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 Dr. Win Htwe: H. Truman Standard Award for Teaching Excellence
Dr. Win Htwe, Physical Science faculty at Spoon River College, was this year’s recipient of the H. Truman Standard Award for teaching excellence. It was presented to Dr. Htwe by President Oldfield during the college’s 61st Commencement held May 12 at the Canton Campus.
“Besides teaching excellence, this award recognizes meritorious service to the institution and displaying the College’s core values of caring, respect, integrity, fairness, and responsibility,” said Oldfield
Students who nominated Dr. Htwe for the award often mentioned the same qualities that they admired in him; his intelligence and knowledge of his subject matter and his ability to make it understandable, the respect he shows to all students and his willingness to help them succeed, and his positive attitude. “Win is the best teacher I have ever had and one of the smartest and most interesting people I have ever met. He’s very energetic and comes to every class with a smile on his face. He inspires us,” his nominators wrote.
Dr. Htwe began teaching at Spoon River College in the fall of 1994.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on High School Seniors Receive Associate Degrees
Five high school seniors—four from Canton and one from Macomb—received an associate degree from Spoon River College at the Commencement on May 12, making them college graduates even before they had officially received their high school diplomas.
Trista Buskirk, Abbigale DeRenzy, Joshua Fuller, Anna O’Brien of Canton and Arbiana Kidriu of Macomb all took advantage of the college’s dual credit program that allows eligible high school students the chance to get a head start on their journey in higher education.
Buskirk will be transferring to Penn State Behrend to major in psychology and minor in either sociology or criminal justice and is deciding between a career as a criminal psychologist or a counseling/clinical psychologist. “Two of the most influential courses I took were Intro to Sociology and Contemporary Social Problems taught by Michael Maher. It changed my entire world view in just sixteen weeks.”
DeRenzy plans on majoring in elementary education with the goal of teaching kindergarten, although she hasn’t made her final choice yet of what university she will attend. She said psychology classes were her favorites. “Becky Leverette was the teacher and she always made class interesting and even though I took them online, she made it a point to get to know me as a student and made class feel like I was actually there.”
Fuller is transferring to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and will major in plant biotechnology and integrative biology. His ideal career would be working with plant genetics but he said he would also be content working in a botanical garden or similar environment. “Taking dual-credit classes saved me so much money. Credit hours at Spoon are a fraction of the cost at other colleges, and since all of my credits transfer, I basically completed two years of college for an eighth of the price.”
Kidriu, who will be the valedictorian at her high school graduation and plans on a career as an international lawyer, said she appreciated criminal law class Professor Jill Myers for reaching out to her to offer opportunities that she could pursue after high school. “It was not easy for me to get my associates degree the summer I graduate from high school, but it was worth it. I am a full-time high school and college student, and I also work around 30 hours a week. I had summer classes and will also be a full-time student this summer in order to fully complete the requirements. It required a lot of sacrifices, but I am happy and proud of my accomplishments.”
O’Brien is transferring to the University of Missouri St. Louis to major in political science and minor in Spanish to prepare for a future career as an immigration lawyer. Despite the extra class load, O’Brien made time for extracurricular activities at both the high school and the college, including being the president of the Student Government Association at Spoon River College. She was also the student representative on the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce and the CUSD66 School Board. “I had to find a balance between high school, college, a job, extracurricular activities, and a social life. It is for sure a lot of work but it pays off in the end!”
For more information about the dual credit program, visit www.src.edu.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on SRC Community Chorus Presents Sondheim Musical Into the Woods
Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award Winning musical INTO THE WOODS, directed by Carol Davis with musical direction by Tony Roberts, comes to the SRC Theatre in Taylor Hall, June 23-26. Tickets may be reserved at https://spoon-river-college-foundation.square.site/, by visiting www.src.edu/chorus, from any cast or crew member, or by calling (309) 649-6260 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
INTO THE WOODS runs June 23-25 at 7:00 p.m. and June 26 at 3:00 p.m. General admission seating is limited to 100. Tickets are $15.
“Last summer we offered The Musical World of Disney to sold out crowds,” says Carol Davis, “and we had several fairy tale princesses in that show, but these stories are not Disney. This musical is based on Grimm’s fairy tales complete with dark comedy and Sondheim’s incredibly complex music. The show is more of a metaphor for real life.”
The musical follows a Baker and his Wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; Little Red Ridinghood, who wishes to get to Granny’s house, and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of The Witch’s Curse, the two set off on a journey INTO THE WOODS to break the curse. There they encounter wolves, Giants, and scary, wonderful untraveled paths. Eventually, all their wishes come true, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them with disastrous results.
“This is certainly one of the most talented cast, crew, and band ensembles we’ve had in our 17-year existence,” Davis says. “There are over 50 people involved with this show coming from all over central Illinois. The cast and crew began selling tickets last week and seats are going very fast.”
The cast includes John Davis as the Narrator/Mysterious Man, Julie Seeley as The Witch, Helaina Kalman as Cinderella, Jacob Haarman as Jack, Tony Roberts as The Baker, Lindsey Larson as The Baker’s Wife, Cecily Burnham Pearson as Little Red Ridinghood, Sara Mathis as Jack’s Mother, Alison Richter-Meuth as Cinderella’s Mother/Stepmother, Lauren Avery as Florinda, Aja Lawson as Lucinda, Mike Varnes as Cinderella’s Father, Tori Albanito as Rapunzel, Alex Smith as The Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince, Clay Klinedinst as Rapunzel’s Prince, Jean Sprecher as Granny, Aaron Haacke as The Steward, Kirsten Seeley as Sleeping Beauty, Janet Munson as Snow White, and Charlene Kornoski-Duvall as The Giant.
The production is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency through federal funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Two Rivers Arts Council. Funds from the grant enabled the SRC Community Chorus to contract with professional artist David Gregory who designed and painted the engaging scenic background for the show.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on SRC Community Chorus Presents Sondheim Musical Into the Woods
Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award Winning musical INTO THE WOODS, directed by Carol Davis with musical direction by Tony Roberts, comes to the SRC Theatre in Taylor Hall, June 23-26. Tickets may be reserved at https://spoon-river-college-foundation.square.site/, by visiting www.src.edu/chorus, from any cast or crew member, or by calling (309) 649-6260 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
INTO THE WOODS runs June 23-25 at 7:00 p.m. and June 26 at 3:00 p.m. General admission seating is limited to 100. Tickets are $15.
“Last summer we offered The Musical World of Disney to sold out crowds,” says Carol Davis, “and we had several fairy tale princesses in that show, but these stories are not Disney. This musical is based on Grimm’s fairy tales complete with dark comedy and Sondheim’s incredibly complex music. The show is more of a metaphor for real life.”
The musical follows a Baker and his Wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; Little Red Ridinghood, who wishes to get to Granny’s house, and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of The Witch’s Curse, the two set off on a journey INTO THE WOODS to break the curse. There they encounter wolves, Giants, and scary, wonderful untraveled paths. Eventually, all their wishes come true, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them with disastrous results.
“This is certainly one of the most talented cast, crew, and band ensembles we’ve had in our 17-year existence,” Davis says. “There are over 50 people involved with this show coming from all over central Illinois. The cast and crew began selling tickets last week and seats are going very fast.”
The cast includes John Davis as the Narrator/Mysterious Man, Julie Seeley as The Witch, Helaina Kalman as Cinderella, Jacob Haarman as Jack, Tony Roberts as The Baker, Lindsey Larson as The Baker’s Wife, Cecily Burnham Pearson as Little Red Ridinghood, Sara Mathis as Jack’s Mother, Alison Richter-Meuth as Cinderella’s Mother/Stepmother, Lauren Avery as Florinda, Aja Lawson as Lucinda, Mike Varnes as Cinderella’s Father, Tori Albanito as Rapunzel, Alex Smith as The Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince, Clay Klinedinst as Rapunzel’s Prince, Jean Sprecher as Granny, Aaron Haacke as The Steward, Kirsten Seeley as Sleeping Beauty, Janet Munson as Snow White, and Charlene Kornoski-Duvall as The Giant.
The production is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency through federal funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Two Rivers Arts Council. Funds from the grant enabled the SRC Community Chorus to contract with professional artist David Gregory who designed and painted the engaging scenic background for the show.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Zoey Lane Sworn in as 2022-2023 Student Trustee
Spoon River College student Zoey Lane was sworn in as the 2022-2023 Student Trustee at the regular monthly board meeting May 4 by trustee Jerry Cremer.
“Becoming the student trustee was a goal of mine even before I began attending SRC,” said Lane, who took dual credit classes at the college while still in high school. “I love the idea of being the voice of our students.”
Lane is a member of the HEAL (Healthcare Enthusiasts And Leaders) Student Association and serves as a Student Ambassador. She works in the SRC Cafeteria and the River Roast Coffee Shop, and is the Resident Assistant at the Snapper Villas. She is working towards an Associate in Science degree, then plans to transfer to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville where she will complete a bachelor’s degree before applying to their dental program “to pursue my dream of becoming a dentist.”
Outgoing Student Trustee Mary Toothaker was recognized by the Board for her service during the past year. Toothaker said that “During this past year I learned a lot about how colleges operate, and presenting the student government report helped me improve my public speaking skills. I have enjoyed my time at Spoon River College, and love how the instructors genuinely care about you and help you succeed.” Toothaker plans to transfer to Illinois State University to major in English.
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.
Zoey Lane, 2022-2023 Student Trustee with board member Jerry Cremer
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Spoon River College 61st Commencement is May 12
Spoon River College will hold their 61st Commencement on Thursday, May 12 at 6 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Building on the Canton Campus located at 23235 North County 22. Check-in time for graduates is 5:15 p.m. A professional photographer will be available from 4 – 5:15 to take individual graduation photos. Students have been provided with the proper order form for that service.
Cap and gown pickup will begin the week of May 2. Rehearsal for students participating in the ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 11 at 3 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Building.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Students Inducted into Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society
Spoon River College inducted 70 new members into its Nu Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society in a ceremony held at the Macomb Spoon River College Community Outreach Center in the MidAmerica National Bank Conference Hall on April 21.
After a welcome by SRC President Curt Oldfield, SRC students Emma Gilliland, Acting President of the Macomb Chapter and Wesley Micklus, President of the Canton Chapter, presented the history of Phi Theta Kappa.
Phi Theta Kappa faculty advisors Shelli Stuart and Rebecca Werland presided over the initiation of new members, who were introduced by faculty members Barbara Ashwood (English) and Elaine Lucas (Health Science).
In addition, Emma Gilliland, Henry Mordiva, and Allison Mortland were recognized for being named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team, chosen on the basis of academic achievement, volunteer work, campus activities, honors, and awards.
The new inductees were:
Astoria: Justice M. Westlake;
Athens: McKayla A. Clark;
Bardolph: Lael J. McKee
Bath: Tayden M. Friend
Bushnell: Jalyn K. Fayhee, Lillian K. Powell
Camden: Collin E. Shelts
Canton: Lauren Brown, Trista N. Buskirk, Abbigale A. DeRenzy, Trinity M. Friedrich, Corrine V. Hamill, Paige N. Kruschinsky, Jason M. Licklider, Joseph S. Matthews, Jordan A. Maxwell, Chloe Nelson, Bethany M. Pankratz, Ethan M. Phillips, Carson J. Powers, A Roos, Alexander D. Ruck, Olivia Spahn, Kayleen H. Tarter, Gracie L. Widger, Lacey N. Yaeger
Chandlerville: Sarah A. Dyson
Colchester: Taylor A. Dimmitt
Cuba: Jenna L. Gorsuch
Fairview: Alivia E. Hanlin
Farmington: Andrea G. Pollitt, Mary R. Toothaker
Fiatt: Isabelle E. Bradley
Grant Park: Clayton J. McKinstry
Griggsville: Tucker A. Kunzeman
Havana: Brant E. Bastien, Lauren E. Fleer, Madison N. Hofreiter, Zoey R. Lane, Kaley R. Meyer, Zoe L. Porter
Lewistown: Clay A. Beekman, Brooke E. Hampton, Zoe L. Lutes, Wesley Micklus, Kyle L. Simpson, Avery E. Smith, Kyle A. Smith
Liverpool: Jacob E. Warren
Mackinaw: Taylor M. Purdy
Macomb: Irene Akinyemi, Brennan C. Brady, Joshua P. Bryan, Victor Gast, Zachary M. Hagmeier, Heaven L. Hearne, Mallory A. Hoyt, Matthew R. Kessler, Angela J. Locke-Bowen
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on SRC Students Named to Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team
Three 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 Emma Gilliland (transfer student) and Henry Mordiva (career and technical student) on the Macomb Campus, and Allison Mortland (transfer student) on the Canton Campus. Nominees are chosen on the basis of academic achievement, volunteer work, campus activities, honors, and awards.
Emma Gilliland of Mt. Sterling plans to transfer to Western Illinois University to major in English with an emphasis on Creative Writing and a minor in Business Management. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and TRIO, and works as a TRIO Peer Tutor and as the manager and barista at The Study in Macomb. Gilliland serves as a worship volunteer for The Crossing in Macomb and is a volunteer at FNC Academy in Uganda. While at Spoon River College, Gilliland has consistently been on President’s and Dean’s lists, and was the recipient of a TRIO scholarship and the MidAmerica National Bank Fellheimer Scholarship.
Henry Mordiva of Rushville is pursuing an Associate in Applied Science in Computer Information Systems for a career in the field of Information Technology. A member of Phi Theta Kappa, he has been on the President’s List the past two years and was the recipient of a Spoon River College scholarship. Mordiva is currently employed as a Clinic French Interpreter and Medical Records Scanner at the Cass County Health Department. He is a strong supporter and volunteer for local food distributions and of the local arts.
Allison Mortland of Canton is in the Agriculture program, and intends to pursue a degree in veterinary science. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the Spoon River College softball team. She serves as a foster parent through the Humane Society of Fulton County and has been a volunteer at the Happy Hounds Adoption event, SRC Athletic Princess Party events, and as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army. Mortland holds an Illinois State FFA Degree in Poultry Production, was the recipient of the Cody Krulac Scholarship, and was named to the NJCAA All-Academic First Team.
The students will be honored at the Annual Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois awards banquet on April 28 at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield.
Spoon River College faculty 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.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Deanna Patton-Spotser: March Student Shout-Out Recipient
Deanna Patton-Spotser of Canton is the recipient of the Student Shout-Out for March at Spoon River College, and will receive a $100 Visa gift card. She was nominated by Melissa Miller, coordinator of the Allied Health program at Spoon River College, for her amazing drive and determination to achieve her goals.
“Deanna is a single mother of three who owns her own business, works, and goes to school. Her positive attitude and determination to succeed are traits to be admired and celebrated. She welcomes challenges and is not afraid of the bumps in the road,” Miller said.
Patton-Spotser is on track to graduate this May with an Associate in Applied Science degree, Medical Laboratory Technician, making her eligible to take the national certification examination, and she is already making plans to transfer to either Bradley or ISU for a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science.
Patton-Spotser is a member of TRIO and the HEAL (Healthcare Enthusiast and Leaders) Student Association.
“Deanna is an inspiration and once you meet her, you won’t forget her,” Miller said. “Her spirit and attitude make her stand out in a crowd, but her hard work and sincerity will move her to front of any line that she is in. She has a bright future ahead of her.”
The Student Shout-Out is an initiative that encourages any faculty or employee to nominate a student who deserves a special shout-out, “The reason can be big or small, but the important thing is that we hear about the positive and helpful things our students are doing,” said Abby Beck, TRIO advisor on the Macomb Campus.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on 15th Annual Car Cruise-In and Tractor Show Returns April 30
The 15th Annual Car Cruise-In and Tractor Show, cancelled the last two years due to the pandemic, is back and will be held Saturday, April 30, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Engle parking lot on the Canton Campus.
The event is hosted by Phi Mu Tau fraternity students in the Diesel and Power Systems Technology program. Anyone who has a classic car or tractor is invited to bring or drive them to the college and be part of the show. There is no entry fee.
“This is a free, fun, casual event,” said Todd Thompson, DPST instructor and Phi Mu Tau advisor. “Bring the family and come on out. There is always a nice variety of antique vehicles and tractors, plus some new and unique ones.”
Registration will be from 9-11 a.m. Awards for best car and best tractor will be determined by fan voting and announced at 2 p.m. Raffle and 50-50 drawing winners will also be announced at 2 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public. In case of inclement weather, it will be held inside the Votech building. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
For more information about the car show, contact Todd Thompson at (309) 649-6244.
