Lynn McPheeters, SRC’s First Graduate, Donates to Assist Career and Technical Education Students

In October 1959, the citizens of Canton Union School District No. 66 passed a referendum to establish a community junior college.  Canton Community College (CCC), the first public junior college organized in West-Central Illinois, was born.

And, after a conversation with members of district administration and members of the School Board, a young man named F. Lynn McPheeters became the first student to enroll.

It was the beginning of a lifelong relationship between a community college later renamed as Spoon River College (SRC) and its very first (1962) graduate, who ultimately rose through the ranks to become Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Caterpillar, Inc.

Now, that relationship continues with a pledge of $500,000 to the SRC Foundation to establish The McPheeters Family Scholarship, which will support SRC students entering career and technical education (CTE) programs which are ineligible for federal financial aid.

“Without SRC and SIU, I would have never been in a position to have the success I’ve had or to be able to make a gift like this,” said McPheeters.  “Businesses need a skilled workforce more than ever, and there are great opportunities available to graduates of CTE programs.  SRC is a great value for students seeking education, but many students still face financial barriers that keep them from attending.  It is my hope that The McPheeters Family Scholarship endowment will allow those who need extra assistance to attend SRC and succeed in the workforce in their chosen field.”

The pledge represents the largest gift by an individual in the history of the SRC Foundation.  When the endowment is fully funded, McPheeters’ generosity is expected to result in approximately $20,000 annually in scholarship assistance to the aforementioned group of students.

McPheeters had established the Francis G. and Dorothea B. McPheeters Scholarship in 2002 to honor his parents.  At his request, the funds from this scholarship will be rolled into The McPheeters Family Scholarship to ensure that a limited number of scholarships can be offered each year until the pledge is fulfilled.

“Lynn has supported SRC from the beginning in countless ways, including through his generous financial gifts to the SRC Foundation,” said Colin Davis, Director of the SRC Foundation. “His journey from community college student to Chief Financial Officer of one of the most prestigious companies in the world is inspiring, and his generosity will mean the realization of hundreds of dreams.  It has been an absolute pleasure to work with him on this project, and I’m excited about the impact it will have on our future students and communities.”

Programs covered by The McPheeters Family Scholarship include, but are not necessarily limited to: Ag Production, Commercial Driver Training, Computer & Network Technician, Emergency Medical Technician, Industrial Maintenance, Locomotive Mechanical, Machine Tool Operations, Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Preventive Maintenance, and Welding.  SRC is constantly evaluating additional programs, and additional programs may be included in the future, based on aid eligibility and changes to program offerings.

“Goal #1 at SRC is student success. Short-term, hands-on learning programs are part of the workforce solution. These programs give students the opportunity to launch a career, receive a promotion, or earn more money.  Oftentimes, finances prevent students from enrolling.” said Dr. Curt Oldfield, President of SRC.  “Lynn McPheeters’ gift to support students in these programs will be transformational for them and we cannot thank Lynn and his family enough for this generous gift.”

A first-generation college student, upon graduating from CCC, McPheeters completed his baccalaureate studies at Southern Illinois University Carbondale before starting his career with Caterpillar in 1964.  The culmination of over 40 years of service to Caterpillar, Inc., McPheeters was promoted to Treasurer in 1996 and Vice President and CFO in 1998.  He served in that role until his retirement in 2005.  He was the 1989 recipient of the SRC Distinguished Alumni Award.

McPheeters has served on many non-profit and corporate boards and has been active in supporting organizations specializing in children’s health, education, and abuse-prevention, in addition to his alma maters of SIU and SRC.

 “The best part about Lynn’s story is that of a homegrown, first-generation college student success story,” said Oldfield.  “Well before he became the VP and CFO of Caterpillar, he took a leap of faith toward a brand-new community college.  Lynn has always been part of the CCC/SRC legacy, and now we are honored to endow a part of Lynn’s legacy.”

The SRC Foundation anticipates that The McPheeters Family Scholarship will begin to be offered on a limited basis in the 2024-25 academic year.  Additional information about the gift and scholarship availabilities will follow from src.edu.

SRC’s #GivingSPOONday Biggest Yet

The totals are in, and the Spoon River College Foundation’s #GivingSPOONday campaign received 400 gifts, far surpassing its goal of 300 gifts.  Including all matching funds, the 24-hour campaign raised $87,599.32, its second-highest total ever.

As part of the larger Giving Tuesday movement to create a worldwide day of giving, the SRC Foundation had challenged all friends of SRC to “help SRC students rise,” and give 300 separate gifts to benefit SRC in the 24-hour period of November 28.

“Our goal this year was a ‘stretch’ goal, but our supporters came through for our students,” said Colin Davis, Executive Director of the SRC Foundation.  “While SRC students’ need is greater than ever, this proves that they’re not facing their challenges alone.  To see this kind of response when we know how much financial need is out there right now is simply incredible.  We can’t thank our communities enough.”

According to Davis, gifts ranged from $1 to $10,000, with a median gift of $50.  When the large “challenge” gifts are removed, the average gift was around $129, and gifts came from 16 states and 91 zip codes.  Gifts came from as far away as Florida, New York, and California.

“The appeal of helping students at SRC truly reaches all corners of the country,” said Brendon Bauman, #GivingSPOONday co-chair and former SRC Foundation Board member.  “But it’s our communities here in west central Illinois that stepped up for us in the biggest way.”

What started with a goal of $5,000 in 2015 has grown to the SRC Foundation’s largest fundraising campaign each year.  Dozens of new donors get involved annually, and it takes the efforts of over 50 people, not including the donors themselves.  Since 2015, the campaign has raised over $400,000 to help benefit SRC students, and donors from 30 states have made an impact on students.

As always, donors had the option of directing their gifts to be used however they saw fit.  While some directed funds to specific scholarships, facilities, student or community programs, or the Student Emergency Hardship Fund, many donors made unrestricted gifts, which help the Foundation quickly meet the needs of SRC and students as the needs arise.

“With our unrestricted funds, we were able to launch our new Emergency Hardship Fund in 2020 as a way to help SRC students remain enrolled in classes and on track,” Davis said.  “That has helped us keep over 100 students enrolled who otherwise may have been forced to drop out.  That’s the kind of impact our donors can have, even if they just tell us to use the funds where they’re needed most.

People who were unable to participate in #GivingSPOONday but still wish to help local students at SRC by visiting www.src.edu/give or by calling (309) 649-6395.  The college is closed for winter break from Dec. 20 through Jan. 2, but gifts are tax-deductible in 2023 as long as they are postmarked via USPS by December 31.

“Higher costs of gas, utility bills, rent, and other goods and services have impacted all of us, but community college students are affected disproportionately, and student need remains great” Davis said.  “The generosity of our friends during #GivingSPOONday will allow us to meet more and more of those needs.

“The beautiful thing about #GivingSPOONday is how everyone – even if it’s just by sharing information about the campaign on social media or making a gift of a dollar – makes an impact on the campaign, and thus, students’ lives.  We are so grateful for everyone who helped make the campaign a success and remain thankful to live and work in such generous, caring communities.”

FAFSA Application Completion Workshops Scheduled at District High Schools

Employees in the financial aid office at Spoon River College will present free FAFSA application completion workshops at district high schools during January and February. These workshops are for students, their parents, and any adult learners who are interested in having assistance in filling out the application, including those not planning on attending Spoon River College.

“The 24-25 FAFSA has many updates so it is imperative that students seek assistance if they need it, and I can’t stress enough how important it is to have it completed accurately and on time,” said Nikki Rittenhouse, assistant financial aid director. “We are always happy to help students and families with this important step.”

Filing the FAFSA is also always the first step to take in order to obtain federal and state aid for college, and to apply for scholarships.

The 2024-2025 FAFSA applications will be available by December 31. This is a change from previous years when it was available by October 1. Another change is that every contributor—anyone who’s required to provide information on the FAFSA form—will need a StudentAid.gov account before accessing and completing the application. This includes the student, the student’s spouse, a biological or adoptive parent, or the parent’s spouse.

Attendees can bring their own personal device if they chose, and must bring their 2022 income information (W-2’s or tax returns), as well as any additional untaxed income such as veteran’s benefits, child support (paid or received) and worker’s compensation. They should also bring the names, birth dates, social security numbers, and email address of any contributors. The school code for all locations of Spoon River College is 001643. This code is needed to complete the FAFSA application.

The schedule of visits is as follows:

Macomb High School: January 30, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Rushville High School: January 31, 5-7 p.m.

Astoria High School: February 1, 6-8 p.m.

Havana High School: February 7, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Canton High School: February 8, 6-7:30 p.m.

Lewistown High School: February 20, 6-7:30 p.m.

Spoon River Valley High School: February 21, 6-7:30 p.m.

VIT High School: February 26, 6:00 p.m.

Cuba High School: February 28, 6-7:30 p.m.

Farmington High School: February 27,  6-7:30 p.m.

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.

Esmeralda Uribe November Student Shout-Out Award Recipient

Esmeralda Uribe of Lewistown is the recipient of the Student Shout-Out Award for November at Spoon River College, and received a $100 Visa Gift Card from President Oldfield. She was nominated for exemplifying the SRC core values of caring, responsibility, integrity, respect, and fairness.

Uribe was nominated by TRIO director Jill Olson. “Esme is in her first semester being a peer tutor for the TRIO department, and she is always attentive to her tutees and always prepared for her tutoring appointments. She has also been visiting the developmental math classroom two times a week, and assisting TRIO students during their lab time, in Mr. Sheff’s sections.”

Other instructors have noted that Uribe is always willing to help students with their coursework while in the classroom, even when she is not “on the clock” as a peer tutor. “She is helpful, positive, and is sure to ask questions when unsure of the procedure. It has been great to see her leadership skills blossom this year,” Olson said. “We are so lucky to have Esme as our peer tutor for Canton TRIO this year. She has been a wonderful addition.”

Uribe is currently taking the prerequisite classes in preparation for completing the Associate Degree in Nursing at Spoon River College, and intends to eventually go on to earn a bachelor of science in nursing degree.

The Student Shout-Out is an initiative that encourages any faculty or employee to nominate a student who deserves a special shout-out for exhibiting the core values of the college—caring, respect, integrity, fairness and responsibility—or going above and beyond to help others.

Taste-Testing in Nutrition Class: Chicken Nugget Space Food Anyone?

Students in Elaine Lucas’ Nutrition class at Spoon River College recently had the opportunity to take part in a unique taste-testing experience.

“Sometimes teaching nutrition can be a little dry, so I am always trying to come up with ways to make it a little more engaging and fun. Being able to apply what we have learned in class to actual food and real-life circumstances is a perfect way of doing that,” Lucas said.

The class had just watched a documentary and was wrapping up a review about vitamins and minerals, and Lucas was looking for a way to “bring to life” some of the concepts discussed in the documentary, such as supplementation and consumption of nutrients under restricted circumstances.

“We talked about how nutrition is managed under extreme circumstances like those going into space for long periods of time, those in the military with restricted access, and in cases that we wouldn’t have access to our standard food supply in a time of crisis.”

Lucas brought examples of food that had a long shelf life and would be beneficial: dry mixes for pancakes, oatmeal, and rice, MREs (Meal Ready-To-Eat), cod liver oil, freeze-dried ice cream, freeze-dried fruit, a dry powder to add to water for hydration and balancing of electrolytes, and chicken nugget space food. Students had the choice of what they wanted to try, and most tried at least one of the items. Lucas said she purchased all of the items from Amazon, except the freeze-dried fruit (100% fruit and no added sugar), which came from the Dollar Store.

It was no surprise the cod liver oil was the least favorite, despite the lemon flavor, but it was a surprise that the chicken nugget space food—that came in a squeezable tube—wasn’t horrible. Students found the texture of it to be more of an issue than the taste. Another surprise was the short ingredient list of the space food: chicken fillet, breading, egg mélange, oil, salt, powdered black pepper, and water.

“I hope these moments stick with my students and help them retain the information,” Lucas said. “My ultimate goal in all my health classes is for my students to be able to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real life and maintaining their own health.”

Students Share Research During Poster Sessions

Spoon River College students explored a range of topics during poster presentations held at the Canton Campus recently, including how unique sound effects in film are created, whether memory is affected by gender, and the pros and cons of various energy sources.

“The poster sessions give students the opportunity to find out more about topics they are truly interested in, and also gives them experience in researching and presenting,” said Amy Rutledge, Biology faculty and organizer of the event.

A total of 81 posters representing Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Introduction to Film, Microbiology, and Speech Communication were on display, with students being present to discuss and answer questions about their research.

“We appreciate everyone who attended and took the time to talk with the students. It makes such a difference to them when they are given the opportunity to discuss their research with others,” Rutledge said.

Matt Cruise’s “Carbon Farming” received an Honorable Mention as well as Best of Show. Honorable Mentions were also presented to Matt Rader, “Does Fast Food Mold?”; Elliot Dalpiaz, “Special Effects”; Esmeralda Uribe, “H1N1”; and Elena Dewees, “Sexism.” Each received a $25 SRC gift card, with Cruise receiving an additional $25 SRC gift card for the Best of Show award.

SRC employees Andrea Barbknecht, Jeannette Glover, and Allyson Smith served as the judges.

   Mason Rader                                  Elliot Dalpiaz

Alyssa Riggs October Student Shout-Out Award Recipient

Alyssa Riggs was the recipient of the Student Shout-Out Award for October at Spoon River College, and will receive a $100 Visa Gift Card. She was nominated for exemplifying the SRC core values of caring, responsibility, integrity, respect, and fairness.

“Alyssa shows responsibility by always attending class on time, completing her assignments early, asking questions when she needs help, volunteering to show her work to help others, and participating in all our discussions,” said Becca Werland, English faculty. “Alyssa is a single mom of an infant, and she also works while attending school. She hopes to become a nurse practitioner, and she does everything she can to make sure she is succeeding in all aspects of her life!”

Riggs is currently taking prerequisite classes in preparation for completing the Associate Degree in Nursing at Spoon River College. She then plans to transfer to Bradley University for the Master of Science-Family Nurse Practitioner degree.

The Student Shout-Out is an initiative that encourages any faculty or employee to nominate a student who deserves a special shout-out for exhibiting the core values of the college—caring, respect, integrity, fairness and responsibility—or going above and beyond to help others.

SRC Hosts Annual 10th Grade Career Expo at Canton Campus

More than 200 sophomores from Canton, Cuba, Lewistown, Valley and Farmington high schools attended the 10th Grade Career Expo hosted by Spoon River College at the Canton Campus on November 17.

The interactive event focused on four main career areas: health care/human and public services, arts and communication, agriculture/food/natural resources, and manufacturing/engineering/logistics. Presenters provided hands-on activities and shared information about their respective careers. Several of the businesses were represented in multiple career areas.

“Our presenters did a great job of giving students a look at the work they do, and we couldn’t do this event without them,” said Brandi Ketcham, advisor and event organizer. “Many high school students are still deciding what they want to do, and we hope events like this help them make that decision.”

Businesses attending were Advanced Rehab and Sports Medicine, Carl Sandburg College, Graham Medical Group, Graham Hospital, Law Office of Barnhart, Tinsman & Parrish, LTD., Fulfill Your Destiny Coaching, Canton Police Department, Fulton-Mason Crisis Service, Fulton County Emergency Medical Association, Cook Medical, Illinois State Museum-Dickson Mounds, Fulton County Farm Bureau, Martin Tractor, Oakdale Veterinary Center,  Mid-America National Bank, Hy-Vee Floral, Wildlife Prairie Park, WBYS, Fulton County U of I Extension, and Spoon River College. Several businesses represented multiple career options.

Pictures of the event can be viewed on the Spoon River College Facebook page.

SRC Hosts Annual 10th Grade Career Expo in Macomb

Approximately 300 sophomores from Bushnell Prairie City, Macomb, Rushville, and West Prairie high schools attended the annual 10^th Grade Career Expo hosted by Spoon River College at the Macomb Spoon River College Outreach Center on November 9.

The interactive event focused on four main career areas: health care/human and public services, arts and communication, agriculture/food/natural resources, and manufacturing/engineering/logistics. Presenters provided hands-on activities and shared information about their respective careers. Several of the businesses were represented in multiple career areas.

“Our presenters did a great job of giving students a look at the work they do while also providing both entertaining and informative hands-on activities that got the students’ attention,” said Karen Trusely, advisor and event organizer. “Hopefully it gave students some things to think about as they make decisions about their futures.”

The following businesses were in attendance, with several represented in multiple career areas: McDonough Telephone Cooperative, MidAmerica National Bank, Crafty Coop, Western Illinois University, Carl Sandburg College, Advanced Rehab, Hy-Vee, McDonough District Hospital, AMR, DOT Food, McDonough County U of I Extension, Corteva Agri Science Research Facility, Martin Tractor, Birkey’s, VIT School District, Macomb Fire Department, Catch A Star Learning Center, WIRC, Illinois State Police, and Spoon River College.

Pictures of the event can be viewed on the Spoon River College Facebook page.

CCC/SRC Alumni Association Awards Reception and Athletic Hall of Fame

The Canton Community College/Spoon River College Alumni Association hosted their annual Alumni Association Awards Reception and Athletic Hall of Fame Induction November 4 at the Spoon River College Canton Campus.

Bonnie Swedell was honored with the Distinguished SRC Retiree Award. Inspired by her high school business teacher, Swedell attended WIU for business on a full academic scholarship and earned a bachelor’s degree in 1964. She taught at Wethersfield High School in Kewanee before moving to Macomb and teaching there. In 1986, she began working part-time at Spoon River College, eventually joining as a full-time employee until she retired in 2021. In her capacity as an advisor, Swedell was known for developing close relationships with students and coworkers alike. She served in several roles at the college, and at the time of her retirement, was a TRIO advisor helping first generation students succeed.

William Thomas received the Distinguished Alumni Award. After graduating from SRC and Eureka College, Thomas earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of Chicago and did Post-Master’s Study in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Wisconsin, then began teaching at for the Stockton school district before returning to his alma mater as the associate director of admissions. His career has also included time as a principal for grades ECE-6^th, a senior partner and COO of The Laurasian Institution, and CEO of Teleologic Learning Company. Currently Thomas is the executive director of the Logan County Economic Development Partnership, chairman of the board of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, and director for the Illinois Route 66 National Scenic Byway Program Board. As a member of the Illinois Route 66 Association, he was appointed to the National U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission by President Biden in 2022.

Larry Peterson was recognized with the Outstanding Service Award. After graduating from Canton High School, Peterson enlisted in the Army and was deployed to Vietnam. His service earned him a Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, two Gold Stars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. When he returned from active duty and while working at Caterpillar, he began taking night classes at the college, earning his associate degree. He worked for the Canton Post Office from 1980 until 2007. He has volunteered for the Little Giants Booster Club and also coached youth and school sports. He became a mainstay in Canton sports and a positive role model for many young people, earning him the Little Giant Booster of the Year award. He is a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Purple Heart Association, Combat Infantry Association, VFW, AmVets, and the National Purple Heart Hall of Fame.

Recognized for Alumni Achievement Awards were Dr. Anthony Roberts, Stephanie and Wesley Carithers, Dr. Kayla Miller, and Julie Reeder.

Dr. Anthony Roberts, D.C., enrolled at SRC after graduating from VIT High School, then attended the Palmer College of Chiropractic, graduating in 1989 and opening a practice in Havana. A request to examine a horse led him to enroll in equine/feline/canine seminars and he now successfully treats two-legged and four-legged creatures of all types and is recognized in equestrian circles nationwide. Roberts serves on various boards including the SRC Foundation, Fulton County Playhouse, and is currently board chair of the Fulton County Rehabilitation Center and the Vermont Christian Church. Roberts is also known for his musical talents, and he shares them in a variety of community, high school, and college events, directs shows for major area theatre groups, and has traveled to Haiti to teach children music.

Stephanie and Wesley Carithers have been the owners of the Orchid Hill Farm near Lewistown since 2016. Stephanie, who has a master’s in occupational therapy from Belmont University, has worked in area nursing facilities, including Culberson Memorial Hospital in Rushville, where she was recognized as their Employee of the Year in 2022. She serves as the academic advisor and student health coordinator for the Astoria school district, and also teaches the Dance Team. Wes, who was recognized as the vocational student of the year while at SRC, teaches agriculture and shop classes at Astoria High School. He is also the Astoria Township supervisor. In both 2019 and 2020, the Orchid Hill Farm earned First Place Illinois Cider and First Place National Cider at the Illinois State Horticulture Society’s annual National Sweet Cider contests.

Dr. Kayla Miller continued at the University of Illinois at Springfield after graduating from SRC, and earned a bachelor’s degree, majoring in chemistry with a pre-medical concentration. She then earned a Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, and completed her residency at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Since then, Miller has worked at Mason District Hospital in Havana & Mason City Medical Associates as a physician in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. She also works as a Hospitalist for Emergency Physician Staffing Solutions, and as the Medical Director for the Mason City Area Nursing Home. Miller serves as a physician preceptor/mentor for students completing their IM/Pediatrics residency at OSF, and in the past has been involved in Bradley University’s mentorship program for pre-med students. She’s an avid supporter of St. Jude activities — both as a runner and as a volunteer — and has participated as an active member of Beta Sigma Phi, a community service organization for women.

Julie Reeder earned her associate degree from SRC before continuing at Illinois College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. She first worked for Affina before joining Graham Health Systems as a senior accountant in 2005. Reeder worked her way up, serving as decision support analyst, director of accounting, and finally as vice president of finance and chief financial officer in 2017. She has been active in several community organizations, including the Health and Wellness Connection of Fulton County, Little Giant Booster Club, YWCA of Canton, and Traveling Baseball, Traveling Softball, and JFL boards. She also earned a Master of Business Administration from Kaplan University in 2009.

The complete bios of the award recipients can be read on the News Bureau page at www.src.edu.

Larry Peterson, Dick Brown, Wes Carithers, Stephanie Carithers, Dr. Tony Roberts, Dr. Kayla Miller, William Thomas, and DeAndre Alexander. Not present were award recipients Julie Reeder and Bonnie Swedell.