MARSHALLTOWN (May 22, 2014) - Andrew Valett of Davenport was one of 174 students named to the Spring 2014 (January to May) Dean's List at Marshalltown Community College.

To be eligible for the Dean's List, students must have taken 12 or more credit hours during the semester (a full-time class load) and have earned at least a 3.5 grade point average while attending MCC classes in Marshalltown, at Iowa Valley Community College Grinnell, or online. (Note: Developmental courses do not count towards GPA.) Part-time students are not included in this list.

Some students asked to have their name withheld from media and the public in keeping with their rights under the Family Education Rights & Privacy Act of 1974 (Buckley Amendment).

The staff and administration congratulate these students for their academic excellence.

IOWA CITY, IA (05/22/2014)(readMedia)-- University of Iowa students from your area have been selected to study abroad this summer with the University of Iowa CIMBA Italy program.

Students be studying abroad for four weeks in Paderno del Grappa, Italy at the base of the Italian Alps. While abroad, students complete six credit hours in the areas of business, journalism, communication, Italian, and engineering.

UI students from your area include :

Danielle Darland of Davenport

Anubhav Balakrishnan of Moline

Alexa Hanson of Eldridge

Students have the opportunity to indulge in Italian culture through excursions in local towns, participate in international company tours, network with students from around the globe, and travel Europe during two extended weekends. This summer, 39 University of Iowa students were selected to attend the CIMBA Italy program and will join 234 students from around the United States.

The University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business is the degree and credit-granting institution for the Consortium Institute for Management and Business Analysis (CIMBA). The Consortium is made up of 36 universities across the United States that annually send over 450 students and faculty to CIMBA's campus in northern Italy. CIMBA trains future professional leaders during undergraduate, graduate, and MBA study abroad opportunities. CIMBA's location in the Veneto region of Italy provides an environment rich with history, art, and an entrepreneurial spirit. To learn more about CIMBA, visit CIMBAItaly.com.

ALLIANCE, OH (05/21/2014)(readMedia)-- Courtney Wachal of Bettendorf, IA, performed on tour with the University of Mount Union's Concert Choir in the northeastern United States from May 11-17. Wachal is a junior French and international studies major.

The program, entitled "My Singing Soul," included works by Dietrich Buxtehude, Johann Pachelbel, Daniel Elder, Stephen Chatman and Dan Forrest, among others. In addition, the program included arrangements of traditional spirituals by Moses Hogan and Eugene Thamon Simpson. The choir is directed by Dr. Grant W. Cook III, associate professor of music and director of choral activities at Mount Union.

Open by audition to all students on campus, the Concert Choir comprises musicians from a wide variety of academic disciplines and thus truly represents the University's strong liberal arts foundation. Serving as an ambassador of the University, the Concert Choir performs annually throughout the continental United States and undertakes an international tour every four years. The Concert Choir is dedicated to the rehearsal and performance of the highest quality choral literature from the Renaissance through the 21st century, including spirituals, gospel music, folk songs and music celebrating a global perspective. Recent performances include the annual University of Mount Union Christmas Festival as well as Joseph Haydn's Mass in B-flat, the so-called Theresienmesse and Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 2 ("Resurrection") with the Canton Symphony Orchestra and Chorus under the baton of Maestro Gerhardt Zimmermann.

For more information, visit www.mountunion.edu/choir.

About the University of Mount Union

The University of Mount Union, founded in 1846, is a four-year, private institution grounded in the liberal arts tradition. Mount Union offers an array of broad-based and career-specific undergraduate and graduate programs to its 2,200 students who experience outstanding opportunities for success after graduation. Ranked as one of America's Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report, the University is committed to providing a student-centered approach and an exceptional educational experience, as evidenced by its mission to prepare students for fulfilling lives, meaningful work and responsible citizenship. The University's 115-acre campus is located in Alliance, Ohio, 80 miles of both Cleveland and Pittsburgh, and more than $100 million has been invested in the construction and renovation of modern facilities throughout the course of the past decade. For more information, visit www.mountunion.edu.

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that his office is now accepting applications for nomination to the U.S. Service Academies for the 2015 freshman class. Each year, Congressman Loebsack may nominate up to ten Iowans for each Academy, with the final selection for admission made by the individual Academy.

"As a military parent with children who attended the Naval Academy, this process is very personal to me," said Loebsack. "I look forward to nominating our future leaders and encourage all interested students to apply."

Our nation's Service Academies offer educational opportunities for young people interested in military service. Students can specialize in a variety of fields at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, or the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point.

Additional information on the selection process can be found on Loebsack's website: www.Loebsack.house.gov. Please contact Jared Mullendore, Loebsack's Academy Coordinator, in his Davenport office at 563-323-5988 with any questions. Jared can also be emailed at Jared.Mullendore@mail.house.gov.

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OMAHA, NE (05/20/2014)(readMedia)-- Creighton University conferred more than 1,600 degrees during its two 2014 Commencement ceremonies on May 17 at CenturyLink Center Omaha. University President Timothy R. Lannon, S.J., presided at both ceremonies.

Adam Dilla of Bettendorf graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Arts and Sciences

Elizabeth Hines of Davenport graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science from the College of Arts and Sciences

Kailee Steger of Milan graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Arts and Sciences

Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., enrolls 4,000 undergraduates and 4,000 graduate and professional students among nine schools and colleges. No other university its size offers students such a comprehensive academic environment with personal attention from faculty-mentors. Jesuit and Catholic, it affords incomparable interprofessional education, bridging health professions programs with law, business and arts and sciences- all on one walkable campus. Creighton has been top-ranked by U.S. News & World Report for 20 years.

OMAHA, NE (05/20/2014)(readMedia)-- Alexandria Clark of Rock Island, was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the College of Arts and Sciences during Creighton University's commencement ceremony on May 17, 2014, at the CenturyLink Center Omaha. University President Timothy R. Lannon, S.J., presided. Lannon, a 1973 graduate of the University, is the first alum to serve as president of Creighton. About 1,600 degrees were conferred during Creighton University's spring commencement.

Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., enrolls 4,000 undergraduates and 4,000 graduate and professional students among nine schools and colleges. No other university its size offers students such a comprehensive academic environment with personal attention from faculty-mentors. Jesuit and Catholic, it affords incomparable interprofessional education, bridging health professions programs with law, business and arts and sciences- all on one walkable campus. Creighton has been top-ranked by U.S. News & World Report for 20 years.

IOWA FALLS, Iowa (May 20, 2014) - One hundred fifty-one students have been named to the Spring 2014 (January to May) Dean's List at Ellsworth Community College. To be eligible for the Dean's List, students must have taken 12 or more credit hours during the semester (a full-time class load) and have earned at least a 3.5 grade point average while attending ECC classes in Iowa Falls or online. Part-time students are not included on this list, and developmental courses do not count toward a student's GPA. The ECC administration and staff congratulate these students for their academic excellence.

Among those honored are Megan Denny and Trey Muilenburg, both of Bettendorf.

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Celebrate 529 Day by registering for a chance to win a $5,290 College Savings Iowa Account

DES MOINES, IA (05/20/2014)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald wants to remind Iowans it is their last chance to celebrate 529 College Savings Day by registering to win a $5,290 College Savings Iowa account for a child in their life. "I encourage everyone to register for the giveaway and explore the benefits of using a 529 plan, such as College Savings Iowa, to save for their loved ones' future higher education expenses," Fitzgerald said. "By starting early, saving a little at a time and making smart investment choices, families can make their savings work for them." For more information about the program and to register for the giveaway, please visit collegesavingsiowa.com before May 31.

Iowa families are encouraged to open a College Savings Iowa account for a special child in their life. May 29, 529 College Savings Day, helps 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. Over time, those who begin putting away money early can make their college savings add up to a significant amount.

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. Iowa taxpayers have the additional benefit of being able to deduct contributions up to $3,098 per beneficiary account from their 2014 Iowa adjusted gross income.* 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.

. For more information about future giveaways and events find College Savings Iowa on Facebook and Twitter (@Iowa529Plan).

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

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Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

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.

College Savings Iowa is an Iowa trust sponsored by the Iowa State Treasurer's Office. The Treasurer of the State of Iowa sponsors and is responsible for overseeing the administration of the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan. The Vanguard Group, Inc., serves as Investment Manager and Vanguard Marketing Corporation, an affiliate of The Vanguard Group, Inc., assists the Treasurer with marketing and distributing the Plan. Upromise Investment Advisors, LLC, provides records administration services. The Plan's portfolios, although they invest in Vanguard mutual funds, are not mutual funds.

EDGEFIELD, S.C. ? Mallory Spring of East Fultonham, Ohio, was recognized at her high school awards ceremony as the recipient of the National Wild Turkey Federation's (NWTF) 2014 National Scholarship sponsored by Mossy Oak, surprising both her and a crowd of her peers. The $10,000 scholarship will help Spring pursue a degree in wildlife biology and natural resource management.

Just a few days before learning of her award, Spring enjoyed a successful NWTF youth turkey hunt in Ohio with Eddie Salter and James Earl Kennamer, Ph.D., NWTF chief conservation officer. Not a bad week for anyone, especially a 17-year-old high school senior.

"I knew I had received other NWTF scholarships but this one [the national scholarship] came completely out of the blue," said Spring. "I have always been interested in the outdoors and I hope to pass on my knowledge to others as I pursue my degree and continue with the NWTF."

Spring is set to graduate near the top of her class despite a rigorous academic course load and a schedule jam packed with extracurricular activities. Her impressive resume of both school and extra-curricular activities includes:
· Composite Score of 33 on ACT (99% Rank in Ohio and the US)
· 2013 Ohio Delegate to Citizenship Washington Focus
· Muskingum Soil & Water Conservation District Job Shadow
· Ohio Youth Capitol Challenge Ambassador
· 2011 Ohio NWTF Xtreme JAKE of the Year - JAKES member since 2005
· Ohio State 4-H Ambassador
· Ohio Delegate to the National 4-H Congress
· 4-H Shooting Sports Camp Counselor
· 4-H County Medal Awards for leadership, achievement, forestry, community service, citizenship and rifles
· National Archery in the Schools Program - 2013 Ohio State Champion and Overall Tournament Champion

Spring was the recipient of the $1,000 NWTF Ohio scholarship, making her eligible for the national honor. She also received a $250 scholarship from her local chapter, the Y-Bridge Longbeards. To date, the NWTF has contributed more than $4.6 million in scholarships to students making up the next generation of hunters and conservationists.

"I've had the pleasure of meeting and working with Mallory on the Y-Bridge Longbeards Chapter Committee. She is great girl who is fun-loving, vibrant and full of laughter," said Shawn Dickey, NWTF district field supervisor. "It was my pleasure to announce the award and see her peers give her a standing ovation."

For information about the NWTF scholarship program or to download an application, visit http://www.nwtf.org/jakes/scholarship.html.

The NWTF Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative is a charge that mobilizes science, fundraising and devoted volunteers to give the NWTF more energy and purpose than ever. Through this national initiative, NWTF has committed to raising $1.2 billion to conserve and enhance more than 4 million acres of essential upland wildlife habitat, create at least 1.5 million hunters and open access to 500,000 acres for hunting, shooting and outdoor enjoyment. Without hunters, there will be no wildlife or habitat. The NWTF is determined to Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt.

The Belin-Blank Center of The University of Iowa College of Education annually releases the Iowa AP Index to recognize Iowa high schools for providing Advanced Placement opportunities. The 2014 Iowa AP Index is based on May 2013 AP exams and May/June 2013 graduation data. The formula is the number of AP exams given divided by the number of students in the graduating class. A high AP Index is a reflection that a school has a culture that is supportive of and places emphasis on student participation in AP courses and exams.

It's important to note that Magnet schools, Specially Accredited College Preparatory schools (Rivermont Collegiate), non-accredited schools, and home schools are not included in the AP Index Top 50 ranking. This change took effect in 2008. These schools, however, can receive special recognition for their score, as Rivermont has. Furthermore, because all schools are scored using the same formula, the Iowa AP Index provides a fair comparison across all school sizes and types, whether schools are included in the AP Index Top 50 ranking or not.

The following lists 2014 Iowa AP Index scores for Rivermont and local schools placing in the Top 50 ranking.

Rivermont Collegiate - 2.50

Bettendorf High School - 1.40

West High School - 0.81

Central High School - 0.67

North High School - 0.57

Pleasant Valley High School - no score, opted out, or not in top 50

 

For more information on the Iowa AP Index, see the attachment and visit http://www.iowaapindex.org/index.htm

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