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.”

Financial Aid Visits Scheduled for High Schools

Spoon River College employees in the financial aid office will be presenting free workshops for students, parents, and any adult learners interested in obtaining information about aid programs available, and in getting assistance filling out and filing the 2021-2022 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The majority of the visits will be conducted virtually, and schools are limiting attendance to high school seniors and the parent completing the FAFSA

Completing the FAFSA is now a State of Illinois high school graduation requirement for 2021.

“FAFSA applications can be filed beginning October 1 using 2019 income tax information rather than waiting until January 1 or after,” said Jo Branson, financial aid director at Spoon River College. “I can’t stress enough how important it is to have the FAFSA completed accurately and on time in order to obtain federal and state aid for college.”

Branson noted that information about other financial assistance programs such as funding for veterans, scholarships, student loans, and payment plans will also be presented, and even those not planning on attending Spoon River College are welcome to attend.

The visits are scheduled as follows:

October 1: Farmington High School at 5:30 and 7 p.m. in the Auditorium. Students will be required to bring their Chromebook, and should sign up with high school counselor, Emily Smith.

October 7: VIT High School from 4−7 p.m. Students should sign up for a time with high school counselor, Carly Taylor.

October 14 and October 28: Macomb High School – Meeting time for October 14 is 5:30 -7:30 p.m., and the meeting time for October 28 is from 12−4 p.m. Students should sign up for a time and date with high school counselors, Jason Johnson or Shawnee Huston.

October 19: Astoria High School from 4−7 p.m. Students should sign up for a time with high school counselor, Sadie Keefauver.

October 20—Cuba High School from 6−8 p.m. Students should sign up for a time with high school counselor, Logan Link.

October 21—Lewistown High School from 6−8 p.m. Students should sign up with high school counselor, Kerry Hatfill.

October 28—Havana High School event will be hosted at the Spoon River College Havana Center from 2−8 p.m. Students should sign up for a time with high school counselor, Adam Wherley.

Families are encouraged to bring their own charged device to the events and to create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID prior to attending the event. A how-to video on creating the FSA ID is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7ihhGk8mCY&feature=youtu.be, and more information is available at StudentAid.gov.

Documents needed to fill out the FAFSA are the student’s Social Security and driver’s license numbers, 2019 W-2s, 2019 federal income tax return, parent’s 2019 federal income tax return and W-2s (if required), and any additional untaxed income such as veteran’s benefits, child support (paid or received) and worker’s compensation.

For more information, visit www.src.edu and click on the Financial Aid link under the Student Services tab or call (309) 649-7030 in Canton or (309) 833-6073 in Macomb.

Barry Cloyd to Present Burl Ives: Midwestern Minstrel

Award-winning singer/songwriter/musician Barry Cloyd is back by popular demand as a part of the 2019-2020 SRC Community Chorus season. On Sunday, February 9, Barry presents the engaging, original show Burl Ives, Midwestern Minstrel in the SRC Theatre on the Canton campus.  Show time is 3:00 p.m.  Tickets may be purchased by calling 649-6260.

Burl Ives was and is an iconic figure in the annals of American Folk Music getting his start in the farms and fields near the small towns of Hunt City and Newton in Southern Illinois.  Generations know him as the singing snowman in the beloved television special Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

In this original program created by Barry Cloyd, Ives’ incredible life will play out as audiences discover the back story of this fascinating person and hear many of Burl Ives’ most popular folk songs.

In the 1930s he was an official hobo, traveling the country in boxcars.  A fixture of the nascent folk scene throughout the 1940s to 1960s in New York City, Ives also went on to become an internationally recognized star in film.  He won an Oscar for his role in Big Country and starred in many other films.

While Burl Ives became one of the world’s best-known folk singers, he never lost his hometown, folksy touch.  He recorded nearly 100 albums in his career and was called America’s Great Ballad Singer by Illinois Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Carl Sandburg.

Barry Cloyd is a Midwestern-based, full-time touring singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist who performs more than 125 various shows per year.  In addition to his energetic concert schedule, Barry has been the resident stringed instrumentalist/vocalist on The Spirit of Peoria Paddlewheel Riverboat for the last 18 years.  Barry is also a recording artist with 10 CDs to his credit and his all original Southland won the award for best Americana album in 2016, resulting in his tracks Spirit Dance and Know This River being placed on radio stations in more than 45 countries worldwide.  He has shared the stage and recorded with many stars of the Blues and Americana music worlds including band members of Buddy Guy’s Band, The Byrds, Stephen Stills, Emmylou Harris, The Oak Ridge Boys, John Denver and Dan Fogelberg. Barry has also created and toured dozens of edu-tainment programs which focus on history through music.

“We are pleased to present the multi-talented Barry Cloyd again this year,” said Carol Davis, Artistic Director.  “The SRC Community Chorus tradition of providing quality entertainment and establishing SRC scholarships continues as we celebrate our upcoming 15th anniversary season.”

The final production of the SRC Community Chorus 2019-2020 season will be an original musical revue conceived by Carol Davis, Tony Roberts, and Chad Murphy.  From Broadway to L.A. will be presented June 5-7.  Visit www.src.edu/foundation and click on the Community Chorus link, Like us on Facebook, or contact Carol Davis by emailing cdavis.tenacious@gmail.com.

Tickets on Sale for SRC Community Chorus Winter Concert

Tickets are now on sale for the Spoon River College Community Chorus concert Frosty Airs & Fables.  The concert will be performed on December 7 and 8, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Canton.  Individual tickets may be purchased by calling 649-6260 or by email request to cdavis.tenacious@gmail.com.

“This concert will delight audiences of all ages,” said John Davis, director.  “Last season we included a musical drama celebrating the 175^th anniversary of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.  This year, in addition to our wide variety of music genres, we will feature the beloved Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus and a special section devoted to the Disney animated film Frozen.”

Chorus members include Tori Albanito, Andrea Barbknecht, Bruce Beal, Loren Blackfelner, Carla Bobell, Gloria Bradford, Cecily Burnham, Janice Dare Bruster, Carol Davis, Colin Davis, Kevin Dearing, Jackie Davis, Richard Etter, Jim Gage, Andrea Garnett, Micah Garnett, Aaron Haacke, Bob Heppenstahl, Sherry Hilton, Susan Juliusson, Carol Kohler, Leta Krock, Lindsey Larson, Aja Lawson, Wendy Martin, Sara Mathis, Sue Maurice, Susie McMillen, Trygve Meade, Janet Munson, Chad Murphy, Mary Newcomb, Natalie Orwig, Jo Potter Keen, Ginny Reter, Ron Rupe, Karen Shaw, Becky Silva, Allen Smith, Shane Smith, Stacy Smith, Jeanine Standard, Doris Taylor, Kenny Taylor, Julie Toney, Michael Varnes, Melissa Walker, Tammy Weaver, Lauren Wilcoxen, and Pam Willison.  Accompanist is Gretchen Fuller.

Proceeds from the concert will continue to fund the David L. Bishop Memorial Scholarship.

Subscription series tickets to all five productions of the SRC Theatre and the SRC Community Chorus may be purchased through November 8 by calling 649-6260.

Upcoming SRC Community Chorus productions include Burl Ives: Midwestern Minstrel featuring Barry Cloyd on February 9 @ 3:00 p.m. and the musical revue From Broadway to L.A., directed by Carol Davis, June 5-7, 2020.

Visit www.src.edu/foundation and click on the SRC Community Chorus link, Like us on Facebook, or contact Carol Davis by emailing cdavis.tenacious@gmail.com.

SRC Community Chorus Winter Concert Rehearsals Begin September 26

The Spoon River College Community Chorus will present Frosty Airs & Fables on December 7 and 8, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Canton.  Tickets will go on sale to the general public on October 15.

Rehearsals will be held on Thursday evenings beginning on September 26th at 6:30 p.m. at the Canton Church of the Brethren located at 3rd and Chestnut.

As has become the tradition, this season’s concert will feature sacred, traditional, and secular songs in a variety of musical styles and instrumental accompaniments.  A musical adaptation of “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus,” will feature Kate Fitzjarrald as Virginia and B. J. Stone as Francis P. Church, the editor of the New York Sun.  Also, included will be “A Frozen Fantasy” highlighting four songs from the popular Disney animated film.

Participation in the SRC Community Chorus is open to anyone with a love of music and performance.  Auditions are not required and all ages and vocal ranges are welcome.  The concert is directed by John L. Davis and accompanied by Gretchen Fuller.

“The organization originated in 2005 and has grown to include over 100 singers, musicians, and technicians,” said Carol Davis, Artistic Director.  “We have raised funds to establish six $10,000 named endowed scholarships and are currently funding the David L. Bishop Memorial Scholarship.”

The 2019-20 SRC Community Chorus season continues on February 9, 2020 with the mini-concert “Burl Ives: Midwestern Minstrel,” by Barry Cloyd and concludes with the original musical revue “From Broadway to L.A.,” June 5-7, 2020.

Also, available this year is a joint season ticket for all five productions presented by SRC Drama and the SRC Community Chorus for only $40, a 20% savings. For more information or to purchase season tickets, please call (309) 649-6260 before October 15th.

Visit www.src.edu/foundation and click on the SRC Community Chorus link, Like us on Facebook, or contact Carol Davis by emailing cdavis.tenacious@gmail.com.