Graham Health System Launches Scholarship Program at SRC with $500,000 Gift

In a collaborative effort to create a scholarship program that invests in the local community, Graham Health System has donated $500,000 to launch a new scholarship program that could guarantee employment to its recipients upon the completion of their studies at Spoon River College.

Beginning in the Spring 2022 semester, the Graham Health System Scholarship for the Advancement of Rural Healthcare, administered by the SRC Foundation, will be available to students who plan to pursue certain areas of study at SRC.  In exchange for a scholarship that may cover the entire cost of tuition, fees, books, materials, and potentially other expenses, the recipient will agree to work for Graham Health System for a period of time after graduation.

“It is part of our mission to support the community, and this partnership allows us to do so. We are proud to support SRC and future healthcare professionals. One of the keys to our long-term success as a thriving independent health system has been our ability to retain and recruit great employees and providers. This scholarship allows us to assist aspiring healthcare professionals at a time when a student’s finances should never be a barrier to their dreams,” said Bob Senneff, President and CEO of Graham Health System.

Eligible programs of study at SRC include, but are not necessarily limited to: Nursing, Health Information Management, Computer Information Systems, Emergency Medical Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Industrial Maintenance, and all related degree/certificate programs.

“Graham Health System is one of the largest employers in the SRC District and a major employer of SRC alumni,” said Curt Oldfield, President of SRC.  “While student success is always the primary goal at SRC, developing avenues for community partnerships and meeting the needs of local employers is one of SRC’s most important goals.  Graham’s vision and support is a win-win for Graham, for SRC students, and for the community.  We look forward to many years of this partnership and other, future collaborations with Graham.”

In addition to supporting future employment needs at Graham, this new scholarship program helps to alleviate financial need among a portion of SRC’s student body where the need is often significant.

“In our effort to help to provide excellent educational opportunities at SRC, one issue the SRC Foundation has been trying to address is the need for scholarship funding among programs that may not qualify for traditional financial aid such as Pell Grants,” said Colin Davis, Executive Director of the SRC Foundation.  “Despite an SRC education being a relative bargain, the upfront cost to pursue a degree or certification can be a significant barrier.  Graham’s foresight and generosity will help to break down these barriers for a number of individuals in our community, and we’re so grateful to Bob Senneff, Holly Henline, and the Graham Hospital Board of Trustees – with a special nod to Kevin Meade, who serves as a Trustee for both Graham and SRC – for this opportunity.”

Applications will become available on or around September 15 and be available on a rolling basis.  Current and future SRC students will be eligible.  More information on the scholarship, including how to apply, will be forthcoming at www.src.edu/grahamscholarship.

To learn more about SRC, the SRC Foundation, and Graham Health System, please visit www.src.edu, www.src.edu/foundation, and www.grahamhealthsystem.org/.

SRC Chorus and SRC Theatre Present The Guys

In commemoration of the 20^th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. and to honor first responders, The SRC Community Chorus and SRC Theatre jointly announce the production of THE GUYS, a two-person play written by Anne Nelson.

The production will be presented on September 10, 11 @ 7:00 p.m., and 12 @ 3:00 p.m., 2021 in the SRC Theatre in Taylor Hall on the Canton Campus.  The cast features Douglas Okey as Nick and Carol Davis as Joan.

Seating is limited to 40 people per performance.  Reservations are required and may be made by completing the show form at www.src.edu/chorus.  You may also call (309) 649-6260 between 8:30 – 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Proceeds benefit the Howard Strube Memorial Scholarship and the SRC School of Nursing.  First responders and frontline workers will be recognized at each production.

THE GUYS was developed and first produced at The Flea Theatre in December 2001 with Sigourney Weaver as Joan and Bill Murray as Nick.  The 2021 SRC production is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service.

Based on true events, THE GUYS takes place less than two weeks after the attacks on New York City.  An editor, Joan, receives an unexpected phone call on behalf of Nick, a New York City Fire Captain, who lost most of his department in the attack.  Nick must deliver eulogies at several memorial services and seeks Joan’s help in developing these extremely emotional speeches.

Nick and Joan spend a long afternoon together, recalling the fallen by recounting their virtues and their foibles, and then fashioning the stories into memorials of words.  In the process, Nick and Joan discover the possibilities of friendship in each other and their shared love for the unconquerable spirit of the City.  As they make their way through the emotional landscape of grief, they draw on humor, the tango, the appreciation of craft in all its form, and the enduring bonds of common humanity.

Please visit www.src.edu/chorus for more information.

College Visit Days Scheduled for September 13, October 12, November 17

Spoon River College will host College Visit Days at both their Canton and Macomb campuses on Monday, September 13, Tuesday, October 12, and Wednesday, November 17, from 9-11:30 a.m. on all three days.

“We will be showcasing our transfer education and career programs, and the degrees and the certificates that are offered at Spoon River College,” said Eve Zimmerman, dual credit coordinator.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with advisors and financial aid specialists, and will receive information about the application process, tuition costs, and financial aid options including scholarships, as well as student life activities, clubs, and organizations.

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.

This event is for people of all ages who are interested in learning about the transfer and career education programs available 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.

RSVP online at src.edu/collegevisit to choose your preferred date. Masks are required at Spoon River College for all students, staff, and visitors.

The Canton Campus is located at 23235 N. County Hwy. 22, and the Macomb Campus is located at 208 S. Johnson Street.

Athletic Department Inaugural Snapper Golf Tournament September 17

The athletic department at Spoon River College will host the inaugural Snapper Golf Tournament on Friday, September 17, at Harry Mussatto Golf Course in Macomb. Lunch will be at 11 a.m. and tee-off is at noon.  The deadline to sign up is September 10.

“This will be our biggest fundraiser of the year, so we hope to have a good turnout,” said John Bassett, athletic director and head coach for the softball team, adding that the athletic department’s wish list includes a press box, outside hitting tunnels, and a new volleyball net.

Cost is $75 per person or $300 per foursome, and includes lunch, 18 holes of golf with a cart, chances to win skill prizes, an SRC-themed gift, and prizes for the top foursome.

Bassett noted that six years ago when he first came to Spoon River College, the only athletics being offered were baseball and softball. Since then, the addition of the Multi-Purpose Building and the Snapper Villas student housing has allowed the college to add volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, and eSports. “I had 30 active student athletes my first year. Now I have 116.”

During last year’s season, baseball, softball, and men’s basketball were all nationally ranked, with the men’s basketball team ending their season at #13 after being in the rankings for six consecutive weeks, making it up to #8 at one point. They also ended the season as MWAC Co-Conference Champions, and Coach Chance Jones was named MWAC Coach of the Year. A number of students were also recognized by both the MWAC and the NJCAA for their academic and athletic achievements.

“Even if you can’t make the golf outing, we hope folks will come watch some games. Our athletes play hard and appreciate a good crowd,” said Bassett.

For more information about signing up or sponsoring a team contact John Bassett at john.bassett@src.edu or by calling 309-649-6303.  Multiple levels of sponsorship are available.

2021 ICCTA Full-Time Faculty Award Nominee Michael Maher

Michael Maher, Spoon River College sociology teacher, was the nominee for the 2021 Illinois Community College Trustee Association Full-Time Faculty award. The award honors teaching excellence, the ability of a teacher to take a personal interest in students, and to inspire enthusiasm through their teaching techniques.

This is the second time Maher has been the ICCTA nominee. He has also been honored twice with the H. Truman Standard Award for teaching excellence, in 2006 and 2016.

Nearing his 25^th year of teaching at Spoon River College, Maher’s focus is on social problems and inequality issues as they relate to race and gender, and his teaching style is often described by students and colleagues alike as passionate. He doesn’t disagree with that, and it may be because education itself is something Maher passionately values.

“Learning is often thought of as a purely cognitive exercise, but learning is also a deeply emotional experience.  Faculty who successfully fuse the cognitive and the emotional components of learning are better equipped to teach in ways that are meaningful and life changing.”

Developing a rapport with students both inside and outside of the classroom is key to Maher’s teaching style and it starts with how he arranges his classroom; he arrives fifteen minutes early to prep his materials, cue up some music, and talk with students as they arrive. “The opportunity to talk with students prior to class is an important time. When an inviting environment is created, students are more likely to show up for class on time and often come early to be a part of the discussion.  When students begin talking before class, they engage more quickly when class begins.”

He continues that engagement outside of the classroom by making it a point to attend student events whenever possible, such as Phi Theta Kappa inductions, theatrical performances, and athletic events.

Maher was the driving force behind implementing an annual College Theme—now in its twelfth year—as a way of promoting the value of general education coursework. “Helping students understand the value of that coursework and the purpose of a liberal arts education has always been a passion of mine,” Maher said. “The goal is for students to see the overlap in academic disciplines as well as appreciate the contributions made by various fields.”

Maher’s passion for education extends to those outside of the college. “I’ve come to understand the significance of the word ‘community’ in community college, and I believe that it’s important to provide learning opportunities for citizens in the communities served by Spoon River College.” He has served as a guest lecturer at WIU and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Macomb, offered community education classes in Canton and Macomb, and over the summer offered a series of classes to all SRC employees.

Having a deep appreciation for the history of the college governance system within higher education—”It fosters collaborative decision making and promotes decisions that are focused on students, learning, and teaching.”—Maher has served on at least one standing committee almost every year of his tenure, including eight years as the college senate chair. He has served as president of the faculty union three times as well as serving several years on the union executive committee and participating in contract negotiations. For the past six years, he has served as the Division Chair for Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences.

Comments from students supporting Maher’s nomination made it clear that he is succeeding in his goal of building connections with those in his classroom. “Mr. Maher inspires students with his passion, always lets us speak freely, makes his textbooks affordable, and emphasizes that we all are sociologists at heart,” said one, while another wrote, “He reaches out when he notices someone struggling, and he never leaves us lost and confused. I’ve taken multiple courses from Mr. Maher and he never misses class. He is always early, greeting us, and enthusiastic about what he’s teaching.”

What is the one thing Maher would most like his students to understand about a college education?

“Education is a vehicle to a better career and overall quality of life, but education means so much more than a career path or income. Education leads to thinking, informed decision making, questioning, and changing our mind.  I want my students to be professionally successful, but more than that I want my students to discover what they are passionate about, what they care about, and what really matters to them.”

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 15^th 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.

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.”

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.

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.

Students may attend at either location, and are encouraged to RSVP by visiting www.src.edu/admissions/Pages/rsvp.aspx  or calling 309-649-6400 for the Canton Campus and (309)833-6069 for the Macomb Campus.

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.

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.