Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Anne and Audra Burkhead: Rolling With the Changes
One of the goals of a community college is to prepare students for transfer to another institution, and when Anne and Audra Burkhead of Canton came to Spoon River College in 2013, that was their plan. Anne was working towards a career in sports management, and Audra was there to complete the prerequisite classes for nursing.
While at SRC, both played softball, served as Student Ambassadors, and were inducted into Phi Theta Kappa. In 2015, both graduated with their Associate of Arts and Sciences degree. Anne, inspired by her big brother Justin, transferred to the University of Kansas, and Audra enrolled in the OSF nursing program.
Just like planned. Except even the best laid plans are subject to change, whether it’s by choice or unavoidable outside forces such as a pandemic that shut the world down, including sporting events.
By then, Anne had earned her bachelor’s degree in sports management (with a minor in business) from KU and was finishing up her master’s degree in organizational leadership at Creighton University in Nebraska.
“2020 wasn’t the greatest time to be a new graduate pursuing a career in the world of college sports,” said Anne.
Regardless, she opted to stay in Nebraska and at Hy-Vee, where she had worked all through her college years, from Canton to Kansas to Nebraska. She secured a full-time position with them as the Department Manager – Health Market/Health and Beauty. She hasn’t completely ruled out her original goal of someday working at a Division 1 school in marketing and promotions, but she’s not at all unhappy about where she’s at. “I love what I’m doing, it pays well, and offers good benefits. Hy-Vee is a great company.”
Meanwhile, Audra had revised her original plan; she switched from nursing to surgery technician, a career that caught her eye during a job shadowing experience. She enrolled in a program and completed another associate in applied science degree, this time at Illinois Central College, graduating as a certified surgical technologist.
That degree landed her a full-time position at Unity Point Methodist Surgery, where she works hand in hand with surgeons in the operating room. She’s glad she made the change. “I’m not doing what I thought I would be doing, but I love what I am doing.”
She also continues to work part-time at OSF, where she’s been employed for the past six years, first as a patient care tech and now as a safety champion/behavioral health monitor, working with patients suffering mental health traumas such as attempted suicide and drug overdose. “I liked working there and didn’t want to give it up even after I began working at Methodist,” Audra said. “I like this position. It gives me the chance to have direct one-on-one time with patients.”
Working hard is nothing new to Audra or Anne. Both were responsible for paying for their own education. They took advantage of scholarships, and Anne got a gig as a grad assistant while attending Creighton, but they also held down jobs while attending college.
“Those girls worked all the time, and still do. They’re just like their dad,” said their mom Jean Burkhead.
Audra now lives in Peoria, where she and friends regularly meet up for an evening out, and she still plays slow pitch softball in East Peoria with some of her former SRC teammates. Anne also makes time to play a weekly softball game, plus has a special man in her life. Their proximity to Omaha makes it easy for them to take advantage of the big city entertainment offered there.
Anne and Audra aren’t living the lives they planned in 2013, but they are enjoying the lives they’ve created. They have no regrets, but they do have some advice for other students.
“Make good choices when choosing your classes. All of my SRC credits transferred to both OSF and ICC, where it made the registration process a breeze and saved me time,” said Audra. “If you plan on transferring, check and double check to make sure the classes will be accepted wherever you plan on going.”
Anne, who freely admits that she didn’t want to start at Spoon River College, says she’s now glad she did. “It was affordable, and since I was paying for it, that mattered. But when it comes time to transfer, don’t be afraid to go away to a big school. I met many wonderful people, and had many doors opened to me, providing opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise.” And when it comes to scholarships? “Apply, apply, apply.”
Moral of the story? You can make a plan—plans are good and help one achieve goals—but you can’t predict the future. Or a pandemic. Always be ready to roll with it, whatever ‘it’ may be.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Free Cannabis Industry Workshops Scheduled at Spoon River College
The Cannabis industry is growing as fast as the plants, but what exactly is cannabis? What’s the difference between CBD and THC? Cannabis isn’t new, but its legal and medical status is.
The Office of Community Outreach at Spoon River College has scheduled cannabis industry workshops at all four Spoon River College locations, and they are ideal for those looking to increase their general knowledge about this ancient plant.
The workshops are being sponsored by Nature’s Grace and Wellness, LLC, and are a prelude to a bigger venture between the college and the local licensed cannabis cultivator. The family owned business has invested $100,000 to assist with the development of a cannabis curriculum and certificate program that will be rolled out by the college’s Office of Community Outreach in the spring of 2022.
“Nature’s Grace is committed to not only furthering education regarding the blossoming cannabis industry within our community, but also assisting SRC with preparing students for a multitude of employment opportunities within this fast-growing segment,” said Tim O’Hern, who is one of the owners and serves as the chief operating officer and general counsel for the business. Their cultivation and production facility located near Vermont, IL. currently employs over 180 individuals across a wide variety of skill sets and disciplines.
The workshops will cover the history of the cannabis plant, basic cultivation and harvesting techniques, the difference between CBD and THC, benefits of using CBD products, and professions in the fast-growing cannabis industry. They are scheduled as follows:
October 21: SRC Rushville Center, 706 Maple Ave, 6-8pm
October 26: SRC Canton Campus, Centers Lower Level, 23235 N County 22, 6-8pm
November 4: SRC Havana Center, 324 E Randolph, 6-8pm
November 9: SRC Macomb Outreach Center, 2500 E Jackson, 6-8pm
The program is being presented by Thomas Vogel, SRC biology faculty member whose area of expertise is plant anatomy and physiology, propagation, genetics and evolution, Cannabis sativa and science education.
Joining Vogel will be special guest speakers from Nature’s Grace and Wellness, Stoney Branch Ag Ventures, local dispensaries, and CBD stores.
“The SRC Office of Community Outreach is excited about the opportunity to provide training for such a growing industry,” said Velvet Powell, director of Community Outreach at Spoon River College. “We look forward to working with Nature’s Grace and other local cannabis producers and businesses.”
There is no fee to attend the workshops, but advance registration is required. A light meal is included beginning at 5:45 p.m. Registration can be done online at https://src.augusoft.net or by calling the Macomb Office of Community Outreach at 309-833-6031.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on SRC Foundation Scholarships Available
The general application for Spoon River College Foundation scholarships for the 2022-2023 academic year is now available, and the deadline to file is March 15, 2022. All potential students are encouraged to apply, even if they aren’t sure they’ll be attending in the next academic year, and even if they have already received financial aid.
In addition the West Central FS Scholarship, the Fellheimer Scholarship, and Dual Credit scholarships are also available, but have earlier deadlines.
The West Central FS scholarships for the Fall 2021 semester is for 2021-2022 agriculture students and those in ag-related fields, with a deadline of October 22, 2021. Students currently taking agriculture classes and any who are considering an ag-related career are encouraged to apply. Eligibility requirements include a short interview.
The Fellheimer Scholarship is for Fall 2021 students who are McDonough County residents, and the deadline is October 29, 2021. This scholarship is normally reserved for students attending the Macomb Campus only, but due to COVID-19 it is also open to McDonough County residents who meet the other requirements listed in the application.
Dual Credit scholarships are available for prospective spring 2022 students, with a deadline of November 19, 2021. For more information about the dual credit program, contact Eve Zimmerman, dual credit coordinator, at 309-649-6221 or eve.zimmerman@src.edu.
Students seeking to apply for the Graham Health System Scholarship for the Advancement of Rural Healthcare should visit www.src.edu/grahamscholarship.
For more information about SRC Foundation scholarships, visit www.src.edu, contact Colin Davis at colin.davis@src.edu, or contact any Spoon River College advisor at (309) 647-4645.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Boosts Local and Regional Economy
According to a new study issued by the Illinois Community College Board, Spoon River College and the other 47 community colleges in Illinois boost regional economies and are important sources of revenue and employment for the community and regions they serve.
The Illinois Community College system accounts for $3.5 billion in economic output and more than 43,000 jobs throughout state.
“Spoon River College is proud to be a productive partner in the economic viability of the communities we serve and within the State of Illinois,” said Spoon River College president Curt Oldfield. “The output from Spoon River College totals over $12 million and an additional $7.5 million is created because of Spoon River College’s activities.”
The report evaluates Illinois’ community college system on its ability to meet the needs of business and industry, equity, student outcomes, students’ return on investment, and the system’s overall economic impact to local economies and job growth. The report also examines statewide trends including employment, population, race and ethnicity changes, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
In fiscal year 2020, Illinois community colleges directly employed nearly 33,000 staff with a total payroll of $1.3 billion. In addition to wages and salaries, Illinois community colleges account for almost $500 million in additional expenses.
“Beyond the effects of direct spending and employment, Spoon River College also strengthens the regional economy by addressing employers’ workforce needs. Our mission at Spoon River College is to provide innovative learning opportunities that enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve,” said Oldfield.
The study found that more than 84 percent of students who earn a long-term certificate or an associate degree in applied science programs are employed in solid paying career jobs within a year of graduation, and yields an average annual rate of return of nearly 27 percent, with an average wage increase of nearly 40 percent one year after graduation.
These direct impacts ripple through the economy creating additional jobs, payrolls, and other economic activity in Illinois. The total economic output of Illinois community colleges on the statewide economy in fiscal year 2020 is estimated at $3.5 billion and 43,316 jobs
“It is great to see the quantitative data that supports the return on investment of funds from local and state sources. Spoon River College is a great investment and a strong driver in the regional and state economy.”
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Visits SRC
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs visited Spoon River College’s Canton Campus on September 15 for a discussion with college officials and students about the affordability of higher education.
“Talent is a spread across all socioeconomic groups, but too often those on the lower end don’t get to develop their talent with a college education,” said Frerichs. “Community colleges are a great avenue to access higher education for everyone, but even here, costs are increasing.”
Federal funding such as PELL and MAP grants can lessen cost for those who qualify, but it’s not a one size fits all. Nursing and other career training programs are often not eligible for federal dollars and also often require additional expenses beyond textbooks. Changes in income, which many experienced during the pandemic, can also impact eligibility for federal money.
“Filing a FAFSA requires the use of the previous year’s income. A family may have experienced an income decline that would make them eligible in the year the student intends to enroll, but because the previous year’s income was higher, they could still get denied,” said Peggy Roth, financial aid coordinator at Spoon River College. She also noted that students under the age of 24 who have no parental support and are filing as an independent student must go through an extra certification process.
Private loans with high interest rates can be crippling, with loan payments that new graduates can’t afford.
Frerichs believes one of the best things a family can do is start saving as much as possible as early as possible for their children’s future. “High school graduates are three times more likely to attend college if they have a college savings account. It sets up an expectation for them that they are smart, they are college material, and you have invested in them.”
Changes to the Bright Start and Bright Directions College Savings Programs have lowered fees and provided more investment options to help make college more affordable for families saving for their child’s future.
Frerichs added that having a well-educated citizenry benefits all of society. “It’s a problem for the next generation if they can’t get a good job, buy a house, or pay taxes.”
President Curt Oldfield said that because of the generosity of many donors to the SRC Foundation, Spoon River College is able to award scholarships to students that also help reduce the cost of attending college.
“The State of Illinois has not consistently invested in higher education and the legislature has continued to add unfunded mandates, both of which have shifted the burden of the cost of higher education to the students,” Oldfield said. “Treasurer Frerich’s visit was a wonderful opportunity for students to share the challenges they are facing to pay for college, and it also highlighted to family members of future college students the importance of saving for college.”
SRC students pictured with Frerichs are Justice Westlake (Astoria), Trinity Brock (Macomb), and student trustee Mary Toothaker (Farmington).
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Colin Sullivan Awarded the Bonnie Stine SRCFA Scholarship
Colin Sullivan of Havana has been awarded the Bonnie Stine SRCFA Scholarship for $500 for the 2021-2022 academic year. Currently in his second year at Spoon River College, he plans to transfer to the University of Illinois Springfield to major in psychology with an end goal of being a clinical psychologist.
“The spring semester had me stressed on whether or not I would be able to afford to keep going while I waited for my loan disbursements. I’m very grateful for this scholarship,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan is taking online as well as in-person classes at the Spoon River College Havana Center, and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. He currently works at Grandpa’s Restaurant and County Market.
“Spoon River College, to some, is just a stepping stone to a greater educational experience and to others the difference between having an education or not. This college is more than just an educational center, it is the very foundation to my education and many others around me. The opportunities available to us, through this college, are enormous,” said Sullivan.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Registration Open for Free GED Classes Beginning October 18
Registration is now open for free GED preparation classes that begin October 18 at Spoon River College in Canton, Havana, Macomb, and Rushville. These classes are offered through the college’s Adult Education program.
In addition to offering classes, Spoon River College partners with Career Link in Canton to offer the Out-of-School Youth program, which specifically targets those aged 17-24 who reside in Fulton and Mason counties and who meet the criteria for enrollment. In McDonough and Schuyler counties, they partner with LWIA14 to offer the program.
Besides partnering with community agencies, staff in the Adult Ed program at Spoon River College also aid GED completers with transitioning to a career and technical program and college classes.
“My favorite thing about my job is helping people discover their true potential,” said Melissa Koke, advisor for the program. “It is amazing to watch the students transform through learning and growing. We have fantastic instructors who genuinely care about the students, and even during the pandemic, we had 34 students graduate.”
An appointment with an Adult Education advisor is required to enroll. Call (309) 649-6278 to make an appointment. Call 309-649-6278 to make an appointment.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on Graham Health System Scholarship Applications Now Available Through SRC Foundation
Applications for the Graham Health System Scholarship for the Advancement of Rural Healthcare at Spoon River College are now available for students intending to enter healthcare programs or several other programs at SRC. Both current and prospective students are encouraged to apply.
In exchange for a scholarship which 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 and licensure.
“We remain extraordinarily grateful to Graham Health System for their foresight and leadership,” said Colin Davis, Executive Director of the SRC Foundation. “Healthcare professionals in particular are one of the economy’s greatest needs right now, but the up-front cost to education and licensure can be a large barrier. As one of the largest employers in our area, Graham is leading the way and making a big commitment to both our students and the local economy. This is an incredible opportunity for local students.”
Prospective applicants may visit www.src.edu/grahamscholarship to download the application and view all requirements to qualify and all steps to apply.
Though the scholarship is available on a rolling basis, students who wish to be considered for the Spring 2022 semester should complete all requirements to apply by Oct. 31, 2021. Students who apply after that date may be considered beginning in future semesters.
Eligible programs of study at SRC include, but are not necessarily limited to: Nursing, Health Information Management, Computer Information Systems, Culinary Management, Emergency Medical Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Industrial Maintenance, and all related degree/certificate programs.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on 2021 SRC/CCC Alumni Award Recipients Announced
Spoon River College will host its Annual Alumni Association Awards Reception on Saturday, Nov. 6 from 5-8 p.m. Dinner will be offered beginning at 5 p.m., and the program will begin at 6 p.m. The event is scheduled to be held in the Student Center, Downstairs Centers Hall, on SRC’s Canton Campus.
The Distinguished Alumni Award, reserved for those SRC alumni who have previously been honored with an alumni award and have reached the top of their field or otherwise achieved extremely noteworthy accomplishments of statewide notoriety, will be presented to Pam Wilson of Texas, whose accomplishments and contributions to public health have been internationally recognized.
Alumni Achievement Awards are given to alumni to celebrate outstanding achievements made by alumni of SRC or Canton Community College, and this year’s recipients are Nancy Anderson (Ohio), Klinton Briney (California), Scott Brown (Canton), Brian Fengel (Bartonville), Chris Helle (Farmington), and Lindsey Larson (Canton).
The Outstanding Service Award, given to alumni who have made significant voluntary contributions to mankind in general and/or to the college will be presented to Paula Grigsby, Executive Director of the Canton Family YMCA and an SRC graduate.
Former SRC faculty Dr. Roland Pettit will be honored with the Distinguished Spoon River College Retiree Award, which is based upon an individual’s significant contributions to Spoon River College, its students, and the community.
The 1964 CCC Baseball Team will be inducted into the SRC Athletic Hall of Fame, and the SRC Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2022 will be announced at the event.
Though donations will be accepted and appreciated, the event is free, and the public is invited to attend; though, reservations are required. Social distancing will be enacted to the extent possible, and masks will be required when not eating. Please RSVP to Lori Murphy at (309) 649-6260 or at lori.murphy@src.edu by Friday, Oct. 29. Additional information on how to view the ceremony remotely will be announced in the coming weeks.
The SRC Alumni Association exists as a function of the SRC Foundation and seeks to close the gap between past alumni, present students and future leaders. SRC alumni need not be graduates. To learn more about the SRC Alumni Association or to register as an alumnus/alumna, please visit https://www.src.edu/alumni or call (309) 649-6260.
Posted by ONEFIRE Development on | Comments Off on SRC Foundation Golf Outing Raises Over $23,000
The 28th annual Spoon River College Foundation Golf Outing was held on Friday, July 30 at Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills Country Club. This year’s outing raised more than $23,000.
“Given these uncertain times where times remain difficult for many, having the success we had with our outing is incredible,” said SRC Foundation Director Colin Davis. “Times remain difficult for many within our student body, too, and every dollar raised will help local students have the best educational experience possible at SRC.”
In all, over 60 businesses and organizations from the SRC District and beyond sponsored the outing, and 26 teams competed in the event.
“We tried to keep the pressure off our local businesses given all that they have had to endure this year,” said Davis. “But that didn’t stop them. We owe a debt of gratitude to all of our sponsors, and especially our Ace Sponsors: Corporate Clean, Cook Medical/CFC Inc., CTS Group, the Odendahl Family, Randy & Susie McMillen/RE/MAX, Unland Companies, and 94.1 BYS/Q98.1.”
Golfers this year were treated to lunch, a SRC-themed t-shirt, and the opportunity to compete for the coveted championship. This year’s winners, with scores of 18-under, were Teams Coleman and Town and Country Insurance. The Very Most Average Team award, given to the team which finishes closest to the average score that day, went to Team Dalpiaz, who finished at 10-under and won a coin toss to determine the winner.
Golfers also had the opportunity to compete for skill prizes on every hole. While these are normally prizes donated by local businesses, the SRC Foundation chose this year to purchase Chamber Bucks from the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Each year, we ask our local businesses to step up for us, and the last two years, we’ve thought it was important for us to show our support for them,” said Davis. “Chamber Bucks ensure that local businesses will see direct benefit from our outing, and we were proud to support Wee-Ma-Tuk by hosting our outing at Fulton County’s only golf course.”
The SRC Foundation raises funds to support scholarships, programs and facilities at Spoon River College. Funds from the 2019 and 2020 outings helped to provide emergency hardship grants to SRC students who lost income or had unexpected expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds raised at this year’s outing will help the SRC Foundation meet similar needs during this academic year as needs arise.
“The support of our communities means everything to us and to our students in a normal year,” said Davis, “but in this time where our students’ need is greater than ever, the support of our sponsors and teams means even more.”
Next year’s event is tentatively scheduled on the event’s traditional date of the last Friday in July – July 29, 2022. To learn more about the SRC Foundation, call (309) 649-6260, e-mail foundation@src.edu, or go to www.src.edu/foundation.
Town and Country: Jeremy Kauzlarich, Justin White, Bill Bequeaith,and Jeff Coultas
Coleman: Al Coleman, Tim Merna, Don Heller, and Chuck Taylor.
