Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on College Visit Day March 2 Will Feature Career and Workforce Education Programs
Spoon River College is hosting a College Visit Day on Tuesday, March 2 from 9 a.m. – noon in the Votech Building on the Canton Campus.
“We are excited to showcase some of our training programs which lead to high-skill, high-wages, and in-demand occupations,” said Brad O’Brien, dean of career and workforce education. “We expect these occupations to be among the drivers of an economic recovery.”
The College’s programs in Ag Business, Commercial Driver Training, Diesel and Power Systems Technology, and Welding will be featured. Information about applying for college, tuition, financial aid, and student life will be presented.
Attendees will also have the option for a campus tour, including the Snapper Villas, and will receive a free t-shirt.
Due to COVID-19, the number of people will be limited. Please call 309-649-6264 to RSVP.
This event is for people of all ages who are interested in learning about the career education programs at Spoon River College. High school students should inquire with their school about using a college visit day, and letters from the College confirming their attendance at the event will be provided to those students if needed.
Masks are required at Spoon River College for all students, staff, and visitors.
The Canton Campus is located at 23235 N County Hwy. 22.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on New Student Orientations Scheduled for August 17 and August 18
Orientations for new students starting the fall semester at Spoon River College will be held on Tuesday, August 17 at the Macomb Campus and on Wednesday, August 18 at the Canton Campus, both from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
The welcome and opening session in Macomb will be held in the Learning Resource Center, and in Canton in the Multi-Purpose Building. Following that, there will be breakout sessions and walking tours. Lunch will be provided, along with the chance to win door prizes, including a $100 Visa gift card.
“We encourage all new students to attend and take advantage of the opportunity to tour the college, get an overview of the support services available to them, and receive information about financial aid options, student clubs, and more,” said Janet Munson, director of enrollment services.
The fall session begins Monday, August 23, 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 Volunteer Tutors Needed for Students in GED Classes
Cyndi Johnston, coordinator of the adult education programs at Spoon River College, is seeking volunteers to tutor students in the GED classes at all four Spoon River College locations – Canton, Havana, Macomb and Rushville. No special education or degree is required, training is provided, and the hours are flexible.
“The only thing needed is compassion and a desire to help others,” said Johnston. “Our volunteers are a diverse group of all ages. Some are retired, some are still working, and all of them are a vital part of this program’s success.”
Johnston said that those who are uncomfortable tutoring face-to-face can still volunteer and help students remotely.
Both morning and evening GED classes will be offered in Canton, Havana, and Macomb, with class times from 9:00 a.m. − 12 noon and 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. The Rushville Center will offer evening classes only from 5 p.m−8 p.m.
In addition to GED classes, the adult education program at Spoon River College also offers ESL (English as a Second Language) at the Macomb Campus on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and at the Rushville Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
For more information about being a volunteer tutor or about the adult literacy program, contact Johnston at (309) 833-6038 or email cyndi.johnston@src.edu.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Fast Track Registration Underway, Extended Hours Begin August 9
Fast Track Registration for the 2021 Fall semester is currently underway at all Spoon River College locations and will continue until August 20. In addition, extended hours will be observed August 9-11 and August 16-18 (Monday- Wednesday) at both the Canton and Macomb campuses. During that time the advising, financial aid, and business offices will be open until 6 p.m. On Thursday and Friday of those weeks, the college will be open regular hours of 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Regular 16-week classes and the first session of 8-week classes start August 23, and a 12-week session of classes starts September 20.
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 2, 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.
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 Kent Jones Hired as Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach
Spoon River College has announced the hiring of Kent Jones as the new assistant men’s basketball coach.
“I am excited to start a new journey with Spoon River College men’s basketball program and to be coaching alongside Coach Chance Jones. I would like to thank Spoon River College President Oldfield, Athletic Director Bassett, hiring committee, and Coach Chance Jones for the opportunity to be a part of a new experience in my coaching career. I am honored and thrilled to be a part of the Spoon River College family. I am eager to get started and help make the Spoon River men’s basketball program, players, and community a success. I have been coaching basketball and baseball in Abingdon for 23 years and can’t wait for this new challenge.”
Jone’s coaching experience started in 1999, when he was hired to coach Junior High Boys Basketball for Abingdon Junior High School. He was the 7th grade coach from 1999-2005, winning two regional titles. From 2005-2011, he was an assistant varsity boys’ basketball coach, assisting in winning two regional titles and a Sweet 16 appearance.
In 2012, Jones became the varsity boys’ basketball head coach for Abingdon High School, compiling a varsity coaching record of 150-89, winning a regional championship in 2015, seven regional final appearances, and 2019 Prairieland Conference champions. He was named IBCA district coach of the year in 2015, and was also named Galesburg Register Mail Coach of the Year in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Jones also coached baseball in Abingdon, where he was a part of three straight sweet 16 appearances and back to back Elite 8 runs.
Jones graduated from Abingdon High School in 1993. He then went on to play at Carl Sandburg Community College and earned an associate degree in science. He continued his playing career at Division II Limestone College in Gaffney, SC., playing for 2 years 1995-1997.
SRC Head Coach Chance Jones commented, “I’m extremely excited to announce the hiring of Kent to our program. He brings a ton of coaching experience and success to the program, as well as playing experience at the college level. He’s done a phenomenal job at every position, and I believe our student athletes will benefit greatly from his leadership.”
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on MidAmerica National Bank, Spoon River College Collaborate on Gymnasium Name
Spoon River College’s gymnasium now has a new name – the MidAmerica National Bank Gymnasium.
The name change is part of a long-term sponsorship agreement between Spoon River College, the Spoon River College Foundation, and MidAmerica National Bank. The agreement includes a 20-year naming rights period in exchange for a significant gift from MidAmerica to the SRC Foundation.
“MidAmerica National Bank (MNB) has valued our longstanding partnership with Spoon River College (SRC) and the SRC Foundation,” said Mitch Coonradt, Vice President at MNB and chair of the Foundation from 2018-2021. “The last few years have been pivotal to the future of SRC. The addition of affordable on-campus student housing, state-of-the-art Multi-Purpose Building, and a baseball and softball complex has made SRC a premier choice for many students in our area. It is my opinion, with the addition of these assets, SRC has been thrust into a Renaissance period as the College continues to provide one of the best community college experiences inside and outside of the classroom. MNB is very grateful for the opportunity to support an organization like SRC. MNB believes SRC is a vital part of our communities and looks forward to the success of SRC and the students it serves.”
The gymnasium joins the MidAmerica National Bank Conference Hall in SRC’s Macomb Outreach Center, which was so named following a gift from MNB approximately ten years ago.
“MNB has consistently been one of the college’s biggest supporters and largest donors for decades. MNB also consistently demonstrates leadership in the community through all of the local causes it supports,” said Curt Oldfield, President of SRC. “Whether it’s their Senior of the Month promotions across the area, their support of the Canton High School Band, their annual fireworks fundraisers, or a gift of this magnitude to SRC, their support of local causes proves that they believe in our local communities, and we’re grateful for their generosity and appreciate the chance to partner with them on so many projects to provide excellent educational opportunities to our communities.”
MidAmerica National Bank President/CEO Rick Klinedinst praised SRC in return.
“MidAmerica values the longstanding relationship between Spoon River College and their Foundation,” said Klinedinst, who is also a graduate of SRC. “I have always considered SRC the heartbeat of our communities, as they play a vital part in the quality of life in our markets. We have sponsored many activities and projects throughout the years and this latest request was one of the most important to continue that heartbeat and their permanence in our communities. SRC has touched so many lives since they began, and this new project will make their ripple effect even wider and stronger. We never hesitate to partner with SRC and look forward to their continued success.”
MNB’s generous gift was utilized in part to help launch the inaugural seasons for the reboot of SRC’s women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball teams.
Thanks to gifts from MNB and other friends of SRC, the three new teams had successful inaugural seasons. The Snappers’ men’s basketball team was particularly successful in their first year, earning a co-conference championship and a national ranking as high as eighth during the season. The Snappers featured one All-American (T.C. Wright), two all-region players (Wright and Dailiss Cox), and the Midwest Athletic Conference Coach of the year, Chance Jones.
Additionally, funds are being utilized to help seed new fundraising initiatives for the SRC Foundation and helping the SRC Foundation get back in touch with SRC alumni.
“The SRC Board of Trustees entrusted the Foundation with securing the resources to re-launch these athletics programs to help draw more students to SRC both locally and beyond, and we couldn’t have made it happen without MNB’s generous commitment and belief in our vision,” said Colin Davis, Executive Director of the SRC Foundation. “The additional fundraising initiatives will allow us to expand our prospective donor pool and bring in new funds to help us provide resources to SRC and its students. MNB’s generosity literally transforms our direction and puts us on a path to success for decades to come.”
As conditions allow, MidAmerica National Bank Gymnasium will host athletics games and practices, student recreation, athletic events in partnership with local high schools and traveling teams, SRC commencement exercises, and other events. As COVID-19 restrictions continue, fan capacity information will be communicated on an event-by-event basis.
These naming rights extend solely to the gymnasium. Naming rights to the Spoon River College Multi-Purpose Building, which contains the gymnasium, other facilities within the building, and other facilities on all SRC campuses and centers are available. Additionally, advertising opportunities within MidAmerica National Bank Gymnasium are available, with funds benefitting Snapper athletic programs. Interested businesses, individuals, or organizations may inquire with the SRC Foundation. Please note that, while a range of options are available, all naming rights opportunities are guided by the Naming Rights Policy jointly approved by the SRC Board of Trustees and the SRC Foundation Board.
Members of MidAmerica National Bank’s executive team and SRC/SRC Foundation leadership unveil the MidAmerica National Bank Gynmasium. Front: Tom Claudon, Susan Miller, Mitchell Coonradt (former SRC Foundation Chair), Jan Dowell; Back: Bob Watkins, Tom Sandman, Rick Klinedinst, Curt Oldfield (SRC President), Colin Davis (SRC Foundation Executive Director), Rick Imhoff.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on President’s Reception Honors Donors
Spoon River College hosted their annual President’s Reception to honor donors who have reached specific levels of cumulative giving to the SRC Foundation, as well as those who established new named endowed scholarships in both 2019 and 2020 (last year’s event was not held due to COVID-19). This year’s event was held June 24 at the Canton Campus, with the following donors being recognized.
2019 Friend ($1,000 – $4,999): Ellen Armstrong, Brendon M. Bauman, Canton Helping Hands Resale Shoppe, Daryle and Alan Coleman, Denise and Art Kirgan, Staci and Chad Mayall, Judith Nolan, Robert G. Senneff (FACHE), Melissa and William Towery, Andrea and David Barbknecht, The Family of David L. Bishop, Darren and Lisa Gardner, Mandren Kreps, Mid Century Fiber, Andy and Jill Schroeder, and Jim Sheff.
2020 Friends: Robert C. Baker, Derron Lee Bishop, Salinda Jo and Steve Branson, Edward and Betty Georgieff, Laura Swanson Leezer, Patrick and Maria O’Brian, P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter LY, John and Laura Parkinson, Peggy Lou Pschirrer, Spoon River Antique Agricultural Association, Tarter Feed and Fertilizer Service, Unland Insurance and Benefits, Teresa and Jim Welch, Damon Bishop, Loren and Carol Blackfelner, Digital Copy Systems, LLC, Robin and Nels Henry, Heather and Bill Myers, Jill Olson, Dr. Roland G. Pettit, Aaron and Lisa Quick, and Shirley Wicevich and Ed Hoffman.
2019 Ambassador ($5,000 – $9,999): Nadine Groves, and Town and Country Insurance Agency.
2020 Ambassador: Hy-Vee, Inc., Maurer-Stutz, Inc., Fred and Sharon Odendahl, Roger and Anne Taylor, and William and Joyce Ulmer.
2019 Benefactor ($10,000 – $24,000): Ray and Emily Cleer, Henry and Cheryl Dare, Drs. Tom and Robin Hines, Curt and Pattie Oldfield, and Marianne and Robert Reading.
2020 Benefactor: Charles and Carol Haggerty.
2019 Honorary Director: ($25,000 – $49,000): Gene and Evelyn Wrestler, and Gregory Zaborac.
2020 Honorary Director: GROWMARK, Inc., and Marianne and Robert Reading.
2019 President’s Council ($50,000 – $99,000): Robert and Elizabeth Champlin, and the Illinois Community College System Foundation.
2019 New Permanent Endowed Scholarships: The Ray and Emily Cleer Scholarship, The Cheryl Dare Memorial Scholarship, The Vickie Murphy Memorial Scholarship, and The Marianne and Robert Reading Scholarship.
2020 New Permanent Endowed Scholarships: The Donald E. Bell Scholarship, and The David L. Bishop Memorial Scholarship.
“I appreciate the support of community members, alumni, and businesses who have given to the SRC Foundation,” said Spoon River College president Curt Oldfield. “These generous gifts allow us to continue to offer high quality academic programs and provide scholarships to students in order to help our students and our communities succeed.”
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Janet Young Begins as New Director of SRC Rushville Center
Janet Young is the new director of the Spoon River College Rushville Center following the retirement of Rob Kirkham, who held that position for the past 12 years.
While Young may be new to the director’s position, she’s no stranger to Spoon River College. She began working there in 2003 in the Adult Education department for the Teen Mother’s program, where she offered support and education to young mothers to better prepare them for parenting duties as they finished high school. Later she took a position as an advisor for the GED program in Macomb and Rushville.
“I enjoyed those positions, and found it rewarding to watch students grow and reach their goals. The Adult Education Department is a very supportive department and we worked closely together to support our GED students, always encouraging them to expand their goals and reach for the stars,” Young said.
“And like my students, it was a tough decision to break out of my comfort zone and try something new. But with encouragement from co-workers and family, I decided to spread my wings.”
Young’s former supervisor and current director of the Adult Education program Chad Murphy was among those who encouraged her to try something different.
“Janet is a great fit for Rushville. She is passionate, driven, organized and above all, student centered. She puts her heart and soul into making sure that all students have the opportunity to succeed. She will be missed in Adult Ed., but we are happy she is still at SRC.”
Young is also not new to the Rushville community. She was employed at Schuyler Counseling and Health Services as a Birth to Three parent educator in 1986 after she received her bachelor’s degree.
“Rushville is a growing small town with a lot to offer families, and I am honored to be back here and excited about continuing the high quality educational support that Spoon River College has to offer the Rushville community. We have programs for all ages, everything from Summer Youth, dual credit classes at RIHS, associate degrees, certificate programs and community education programs. I am committed to helping Rushville grow, assisting the community to meet any educational and training needs they may have, and building relationships with the local businesses. My door will always be open and I am eager to hear what anyone would like to learn more about.”
Young has also been previously employed as a Parent Educator for VIT Elementary and a Family Case Manager for the McDonough County Health Department. She has a BS degree from WIU in Family and Consumer Sciences and a MS in Early Childhood Education. She and her husband Steve have lived and farmed in Vermont for the past 36 years and enjoy spending time with daughters Cassandra Lancaster and Amanda Trone and their grandchildren.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Nursing Students Successfully Complete First Year
Having successfully completed the first year of nursing school at Spoon River College, these students are officially halfway to the goal of earning an Associate Degree in Nursing.
Besides the Associate Degree in Nursing, the program also offers a Practical Nurse Certificate and a Nurse Assistant Certificate. Based on NCLEX pass rates, the Spoon River College nursing program has been ranked one of the best in the nation, and the LPN program has been ranked number one in Illinois. Classes are available at both the Canton and Macomb campuses.
For those interested in applying for the fall semester, the last date for TEAS and NACE testing is July 14. Testing for the fall of 2022 will resume in mid-October, with specific dates and times to be announced.
For more information about the program or the testing process, visit www.src.edu or call 309-647-4645.
Pictured are (front, l-r) Taylor Sims, Mackenzie Rhoads, Katy Bucco, Sydnee George, Brook Massingale, Kara Taylor, Emily Connett, Tara Murphy and (back row) Madison Merritt, Mindy Miller, Mary Rose, Alexandrea Neve, Cassidy Locke, Emerald DeWitt, Dana Wesley, and Mary King. Individual pictures of the students can be viewed on the Spoon River College Facebook page.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on SRC Community Chorus Presents the Musical World of Disney Revue August 5-8
The SRC Community Chorus returns to the stage for the first time in two years featuring the original revue The Musical World of Disney. Direction and script are by Carol Davis with musical direction and arrangements by Tony Roberts. The full-length production, with over 45 singers, technicians, and band members, features songs from Disney animated movies, live action films, and Broadway productions.
The Musical World of Disney will be presented in the Taylor Hall theater on the Spoon River College Canton Campus. The four evening performances on August 5-8 begin at 7:30 p.m. with an additional matinee performance on Sunday, August 8, at 2:30 p.m. Seats are $10 per person.
Seating can be reserved by calling (309) 649-6260 Monday through Thursday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. A confirmation email will be sent once payment has been approved by credit or debit card.
For safety and comfort, reserved seating is limited to 75 per performance. The reserved seating will be arranged in groups guaranteeing that those who order together can sit together. All tickets will be sold in advance and no tickets will be available at the door. Due to the length of the production, the show is not recommended for those under the age of nine.
Performers include Aja Lawson, Cecily Pearson, Carla Bobell, Corrinna Markland, Janet Munson, Lindsey Larson, Melissa Walker, Sara Mathis, Stacy Smith, Susan Juliusson, Tori Albanito, Sue Smith, Tammy Weaver, Charlene Kornoski-Duvall, Andrea Barbknecht, Natalie Orwig, Aaron Haacke, Alex Smith, Bruce Beal, Chad Murphy, Tony Roberts, Clay Klinedinst, John Davis, Mike Varnes, Trygve Meade, Ron Smith. Douglas Okey serves as Master of Ceremonies. Lindsey Larson and Alex Smith serve as assistant directors.
The SRC Community Chorus is a fundraising arm of the SRC Foundation raising funds for SRC student scholarships through the performing arts. The production is partially funded by a grant from the Two Rivers Arts Council, the Illinois Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
