Category Archive: Uncategorized

Spring 2021 President’s List for Full-time Students

Spoon River College congratulates the following full-time students who were named to the President’s List in recognition of their academic achievement in completing 12 credit hours or more of college-level classes and earning a grade point average of 3.6 – 4.0 during the Spring 2021 semester.

Astoria: Noah A. Gorsuch, Breckon K. McKinney, Areal K. Smith, Trinity L. Taylor, Justice M. Westlake

Bartonville: Caden S. Davis

Bath: Gabrielle K. Carlock

Blandinsville: Audrey Kennelly, Joshua L. Miller

Bowling Green, KY: Trevor A. Dennis

Browning: Jacob R. Miller

Bryant: Baylee K. Mayberry, Emily S. Wise

Bushnell: Jamie S. Edwards, Dalice R. Fawcett, Jalyn K. Fayhee, Lillian K. Powell

Cambridge: Cade V. Franks, Cole G. Franks

Camden: Collin E. Shelts

Canton: Breanna K. Amerine, Jacob C. Barnard, Paula A. Baughman, Anthony A. Becker, Garrett W. Brant, Skylar T. Burgard, Bradyn A. Cunnyngham, Maggie A. Eveland, Cassidy R. Fawcett, Regina L. Featherston, Kaitlyn R. Geltmacher, Chelsea L. Jansen, Aimee J. Kalb, Jason M. Licklider, Sam Mason, Grace E. Mayall, Brandon R. McGraw, Allison R. Mortland, Sydney K. Munson, Bailey Norton, Anna K. O’Brien, Sophia C. Oaks, Lauren E. Oldfield, Nattalee D. Pierce, Isabelle M. Raymer, Brenen P. Seward, Hannah G. Snook, Brady M. Sprout, Collin A. Suddeth, Josiah C. Theobald, Owen P. Watson, Page A. Welker, Claire Wheelwright, Sam R. White, Nathan A. Williams, Haley D. Woodcock

Cantrall: Gracie L. Henrikson

Channahon: Jacob M. Allgeyer

Chillicothe: Jansan L. Davis, Brady D. King

Colchester: Kyah J. Beck

Cuba: Hannah N. Burdess, Brady R. Carpenter, Madison M. Draughn, Madison P. Easley, Makayla A. Gilpin, Sloan L. Miller, Zach J. Settles, Addyson N. Williams

Danville: Emma M. Bogen

Ellisville: Aja M. Lawson

Fairview: Caitlyn R. Collier, Nathaniel J. Jennings, Ian J. Lister, Chelsea D. Steck, Luke A. Stuckey

Farmington: Aidan M. Crusen, Austin M. Marinich, Andrea G. Pollitt, Brennan Potter, Jessica M. Reynolds, Merdith K Stufflebeam,

Griggsville: Tucker A. Kunzeman

Havana: Alana G. Boggs, Tyler S. Fornoff, Benjamin Friedrich, Reggan R. Hall, Matthew A. Schaad, Gage K. Shawgo, Colin D. Sullivan, Tory R. Wickman,

Industry: Jason B. Eskridge

Joliet: Dean C. Procarione

Las Vegas, NV: McKenzy R. Wheeler

Lewistown: Kadee M. Bainter, Kruze D. Chasteen, Lydia Cripe, Dorinda B. Lange, Luke C. Lange, Zoe L. Lutes, Ethan D. Mikulich, Kirsten N. Shawgo, Avery E. Smith, Jainee M. Sours, Tysin E. Stone, Kaitlyn M. VanPelt, Curtis H. Watson

Littleton: Alex Triplett

London Mills: Audrey S. Tarochione

Macomb: Nicole L. Ackley, Chloe Barnes, Kia J. Davis, Emma J. Gilliand, Jordan R. Graham, Daniel K. Hammond, Sierra L. Keeffer, Kelsie J. Larson, Travaughn L. Miller, Marc O. Musser, Timothy J. Polllock, Breanna L. Rhoads, Tessa J. Sargeant, Kevin R. Shelton, Luke S. Silberer, Lunden H. Skaggs, Grace A. Stufflebean, Casey L. Sutton, Shuai Zhao

Maquon: Grace A. Bridson

Marietta: Renda S. Milleson

Memphis, TN: Chancey D. Jackson

Mount Pulaski: Benjamin C. Frike

Mount Sterling: Andrew A. Hughes

Oak Forest: Bradley S. Miller

Peoria: Blake R. Fengel

Rushville: Jacob A. Berrier, Ashley N. Bollinger, Macaela G. Goodrich, Fletcher Higgins, Michael E. Hillyer, Remi K. Irwin, Matthew A. Little

St. David: Caleb M. Keithley, Logan R. Owens

Shorewood: Noah M. Johnson

Smithfield: Peter Howerter

Springfield: Kira E. Brown

St. Louis, MO: Alex G. Schmidt

Tucson, AZ: Luka Gelb

Vermont: Kianna B. Gilson, Rodge D. Heaton, Justin S. Parks

Verona, Italy: Giulia Cianfriglia

Washington: Noelle A. Hobbs

Spring 2021 President’s List for Part-time Students

Spoon River College congratulates the following part-time students who were named to the President’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 earning a GPA of 3.6 or higher during the Spring 2021 semester.

Bath: Anissa Blakeley

Blandinsville: Stefanie A. Miller

Browning: Emma A. Howell

Bushnell: Makyna J. Ebbert

Camden: Whitley J. Cooper

Canton: Isabella J. Alig, Halle Bair, Brooke E. Brown, Trista N. Buskirk, Elizabeth A. Crowhurst, Emily Dailey, Abbigale A. DeRenzy, Alexander J. Dornberger, Sada Eveland, Sabrina R. Geier, Ashley H. Gillette, Erin N. Gosnell, Jace W. Gudzinskas, Sylvia R. Hecox, Olivia C. Hinds, Angel Jenkins, Harvey Johnson III, Isabella G. Kees, Jake D. Nebergall, Chloe Nelson, Emma D. Orwig, Bethany M. Pankratz, Addison L. Postin, Elizabeth R. Rosich, Olivia Spahn, Andrew T. Tarvin, Alexa Varvitsiotis, Gage J. Wallick, Derek B. Wilcoxen, Connor J. Willcoxen, Edward D. Wise,

Chandlerville: Sarah A. Dyson

Colchester: Alix A. Potter

Cuba: Abigail G. Corsaw, Carmen C. Pratt

Elmwood: Courtney D. Roudebush

Fairview: Kendra C. Hartstin, Jacob A. Schleich

Farmington: Jill R. Ifft, Keith H. Ifft

Germantown Hills: Ainsly L. Garren

Havana: Brant E. Bastien, Macie L. Froman, Olivia F. Herbst, Krista R. Koke, Sydnie Linder, Kaley R. Meyer, Brooklyn M. Richardson, Ellie Roat, Taylor F. Stockham

Kilbourne: Kristen Nall

Lewistown: Clay A. Beekman, Brenna L. Clark, Kate L. Heffren, Kerrigan R. Lane, Robert W. Micklus, Kaylynn J. Prater, Elizabeth A. Reed, Alyssa R. Rose, Kennedy E. Sidwell, Evan J. Spotloe, Katelyn R. Wickert

Littleton: Marguerite R. Higgins

London Mills: Samuel A. Howard

Macomb: Joshua M. Behary, Harvey T. Bland, Jr., Brennan C. Brady, Riley L. Creasey, Braeden G. Duncan, Kaitlyn R. Ellis, Valerie C. Hale, Diana M. Hanks, Leighton N. Holthaus, Serenidy L. Howard, Jennie R. Ismail, Elijah S. Keck, Tatumn E. Lantz, Makenna R. LeFebvre, Caleb A. Lorenzen, Christina L. McElhiney, Ellen L. Meixner, Aaron D. Meunier, Madison M. Overstreet, Elizabeth Polley, Jennifer S. Reedy, Jackson R. Rhoades, Jacob L. Rouse, Laine E. Torrance, Ainsley M. Walter

Plymouth: Audrey R. Shelor, Wesley J. Shelor

Roseville: Sean I. McIntyre, Sr.

Rushville: Taylor J. Crook, Isabel M. Escapa, Austin J. Hamby, Henry N. Mordiva, Jared R. Pearce, Joseph W. Phillips, Madisyn P. Quinn, Sabrina R. Vining, Abigail G. Wright

St. Louis, MO: Timothy L. Reynolds, Jr.

Table Grove: Kristy C. Boggs

Vermont: Chloe S. Cracraft

Spring 2021 Dean’s List for Full-time Students

Spoon River College congratulates the following full-time students who have been named to the Dean’s List by achieving a 3.0 – 3.5 grade point average for 12 credit hours or more of college-level classes during the Spring 2021 semester.

Astoria: Chad H. Cameron, Emily A. Cox

Bardolph: Ethan C. Stambuagh

Bath: Jacob D. Blakeley

Blandinsville: Savannah K. Jackson

Bushnell: Bradley J. Promisson

Canton: Elizabeth M. Adami, Irene L. Adami, Levi D. Allen, Hannah R. Atchley, Kelsey L. Bentzinger, McKenna N. Bergstralh, Mykaela A. Billington, Faith M. Demler, Allie Diefendorf, Kyle L. Doubet, Stephen D. Eskridge, Jacob W. Essex, Cheyann R. Eyman, Faith M. Haley, Corrine V. Hamill, Tara B. Haynes, Bradley E. Henseler, Mackenzie J. Hess, Alize N. Hoffman, Bobbi A. Jamison, Johnathon C. Jorgensen, Mason J. Keets, Kailey E. Link, Joseph S. Matthews, Luke A. Miller, Damian L. Minder, Jayden A. Montana, Machaela N. Morse, Kaleb J. Owens, Lydia G. Painter, Trey M. Passmore, Khloe R. Piles I, Carson J. Powers, Sienna E. Rader, Alanna R. Siepel, Erik W. Sivertsen, Alexander E. Smith, Zachary A. Stremmel, Sarah E. Vogel-Patterson

Chicago: Joshua X. De Leon

Collinsville: Carson A. Richardson

Cuba: Quentin D. Gilpin, Dustin A. Howarter

Essex: Nathan J. Smith

Fairview: Abigail P. Clemons

Farmington: Dash P. Anderson, Kurstin N. Bohanan, Colby V. Evans, Leslie A. Martin, Jonathon D. Starnes, Taylor S. Thompson, Mary R. Toothaker

Fiatt: Alonza W. Bradley

Galesburg: Matthew R. Cox

Gary, IN: DaKei D. Hines

Greenup: Michael P. Flier

Havana: Harrison J. Allen-Witt, Jacob A. Haarman, Kristina A. Payton, Alexander J. Showalter, Erin C. Smith

Holly Hill, SC: Traveon M. Davis

Industry: Jaylen L. Lyttaker

Jefferson, SD: Pedro J. Marinez

Kingfisher, OK: Logan H. Rutledge

Knoxville: Grant D. Hise

Las Vegas, NV: Rachelle A. Bickel

Lewistown: Kyle A. Gravitt, Amy Shaeffer, Kyle L. Simpson

London Mills: Maelee R. Hanks

Macomb: Jacob T. Armstrong, Rachel A. Bosworth, Abigail L. Cebuhar, John R. Crawford, Trenton R. Ford, Sarah A. Hood, Jennifer L. Kirksey, Jacob T. Kreps, Michael F. Mitchell, Ryleigh K. Patnode I, Jacob Pritchard, Willaim F. Uppinghouse, Trevon T. Wells, Miah A. Zarello

Millstadt: Jack M. Toenjes

Minooka: Zachary W. Petrinos

Morris: Cole M. Laurie

New Holland: Mark E. Maaks

Oakland, KY: Micale B. Mee

Orleans, IN: Sydney L. Owens

Peoria: Joy E. McDaniel

Pittsfield: Nicholas A. McConnell

Plainfield: Dylan T. Miller

Prairie City: Henry E. Kliffmiller-Fowler

Rushville: Alexandria J. Lamm, Tanner S. Lewis, Austin M. Lindsey

Smithfield: Rachel M. Slater, Keera L. Virag

St. David: Griffin K. Noe

Summerville, SC: Rashad T. Brown

Vermont: Andrew T. Butcher

Wilmington: Justin T. Colwell

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.

Commencement

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.

Alex Schmidt
Alex Schmidt

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.

Travaughn Miller
Travaughn Miller

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.

Nu Delta Chapter
Nu Delta Chapter
Nu Delta Chapter
Nu Delta Chapter
Nu Delta Chapter
Nu Delta Chapter