The Spoon River College Office of Community Outreach hosted the 32nd Lifelong Learning Conference April 11 at the Canton Campus, welcoming attendees, speakers, and resource fair vendors.
“It’s always wonderful to welcome this group of enthusiastic learners!” said Andrea Barbknecht Director of the SRC Canton Outreach Center. “It’s nice seeing old and new friends!”
Rick Klinedinst welcomed guests, and Mike Walters presented the keynote address on the history of Canton in honor of Canton’s Bicentennial Celebration that will be held June 20-29. Other sessions included AI in Everyday Life by Becca Werland, Shakespeare Goes to the Movies by Stan Ransom, Sensitive Personal Information by Cliff Magee, Introduction to Food and Wine Pairings by Brad Beam, Iran: A Personal Perspective by Frank Goudy, and Staying in the Eye of the Hurricane by Jeanine Standard.
“This event is a collaboration between our Community Leadership Academy graduates and many local experts and enthusiasts. I never cease to be amazed by the talent that is right here in our own backyard!” Barbknecht said.
The event was co-sponsored by MidAmerica National Bank. Other sponsors included Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development, The Loft Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Spoon River Home Health Services, Western Illinois Home Health Care, Canton Bicentennial Committee, The Clayberg Nursing Center, and Advanced Rehab and Sports Medicine.
Attendees enjoyed morning refreshments and a soup and sandwich buffet that was catered by the SRC River Roast Café.
The next Lifelong Learning Conference is scheduled for Friday, October 10, 2025, and College for Kids is scheduled for June 2 – 5 of 2025.
Pictures of the event can be viewed on the Spoon River College Community Outreach Facebook page. For more information about the classes and events offered through the Office of Community Outreach, visit https://src.augusoft.net, their Facebook page, or call (309)649-6260.