HR0660

LRB096 14745 GRL 29593 r






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HOUSE RESOLUTION


 
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    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of 
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Representatives are pleased to congratulate the students, 
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faculty, and administration of Spoon River College on the 
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occasion of the college's 50th anniversary on October 17, 2009; 
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and

 
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    WHEREAS, The rich history of Spoon River College began on 
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October 17, 1959, when the citizens of Canton Union School 
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District No. 66 voted to establish a junior college in Canton; 
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the new junior college was named Canton Community College and 
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became the first public junior college to be organized in west 
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central Illinois; and

 
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    WHEREAS, In 1968, Canton Community College became a Class I 
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institution under the Illinois Public Junior College Act and 
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was separated from the public school district by forming Junior 
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College District 534; the college then became known as Spoon 
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River College; and

 
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    WHEREAS, From its humble origins on the second floor of 
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Canton Senior High School, Spoon River College has grown to 
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include facilities in Havana, Macomb, and Rushville, all of 
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which serve the 1,500-square mile Illinois Community College 
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District 534; the college currently offers 60 associate degree, 
 


 






HR0660
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LRB096 14745 GRL 29593 r




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transfer, and certificate programs; the college also partners 
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with 9 surrounding 4-year institutions for offering several 
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bachelor degree completion programs; and

 
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    WHEREAS, Spoon River College serves as an integral part of 
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the educational and civic growth of both the Canton area and 
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the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

 
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    RESOLVED, BY THE  HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 
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NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we 
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congratulate the students, faculty, and administration of 
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Spoon River College on the occasion of the college's 50th 
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anniversary and wish them continued success and happiness in 
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the future; and be it further

 
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    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
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presented to Robert E. Ritschel, President of  Spoon River 
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College, as a symbol of our esteem and respect.