ROCK ISLAND, IL (05/05/2011)(readMedia)-- Augustana College has recently selected 51 students from its 2011 graduating class for induction into Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest and most selective honor society in American higher education. The inductees include the following students from the local area:

  • Debra Butler from Bettendorf, IA, majoring in psychology.
  • Samuel Anderson from Rock Island, IL, majoring in mathematics and computer science.
  • Andrew Shaffer from Rock Island, IL, majoring in history.
  • Courtney VandeWiele from Rock Island, IL, majoring in political science and accounting.
  • Michael Seevers from Cordova, IL, majoring in geography.
  • Anna Smith from Moline, IL, majoring in biology and psychology.
  • Mark Stumphy from Moline, IL, majoring in biology.

Augustana numbers among a select 10% of American colleges and universities that have met the criteria for having a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Each year, the college elects approximately 8% of its graduating class for induction into the honor society. Students are selected based on a set of rigorous, nationally-prescribed guidelines, including a record of academic excellence, tolerance for diverse views and a strong commitment to the liberal arts and sciences.

Phi Beta Kappa was founded at the College of William and Mary in 1776. The Greek letters Phi Beta Kappa represent the initials of the society's motto: "Love of learning is the guide of life." Originally created as a secret society-the members wanted to preserve their freedom to discuss any topic they chose-Phi Beta Kappa is now openly recognized as one of the most prestigious honor societies in American education.

Sarah Horowitz, the Phi Beta Kappa chapter secretary at Augustana, is proud that the college is able to recognize the inductees' accomplishments with such a prestigious honor. "These students have fulfilled Augustana's mission of developing the mind, body and spirit in an exemplary manner. They are now part of a long tradition of excellence at Augustana and other Phi Beta Kappa chapters across the country. We expect great things from them in years to come."

About Augustana: Founded in 1860 and situated on a 115-acre campus near the Mississippi River, Augustana College is a private, liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The college enrolls 2,500 students from diverse geographic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds and offers more than 70 majors and related areas of study. Augustana employs 287 faculty members and has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1. Augustana continues to do what it has always done: challenge and prepare students for lives of leadership and service in our complex, ever-changing world.

DES MOINES, IA (05/03/2011)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald is asking Iowans to celebrate 529 College Savings Day on May 29 by exploring the benefits of using a 529 plan, such as College Savings Iowa, to save for their loved ones future higher education expenses. "We want parents to know it's never too early to start planning for their child's education," Fitzgerald said. "As a way to raise awareness about 529 plans, families are able to gain a jump start on saving for their child's future education by registering, during the month of May, for the chance to win a free $529 College Savings Iowa account." For more information and to enter the giveaway, please visit www.my529iowaplan.com.

May 29 was nationally declared 529 College Savings Day in order to help bring attention to the fact that saving for college is one of the most significant things families can do for the children in their lives. Those who begin putting away money early and save little by little can, over time, make their college savings add up to a significant amount. Because saving for future educational expenses is so important, everyone is encouraged to open a College Savings Iowa account for a special child in their life.

College Savings Iowa offers families a tax advantaged way to save money for their children's higher education. It only takes $25 to open an account, and anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. Participants who are Iowa taxpayers can deduct contributions up to $2,865 per beneficiary from their 2011 adjusted gross income, and there are no income or residency restrictions.* Investors can withdraw their investment federally tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and certain room and board costs at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad.** To learn more about College Savings Iowa, please visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com or call 1-888-672-9116.

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.

**Earnings on non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 888-672-9116 or visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing.

DES MOINES, IA (05/02/2011)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald's Great Iowa Treasure Hunt spring publication is scheduled to be released soon. The upcoming list is the latest names of unclaimed property owners with undiscovered treasures. This is in part of Fitzgerald's continuous promotion of the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt.

"The release of the spring publication is always exciting for us. In upcoming weeks, we will be listing the new names of people who have had funds turned over to the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt. I encourage everyone to search for their name," Fitzgerald said. The Treasurer would also like to remind individuals they do not have to wait for the publication to begin to see if they have unclaimed property. "Individuals can go to www.greatiowatreasurehunt.com and search the entire Great Iowa Treasure Hunt list for their names anytime."

The Great Iowa Treasure Hunt program has returned over $122 million in unclaimed property to more than 310,000 individuals since Fitzgerald started it in 1983. Unclaimed property refers to money and other assets held by financial institutions or companies that have lost contact with the property's owner for a specific period of time. State law requires these institutions and companies to annually report and deliver unclaimed property to the State Treasurer's Office, where it is held until the owner or heir of the property is found. Common forms of unclaimed property include savings or checking accounts, stocks, uncashed checks, life insurance policies, utility security deposits, and safe deposit box contents.

Everyone is encouraged to keep watch for the upcoming publication. In the meantime, all Iowans are urged to visit www.greatiowatreasurehunt.com and check to see if they have unclaimed property. Individuals may also send an email to foundit@iowa.gov. For those who prefer corresponding by mail, please write to: State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald, Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, Lucas State Office Building, Des Moines, IA 50319. Please make sure to provide current name, previous names and addresses.

CANTON, MO. (04/29/2011)(readMedia)-- Culver-Stockton College is proud to announce Kate Gutheil, senior English and history major from Bettendorf, Iowa, was recently inducted into the Missouri Beta chapter of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society.

The ceremony was held Thursday, April 28 inside Johnson Hall Parlor on the campus of Culver-Stockton College. Faculty co-sponsors Scott Giltner and Lauren Schellenberger welcomed 18 new members into the society, which honors those juniors and seniors in the top ten percent of their class. Dr. David Wilson, interim dean of Culver-Stockton College, delivered this year's charge to initiates, family and friends.

Culver-Stockton College offers students the advantages of a quality comprehensive education with practical learning experiences. Culver-Stockton is a private, residential, four-year college in a beautiful setting on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Located in Canton, Mo., the historic campus is nestled into 140 acres of gently rolling countryside.

On the web: http://readme.readmedia.com/hometown-news/Kate-Gutheil-inducted-into-Alpha-Chi-National-College-Honor-Society/2284882.

DES MOINES, IA (04/28/2011)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald announced today that College Savings Iowa was listed as one of the top five most affordable 529 plans in the nation. Morningstar, an investment research firm, recently released its 2010 529 College-Savings Plans Research Paper and Industry Survey, which included an analysis of the costs of the 50 largest 529 plans in the nation.*

College Savings Iowa makes saving simple by offering all of its thirteen investment options at the same affordable price of 0.34% without any additional account fees. "As we all know, every penny counts these days, which is why College Savings Iowa works at keeping its costs low enough to enable investors to put more of their investment returns toward the right place: their children's education," Fitzgerald said. "Having Morningstar's national recognition helps reaffirm we are doing all we can to help families save for their children's future educational needs."

With an initial investment of only $25 to open an account, anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. Participants who are Iowa taxpayers can also deduct contributions up to $2,865 per beneficiary from their 2011 adjusted gross income, and there are no income or residency restrictions.** Investors can withdraw their investment federally tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and certain room and board costs at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad.*** To learn more about College Savings Iowa, please visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com or call 1-888-672-9116.

*Morningstar 2010 529 College-Savings Plans Research Paper and Industry Survey. http://i.bnet.com/blogs/morningstar529industrysurvey11110.pdf?tag=content;coll

**Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.

***Earnings on non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 888-672-9116 or visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing.

ROCK ISLAND, IL (04/15/2011)(readMedia)-- The Augustana Department of Theatre Arts, which includes several students from the local area, will end its 2010-11 theater season with a performance of Thorton Wilder's classic American play, Our Town. The play will run two consecutive weekends beginning Friday, April 29 and ending Sunday, May 8. All performances are in the Potter Theatre at the Bergendoff Hall of Fine Arts (3701 7th Ave.)

Our Town is set in the fictional town of Grover's Corners, New Hampshire, in the early 1900s and follows the everyday joys and trials of the town's citizens. The main character of the stage manager, who serves as the narrator, makes comments on the action and plays roles as needed within the town. The play was first performed in 1938 and won the Pulitzer Prize for drama that year.

Jacqui Schmidt, a theatre arts and English writing major, is excited to play the role of the stage manager. The character is interesting because he-or she, in the case of Augustana's production-directly interacts with the audience and the characters onstage. "I sometimes have to present a male character," Schmidt said. "This allows a contemporary take on what the gender roles would have been during the early 1900s in a small town like Grover's Corners."

Students from the local area who will perform in the play include :

Greg Donley, a sophomore from Silvis, IL majoring in general studies. Donley will play the role of townsperson in the production.

Kayla McKay, a first-year from Moline, IL majoring in general studies. McKay will play the role of townsperson in the production.

Augustana's production presents some new twists to the timeless play. Whereas the stage manager is usually a contemporary of the play's characters, the Augustana stage manager will be observing the play from a modern perspective. "The narrator's commentary is not just nostalgic reflection," said Jeff Coussens, the play's director and the chair of the theatre arts department. "We ask the audience to look at the past through a contemporary lens."

Our Town is the last production in Augustana's 2010-11 theater season, Reflections. In keeping with the season's theme, the production will invite the audience to reflect on how times change, yet how much remains the same. Simple lighting, minimal scenery and timeless costumes will emphasize this theme. Members of the 1989 cast of Our Town at Augustana also will return for the April 30 performance to discuss the changes in the production since they performed it more than 20 years ago.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 29, Saturday, April 30, Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7; and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 1 and Sunday, May 8. Tickets are $11 for the general public and $9 for senior citizens (age 60+), students and children. For ticket information, please call (309) 794-7306 or visit www.augustana.edu/tickets.

ROCK ISLAND, IL (04/12/2011)(readMedia)-- More than 40 juniors and seniors are now members of the Augustana circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), a national leadership honor society. The 17 seniors and 24 juniors are considered top leaders within the classroom and extracurricular achievements, a privilege afforded to just 3 percent of the total population of students at Augustana.

Omicron Delta Kappa recognizes and promotes accomplishments in the areas of academics, athletics, service, social and religious activities, campus government, journalism, speech, mass media, and creative and performing arts.

"Students elected to Omicron Delta Kappa not only do excellent work in their studies, but also are leaders in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities. Week after week they enrich the total life of this campus," says Dr. Norm Moline, Hamming Professor of Geography and faculty secretary to Augustana ODK Circle. "All faculty members and students owe them a big thanks for their many contributions to make this a good place in and out of the classroom."

Courtney Brown, a junior from Port Byron, IL is majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Theodore Teros, a senior from Moline, IL is majoring in philosophy.

Emily Voigt, a senior from Bettendorf, IA is majoring in business administration marketing.

Jennifer Youngs, a senior from Taylor Ridge, IL is majoring in psychology and political science.

"I am excited to be a part of ODK because I look forward to working together with fellow students to perform different projects and take part in other leadership opportunities on campus," said Brown.  "It is important to me to be a part of ODK because of the great values that come with being a part of it. It is a very high honor and I am so greatful to have been inducted."

Omicron Delta Kappa was established in 1914 at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va. Augustana's circle started in 1962 and currently has 49 members, including sixteen previously elected seniors. The goal of the national college honor society is to give recognition for leadership and service in extracurricular activities and to support development of general campus citizenship.

SPRINGFIELD, IL (04/11/2011)(readMedia)-- The Illinois National Guard Officer Candidate School (OCS) is changing the way it recruits, mentors and trains future leaders by making officer recruiting and training a state-wide priority and not just an OCS priority.

Most Soldiers are familiar with the term Gold Rush, a program where all Soldiers who have at least 60 hours of college are required to attend a two-day program for officer recruiting. These weekends were often far from home and Soldiers were required to attend even if they had no desire to become an officer.

The OCS program has grown through recent change; involving more unit level communication and raising the number candidates in training with Soldiers interested in a career as an officer.

"We are on pace to have 178% increase in the number of officers we commission this year over last year," said Maj. Benjamin Shakman of Springfield, the 129th Regimental Training Institute's (RTI) training officer. "Our 56-11 class is track to be one of the biggest in recent memory."

Seventy-four candidates are in the phase 0 program with the possibly of six more Soldiers coming into the program.

The new program allows commanders to identify Soldiers in their units they feel will make a good officer. This lets units take ownership in the people they send off to the program.

"When units know they will see these Soldiers again, and they are able to maintain visibility of the Soldier throughout the length of program it motivates them to really take the time to find qualified candidates to send through the process" said

Under the old system once a Solider enrolled in OCS they often did not know what their unit of assignment or basic branch would be till they were close to graduating from the program.

"(Now) when a Soldier leaves for OCS, the company, battalion, brigade and state are all tracking the same thing. They will know when the Soldier will complete the program, where he is going and when he will be at drill. This is a great help to commanders in the field, so they know and will not have to hope or guess when their needs will be met for leadership within their unit."

This transparency is not only limited to tracking of Soldiers going through the program, and what their

basic branch and assignments will be, but it also includes regular updates after drills on what the candidates are doing in training.

"The main reason I am interested in the program now is, I am able to pick the branch I want, and I will know where and what I will be doing before I commit a year to the program, and that is very important to me," said Sgt. Catherine Sanagursky of Springfield, a prospective officer candidate.

Shakman said the driving force behind the changes was due to the decline of Soldiers in OCS.

"Maj. Seth Hible, the OCS commander and I, who are both OCS graduates, tried to look at the program and figure out where we needed to improve and what will work best to train Soldiers and successfully get them through the program."

One of the problems they found was making Soldiers wait till March to start the program. By making people wait to start the program it often create conflicts with starting the program.

Soldiers can now sign up for OCS at any time and start preparing for the program as soon as they make the commitment. There is now a three-section program for Soldiers to prepare them for the stress of phase 1 of training.

"We have found that land navigation and (physical training) to be the biggest stumbling blocks for potential candidates," said Shakman.

The time Soldiers spend in the program is now put to good use. Soldiers spend time focusing on land navigation, physical training and leadership training. The sections are not dependent on each other and a Soldier can come in any time to start training for the future.

"This gives us time evaluate Soldiers strengths and their challenges, and it will give the Soldiers time to brush up on any weaknesses they have before leaving for phase 1."

The RTI and OCS program have been encouraging commanders to participate in drill weekends with the officer candidates.

"We had a brigade commander come to our last drill to do PT with our candidates," said Shakman. "In the past, this level of unit involvement rarely happened."

When candidates see colonels and generals getting involved in making them leaders, that sense of importance to the Illinois National Guard only drives them to succeed and complete the program because they know many people are depending on them to graduate, said Shakman.

Brigade and battalion commanders will show up to drill and talk to their future soldiers. This makes Soldiers feel needed and they will find the drive to stay and complete the program.

Memorial Recognizes Illinois National Guard Soldier Killed in Afghanistan; Story by Sgt. Charlie Helmholt, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

AVISTON, IL (04/11/2011)(readMedia)-- Amidst the Midwest's many country roads and corn fields, there is a very unique place that sits just outside of the southern Illinois town of Aviston. There, tucked away seemingly in the middle of nowhere, is the aptly named Hidden Lake Winery.

The winery, which opened in 2005, has played host to many ceremonies that exploit the establishments natural beauty, its elegance and charm. Recently this business sent a message to local military and civilians that they are all about red, white and blue.

April 8 and running three days through April 10, winery owner Dale Holbrook and general manager Missy Shirley decided to host a Military Appreciation Weekend and a dedication service to pay homage to Illinois' fallen warriors.

The event centered around Saturday's ceremony when a memorial to honor those veterans who have given their lives was unveiled. A tribute wall adorned with plaques, engraved with the various names and ranks of the fallen.

In the corner of the wall lies the memorials' main attraction, a life-size statue sculpted by Holbrook in the image of Clinton County's own Staff Sgt. Joshua Melton of Carlyle.

"I want this to honor Josh as both a dedicated Soldier and a man who loved his life, his family and his friends," said Holbrook.

Many people in Clinton County remember the tragic death of Melton, an Illinois Army National Guard Soldier from 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Marion. Melton died after an improvised explosive device detonated in Kandahar, Afghanistan in June 2009.

"Everyone around here knew him. He would've helped anybody and he didn't have one enemy," said Richie G. Holtgrave, Melton's cousin.

Speakers at the event on April 9 included Maj. Gen. William L. Enyart of Belleville, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, State Senator Kyle McCarter, Holbrook and many family and friends of Illinois servicemembers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

"Josh Melton was a true representative of Clinton County, and of the people of Clinton County. He was a patriot, he was a volunteer," said Enyart.

Similar stories abounded throughout the day from those closest to the veterans.

One in every 25 men in the United States lost their life 150 years ago in the Civil War. Contrast that to today when only one in 1,000 men bear the brunt of the ongoing wars, said Enyart.

This is not only telling as to how brave these men and women of the armed forces are, but how much they deserve not to be forgotten.

This ceremony was about remembering those that have died serving their country. Grief and emotion were apparent as a friend or family member spoke about their Soldier who perished. However, when the speaker finished memorializing, many times they smiled and seemed much happier just to have been able to share with others a little about their hero.

There were more than 650 guests who attended April 9 and April 10 to honor the men and women in uniform.

Other guests in attendance included the Illinois Patriot Guard who brought with them their Fallen Heroes Traveling Memorial Wall, Miss Illinois Teen USA Paige Higgerson, the St. Louis Rams cheerleaders, Poison cover band Posin, representatives from both the American Legion and the VFW, and musical performers Kerry Steinmann and Stephen Koritta.

Koritta wrote and performed a song during Saturday's ceremony to mark the occasion entitled "Central Standard Time."

Although Melton's life was taken, his memory will now stand in stone for countless years, and his deeds will surely serve to inspire those who hear his story.

For video: http://www.dvidshub.net/video/112503/illinois-soldiers-statue

DES MOINES, IA (04/08/2011)(readMedia)-- The following local residents and pharmacy students at Drake University were recently named scholarship recipients:

Katie Hamilton of Blue Grass, IA, received a Foundation for Managed Care Pharmacy Scholarship. Hamilton, a third year student in Drake's professional pharmacy program, received $1000.

Christine Hoegner of Moline, IL, received a Walgreens Scholarship. Hoegner, a fourth year student in Drake's professional pharmacy program, received $3000.

Drake is a private, independent university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an enrollment of approximately 3,300 full-time undergraduate students from 45 states and 50 countries. Drake University's mission is to provide an exceptional learning environment that prepares students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishments and responsible global citizenship. The Drake experience is distinguished by collaborative learning among students, faculty and staff and by the integration of the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation.

Pages