Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Ribbon Cutting and Open House at Spoon River College Recognizes Contributions to CTE Programs
Guests attending the ribbon cutting and open house in the newly renovated Votech building at Spoon River College in Canton on May 7 were welcomed by SRC President Dr. Curt Oldfield, who called the day “a significant milestone in our institution’s journey towards excellence in education.”
The event celebrated new scholarship funding, a new greenhouse, and extensive renovations and equipment upgrades that will benefit students in career and technical education programs. The college’s agriculture, diesel technology, and welding programs are housed in the Votech building.
The scholarship funding was provided by SRC alumnus and retired Caterpillar vice president and CEO Lynn McPheeters with a $500,000 gift earmarked for students entering career and technical education programs, which are currently ineligible for federal financial aid.
“Without SRC and SIU, I would have never been in a position to have the success I’ve had or to be able to make a gift like this,” said McPheeters. “Businesses need a skilled workforce more than ever, and there are great opportunities available to graduates of CTE programs. This place, as it was in 1960, is still standing to provide those open doors to those who enter. It opened a door for me, and I hope these scholarships will provide that same opportunity for untold people in the future.”
The new greenhouse was funded with help from a $25,000 educational grant from Compeer Financials’ Agriculture and Rural Initiative, and will aid SRC agriculture students with more hands-on learning in horticulture and crop science by incorporating plant ID, research, and plant sales into the curriculum.
Karen Schieler, senior corporate giving specialist at Compeer Financial, noted that their partnership with SRC goes back at least 20 years. “We have seen time and time again with our philanthropic work that anytime a student can touch and feel agriculture, or interact with different things, it creates a life-long passion. And that passion leads to great workers in our communities who give back.”
A $1.5M grant from the Economic Development Administration provided electrical and mechanical upgrades, new welding booths, ventilators and exhaust systems, geothermal in the offices and classrooms, radiant heat, an overhead crane and overhead doors, and an air compressor and fans. LED lighting was installed, and a mezzanine was constructed for parts space. Two new semi-tractors and trailers were also purchased for the Commercial Driver Training program, which is housed off-site. The grant was part of the CARES Act Recovery funds, which the college applied for following the pandemic and the closing of the power plants at Duck Creek and Havana.
“These projects were a testament to our commitment to provide the best possible learning environment for all who pass thru these doors,” said Oldfield. “We could not do what we do without these partnerships.”
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Celebrates Graduates at 63rd Commencement
Spoon River College held their 63rd Commencement Thursday, May 9, at the Multi-Purpose Building in the MidAmerica National Bank Gymnasium on the Canton Campus. Approximately 140 students participated in the ceremony, and several students as well as two faculty members were recognized for their achievements.
President of Spoon River College, Dr. Curt Oldfield, welcomed guests, as did Jerry Cremer, Chair of the SRC Board of Trustees, and Brian Dalpiaz, Chair of the SRC Faculty Association. Student Alyssa Zarello gave the welcome on behalf of the student body.
Missy Wilkinson, Dean of Student Services, recognized members of the Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team. Those students were Delaney Eastwood, Jennifer Henson, and Misty Peyer. Also recognized were members of the Phi Theta Kappa Nu Delta Chapter who earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average: Elena DeWees, John Ross Hess, Chelsey Hopkins, Sydney Sager, Jenna Schleich, and Brynna Seitz.
Haylee Anderson of Canton was recognized for earning her Associate in Arts degree a week before her high school graduation. She was a member of the Running Start program at Canton High School for dual credit students. Student Anna Fowler of Macomb was recognized as having served in the Navy.
Esmerelda Uribe, Student Trustee, presented the first Student Achievement Award to transfer student Delaney Eastwood of St. David, who graduated with an Associate in Arts degree. Eastwood will be transferring to Illinois State University to major in psychology for a future career as a clinical psychologist. While at SRC, Eastwood served as the President of the Gay Straight Alliance, Vice-President of Phi Theta Kappa, and was a member of Students for Environmental Action.
The second Student Achievement Award was presented to career and technical education student Connor Taylor of Glasford, who graduated with an Associate in Applied Science in Agricultural Business Management, as well as certificates in Agriculture Production and Agricultural Precision Technology. Taylor operates a small local farm, and was credited for being attentive and engaged in the classroom, compassionate and fair towards others, and always willing to listen to the perspectives and ideas of everyone in the classroom.
New this year were two Pay It Forward scholarships for $5,000 each courtesy of an anonymous donor. President Oldfield presented these awards to Traci Brown of Lewistown and Alyssa Zarello of Bushnell. Brown said she plans to become the teacher that she needed as a child, and aspires to make a difference for other children both in and out of the classroom. Zarello also plans on a teaching career, with a goal of earning a master’s degree. She said she will continue to do small acts of kindness for people, with emphasis on those who are going through difficult times and struggling with their mental health.
Holly Norton, Vice President of Educational and Student Services, presented faculty awards for teaching excellence. Brian Dalpiaz (Math) was the recipient of the Spoon River College Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Award and Illinois Community College Trustee Association Outstanding Full-Time Faculty nominee. Allyson Smith (Agriculture), was the recipient of the H. Truman Standard award.
Sarah Stufflebeam and Stephen Stufflebeam served as Student Honor Guards.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Graduate Coulton Wascher Realizes Dream of Becoming a Firefighter
Five-year-old Coulton Wascher of Carthage wanted to be a volunteer firefighter when he grew up, just like his dad, but 18-year-old Coulton knew he needed a skill and a paycheck, so he enrolled in the Diesel and Power Systems Technology (DPST) program at SRC. During his second semester, he trained for and became a volunteer firefighter for his hometown, and a year later, also started serving as a volunteer for the LaHarpe Fire Department.
In 2015, he graduated with his Associate in Applied Science/DPST degree and went to work for AC McCartney as a diesel mechanic. Now, nine years later, Coulton is taking his passion to the next level, and is currently completing the required 7-week program at the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) in Champaign in preparation to join the Macomb Fire Department. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.”
Despite experience as a volunteer firefighter and familiarity with IFSI training, he realizes that being a career firefighter is a whole new level and that he has much to learn. He’s also feeling the effects from the physical workout. “I thought I was in pretty decent shape, but I’m finding out how much I can push my body with this training.” Just the required gear—helmet, gloves, hoods, boots, coats, and pants—weighs on average approximately 60 pounds.
Coulton won’t know his exact role(s) in the department until he starts, but each role supports the individual with the hose. “What can look like chaos at a fire scene is in reality each firefighter performing their specific job with one goal in mind—to get the nozzle to the fire.”
Although he’s changing careers, the knowledge he gained in the DPST program is still relevant. “Todd, Aaron, and Joe provided a learning foundation by letting us stumble, and forcing us to think critically in order to find the solutions. They built us to be teachers, and that program made me who I am.”
In fact, Coulton, along with his fellow DPST classmate and friend, Kody Horn—who serves as the Carthage FD Chief—have become certified training instructors for other volunteer firefighters. “Both mechanics and firefighters are problem solvers, whether the problem is repairing a tractor or putting out a fire.”
In 2018, Coulton had the unique experience of being a background extra for season seven of the television series Chicago Fire, where outside shots are filmed on the Chicago streets and at a real working firehouse, Chicago FD Engine 18. “I came away with a new respect for how television shows are made, and how much work it is.”
“At times I felt like a star. People watching the filming wanted pictures with us, and one kid gave me a hug. It was such a cool experience.” For those who may be wondering, extras get paid $185 per day, are responsible for travel and hotel expenses, and the studio provides food on the set.
While extras don’t normally mingle with the actors, Coulton was already familiar with a few of them, including David Eigenberg, (Lieutenant Christopher Herrmann), and Miranda Rae Mayo (Lieutenant Stella Kidd). “I have been at the IFSI Fire College (a 4-day class for those wanting to improve their skills) on occasions when they were there training for their roles, and they remembered me. They are amazing people to be around.”
Coulton is a good example of following one’s passion however one can. It took three years after applying to MFD before he was high enough on the list to secure an open spot, and he had to apply more than once to be an extra on Chicago Fire. Sometimes, if you don’t give up, you get even more than you dreamed for.
Coulton and wife Lauren currently reside in LaHarpe with their two-year old daughter, Emberly, and their dog, Lily.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Students Get a Glimpse of “Adulting” at 8th Grade Reality Store
Approximately 575 students from Ingersoll, Havana, Farmington, Lewistown, Spoon River Valley and Macomb school districts had the chance to “adult” during the annual 8th Grade Reality Store held at Spoon River College in Canton on April 26.
The unique career awareness event, organized by SRC advisor Brandi Ketcham, allows students to choose a career, attend an informational session with a professional from that field, receive a paycheck that reflects the starting salary in their chosen career—minus taxes—and then pay their monthly living expenses. Some were also designated as married with children, or single with children, while others were single without children.
“The event does two things; it allows them to hear real inside information about various careers from people actually working in those areas, plus shows them how little money is often left from a paycheck after paying for the necessities of eating and housing, and other bills,” said Ketcham. “They also have to spin the dreaded Wheel of Chance, which might be a windfall such as winning money in a contest, or an unexpected expense like a car repair.”
Students’ comments following the event included that they were surprised at how much their parents have to spend each month on bills, that having children meant they couldn’t afford a cool car, that it was good to get a glimpse into their future life as an adult, and that they liked learning about a career from someone who was actually in that profession. Students especially liked learning how to weld using graham crackers and frosting, spinning the Wheel of Chance when it was a good outcome, and getting a chance to do the Cash Cube.
“It’s definitely a glimpse into being an adult,” said Ketcham.
Assisting with the event were students from Canton High School, as well as Spoon River College students, athletes and employees.
Presenters who shared information about their professions were Dr. Jacob Standard, Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine; Jamie Kotewa, Art Careers; Madi Link, Beauty Services; Jace Chamberlin, Business Owner; Dean Clary, Computer Careers; Aaron Mayall, Diesel Repair Technician; Keith Plavec, Engineering; Allyson Smith, Farming/Forestry/Ag; Dr. Jason Chamberlin, Health Care Professionals; Nate Adkins, Law Enforcement; Whitney Parrish, Lawyer/Paralegal; Cpt. Joel Natalie, Military Careers; Sarah Turner and Cassidy Miller, Nursing; Jason Palmer, Athletic Training; Julie Toney, Psychologist/Counselor; Evyn Way, Welding; and John Kurtz and Holly Norton, Coach/Teacher.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Community Chorus Presents Playin’ Favorites: The Great American Songbook
Tickets are now on sale for the SRC Community Chorus production of Playin’ Favorites: The Great American Songbook – Music from the 1930s to the 1950s. The four performances are scheduled for June 7 at 7:00 p.m., June 8 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and June 9 at 3:00 p.m. at the SRC Theatre in Taylor Hall on the SRC Canton Campus. Tickets may be purchased by visiting the SRC Community Chorus webpage. Seating is limited so early purchase is suggested.
The Musical Revue includes full cast numbers and medleys such as Summertime; For All We Know/Some Other Time; an all-male swing medley consisting of Steppin’ Out With My Baby, Straighten Up and Fly Right, Sophisticated Swing; a blues medley by the women which include Mean to Me, The Man That Got Away, and Blues in the Night; plus a wide variety of solos, duets, and trios such as Heat Wave, Skylark, and Moonlight in Vermont.
“Director Tony Roberts has assembled an extremely talented cast from the best theatres in central Illinois for this musical revue,” said Carol Davis, Artistic Director of the SRC Chorus and producer for the show. “We have performers and musicians from the SRC Chorus, Eastlight Theatre, Corn Stock, and Peoria Players who will engage our audiences with best loved songs from the Golden Age of Radio and the war years.”
Featured in the cast are Bob Juraco, Chad Murphy, Jarod Hazzard, Bryan Blanks, Katie McLuckie, Helaina Kalman, Cecily Pearson, Sheri Barr, Lauren Deppe and Tori Albanito.
The combo band members include Tony Roberts on keyboard, Deb Coots on bass, and Peggy Bonner on percussion.
Proceeds from the concert fund the Susie McMillen Memorial Scholarship. The SRC Community Chorus is celebrating its 24th season and will offer its Winter Concert: Winter Blues and All That Jazz in December. For more information visit, the SRC Community Chorus webpage or contact us by email.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Foundation Donors Honored at President’s Reception
Spoon River College President Dr. Curt Oldfield welcomed SRC Foundation donors and guests to the annual President’s Reception held April 23 at the Canton Campus. The event honors those who have reached specific levels of cumulative giving to the Foundation, those who established new named endowed scholarships in 2023, as well as Foundation Board members for their service. Along with President Oldfield, Dustin Berg, Foundation Director, and Bruce Beal, SRC Foundation Chair, presented certificates of recognition and tokens of appreciation to donors.
New permanently endowed scholarships established in 2023 were The Kost Family Scholarship, The McPheeters Family Scholarship, Russell and Esther Morris Scholarship Trust, Thomas R. Pettit Memorial Scholarship, Verna Sandall Memorial Scholarship, and the Craig M. Zilly Memorial Scholarship.
Additions to the Friend level ($1,000-$4,999) included Caitlyn Behymer, Billy’s Tap, Buckheart Solar, Jason and Andra Chamberlin & Family, David and Jackie Demler, First Christian Church of Canton, Anthony R. Groves, Jones Survey & Engineering Corporation, Carol Kohler, Christopher R. Leighton, Ellen Melton, Mid-Illinois Companies Corporation, Eric Pollitt, Rescigno’s, Peggy A. Roberts, Toni D. Sayers, Andrea Thomson, Elizabeth Wilbers, Jeff Yerbic, Ron & Cheryl Bielema, Margaret Branson, Jeffery L. Burkhead, Davis & Campbell, Ralph Grimm, Susan N. Juliusson, Kim Kurtz, Kim Lusk, Geoffrey Monari, Jack and Mary Pollitt, Nikki I. Rittenhouse, Franki Ruck, Tenacious, Inc., Nick Tinsman, and Pamela Willison.
Those being honored at the Ambassador level ($5,000-$9,999) were Bar-Mac Farms, Gary & Darlene King, Mason District Hospital, Mr. & Mrs. Rusty Melhouse, Spoon River Garden Club, Dr. and Mrs. William Buckley, Denise & Art Kirgan, Randy and Susie McMillen, Snappers Booster Club, and Grant & Irene Stauffer.
Benefactor level ($10,000-$24,999) honorees were Cook Medical, First Christian Church of Macomb, Holthaus Companies Inc. Roofing Contractors, Robbin & Jodie Kost, Vernal Sandall, Dr. and Mrs. Ramayya Gowda, George D. & Amber Lercher, and Marlene Thompson.
Recognized at the Honorary Director level ($25,000-$49,000) were Compeer Financial, Kenneth & Nina Long, The Jackson L. & Bette A. Williams Foundation, Charles and Carol Haggerty, and Dr. Roland G. Pettit.
Russell and Esther Morris were added to the President’s Council level ($50,000-$99,999), and Mr. and Mrs. Lynn McPheeters joined the Founder Level ($100,000 and up) level of giving.
Esmeralda Uribe, newly elected Student Trustee for the 2024-2025 academic year and scholarship recipient, spoke about the importance of scholarships in helping students complete their education.
Outgoing SRC Foundation board members Bruce Beal and Nick Tinsman were recognized for their time of service on the Foundation board.
The SRC Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, and offers a wide variety of scholarships as well as support to the college every year. For more information about the Foundation or a potential gift to SRC, contact the Foundation at (309) 649-6260 or email foundation@src.edu.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Employees Recognized for Service
Spoon River College held their annual appreciation event April 12 at the Canton Campus and April 19 at the Macomb Campus to recognize employees for their years of service. Faculty awards were also presented. President of Spoon River College Dr. Curt Oldfield presided over the events.
Honored for five years was Sarah Strode, Nursing faculty.
Honored for ten years were Scott Heidemann, Systems Administrator; and Dr. Andrew Kirk, Speech faculty.
Honored for 15 years were Tad Bugos, Technician Maintenance; Brandy Chasteen, Project Advisor, Student Support Services; Dean Clary, Director, Technology Services; and Joe Clemens, Diesel Technology faculty.
Honored for 25 years were Velvet Powell, Director, Community Outreach; and Todd Thompson, Diesel Technology faculty.
Honored for 30 years were Kevin Bell, Programmer/Analyst; and Mickey Decker, Specialist, Admissions/Recruiting.
Honored for 35 years was Lori Murphy, Office Assistant, Community Outreach.
Brian Dalpiaz, Math faculty, was awarded the Spoon River College Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Award and the Illinois Community College Trustees Association Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member nomination.
Jill Myers, Criminal Justice faculty, was awarded the Spoon River College Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Award and the Illinois Community College Trustees Association Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member nomination.
The Illinois Community College Trustees Association Outstanding Full-Time and Part-Time Faculty nomination awards are presented to those who display teaching excellence, have an ability to take a personal interest in students, and inspire enthusiasm through teaching techniques.
Allyson Smith, Agriculture Management faculty, was the recipient of the H. Truman Standard Award, presented each year to a faculty member for teaching excellence, meritorious service to the institution, and displaying the Spoon River College Core Values of Caring, Respect, Integrity, Fairness, and Responsibility.
Faculty award recipients will be recognized at the commencement that will be held Thursday, May 9.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Student Government Association Members Visit State Capitol
Members of the Student Government Association at Spoon River College in both Canton and Macomb visited the State Capitol Building on Friday, April 12. Besides getting a tour of the Capitol, they met with Representative Norine Hamond and spoke with her about the new Macomb Campus, as well as the growing need for mental health services for all students. They also had the opportunity to observe the representatives in session, and were introduced during the opening announcements.
Pictured are Rep. Norine Hammond, SGA members Sarah Jordan, Margaret Toothaker, Esme Uribe, Jessica Fackrell, and Holly Norton, vice president of educational/student services, and SGA advisor.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Farm King Shoppers Can Save Money on Purchases by Wearing SRC Apparel on April 27
Thanks to Spoon River College ag student Dallen Lashmett of Rushville, shoppers at the Farm King stores in both Canton and Macomb can enjoy 10% off their purchases on Saturday, April 27, if they are wearing Spoon River College apparel.
Lashmett, who is enrolled in the Agriculture Business Management program at the college is doing his internship at the Canton Farm King store, and the special sale he is organizing will serve as his required project. “I was uncertain if Farm King would allow it, but Don Pollit, Canton Farm King manager, was all for it.” Cindy Foster, Macomb Farm King Manager, also got on board.
Lashmett, who is from Rushville, had worked on farms and enjoyed it, but had never envisioned a career in agriculture. That changed in his junior year at Rushville-Industry High School when Ag teacher Sydney Riden sparked an interest in ag that has continued to grow.
“She doesn’t realize the impact she had on me my last two years of high school,” said Lashmett. “She opened the door to the place I am today.”
While still uncertain what his ultimate career goal will be, it will be agriculture related, and Lashmett is grateful for the people in his life—such as Riden—who helped guide him this far, as well as his grandmother. “Mamaw is the reason I came to college. She made me promise I would, so I did.”
And that says all that one needs to know about the kind of young man Dallen Lashmett is.
The Canton Farm King is located at 2091 N Main Street, and the Macomb Farm King is located at 1620 E. Jackson Street. Saturday hours for both stores are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The sale excludes green tagged items and those already on clearance.
Spoon River College apparel can be purchased at both the Canton and Macomb campuses, and online at https://store.src.edu/home.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Diesel and Power Systems Technology Students Receive Scholarships
Five Spoon River College students in the Diesel and Power Systems Technology (DPST) program were awarded scholarships following a round of interviews with program faculty and members of the Diesel Advisory Board.
Advisory Board member Sam Brooks presented the awards to the following students:
Pierce Boyer of Lewistown received $400 from the Coachmen Motor Club Scholarship; Jared Cheline of Aledo received $350 from the Coachmen Motor Club scholarship; Wyatt Leinenbach of Emden received $500 from the Brian Telander Scholarship; Jerrick LeMaire of Bosco received $1,000 from the Ed Kaiser Scholarship; Isaac Little of Rushville received $500 from PHI-MU-TAU Scholarship and $200 from the Coachmen Motor Club; , and Gage Peters of Astoria received $500 from the PHI-MU-TAU Scholarship and $50 from the Coachmen Motor Club.
The two-year DPST program is one of the college’s longest-running career and technical education programs, offering education and training in the field of diesel power technology and its related application that culminates in an associate in applied science degree. In 2019, the College also became a certified training center for the railway industry through a partnership with NARS (National Academy of Railroad Science) and Johnson County Community College. Certificates are offered in Locomotive Mechanical, Preventive Maintenance, and Rail Transportation and Power System Technology. Instructors in the program are Todd Thompson, Joe Clemens, Aaron Mayall, and Dave Andersen.
For more information about the program, visit www.src.edu.
Pictured left to right is Gage Peters, Jared Cheline, Isaac Little, Jerrick LeMaire, Peirce Boyer, and Wyatt Leinenbach.
DPST Advisory board members and faculty members are Joe Clemens (faculty), Vance Geisendorfer, Von Geisendorfer, Sam Brooks, Eric Bunnell, Kevin Quick, Todd Thompson (faculty), Brian Friedrich, Kevin Kaiser, Danny Mahr, John Danielson, SRC President Dr. Curt Oldfield, Aaron Mayall (faculty), and Dave Andersen.
