15 Aug 2012

Local Students to Attend Creighton University in the Fall

By Deborah Daley

OMAHA, NE (08/14/2012)(readMedia)-- Local students will be attending Creighton University along with almost 1,000 other freshmen this fall. They will be part of a freshman class that is academically strong, diverse and engaged in community and service activities.

The academic profile of the 2012 freshman class places Creighton among the top six private universities in the Midwest with more than 4,000 undergraduates. Move-in for freshmen is Saturday, Aug. 18, and marks the beginning of a weeklong schedule of activities for the new students.

Michael Holdsworth of Sherrard, Ill., a Sherrard High School graduate entering the College of Arts & Sciences

Katherine Huiskamp of Davenport, Iowa, a Davenport Assumption Catholic High School graduate entering the College of Business

Christina Laubenthal of Davenport, Iowa, a Davenport Assumption Catholic High School graduate entering the College of Business

Ellie Simpson of Davenport, Iowa, a Davenport Assumption Catholic High School graduate entering the School of Nursing

Andrew Wilson of Eldridge, Iowa, a North Scott High School graduate entering the College of Arts & Sciences

About Creighton University: Creighton University, a Catholic, Jesuit institution located in Omaha, Neb., enrolls more than 4,200 undergraduate and 3,500 professional school and graduate students. No other university its size offers students such a comprehensive academic environment coupled with personal attention from faculty-mentors.With nine colleges and schools on the same campus, Creighton affords incomparable interdisciplinary learning and unique opportunities for collaborative research among arts and sciences, business, health sciences and law. Creighton has been a top-ranked Midwestern regional university in the college edition of U.S. News & World Report magazine for more than 20 years. For more information, visit our website at: www.creighton.edu.

14 Aug 2012

Orion Community School District Receives Significant Gift from Local Entrepreneur

By Natalie Anderson
BETTENDORF, Iowa - The Community Foundation of the Great River Bend and Orion High School invite you to join us for a school-wide assembly at the Orion High School (OHS) gymnasium on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at 2:45pm. OHS principal, Nathan DeBaillie, will announce the charitable gift at this time. He will also be available to talk with media about this wonderful opportunity for college and trade-school bound students.

A full press release will be available following the assembly.
14 Aug 2012

Branstad, Reynolds to hold 14 education town hall meetings

By Office of Governor Terry Branstad

(DES MOINES) -  Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced that they will hold 14 education town hall meetings. The governor and lt. governor are holding the upcoming town halls across the state, continuing the discussion and soliciting feedback from Iowans on education reform policies, as part of preparation for the 2013 legislative session.

The following events are open to the public:

 

Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012

10:30 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Pocahontas County Education Reform Town Hall @ Pocahontas High School's Vocal Music Room, 205 Second Avenue NW, Pocahontas, IA

5:30 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Kossuth County Education Reform Town Hall @ Algona High School's Theatre, 600 S. Hale, Algona, IA

 

Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012

8:30 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Hancock County Education Reform Town Hall @ Garner-Hayfield High School's Auditorium, 605 Lyon St., Garner, IA

10:15 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Wright County Education Reform Town Hall @ Belmond-Klemme Junior-Senior High School's Luick Auditorium, 411 10th Avenue NE, Belmond, IA

12:00 Noon Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Humboldt County Education Reform Town Hall @ Humboldt High School's Auditorium, 1500 Wildcat Road. Humboldt, IA

2:00 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Hamilton County Education Reform Town Hall @ City Hall, 400 Second St., Webster City, IA

 

Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012

5:30 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Cedar County Education Reform Town Hall @ Tipton Middle School's Gymnasium, 725 West 7th St., Tipton, IA

 

Friday, Aug. 24, 2012

8 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Jones County Education Reform Town Hall @ the Lawrence Community Center, 600 E. Main St., Anamosa, IA

9:30 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Jackson County Education Reform Town Hall @ Maquoketa High School's Gymnasium, 600 Washington St., Maquoketa, IA

1:30 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Delaware County Education Reform Town Hall @ the West Delaware High School Auditorium, 605 New St., Manchester, IA

 

Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012

10 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Wapello County Education Reform Town Hall @ Ottumwa High School's Auditorium, 501 E. 2nd St, Ottumwa, IA

1 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Muscatine County Education Reform Town Hall @ the Muscatine Community School Administration Center, 2900 Mulberry Ave., Muscatine, IA

5 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Polk County Education Reform Town Hall @ Stilwell Junior High'sAuditorium, 1601 Vine St., West Des Moines, IA

 

Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012

4 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Pottawattamie County Education Reform Town Hall @ the Abraham Lincoln High School Auditorium, 1205 Bonham Ave., Council Bluffs, IA

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13 Aug 2012

Quinn Administration Releases Study Showing Impact of Pension Inaction on Higher Education

By Leslie Wertheimer

Governor Meets with Business Leaders to Discuss Impact of Pension Inaction on Universities, Community Colleges and MAP Grants

CHICAGO - August 13, 2012. In a meeting today with the Executives' Club of Chicago, Governor Pat Quinn shared new data showing that higher education in Illinois is likely to receive more significant funding reductions in the coming years if comprehensive pension reform is not enacted. According to an analysis conducted by the Governor's Office of Management and Budget (OMB), approximately 26,000 students may not have the needed resources to go to college in five years due to projected reductions to MAP grant funding.

The governor discussed the need for pension reform today with business leaders and CEOs who often stress their need for a stable business climate and a strong, well-trained workforce. Governor Quinn is urging legislators to restore fiscal stability to Illinois and pass comprehensive pension reform during special session on August 17.

"A strong higher education system drives economic development and is essential to moving Illinois forward," Governor Quinn said. "We must rise to the occasion, act responsibly and get the job done on pension reform for the people of Illinois."

If comprehensive pension reform is not enacted, funding for state universities, community colleges and college scholarships for needy students with merit could be reduced by more than $280 million by FY 2018. Higher education has seen steady reductions in recent years as fast-rising pension costs continue to squeeze out critical services.

Pension reform that includes a gradual normal cost realignment will alleviate funding pressure for state universities and community colleges, who have also written in support of a phased-in cost realignment. According to the data, universities and community colleges will face reductions that greatly exceed any normal cost expenses they would gradually assume under the governor's pension reform plan.

For example, under the governor's plan, state universities and community colleges are projected to assume $21.3 million in new normal pension costs in FY 2014. If comprehensive pension reform with a normal cost realignment is not enacted, the analysis shows that state universities and community colleges could see more than $60 million in reductions in FY 2014.

Currently, Illinois' pension system faces $83 billion in unfunded liability - the worst in the nation. This deficit is expected to grow to more than $92 billion by the end of FY 2013 unless major reforms are enacted. Governor Quinn has proposed a comprehensive pension reform plan that will eliminate the unfunded liability over the next 30 years.

State universities and community colleges help shape the future of Illinois by fostering innovation and economic growth. Illinois' higher education institutions provide students with more opportunities and prepare them for the workforce, to ensure that businesses have access to strong workforce talent.

The analysis is attached. For more information on the need for pension reform and to contact your legislator, please visit SaveOurState.Illinois.gov.

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13 Aug 2012

BVU partners with online consortium of Iowa community colleges

By Buena Vista University

STORM LAKE, IA (08/13/2012)(readMedia)-- Buena Vista University (BVU) recently signed a cooperative agreement with the Iowa Community College Online Consortium (ICCOC) as a way to enhance degree completion opportunities for undergraduate students.

The ICCOC (www.iowacconline.org) is an online platform comprising seven Iowa community colleges that provide online educational opportunities and courses for students looking to earn associate's degrees. The community colleges include Eastern Iowa, Iowa Lakes, Iowa Western, Northwest Iowa, Southeastern, Southwestern and Western Iowa Tech.

The agreement between BVU and the ICCOC gives community college students the opportunity to transfer to BVU and pursue a bachelor's degree entirely online or through a BVU Graduate & Professional Studies (GPS) location.

As part of the consortium agreement, the ICCOC will post BVU transfer information and program offerings on its Web site. BVU will reciprocate by providing information on its Web site about the ICCOC.

Stacy Gibbs, the south regional director for BVU's GPS program, played an instrumental role in finalizing the agreement between BVU and ICCOC. Gibbs also worked closely with other BVU staff including Laura Newhouse, director of online programs, and Sibyl McIntire, GPS admissions counselor/recruiter, to cement the partnership.

"This is a marketing and growth opportunity for both BVU's online and GPS programs," says Gibbs. "The main advantage to the partnership is that the ICCOC will function as a gateway for students who are looking to advance their degrees. These students will be able to access our information and seamlessly transfer and obtain their bachelor's degree through BVU."

"I'm very excited about this partnership," says Dr. Suzi Kalsow, associate vice president for academic affairs and dean of GPS at BVU. "It is a natural progression for students who have earned their associate's degree to go on and pursue a bachelor's degree. Having a connection with the ICCOC and being easily accessible through the consortium is the perfect next step for BVU's online and GPS programs."

10 Aug 2012

GOVERNOR'S STEM ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING

By Rick Martin

The Office of Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced a meeting of the full Governor's STEM Advisory Council Meeting on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Originating from the campus of the University of Iowa, the meeting will cover the Regional STEM Network, the introduction of the Regional STEM Hub Managers, Governor's STEM Advisory Council Action Plan updates and an overview of IMSEP and its operations.

The meeting is open to the public and media.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

9:30  a.m. Governor's STEM Advisory Council Executive Committee Meeting

University of Iowa - Carver Hawkeye Arena, Feller Club Room

205 Carver Hawkeye Arena

Iowa City, IA

3 p.m. Meeting Adjourns

About IMSEP:

The Iowa Mathematics and Science Education Partnership (IMSEP) is the operations arm of the Governor's STEM Advisory Council, dedicated to building a strong STEM education foundation for all Iowans. For more information about IMSEP or the Governor's STEM Advisory Council, go to www.IowaSTEM.gov.

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10 Aug 2012

Mercy College of Health Sciences Graduates Named

By TheLink

Sara Lynn Brimeyer of Davenport, Iowa, was conferred an Associates of Science, Nursing degree during the Spring commencement ceremony by Mercy College of Health Sciences, 928 6th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa at HyVee Hall on April 27, 2012.

To learn more about the programs offered at Mercy College visit our website at www.mchs.edu. Mercy College is the only Catholic college in Central Iowa and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

10 Aug 2012

University of Iowa named a 'Best Buy' for eighth year

By Rick Martin

For the eighth straight year, the University of Iowa has been designated a "Best Buy" in the Fiske Guide to Colleges.

The UI is one of only 20 public universities from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada on the list and one of three Big Ten schools included along with Indiana University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The creation of a former New York Times education editor, the Fiske Guide has been a respected college search tool used by parents, college-bound students, and their guidance counselors for more than 25 years.

DID YOU KNOW?

To receive a "Best Buy" designation, schools had to have high academic rankings, an inexpensive or moderate price, and a high quality of student life on campus. In all, 41 schools received the "Best Buy" designation, including 21 private institutions.

FYI
For more information about applying to the UI, visit admissions.uiowa.edu.

10 Aug 2012

Brown Mackie College to hold Graduation Ceremony

By Steve Dobbins

Brown Mackie College – Quad Cities announces that the college will hold its Graduation Ceremony on Sunday, August 19, from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the i wireless Center located at 1201 River Drive in Moline, Illinois. Graduates of the college will be awarded associate degrees and diplomas.

The event's speaker is the Honorable Bob Gallagher, Jr., Mayor of Bettendorf, Iowa.

Brown Mackie College – Quad Cities is one of over 25 school locations of the Brown Mackie College system of schools (www.brownmackie.edu), which is dedicated to providing educational programs that prepare students for entry-level positions or to enhance their current professions in a competitive, rapidly-changing workplace. See bmcprograms.info for program duration, tuition, fees, and other costs, median debt, federal salary data, alumni success, and other important info.

10 Aug 2012

Governor Quinn Signs Law to Boost Bilingual Education

By Nafia Khan

New Law to Pave the Way for "Parent Academies" in Illinois

CHICAGO - August 9, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law designed to strengthen bilingual education in Illinois. The law authorizes the Illinois Advisory Council on Bilingual Education to study and make recommendations on the state of bilingual education in Illinois, as well as the role of parents of students whose first language is not English. Today's action at the Inter-American Magnet School paves the way for the possible implementation of "parent academies" and is the governor's latest to further improve education in Illinois.

"School is challenging enough for students and parents alike without having to struggle with a new language," Governor Quinn said. "This new law will keep Illinois on the cutting edge of bilingual education programs to ensure that every student is ready for the workforce."

Sponsored by Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia (D-Aurora) and Sen. Iris Martinez (D-Chicago), House Bill 3819 requires the Advisory Council to evaluate the success rate of bilingual programs, examine innovative initiatives such as "parent academies" and "cultural competency programs", and submit a report to the State Superintendent of Education, Governor and General Assembly by Jan. 1, 2013.

According to an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) study, there were 183,000 Illinois students in 2010 for whom English was not a first language, nearly 10 percent of the entire student population. Spanish-speakers comprise 80 percent of those enrolled in English language programs; rounding out the top ten are Polish, Urdu, Arabic, Tagalog, Korean, Cantonese/Mandarin, Gujarati, Vietnamese and Russian. While most live in Chicago, there are growing numbers of non-English speaking students in Elgin, Cicero, Aurora and Waukegan.

The Advisory Council on Bilingual Education, which was created in 1992 to propose recommendations to ISBE, will examine the feasibility of "parent academies" through which parents learn about standardized testing, homework completion strategies and student-teacher relationships. Some states offer free two-hour workshops for parents that cover "conditions for learning", such as school safety, home supportiveness and nutrition. In urban areas, the "parent academy" approach has successfully addressed the specific needs of single parents and immigrant families.

"Parents of non-English speaking students want - and need - to feel a greater stake in navigating their child's education. This new law opens the door to such innovations as 'parent academies' to accomplish that," said Rep. Chapa LaVia, who Chairs the Illinois House Elementary and Secondary Education Appropriations Committee.

"We are always looking for ways to help all students maximize their academic potential. This new law will help," said Sen. Martinez.

The bill was supported by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), and passed unanimously in both chambers. The new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2013.

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