Please Note: that all locations of SRC are closed Fridays for Summer Hours from May 16 through July 25. Announcement: all operations for the Macomb campus have temporarily moved to the Outreach Center (2500 E Jackson) until further notice as we make the transition to the new campus.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Hosting Job Fair May 2 at Canton Campus
A job fair will be held on Friday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Multi-Purpose Building on the Canton Campus located at 23235 N. County Hwy 22.
Job seekers are encouraged to bring their resumes and be prepared to talk with employers on site. Event sponsors are Spoon River College, Spoon River College Office of Community Outreach, Canton Area Chamber of Commerce, and Fulton and Mason County Career Link offices.
As of press time, the following employers are registered to attend:
Heat and Control-Galesburg; Nature’s Grace & Wellness, Graham Health System, Western Illinois University Office of Public Safety, Bridgeway-Pekin, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Advanced Medical Transport, Cook Medical/Cook Polymer Technology, Illinois Department of Human Services, State of Illinois-Department of Central Management Services, Watco-Pittsburg, IL, Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, The Loft Rehabilitation and Nursing, Illinois Department of Agriculture, Spoon River College, Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Canton Police Department.
To see the most recent list of employers attending, or to register a participating employer, visit www.src.edu and click on Career Services under the Student Services tab, or click the following link https://www.src.edu/event/2025-src-job-fair.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Phi Theta Kappa Induction Held at Spoon River College
Spoon River College inducted new members into the Nu Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society in a ceremony held April 3 at the Spoon River College Canton Campus. A total of 92 students joined this year, with 36 attending the ceremony.
After a welcome by Spoon River College President Dr. Curt Oldfield, the history of Phi Theta Kappa was presented by Breauna Rawley, President of the Canton Chapter, and Misty Peyer, President of the Macomb Chapter.
Missy Wilkinson, Dean of Student Services, introduced the four members who were named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team, chosen on the basis of academic achievement, volunteer work, campus activities, honors, and awards. Those students were Samantha Ayala, Sarah Davis, Amanda Koll, and Breauna Rawley.
Phi Theta Kappa faculty advisors Shelli Stuart and Rebecca Werland presided over the initiation of new members, who were introduced by Dr. Andrew Kirk, Communications professor, and Melissa Miller, Dean of Career and Workforce Education.
Following are the inductees.
Astoria: Gage Peters;
Bloomington: Meadow Bronke, Kate Oyler;
Bushnell: Shayna Ludwig, Matthew McDonald;
Canton: Isabella Alig, Paige Anderson, Ava Barrera, Timothy Bates, TK Bennett, Callista Bull, Lazario Cornish, Keely Coulter, Amelia Fuller, Ella Goforth, Jena Goforth, Ian Hart, Addison Haskins, Bryson Kessinger, Alexi La Fleur, Brady Mayall, Addison Haskins, Abigail McCartney, Ryleigh Moser, Ignacio Nascimento Zschaeck, Kiera Raker, Elijah Renner, Garrett Sego, Tori Sehr, Kayleigh Shubert, Brent Skiles, Rebecca Strode, Yulia Strunova, Ryan Sweet, Nicholas Taylor, Carlyn Utt, Kerastin Walters, Keighley Watson, Ryleigh Watson, Emma Wuebbling;
Macomb: Kenadee Allensworth, Bryant Barnes, Ivy Chapla, Chloe Cheesman, Ava Coupland, Dawson Davis, Kalea Foster, Sonya Hamilton, Caidance McCord, Mary Popoola, Samantha Sensor, Rose Shelko;
Mapleton: Liliana Serna;
Marietta: Brooke Buchen;
Mason City: Clay Butler;
Oakford: Jamie Masten-Rueter;
Rushville: Conner Abernathy, Ted Eifert, Karlee Ham, Rosemary Hays;
Tennessee: Allie Schauble;
Trivoli: Emmalea Carpenter;
Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society – Nu Delta Chapter is the internationally recognized honor society for two-year colleges. Spoon River College’s Nu Delta Chapter offers membership to students who distinguish themselves academically with 12 credit hours of completed enrollment at SRC with a 3.25 cumulative GPA.
Students who have designated a privacy hold on their account will not be listed.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Celebrates Community College Month in April
April is annually recognized as Community College Month as a way to bring awareness and understanding of the value of community colleges. This year’s theme is “Best Decision Ever.”
“Community colleges were created to serve the needs of their communities, and they do it exceptionally well,” said Spoon River College President Curt Oldfield.
Besides providing access to affordable, high-quality higher education for all people, community colleges are the primary educators of nursing and other healthcare professionals, serve as an onramp to higher-level degrees, prepare people for the workforce, provide adult literacy programs, community classes that enhance personal and professional development, and lifelong learning opportunities.
“We do all of that here at Spoon River College, and every day, our dedicated faculty and staff create an environment where students thrive, and when students succeed, our communities grow stronger,” Oldfield said. “Community colleges are a good value, whether the goal of the student is workforce training or transfer to a four-year university.”
To ensure the college is meeting the needs of students and the communities in their district, Spoon River College fosters partnerships with both local and regional employers, economic development organizations, and with four-year universities to ensure success for transfer students. Career and workforce education programs utilize advisory boards that offer insight and advice on their specific employment area.
Support systems within the college, such as TRIO, the Student Needs Pantry, and Student Success Coaches, provide direct support to students, and TimelyCare, a free 24/7 telehealth service available to all SRC students, offers mental health support.
“We recognize that every student’s journey is unique, and we are committed to providing the guidance and support they need to achieve their goals,” said Oldfield. “Community colleges are first-class institutions that are vital to our local and state economies, and this month allows us the opportunity to celebrate that importance and value.”
Spoon River College District 534—which encompasses the counties of Fulton, Mason, McDonough, and portions of Schuyler with campuses in Canton and Macomb and Centers in Havana and Rushville—is part of the Illinois Community College System, the third largest in the nation.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Nursing Program at Spoon River College Offers Students Unique Option
The Associate Degree in Nursing program at Spoon River College is a two-year program that offers the option of completing a practical nursing certificate at the end of the first year. Becky Sherwood, director of the program, says this ladder program is what sets it apart from other nursing programs.
“Students who complete the first year (the LPN certificate) along with an additional five-week course and then successfully pass their LPN boards can begin working as an LPN, enabling them to get real world working experience while finishing the second year, which prepares students to take the RN exam.”
Sherwood says it also benefits students who don’t want to complete the second year or may not be able to. “Sometimes life throws up barriers and if a student can’t immediately finish the second year, they can still have a nursing career.”
The smaller class sizes also benefit students by allowing more one-on-one time with faculty and with each other. “This is one of my favorite aspects of the program, seeing the cohesiveness of our students, building relationships and bonds, and becoming a team, so that when they start working, they know what it’s like to work as a team.”
“Students are part of a family here; when they graduate, we cry with them, hug them, and celebrate their success. That’s what we’re here for, to see them succeed.”
The deadline to apply for entry into the Fall 2025 ADN program is May 15, and there is no application fee. For more information, call 309-649-6227 or email sarah.bowton@src.edu.
The SRC Nursing program is fully approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on College Visit Day at Spoon River College in Macomb April 11
Spoon River College will host a College Visit Day Friday, April 11, from 9-11 a.m. at the SRC Community Outreach Center located at 2500 E. Jackson in Macomb.
“Although attendees won’t be able to tour the new campus due to the construction work still being completed, they will be able to view the architectural boards and get an idea of how the finished space will look,” said Jo Branson, assistant dean of student services. “We are excited about starting the fall semester at the new campus.”
College Visit Days are open to people of all ages who are interested in learning about both the transfer and the career education programs available at Spoon River College, including the different degrees and short-term certificates each program offers. Associate degrees typically take two years to complete, while certificate programs can often be completed in a year or less.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with advisors and financial aid specialists, and will receive information about the application process, tuition costs, and financial aid options including scholarships, as well as student life activities, clubs, and organizations. Attendees will receive a free t-shirt.
RSVPs are encouraged, and can be made by visiting www.src/admissions or by calling 309-833-6069.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College 64th Commencement May 8 at Canton Campus
Spoon River College will hold their 64th Commencement on Thursday, May 8, at 6 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Building on the Canton Campus, located at 23235 N County 22. Check-in time for graduates is 5:15 p.m. Sha Lyn Photography will be available from 4-5:15 to take individual graduation photos, and students will be provided with the proper order form for that service.
Cap and gown pickup will begin the week of April 28, and rehearsal for students participating in the ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 7, at 2 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Building on the Canton Campus.
The cost to purchase a gown is $45, and no orders will be placed after May 5.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Welcomes Hannah Neuendorf as Human Resource Director
Spoon River College welcomed Hannah Neuendorf back to the college as the Director of Human Resources. She started her position March 21.
Neuendorf previously worked as the human resource generalist for Spoon River College from 2015-2021 before accepting a position as a human resource generalist for the Illinois Network for Childcare Resource and Referral Agencies.
“I am excited to be back at SRC. Grateful for the journey, the growth, and the opportunity to be part of this amazing team once again!” Neuendorf said. “I am looking forward to new opportunities and familiar faces.”
Neuendorf received an Associate of Arts and Science from SRC in 2011 and a Bachelor of Science from Illinois College in 2013. She received her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) in 2024.
Neuendorf and her husband Matt reside in Canton. When not working, she and Matt enjoy traveling, including regular trips to Arkansas to visit his family. Neuendorf also enjoys shopping—both in-store and online— and considers it a challenge to find the best deals, and in the summer, she can be found by the pool enjoying the water and the sun.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Students Named to 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 Samantha Ayala and Sarah Davis (Macomb Campus), and Amanda Koll and Breauna Rawley (Canton Campus).
Samantha Ayala is enrolled in the Associate Degree in Nursing program. She is vice president of Phi Theta Kappa on the Macomb Campus, secretary of the Student Nurses Association, and on the President’s List. After obtaining her RN license, she plans to pursue a BSN, and hopes to work in either surgery or labor and delivery at HSHS St. John’s in Springfield. She is currently employed as a CNA at Wesley Village in Macomb.
Sarah Davis is working towards an Associate of Arts degree and plans on transferring to the University of Illinois Springfield to major in English Literature. She serves as a peer tutor, is the editor of the student art journal the Kaleidoscope, and is on the President’s List.
Amanda Koll will graduate in May with an Associate in Science degree and plans to transfer to Western Illinois University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work, and then to the University of Illinois to pursue a master’s degree. She serves as the vice president of the Student Government Association and is active in Phi Theta Kappa, Students for Environmental Action, TRIO, and the Gay Straight Alliance. Koll also volunteers at the Fulton County Humane Society, Helping Hands, and other community programs. She plans to work in mental health therapy with a specialty in crisis work.
Breauna Rawley will graduate in May with an Associate in General Studies degree with a specialization in biology, and plans to attend St. Francis Medical Center College of Nursing for a BSN. She plans to work in pediatrics or pediatric oncology. She is the president of Phi Theta Kappa and secretary for the Student Government Association. She volunteers at local nursing homes, Helping Hands, and the Salvation Army of Fulton County.
The students will be honored at the Annual Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois awards banquet on Thursday, April 24, at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield.
Spoon River College faculty 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.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on New Solar Lighting Installed on Student Walkway with Grant from Illinois Green Economy Network
This past fall, members of Students for Environmental Action (SEA) at Spoon River College worked with CFO Sarah Gray to secure a grant to install solar lighting on the walkway between the Multi-Purpose Building and the Snapper Villas housing unit on the Canton Campus. Thanks to the generous support from the Illinois Green Economy Network, that lighting is now installed.
Previously the walkway had little illumination at night, a time when many of the students were using it to return to the Villas following athletic events at the Multi-Purpose Building.
Spoon River College students have been active in providing education on environmental sustainability and participating in green events for the past decade. They have planted trees on Earth Day, and in the spring of 2023, planted 17 trees that were purchased by the SRC Foundation and that line the entrance to the college.
The students also successfully advocated for the college to implement a recycling service, sponsored a free Tai Chi workshop for both students and employees, and sold reusable coffee mugs and bags as a fundraiser.
The members continue to hold campus clean-up days in the spring, and three years ago they teamed up with agriculture students to clear paths in the Arboretum, an ongoing project with a goal of creating walking trails that connect to the existing trails behind Centers. They are also working with maintenance staff to build hammock stands for use on the back patio, and will be planting perennial flowers and building birdhouses, bird feeders, and squirrel feeders.
“Our goal is to encourage students to recycle and reuse what they can, and to spend more time outside and enjoy nature, with the hope they will treat it with greater care,” said Jim Sheff, math professor and SEA advisor. “If students—and staff—develop a greater appreciation for nature, they will be more likely to treat it with respect and teach future generations to do the same.”
The Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN) was formed in 2008 through an intergovernmental agreement with support from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Governor’s Office, and the Illinois Community College Board. Funds are utilized to support the consortium of all 39 Illinois community college districts (35 active members). A Presidents’ Steering Committee governs IGEN.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Students Attend Spring Leadership Conference at WIU
Four TRIO and Phi Theta Kappa members from the Macomb Campus of Spoon River College attended the Spring Leadership Conference held at Western Illinois University on February 22. The annual one-day event aims to inspire campus leaders to connect with others and strengthen their leadership skills, and this year featured Chris Molina as the keynote speaker. SRC students attending were Jessica Fackrell, Matthew McDonald, Misty Peyer, and Samantha Sensor.
“There were so many things that I learned that will enhance my leadership skills going forward,” said Peyer, who plans to pursue a career in social work. “I really loved the theme, ‘Finding Your True North’ because I felt like we are all on own individual journey and finding out own unique path is vital to becoming the great leaders we aspire to be. He also advised not to let people that don’t uplift you hold power over your feelings or stifle your work ethic, which I can personally relate to.”
McDonald, who is already looking ahead to earning a PhD. with a goal of being a professor or filling an academic position at a museum, said he walked away with a better understanding of how to get things done, organize people, and set goals. “I can use the mindset and general tools I acquired in my future endeavors, most notably, grassroots organizing.”
During the first break-out session that Sensor attended, she said that Dr. Jamie Johnson stressed the importance of leaders as servants and that as a leader he wanted to see his team members names in light, not his own. “That sense of humility really left an impression on me, and his perspective helped me refine my definition of leadership. Going forward, I would like to carry with me the confidence in myself as a leader.” Although still unsure of her major, Sensor is interested in Psychology, Education, and English, and plans to transfer to WIU to continue her education.
Keynote speaker Chris Molina is an award-winning speaker and the best-selling author of I’m In a Leadership Role, Now What?
