CHICAGO, IL (08/09/2011)(readMedia)-- Kaplan University, a leader in higher education innovation, celebrated the graduation of its summer 2011 class during a graduation ceremony on Aug. 6 at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago. During her address, former Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman spoke to the online graduates about the importance of education to workforce development and global competitiveness.

She noted that those with degrees fare better in a tough labor market, citing the U.S. Labor Department's most recent 9.1 percent unemployment rate.

"What's not reported in the news is that the unemployment rate for those with college degrees is four percent. This number confirms what we have always known," Secretary Herman said during the ceremony. "What you know will directly influence how far you go and education matters more than ever. It is the great equalizer."

The following local students were awarded degrees:

Linda Gorsch of Blairstown, IA was awarded a Associate of Applied Science degree in Information Technology.

Christina Rhodes of North English, IA was awarded a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.

Jamecia Harris of Bettendorf, IA was awarded a Master's degree in Business Administration.

Lisa Zerbonia of Bettendorf, IA was awarded a Master of Science degree in Higher Education.

Christene Fahrenkrug of McCausland, IA was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Management.

Fred Monfeli of Davenport, IA was awarded a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

Kelly Scott of Davenport, IA was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies.

Angela Schumacher of Davenport, IA was awarded a Master's degree in Business Administration.

Brian Williams of Davenport, IA was awarded a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

Eric Heiting of Davenport, IA was awarded a Master of Arts degree in Teacher Education.

Essie Taylor of Davenport, IA was awarded a Master of Arts degree in Teacher Education.

Shanesha Hall of Davenport, IA was awarded a Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Sciences.

Emily Jackson of Rock Island, IL was awarded a Master of Science degree in Nursing.

The Kaplan University's summer 2011 class included more than 7,200 graduates who earned associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees, all online. More than 1,000 of them traveled from around the country to attend the ceremony, meeting face-to-face for the first time. Others watched from home via a live webcast. Since 2001, Kaplan University has graduated nearly 40,000 students who have used their education to advance professionally and meet personal goals.

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.ncahlc.org) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Kaplan University serves more than 61,000 online and campus-based students. The University has 11 campuses in Iowa, Nebraska, Maryland and Maine, and Kaplan University Learning Centers in Maryland, Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri and Florida.

Kaplan University is part of Kaplan Higher Education, which serves more than 92,000 students online and through more than 70 campus-based schools across the United States. Kaplan Higher Education schools offer a spectrum of academic opportunities, from certificates and diplomas to graduate and professional degrees, including a juris doctor degree. Kaplan Higher Education is part of Kaplan, Inc., a leading international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Kaplan, Inc. is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO), and its largest division. For more information about Kaplan University, visit http://www.kaplanuniversity.edu.

MILWAUKEE, WI. (August 8, 2011) - The Bon-Ton Stores, which operates, Bon-Ton, Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson's, Elder-Beerman, Herberger's, Parisian and Younkers stores, announced its semi-annual Community Day event will be a two-day event,  Friday, November 11 and Saturday, November 12, 2011, allowing the local non-profit groups a greater opportunity to raise funds for their organizations.

Groups may sign up at www.communitydayevent.com and begin selling booklets immediately.  The savings booklets contain over $200 or more in savings on in-store and online merchandise during the Bon-Ton Community Day event.

Eligible Community Day organizations include 501C-3 nonprofit organizations and schools.  Non-profit groups sell savings booklets for a $5 donation to support their group, and in return, the purchaser receives the valuable booklet of offers which instantly pays the donor back with a $10-off on $10 or more item-coupon.  The organization keeps 100% of the $5 donation.

"Providing opportunities to support non-profit groups in the community is extremely important to our company," said Bud Bergren, president and chief executive officer of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. "By extending the event to two days, we hope participating groups will be able to generate more donations and, at the same time, customers who buy the booklets will have more time to take advantage of the tremendous offers."

In 2010, over $10 million was raised by participating nonprofit organizations through the Community Day events.  Successful organizations have raised thousands of dollars by participating in this event.  View testimonials on www.communitydayevent.com and find out first-hand what groups are saying about their success and learn more about how non-profits can benefit from this event.

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. operates 275 stores, including 11 furniture galleries, in 23 states in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains under the Bon-Ton, Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson Pirie Scott, Elder-Beerman, Herberger's and Younkers nameplates and, under the Parisian nameplate, stores in the Detroit, Michigan area. The stores offer a broad assortment of brand-name fashion apparel and accessories for women, men and children, as well as cosmetics and home furnishings. 

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Announces Support for Northwest Illinois Company to Expand, Creating and Retaining Nearly 100 Jobs

CHICAGO - August 8, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to expand the Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority, which will encourage greater economic development in Northwest Illinois. The Governor's signature comes as Tennant Truck Lines, Inc. announces an expansion that will create and retain close to 100 jobs. The new law reflects Governor Quinn's aggressive business agenda that is creating jobs in every region of the state and growing the economy.

"Powerful economic tools like this new law demonstrate our commitment to creating jobs and making Illinois even more competitive in the global economy," said Governor Quinn. "This legislation helps local governments in Northwest Illinois to attract and develop businesses in the region, growing the economy."

Senate Bill 1755, sponsored by Sen. Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) and Rep. Patrick Verschoore (D-Rock Island), amends the Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority Act by expanding the geographic area of the authority. The authority currently includes Rock Island, Henry, Knox and Mercer counties. The new area will also include Jo Daviess, Carroll, Whiteside, Stephenson and Lee counties. Senate Bill 1755 also expands the governing board of the authority from 11 to 16 by adding a member from each of the five additional counties. New members will be appointed by each of their respective county board chairs.

Illinois law gives regional economic development authorities power to issue bonds on behalf of a company to help facilitate economic development. The Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority focuses its development in three main project areas: manufacturing, not-for-profit and senior housing.

Governor Quinn's signature comes as Tennant Truck Lines, Inc., a family-owned and operated transportation and logistics company located in the Quad Cities, plans to invest $3 million to merge their headquarters and logistics operations into one facility in Colona, creating 30 new jobs and retaining 65 full-time jobs. The new site will allow the company to keep existing functions in Illinois and provide room for expansion of both headquarter and logistics functions. The state will provide a more than $1 million business investment package in the form of job creation tax credits spread out over 10 years and an employer training grant to leverage the private investment.

Governor Quinn's aggressive business agenda is creating jobs, growing the economy and encouraging economic development in every region of the state. In June, Governor Quinn awarded more than $10.4 million through the "IKE" Disaster Recovery Program to communities throughout Northwest Illinois to assist with water and sewer improvements and other critical public infrastructure needs. Through the state's economic development agency, Illinois has a wide range of programs and services available to help businesses of all sizes remain competitive.

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St. Katharine's School, St. Katharine's-St. Mark's, and now Rivermont Collegiate - what a history!  Rivermont has been developing intellect and inspiring creativity in Quad City area students since 1884!  Rivermont invites all alumni to join us for food, friends, and fond memories on Saturday, August 13^th.  A casual gathering will be held at 2:00 p.m. on the Rivermont campus, located at 1821 Sunset Drive in Bettendorf. A tentative menu of "hometown" eats includes Happy Joe's pizza and Whitey's ice cream.  Alumni are encouraged to bring spouses, partners, dates, children, siblings, and/or parents.  This event is open to alumni and former students from ALL graduating years!  Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to catch up with classmates and former teachers!   

Our alumni come from St. Katharine's School (affectionately known as St. Kit's), St. Katharine's-St. Mark's School, and now Rivermont.  The school was founded in 1884 and originally organized as St. Katharine's School, an Episcopal boarding school for girls, located at 10^th and Tremont Streets in Davenport.  In 1968, St. Katharine's dropped its boarding program, became co-educational, and added St. Mark's to its name.  In 1973, SKSM moved to its present location at 1821 Sunset Drive in Bettendorf, formerly the home of Joseph Bettendorf.  In 1980, the school amicably broke ties with the Episcopal Church and in 2001 the name was changed to Rivermont Collegiate.  Rivermont is the Quad Cities' only private, independent, nonsectarian college prep school, serving preschool through 12^th grade.  Students at Rivermont are grounded in the basics, yet encouraged to think analytically and creatively, creating alumni who confidently and enthusiastically meet today's opportunities and challenges.

Alumni who plan to attend should RSVP to Carol Loula at cloula@aol.com.

For additional information on Rivermont Collegiate and/or Saturday's Alumni Event, contact Cindy Murray at (563) 359-1366 ext. 302 or murray@rvmt.org.

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