Please Note: that all locations of SRC are closed Fridays for Summer Hours from May 16 through July 25. Announcement: all operations for the Macomb campus have temporarily moved to the Outreach Center (2500 E Jackson) until further notice as we make the transition to the new campus.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Time Capsule Buried by SRC Students in 2002
An Alanis Morrisette music CD, a disposable razor, and a blood pressure cuff. A license plate personalized with “POPROX 8” and an old cell phone. A Pizza Hut menu, a roll of print film, and an old YMCA shirt. A condom and a pack of Camel cigarettes.
These were some of the items in a time capsule buried 20 years ago by Spoon River College students who were in the Introduction to Cultural Anthropology class taught by sociology faculty Michael Maher.
“I was in my third year of teaching when I had this group of students, and it was the first time that I taught the Introduction to Cultural Anthropology,” Maher said. “This class became special to me. They were engaged, interested, funny yet serious, and just overall a great group of people. I wanted to celebrate them, and I wanted to create an excuse to reunite with them in twenty years.”
Students as well as a few faculty members brought in various objects. As a class they went to the SRC Arboretum and buried the plastic wrapped items in a tote. Also included were copies of a list of questions—such as what would the price of a Big Mac be as well as where each student saw themselves in twenty years—and the answers predicted by each student. A date was set for 20 years in the future when they would meet again to unearth their time capsule.
Earlier this summer, they did just that, joined by several former and current staff and faculty.
While not all of the former students were able to attend, those who did enjoyed reminiscing about the class and discussing the changes over the past two decades. They also laughed over how accurate—or inaccurate—the predications for their own futures had been, especially when it came to the number of children they expected to have and their careers.
“I’ve had several cohorts of students during my teaching career who stand out, but this cohort was the first, and getting the opportunity to visit with some of them and even just make email contact with others was incredibly gratifying.”
More pictures of the Time Capsule Project can be viewed on the Spoon River College Facebook page.
Past students who attended the Time Capsule Project Reunion were (l-r) Derek Grove, Craig Overcash, Michael Maher, Nathan Gardner, Mandy Zink (Manock), Angie Rabe (Erickson), and Jenny Zimmerman (Beatty).
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on SRC Announces Becky Sherwood as Director of Nursing
Spoon River College welcomes Becky Sherwood as the Director of Nursing for their nursing program. She was previously a member of the nursing faculty for five years prior to the pandemic.
Sherwood started her education at Spoon River College, receiving her Associate in Applied Science degree in 1994. She then attended Graham Hospital School of Nursing and earned her nursing diploma in 1998. Her nursing career has been primarily in surgical and emergency nursing and has included management experience. In 2009, Sherwood furthered her nursing education, earning a Bachelor’s equivalency and then her Master’s Degree in Nursing with a specialization in Education.
“I am thrilled to be back at Spoon River College and look forward to teaching and working with students again. I love witnessing a student’s ‘aha!’ moment,” said Sherwood, who said she was inspired to be a nurse by her mother’s teachings of compassion and putting others’ needs first. Sherwood also had a passion for being in the classroom—as a child she played teacher, using her stuffed animals as students and her stickers for grading their homework.
Sherwood resides in Canton with her husband Darren and their animal family.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on SRC Athletics Hosting Casino Night Fundraiser September 17
The Spoon River College Athletic department is hosting a Casino Night fundraiser on Saturday, September 17 at 6 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Building on the Canton Campus. Proceeds will help support the athletic programs.
“We first hosted a Casino Night in 2020 because we wanted to do a fun community event rather than having our athletes sell merchandise. It was successful and well attended, but because of the pandemic we weren’t able to do another one until now. We are excited to finally be able to bring it back,” said John Bassett, athletic director and head softball coach.
The cost of admission is $50 and includes 25 playing chips, free food, drink ticket, prizes, and silent auction items. Games featured will be blackjack, poker, craps, and roulette. The appetizers are being provided by Don and Nancy’s Café.
“Attending this event is a great way to see the facilities and meet some of our athletes,” said Bassett. “We’re also still seeking sponsorships and raffle donations.”
Spoon River College offers baseball, softball, volleyball, and men and women’s basketball. More information about the athletic program can be viewed at www.src.edu or by visiting the Spoon River College Athletics Facebook page.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on SRC Foundation Golf Outing Raises Over $23,000
The 29th annual Spoon River College Foundation Golf Outing was held on Friday, July 29 at Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills Country Club. This year’s outing raised more than $23,000.
“In these uncertain times where times remain difficult for many, having the success we had with our outing is incredible,” said Colin Davis, Executive 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 26 teams competed in the event.
“We tried to keep the pressure off our local businesses given all that they are enduring,” said Davis. “But that didn’t stop them. We owe a debt of gratitude to all of our sponsors, and especially our Ace Sponsors: Corporate Clean, Cook Medical/CFC Inc., the Odendahl Family, OSF Healthcare, 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 winner, with a score of 21-under, was Team Odendahl. The Very Most Average Team award, given to the team which finishes closest to the average score that day, went to Team Progressive Vision Center, who finished at 9-under and won a coin toss to determine the winner.
Golfers also had the opportunity to compete for skill prizes on every hole. While these are normally prizes donated by local businesses, the SRC Foundation chose this year to purchase Chamber Bucks from the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Each year, we ask our local businesses to step up for us, and the last few years, we’ve thought it was important for us to show our support for them,” said Davis. “Chamber Bucks ensure that local businesses will see direct benefit from our outing, and we were proud to support Wee-Ma-Tuk by hosting our outing at Fulton County’s only golf course.”
The SRC Foundation raises funds to support scholarships, programs and facilities at Spoon River College. Funds from the 2019 and 2020 outings helped to provide emergency hardship grants to SRC students who lost income or had unexpected expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2021, the funds helped to purchase laptops for students to temporarily use to complete their studies. Funds raised at this year’s outing will help the SRC Foundation meet similar needs during this academic year as needs arise.
“The support of our communities means everything to us and to our students in a normal year,” said Davis, “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 on the event’s traditional date of the last Friday in July – July 28, 2023, with more special events planned to mark the event’s 30th anniversary. To learn more about the SRC Foundation, call (309) 649-6260, e-mail foundation@src.edu, or go to www.src.edu/foundation.
This year’s winner of the SRC Foundation golf outing was Team Odendahl, with a score of 21-under. Team members were Ben Gillen, Fred Odendahl, Martha Davis, and Mike Moore.
Winner of the Most Average Team was Progressive Vision Center. Team members were Paul Sepich, John Turgeon, Mel Turgeon, and Jeremy Kauzlarich.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Announces ICCB Grant to Fund Dual Credit Classes
Spoon River College has announced that through the awarding of an Illinois Community College Board Bridge Grant, all dual credit students enrolled in courses with Spoon River College will be granted a full scholarship for tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant and be able to offer this significant savings to dual credit students in our district, and hope it will help our district students begin their college careers at Spoon River College,” said Holly Norton, dean of transfer education at the college.
The award will cover all courses taken at all SRC locations and taught by SRC faculty, including online courses, and all courses taken at high schools in the SRC district and taught by high school instructors. Courses that will be excluded are those being funded by other sources such as grants, or those for which the students are not charged tuition and fees such as school-funded courses.
Because the grant was only recently awarded, all internal and external scholarships will be applied to students’ accounts, with this latest scholarship applied to the remaining tuition and fees. For those who have paid their tuition in full, the amount paid for the fall semester will be refunded. They will be processed through the Spoon River College business office after September 2.
There is no application to fill out to receive this grant, as all dual credit students will be included.
Spoon River College is still accepting new students for all fall dual credit courses. To register, students should contact their high school counselor or Spoon River dual credit advisor Sarah Fouts at sarah.fouts@src.edu or by calling 309-649-6221. Fall classes start Monday, August 22.
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.
