Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on SRC Theatre Program Performing Grant Opportunities for the 2021-2022 Academic Year
The theatre program at Spoon River College announces opportunities for performing grants for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Typically, SRC Theatre holds open audition/interview events each spring for applicants interested in grant money for both acting and technical positions in the program for the upcoming academic term. This year, due to the ongoing pandemic, individual applicants are asked to contact Douglas Okey, the director of the theatre program, to arrange an audition or an interview, depending on the individual area of interest.
Okey, an instructor of drama and English at the college, says that SRC’s theatre performing grants are good for both the program and the students who participate. “The grant group forms a solid core for the program and makes many of the program’s features possible,” such as the season of two full-scale productions each academic year and the program’s slate of academic course offerings.
Grant amounts vary, Okey says. “These funds are all grants to be applied to direct costs at SRC, not loans that students will be required to pay back.” The grant funds can be used for tuition, fees, or books and supplies in the SRC Bookstore.
The SRC theatre program includes credit-bearing academic classes as well as a co-curricular season of classic and contemporary theatre productions. Okey says that the program of coursework and theatre production—including grants—is open to students in any academic program or major. No prior theatre experience is required.
Those interested in more information about the theatre program, especially those wanting to apply for a performing grant, can contact Douglas Okey at 309-649-6308 or Douglas.Okey@src.edu. Grant applicants are strongly encouraged to apply before the end of April, 2021.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on SRC Student Mary Toothaker Elected 2021-2022 Student Trustee
Spoon River College student Mary Toothaker of Farmington was voted the 2021-2022 student trustee by her peers in an online election.
Toothaker is a member of the Student Government Association and also represents the College as a Student Ambassador. She volunteers at St. Mary’s food pantry and assists with the SRC campus food pantry. Currently a freshman, Toothaker’s future plans include transferring to a four-year university to major in education after she earns her associate degree.
“I ran for the student trustee position because I thought it would be a good experience for me, plus I wanted to become more involved in college events,” said Toothaker, who will be seated during the regular board meeting on April 28.
Student trustees at Spoon River College attend monthly board meetings and give updates about student life and events to trustees, further the interests and promote the welfare of SRC students, and represent the student body in the Student Government Association. Along with gaining leadership skills, trustees have opportunities to attend state trustee meetings and conferences. They serve one year, and receive a stipend towards their tuition and fees.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on SRC Student Devon Simpson Named 2021 New Century Workforce Scholar
Macomb, Illinois — Devon Simpson, a Spoon River College student at the Macomb Campus has been named a 2021 New Century Workforce Scholar and will receive a $1,250 scholarship.
This scholarship is the first of its kind to support students at associate degree-granting institutions on a national scale as they plan to enter the workforce upon the completion of a degree or certificate. The program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
Simpson, who was also named to the All-Illinois Academic Team, is working towards an applied science degree in Health Information Management/Medical Assisting. She is a member of TRIO, Phi Theta Kappa, and serves as President of the HEAL Student Association. Simpson also represents Spoon River College as a Student Ambassador, volunteers with the Midwest Food Bank, and held the volunteer management position with the Summer Meals program offered through Genesis Garden/AmeriCorp.
Simpson has been on the President’s List for the past three semesters, and was the recipient of the Horatio Alger Scholarship, Fellheimer Scholarship, and a TRIO scholarship. She intends to continue studies in Health Information Management.
“Devon is a driven student who has set high standards for herself and has put in the work necessary to achieve her goals. This award is much deserved,” said Shelli Stuart, Phi Theta Kappa advisor on the Macomb Campus.
New Century Workforce Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. Over 2,000 students were nominated from more than 1,200 college campuses across the country. Only one New Century Workforce Scholar was selected from each state.
“We congratulate Devon Simpson for receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we are honored to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation to recognize (his/her) outstanding achievements,” said Phi Theta Kappa’s President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “Scholarship programs like this are integral for creating opportunities for students to succeed as they prepare to enter the workforce and for putting college completion within reach.”
Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in West Central Illinois, with campuses and Community Outreach Centers in Canton and Macomb, and Learning Centers in Havana and Rushville. It serves students in a 1,566 square mile area that includes portions of Fulton, McDonough, Mason, Schuyler, and Knox counties. For more information about Spoon River College, visit www.src.edu.
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.
The Coca-Cola Foundation is the global philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company. Since its inception in 1984, the Foundation has awarded more than $1 billion in grants to support sustainable community initiatives around the world.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on SRC Students Named to Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team
Four Spoon River College students have been named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team as a result of their nomination to the All-USA Community College Academic Team. They are Travaughn Miller and Devon Simpson on the Macomb Campus, and Madison Draughan and Aja Lawson on the Canton Campus. Nominees are chosen on the basis of academic achievement, volunteer work, campus activities, honors, and awards.
Devon Simpson of Macomb is working towards an applied science degree in Health Information Management/Medical Assisting. She is a member of TRIO, Phi Theta Kappa, and serves as President of the HEAL Student Association. Simpson also represents Spoon River College as a Student Ambassador, volunteers with the Midwest Food Bank, and held the volunteer management position with the Summer Meals program offered through Genesis Garden/AmeriCorp.
Simpson has been on the President’s List for the past three semesters, and was the recipient of the Horatio Alger Scholarship, Fellheimer Scholarship, and a TRIO scholarship. She intends to continue studies in Health Information Management.
In addition to the All-Illinois Academic Team honor, Simpson was also named a 2021 New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar based on the All-USA Academic Team competition that had more than 2,000 applications. Simpson was the top scoring applicant in Illinois, and will receive a $1,250 scholarship, sponsored by the Coca-Cola Foundation with additional support provided by Phi Theta Kappa.
Travaughn Miller, hometown of Indianapolis, IN, is working towards an associate degree with a business major. He is a member of TRIO, and a self-described entrepreneur with a passion for writing music and poetry. Miller was honored to share a poetic tribute in honor of Reverend Dr. C.T. Vivian during a memorial landmark ceremony in Macomb and is currently partnered with John Curtis/Genesis Garden on a community involvement project.
Miller has been recognized for academic achievement on the President’s List for the past three semesters, and is the recipient of a TRIO scholarship and a Fellheimer scholarship. He plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business and audio engineering. He hopes to start his own businesses that will provide jobs for others in his community.
Madison Draughan of Cuba says she “finds pleasure in learning and education” and after completing an associate degree she plans to transfer to Eureka College to continue studies in education. She has been recognized for academic achievement on both the President’s and Dean’s lists, and was the recipient of the Tompkins-Wolf Scholarship, ICEMA Scholarship, and the Shauna Helle Scholarship.
Draughan volunteers for Habitat for Humanity and Town Clean Up, and works at Christian Ducks Learning Pond. In her free time she enjoys traveling, doing anything outdoors, and spending time with her family.
Aja Lawson of Ellisville is studying Computer Information Systems for an applied science degree, and would like to find a potential career “where the various areas of IT and music creation can be intertwined.” She has been recognized for academic achievements on the President’s and Dean’s lists, serves as the campus secretary for Phi Theta Kappa, and was the recipient of the Illinois Community College Faculty Association Scholarship and a SRC Foundation Scholarship.
While at Spoon River College, Lawson has been active in the SRC Theater program and the SRC Community Chorus, and is currently a student worker in the College’s IT department. In her free time, she enjoys singing, playing guitar and learning new instruments, working with computers and “building better ones,” and making memories with friends.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, the annual in-person Phi Theta Kappa banquet will be replaced with an online recognition that will air on YouTube on April 14. All members of the All-Illinois Academic Team will also be featured in USA Today.
Spoon River College instructors Shelli Stuart (Macomb) and Rebecca Werland (Canton) are the advisors for the Nu Delta Chapters of Phi Theta Kappa at Spoon River College.
The All-USA Academic Team is sponsored annually by Phi Theta Kappa, USA Today, and the American Association of Community Colleges. The All-State Academic Team is a division of the Academic All-USA Team for Community, Technical and Junior Colleges. It seeks to honor outstanding community college students who show intellectual rigor in their course of study, demonstrate academic, leadership, and civic growth and who extend their community college education to better themselves, their schools and their communities.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Virtual Ceremony Planned for Graduates
Spoon River College is making plans to present a virtual ceremony for Fall 2020, Spring 2021, and Summer 2021 graduates.
Additionally, the college will survey graduating students to gauge interest in a walk-through ceremony involving many of the traditional elements of a Spoon River College commencement. The walk-through ceremony would likely be scheduled during the week of May 10th and would be offered in a way to ensure graduates are divided into different time frames, eliminating large numbers of people gathering in one room together. The goal would be to give graduates the opportunity to walk across a stage wearing their caps and gowns, be handed their diploma covers, and receive well-deserved recognition with family members present.
“Current state regulations limit gatherings to 50 people,” said Curt Oldfield, President of Spoon River College. “Unfortunately, it’s impossible to predict factors such as infection and vaccination rates, to meet the metrics needed to reach Governor Pritzker’s Bridge to Phase 5, or complete the metrics to move into Phase 5. With all this in mind, we have chosen to host a virtual ceremony.”
In order to participate in the virtual ceremony, graduates may submit a photo by email. They can choose to wear everyday clothing, dressy attire, or a traditional cap, gown, and tassel in the photo. A video will be created using the photos along with each graduate’s degree and/or certification information. Photos should be submitted by April 26 to gradvideo@src.edu. The virtual ceremony will be available on the Spoon River College YouTube page on Friday, May 14 at 6:00 pm.
“As we’ve seen over the past year, uncertainty is one of the challenges caused by COVID-19,” said Oldfield. “We know our graduates would like to know the format of commencement early so they have as much time as possible to plan with their families.”
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Job Fair on Canton Campus April 16
A job fair will be held at Spoon River College in Lower Level Centers on the Canton Campus on Friday, April 16, from 1-3 p.m. Attendees must RSVP a time to attend at src.edu/jobfairrsvp, and masks must be worn while on Campus.
“Attending a job fair is not only an opportunity to learn about employment options, it’s also an opportunity to make a good first impression on the employers who are there, so we encourage job-seekers to dress and prepare as if going on a job interview, including having copies of your resume with you,” said Brandi Ketcham, SRC advisor.
Free virtual resume workshops are being offered in advance of the job fair. They will be held on Thursdays, March 23, April 1, April 8, and April 15, all from 12:20-12:40 p.m. To join the workshop meetings go to https://zoom.us/join and use the following information: Meeting ID: 996 9734 9119 and Passcode: 362380.
The job fair is being sponsored by Spoon River College, Spoon River College Office of Community Outreach and Career Link. A list of employers who will be attending can be viewed at src.edu/career. The list will be updated regularly as employers register.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Free Career Path and Resume Creation Workshops
Spoon River College admission advisors Brandi Ketcham and Patrick Denecke are hosting free workshops that are open to all Spoon River College students as well as community members. The workshops will focus on determining career paths and creating resumes.
Ketcham and Denecke will be utilizing Career Choice in the workshops, an interactive program that allows users to research careers and the education and/or skills required for them, explore the local job market, build a resume, and then apply for employment.
The workshops will be held via Zoom on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:20-12:40 p.m. starting March 23 through April 15. For those who are interested but don’t have the technology for a Zoom meeting, please contact Andrea Barbknecht in the Community Outreach Office at 309-649-6368 for assistance.
The Career Exploration workshops will be held on Tuesdays – March 23, March 30, April 6, and April 13. The Zoom link, ID, and pass codes for these workshops are below:
The Resume workshops will be held on Thursdays – March 25, April 1, April 8, and April 15, and The Zoom link, ID, and pass codes for these workshops are below:
The workshops were scheduled ahead of a job fair that will be held Friday, April 16, from 1-3 p.m. in Lower Centers on the Canton Campus at 23235 N County 22.
The Career Coach program can be accessed on the Career Services page of the Spoon River College website by clicking on the Student Services tab at www.src.edu. For more information, contact Patrick Denecke at 309-833-6022 or Brandi Ketcham at 309-649-6324.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Esports Coach Recruiting Players for SRC Team
Esports coach Curtis Bump is seeking current or prospective Spoon River College students who are interested in being part of the College’s esports team. Players would compete against other schools in a variety of popular video games.
Game-playing ability is important, although Bump says it’s not the only quality he’s looking for in a player. “I’m also looking for players who have good communication skills and a good attitude. Not everyone gets to be the hero and rack up the points. I need those willing to excel even in what some call the ‘undesirable roles’ that are vital in supporting the team.”
Some scholarship opportunities are available, and esport athletes will be held to the same code of conduct and standards as all other SRC student-athletes, including maintaining good academic standing as well as attending mandatory study sessions to maintain eligibility.
The College launched their esports team in the fall of 2020, joining more than 170 other institutions competing as members of the National Association of Collegiate Esports. A dedicated gaming arena has been created for the team in Lower Centers of the Canton Campus.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Seeking Gamers for Casual Competition Against SRC Esports Team
Spoon River College esports coach Curtis Bump is looking for players interested in competing against the Spoon River College Esports team in a casual competition. This is open to members of the public. Players can sign up to play against the SRC team in either League of Legends or Valorant.
Teams must consist of five people. The League of Legends competition will be Thursday, April 1, at 5:45 p.m. CST. The Valorant competition will be Monday, April 5, at 5:45 p.m. CST.
Due to COVID-19, non-SRC players must be able to compete from home. “We will have a discord set up for players to join so you can get to know the team and ask any questions you have about the epsorts program,” said Bump.
To register, send the names of your players and their email addresses along with game choice to Curtis.bump@src.edu. Deadline to register is Wednesday, March 31.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Informational Financial Aid and FAFSA Completion Virtual Meetings Scheduled
Jo Branson, financial aid director at Spoon River College, is offering two virtual Financial Aid Information sessions through Zoom on March 16 at 10 a.m. and at 5 p.m. While the sessions are geared towards high school seniors and their parents, members of the public who are interested may also join. Branson will be joined by Dillon Austin, Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) representative.
Branson and Austin will share information about the financial aid process, including how to apply for federal and state grants as well as scholarships and student loans. They will also assist those who are interested in completing the FAFSA application, which is the first step to applying for other types of financial aid, including SRC Foundation scholarships.
In order to file a FAFSA application, a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID must be created. Branson recommends that this be done a week prior to the March 16 meeting by going to www.studentaid.gov. “That ID will become your electronic signature to sign your FASFA application, and to sign any Master Promissory Notes for loans, as well as Loan Entrance and Exit Counseling.” Each student and one parent will need to create a FSA ID, and a different email address and phone number should be attached to each FSA ID.
“It’s important to use an email address that you will be able to access for several years, so using a high school email address is not a good idea.” said Branson.
Attendees who would like assistance in completing the FAFSA application will need their 2019 income information.
“Navigating the financial aid process can be stressful, so our goal is always to make that process as smooth as we can,” Branson said. “All of us at Spoon River College want our students to be successful, and we’re here to help them achieve that success.”
To join the Zoom meeting, click on the link. The Meeting ID is 989 6450 9547, and the Passcode is eqQy9d.
