Category Archive: Uncategorized

SRC Students Named to Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team

Four Spoon River College students have been named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team as a result of their nomination to the All-USA Community College Academic Team. They are Travaughn Miller and Devon Simpson on the Macomb Campus, and Madison Draughan and Aja Lawson on the Canton Campus. Nominees are chosen on the basis of academic achievement, volunteer work, campus activities, honors, and awards.

Devon Simpson of Macomb is working towards an applied science degree in Health Information Management/Medical Assisting. She is a member of TRIO, Phi Theta Kappa, and serves as President of the HEAL Student Association. Simpson also represents Spoon River College as a Student Ambassador, volunteers with the Midwest Food Bank, and held the volunteer management position with the Summer Meals program offered through Genesis Garden/AmeriCorp.

Simpson has been on the President’s List for the past three semesters, and was the recipient of the Horatio Alger Scholarship, Fellheimer Scholarship, and a TRIO scholarship. She intends to continue studies in Health Information Management.

In addition to the All-Illinois Academic Team honor, Simpson was also named a 2021 New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar based on the All-USA Academic Team competition that had more than 2,000 applications. Simpson was the top scoring applicant in Illinois, and will receive a $1,250 scholarship, sponsored by the Coca-Cola Foundation with additional support provided by Phi Theta Kappa.

Travaughn Miller, hometown of Indianapolis, IN, is working towards an associate degree with a business major. He is a member of TRIO, and a self-described entrepreneur with a passion for writing music and poetry. Miller was honored to share a poetic tribute in honor of Reverend Dr. C.T. Vivian during a memorial landmark ceremony in Macomb and is currently partnered with John Curtis/Genesis Garden on a community involvement project.

Miller has been recognized for academic achievement on the President’s List for the past three semesters, and is the recipient of a TRIO scholarship and a Fellheimer scholarship. He plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business and audio engineering. He hopes to start his own businesses that will provide jobs for others in his community.

Madison Draughan of Cuba says she “finds pleasure in learning and education” and after completing an associate degree she plans to transfer to Eureka College to continue studies in education. She has been recognized for academic achievement on both the President’s and Dean’s lists, and was the recipient of the Tompkins-Wolf Scholarship, ICEMA Scholarship, and the Shauna Helle Scholarship.

Draughan volunteers for Habitat for Humanity and Town Clean Up, and works at Christian Ducks Learning Pond. In her free time she enjoys traveling, doing anything outdoors, and spending time with her family.

Aja Lawson of Ellisville is studying Computer Information Systems for an applied science degree, and would like to find a potential career “where the various areas of IT and music creation can be intertwined.” She has been recognized for academic achievements on the President’s and Dean’s lists, serves as the campus secretary for Phi Theta Kappa, and was the recipient of the Illinois Community College Faculty Association Scholarship and a SRC Foundation Scholarship.

While at Spoon River College, Lawson has been active in the SRC Theater program and the SRC Community Chorus, and is currently a student worker in the College’s IT department. In her free time, she enjoys singing, playing guitar and learning new instruments, working with computers and “building better ones,” and making memories with friends.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, the annual in-person Phi Theta Kappa banquet will be replaced with an online recognition that will air on YouTube on April 14.  All members of the All-Illinois Academic Team will also be featured in USA Today.

Spoon River College instructors Shelli Stuart (Macomb) and Rebecca Werland (Canton) are the advisors for the Nu Delta Chapters of Phi Theta Kappa at Spoon River College.

The All-USA Academic Team is sponsored annually by Phi Theta Kappa, USA Today, and the American Association of Community Colleges. The All-State Academic Team is a division of the Academic All-USA Team for Community, Technical and Junior Colleges. It  seeks to honor outstanding community college students who show intellectual rigor in their course of study, demonstrate academic, leadership, and civic growth and who extend their community college education to better themselves, their schools and their communities.

SRC Studentsr
Devon Simpson
SRC Students
Travaughn

Miller

SRC Studentsr
Madison Draughan
SRC Students
Aja Lawson

Virtual Ceremony Planned for Graduates

Spoon River College is making plans to present a virtual ceremony for Fall 2020, Spring 2021, and Summer 2021 graduates.

Additionally, the college will survey graduating students to gauge interest in a walk-through ceremony involving many of the traditional elements of a Spoon River College commencement. The walk-through ceremony would likely be scheduled during the week of May 10th and would be offered in a way to ensure graduates are divided into different time frames, eliminating large numbers of people gathering in one room together. The goal would be to give graduates the opportunity to walk across a stage wearing their caps and gowns, be handed their diploma covers, and receive well-deserved recognition with family members present.

“Current state regulations limit gatherings to 50 people,” said Curt Oldfield, President of Spoon River College. “Unfortunately, it’s impossible to predict factors such as infection and vaccination rates, to meet the metrics needed to reach Governor Pritzker’s Bridge to Phase 5, or complete the metrics to move into Phase 5. With all this in mind, we have chosen to host a virtual ceremony.”

In order to participate in the virtual ceremony, graduates may submit a photo by email. They can choose to wear everyday clothing, dressy attire, or a traditional cap, gown, and tassel in the photo. A video will be created using the photos along with each graduate’s degree and/or certification information. Photos should be submitted by April 26 to gradvideo@src.edu. The virtual ceremony will be available on the Spoon River College YouTube page on Friday, May 14 at 6:00 pm.

“As we’ve seen over the past year, uncertainty is one of the challenges caused by COVID-19,” said Oldfield. “We know our graduates would like to know the format of commencement early so they have as much time as possible to plan with their families.”

Additional information and updates are available at: https://www.src.edu/virtualcommencement

Job Fair on Canton Campus April 16

A job fair will be held at Spoon River College in Lower Level Centers on the Canton Campus on Friday, April 16, from 1-3 p.m. Attendees must RSVP a time to attend at src.edu/jobfairrsvp, and masks must be worn while on Campus.

“Attending a job fair is not only an opportunity to learn about employment options, it’s also an opportunity to make a good first impression on the employers who are there, so we encourage job-seekers to dress and prepare as if going on a job interview, including having copies of your resume with you,” said Brandi Ketcham, SRC advisor.

Free virtual resume workshops are being offered in advance of the job fair. They will be held on Thursdays, March 23, April 1, April 8, and April 15, all from 12:20-12:40 p.m. To join the workshop meetings go to https://zoom.us/join and use the following information: Meeting ID: 996 9734 9119 and Passcode: 362380.

The job fair is being sponsored by Spoon River College, Spoon River College Office of Community Outreach and Career Link. A list of employers who will be attending can be viewed at src.edu/career. The list will be updated regularly as employers register.

Free Career Path and Resume Creation Workshops

Spoon River College admission advisors Brandi Ketcham and Patrick Denecke are hosting free workshops that are open to all Spoon River College students as well as community members. The workshops will focus on determining career paths and creating resumes.

Ketcham and Denecke will be utilizing Career Choice in the workshops, an interactive program that allows users to research careers and the education and/or skills required for them, explore the local job market, build a resume, and then apply for employment.

The workshops will be held via Zoom on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:20-12:40 p.m. starting March 23 through April 15. For those who are interested but don’t have the technology for a Zoom meeting, please contact Andrea Barbknecht in the Community Outreach Office at 309-649-6368 for assistance.

The Career Exploration workshops will be held on Tuesdays – March 23, March 30, April 6, and April 13. The Zoom link, ID, and pass codes for these workshops are below:

Join the Zoom meeting at https://zoom.us/join

Meeting ID: 971 8499 2246

Passcode: 007554

The Resume workshops will be held on Thursdays – March 25, April 1, April 8, and April 15, and The Zoom link, ID, and pass codes for these workshops are below:

Join the Zoom meeting at: https://zoom.us/join

Meeting ID: 996 9734 9119

Passcode: 362380

The workshops were scheduled ahead of a job fair that will be held Friday, April 16, from 1-3 p.m. in Lower Centers on the Canton Campus at 23235 N County 22.

The Career Coach program can be accessed on the Career Services page of the Spoon River College website by clicking on the Student Services tab at www.src.edu. For more information, contact Patrick Denecke at 309-833-6022 or Brandi Ketcham at 309-649-6324.

Esports Coach Recruiting Players for SRC Team

Esports coach Curtis Bump is seeking current or prospective Spoon River College students who are interested in being part of the College’s esports team. Players would compete against other schools in a variety of popular video games.

Game-playing ability is important, although Bump says it’s not the only quality he’s looking for in a player. “I’m also looking for players who have good communication skills and a good attitude. Not everyone gets to be the hero and rack up the points. I need those willing to excel even in what some call the ‘undesirable roles’ that are vital in supporting the team.”

Some scholarship opportunities are available, and esport athletes will be held to the same code of conduct and standards as all other SRC student-athletes, including maintaining good academic standing as well as attending mandatory study sessions to maintain eligibility.

The College launched their esports team in the fall of 2020, joining more than 170 other institutions competing as members of the National Association of Collegiate Esports. A dedicated gaming arena has been created for the team in Lower Centers of the Canton Campus.

For more information, email Curtis.bump@src.edu.

Esports Coach

Seeking Gamers for Casual Competition Against SRC Esports Team

Spoon River College esports coach Curtis Bump is looking for players interested in competing against the Spoon River College Esports team in a casual competition. This is open to members of the public. Players can sign up to play against the SRC team in either League of Legends or Valorant.

Teams must consist of five people. The League of Legends competition will be Thursday, April 1, at 5:45 p.m. CST. The Valorant competition will be Monday, April 5, at 5:45 p.m. CST.

Due to COVID-19, non-SRC players must be able to compete from home. “We will have a discord set up for players to join so you can get to know the team and ask any questions you have about the epsorts program,” said Bump.

To register, send the names of your players and their email addresses along with game choice to Curtis.bump@src.edu. Deadline to register is Wednesday, March 31.

Informational Financial Aid and FAFSA Completion Virtual Meetings Scheduled

Jo Branson, financial aid director at Spoon River College, is offering two virtual Financial Aid Information sessions through Zoom on March 16 at 10 a.m. and at 5 p.m. While the sessions are geared towards high school seniors and their parents, members of the public who are interested may also join. Branson will be joined by Dillon Austin, Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) representative.

Branson and Austin will share information about the financial aid process, including how to apply for federal and state grants as well as scholarships and student loans. They will also assist those who are interested in completing the FAFSA application, which is the first step to applying for other types of financial aid, including SRC Foundation scholarships.

In order to file a FAFSA application, a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID must be created. Branson recommends that this be done a week prior to the March 16 meeting by going to www.studentaid.gov. “That ID will become your electronic signature to sign your FASFA application, and to sign any Master Promissory Notes for loans, as well as Loan Entrance and Exit Counseling.” Each student and one parent will need to create a FSA ID, and a different email address and phone number should be attached to each FSA ID.

“It’s important to use an email address that you will be able to access for several years, so using a high school email address is not a good idea.” said Branson.

Attendees who would like assistance in completing the FAFSA application will need their 2019 income information.

“Navigating the financial aid process can be stressful, so our goal is always to make that process as smooth as we can,” Branson said. “All of us at Spoon River College want our students to be successful, and we’re here to help them achieve that success.”

To join the Zoom meeting, click on the link. The Meeting ID is 989 6450 9547, and the Passcode is eqQy9d.

https://zoom.us/j/98964509547?pwd=WWtHbS9iOEpJKzNzVVdTUS83NjBKUT09

The registration link has also been sent out to all district high school counselors so they can share with their students.

For additional information about financial aid at Spoon River College, visit www.src.edu, call 309-649-7030 (Canton) or 309-833-6073 (Macomb), or email financialaid@src.edu.

Virtual Auditions for SRC Speech and Debate Team Performing Skill Grants

Scholarship auditions for the 2021-2022 Speech and Debate Team at Spoon River College will be held virtually this year during the week of March 22. While any interested student can join the team, auditions are required to be considered for a scholarship.

Dr. Andrew Kirk, communications teacher and club advisor, is reaching out to any high school seniors planning to enroll at Spoon River College next year who are interested in being part of the team.

“Students do not need to prepare any audition material, and they do not have to have any prior experience competing in speech and debate,” said Kirk. “The interview will be relatively short, around 10-20 minutes, and any questions students have about participating can be addressed at that time.”

Kirk is asking those interested to schedule a Zoom interview during the week of March 22 by calling him at 309-649-6263 or emailing andrew.kirk@src.edu.

Free Virtual College Fair February 16 and 17

Spoon River College is joining more than 200 other colleges and universities for a free Virtual College Fair February 15 and 16.

The virtual fair will consist of multiple 45 minute sessions featuring six institutions at a time.  Each institution will present for a total of six minutes and will then be available to answer questions throughout the entire 45 minute timespan. Spoon River College will present on February 16 at 5 p.m.

“This is the pandemic version of our College Night event, and it’s an excellent opportunity to explore a variety of colleges and get your questions answered,” said Eve Zimmerman, dual credit coordinator. “Some of the information participants might want to ask about includes admissions requirements, programs of study, tuition costs, room and board, athletics, and student activities.”

Those interested in attending can view all of the participating colleges and register for free online at www.strivescan.com/Illinois/, and even those who can’t be present for the Zoom meeting are encouraged to register for at least one of the sessions. “As long as they register, the information materials from the session of their choice will be sent to them,” Zimmerman said. “We do encourage those who can to be present as it’s a great time to ask questions and get immediate feedback.”

The event is open to anyone interested in learning about college options, not just current students.

The Virtual College Fair is being hosted by Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC) with StriveScan 6×6 Virtual Fairs.

For more information about the Virtual College Fair, call Eve Zimmerman at (309) 649-6221 or email eve.zimmerman@src.edu. Visit www.src.edu to learn more about the programs of study offered by Spoon River College.

Spoon River College Announces Fall 2020 Graduates

Spoon River College congratulates the following individuals who completed degrees and/or certificates during the Fall 2020 semester at Spoon River College.

Ankeny, IA: Piper Jae Denny, Associate in Science degree

Astoria: Mikayla C. DeWees, Associate in Arts degree; Ashley Ann Griffin, Medical Assistant certificate

Augusta: Katie Eichman, Medical Assistant certificate

Bath: Drake Mason Johnson-Snedigar, Associate in Arts degree

Browning: Sarah Jane Briney, Associate in Applied Science/Small Business Management degree

Bushnell: Adrian B. Niethe, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate; Nicholas Niethe, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate

Canton: Jessica L. Gibson, Practical Nursing certificate; Hunter Wayne Janssen, Welding Operator certificate; Kyle Johnson, Welding Operator certificate, Kayleigh N. Kemper, Associate in Arts degree; Ashley Kenser, Associate in Arts degree; Kalan Sky Lancaster, Associate in Arts degree; Brandon McGraw, Computer and Network Technician certificate; Jake D. Nebergall, Welding Operator certificate; Cole Norton, Welding Operator certificate; Katherine Quinones, Welding Operator certificate; Nataleigh Richardson, Associate in Science degree; Caleb Steck, Associate in Applied Science/Computer Information Systems degree; Samantha R. Strode, Associate in Arts degree; Devin Taylor, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate; Noah Edward Walljasper, Associate in Arts degree

Chandlerville: Tara N. Towery, Associate in Arts degree

Colchester: Jordyn Nicole Bartlett, Associate in Arts degree

Cornith, MS: Tyson Alan McPherson, Associate in General Studies degree

Creve Coeur: Brandon M. Johnson, Associate in Arts degree

Cuba: Aaron Calvetti, Associate in Applied Science/Computer Information Systems degree, Computer & Network Technician, Computer Information Technology, Cyber Security, and Enterprise Computer Network Specialist degree; Devon Rae George, Associate in General Studies degree; Doug Keirl, Commercial Driver Training certificate; Caitlin Marie Patterson, Associate in Science degree; Zack Settles, Cyber Security and Enterprise Computer Network Specialist certificates

Dunfermline: James Robert Halfaday, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate

Ellisville: Aja Marie Lawson, Computer and Network Technician, Computer User Support Specialist, and Enterprise Computer Network Specialist certificates

Elmwood: Jennifer Lyn Slayton, Medical Transcription certificate

Fairview: Felicia M. Tinder, Associate in Science degree

Farmington: Threal Anderson, Associate in Arts degree; Jarod Izaich Miller, Associate in Arts degree; Cole Jacob Riggen, Computer and Network Technician, Computer Information Technology, and Enterprise Computer Network Specialist certificates

Galesburg: Edward Cox, Associate in Science degree

Hanna City: Christopher D. Cooper, II, Associate in Arts degree

Havana: James Allen-Witt, Computer and Network Technician and Enterprise Computer Network Special certificates; Cynthia Elaine Boyer, Phlebotomy Technician certificate; Teresa L. Cox, Medical Coding, Medical Insurance/Billing, and Medical Records certificates; Morgan Marie Golden, Nursing Assistant certificate; Dalton Lowe, Associate in Science degree; Abigail M. Lowe, Associate in Science degree; Joy Elizabeth McDaniel, Medical Transcription certificate; Desiray Meyer, Associate in Arts degree; Kristina A. Payton, Computer Information Technology, Cyber Security, and Enterprise Computer Network Specialist certificates; Derek Michael Wilson, Welding Operator certificate

Huntsville: Sarah Lamm, Associate in Applied Science/Health Information Management degree, Medical Assistant, Medical Insurance/Billing, and Medical Records certificates

Ipava: Heather Krukewitt, Associate in Arts degree

Knoxville: Kelly Lynn Clay, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate

Lewistown: Jeffrey Tyler Kerr, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate; Rinnick West, Associate in Arts degree

Liverpool: Dustin Knowles, Computer & Network Technician, Computer Information Technology, Cyber Security, Enterprise Computer Network Specialist, and Server Administrator certificates

Macomb: Jacob Armstrong, Computer User Support Specialist certificate; Alexis Danner-Clark, Associate of Arts and Science degree; Kinsley Evana Foshe, Associate in Arts degree; Deanne Johnson, Medical Assistant and Phlebotomy certificates; Shelby Jones, Associate in Applied Science/Health Information Management degree, Medical Assistant, Medical Insurance/Billing, and Medical Records certificates; Kelbie Kreps, Associate in Arts degree; Brooke L. Lounsberry, Associate in Arts degree; Brekin Makenzie Mills, Associate in Arts degree; Andrew Pollock, Associate in Arts degree; Timothy Pollock, Computer User Support Specialist and Enterprise Computer Network Specialist certificates; Kentrel M. Poole, Jr. Associate in Arts degree; Tyler Joseph Protsman, Associate in Arts degree; Andrew J. Rittenhouse, Associate in Arts degree; Devon A. Simpson, Medical Transcription certificate; Terrence Williamson, Associate in Applied Science/Computer Information Systems degree, Computer Information Technology, Cyber Security, and Enterprise Computer Network Specialist certificates

Maquon: Nolan Mason, Associate in Arts degree

Minooka: Collin Edward Fenili, Associate in Applied Science/Computer Information Systems degree

Naperville: Tanaesha Rene’ Townsend, Associate in Science degree

Plymouth: David Byers, Associate in Applied Science/Computer Information Systems degree, Computer Information Technology, Computer & Network Technician, Cyber Security, Enterprise Computer Network Specialist, and Server Administrator certificates

Princeville: Tyrus Robert Kielion, Welding Operator certificate

Smithfield: Ethan Yaste, Welding Operator certificate

Table Grove: Shannon Hickle, Medical Assistant certificate

Vermont: Charles Dobbs, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate

Washington: Zachary A. Wheat, Associate in Applied Science/Logistics and Operations Management degree, Associate in Applied Science/Small Business Management degree, Business Plan Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship, and Small Office Accounting certificates.