DEKALB, IL (06/10/2014)(readMedia)-- Northern Illinois University announces the awarding of graduate and undergraduate degrees at the conclusion of its Spring 2014 session.

Estefany Anderson of Coal Valley, Ill. is a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University (NIU). Anderson graduated with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the College of Health and Human Sciences.

Jacob Buckrop of Rock Island, Ill. is a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University (NIU). Buckrop graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Kristina Cox of Rock Island, Ill. is a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University (NIU). Cox graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Business.

Dustin Flesch of Port Byron, Ill. is a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University (NIU). Flesch graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology.

Ashley Ginn of Rock Island, Ill. is a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University (NIU). Ginn graduated with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the College of Health and Human Sciences.

James Green of Rock Island, Ill. is a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University (NIU). Green graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Allison Hansen of Moline, Ill. is a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University (NIU). Hansen graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Taylor Hartman of East Moline, Ill. is a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University (NIU). Hartman graduated with a Master of Arts degree from the College of Health and Human Sciences.

Casey Jones of Coal Valley, Ill. is a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University (NIU). Jones graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Harold Lopez of Moline, Ill. is a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University (NIU). Lopez graduated with a Master of Science in Education degree from the College of Education.

Sara McLaughlin of Moline, Ill. is a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University (NIU). McLaughlin graduated with a Master of Science degree from the College of Education.

Ashley McMahon of East Moline, Ill. is a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University (NIU). McMahon graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Jamie Peterson of Rock Island, Ill. is a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University (NIU). Peterson graduated with a Master of Science in Education degree from the College of Education.

Nancy Solbrig of Rock Island, Ill. is a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University (NIU). Solbrig graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Megan Wilson of Milan, Ill. is a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University (NIU). Wilson graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from the College of Education.

NIU announced the awarding of graduate degrees on Friday May 9, 2014 and undergraduate degrees on Saturday May 10 and Sunday May 11, 2014.

We appreciate your assistance in acknowledging their accomplishment.

Chartered in 1895, NIU is a comprehensive teaching and research institution with a diverse and international student body of about 21,000. Located near a vibrant research and development corridor, NIU's main DeKalb campus is 65 miles west of Chicago and 45 miles southeast of Rockford. NIU provides more than 60 undergraduate majors and 100 graduate- and doctoral- level programs in seven colleges (Business, Education, Engineering and Engineering Technology, Health and Human Sciences, Law, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts). The university also operates education centers in Chicago, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, Oregon and Rockford, where working professionals can access NIU programs at convenient times and locations. The 16 NIU Huskies athletic teams compete in the Mid-American Conference at the highest NCAA Division I level.

TROY - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by 12-year-old Chloe Stirling and her parents at their Troy home to sign legislation that supports home kitchen businesses in Illinois. The "cupcake bill" was drafted after county health officials shut down Chloe's home-based cupcake baking business. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to make business opportunities available to everyone in Illinois and drive the state's economy forward.

"Democracy is for everyone and I salute Chloe Stirling for getting involved and making a difference for a cause she believes in," Governor Quinn said. "Thanks to her leadership, Chloe and other small-scale, home-based entrepreneurs are experiencing the sweet smell of success today. This new law ensures others like Chloe can continue their homemade operations without worry."

Chloe used her small, home-based baking business, "Hey Cupcake!", to provide treats for friends, relatives and fundraisers, including for the family of fallen Troy servicemember Senior Airman Bradley Smith. She achieved fame after her home cupcake-sale operation was shut down, making news headlines around the state. Chloe and her mother, Heather, then traveled to Springfield to lobby for a proposal that would pave the way for home kitchen businesses making less than $1,000 per month. The bill passed the Illinois House of Representatives but was initially defeated in the Senate after several amendments were added. Governor Quinn convinced Senators to put the bill "back into the oven," remove the amendments and reconsider it, after which it passed unanimously.

"When all of this started, we didn't know what to do," Chloe Stirling said. "In the end, we made it work so lots of home cooks can do what they love just like me. I am really happy that a bunch of people worked together to find a solution and I can't wait to get back to baking!"

House Bill 5354, sponsored by State Representative Charles Meier (R-Okawville) and State Senator Donne Trotter (D-Chicago), defines a "home kitchen operation" and authorizes the state or county health department to inspect a home kitchen operation in the event of a complaint or disease outbreak. The legislation is effective immediately.

The bill creates a new category of "home kitchen operators" for those who make less than $1,000 from producing food in their own homes to sell either by themselves or for a religious, charitable or nonprofit organization. Home kitchen operators cannot be regulated or shut down by local governments or health departments unless there is a complaint or health safety issue.

"I am pleased that we reached an agreement on a common-sense law that benefits everyone, from the home-based producers to the consumers," Senator Trotter said. "I commend Chloe Stirling for showing all of us what some ingenuity, desire and a never-say-die attitude can accomplish."

"After months of hard work crafting a common-sense piece of legislation that allows Chloe and other home-based kitchen operators to continue baking and selling their goods, I am happy that Governor Quinn is here today to sign the 'Cupcake Bill' into law," Representative Meier said. "Now, these small business owners will not have to fear getting shut down by the local health department and will have the freedom to grow and prosper."

"I'm pleased common sense prevailed and 12-year-old Chloe Stirling and kids like her, who are inspired to start their first business, to earn a little money for spending or saving, can realize their dreams," State Senator Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon) said.

Governor Quinn has supported and developed programs and signed legislation to support small business development, including the launch of Illinois' first Women Owned Business Symposium to support the growth of women-owned businesses as a driving force in the Illinois economy. The Governor also created the Illinois Innovation Council in 2011 to identify and advance strategies that accelerate innovation, economic growth and job creation.

Governor Quinn has also been a strong supporter of locally produced goods and has signed legislation to designate the first Saturday of each month as "Eat Local, Buy Illinois Products Day," as well as legislation that creates a uniform standard for cottage food operations to prepare and sell their products at farmer's markets in Illinois. Also, in 2009, the Governor signed legislation to increase demand for locally-grown food by building a reliable market for it at state agencies and facilities that receive significant state support. The bill also created the Illinois Local Food, Farms and Jobs Council.

The eccentric and self-absorbed Bliss family will inspire non-stop, sidesplitting laughter to audiences during the Classics at Brucemore production of Hay Fever, July 10 - 12 and 17 - 19 at 8:00 p.m. The 19th annual Classics at Brucemore performance, directed by Jim Kern, will uphold its reputation as one of Brucemore's signature events. The estate's natural amphitheater will provide a captivating backdrop as the Bliss family breaks social conventions on and off the stage, interacting with the audience and the surrounding area.  Audiences are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnics, and beverages to the show; the gates will open at 7:00 p.m.  Advance tickets are $15 for Brucemore Members and students and $18 for adults.  All tickets at the gate are $20.  Tickets may be purchased online at www.brucemore.org, by calling (319) 362-7375, or by visiting the Brucemore Store located in the Visitor Center.

Hay Fever, written in 1924 by Noël Coward, takes place on a single weekend in June at the summer home of the wealthy and bohemian Bliss family.  Each family member, without consulting the others, has invited a special guest for the weekend.  However, the family is so egotistical that the needs of their guests (and their overwhelmed household employee Clara) go completely unnoticed.  While the Blisses may be awful people to visit, they are hilarious to watch as they turn what should have been a weekend of intimate leisure into riotous mayhem.

Audiences attend the Classics once and realize that what is in their picnic basket is nearly as important as what is onstage. From carryout pizza or deli-sandwiches to elaborate spreads of antipasto plates and roasted chicken, dining is taken to a new level with Brucemore's version of dinner and a show. Packing for a Classics picnic just became easier. Brucemore is partnering with The Early Bird to offer patrons the opportunity to have their picnic waiting for them at the show. Select one of three dining options, call Brucemore (319) 362-7375 to place an order, pick it up in the Visitor Center the night of the event, and enjoy the Classics experience. Picnics must be purchased at least 36 hours before the show date by calling (319) 362-7375. A "Classics Package" is also available, including a wine tote, two picnics, and a bottle of wine. A complete list of the picnic options can be found at www.brucemore.org.

Sponsored by Rockwell Collins and media sponsored by The Gazette, KCRG-TV9, and Hoopla, Hay Fever features a cast of the area's finest actors. Seven return to the Classics stage, including Angela Billman, Matthew James, Jim Kropa, David Morton, Marty Norton, Cherryl Moon Thomason, and Kristen Wilcox. Making their Classics debut are Aaron Murphy and Lindsay Prince. For additional information, please visit the Brucemore website, www.brucemore.org.

The Classics at Brucemore began as collaboration between Torchlight Theatrics and Brucemore in 1996, thus launching outdoor theater in Eastern Iowa. The Classics celebrates a rich history of quality live theater, from Greek tragedy to Shakespearean comedy and twentieth century American drama. Much more than a play performed outdoors, the Classics fully utilizes the natural amphitheater, incorporating the estate itself into the action; actors emerge from the woods, get dunked in the pond, and help themselves to the audience's picnics.

Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families.  Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community.  For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

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Lecture Series on Geology of the National Parks Continues at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

WEST BRANCH, IOWA– Dr. Richard Baker continues his series of lectures about geology in our national parks with presentations on Acadia and Great Smoky Mountains (Wednesday, June 18 at 7 p.m.) and Mount Rainier and Crater Lake (Saturday, July 26 at 2 p.m.). The lectures take place at the visitor center, are free, and last about one hour.

Dr. Baker is a professor emeritus in the Geoscience Department at University of Iowa. He completed his doctorate research at Yellowstone National Park. He has traveled to many of our national parks and has taught a course on them at the University of Iowa. Dr. Baker's previous lectures at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site examined national parks as diverse as Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Hawaii Volcanoes, Everglades, and many others.

The lecture series is offered in recognition of President Herbert Hoover's interests in geology and conservation.

Join A Park Ranger For A Tallgrass Prairie Walk

On Saturday, June 21 a park ranger leads visitors through the reconstructed 81-acre tallgrass prairie at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. Join to learn how and why the National Park Service is reconstructing this endangered habitat as part of the landscape commemorating Herbert Hoover's life. The walks begin at the tallgrass prairie observation deck by the gravesite parking lot at 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The walk is less than a mile and lasts about 60 minutes. Bring water, dress for the weather, and wear comfortable walking shoes. Hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent are also recommended.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the 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