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 Steve Leverton Named Associate Head Coach of Softball
Spoon River College athletic director John Bassett announced the addition of Steve Leverton to his coaching staff. Leverton will be the associate head coach for softball.
“I’ve known Coach Leverton for a long time. I’m entering my 15th year as a collegiate head coach and I’ve never met a better recruiter,” said Bassett. “I don’t think there is a secret to his success, he’s simply one of the most honest and genuine people you will ever meet. He’s passionate about the game of softball and cares about every player that has ever suited up for him. His passion and competitiveness are infectious and people want to be a part of his programs.”
Leverton comes to Spoon River College after a successful nine-year run at Heartland Community College, the last seven as head coach. He retired in July of 2020 with the title of winningest coach in school history. While there he led Heartland to six MWAC Championships, 304 wins with 199 as head coach, as well as coaching seven All-Americans, 49 Academic All-Americans, 53 Academic All-Conference, five MWAC Players of the Year, two MWAC Pitchers of the Year, three MWAC Freshman of the Year, one MWAC Female Athlete of the Year, one Lea Pulaski Award winner and numerous other All Region and All MWAC Players. He was also the 2016 MWAC Coach of the Year.
Leverton has also had success coaching and winning at the elite club level, winning a National Championship, a National Runner-up, three Class “A” State Championships, and numerous final four finishes at the state and national levels.
“We had a lot of success last year and I’m very excited to see what we can do this year after adding Coach Leverton to the mix,” said Bassett, who is the head coach for softball. Bill Towery serves as the assistant coach.
Leverton and wife Melissa are proud parents of six children and have five grandchildren.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on A Community College, a Reluctant Student, and Success
There are students who begin their college education knowing exactly what career path they want to take, and there are those who are uncertain. Ryan Spangler was one of the uncertain ones. Homeschooled until his senior year, attending college wasn’t at the top of his list.
“I knew I wanted to do something in agriculture but wasn’t sure what,” said Spangler. “I checked out a couple of trade schools but didn’t like where they were located. Mom said she didn’t care what I did, but that I had to do something.”
That something was Spoon River College. Spangler registered in the fall of 2013 with a goal of getting his applied science degree in agricultural business management. Coming from a farm family, it seemed the logical choice, even if not one he was overly excited about. “I was looking at college as something I could do while I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do.”
By the spring semester, Spangler was feeling differently about the college experience. “I started getting into the groove and it turned out to be a lot more fun than high school.” He was enjoying his classes, making new friends, and was active in PAS (Post-Secondary Agriculture Students). He had even switched from an applied science degree to a transfer degree.
Spangler’s hard work in his classes had also earned him an internship with Ag instructor Jeff Bash, working in the college’s outdoor garden classroom and selling the produce at the local farmer’s market. Later, his livestock judging skills—and his work ethic—got him tapped for a position as a teaching assistant in the Ag department.
Spangler was starting to realize that this was another perk of college; making connections could lead to future employment opportunities. When a local auctioneer and realtor was looking for help, Bash gave Spangler the phone number and said, “Call him.” Spangler made the call, got the job as an auction assistant—and eventually as the office manager—and also became interested in being a realtor himself.
“In Illinois, you have to be 21 to get a real estate license. I wasn’t old enough to take the exam, but I went ahead and started taking the classes anyway,” said Spangler. By then it was 2015. He was in his last year at Spoon River, still working at the real estate office and as a teaching assistant, and now also taking those real estate classes.
By 2017 Spangler was a licensed realtor, and it was while showing a house that he got a tip about another employment opportunity. Once again he made the call, and in 2018 he began working as a lab tech and farm manager for a veterinary service specializing in swine production and research. “The hours were long and the work wasn’t always pretty, but it paid the bills and offered insurance.”
That was important, because by this time, Spangler had met and married Ally, and the young couple were ready to grow their family.
During this time Spangler had also been taking online classes from Fort Hays State University. It had taken longer than planned, but in 2020 Spangler completed his bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness Management.
In February of this year, he accepted a job as a Commercial/Ag Loan Officer at MidAmerica National Bank in Canton. “I was excited to get the job. Their focus is on customer service and giving back to the community, which are two things that are also important to me.”
Spangler and Ally, along with daughter Memphis and son Denver, now reside on a small farm near Canton where raising sheep is a family affair.
Spangler is just 26 years old, and it wasn’t so long ago that he was the kid who didn’t know what he wanted to do. He has some advice for others who may be experiencing that same struggle.
“Just do it; take the class, make the call, accept the job. Work hard, be determined, be positive, and have an open mind. Give whatever you’re doing an honest, fair shot,” said Spangler, who at one time was holding down eight different jobs. “It may not be your ideal job, but it doesn’t have to be your forever job.”
Spangler said he was thankful for the guidance of Bash and Jim Caudle, also an Ag instructor during Spangler’s time as a student. “I have great memories of our outside labs (and four-wheeling!), being on the judging team, and attending the Louisville Expo and the National PAS Conference. I’m still in contact with people I met at those events. Turns out college was a great choice, and I feel like I’ve come full circle.”
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.
