DECORAH, IA (05/15/2012)(readMedia)-- The following local students were inducted into the Luther College chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa national academic honor society at a ceremony held Saturday, April 14 in the Center for Faith and Life on the Luther campus:

Jennifer Winder, a Luther College senior from Bettendorf, Iowa. Winder is the daughter of Marie and Troy Winder of Bettendorf. She is majoring in Spanish at Luther, and is a 2008 graduate of Bettendorf High School.

Dallas Wulf, a Luther College senior from Durant, Iowa. Wulf is the son of Neil and Chris Wulf of Durant. He is majoring in mathematics and physics at Luther, and is a 2008 graduate of Durant High School.

Carol Gilbertson, Luther professor emerita of English, was inducted as an honorary member. James Limburg, professor emeritus of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., was inducted as an alumnus member.

Gilbertson delivered the Ruth A. Davis Memorial Lecture, titled "Slow Beauty."

Gilbertson was named emerita professor of English following her retirement from Luther College in 2011, having taught for 43 years as a member of the English department. After graduating from Augustana College, S.D., earned the master of arts degree from the University of North Carolina and the doctoral degree from the University of Minnesota, with a specialization in 17th-century British literature.

She has served Luther as an active scholar and poet, and recently published a collection of her poetry entitled "From a Distance, Dancing" (Finishing Line Press). Gilbertson has also published work in a wide range of journals, including Christian Century, Oberton, Pearl Magazine, and Vineyards: A Journal of Christian Poetry.

James Limburg graduated from Luther College in 1956. He holds the bachelor of divinity degree from Luther Seminary, and the master of theology and the doctoral degree from Union Seminary. He is currently professor emeritus of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul.

Since retiring in 2001, Limburg has served as a visiting professor at Pacific Lutheran Seminary in Berkeley, Calif., and United Seminary in New Brighton, Minn. He continues to teach and preach at a variety of churches in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

Limburg has published a number of books on a variety of topics, and is a contributing author on the "Lutheran Study Bible" (Augsburg).

Luther College (http://www.luther.edu) is one of a select group of private liberal arts colleges in the United States with a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Each year, Luther honors outstanding seniors with selection to Phi Beta Kappa. Members are elected on the basis of broad cultural interests, scholarly achievement and good character.

Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest and most respected undergraduate honors organization in the United States. The society has fostered and recognized excellence in the liberal arts and sciences since 1776, and the society's distinctive emblem, a golden key, is widely recognized as a symbol of academic achievement.

Representatives from the Illinois' organized labor and business communities throughout the state detail the importance of passing SB 1849, a gaming solution that would create more than new 20,000 jobs.

Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin ? An overwhelming percentage of visitors to Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge  2010 and 2011 were favorably impressed with its recreational opportunities, education and services, according to a peer-reviewed government survey released today. Some 90 percent of respondents gave consistent high marks to all facets of their refuge experience.

The survey, commissioned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and designed, conducted, and analyzed by researchers with the U.S. Geological Survey, evaluated responses from more than 200 adult visitors surveyed at the refuge between July 2010 and November 2011. Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge was one of 53 national wildlife refuges surveyed.

The National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the Service, is the nation's premier system of public lands and waters set aside to conserve wildlife and wildlife habitat. Refuges protect thousands of species; more than 400 also are open to the public and popular recreation sites, noted for their hunting and fishing, paddling and hiking, environmental education programs and wildlife observation. More than 45 million people visited national wildlife refuges in 2011.

Some surveyed visitors (14%) reported they had only been to the McGregor District stretch of the refuge once in a 12 month period while most (86%) reported they were repeat visitors with multiple visits.  These repeat visitors reported they had visited the refuge an average of 23 times during that same 12-month period.

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge was established in 1924 as a breeding place for migratory birds, game animals, fur-bearing animals, fish and other aquatic mammals. The 261 miles of marshes, wooded islands and floodplain forest provides homes and resting spots for countless numbers of fish and wildlife

"One of our respondents said that [visiting the refuge] "is a once in a lifetime experience that words cannot do justice." For those of us living along this river refuge we realize what a treasure we have right here in the heartland of America.  A place where conservation efforts allow wildlife to thrive and visitors can appreciate their wildlife heritage, "said Refuge Manager Kevin Foerster.

Of survey participants,

•           92 percent reported satisfaction with recreational activities and opportunities;
•           79 percent reported satisfaction with information and education about the refuge;
•           72 percent reported satisfaction with services provided by refuge employees or volunteers; and
•           84 percent reported satisfaction with the refuge's job of conserving fish, wildlife and their habitats.

Some survey participants also volunteered enthusiastic comments, such as this one: "Refuges make me aware that I am a part of the American experience and not just an observer. Nowhere else do I feel such a deep sense of connection with the land, the plants, and the wildlife. Visiting a refuge is truly a spiritual experience."

Among the most popular refuge activities visitors engaged in were wildlife observations, bird watching, photography, hiking and auto-tour-routes.  Most visitors also reported viewing refuge exhibits, asking information of staff or volunteers and visiting a refuge gift shop or bookstore.

USGS social scientist Natalie Sexton was the lead researcher on the report. The survey is available at http://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/643/

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The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

-FWS-

The Quad City Symphony Orchestra will perform some cool, new music in some cool, new digs this weekend when the QCSO presents the high-energy, rhythmic compositions of contemporary composer Marc Mellits in Davenport's Redstone Room. Marc Mellits is one of the leading American composers of his generation, enjoying hundreds of performances throughout the world every year. His unique musical style is an eclectic combination of driving rhythms, soaring lyricism, and colorful orchestrations that all combine to communicate directly with the listener. This final concert of the Signature Series is in the Redstone Room of the River Music Experience on May 19 at 8:00 p.m.

The Quad City Symphony Orchestra's Principal Percussionist Aaron Williams has selected works from Mellits' high energy and sensual catalog. Helping Williams bring this vibrant music to life will be QCSO musicians: Principal Cellist Hannah Holman, Pianist Mary Neil, and Percussionist Tony Oliver.

Marc Mellits will be hosting this concert and meeting with audience members at 7:00 p.m. before the concert. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for a cash bar and light hors d'oeuvres.

Tickets for this concert are $18 and can be purchased at www.qcsymphony.com, 800.745.3000, and all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets are also available at the River Music Experience and can be purchased at the door.