Spring 2021 Dean’s List for Part-time Students

Spoon River College congratulates the following part-time students who were named to the Dean’s List in recognition of their academic achievement in completing at least 12 credit hours of college level courses at SRC and who were enrolled in six to eleven credit hours and earned a GPA of 3.0 − 3.5 during the Spring 2021 semester.

Astoria: Charity R. Robinson, Jennifer D. Briney

Augusta: Sydnee M. George

Banner: Brian W. Richardson, Katy L. Bucco

Bryant: Ruthie A. Kearney

Canton: Amanda L. Hedges, Amanda McClaskey, Austin R. Corsaw, Bailey R. Pierson, Brady I. Smith, Emma S. Franklin, Ethan B. Rice, Jacob D. Buczko, Joel G. Fleisch, Kamryn R. Bybee, Karina R. Hernandez, Krysten M. Powell, Kyle A. Johnson, Lukas D. Zumstein, Makenna L. Eveland, Mallory O’Brien, Olivia M. Parkinson, Ruby L. Davis, Sydney J. Hannam, Wesley T Swise

Cuba: Collin J. Brooks, Emily A. Derry, Madisyn A. Duckwiler

Fairview: Erynn M. Tinder

Farmington: Cole J. Riggen

Frederick: Hannah J. Spencer I

Glasford: Jessica B. Schabatka

Hanna City: Laurel A. Keyt

Havana: Gillian E. Minor, Jessica L. Britton, Kennedy C. Cleer

Ipava: Makenna G. Bollinger

Lewistown: Abigayle J. McAdams, Elmira Abazi, Isabella J. Clary, Robert Goode II

Liverpool: Dustin T. Knowles, Taylor J. Bastian

Macomb: Alvaro J. Eneria, Amanda Martinez-Nateras, Cameren Irvin, Dana L. Wesley, Dana P. Cobix, Desmond D. Boyd, Devon A. Simpson, Ebony E. Berry, Elizabeth N. Raines, Gretta Nolan, Jared D. Sappington, Jennifer L. Chenoweth, Jessica E. Campbell, Kylie K. Barclay, Leslie Agbefe, Madelyn N. Thurman, Megan R. Dodge, Moriah C. Adermann, Nathaniel T. Wilson, Nicholas G. Dranes, Tricia Burkholder

Peoria: Jai’Renee McCoy

Pittsburg: Sydney R. Billington

Rushville: Ethan W. Downs, Stacy Demaree, Katelyn G. Ingles, Tristin L. Rodriguez,

Smithfield: Ethan L. Yaste, Hannah N. Hildenbrand

St. David: Atoya M. Jones, Christian E. Frew

SRC Student Athletes Recognized for Academic Excellence

Spoon River College congratulates these student-athletes for recognition of their academic excellence.

NJCAA All-Academic First Team (4.0)

Jansan Davis (volleyball, Chillicothe, IL)

Benjamin Fricke (baseball, Mt. Pulaski, IL)

Gracie Henrikson (volleyball, Athens, IL)

Noelle Hobbs (softball, Washington, IL)

Allison Mortland (softball, Canton, IL)

Grace Stufflebeam (softball, Macomb, IL)

Kaitlyn VanPelt (volleyball, Lewistown, IL)

Tory Wickman (baseball, Havana, IL)

Addyson Williams (softball, Cuba, IL)

NJCAA All-Academic Second Team (3.8-3.99)

Jacob Allgeyer (baseball, Minooka, Il)

Kyah Beck (volleyball, Colchester, IL)

Kira Brown (softball, Springfield, IL)

Giulia Cianfriglia (softball, Verona, Italy)

Cade Franks (baseball, Ridgewood, IL)

Tucker Kunzeman (baseball, Griggsville, IL)

Dean Procarione (baseball, Minooka, IL)

Alex Schmidt (baseball, St. Louis, MO)

NJCAA All-Academic Third Team (3.6-3.79)

Emma Bogen (volleyball, Danville, IL)

Hannah Burdess (volleyball, Lewistown, IL)

Kaitlyn Geltmacher (volleyball, Good Hope, IL)

Noah Johnson (baseball, Shorewood, IL)

Brady King (baseball, Chillicothe, IL)

Sloan Miller (softball, Cuba, IL)

Sydney Owens (softball, Orleans, IN)

M-WAC Academic All-Conference (3.5+)

Jacob Allgeyer (baseball, Minooka, IL)

Kyah Beck (softball, Springfield, IL)

Emma Bogen (volleyball, Danville, IL)

Kira Brown (softball, Springfield, IL)

Samuel Buduris (baseball, Minooka, IL)

Hannah Burdess (volleyball, Lewistown, IL)

Giulia Cianfriglia (softball, Verona, Italy)

Caden Davis (baseball, Bartonville, IL)

Jansan Davis (volleyball, Chillicothe, IL)

Cade Franks (baseball, Ridgewood, IL)

Benjamin Fricke (baseball, Mt. Pulaski, IL)

Luka Gelb (basketball, Tucson, AZ)

Kaitlyn Geltmacher (volleyball, Good Hope, IL)

Gracie Henrikson (volleyball, Athens, IL)

Noelle Hobbs (softball, Washington, IL)

Noah Johnson (baseball, Shorewood, IL)

Brady King (baseball, Chillicothe, IL)

Tucker Kunzeman (baseball, Griggsville, IL)

Bradley Miller (baseball, Oak Forest, IL)

Sloan Miller (softball, Cuba, IL)

Allison Mortland (softball, Canton, IL)

Sydney Owens (softball, Orleans, IN)

Dean Procarione (baseball,Minooka, IL)

Timothy Reynolds (baseball, St. Louis, MO)

Alex Schmidt (baseball, St. Louis, MO)

Grace Stufflebeam (softball, Macomb, IL)

Kaitlyn VanPelt (volleyball, Lewistown, IL)

Tory Wickman (baseball, Havana, IL)

Addyson Williams (softball, Cuba, IL)

NJCAA All-Academic award winners must have completed 2 full-time semesters of college work, participated in at least one season at the varsity level at the college from which he/she is nominated, and have a minimum of 24 semester-hours completed in the current academic year.  Remedial/developmental course work cannot be used to meet the requirements of this award.

EDA Invests $1.5M in CARESAct funds to Boost Workforce Development at Spoon River College

​WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.5 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to Spoon River College, Canton, Illinois, to purchase training equipment and renovate the college’s Vocational & Technical Education Center (VOTEC). This EDA grant is expected to create 275 jobs, retain 125 jobs, and generate $500,000 in private investment.

“President Biden is laser-focused on fortifying American’s workforce so that our nation not only recovers from this pandemic but builds back stronger,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment at Spoon River College will help close gaps in the talent pipeline for the region’s important manufacturing and logistics clusters and ensure future economic resilience.”

“The Economic Development Administration supports community-led economic development strategies designed to boost coronavirus recovery and response efforts,” said Dennis Alvord, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “This EDA investment will provide specialized training equipment and revamped facilities to enhance Spoon River College’s curriculum for workers in fields that will grow in the wake of the pandemic.”

“Here in Illinois, we know how important our community colleges are, not just for opening doors for individuals, but also maximizing economic growth across the state as a whole,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “From the get-go, the Biden-Harris Administration has identified our nation’s community college system as a major source of strength, and I am so grateful to see that commitment backed up by this significant investment in Spoon River College’s workforce development programs. As governor, I’m committed to building on Illinois’ long history of maintaining a high-quality, skilled workforce so we maintain our manufacturing prowess for generations to come, and this EDA grant will go a long way in supporting jobs in the Canton region.”

“Community colleges like Spoon River are uniquely positioned to help close the skills gap, put people back to work, and fill critical shortages at growing businesses and manufacturers,” said Senator Dick Durbin. “This EDA investment will help create jobs and bolster Central Illinois’ workforce as it recovers from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m proud to support this federal funding and will continue advocating for strong investments in Illinois’ communities.”

“Our local communities and educational institutions have been hit hard by this pandemic,” said Senator Tammy Duckworth. “Federal investments like these help create opportunities that spur economic development and support colleges as we recover from the impacts of COVID-19. I will keep working to help secure additional investments that strengthen communities across our state.”

This project is funded under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Public Law 116-136), which provided EDA with $1.5 billion for economic assistance programs to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance, which is being administered under the authority of the bureau’s flexible Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program, provides a wide range of financial assistance to eligible communities and regions as they respond to and recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)

The U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.

Spoon River College Celebrates Graduates at 60th Commencement

“With 2020 behind us and 2021 half over, this group of graduates has had to be more resilient, more determined, and more patient than those before them.”

Those were the words of Spoon River College faculty association president Todd Thompson, giving a nod to the disruption caused by the pandemic as he addressed graduates and viewers via video during the virtual ceremony that aired on YouTube May 14 in celebration of the College’s 60th commencement.

SRC student Bailey Norton did the same when she spoke. “I think I can speak on behalf of the entire student body when I say that we never imagined we would be attending class every day with a mask on our face, or even taking part in a virtual graduation. We are living through history each and every day.”

Despite it not being a traditional ceremony, graduates were still honored and awards were still presented.

Dean Missy Wilkinson recognized students who were nominated to the All-USA Academic Team and also named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team. Chosen on the basis of academic achievement, volunteer work, campus activities, honors and awards, this year’s All-Illinois Academic Team members were transfer students Madison Draughn and Travaughn Miller, and career and technical education students Aja Lawson and Devon Simpson. Simpson was also recognized for being named a 2021 New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar, the first of its kind to support students as they plan to enter the workforce upon the completion of a degree or certificate.

Recognized for academic excellence were Phi Theta Kappa members who have maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while at Spoon River College. Those students were Piper Denny, Madison Draughn, Desiray Meyer, Sophia Oaks, Caitlin Patterson, and Ethan Stambaugh.

Student Achievement Award recipients, announced by Dean Holly Norton and Dean Brad O’Brien, were transfer student Travaughn Miller, and career and technical education student Alex Schmidt.  These awards are given to students who show individual initiative, personal development, and have made progress toward their achievement of goals, along with participation and success in college extracurricular activities.

Following the student awards, President Oldfield recognized faculty members for teaching excellence.

Michael Maher, sociology faculty, received the Illinois Community College Trustee Association Full-Time Faculty Award. “Besides teaching excellence, this award recognizes the ability of a teacher to take a personal interest in students, and to inspire enthusiasm through their teaching techniques,” said Oldfield.

Sarah Strode, nursing faculty, was the recipient of the H. Truman Standard Award. “Besides teaching excellence, this award recognizes meritorious service to the institution and displaying the College’s core values of caring, respect, integrity, fairness, and responsibility,” Oldfield said.

In closing, President Oldfield talked about the changes and challenges brought about by the pandemic. “Two of the many lessons we have learned during this COVID pandemic are resilience and adaptability. Being able to adapt to any circumstance you are faced with is a skill that will take you far in your life. You have been asked to adapt to change and embrace uncertainty. I am confident that the knowledge you have gained from your instructors and self-confidence you have developed will help each of you continue to be successful.”

The virtual commencement can be viewed on the Spoon River College YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/SpoonRiverCollege.

In addition, three stage walk-throughs were held May 11 for students who wanted the opportunity to wear their cap and gown and receive their diplomas with a limited numbers of family present. That event can also be viewed on the College’s YouTube channel, and additional pictures have been posted on the Spoon River College Facebook page.

Alex Schmidt Honored with 2021 Career and Technical Education Program Student Achievement Award

​Spoon River College graduate Alex Schmidt was honored with the 2021 Career and Technical Education Program Student Achievement Award during the college’s 60th commencement, celebrated both virtually and with a socially distanced walk-through at the Canton Campus that was live streamed on the college’s YouTube channel.

Student Achievement awards are given to students who show individual initiative, personal development, and have made progress toward their achievement of goals, along with participation and success in college extracurricular activities.

Schmidt, who graduated with an applied science degree in Diesel and Power Systems Technology as well as a Locomotive Mechanical Certificate, was presented with the award by Brad O’Brien, dean of career and workforce education.

DPST faculty members Todd Thompson and David Andersen praised Schmidt for being an outstanding student who was committed to his education, and for his willingness to research external sources outside of the classroom to enhance his learning and understanding of the material.

Schmidt excelled academically at Spoon River College, and was honored on both the Dean’s list and President’s List. He was also a member of the SRC baseball team, successfully juggling classroom and homework assignments with his practice and play schedule. “Alex was an outstanding student and displayed the utmost dedication and diligence in his studies. He is an excellent representative of Spoon River College’s career and technical programs,” said Andersen.

Schmidt, who is from St. Louis, attended the Canton Campus, and will be employed by CIT Trucks in Fenton, MO.

Both the commencement video and the walk-through ceremony can be viewed on the Spoon River College YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/SpoonRiverCollege.  Additional commencement photos can be viewed on the college’s Facebook page.

Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in West Central Illinois, with campuses and Community Outreach Centers in Canton and Macomb, and Learning Centers in Havana and Rushville.

Travaughn Miller Honored with 2021 Transfer Degree Student Achievement Award

Spoon River College graduate Travaughn Miller of Macomb was honored with the 2021 Transfer Degree Student Achievement Award during the college’s 60th commencement, celebrated both virtually and with a socially distanced walk-through that was live-streamed on the college’s YouTube channel.

Student achievement awards are given to students who show individual initiative, personal development, and have made progress toward their achievement of goals, along with participation and success in college extracurricular activities.

Miller graduated with his associate in arts degree, and was presented the award by Holly Norton, dean of transfer education, who said Miller had made a significant impression on faculty and staff who worked with him. “He proved himself to be a serious student, and when he came to SRC in the fall of 2019, he hit the ground running.”

A non-traditional student who balanced college studies along with raising three children, Miller was consistently recognized on the President’s List. He was a member of TRIO and the recipient of a TRIO scholarship as well as a Fellheimer scholarship while attending Spoon River College. He was a member of the Nu Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, nominated to the All-USA Community College Academic Team, and named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team.

While a student, Miller was honored to share a poetic tribute during a memorial landmark ceremony honoring Reverend Dr. C.T. Vivian, and also partnered with John Curtis/Genesis Garden on a community involvement project.

A self-described entrepreneur with a passion for writing music and poetry, Miller is transferring to Sail University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business and audio engineering. He has aspirations of also obtaining a MBA, with a goal of starting a business that will provide jobs for others in his community.

Both the commencement video and the walk-through ceremony can be viewed on the Spoon River College YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/SpoonRiverCollege. Additional commencement photos can be viewed on the college’s Facebook page.

Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in West Central Illinois, with campuses and Community Outreach Centers in Canton and Macomb, and Learning Centers in Havana and Rushville.

Students Inducted into Nu Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society

Spoon River College inducted a total of 83 new members into its Nu Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, and offered three socially distanced ceremonies for those who wanted to participate in a traditional ceremony. While a full induction ceremony was not possible, the inductees were able to be recognized and sign the membership book. They also lit the traditional candle that represents a torch—symbolic of knowledge—and received a white flower typifying purity and beauty of light, and signifying new intellectual association.

In addition, Travaughn Miller, Devon Simpson, Madison Draughan, and Aja Lawson were recognized for being named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team, chosen on the basis of academic achievement, volunteer work, campus activities, honors, and awards. Simpson was also recognized for being selected as a 2021 New Century Workforce Scholar.

The new inductees were:

Abingdon: Todd R. Thompson

Bryant: Emily S. Wise

Bushnell: Rosalia M. Lentini

Canton: Breanna K. Amerine, Jacob C. Barnard, Anthony A. Becker, Skyler Burgard, Destiny S. Evans, Grace E. Mayall, Allison R. Mortland, Michelle M. Murphy, Bailey Norton, Sophie Oaks, Anna K. O’Brien, Brenen P. Seward, Claire Wheelwright, Debra Bordwine, Maggie A. Eveland, Faith M. Haley, Ashley J. Harper, Brandon R. McGraw, Sydney Munson, Lauren E. Oldfield, Samantha R. Strode, Nathan A. Williams, Karsyn M. Woerly, and Lukas D. Zumstein

Chillicothe: Jansan L. Davis

Cuba: Hannah N. Burdess, Graci M. Scharping

Farmington: Kurstin N. Bohanan, Keith H. Ifft, Jill R. Ifft, Meredith K. Stufflebeam

Fiatt: Alonza W. Bradley

Groveland: Meghan N. Lynch

Havana: McKenna R. Bleem, Jacob A. Haarman, Olivia F. Herbst, Krista R. Koke, Kaleb J. Layton, Matthew A. Schaad, Taylor Stockham, Colin D. Sullivan, Harrison J. Allen-Witt, Tyler S. Fornoff, Ellie Roat, Gage K. Shawgo, Tory R. Wickman

Industry: Jaylen L. Lyttaker

Joliet: Dean C. Procarione

Kilbourne: Kristen Nall

Lewistown: Maddison M. Brown, Isabella J. Clary, Lydia Cripe, Tysin E. Stone, Kruze D. Chasteen

Macomb: Emma J. Gilliland, Gretta Nolan, Misty A. Peyer, Breanna L. Rhoads, Tessa J. Sargeant, Luke S. Silberer, Casey L. Sutton, William F. Uppinghouse, Trenton R. Ford, Jordan R. Graham, Grace A. Stufflebeam, Shuai Zhao

Marietta: Renda S. Milleson

New Holland: Mark E. Maaks

Orleans, IN: Sydney L. Owens

Plymouth: Audrey R. Shelor, Wesley J. Shelor

Rushville: Ashley N. Bollinger, Henry N. Mordiva, Sabrina R. Vining

Smithfield: Rachel M. Slater

Springfield: Kira E. Brown

VeronaFO: Giulia Cianfriglia

Washington: Zachary A. Wheat

Spoon River College faculty Rebecca Werland and Shelli Stuart are advisors for the Nu Delta Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Phi Theta Kappa is the largest internationally recognized honor society for two-year colleges.  Their mission is to recognize academic achievement, promote individual growth and development, and provide opportunities through participation for leadership, service, and continuing scholarship. To be eligible, students must complete a minimum of twelve hours of transferable course work and earn a cumulative GPA of 3.25.

SRC Part of New Teacher Education Pathway with Illinois State University

​Community Partner Pathway is a partnership between Illinois State University and five central Illinois community colleges including Carl Sandburg College, Heartland Community College, Illinois Central College, Illinois Valley Community College, and Spoon River College. The six higher education institutions will work in collaboration on this degree and licensure program that will prepare working professionals to teach elementary education with an English as a Second Language endorsement in their home communities.

Illinois faces a dire educator shortage with 4,500 open positions across the state. Rural communities have been hit particularly hard with the teacher shortage and this strategic partnership will ensure that small communities and school districts will have more high-quality teachers.

“Our mission is to provide the best teachers for Illinois and I’m proud of the work that our faculty and staff in the School of Teaching and Learning have done with our community college partners,” said Dr. James Wolfinger, dean of the College of Education. “This new program is remarkably innovative because it allows us to prepare teachers in their home communities and to build on the students’ experiences in the classroom as paraprofessionals and other roles.”

Together with the community colleges, the COE will prepare community members to teach in local schools. Students who are place bound because of work or family obligations will have the opportunity to expand their skillset and knowledge so they can earn a degree and Professional Educator License and enter the classroom as a teacher. Students will take courses part time in online and hybrid settings, with limited face to face sessions held on Illinois State’s campus on Saturdays. The first cohort will begin Illinois State coursework in 2022.

“As an Illinois State agriculture education alumnus who transferred from Spoon River College, I know firsthand the important role that school districts play in our rural Illinois communities,” said Curt Oldfield ‘97, president of Spoon River College. “I am proud that school districts, community colleges and Illinois State have come together to bring a high quality, creatively delivered solution to Illinois communities that helps address the state’s shortage.”

Applications for the first cohort are open and encouraged as soon as possible to ensure registration in the appropriate community college courses in Fall 2021.

The Community Partner Pathway program is part of a larger CommuniTeach initiative in which Illinois State is developing new teacher education pathways in many parts of the state focused on developing local talent to be the highest quality educators. Each program provides access through nontraditional pathways that meet students’ needs for flexible schedules, integration into the local community for clinical experiences and student teaching, and a high-quality Illinois State University education in students’ home communities.

2021-2022 Student Trustee Mary Toothaker Seated

Mary Toothaker of Farmington was sworn in as the 2021-2022 Student Trustee for the Spoon River College Board during their regular public meeting held April 28 at the Canton Campus. A member of the Student Government Association and a Student Ambassador, Toothaker was elected by her peers for the position and said she is looking forward to the learning experience and in being more involved with campus activities.

Also taking the oath of office were re-elected Trustees Linda Butler and Jerry Cremer. The Board then approved Cremer as Chair, Kevin Meade as Vice Chair, and Phillip Murphy as Secretary for the coming year. Pictured Jerry Cremer, Mary Toothaker, and Linda Butler.

Jerry Cremer, Mary, Linda Butler

Kent Schleich and Mary

2020-2021 Student Trustee: Jaylen Lyttaker Serving During a Pandemic

Spoon River College 2020-2021 student trustee Jaylen Lyttaker of Industry gave up his seat at the board table to incoming student trustee Mary Toothaker of Farmington during the regular public board meeting on April 28 at the SRC Canton Campus.

Lyttaker is just one of many student trustees who have served during their time at Spoon River College, but he is the only one who has the distinction of serving during a pandemic when the halls were mostly empty and student activities were cancelled.

“Being a student through the pandemic was challenging,” Lyttaker said. “There were times I thought I was going to give up and let my ADHD take control of my focus. At one point I almost reconsidered my major and even continuing with further education.”

In that, Lyttaker was not alone, as students everywhere faced the same challenges during the pandemic and the subsequent shut down of schools. Finding the right perspective helped Lyttaker through that conflicting time. “Having the perspective that I’ll never get further if I’m held back by something I can’t control helped me realize that nothing is or ever will be perfect. You just have to do what’s best for you.”

Being able to accept the situation for what it was gave Lyttaker a sense of empowerment. Reassuring himself with positive affirmations, staying connected with his instructors and other students, not skipping any of his classes, and keeping a prioritized mind-set to complete work on time were tools Lyttaker used to regain his focus on the end game.

Lyttaker will graduate in May, and is no longer on the fence about continuing his education. He plans to transfer to WIU and major in music education.

“I am so proud of everyone I had the chance to work with, have as a classmate, and as an instructor. I’ve made new friends and many new memories, and being elected as the student trustee was by far the most memorable and rewarding.”

Pictured are President Curt Oldfield, Jaylen, and Trustee Kent Schleich