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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Kaplan University's Davenport campus will celebrate the commencement of 87graduates at the RiverCenter in Davenport, Iowa on Friday, December 5, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. Kay Runge, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Kaplan University, will be the keynote speaker.

Who: Graduates of Kaplan University Davenport Campus - See full list below

Kay Runge, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Kaplan University

What: Kaplan University Davenport Campus Commencement

 

Where: RiverCenter, Great Hall

136 E. 3rd Street

Davenport, IA 52801

 

When: Friday, December 5, 2014

6:00 p.m.

 

Note to Media: Upon arrival at the graduation please ask for Lisa Zerbonia. Interviews are available.

 

The Fall/Winter 2014 graduates of Kaplan University's Davenport Campus:

Master of Business Administration

Derrick Barry, Clinton, IA

Nichole Karstens, Colona, IL

Jennifer Kritz, Wilton, IA

 

Master of Health Care Administration

Rosina Boddicker, Long Grove, IA

 

 

Master of Science

Criminal Justice

Sharita Couch, Davenport, IA

Stacey Hart, Davenport, IA

Raitanza Kalu, DeWitt, IA

 

Psychology

Heather Brown, Davenport, IA

Jessica Sabel, Davenport, IA

 

Bachelor of Science

Accounting

Heather N. Damewood, Knoxville, IL

Tracey Kirschbaum, Marquette, IA

Trisha Lester, Tukwila, WA

Amanda McElroy, Muscatine, IA

Samantha Strohbehn, DeWitt, IA

Lauren Vincent, Cambridge, IL

Patricia Woolley, Muscatine, IA

 

Business Administration

Rhoda Burrage, Knoxville, TN

Elizabeth Hayward, Maquoketa, IA

Ashley Hixson, Andalusia, IL

Sharon James, Davenport, IA

Dean D. Macke, Taylor Ridge, IL

Jedidiah Petersen, Davenport, IA

Jessica L. Phillips, Muscatine, IA

Greg Reed, Hemet, CA

Kerry Rempt, Park View, IA

 

Criminal Justice

Angela Holtby, Fort Wainwright, AK

Cheryl Murphy, Davenport, IA

 

Early Childhood Development

Sariah Luna, Davenport, IA

 

Environmental Policy and Management

Jada King, Davenport, IA

 

Health Care Administration

Amanda Hitchcock, Moline, IL

Latisha Humphrey, Norcross, GA

Gwendolyn Marino, Davenport, IA

Kelsey Pisel, Bettendorf, IA

 

Health Science

Stephanie Simmons, Moline, IL

 

Human Services

Tonya Bartrom, Bettendorf, IA

Susanne Goodner, Davenport, IA

Renea Harbison, Davenport, IA

Brittany A. Mussmann, Coralville, IA

Stephanie Stansbarger, Clinton, IA

 

Information Technology

Hannah Gray, Davenport, IA

Mark Rankin, New Bern, NC

 

Nutrition Science

Rachel Ostberg, Bettendorf, IA

 

Psychology

Amanda Lightfoot, Davenport, IA

Brianna Varner, Clinton, IA

 

Associate of Applied Science

Business Administration

Olmedo Clarke, Davenport, IA

Ayanna Dawson, DeWitt, IA

Rhonda Estes, Milan, IL

Cord Heim, La Motte, IA

Noble Henry, Moline, IL

Stephen Koonce, DeWitt, IA

Patricia Musch, Camanche, IA

Stephanie Stevens, Davenport, IA

 

Criminal Justice

Demetrios Elliott, Davenport, IA

Brittney Noel, Donahue, IA

Joelle Stone, Davenport, IA

 

Early Childhood Development

Jillian Miller, Savanna, IL

 

Human Services

Jessica Bass, Rock Island, IL

Larry Bebber, Muscatine, IA

Jessica Cervantes, Moline, IL

Jenny Dierikx, Orion, IL

Courtney Elijah, Tipton, IA

Doris Lee, Davenport, IA

Terry Randolph, Davenport, IA

Robert Snell, Colona, IL

 

Information Technology

Lylah Lagerstam, Silvis, IL

Michael Myers, Davenport, IA

 

Medical Assisting

Perla L. Anaya Sanchez, Davenport, IA

Chiquita Austin, Clinton, IA

Kaitlynn Francois, Port Byron, IL

Jennifer Griebel, Clinton, IA

Ashley Hartz, LeClaire, IA

Sara Loerzel, Davenport, IA

Carol Noah, Davenport, IA

Sarah Ribbens, Davenport, IA

Danielle Robinson, Davenport, IA

Doris A. Septer, Wilton, IA

Kelsey Woolam, Muscatine, IA

 

Medical Office Management,

Brenda G. Bogle, Clinton, IA

Tammy Dirksen, Long Grove, IA

Jennifer Wendt, Atkinson, IL

 

Paralegal Studies

Kylara Brandt, Rock Island, IL

Melissa Brune, Davenport, IA

Sharlia Clark, Moline, IL

Keila Jordan, Davenport, IA

Tori Lawson, Tampico, IL

Larisha Tot, Davenport, IA

Courtney Yeater, Colona, IL

 

About Kaplan University

Kaplan University offers a different school of thought for higher education. It strives to help adult students unlock their talent by providing a practical, student-centered education that prepares them for careers in some of the fastest-growing industries. The University, which has its main campus in Davenport, Iowa, and its headquarters in Chicago, is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org). Kaplan University serves approximately 46,000 online and campus-based students. The University has 13 campuses in Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, Maryland, Maine, and Wisconsin, and Kaplan University Learning Centers in Maryland and Missouri.

Kaplan University is part of Kaplan Higher Education LLC and Kaplan, Inc., a leading international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Kaplan's higher education institutions serves approximately 61,000 students online and through 56 campus-based schools across the United States and offer a spectrum of academic opportunities, from certificates and diplomas to graduate and professional degrees, including a juris doctor degree. Kaplan serves students of all ages through a wide array of offerings including higher education, test preparation, professional training and programs for kids in grades K-12. Kaplan, Inc. is a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company and its largest division. For more information, visit www.kaplanuniversity.edu.

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November 20th. 2014 " a Similarities and differences between Vedic, European and Middle East philosophy" by Michael Rosenthal and Narveen Aryaputri Independent Scholars Evenings

This is the third session on the exploration in this area of thought.
This session will be taped for review and circulation.
Please join in.
Public input in the discussion  is requested
7.00.p.m.
Independent Scholars Evenings*
1530 Fifth Avenue. Moline
At
The Moline Commercial Club
Above The Phoenix Art Gallery.
About the presenters:
Michael Rosenthal studied at St. Paul's seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota and has completed graduate work in Philosophy at the University of Iowa.
Narveen Aryaputri taught English Literature in New Delhi, India and in Ahwaz, Iran. She completed her graduate work in English Listerature from Meerut University, India. She is an Essayist, an Artist and a lifelong student of Vedic studies. She is one of the Directors of The Institute for Cultural & Healing Traditions, Ltd.
Michael Rosenthal and Narveen Aryaputri are frequent presenters at these Evenings reserved for area Independent Scholars. Please review archives at The Institute's website to see their individual work.

PELLA, IA (11/19/2014)(readMedia)-- Local students will compete with Central College's mock trial team throughout this winter.

Dan Dankert of Davenport

Jacob Logan of Bettendorf

The team travels Nov. 21 to Omaha, Neb., for the Creighton Invitational, then competes next semester in Pella, Dubuque and Cedar Rapids. Central College will host a mock trial competition Jan. 24-25, and students will also compete at the Loras National Invitational Jan. 30-31 and the American Mock Trial Association regional competition in February.

Central College is a residential liberal arts college dedicated to the education of 1,500 undergraduate students. Founded in 1853, the college is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America and NCAA Division III athletics. Central is a recognized leader in study abroad as a result of its international, residential programs. The college is located in Pella, Iowa, a thriving community of 10,000 two minutes from the state's largest lake and 40 minutes southeast of Des Moines. Learn more at www.central.edu.

November 19, 2014 (Quad Cities) - The Salvation Army's Angel Tree Toy Collection is underway. Paper angel tags listing the age, gender and toy ideas are available at these locations:

CURRENTLY: All four Quad Cities area Wal-Marts and Schnucks Market

STARTING Friday, November 28th: NorthPark Mall in the JCPenney Court and SouthPark Mall in the von Maur Court. Hours will be 11am - 8pm Monday through Saturday, and 11pm - 5pm on Sunday.

Community members are encouraged to purchase a toy and bring it to the Angel Tree sites so that a less fortunate child will have a happy Christmas morning. This annual program provides new toys for 3,000 children whose families have a hard time adding Christmas gifts to their budget.

Anyone wanting to participate can select an angel tag from the tree and purchase a gift for a child. New, unwrapped toys for a child, along with the original tag can be returned to any Angel Tree location. The last day you can choose an angel is December 15 to allow time for distribution by The Salvation Army.

Major Gary A. Felton, Quad Cities Coordinator, states, "The Salvation Army is very dedicated to helping parents maintain a sense of normalcy and dignity so Christmas can truly be a blessed event for their family. This small gesture of purchasing a toy for a child can help to make another person's life less overwhelming."

To make a tax deductible contribution to The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign:

• Visit www.salvationarmyqc.org

• Call 800-SAL-ARMY

• Send a check or money order payable to The Salvation Army to: 301 W. 6th Street, Davenport, IA 52803

Donations collected during the Red Kettle Campaign are used for the following services: 80,000 freshly prepared meals served and 31,000 nights of shelter provided at the Family Service Center; 2,300 Christmas Food Boxes for families and individuals and 6,000 toys for children in need; nursing home visits to lonely seniors; and weekly character building programs serving hundreds of Quad Cities youth, and much, much more.

Enter Your Love Songs And/Or Social Cause Songs


November 18, 2014 - Nashville, TN, USA...Do you have a great love song? Do you have a great song about a social cause? ISC is opening entries from November 18 - December 4, 2014 for songs relating to either of these topics. To enter, go to http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/submit

ISC's "Sing Your Heart Out" promotion is for songs about love, falling in love, heartbreak, or anything to do with love. ISC's "Pick Your Cause" promotion is for songs about any sort of social cause. When you enter either promotion, you will receive a free Radio Airplay account, have your love song included on the Jango.com "Independent Love Songs" or "Sounds Of Social Cause" radio station, and receive 100 free spins, per entry, to your Radio Airplay account whether you are a new or existing Radio Airplay member. A group of winners will also be selected and will receive promotion and airplay from Jango.com and Radio Airplay.

Entrants will also be automatically entered into the ISC 2014 competition. ISC Prizes include over $150,000 in cash, merchandise, and services (including a Grand Prize of $25,000 cash). ISC is open to amateur and professional songwriters from all over the world, including bands and solo performers. Winners are selected by a panel of high-profile recording artists and music industry executives.

Over the years ISC has become a benchmark for songwriting talent, and winning ISC can be a tremendous career booster. Winners have included artists such as Gotye, Kimbra, Gin Wigmore, The Band Perry, Passenger, Bastille, Kasey Chambers, Gregory Porter, Lindsey Stirling, and many more. Many winners have gone on to record label deals and have secured publishing deals, licensing deals, and distribution deals, in addition to getting more gigs, fans, and recognition.


The complete list of 2014 ISC judges includes:

Recording Artists
Tom Waits; American Authors; Sarah McLachlan; Pat Metheny; Sara Evans; Bastille; Casting Crowns; Avicii; Wayne Shorter; John Hiatt; Keane; DJ Snake; Robben Ford; Danilo Perez; Kenny Wayne Shepherd; Natasha Bedingfield; Martina McBride; Newsboys; Jon Secada; The Chainsmokers; Jason Isbell; Afro Celt Sound System; London Grammar; Michael W. Smith; Craig Morgan; Gerald Casale (Devo); Jean-Luc Ponty; James Cotton; Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes); Darryl McDaniels (Run D.M.C.); Matt Thiessen (Relient K); Chayanne; J. Holiday; Femi Kuti; and Bela Fleck

Industry Executives
Monte Lipman (Founder and Chairman/CEO, Republic Records); Craig Kallman (Chairman/CEO, Atlantic Records); Dan McCarroll (President, Warner Bros. Records); Jeff Castelaz (President, Elektra Records); Alison Donald (Co-President, Columbia Records UK); Ted Cockle (President, Virgin Records UK); Mike Smith (President, Mercury Records UK); Nir Seroussi (President, Sony Music Latin); Ed Vetri (President, Wind-Up Records); Rosie Lopez (President, Tommy Boy Entertainment); Glen Barros (President, Concord Music
Group); Rex Rideout (VP of A&R, Motown Records); Jay Landers (Executive VP of A&R, Verve Music Group); Bryan Stewart (VP of A&R, Curb Records); Jason McArthur (VP of A&R, Provident Label Group / Sony Music Entertainment); Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records); Edward Chmelewski (President, Blind Pig Records); Angel Carrasco (Sr. VP A&R, Latin America, Sony); Keith Naftaly (Executive VP of A&R, RCA Records); Steve Lillywhite (Producer); Joseph Burney (VP of A&R, RCA Inspiration/Sony Music Entertainment); Richard Stumpf (CEO, Atlas Publishing); Steve Greenberg (CEO, S-Curve Records); Kim Buie (A&R, Thirty Tigers); Albert Schilcher (VP of Music and Music Marketing, MTV International); Gary Briggs (Senior VP of A&R/Producer, New West Records); Lori Teig (VP of Talent, VEVO); Jermaine Hall (Editor-In-Chief, Vibe Magazine); Jamie Masada (Owner, Laugh Factory); Cory Robbins (Founder/President, Robbins Entertainment); Julie Kertes (General Manager, National Parenting Publications Awards, NAPPA); Claire S. Green (President, Parents' Choice Foundation); Leib Ostrow (Founder/CEO, Music For Little People); Nate Dern (News Editor, Funny Or Die News); Shannon O'Neill (Artistic Director, Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre NY); and Wende Curtis (Owner, Comedy Works)

ISC is sponsored by: Ableton, Airplay Direct, Berklee College Of Music, Celebrity Access, D'Addario, Disc Makers, George Stein, Esq., Hammond USA, Indie Pro Mix and Final Mix, Inc., Gauge Microphones, Indie Venue Bible, LowdenGuitars, Lurssen Mastering, Slate Digital, SongU.com, The Music Business Registry, Taxi, Thayers, and Vosges Haut-Chocolat.

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Humility of Mary Housing and Humility of Mary Shelter invite you to a Press Conference:

To acknowledge the 5 year donation of the Kehl Management group to Humility of Mary Housing and Humility of Mary Shelter and discuss current financial demands of both agencies and the means needed to assure shelter for those experiencing homelessness in our community. Humility of Mary will announce a challenge to the Quad City community to match the Kehl donation over the next five years.

Date: Thursday November 20, 2014

Time: 11:30 am

Place: Humility of Mary Shelter, Inc., 1016 West 5th Street, Davenport, Iowa

Participants*:

Davenport Mayor Bill Gluba

Rhymn City Casino General Manager Mo Hyder

Bobby Kehl, a member of Kehl Management

Humility of Housing and Humility of Mary Shelter Executive Director Julie Bockenstedt

Humility of Mary Shelter Program Director Cindi Gramenz

*Participants will be available for questions after the Press Conference

The purpose of this press conference is to publicly thank the Kehl family and to raise awareness in the community of the important services provided by HMSI and HMHI. Humility of Mary Housing and Humility of Mary Shelter hope to inspire and challenge Quad City citizens and businesses to match the Kehl donation each year with new and increased donations. The Kehl contribution is $50,000 a year for both Humility of Mary Housing and Humility of Mary Shelter. Over the course of five (5) years, each agency will receive $250,000.

A new series of abstract art celebrating the Iowa Landscape will be unveiled in Cedar Rapids.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, December 5th 2014 - January 31st 2015 - Nationally acclaimed local artist Mary Zeran will be exhibiting her recent body of work at Gilded Pear Gallery in a show titled: "La Tierra de Mi Corazón...The Land of My Heart"

The new series comprised of Zeran's trademark joyous color, will be unveiled Friday, December 5th at an opening reception from 5:00-7:00 at Gilded Pear Gallery, 808 Third Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA. For more information regarding the exhibit contact Suzy McGrane-Hop at 319-366-0205, gildedpeargallery.com

Mary Zeran is known for her innovative painting and collage techniques using archival polyester film. Zeran's work evolves over time. The final pieces are compilations of scraps, isolated brushstrokes and forms created from her stock of individually painted polyester sheets. She finds this spontaneous, painterly way of working allows her to be responsive to the cutting and gluing, collaborating directly with the process and materials.

The new abstracted landscapes celebrate the land of Zeran's heart, Iowa; a place flowing with small rivers, and creeks, bursting with bountiful fields of corn, powerful oak trees, and expansive skies.

"When Zeran and her husband first moved back to Iowa from Seattle, WA, the thing that surprised her most was how much calmer she felt. The bustle of the city was invigorating at first, but then became exhausting. Life turned into endless traffic jams, loud noises, and cramped spaces. The only way to contact family was by phone or plane. Luckily older parents, new generations, and memories of a better quality of life called them back to Iowa. What she and her husband found was a much welcomed calm and ever inspiring landscape that has fueled Zeran's artwork for the last 5 years."

"I've been working to develop a series of abstract brush marks that describe the sense of joy and wonder I feel when I look at the Iowa landscape. One of the symbols I've been using is wood. Not only is this my way of honoring Iowa's majestic Oak trees, it is a way of celebrating my rich family."

"I'm fascinated with tree rings and how they are an annual record of a life well lived."

About Mary Zeran

Mary Zeran is a third generation American artist known for her innovative painting and collage techniques using polyester film. She grew up in a family of women folk artists.  Textiles, embroidery, and woodcarving, were the visual language of her family. Each time Zeran picks up a brush or scissors, she immerses herself in the language of her family. When she abstracts flowers, trees, and all the colors of nature, she speaks her mother tongue. This language brings her closer to her family's traditions, history and stories. For more information about her work, visit maryzeran.com

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today joined a bipartisan group of leaders from the House and Senate at the White House for the bill signing ceremony for the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act (CCDBG). As Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, Loebsack helped negotiate the final agreement, which will enhance transparency, strengthen health and safety protections, and improve the quality of child care for low-income families.

"Ensuring your child is safe and well cared for when you are not around is a concern for every parent. For low-income working families who are struggling to make ends meet, having someone to care for their children can mean the difference between finding a job or not," said Loebsack. "The Child Care Development Block Grant provides a critical lifeline to families and allows them to work or attend school with the peace of mind knowing their children are safe and well cared for. This bipartisan legislation makes long needed updates and improvements to CCDBG that will promote healthy child development and enhance quality and safety. I am pleased that both Republicans and Democrats came together to help improve the lives of working families."

The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act provides funds to states to help low-income families pay for child care while a parent works or is in an educational or job training program. The law has not been reauthorized since 1996.

The bipartisan, bicameral legislation includes reforms to:

·         Enhance parental choice by providing information about available care options from all providers, including faith-based and community-based providers, and allowing parents to choose the child care provider that best suits their family's needs.

·         Strengthen safety in child care settings by requiring all providers to comply with state health, safety, and fire standards and undergo annual inspections.

·         Promote high quality child care by reserving funds at the state level to improve the quality of care provided to children, enhancing states' ability to train providers and develop safer and more effective child care services.

The text of the bill is available here.

 

CITY CIRCLE ACTING COMPANY PRESENTS THE 2014 FESTIVAL OF TREES AT THE CORALVILLE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS NOVEMBER 29

 

Holiday Kick-Off Celebration Also Features Breakfast with Santa

 

City Circle Acting Company of Coralville will host the 2014 Johnson County Festival of Trees on Saturday, November 29 beginning at 6:30pm at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts, 1301 5th Street, Coralville.

This annual event features live and silent auctions of artistically decorated trees and wreaths created by local artists and organizations.  2014 donors include the City of Coralville, Cabinet Style, Karen Chappell,  Rick Crooks, Jan Finlayson Designs, Bret Gothe, Hands Jewelers, Harvest Oil, The Iowa Children's Museum, David Lair, Lensing Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Liberty Iron Works, TheLuxeZone, MidWestOne Bank, New Song Episcopal Church, Nolte Academy, Northwest Mutual, Toyota/Scion of Iowa City, University of Iowa Community Credit Union, and Velvet Coat.

In addition to the auction, the event features heavy hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, and performances by City Circle, Nolte Academy, and boogie-woogie pianist Chase Garrett, and dancing onstage to Rod Pierson's band.  The popular grab bags will again feature exciting prizes!

Tickets ($25 or 10 for $200) are available at coralvillearts.org, by phone at 319.248.9370, and in person at the CCPA box office and Coralville Recreation Center.

Breakfast with Santa
Families are invited to join Santa in the CCPA lobby for pancakes, fruit, juice, and coffee on the morning of November 29 at 9am or 10am.  Saint Nick's helpers will have crafts, and each family will get to take a picture with Santa, which will be emailed the next day, perfect for holiday cards!

Tickets ($8) are available at coralvillearts.org, by phone at 319.248.9370, and in person at the CCPA box office and Coralville Recreation Center.

City Circle Acting Company is the community theater program of the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts.  Since 1997, City Circle's mission has been the production of high quality dramatic, musical, and performing art pieces for the enjoyment of the public.  Upcoming City Circle productions include A Year with Frog and Toad (December 12-21) Black Comedy and The Real Inspector Hound (February 13-15), and Into the Woods (April 24-May 3).

Owned and operated by the City of Coralville, the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts is dedicated to enriching the community and contributing to the vitality of Coralville by offering an accessible, affordable venue for a variety of performances, presentations, and public and private events.  The 472 seat theater opened August 26, 2011 and has hosted performances from City Circle Acting Company, Orchestra Iowa, Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre, Dan Knight, Lola Astanova, Lorie Line, Judy Carmichael, Jim McDonough, Nolte Academy of Dance, and many others.  Coralville schools are also able to use the Center free of charge up to three times per year; 15 school events took place at the Center in the 2013-2014 school year. The Center was named 2012 Member of the Year by the Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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