Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Foundation Golf Outing Raises Over $25,000
The totals are in from the 32nd annual Spoon River College Foundation Golf Outing, which was held Friday, August 8 at Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills Country Club. This year’s outing raised more than $25,600.
“The SRC Foundation wouldn’t be able to help so many students remove barriers to their education and success without the support of the local communities we serve,” said Dusty Berg, Director of the Spoon River College Foundation. “The golf outing is a wonderful example of that community support, and this year was hot in more ways than one!”
In all, more than 50 businesses and organizations from the SRC District and beyond sponsored the outing, and 28 teams competed in the event. More than 30 business also donated prizes for the various skill challenges and raffles.
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 was comprised of MidAmerica National Bank employees Zack Krulac, Aden Emery, Ryan Spangler, and RJ Trimpe.
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), the chance to utilize a golf ball cannon, donated and built by Mike Krulac, opportunities for prizes at with the Wheel of Fortune, and a chance to win $100 at the chipping game.
“Thank you to our Ace Sponsors Cook Medical, Corporate Clean, Digital Copy Systems, Pella Corporation, Quick Electrical Contractors, Randy McMillen Re/Max, Unland Insurance & Benefits, and Q98.1/94.1BYS. Their partnerships with the SRC Foundation make it possible for local students to overcome financial challenges and focus on succeeding in the classroom with better outcomes for the students and the Spoon River College community,” said Berg.
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.
Next year’s event is tentatively scheduled for August 7, 2026. To learn more about the SRC Foundation, call (309) 649-6395, e-mail foundation@src.edu, or go to www.src.edu/foundation.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Graham Health System Invests $250,000 in Spoon River College’s Macomb Campus to Support Nursing and Allied Health Learning Lab
Graham Health System Invests $250,000 in Spoon River College’s Macomb Campus
Funding Will Support Development of State-of-the-Art Nursing and Allied Health Learning Lab
Canton, IL — Graham Health System is investing $250,000 in Spoon River College’s new Macomb campus to support a shared vision for growing the region’s healthcare workforce. The investment will fund the development of the Spoon River College School of Nursing and Allied Health Learning Lab, reinforcing an academic partnership that creates a clear pathway from RN certification to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the Graham Hospital College of Nursing.
Through this collaborative effort, students will complete their general education and RN coursework through Spoon River College’s nursing program, then have the opportunity to transfer into the newly developed BSN program at Graham’s College of Nursing. This model supports affordability, accessibility, and long-term retention of healthcare professionals within Fulton, McDonough and Mason Counties – the shared service area of both institutions.
“This investment is about building a strong foundation for future caregivers,” said Bob Senneff, CEO of Graham Health System. “Together with Spoon River College, we’re creating an affordable, local path into nursing – one that allows students to stay close to home while preparing to serve their own communities. We were able to fund a $500,000 scholarship at SRC two years ago, and our plans are to continue to invest in the college, and in education throughout the region we both are blessed to call home. This partnership also addresses critical workforce needs across a wide range of healthcare fields, not just in nursing but also in areas such as laboratory sciences, imaging, and other allied health professions. By expanding educational opportunities and clinical training resources, the new Allied Health Learning Lab will help develop a broader pipeline of skilled professionals ready to meet the growing demands of today’s healthcare system.”
While the initial focus is on core healthcare programs, the Allied Health Learning Lab is designed to grow and adapt as the healthcare field evolves, with the potential to incorporate technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) in the future.
“This is exactly the kind of collaboration our region needs,” said Dr. Curt Oldfield, President of Spoon River College. “We’re grateful for Graham Health System’s support and proud to work alongside them to invest in students, strengthen the healthcare workforce, and adapt to emerging healthcare needs.”
At its core, this partnership is about more than education it’s about investing in people. By creating a strong local pipeline of healthcare professionals, Spoon River College and Graham Health System are building a healthier future for the region one student, one nurse, and one community at a time.
Graham Health System provides quality patient care in our hospital, located in Canton, Illinois and our 12 Medical Group Clinics serving patients throughout Central and Western Illinois, with operations in five counties: Fulton, Knox, Mason, McDonough and Peoria.
Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in West Central Illinois dedicated to providing students a quality education. Spoon River College serves students in a 1,566 square mile area including portions of Fulton, McDonough, Mason, Schuyler and Knox counties.
Graham Health System is investing $250,000 in Spoon River College’s Macomb Campus to support development of a state-of-the-art Nursing and Allied Health Learning Lab. Pictured are Holly Norton, VP at SRC; Becky Sherwood, Director of Nursing at SRC; Michelle Daly, Senior VP of Clinic Operations at GHS; Wyatt Baxter, PA-C, Director of Advanced Practice Providers at GHS; Robert Senneff, CEO at GHS; Kevin Meade, SRC Board of Trustees; Dr. Curt Oldfield, President at SRC; Melissa Worley, SRC Foundation Board Treasurer; Glenda Bryan, SRC Foundation Board Secretary; Shelley Runyan, SRC Foundation Board member; Melissa Miller, Dean at SRC; and Dusty Berg, Foundation Director at SRC.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Fall 2025 College Visit Days Scheduled at Spoon River College
Spoon River College will host College Visit Days on both the Canton and Macomb campuses. Canton dates are Tuesday, September 16, 9-11 a.m., Wednesday, October 15, 9-11 a.m., and Tuesday, December 2, 1-3 p.m.
Macomb dates are Thursday, September 18, 9-11 a.m., Monday, October 13, 9-11 a.m., and Tuesday, December 2, 9-11 a.m.
The September 16 date in Canton and the October 13 date in Macomb will feature Career and Technical Education programs.
College Visit Days are 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, including the different degrees and short-term certificates each program offers.
Attendees will hear from advisors and financial aid specialists, and receive information about the application process, tuition costs, 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.
RSVPs are encouraged, and can be made here College Visit Day RSVP or by calling 309-649-6400 (Canton) or 309-833-6069 (Macomb).
The Canton Campus is located at 23235 N. County Hwy. 22, and the Macomb Campus is located at 2500 East Jackson Street.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Announces Summer 2025 Graduates
Spoon River College congratulates the following individuals who have completed graduation requirements and received degrees and/or certificates during the 2025 summer semester.
Astoria: Mariah Allard, Practical Nursing Certificate; Jessica Fackrell, Associate in Arts; Kooper Jones, Basic Commercial Driver Training Certificate; Jenna Kinne, Practical Nursing Certificate; Denise Perry, Practical Nursing Certificate; Kloey Tanner, Associate Degree in Nursing; Jacob Wommack, Associate in Applied Science/Computer Information Systems;
Cambridge: Rowdy Beam, Basic Commercial Driver Training Certificate;
Canton: Hanna Anderson-Nuttall, Associate in Science; TaShina Baker, Practical Nursing Certificate; Drew Freeman, Associate in General Studies; Ella Goforth, Associate in Arts; Jonathan Hedges, Certificates in Agricultural Business Management and Agricultural Production; Chloe Hill, Practical Nursing Certificate; Katherine Jett, Associate in Science; Stormy Johnson, Medical Assistant Certificate; Bryson Kessinger, Practical Nursing Certificate; Erynn Lundeen, Practical Nursing Certificate; Brady Mayall, Associate in Arts; Abigail McCartney, Associate in Arts; Samantha Pratt, Associate in Applied Science/Health Information Management and Certificates in Medical Coding and Medical Insurance/Billing; Trinity Rilea, Associate in General Studies; Leah Scharping, Associate in Arts; Jamaica Walker, Associate in Arts; Alexandra Walters, Practical Nursing Certificate; Ryleigh Watson, Associate in General Studies; Andriea West, Associate in Science;
Davenport, IA: Jason Jack, Associate in Arts;
El Dorado, KS: Ignacio Nascimento Zschaeck, Associate in Arts;
Galesburg: Cody Park, Commercial Driver Training Certificate;
Galva: Jacob Conrad, Basic Commercial Driver Training Certificate;
Gilson: Zachary Hopkins, Basic Commercial Driver Training Certificate;
Glasford: Georgie Bessler, Associate in Applied Science/Health Information Management; Certificates in Medical Coding, Medical Insurance/Billing, Medical Records, and Phlebotomy Technician;
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Chicago Artist Creates Mural for New Macomb Campus
Macomb, IL – Chicago artist Sheryl Nieman has created the mural that will greet visitors as they walk into the new Spoon River College Campus in Macomb. The decorative art is done in an abstract style and the brilliantly colored landscape imitates a stained-glass window. “The intention of the piece is to engage and draw a person into the community, and mimicking a stained-glass effect accentuates the atrium feeling of the room,” Nieman said.
From start to finish, the piece took four months to complete, and Nieman said the actual painting took her two months to complete. After being transported in several pieces to the college, it was hung in one day by Nieman and three carpenters.
“It was my aim to use value as a way to infuse light into the piece similar to an actual stained-glass window, while also creating an element of surprise through pops of color. The landscape subject matter was chosen as a way to symbolize the timeless theme of inspiring a world of possibilities, a beautiful future using one’s education to make a difference.”
Nieman has been painting and teaching art around the world for more than 25 years, and her work can be found in both residential and commercial spaces. She specializes in murals/branding, mosaics, fine art, and pour paintings. You can view more of her artwork at SherylNiemanArt
The painting was commissioned through the Art-in-Architecture program, created by the Illinois General Assembly as part of the Capital Development Board in 1977, which requires a piece of art to adorn any public building undergoing a major renovation or construction using state funds. Artists are selected and commissions are awarded based upon the recommendation of the Fine Arts Review Committee, representing the Client Agency, designing architecture firm, Illinois Art Council, and the Illinois State Museum. The works of art that have been created through the program create a permanent art collection for the people of the state of Illinois.
Spoon River College is hosting a ribbon-cutting for the new campus on Wednesday, September 3, at 3 p.m. The campus is located at 2500 East Jackson Street.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River Community College Hosting Ribbon-Cutting for New Campus in Macomb September 3
Macomb, IL. – Spoon River College will hold a ribbon-cutting for their new Macomb Campus on Wednesday, September 3, at 3 p.m. The event will celebrate the renovation of the facility, which the college purchased in 2006 and that currently houses the SRC Office of Community Outreach. It is located at 2500 E. Jackson Street.
The event will start with a welcome and comments from Spoon River College President Dr. Curt Oldfield, as well as Macomb city officials and state representatives, followed by refreshments and tours of the building. The public is invited to the event.
“We have waited a long time for the day when we could have all of our Macomb operations at one location, and that day is finally here,” said Dr. Curt Oldfield, President of Spoon River College. “We can now expand our existing career programs, including Nursing, and build new programs, with HVAC and Industrial Maintenance at the top of the list. The increase in the number of students in those programs will be significant in terms workforce preparation in West Central Illinois.”
The Community Outreach Center, which has been housed at the location since 2009, has become a vital part of the Macomb community, offering a place not only for college events and Outreach classes, but also as a rental facility for community and business events. “That won’t change,” said Oldfield. “The Outreach Center will continue to function as it always has for the community.”
Funding for the project included a Rebuild Illinois grant for $6.2 million, approximately $1 million from congressionally appropriated funds to support the expansion of rural health care, and $10 million in local funds. Hein Construction was the lead contractor, and work began in July of 2024.
Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in West Central Illinois dedicated to providing students a quality education. With campuses in Canton and Macomb, and Learning Centers in Havana and Rushville, Spoon River College serves students in a 1,566 square miles area including portions of Fulton, McDonough, Mason, Schuyler and Knox counties.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Connor McCabe: From Oklahoma to Canton to A Dream Job
“None of this would have ever happened, if it weren’t for a little college in a little town, nestled in the cornfields of Illinois. You never know where the greatest treasures lie, so look everywhere.”
Connor McCabe of Oklahoma came to Spoon River College to enroll in the Diesel and Power Systems Technology program. With a passion for all things rail related, he had a specific interest in the Locomotive Mechanical Certificate, offered through the DPST program and possible through a unique partnership with Johnson Community College and their NARS (National Academy of Railroad Sciences) certified training program. Now the 2024 graduate is back in Oklahoma working as a locomotive mechanic at South Kansas and Oklahoma RR.
“SRC’s diesel program is second to none, with the most knowledgeable and experienced mechanics you’ll ever meet. You can walk in on day one with zero knowledge of anything mechanical, and graduate with the ability to work on anything that has an engine, hydraulic system, electrical system, you name it!”
Connor’s mother posted this on the college’s FB page: “Our son graduated over a year ago. We still consider SRC an incredible school for an affordable price. He has a terrific job (secured before graduation), was trained incredibly well, and gets to earn a living doing exactly what he loves to do.”
As for leaving home and traveling 700 miles to a small rural community college, Connor had this to say: “I’m glad I came. Moving hundreds of miles away from home to a place where you know no one and no one knows you forces you to rapidly discover what you’re capable of, and who you are as a person. Don’t write the flyover states off as boring! Illinois has some of the most interesting, intelligent and hardworking people I’ve ever met, with some of neatest cities and towns, too; lots of them look like paintings waiting to be made.”
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Ariana Reynoso Follows Her Passion for Welding
Ariana Reynoso of Colchester was only 7 years-old when her grandfather enlisted her help with a welding job on a tractor. “I was terrified, but I was also hooked.” That moment in time led her to enroll in SRC’s welding program as a dual credit student. This past May, she graduated job ready with a Basic Welding Certificate.
Ariana is no longer terrified by welding, and actually finds it calming. “It’s almost Zen-like.”
She plans to combine her passion for iron work with her passion for driving, and travel to wherever the jobs are. “I love driving and have already visited 27 states. I can talk to anyone and I make friends easily.”
A family member who had already completed SRC’s welding program—and who now works at PELLA—encouraged her to enroll. “I’m so glad I choose this program. Chuck Harris is an amazing instructor and makes it enjoyable. This class was my favorite part of the day, and I would encourage others who are interested to go for it!”
Ariana is one of the 13 dual credit students from Macomb and West Prairie high schools who completed the program. For more information about our welding program, visit Welding Program Information. For more information about our dual credit program for high school students, visit Dual Credit Information
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Cassidy Tarter: From Canton to Montana and Living Her Dream
Cassidy Tarter is living her dream as an Associate Veterinarian at the Treasure Veterinary Service in Hysham, Montana, where she spends her days tending animals both big and small, from cattle to cats.
“My passion for animals started when I was young, and I knew then I wanted to be a veterinarian and work with animals.”
Cassidy was active in FFA during her time at Canton High School—she was recognized as a Star Chapter Farmer—and continued that passion at SRC as an active member of the National Professional Agriculture Student Association (PAS), serving as President and participating in PAS related events. One of her favorite memories of those events is of competing in the job interview category two years in a row—and winning first place both times. Cassidy has also been honored with the American FFA Degree, something less than 1% of FFA members and alumni receive.
After completing an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree and a certificate in Agricultural Precision Technology at SRC, she transferred to the WIU School of Agriculture where she was in the Sigma Alpha Professional Ag Sorority, Hoof N Horn Club, and Collegiate Farm Bureau. She graduated with a B.S. in Agricultural Science with a Minor in Chemistry. Cassidy completed her journey with a DVM degree from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2023.
Her move to Montana was the result of an internship opportunity that she applied for. It was delayed one year due to COVID, but in 2021 she was finally able to complete the 3-week program, and that was enough time for her to fall in love with the state and secure permanent employment.
When not working, Cassidy can be found reading, or exploring Montana either on horseback or dirt bike. She also enjoys hiking and shed hunting with her three dogs.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Fall 2025 College Visit Days Scheduled at Spoon River College
Spoon River College will host College Visit Days on both the Canton and Macomb campuses. Canton dates are Tuesday, September 16, 9-11 a.m., Wednesday, October 15, 9-11 a.m., and Tuesday, December 2, 1-3 p.m.
Macomb dates are Thursday, September 18, 9-11 a.m., Monday, October 13, 9-11 a.m., and Tuesday, December 2, 9-11 a.m.
The September 16 date in Canton and the October 13 date in Macomb will feature Career and Technical Education programs.
College Visit Days are 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, including the different degrees and short-term certificates each program offers.
Attendees will hear from advisors and financial aid specialists, and receive information about the application process, tuition costs, 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.
RSVPs are encouraged. RSVP Here or by calling 309-649-6400 (Canton) or 309-833-6069 (Macomb).
The Canton Campus is located at 23235 N. County Hwy. 22, and the Macomb Campus is located at 2500 East Jackson Street.
