LAMONI, IA (12/24/2014)(readMedia)-- The honor roll lists for Graceland University's 2014 fall term have been announced, and Olivia St Claire of Bettendorf, IA, has been named to the president's list for the 2014 fall semester.

Graceland University students with a perfect 4.0 grade point average are named to the president's list. Students with a GPA between 3.65 and 3.99 are named to the honors list. Students with a GPA between 3.25 and 3.64 are named to the dean's list.

Congratulations Olivia! Graceland commends you on your academic success.

Graceland University is a liberal arts university located in Lamoni, IA, and is sponsored by Community of Christ. It has been recognized by the Princeton Review as a top school in the Midwest and fosters academic excellence in a caring community with over 50 academic programs and a 15:1 student to faculty ratio. The warm community of inspired faculty, caring staff and remarkable people believes in educating the whole student. For more information visit www.graceland.edu and find Graceland University on Facebook and Twitter to follow additional student achievements.

The Black Hawk College Board of Trustees has offered Dr. Bettie A. Truitt the position of president of Black Hawk College effective Jan. 1, 2015.

Dr. Truitt has been serving as interim president since July 1.

"In the six months she has filled that role, she has met many unanticipated institutional challenges with efficiency, intelligence and grace," said David Emerick, chair of the Black Hawk College Board of Trustees.

"In every way, Dr. Truitt has demonstrated her ability to rise to the challenges of the presidency of Black Hawk College."

Dr. Truitt began her career at Black Hawk College in 1989 as a full-time mathematics instructor. In her years on the faculty she was widely recognized as a student-centered teacher, a doctoral scholar earning her Ph. D. in mathematics education, statistics, higher education policy and planning from the University of Iowa. She had leadership roles on numerous internal and external committees and as faculty representative in IFT contract negotiations.  

   

From 2007-12, she was dean of instruction and academic support where, in addition to the responsibilities of that office, she continued her involvement in contract negotiations internally and as an AQIP strategy forum facilitator for the Higher Learning Commission. 

In 2012, Dr. Truitt became vice president for instruction. In 2013, she added student services to her vice-presidential responsibilities, and in June 2014 she assumed the additional duties of executive vice president.

"Regardless of the role I've been in, Black Hawk College has been a large and rewarding part of my life," Dr. Truitt said. "We come to work each day knowing we can impact our students and help them achieve fulfilling lives.

"I appreciate the support of the Board of Trustees and look forward to working with the board. I also look forward to working with the faculty and staff. They are the people who make Black Hawk the special place that it is," she added.

Dr. Truitt's contract as president will be Jan. 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016.

Democratic Opposition Research Playbook Will Be Shared with Allies, Press and the Public and Represents the Most Comprehensive Early Look Ever at a Presidential Field


Washington, D.C. - American Bridge is setting the stage for the 2016 Republican primary contest today by releasing the first-ever presidential playbook on the wide field of potential GOP candidates. At nearly 200 pages, 2016 Scouting Report: American Bridge's Media Guide to the Republican Presidential Field is the most comprehensive early look ever assembled and will give allies and operatives a head start on defining the 2016 field.

This playbook represents the first glance at some of the critical intelligence American Bridge's researchers have begun to assemble on 20 potential Republican candidates. 2016 Scouting Report exposes some of the GOP field's biggest vulnerabilities and foreshadows impending lines of attack against them. It will be shared with allies, the press, and the public as a reference point for when these candidates move to the right to appeal to the most conservative wing of the Republican Party. The guide will ensure they are held accountable for their words and actions as they attempt to win the nomination. American Bridge has printed over 2,000 initial hard copies of the 2016 Scouting Report to date and is distributing it to activists, operatives, and reporters across the country. 

The new book, E-book, and companion website assembles critical information about these candidates and presents it as a single streamlined, user-friendly book - 23 months before Election Day 2016. From Chris Christie to Scott Walker and from Jeb Bush to Ben Carson, the 2016 Scouting Report is full of the must know career highlights and statistics on the field as well as issues to watch and potential questions to ask for each candidate as he or she navigates the primary contest.

"The 2016 Scouting Report: American Bridge's Media Guide to the Republican Presidential Field is an essential resource for anyone interested in politics. Whether you're an embed on a campaign, a talking head on television, a political operative or activist, or just a concerned citizen trying to sift through all of the Republican contenders, 2016 Scouting Report is the perfect introduction to a Republican presidential field that is as large and undistinguished as any in my lifetime," writes Paul Begala in his foreword.

"There is no doubt that the battle for the 2016 Republican nomination will produce fireworks. The field is a mix of long-time Tea Party favorites and candidates who are desperately racing right to prove their conservative bona fides. I'm proud to say that there will be no better way to get smart fast on each of the candidates and no better reference point to keep them honest than our 2016 Scouting Report. This effort demonstrates once again that democratic opposition research is miles ahead of the competition," said American Bridge President Brad Woodhouse.

As American Bridge has demonstrated for the last two campaign cycles, in-depth candidate research is as ongoing and dynamic as the candidates and campaigns themselves; this playbook is the beginning of the conversation, not the end. The Scouting Report is available for download for Kindle and iPad, and will be regularly updated at AmericanBridgePAC.org as the cycle picks up steam.

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement on U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to Illinois to discuss his recent executive action to start to fix our nation's immigration system :

"I applaud President Obama's initiative in taking key steps to fix our broken immigration system.

"Our President understands that we are a nation of immigrants and it is our diversity that has made our country so great.

"No family should live in fear of unjust separation from their loved ones especially in our country and especially in Illinois.

"In Illinois we want everyone to have an opportunity for success. That includes access to education, healthcare and employment. Our Welcoming Centers are just one of the many ways that we are helping immigrants get access to the simple rights they deserve.

"We are a diverse state in a diverse nation and passing comprehensive immigration reform is the moral and compassionate thing to do for the millions of individuals across our country."

The Governor today greeted President Obama at O'Hare International Airport and attended his roundtable with community leaders and his speech on immigration reform at the Copernicus Community Center in Chicago.

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November 21, 2014- Last night the President of the United States took a long overdue and necessary step towards fixing our broken immigration system

We applaud his willingness to act to address this crisis, for the good of all workers. More elected leaders should step up and do their jobs.

Although this fix is temporary, it will allow millions of people to live and work without fear, and afford them the status to assert their rights on the job.

In Iowa there are 13,000 undocumented immigrants with a U.S. citizen child. If these immigrants are able to apply for deferred actions, it would lead to a $22 million increase in tax revenues for Iowa.

The Iowa Federation of Labor is very concerned about immigration issues here and around the country. We are also concerned about the legal protections these workers are due.

Unfortunately, even with this executive action, millions will continue to work without legal protections and will remain vulnerable to wage theft, retaliation and other forms of exploitations. "Even though this executive order did not specifically provide legal protection from wage theft and exploitation, the unions will continue to advocate for these vital protections. The labor movement will continue to stand with all workers, regardless of status, to ensure that their voices are heard and their rights are protected." Said Ken Sagar, President of the Iowa Federation of Labor

We thank the President for this important first step to resolve this critical issue and urge Congress to stop playing politics and do the work necessary to take care of issues of importance to Americans.

The Iowa Federation of Labor: representing the interests of nearly a quarter of a million Iowans who make Iowa work.

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today made the following statement regarding President Barack Obama's executive action on immigration:

"President Obama today took a necessary first step in fixing our broken immigration system. His plan will give hope to families who live in constant fear of separation.

"Hardworking immigrants from around the world came together to build our country and our state. I commend President Obama for showing compassion and understanding to millions of individuals stuck in a heartbreaking situation.

"Congress must follow President Obama's lead and pass comprehensive immigration reform."

 

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement this evening in response to the President's action on immigration.

"There is universal agreement that our immigration system is broken and is in need of reforming. It isn't working for families, businesses or rural America. But for nearly two years, House Republicans led by John Boehner have had a chance to address this issue and have refused to put any comprehensive, bipartisan legislation on the floor. At the same time, bipartisan Senate-passed legislation, while not perfect, awaits action in the House. It is unfortunate that Speaker Boehner has catered to the demands of the extreme Tea Party members in his party and has simply refused to act.

"I have concerns about the President acting without Congressional approval and would have preferred that Congress address this issue. But it has become increasingly clear that the extreme Tea Party faction will not allow any vote on immigration legislation. It is my hope that this action by the President will provide the impetus necessary to spur the House to act on legislation that secures our borders, enforces the rule of law and ensures accountability for those who came here illegally while not tearing apart families who have been here for many years. I am committed to working with anyone on either side of the aisle to advance a serious proposal that will finally fix our broken immigration system."

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SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today made the following statement regarding the selection by the University of Illinois' board of trustees of Dr. Timothy Killeen as the university's next president:

"Dr. Timothy Killeen is a distinguished scholar and brings over three decades of experience to lead the University of Illinois. Chosen unanimously by the university's search committee, Dr. Killeen's acclaimed background in research and his roots as an educator and administrator will greatly benefit the university and its diverse population of students from around the globe. I congratulate Dr. Killeen and extend a warm welcome to Illinois. I am confident he will continue the university's legacy of excellence in preparing graduates for a 21st century economy."

"I commend current President Easter, whose leadership and vision strengthened the university and secured its place as one of the best in the world. I join thousands of grateful students, faculty and alumni in thanking President Easter for his service to the U. of I. and to the people of Illinois."

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WEST BRANCH, IOWA– West Branch, Iowa, the birthplace of Herbert Hoover, 31st President of the United States, will host "A Christmas Past" events from Friday, December 5 until Saturday, December 6. The festivities officially begin with a tree-lighting on the Village Green at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 6. For a complete schedule of the weekend's activities, visit www.mainstreetwestbranch.org.

To emphasize Herbert Hoover's history for feeding those in need, donations of nonperishable items will be accepted for the West Branch Food Pantry at the Visitor Center and at the Presidential Library and Museum.

Horse-drawn wagon rides on Friday and Saturday evenings start at 5:30 p.m. from the Visitor Center of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. The rides take visitors through the historic site and historic downtown West Branch.  The last wagon rides begin at 8:00 p.m.

A park ranger will demonstrate the art and craft of blacksmithing in the Blacksmith Shop on Friday and Saturday nights until 8:30 p.m. Try snowshoeing with a ranger on Main Street next to the U.S. Post Office Friday and Saturday nights between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The park has some snowshoes to lend, or bring your own. Historical interpreter Sarah S. Uthoff will appear in character as Laura Ingalls Wilder telling historic stories in the Visitor Center on Friday at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. For more information about programs and activities at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site call (319) 643-2541.

Visit the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum's annual holiday exhibit of Christmas trees. Each of this year's 20 trees will represent one of Shakespeare's plays.

Also at the Presidential Library and Museum, The Young Footliters will perform A Seussified Christmas Carol on Friday at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Performances are free and there is no reserve seating. The Uncalled Four quartet will sing Christmas carols in the rotunda Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more information about programs and activities at Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum call (319) 643-5301.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 off I-80. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/heho or call (319) 643-2541.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

110 Parkside Drive

PO Box 607

West Branch, Iowa 52358


319 643-2541 phone

319 643-7864 fax

www.nps.gov/heho


Twitter: @HooverNPS

Facebook: HerbertHooverNHS

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