Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on DPST Students Host 13th Annual Pancakes for Bette Fundraiser
The 13th Annual Pancakes for Bette fundraiser was held at Spoon River College in Canton on November 1. It was hosted by the Phi Mu Tau fraternity, which is comprised of students in the Diesel and Power Systems Technology program.
What was started as a way to help longtime Spoon River College employee Bette Dye with medical expenses became a way to honor her memory following her passing in 2010. “I worked with Bette for eleven years, and she served many pancakes to my students during that time,” said Todd Thompson, Diesel and Power Systems Technology instructor and Phi Mu Tau advisor. “She cared about all the students and made it a point to know them by name, and would ask about them even after they had graduated.”
This year’s event raised $903 that will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. DPST student Mitch Lambert of Kewanee was the winner of the pancake eating contest, earning him a $50 gas card, which was donated by Student Services. Caleb Rogers of Payson was the second-place winner, receiving a $25 gift card to the SRC River Roast Café, which was donated by the Café.
DPST student Tyler Heinz of Fairview won $57 in the 50/50 drawing, which he donated back.
“On behalf of the Phi Mu Tau, we thank everyone who continues to make this a successful event, with special thanks to Central Butane in Norris for the use of their grills and gas, to Performance Food Group for donating the sausage, and to the Café staff for the donation of the gift card, beverages, pancake batter, and their assistance,” said Thompson.
Pictured l-r: Aaron Mayall (DPST instructor), Caleb Rogers, Mitch Lambert, and Joe Clemens (DPST instructor).
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Bowling Added to SRC Sports Fall 2024
Spoon River College is adding bowling to their list of competitive sports, with the season set to begin August of 2024. Kenny Shockency of Canton has been hired as the head coach.
Shockency said there will be both men’s and women’s teams, and that they are looking for experienced bowlers. “We’re hoping to recruit six men and six women,” he said, noting that the team will be playing other junior colleges in Illinois as well as traveling to other states to compete as part of the NJCCA (National Junior College Athletic Association). Practices will be held at Linn Lanes.
Shockency is a Canton native, graduating from Canton High School and then attending Spoon River College before transferring to Western Illinois University and bowling at the collegiate level for two years. He has been coaching for the past 20 years, and has bowled 85/300 games and 40+/800 series.
“We are excited to add competitive bowling, and even more excited that Coach Shockency will be leading it,” said John Bassett, athletic director and head softball coach at Spoon River College. “His experience with competitive youth bowling in the area will be an invaluable resource, and we look forward to see all that he can accomplish.”
We’re very excited to add a competitive bowling team, and even more excited that Coach Shockency will be leading it,” said John Bassett, athletic director and head softball coach at Spoon River College. “His experience with competitive youth bowling in the area will be an invaluable resource, and we look forward to seeing all that he can accomplish.”
Shockency resides in Canton with wife Shelly and son Zayne.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Athletics Hosting Elite Softball Camp November 12
The Spoon River College athletic department is hosting an Elite Prospect Softball Fall Camp on Sunday, November 12, at the Multi-Purpose Building on the Canton Campus.
“This camp is for players who want to compete at the next level,” said John Bassett, athletic director and head softball coach at Spoon River College.
The camp will be a total skills camp that will cover all aspects of the game. It will include testing in multiple areas, an evaluation sheet, a scrimmage, campus tour, and question and answer period with coaches and players. Evaluations will be shared with other college coaches.
Students graduating in 2024 and 2025 will have priority, while 2026 and 2027 graduates will be wait listed. The cost is $25 per athlete. Attendees can register at www.bit.ly/SRCCamps or by calling John Bassett at 309-649-6303 or emailing john.basset@src.edu.
The Canton Campus is located at 23235 North County 22.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Registration Open for 2024 Spring and Summer Semesters
Registration for the 2024 spring and summer semesters at Spoon River College is open for all current and new students starting November 1. Spring classes begin Tuesday, January 16.
“Registering as soon as possible increases the chances of students getting the classes they need and the schedule they want,” said Janet Munson, director of enrollment services. “Current students can register online or schedule an appointment with an advisor for face-to-face registration, while new students must meet with an advisor. Students should also be filing a FAFSA application if they haven’t already to determine their eligibility for financial aid.”
When completing the FAFSA, the school code for all SRC locations is 001643.
Regular 16-week classes and the first session of 8-week classes begin Tuesday, January 16. A session of 12-week classes begins Monday, February 12, and the second session of 8-week classes begins Monday, March 18. A spring interim session will be offered January 3-24 for select classes. Coursework for interim classes is condensed into three weeks, and students earn full credit for them.
Tuition for the spring semester must be paid in full by Friday, December 1, or arrangements made to be enrolled in the automatic installment payment plan. For more information about financial aid options, deadlines, and setting up a payment plan, visit www.src.edu, or call (309) 649-7030 in Canton or (309)833-6073 in Macomb.
Also available on the website is the course catalog, information about the admission process, and the admissions application.
For more information or to make an appointment with an advisor, call Canton: (309)647-6400, Havana: (309)543-4413, Macomb: (309)837-6069, and Rushville: (217)322-6060.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Chorus Presents the Wonder, Full World of Winter
The 2023 SRC Community Chorus Winter Concert, The Wonder, Full World of Winter, directed by John L. Davis, runs Saturday, December 2 at 7PM, and Sunday, December 3 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at www.src.edu/chorus. All three concerts will be held at the First Christian Church in Canton.
The concert’s international theme offers a wide variety of songs from throughout the world, plus features a fun “Classic” Radio Show, like those that broadcast in the 1940-50s.
“This concert is extra special,” says Carol Davis, artistic director of the SRC Community Chorus. “We have seasonal and holidays songs from the USA, Germany, Nigeria, Ireland, West Indies, Israel, Austria, France, Spain, Scotland, Norway, Britain, and Sweden. With the world in so much conflict, we are trying to bring us all just a little bit closer through our love of music.”
Several new and returning members are singing with the chorus this winter. Approximately 1/3 of the chorus is under the age of 40 with our youngest being 18 and our oldest 82. The group is comprised of SRC students, alumni, faculty/staff, and district residents. Members include Gloria Bradford, Janice Dare Bruster, Sarah Fouts, Katie Jett, Emy Leffler, Corrinna Markland-Pickel, Sara Mathis, Sue Maurice, Natalie Orwig, Virginia Reter, Karen Shaw, Jean Sprecher, Jeanine Standard, Jake Haarman, Allen Smith, Chad Murphy, Colin Davis, Kenny Taylor, Kevin Dearing, Steve Mason, Shane Smith, Edwin Brinklow, David Cottrell, Jim Gage, Trygve Meade, Tony Roberts, Noah Stevens, Mike Varnes, Larry Von Behren, Tori Albanito, Lauren Avery, Carla Bobell, Carol Davis, Katey Davis, Linda Dilts, Angie Hale, Jacqueline Huggins, Denise Kirgan, Carol Kohler, Lindsey Larson, Aja Lawson, Janet Munson, Shirley Roberts, Cynthia Robison, Erika Shults, Stacy Smith, Linda Von Behren, Jendy Way and Lauren Wilcoxen.
Musicians are Gretchen Fuller (piano), Matt Buckzo and Pam Willison (keyboards), Tom Sandman (percussion), Tony Roberts (harp) and Christopher Adams-Wenger (strings). Technicians are Greg Pollitt, Hannah Zimmerman, and Sydney Munson.
The SRC Community Chorus is a fundraising arm of the SRC Foundation. Proceeds go to the newly established Susie McMillen Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Seating is limited to 150 per performance. Patrons are encouraged to purchase their tickets early online or through any chorus member.
Those encountering online access issues, please call (309) 649-6260 M-F between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Final Fall Semester College Visit Day November 16
Spoon River College will host a College Visit Day Thursday, November 16, from 9-11 a.m. at both the Canton and Macomb campuses. This will be the last College Visit Day of the fall semester.
College Visit Day is 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, as well as the different degrees and short-term certificates each program offers.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet with advisors and financial aid specialists, and will receive information about the application process, tuition costs, student life activities, clubs and organizations, and financial aid options, including scholarships.
Tours of the campuses will be given, and will include the Snapper Villas student housing on the Canton Campus. All attendees will receive a free t-shirt.
RSVPs are encouraged online at https://www.src.edu/college-visit-days, or by calling 309-649-6400 (Canton) or 309-833-6069 (Macomb).
The Canton Campus is located at 23235 N. County Hwy. 22, and the Macomb Campus is located at 208 S. Johnson Street.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Graduate Attending University of Essex in the UK
Long fascinated with the United Kingdom, SRC graduate A Roos had a dream come true when he/they had the chance to travel there during a group visit to Europe, with London becoming a favorite place. “As cliché as it sounds, I felt more at home there than I ever did here. I was finally able to relax and be in a place I truly enjoyed, even if it was only for a day.”
A will be living that dream for the next four years as a student at the University of Essex, working towards a bachelor’s degree in Global Studies with Human Rights. That may not be a typical degree choice, but for A, it’s the perfect choice.
“Advocating has always been such a big part of my life it’s hard to place that moment when I realized I was doing it or that I needed to do it. It was just something I did, without really thinking. Throughout my life I have advocated not only for myself but for my brother as well.”
A’s older brother Parker was born with Fragile X syndrome, and A grew up watching—and being a part of—advocacy in action.
“I grew up seeing my mom talk with various groups of people about Fragile X syndrome, including going to Congress to talk about certain bills that would help people with Fragile X and other disabilities. I even went with her a couple of times to Washington DC to talk to members of Congress as well. It was an amazing experience and further fueled my passion for advocacy.”
While the classes A took at Spoon River College don’t transfer in the way they would in the States, those with a political science concentration will put him/them at the same level as other entering freshman.
“We spend high school taking a variety of classes, while in the UK their classes are focused on what field they are most interested in to help them prepare for college.”
The admission process is also different; the majority of prospective students all apply though the same non-profit website. They can choose up to three colleges, then must fill out an application as well as write a letter stating why they would be a good candidate for a program. “Once that information is accepted, students must then get a letter of recommendation from a current or former teacher that is submitted privately—thank you, Mr. Maher!”
The completed paperwork is sent to the department head of each university for the specific program selected, and they decide if an offer will be made. Offers come through the same website students applied through, with an option to accept or reject. “I was fortunate to be accepted into all three schools I applied to, but the University of Essex had the program most focused on Human Rights that appealed greatly to me.”
Different also is the length of time to earn a degree; it typically takes just three years to earn a bachelor’s degree in the UK because students only focus on classes that are relevant to a specific degree. They also have trimesters, so school starts in early October and runs until the end of June.
The program in Global Studies would also typically be a three-year degree, but A has opted to do a placement year that will give him/them the opportunity to work in the field and gain job experience.
“The other difference is the cost; college is significantly less in the UK, and you don’t see students graduating with tremendous amounts of debt. Even as an international student, the cost is less than a lot of universities here.”
While A is excited for college life in the U.K., he/they won’t forget favorite moments at Spoon River College, particularly those in a creative writing class taught by English faculty Laura Bandy. “This class was filled with so many wonderful people who all shared a love for writing, especially poetry. Everyone was always super supportive of everyone’s work and it was an amazing environment to be in. We would all mess around and have a great time while expanding our abilities as writers.”
As for a future career, A’s main goal is simply to help others and try to create a kinder world through change.
“My ultimate career goal is to do advocacy work and help make the world a better and more accepting place for everyone. I want to help create long-lasting change and help people live in a world they can be themselves in without living in fear. I want to uplift the voices of minorities, I want to be part of creating a world filled with equality for all, not just for some.”
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Graduates Share Transfer Experiences
Clay Beekman and Avery Smith took dual credit classes in high school, earned their associate degrees after just one year at SRC, and then transferred; Clay to the University of Illinois to major in chemical engineering, and Avery to Illinois State University to major in elementary education.
As an elementary education major, all but one of Avery’s credits transferred. Clay, who was still unsure of his major while at SRC, found that he had taken classes that didn’t pertain to his major, but those that did transferred easily and those that didn’t still transferred as electives. Both took summer classes at SRC while at attending the universities, and those transferred also.
Read on for Q&A about their transfer experience, and their advice to other students.
Q: Do you feel your classes at SRC adequately prepared you for a four-year university?
Clay: While I will say that my classes at SRC were easier than those I have taken here at U of I, I can safely say that they did prepare me for the class difficulty and style of that of a four-year university. Although the class sizes are much larger at this university, the individual attention I received at SRC and connections that I made with professors helped to equip me with the skills needed to succeed in a more challenging setting.
Avery: I can confidently say that the classes I took at SRC, especially the ones related to my major, prepared me for classes at ISU. I did not feel behind in any way when I transferred to ISU and began to take classes.
Q: If you had it to do over, would you still start at SRC?
Clay: I originally attended SRC after graduating high school because I had already taken classes there prior to attending full-time and, more importantly, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study. However, even if I did know from the start, I would still start at SRC. Although the specificity of my major requires many classes not available to students at SRC, the low cost of tuition for a solid education and being able to live at home are a better deal, even if that means graduating a little later. I strongly encourage anyone who does not know what major to study to attend community college. At SRC you can take all your electives for a fraction of the cost than if you were to take them at a university while still receiving a great education.
Avery: I was unsure of where I wanted to go after graduating from high school, but SRC had been on my radar since I took college classes during high school. If I could go back, I would 100% still go to SRC! I truly believe that there is no reason to go to a 4-year university to do gen ed courses if you can do it for a fraction of the cost at SRC. I advise anyone who is still unsure of what they want to do to go to SRC. While going there, I was able to stay at home, save money, and still get a good education.
Q: Any advice for students who transfer from a community college?
Clay: For me, the biggest difference between community college and a large university is the size of classes. Big lecture halls with hundreds of students and only one professor can be overwhelming, but don’t let this hold you back from asking for help. Always feel comfortable with reaching out to professors; it’s their job to help you learn!
Avery: My biggest worry about transferring to a bigger university was the social aspect. I would advise anyone planning to transfer to a larger university to put yourself out there and talk to people within your major. I have made so many great relationships with people in and out of my major!
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Connesha Posey is Student Shout-Out Award Recipient for September
Connesha Posey of Macomb is the recipient of the Student Shout-Out Award for September at Spoon River College, and received a $100 Visa Gift Card. She was nominated for exemplifying the SRC core values of caring, responsibility, integrity, respect, and fairness.
“Connesha’s exceptional demonstration of our core values stood out during a recent class review activity. She went above and beyond to assist the fellow students in her group who were grappling with challenging course material,” said math faculty member Shelli Stuart. “With unwavering patience and genuine empathy, she provided guidance and support, and her actions are a testament to her outstanding character and dedication to creating a positive learning experience for all. It is the spirit of unity that we strive to cultivate in our school community.”
Posey, full-time student and mother of three, was also a past recipient of the Nathan Cobb Memorial Scholarship, and plans to transfer and major in accounting.
The Student Shout-Out is an initiative that encourages any faculty or employee to nominate a student who deserves a special shout-out for exhibiting the core values of the college—caring, respect, integrity, fairness and responsibility—or going above and beyond to help others.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on 29th Annual Lifelong Learning Conference October 27
The 29th annual Lifelong Learning Conference will be hosted by the Spoon River College Office of Community Outreach and co-sponsor MidAmerica National Bank on Friday, October 27, 8 a.m-2:30 p.m. in the Engle Conference Center on the Canton Campus.
The popular conference offers break-out sessions that feature local speakers presenting on a wide range of interesting and entertaining subjects, a soup and sandwich buffet, and a vendor resource fair.
“This is a fun learning and social event that utilizes the talents and knowledge of our local experts and enthusiasts,” said Andrea Barbknecht, director of the SRC Canton Outreach Center. “We love seeing our repeat attendees as well as welcoming new ones!”
The conference will kick off with the keynote presentation “An Abraham Lincoln Christmas” delivered by Rick Klinedinst, who will talk about the present-day holiday traditions that originated during the Civil War era, how Lincoln’s family celebrated in the White House, and more. Following that will be three break-out sessions, with each offering three topics for participants to choose from.
Session one offers “Canton Women of Note, Continued…” with Cheryl Bielema, Janice Bruster, Hannah Cox, and Kathy Myers sharing the stories of five Canton women of note who have been inducted into the Canton High School’s Hall of Fame; “History of Banking: Nationally to Locally” by Rick Klinedinst and covering how the banking industry began and evolved in America; and “Adventures in Iceland and Scotland” that will chronical the travel adventures abroad of Jeanine Standard and Kathy McDowell.
Second session topics are “Josephine Baker: An American in Paris,” presented by Stan Ransom about the life of this American-French personality who was a singer, spy, actress, civil rights activist, and WWII hero; “It Played in Canton—Part 1,” which begins the story of the nationally and in some cases internationally popular music groups and individuals who played in Canton between 1964 and into the early ‘70’s, with Kevin Stephenson presenting; and “Yesterday’s Children,” with Brooks Carver relating the story of abandoned nineteenth-century immigrant children, orphan trains, and early twentieth-century child labor in America.
Session three choices are “It Played in Canton—Part 2” with Stephenson continuing down the memory lane of music in Canton; “Wonderful and Whimsical Wreaths!” features Christine Wright demonstrating new trends in wreath-making in her trademark energetic and entertaining style; and “The Night the Music Stopped: The Titanic Musicians,” with Gwen Alexander sharing stories of the lives and of the musicians hired to play on the Titanic (including a scandal involving one of the violinists!).
The early bird price is $25 before October 20 ($35 after). Registration can be completed online at https://src.augusoft.net, or by calling 309-649-6260.
