SRC Literacy Program and District Libraries Announce Events for 29th Annual Family Reading Night

The Spoon River College Literacy Program is pleased to announce the 29th Annual Family Reading Night on Thursday, November 19. Held in partnership with libraries and schools throughout the SRC district, the goal is to encourage families to take time to read together as a family. With help from a grant from Dollar General, the College will provide 25 free books to each library to hand out to attendees.

“All of the events are free for families in our communities, and our libraries have done a wonderful job of finding ways to support Family Reading Night this year in a safe manner,” said Cyndi Johnston, adult education program coordinator at Spoon River College. “Taking time to read together as a family is a great habit to cultivate, and we hope this event will inspire more families to make time to do that.”

Activities, locations and times are as follows.

Astoria: The Astoria Public Library will celebrate Family Reading Night by giving out family reading kits filled with snacks, book marks, family activities, a free book, and other surprises. Families may stop in and pick up their kit between 1-5 p.m. on Thursday, November 19.

Canton: Parlin-Ingersoll Library had Bingo cards available starting November 13 that were made for Early Literacy (age birth to 6) and Middle School (age 7 and up). The cards are also available through the library’s Facebook page. Once participants complete at least four activities to get a Bingo, they can go to the library and pick out a prize and a free book while supplies last.

Farmington: The Farmington Area Public Library will celebrate Family Reading Night with a “Pop Open a Good Book” family reading kit that will be popcorn centered and include the items needed to make popcorn in a bag, a popcorn sight word game, directions for all and a link to remotely watch staff read a book “popcorn style.” They are also encouraging families to read at least one other book at home as a family. Families may pick up the kits starting Tuesday November 17, but the reading video will not air until Thursday, November 19, at 6 p.m.

Macomb: The Macomb Public Library will celebrate Family Reading Night by placing Family Reading Kits on the front railing of the library. The kits contain a free book, microwave popcorn, a craft kit, and other fun surprises. The kits will be labeled with a suggested age range to help families get a book that is developmentally appropriate. The library will also post a special Family Reading Day/Night Storytime on their YouTube channel and guide on their blog, and all will be linked to the library’s Facebook page.

Rushville: The Rushville Public Library will promote Family Reading Night on Thursday, November 19 by encouraging families to take a picture of them reading together and then texting it to 217-491-4877. Those who do will receive a free book, and the pictures will be posted on the library’s Facebook page. The library previously hosted a Book or Treat event on the library lawn and distributed free books.

For more information about the Literacy Project at Spoon River College, visit www.src.edu or call Cyndi Johnston at (309) 833-6038.

National First-Generation Student Celebration Day is November 8

National First-Generation Student Celebration Day is November 8. Spoon River College’s TRIO program, which offers support to first-generation students, will be holding a weeklong celebration November 2-6. Each day, a first-generation student or faculty member will be featured and recognized on the SRC TRIO Facebook and Instagram pages.

All SRC faculty, staff and students are invited to stop by the TRIO Office (C131 or M214) Nov. 4 or Nov. 5 for an individually wrapped treat between 8:30am-4:30pm. Any first-generation student, faculty or staff can also pickup their first-generation sticker to display proudly! Spoon River College defines a first-generation student as an individual whose parents have not completed a four-year college degree.

“It is a great time to pause and recognize our first-generation students, faculty and staff at Spoon River College through the National First-Generation Student Celebration Week,” said Jill Olson, Director of TRIO. “Community colleges are shown to enroll a high number of first-generation students nationwide. As a first-generation student myself, I understand the struggles these students may encounter in navigating college processes and procedures, as they can be difficult for a first-generation student to interpret. The first-generation students I have worked with through the TRIO program are often ambitious and extremely goal-oriented. However, having the extra support services available through our program, allows the student to navigate and overcome barriers in their educational goals.”

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded program designed to help students overcome social, academic, class, and cultural barriers in higher education. The mission of Spoon River College TRIO SSS is to provide our students with academic support and personal guidance in successfully completing a program of study at the college and additional assistance in transitioning to a four-year college or university.

Spoon River College’s TRIO participants are provided with personalized advising, resources, and additional learning opportunities that enhance their overall college experience and motivate them for success. To learn more about SRC’s TRIO program, visit src.edu/trio. To apply to become a member of SRC TRIO, visit src.edu/trioapp.

This year’s celebration of National First-Generation Students marks the 55th anniversary of the signing of the 1965 Higher Education Act (HEA), which has helped millions of first-generation, low-income/under-resources students persist to degree completion. The 1965 Act made way for low-income, first-generation students to break chain of poverty and become first in their families to earn college degree.

SRC Foundation Golf Outing 2020

The 27th annual Spoon River College Foundation Golf Outing was held on Friday, September 25 at Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills Country Club.  This year’s outing raised more than $18,000.

“With the change in date and safety concerns due to the pandemic, having the success we had with our outing is incredible,” said SRC Foundation Director Colin Davis.  “Every dollar raised will help local students have the best educational experience possible at SRC.”

Numerous safety protocols were in place to help ensure the safety of all participants and volunteers.

“I can’t express enough how grateful we are that the participants took the safety protocols as seriously as they did,” said Davis.  “They helped ensure that this was a good and safe event for all.”

In all, over 55 businesses and organizations from the SRC District and beyond sponsored the outing, and 18 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, CTS Group, the Odendahl Family, Unland Companies, and WBYS/CD 107.9.”

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, successfully defending their 2019 title with a score of 16-under, were Team Odendahl.  The Very Most Average Team award, given to the team which finishes closest to the average score that day, went to Team Unland Companies, who finished at 9-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 this year, we 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 outing 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.

“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 30, 2021.  To learn more about the SRC Foundation, call (309) 649-6260, e-mail foundation@src.edu, or go to www.src.edu/foundation.

Odendahl Family 2020 Champions: Gary Kruzan, Fred Odendahl, Ben Gillen, Martha Davis, SRC President Curt Oldfield

Unland Companies, Very Most Average: Pat Taphorn, Nate Rugaard, Betsy Yarcho, Mike Eddy.

Spoon River College COVID-19 Announcement

Scholarship Opportunities Available for SRC Students Through SRC Foundation

Current and prospective Spoon River College students currently have multiple opportunities for scholarships available to them.

Students attending SRC during the current (Fall 2020) semester who are residents of McDonough County and who meet other criteria may be eligible for Fellheimer Scholarships.  Also, students enrolled in agriculture courses or who are considering a career in agriculture may be eligible for West Central FS Scholarships.  The deadline for both Fellheimer and West Central FS Scholarships is October 23, 2020.  Both applications are available at www.src.edu/scholarships.

“We are extremely grateful for the continued support of the Fellheimer Trust at Wesley United Methodist Church in Macomb and our friends at West Central FS,” said Colin Davis, Executive Director of the Spoon River College Foundation.  “We appreciate all of our donors, but during these difficult times when we are trying to meet increased need among our students, it means even more than ever.”

Prospective Spring 2021 Dual Credit students can apply for a Dual Credit Scholarship through the SRC Foundation by completing the application at www.src.edu/scholarships.  Deadline is December 3, 2020.

“While these awards aren’t huge, it’s important to us to offer what assistance and reward we can to our district high school students who are trying to get an early start on their college education,” said Davis.  “Taking dual credit courses at SRC is a smart, fiscally-responsible decision, and we are proud to support students in that decision.”

Finally, Spoon River College scholarship applications are currently being accepted for students who will be attending Spoon River College during the 2021-22 academic year.  Applications will be accepted until March 15, 2021, and the required forms are available at www.src.edu/scholarships.  Any student who is even considering attending SRC in the 2021-22 academic year is encouraged to apply.

Applicants must complete the scholarship application, complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and submit a seventh-semester high school transcript. This process is required for all scholarships.

In addition to Foundation scholarships, the college offers academic and performing grants as well.  These scholarships may require contact with specific faculty members or coaches.  Scholarships for high school students wishing to take dual credit classes are also available at various times throughout the year, as are scholarships for career and technical students.

“The best part about our process is that a student need only apply once to be considered for all SRC Foundation scholarships,” said Davis. “The application is a one-stop-shop for any student who may fit the criteria for one or more scholarships.”

As prospective applicants are required to have completed a current FAFSA before being eligible, they can also receive other types of financial aid in addition to scholarships.

“Many students are pleasantly surprised to find that they can receive both a scholarship and other sources of revenue such as Pell Grants or Work Study,” said Missy Wilkinson, Dean of Student Services.

This year the Foundation will be providing over 200 scholarships to students of all ages, traditional and non-traditional, new or returning, full or part-time, and in a variety of academic pursuits.

For more information, contact Colin Davis at colin.davis@src.edu, or contact any Spoon River College advisor at (309) 647-4645.

Understanding Racial Injustice Presentation October 27 in Macomb

Spoon River College sociology professor Michael Maher presented “Blinded by the White: Understanding Racial Injustice” to socially distanced and masked community members on September 29 in the Engle Conference Center on the Canton Campus.

Due to the number of requests, Maher will present this class again on Tuesday, October 27 from 5−8 p.m. at the Spoon River College Outreach Center in Macomb, located at 2500 E Jackson Street.

The class focuses on understanding the historical origin and creation of the concept of race, the impact of race historically, and how this history has created institutionalized forms of racial discrimination, inequality, and injustice. Maher uses the video “White Like Me: Race, Racism, and White Privilege in America” by anti-racism educator Tim Wise, and then facilitates a discussion afterwards.

Visit src.augusoft.net to enroll, or call 309-833-6081 for more information. Cost of the class is $25.

Volunteer Tutors Needed for Adult Education Program

Cyndi Johnston, adult education program coordinator at Spoon River College, seeks volunteers every year to help students of all ages who are in the program. This year is no exception, but COVID-19 is making the task more difficult than usual.

“I’m usually rewarded with amazing people who answer the call to volunteer, but this has been a bad year for tutors. I understand why my senior volunteers aren’t retuning, and I don’t blame them,” said Johnston. “The pandemic is affecting all the literacy programs throughout the state.”

Johnston said her biggest need for tutors is for the students in the GED prep classes at the Canton Campus and the Havana Center. No special education or degree is required to be a volunteer tutor.

“We provide the training and the hours are flexible,” said Johnston. “Our volunteers come in all ages. Some are retired, some are still working, but all of them are a vital part of this program’s success.”

For more information about being a volunteer tutor, contact Johnston at (309) 833-6038.

Registration is currently open for the next session of free GED prep classes that begins October 19. For more information or to register in Canton or Havana, call (309) 649-6229. To register in Macomb or Rushville, call 309) 833-6017.

For more information about the Adult Education program at SRC and the services offered, visit www.src.edu and click on GED/Literacy link under the Academics tab.

ICCTA Presents Awards at Spoon River College Board of Trustees Meeting

Staff from the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) attended the Spoon River College Board of Trustees September meeting to surprise trustee Linda Butler with a Service Award in recognition of her 25 years of service to the college. Also surprised with awards were President Curt Oldfield who was presented the Advocacy Award, and executive assistant Julie Hampton who was presented the Professional Board Staff Member Award.

Butler began her service to Spoon River College as director of the SRC Foundation Board in 1990, five years before being appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board of Trustees in 1995. She went on to be elected to four regular terms as a board member.

During her time as a trustee, Butler has worked with four presidents and participated in three presidential searches. She served one term as board secretary, three terms as board vice chair, and two terms as board chair.

“Linda has provided years of leadership for the board by serving in a multitude of capacities, not to mention countless special tasks and work on behalf of the board and the college. For all of this and much more, we are pleased to present her with this award,” said fellow trustee Dave Maguire.

Butler remembers that 25 years ago when she attended trustee training, a trustee from another community college told her she didn’t need to be there as he believed SRC would be terminated and absorbed by other colleges. He was wrong. “All of these years later it has been a great experience and is better than ever,” Butler said.

The Advocacy Award was created in 2006 to honor dedicated leadership in advocating for the needs of the students and the Illinois Community College system. Oldfield began his time at Spoon River College as a student, receiving an associate degree before transferring to the University of Illinois and then to Illinois State University. He returned to Spoon River College, first teaching agriculture and then serving as the Dean of Transfer Education before accepting a position as Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Northeast Iowa Community College. He returned again to Spoon River College on July 1, 2012 as its eighth president, making him the youngest community college president in the history of Illinois.

“Community colleges are a great value for students and also benefit the larger community,” said Oldfield. “They are called upon to help the entire country compete in an increasingly technological world by providing the educational foundation for professionals we need in a wide range of career fields. Doctors, lawyers, dentists, mechanics, teachers, nurses, paramedics, firefighters, police, government officials, entrepreneurs, and many others have started their academic journey at a community college.”

The Professional Board Staff Member Award recognizes the outstanding individuals who work “behind the scenes” to support the efforts of their community college’s president and governing board. Hampton has been doing that for the past 27 years. She has served as executive assistant to four presidents, three interim presidents, and has missed only three board meetings—after the birth of her daughter, when she had strep throat, and to attend a Bon Jovi concert.

“I work with wonderful people who make Spoon River College a great place to work, and I truly enjoy my responsibilities and feel it is a privilege to work here,” Hampton said.

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. It serves students in a 1,566 square mile area that includes portions of Fulton, McDonough, Mason, Schuyler, and Knox counties. For more information about Spoon River College, visit www.src.edu.

Pictured l-r are Dave Maguire, Presidnet Curt Oldfield, Linda Butler, and Julie Hampton

Building a Better Life Through the GED Program

For those without a high school diploma, the GED preparation classes are the first step to a better life and an increased income.

The Adult Education program at Spoon River College offers free GED prep classes to students of all ages who live in the college’s district, but they have also partnered with Career Link 15 to offer the Out-of-School Youth program. It specifically targets those aged 17-24 who reside in Fulton and Mason counties and meet the criteria for enrollment.

Funded by Career Link, the program offers students financial incentives for reaching various academic benchmarks, attending career fairs and resume and work skills readiness workshops, and for passing the GED practice tests and the final exam. In addition they offer financial assistance to GED completers who continue with transfer classes or a career certificate program.

“We are fortunate to be able to offer job skills training, work experience and assistance with tuition, books and fees. It wouldn’t be possible without the support that we get from Career Link,” said Melissa Koke, adult education advisor at Spoon River College. “We have also partnered with Goodwill Industries and we have monthly meetings to check in with students. They offer financial incentives to students as well.”

Jonathon Starnes of Farmington and Damion Cooley of Rockford both took advantage of the Out-of-School Youth program, passed their GED exam, and are now enrolled in the diesel and power systems technology program at Spoon River College.

Starnes attended grade school before being homeschooled during his middle school years—he jokes that he avoided all of that middle school drama—and then enrolled in the GED program.

“I learned more than schoolwork in this program. I learned how to write a resume and interview for a job, plus I received information about career training and employment options,” said Starnes. “I was in a great learning environment that was flexible and offered lots of support.”

Cooley, originally from Rockford, quit attending high school when his mother suffered a serious health issue. He agrees with Starnes. “I was referred to the Spoon River College GED program by a friend who said it was good. He was right, and I wouldn’t have my high school equivalency or be in the diesel program now if it wasn’t for this program.”

Koke, who describes her advising position as “helping people discover their true potential,” is proud of the effort Cooley and Starnes put forth. “Jonathan and Damion were hard workers and they did a great job transitioning from the GED classroom into the diesel technology program. It is amazing to watch students transform through learning and growing.”

In addition to Career Link 15 and Goodwill Industries, Inc., the adult education program at Spoon River College are funded through a number of other sources including Dollar General Corporation, Illinois Community College Board, Illinois Secretary of State’s Adult Volunteer Literacy Program, and Western Illinois Works, Inc.

Registration is open now for the next session of free GED preparation classes that begins Monday, October 19. Both morning and evening classes are offered in Canton, Havana, Macomb, and Rushville. Call (309) 649-6278 to make an appointment or for more information.

For more information about the Career Link Out-of School Youth program, call (309) 649-6229.

Jonathon Starnes and Damion Cooley

Makenzie Case Awarded the Bonnie Stine SRCFA Scholarship

Makenzie Case of Macomb has been awarded the Bonnie Stine Spoon River College Faculty Association Scholarship for $500 for the 2020-2021 academic year at Spoon River College.

While a student at Macomb High School, Case was a member of the speech team and the swim team (serving as co-captain of the swim team for one year), and was the CFO of the McDonough County CEO Program’s class business “Roaring Twenties Escape Room.” Case took second place in the Dramatic Duet Acting (DDA) for MHS Speech Team at the MHA Conference, and was inducted into the International Thespian Society for MHS Troupe 465. She has served three years as the video technician for her church, and is an enthusiast of WISK Shotokan Karate, placing first and second in Kata, second in Kihon, and third in Kumite.

Even with her extracurricular activities, Case participated in the dual credit program at Spoon River College. By the time she graduated high school, she had earned 26 credit hours of college course work and had already been inducted into the Nu Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Spoon River College.

Case said she had a goal of graduating with no student loan debt, and that being a dual credit student and applying for scholarships were two of the ways she was working to achieve that goal. “I don’t qualify for grants, and taking out a student loan defeats the purpose of graduating debt-free, so any funding from scholarships brings me one step closer to my goal.”

Case wants to work for the FBI as a forensic accountant, and plans to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree after she finishes her associate’s degree at Spoon River College. She is currently deciding between several four-year institutions for the advanced degrees.

“I’ll also continue to work at Rialto 6 Cinemas while living at home to save money for college,” said Case. “Living at home will also allow me to spend time with my family and stay involved in my community and church. Staying connected to Macomb and my family is important to me.”