesday, September 12 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at both the Canton and Macomb campuses.
This is 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, as well as the different degrees and short-term certificates each program offers.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet with advisors and financial aid specialists, and will receive information about the application process, tuition costs, student life activities, clubs and organizations, 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.
Additional College Visit Days will be held Wednesday, October 11, and Thursday, November 16.
The Canton Campus is located at 23235 N. County Hwy. 22, and the Macomb Campus is located at 208 S. Johnson Street.
Pictured are members of Student Services Janet Munson, Brandi Ketcham, Brandy Chasteen, Jo Branson, and Sarah Fouts, who will be on hand during the upcoming College Visit Day.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Community Chorus Begins Rehearsals for 2023 Winter Concert
Rehearsals begin for The Wonder, Full World of Winter, the Spoon River College Community Chorus Winter Concert, on Thursday, September 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 215 W. Elm in Canton, Illinois. Anyone with a love for singing and philanthropy may join the choir. No auditions are required.
Rehearsals generally occur every Thursday from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Performances are December 2 at 7:00 p.m. and December 3 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
This year’s concert features an international theme focusing on the musical diversity in our world – past and present. Director John L. Davis has selected a wide variety of songs representative of all genres and styles from around the globe. Songs such as El Hambo (sung in Swedish), the Hebrew song Chanukah Prayer for Children, and Russia’s The Sleigh will be featured along with The Place Where the Lost Things Go and Walking in the Air from Britain and so much more.
“In a divided world, music provides unity,” artistic director Carol Davis said. “Together we sing in unison, in harmony, and in languages beyond our own. As Spoon River College supports diversity in education, the Chorus, a funding arm of the SRC Foundation, seeks to assist and sustain those from all backgrounds with our annual concerts and productions.”
This year’s concert also offers a bit of nostalgia from times gone by. Recalling the days when families sat around the radio listening to Little Orphan Annie, Dimension X, Suspense, and The Lone Ranger, the Chorus offers a fun-filled re-creation of a 1940-50s style Radio program, complete with audience participation, commercials, and unusual sound effects.
“I was inspired by Radio Classics on Sirius XM to create our own radio show this year,” says Carol Davis. “I listen to Radio Classics (Channel 148) every day and the station has a Spoon River College connection. For over 20 years, Greg Bell has served as host and program director of Radio Classics. I had the pleasure of spending time with Greg when he came to visit his mother, Phyllis Hedden, who lives in Havana. Radio Classics could be considered a precursor to today’s podcasts.”
Ticket pre-sales begin October 1 and may be purchased through Chorus members only. General public and online sales will begin October 15. Information about tickets will be posted on the Chorus webpage www.src.edu/chorus and on Facebook.
As always, proceeds from the concert fund the SRC Community Chorus Scholarship program. After the success of our 2023 summer shows, An Evening with Patsy Cline and 48 Hours, the Chorus fully funded its eighth named endowed scholarship in memory of past chorus member Craig M. Zilly.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Volunteer Tutors Needed for English as a Second Language Classes
With the start of the new semester at Spoon River College comes the search for volunteer tutors in the college’s Adult Education office, specifically for the students in the English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.
“Volunteers are a vital part of student success, and the time commitment is minimal, less than two hours per week,” said Cyndi Johnston, program coordinator for Adult Education. “Most of our students can already read and write English at varying levels, but often struggle with actually speaking it. That impacts their ability to communicate in social and business situations.”
There are two classes most in need. The Rushville ESL meets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. until noon in a face-to-face class, and an evening online class using Google Meets is divided into three different levels that meet at three different times between 5-9:30 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday nights.
“For the online class, all one would have to do is click on an email link that will be provided, using either a computer or a smartphone,” Johnston said, adding that no special degree is required and that training would be provided to all tutors.
The English as a Second Language class is designed for adults 16 years or older whose native language is not English. The goal is to help students improve their reading, writing, and speaking skills to a higher level to ensure their success in the workplace and their communities, as well as for future course work.
“We also help students learn about the American culture, which can be confusing in itself for those from other countries,” Johnston said. “I’m always so grateful for our volunteers, and they make a world of difference in our students’ lives.”
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 locations, visit www.src.edu or call 309-647-4645.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Lu Fest Raises $53,000 for Lukas R. Goforth Memorial Scholarship at SRC
The Lu Fest Committee is excited to announce that the first Lu Fest event, held at White Oak’s Sports Bar on May 27, 2023, raised over $53,000 for the Lukas R. Goforth Memorial Scholarship at Spoon River College.
At the event, attendees had the opportunity to partake in a bags/cornhole tournament, bid on many silent and live auction items donated by local businesses and organizations, hear live music from Sushi Roll, and much more.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the turnout,” said Sarah Gray, one of the organizers of the event and Fiscal Officer for the SRC Foundation. “The success of this event is a testament to how generous this community is, especially when one of its own is in need,”
A 2021 graduate of Canton High School and a standout student-athlete in multiple sports, Lukas Goforth had just completed his freshman year at SRC when he tragically passed away in a UTV accident. He competed as part of the Snappers’ baseball team and appeared in 13 games during his freshman year, ranking fifth on the team in innings pitched.
Upon his passing, his friends and family established the Lukas R. Goforth Memorial Scholarship with the SRC Foundation. Preference for this permanent, endowed scholarship is given to applicants who were student-athletes during their time at Canton High School.
“Lukas was so proud to be from Canton,” said Chantel Goforth, Lukas’ mother. “Once we knew we were going to establish this scholarship in his name, having it be awarded to students from CHS who displayed many of his qualities made sense.”
Lu Fest also relied heavily on generous sponsors, who helped to underwrite expenses of the event, led by Billy’s Tap, Graham Medical Group, Ipava State Bank, Jones Surveying & Engineering Corporation, Mid-Illinois Companies, and Tyson Smith American Family Insurance. With many volunteers stepping up to make the event successful, the event committee consisted of Andra Chamberlin, Tracy Delost Goforth, Gray, Angie Miller, Billy Oaks, Sophie Oaks, Tori Oaks, Ellyn Petty, Courtney Putman, Amy Smith, Renee Stockov, and Georgia Strantz-Oaks.
“For events like this to be successful, it really takes a lot of work and a lot of people pulling the same direction, but this is incredible,” said Colin Davis, Executive Director of the SRC Foundation. “We are so grateful to everyone who loved Lukas for their time, effort, and generosity, and we are honored to preserve his legacy for decades to come.”
Lu Fest II is tentatively scheduled for May 25, 2024, and more information about the event will be forthcoming.
Members of the Goforth Family present a check to the Spoon River College Foundation for the proceeds from Lu Fest, held May 27, 2023 at White Oak’s Sports Bar in Canton. The event raised over $53,000 for the Lukas R. Goforth Memorial Scholarship at SRC. Pictured, L to R: Ella Goforth, Chantel Goforth, Trent Goforth, Jena Goforth, and Colin Davis (Executive Director, SRC Foundation).
