PLATTEVILLE, WI (06/27/2012)(readMedia)-- The University of Wisconsin-Platteville has awarded scholarships to its returning students for the 2012-13 academic year.

Among the award winners is Donelle McBroom from Long Grove who won the Boyd Spikerman Memorial Scholarship, totaling $500.00.

UW-Platteville, founded in 1846, is located in the southwestern corner of Wisconsin, near the Iowa and Illinois borders. The University, the fastest-growing four-year school in the 13-college University of Wisconsin System, enrolls approximately 7,500 undergraduate students.

NOTRE DAME, IN (06/26/2012)(readMedia)-- Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, IN, named Katherine Nelson to the Dean's List for the spring 2012 semester. Katherine is the daughter of Mary and William Nelson of Rock Island, IL. To earn academic honors at Saint Mary's, a student must achieve a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.6 on a 4.0 scale, have at least 12 graded credit hours, no incompletes, and no grades lower than a C.

About Saint Mary's College: Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, women's institution offering five bachelor's degrees and more than 30 major areas of study. Saint Mary's College has six nationally accredited academic programs: social work, art, music, teacher education, chemistry and nursing. Saint Mary's College ranks among the top 100 "Best National Liberal Arts Colleges" in the U.S. News & World Report 2011 College Guide. Founded in 1844, Saint Mary's is a pioneer in the education of women, and is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross.

HUNTINGTON, IN (06/26/2012)(readMedia)-- Huntington University has announced the students that were named to the Dean's List for the spring semester of the 2011-12 school year.

The Dean's List is published two times per year at Huntington University. The honor recognizes students for outstanding academic achievement during the previous semester. Honorees must be classified as regular students, be enrolled full-time with a load of 12 hours or more in graded courses, and must achieve a semester grade point average of at least 3.50 on a four-point scale.

The following students from your area were recognized:

  • Christopher Burton, of Rock Island, IL, was a senior Broadcasting major during the spring semester.
  • Sarah Johnson, of Davenport, IA, was a senior Journalism and English major during the spring semester.
  • Valerie Van Ee, of Eldridge, IA, was a senior Animation and Computer Science major during the spring semester.

Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S. News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest, and Forbes.com has listed the university as one of America's Best Colleges. Additionally, Princeton Review has named the institution to its "Best in the Midwest" list. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

ROLLA, MO (06/26/2012)(readMedia)-- Adam Paul Reab of Blue Grass, Iowa, graduated from Missouri University of Science and Technology during commencement ceremonies held Friday, May 4, and Saturday, May 5, in the Gale Bullman Multi-Purpose Building on campus. Reab earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering summa cum laude.

More than 770 candidates received degrees during the ceremonies. The university awards bachelor of science, bachelor of arts, master of science and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.

Missouri S&T has traditionally recognized graduates earning a bachelor's degree with honors by placing the designation "summa cum laude," "magna cum laude" or "cum laude" on their diplomas. The highest honor, summa cum laude, is awarded to students who have earned a cumulative grade point (GPA) of 3.8 or above on a 4.0 scale for all courses counting toward the degree. Magna cum laude is the designation for a GPA of 3.5 to 3.79, and cum laude indicates a GPA of 3.2 to 3.49.

Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla announces the names of students who made the honor list for the 2012 Spring semester.
  • Adam Paul Reab of Blue Grass, Iowa, a senior in electrical engineering.

Those on the list carried a minimum of 12 hours and had grade point averages of 3.2 or above out of a possible 4.0

Missouri S&T is one of four campuses in the University of Missouri System and one of the nation's top technological research universities.

For more information about Missouri S&T, visit the website at www.mst.edu or contact the admissions office at 800-522-0938.

ROLLA, MO (06/26/2012)(readMedia)-- Kassie Nicole Osborne of Blue Grass, Iowa, graduated from Missouri University of Science and Technology during commencement ceremonies held Friday, May 4, and Saturday, May 5, in the Gale Bullman Multi-Purpose Building on campus. Osborne earned a bachelor of science in electrical engineering summa cum laude.

More than 770 candidates received degrees during the ceremonies. The university awards bachelor of science, bachelor of arts, master of science and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.

Missouri S&T has traditionally recognized graduates earning a bachelor's degree with honors by placing the designation "summa cum laude," "magna cum laude" or "cum laude" on their diplomas. The highest honor, summa cum laude, is awarded to students who have earned a cumulative grade point (GPA) of 3.8 or above on a 4.0 scale for all courses counting toward the degree. Magna cum laude is the designation for a GPA of 3.5 to 3.79, and cum laude indicates a GPA of 3.2 to 3.49.

Missouri S&T is one of four campuses in the University of Missouri System and one of the nation's top technological research universities.

For more information, visit www.mst.edu or contact the admissions office at 800-522-0938.

WINSTON SALEM, NC (06/25/2012)(readMedia)-- Michael Herman a resident of Davenport, IA was among over 1900 students from Wake Forest University who made the Spring 2012 Dean's List.

About Wake Forest University:

Wake Forest University combines the best traditions of a small liberal arts college with the resources of a large research university. Founded in 1834, the school is located in Winston-Salem, N.C. The University's graduate school of arts and sciences, divinity school, and nationally ranked schools of law, medicine and business enrich our intellectual environment. Learn more about Wake Forest University at www.wfu.edu.

PLATTEVILLE, WI (06/25/2012)(readMedia)-- University of Wisconsin-Platteville hosted its largest winter graduation on May 12, 2012 held at Williams Fieldhouse. A total of 965 graduate and undergraduate students earned the right to participate in the commencement ceremonies.

Among those receiving degrees, with their hometowns and majors, were

Christina Butler a Business Administration major from Cordova, IL

Chadbourne Ihrig a Industrial Technology Management major from Long Grove, IA

University of Wisconsin-Platteville, founded in 1866, is settled in a historic mining town near the Iowa and Illinois borders and enrolls 7,500 undergraduate students. It is an institution whose mission is to produce intellectually astute individuals who will participate in society as competent professionals and knowledgeable citizens. For more information on the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, visit www.uwplatt.edu.

Laws Improve Math Curriculum and Educator Certifications; Reduces Bureaucracy to Focus Resources in Classroom

 

CHICAGO - June 25, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today signed four new laws to strengthen education in Illinois. SB 3244 will help students in Illinois excel in the classroom by implementing a stronger mathematics curriculum. The Governor also signed laws that adjust the timelines for alternative teaching certification and general administrative endorsements, as well as increase the efficiency of regional education offices across the state. Today's ceremony took place at National Louis University.

 

"As a former community college teacher, I know the importance of making sure students are prepared for college-level math," Governor Quinn said. "These laws will help Illinois students thrive in the classroom and prepare them for a competitive workforce, while also supporting our educators who are working hard to help children succeed."

Senate Bill 3244, sponsored by Sen. Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign) and Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia (D-Aurora), was an initiative of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon. While visiting community colleges last fall, Simon learned that only 40 percent of Illinois high school students test ready for college-level math.

 

"I would like to thank Governor Quinn for signing this into law so quickly," said Lt. Governor Sheila Simon. "Illinois students must have both strong reading and math scores in order to compete with their classmates at the university level."

 

The law requires the Illinois State Board of Education to work with stakeholders and educational organizations to create and coordinate the development of mathematics curriculum models. These models will be implemented in middle and high schools statewide to help school districts and teachers ensure that students graduate prepared to succeed in college classrooms, as well as in today's competitive job market. The law takes effect January 1.

 

"I would like to thank Governor Quinn for his commitment to our students, and Lt. Governor Simon on her hard work to pass this bill," said Sen. Frerichs. "In order to fully address students' needs, we must work together to improve math education requirements and better prepare students for the future."

 

"I would like to commend Governor Quinn and Lt. Governor Simon for their work to make sure Illinois students succeed in and out of the classroom," said Rep. Chapa LaVia. "We must make sure our students receive high quality educations, and this law will help Illinois students reach their full potential."

 

"As a 'teacher of teachers,' for more than 125 years National Louis has been at the forefront of exploring new teacher preparation models and looking for ways to advance the education system" said Nivine Megahed, National Louis University president. "The signing of these bills today is a very important step to help students excel and to make alternative teaching certification requirements attainable and effective for future teachers. I applaud Gov. Quinn for putting education first in Illinois."

 

Governor Quinn also signed Senate Bill 2706, sponsored by Sen. William Haine (D-Alton) and Rep. Frank Mautino (D-Spring Valley), to reduce the number of regional offices of education in Illinois from 45 to 35. This number will be reduced through the consolidation of certain offices, which will be completed by July 1, 2015. As part of the Governor's commitment to make sure that funding for education is invested in the classroom instead of bureaucracy, the new law gives offices the option to voluntarily consolidate or be directed to consolidate by the State Board of Education. This law is effective immediately.

 

Governor Quinn also signed Senate Bill 638, sponsored by Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and Rep. Daniel Biss (D-Skokie), which changes the deadlines for current alternative teaching certification programs. Educators will now have until Sept. 1, 2013 to enroll in the program and until Jan. 1, 2015 to complete it. The law also allows an individual with an alternative educator endorsement to teach at a public charter school. This law is effective immediately.

 

Finally, the Governor signed House Bill 4993, sponsored by House Minority Leader Tom Cross (D-Plainfield) and Sen. Linda Holmes (R-Plainfield). The law allows educators to receive general administrative endorsements without the newly-implemented two-year teaching requirement as long as they have been enrolled in an approved program before Aug. 1, 2011, and will finish the program before Jan. 1, 2013. This law is effective immediately.

 

About National Louis University

Founded in 1886, National Louis is a nonprofit, non-denominational University comprised of three colleges:  National College of Education; College of Arts & Sciences; and College of Management and Business. From its inception, National Louis has provided educational access to adult, immigrant and minority populations - a mission it sustains today. The University offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields of education, management, human services, counseling, public policy, and others concerned with human and community development. The University ranks first in the state of Illinois for the number of graduate degrees in education conferred. National Louis is well-known for an exceptional history in teacher preparation, and continues to be a leader in educating future teachers and community leaders to succeed in urban environments. For more information, visit www.nl.edu.

 

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Aurora students focus on affordability, job prospects

AURORA - June 22, 2012. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon said she supported keeping student loan rates affordable during a round table Friday with adult education and ESL students at Waubonsee Community College's new downtown Aurora campus.

Simon urged Congress to vote soon on a plan to keep interest rates from doubling July 1. The hike on federal subsidized loans to undergraduates would cost the average Illinois student more than $1,000.

"College isn't a luxury, it is a necessity that all of us should be able to afford," Simon said.  "Congress needs to take steps to keep rates down. The General Assembly needs to fund state education grants. And students need to do the hard work it takes to complete college and enter the workforce here in Illinois."

Simon serves as the Governor's point person on education reform. In her first year in office, she conducted a Complete College Tour of the state's 48 community colleges to promote college completion. She has advocated for strengthening the state's Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants so more low-income students can access higher education. And a bill she crafted to reduce remedial math needs at colleges and universities awaits the Governor's signature.

Simon visited Waubonsee's downtown Aurora campus in recognition of its first anniversary. Unlike the former campus on Stolp Island, the River Street campus enables students to complete certificates and degrees at the single downtown location.

As part of her tour Friday, Simon learned about a "bridge" program that allows students to earn a GED while also taking a health information technology prep course.  This course improves writing proficiency and introduces students to health terminology and the health information technology career. She also learned about Waubonsee's unique Health Care Interpreting and Legal Interpreting programs that prepare bilingual students for interpreting careers.

"Health care jobs are in-demand in our state, and we need to make every effort to help students graduate on time, in less debt and with a credential that connects to these good-paying jobs," Simon said.

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ROCK ISLAND, IL (06/22/2012)(readMedia)-- 831 students have been named to the Dean's List at Augustana College for the 2012 spring term. Students who have earned this academic honor have maintained a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher on a four-point scale for courses taken during the term.

From your area, students who have earned this honor include :

Sheila Ahuja from Rock Island, Ill., a junior majoring in English and language arts education.

Anthony Ash from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in accounting and business administration-finance.

Jessica Bacon from Rock Island, Ill., a sophomore majoring in elementary education.

Angela Bahls from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders and psychology.

Samantha Bazely from Coal Valley, Ill., a junior majoring in communication studies.

Adam Bengfort from Davenport, Iowa, a sophomore majoring in liberal studies.

Allison Brown from Milan, Ill., a junior majoring in English and language arts education.

Courtney Brown from Port Byron, Ill., a senior majoring in biology.

Ryan Brummet from Port Byron, Ill., a senior majoring in mathematics, applied mathematics, and computer science.

Nicholas Cummins from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in biology.

Zain Dada from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in biology.

Grace Drenth from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in psychology.

Tonnie Farwell from Rock Island, Ill., a junior majoring in accounting.

Kayla Ferguson from Orion, Ill., a senior majoring in creative writing.

Abby Fiedler from Orion, Ill., a senior majoring in mathematics education and mathematics.

Jillian Gibbs from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in biology.

Shai Gonzales from Milan, Ill., a junior majoring in political science.

Thomas Harris from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in biology.

Darshan Hullon from Moline, Ill., a junior majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Alexandra Jones from Sherrard, Ill., a junior majoring in biology.

Samantha Kammerman from Milan, Ill., a sophomore majoring in psychology.

Benjamin Knapper from Davenport, Iowa, a sophomore majoring in applied mathematics.

Manisha Kumar from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Anna Letendre from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in business administration-marketing and psychology.

Kelsey Lovaas from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in business administration-management and accounting.

Eryn Maccabee from East Moline, Ill., a junior majoring in English and Scandinavian studies.

Hannah Maloney from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in psychology and communication studies.

Conner Martinez from East Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in accounting.

Melissa Mc Greer from Illinois City, Ill., a senior majoring in biology.

Nathaniel McDowell from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in English, philosophy, and classics.

Samantha McGreer from Illinois City, Ill., a sophomore majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Timothy Murga from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in biology.

Leart Neziroski from East Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Jacob O'Rourke from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in accounting, economics, and business administration-finance.

Douglas Peters from Port Byron, Ill., a senior majoring in neuroscience and biology.

Richard Rector from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders.

Lauren Reid from Sherrard, Ill., a senior majoring in business administration-marketing and communication studies.

Amie Rogers from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in art and theatre arts.

Anna Rusch from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in business administration-advising.

Lisa Schippers from East Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders.

Andrew Shearouse from Coal Valley, Ill., a junior majoring in business administration-advising.

Roman Shepard from Davenport, Iowa, a first year majoring in liberal studies.

Rosalie Starenko from Rock Island, Ill., a sophomore majoring in geography.

James Stratton from Sherrard, Ill., a sophomore majoring in multimedia journalism and mass communication.

Astrid Tello-Rodriguez from Milan, Ill., a senior majoring in psychology.

Emma Thompson from Port Byron, Ill., a junior majoring in Spanish and psychology.

Chelsea Vickerman from Silvis, Ill., a senior majoring in business administration-finance.

Kaleigh Wall from Eldridge, Iowa, a senior majoring in art.

Alexander Wenskunas from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in political science.

Dalinda Widdop from Milan, Ill., a junior majoring in biology.

James Wiebler from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in biology.

Laurel Williams from Milan, Ill., a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders.

Shelby Womack from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in biology.

Jennifer Youngs from Taylor Ridge, Ill., a senior majoring in psychology and political science.

Alyssa Zwicker from Orion, Ill., a junior majoring in psychology and sociology.

Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. Augustana is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Alumni include 139 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 12 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.

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