Esports Coach Recruiting Players for SRC Team

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

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

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

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

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

Seeking Gamers for Casual Competition Against SRC Esports Team

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

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

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

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

Informational Financial Aid and FAFSA Completion Virtual Meetings Scheduled

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Virtual Auditions for SRC Speech and Debate Team Performing Skill Grants

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

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

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

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

Free Virtual College Fair February 16 and 17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spoon River College Announces Fall 2020 Graduates

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

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

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

Augusta: Katie Eichman, Medical Assistant certificate

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

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

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

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

Chandlerville: Tara N. Towery, Associate in Arts degree

Colchester: Jordyn Nicole Bartlett, Associate in Arts degree

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

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

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

Dunfermline: James Robert Halfaday, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate

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

Elmwood: Jennifer Lyn Slayton, Medical Transcription certificate

Fairview: Felicia M. Tinder, Associate in Science degree

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

Galesburg: Edward Cox, Associate in Science degree

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

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

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

Ipava: Heather Krukewitt, Associate in Arts degree

Knoxville: Kelly Lynn Clay, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate

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

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

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

Maquon: Nolan Mason, Associate in Arts degree

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

Naperville: Tanaesha Rene’ Townsend, Associate in Science degree

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

Princeville: Tyrus Robert Kielion, Welding Operator certificate

Smithfield: Ethan Yaste, Welding Operator certificate

Table Grove: Shannon Hickle, Medical Assistant certificate

Vermont: Charles Dobbs, Basic Commercial Driver Training certificate

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

Financial Aid Staff Hosting Virtual FAFSA Completion Event February 16 for Canton HS

Financial aid staff at Spoon River College is hosting a remote/virtual FAFSA Completion for Canton High School seniors and parents on Tuesday, February 16. Google Meet sessions will be available at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. Students should contact Lisa Nesbitt at Canton High School at 309-647-1820 to sign up for the session of their choice.

“We’ll provide information on applying for federal and state grants, scholarships, and student loans,” said Jo Branson, director of financial aid at Spoon River College. “Those wanting to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) will need their 2019 income information.”

“We recommend that students and their parents create the required FSA ID a week prior to the February 16 event,” Branson said. “This can be done at www.studentaid.gov.”

Financial aid staff will also be available to answer calls by phone at 309-649-7030 on February 16 from 4−7 p.m.

Filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) now completes a graduation requirement.

For more information about financial aid at Spoon River College visit www.src.edu.

February Recognized as Financial Aid Awareness Month

February is recognized as Financial Aid Awareness Month, and financial aid staff at Spoon River College will be helping to spread awareness about the aid process, including how to apply for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and SRC Foundation scholarships.

“We want students and their parents to fully understand how a financial aid package is determined,” said Jo Branson, director of financial aid at Spoon River College. “We’ll be working to dispel some of the myths that surround financial aid, as well as information about filing a FAFSA, which now completes a high school graduation requirement.”

During February 8 – February 12, Branson and members of her staff will host table events at Spoon River College campuses and centers. Students will be able to stop by and grab a snack, ask questions, and pick up financial aid information, including applications for SRC Foundation scholarships.

“Financial aid has to start with filling out the FAFSA application, because in addition to applying for federal funds, you’re also automatically applying for state funds like MAP (Monetary Awards Program). Filing a FAFSA is also the first step in applying for SRC Foundation scholarships.”

Branson said many students and their parents believe that there is an income cut-off (there’s not) or that students must wait until they are accepted to a college before filing the FAFSA application (they should not).

“How much income parents make is just one factor that can determine a student’s eligibility for federal grants, loans, or work study funds,” Branson said. “As far as when to apply for FAFSA, the answer is always sooner rather than later. Seniors can begin the process even before they graduate high school, and they are allowed to list more than one college if they haven’t made their final decision yet.”

There is also confusion over whether a student is independent or needs to use their parents’ income. “That question is not always as obvious as one might think. The FAFSA form asks a series of questions that will determine dependency status,” said Branson.

Table events are scheduled for Monday, February 8 and Thursday, February 11 in the second floor hallway in Macomb, and on Tuesday, February 9 and Wednesday, February 10 in the Snapper Café in Canton.

Fall 2020 President’s List for Full-Time Students Announced

Spoon River College congratulates the following full-time students who were named to the President’s List in recognition of their academic achievement in completing 12 credit hours or more of college-level classes and earning a grade point average of 3.6–4.0 during the Fall 2020 semester.

Astoria: Brecken K. McKinney, Areal K. Smith, Justice M. Westlake

Bath: Jacob D. Blakeley

Browning: Emme A. Howell, Jacob R. Miller

Bryant: Baylee K. Mayberry, Emily S. Wise

Bushnell: Daniel J. Taflinger

Cambridge: Cade V. Franks, Cole G. Franks

Camden: Collin E. Shelts

Canton: Jacob C. Barnard, McKenna N. Bergstralh, Garrett W. Bryant, Bradyn A. Cunnyngham, Addy R. Dominski, Jacob W. Essex, Maggie A. Eveland, Cassidy R. Fawcett, Joel G. Fleisch, Faith M. Haley, Ashley R. Kenser, Grace E. Mayall I, Brandon R. McGraw, Carra J. Meacham, Damian L. Minder, Allison R. Mortland, Sydney K. Munson, Bailey Norton, Anna K. O’Brien, Sophia C. Oaks, Lauren E. Oldfield, Kaleb J. Owens, Nattalee D. Pierce, Brenen P. Seward, Hannah G. Snook, Collin A. Suddeth, Josiah C. Theobald, Evan M. Wheeler, Claire Wheelwright, Sam R. White, Haley D. Woodcock

Cantrall: Gracie L. Henrickson

Channahon: Jacob M. Allgeyer

Chillicothe: Jansan L. Davis

Cuba:  Brady R. Carpenter, Piper J. Denny, Madison M. Draughan, Madison P. Easley, Makayla A. Gilpin, Dustin A. Howarter, Sloan Miller, Caitlin M. Patterson, Addyson N. Williams

Ellisville: Aja M. Lawson

Elmwood: Courtney D. Roudebush

Fairview: Ian J. Lister, Chelsea D. Steck, Luke A. Stuckey

Farmington: Aidan M. Crusen, Brennan Potter, Jessica M. Reynolds, Meredith K. Stufflebeam

Fredrick: Hannah J. Spencer I

Galesburg: Edward J. Cox

Griggsville: Tucker A. Kunzeman

Havana: Harrison J. Allen-Witt, McKenna R. Bleem, Alana G. Boggs, Benjamin Friedrich, Desiray L. Meyer, Gage K. Shawgo, Colin D. Sullivan, Tory R. Wickman

Jefferson, SD: Pedro J. Martinez

Joliet: Dean C. Procarione

Knoxville: Grant D. Hise

Lewistown: Kadee M. Bainter, Maddison M. Brown, Isabella J. Clary, Lydia Cripe, Alex A. Ebert, Stephanie L. Hadsall, Dorinda B. Lange, Luke C. Lange, Ethan D. Mikulich, Elizabeth A. Reed, Avery E. Smith, Jainee M. Sours, Even J. Spotloe, Tysin E. Stone, Kaitlyn M. VanPelt, Curtis H. Watson

Littleton (IL): Alex Triplett

Macomb: Jessa L. Coker, Alexis N. Danner-Clark, Janell M. DeWeese, Dalice R. Fawcett, Trenton R. Ford, Kinsley E. Foshe, Emma J. Gilliland, Jordan R. Graham, Daniel K. Hammond, Sierra L. Keeffer, Matthew R. Kessler, Christina L. McElhiney, Travaughn L. Miller, Brekin M. Mills, Misty A. Peyer, Breanna L. Rhoads, Andrew J. Rittenhouse, Tessa J. Sargeant I, Kevin R. Shelton, Devon A. Simpson, Lunden H. Skaggs, Grace A. Stufflebeam, William F. Uppinghouse, Miah A. Zarello, Shuai Zhao

Marietta: Renda S. Milleon

Mount Pulaski: Benjamin C. Fricke

New Holland: Mark E. Maaks

Orleans, IN: Sydney L. Owens

Pittsburg (IL): Sydney R. Billington

Plymouth: Audrey R. Shelor

Rushville: Ashley N. Bollinger, Addison L. Curry, Macaela G. Goodrich, Michael E. Hillyer, Katelyn G. Ingles, Remi K. Irwin, Matthew A. Little

St. David: Caleb M. Keithley, Raegan L. Woods

Shorewood: Noah M. Johnson

Smithfield: Peter Howerter, Audrey Kennelly, Rachel M. Slater

Springfield: Kira E. Brown

St. Louis, MO: Timothy L. Reynolds, Jr., Alex G. Schmidt

Vermont: Chloe S. Cracraft, Kianna B. Gilson

Verona, Italy: Giulia Cianfriglia

Washington: Noelle A. Hobbs, Zachary A. Wheat

Fall 2020 President’s List for Part-Time Students Announced

Spoon River College congratulates the following part-time students who were named to the President’s List in recognition of their academic achievement in completing at least 12 credit hours of college level courses at SRC and who were enrolled in six to eleven credit hours and earning a GPA of 3.6 or higher during the Fall 2020 semester.

Bardolph: Ethan C. Stambaugh

Bath: Anissa Blakeley

Blandinsville: Stefanie A. Miller

Browning: Sarah J. Briney

Camden: Whitley J. Cooper I

Canton: Brooke E. Brown, Erin N. Gosnell, Amanda L. Hedges, Clayton J. Horner, Angel Jenkins, Harvey Johnson III, Claire A. Mason, Katherine E. Quinones, Isabelle M. Raymer, Alicia N. Romine, Andrew T. Tarvin, Noah E. Walljasper, Lukas D. Zumstein

Chandlerville: Sarah A. Dyson, Kristen M. Gunter

Chicago: Thomas K. Vinson

Cuba: Emily A. Derry, Lisa A. Doubet

Fairview: Caitlyn R. Collier

Farmington: Threal J. Anderson, Jill R. Ifft, Keith H. Ifft, Cole J. Riggen

Havana: Melanie Bleem, Olivia F. Herbst, Krista R. Koke, Sydnie Lindner, Brooklyn M. Richardson, Taylor Stockham

Industry: Jason B. Eskridge

Kilbourne: Kristen Nall, Reese Smith, Alyse K. White

Lewistown: Clay A. Beekman, Kate L. Heffren, Alyssa R. Rose, Rinnick L. West

London Mills: Audrey S. Tarochione

Macomb: Nicole L. Ackley, Brylee M. Anselment, Jordyn N. Bartlett, Melia C. Butler, Jessica E. Campbell, Angela J. Douglas, Kaitlyn R. Ellis, Dawson W. Forman, Jennie R. Ismail, Ryleigh K. Patnode I, Tristin L. Rodriguez, Laine E. Torrance

Maquon: Grace A. Bridson

Peoria: Debbie A. Bartley

Plymouth: Wesley J. Shelor

Rushville: Jessica Boyd, Isabel M. Escapa, Fletcher Higgins, Daniel A. Ray, Sabrina R. Vining

Tennessee: Christina D. Tillman