HR0660 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0660 LRB096 14745 GRL 29593 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

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

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

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

WHEREAS, From its humble origins on the second floor of Canton Senior High School, Spoon River College has grown to include facilities in Havana, Macomb, and Rushville, all of which serve the 1,500-square mile Illinois Community College District 534; the college currently offers 60 associate degree, transfer, and certificate programs; the college also partners with 9 surrounding 4-year institutions for offering several bachelor degree completion programs; and

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

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

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