(ELGIN, IL - December 21, 2015) Judson University celebrated as 135 undergraduate and graduate students graduated during the 74th commencement held at two ceremony times on Saturday, Dec. 12. Graduates from the School of Business and Professional Studies (Masters and Adult Undergraduate) received their degrees during the 10 a.m. exercise. Graduates from the School of Art, Design and Architecture, the School of Liberal Arts, Sciences and Education, and the School of Business and Professional Studies (Traditional Undergraduate) received their degrees during the 2 p.m. exercise.

Among those receiving their degrees were Zachary O'Connell from Davenport with a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communications: Graphic Design.

The dynamic keynote speaker for both ceremonies was Bishop Dr. Michael J. Love, senior pastor of Trinity Baptist Community Church International in Crystal Lake, Ill.

During his address, Bishop Love told the new graduates that it is expected that they might be grappling with the weight of three questions today: Who am I? Why am I here, and where am I going?

Yet, he urged them to define their "who-ness" based on God's word and not by external sources.

After reading 2 Cor. 5:17, he advised this excited group to: "Walk in your kingdom identity, and your character will get developed and you will discover how your talents and abilities are being shaped."

If they follow this path, Bishop Love assured them that in the final analysis, they would move from negative "I am" statements that question worthiness or capability to more confident ones that are "reshaped based on who God says you are."

Bishop Love drew from personal experience in ministry. In 1978, he accepted the call to ministry, and in the subsequent years was instrumental in growing Trinity from a home-based Bible study to what is now a 50,000-square-foot campus on more than four acres. It also includes numerous ministry partners locally and abroad.

"When you walk in your purpose, your passion gets inspired and your vision gets increased," said Bishop Love, who holds a bachelor's degree from Randolph-Macon College and a Master of Theology and Doctor of Theology from Emmaus Bible Institute & Seminary.  "Get in touch with who God says you are," he concluded. "Walk with Him, and He will make room for your giftedness."

Several graduates were honored with awards for service and campus leadership.

In the morning exercise, Communications Management and Management and Leadership graduate Angela Lundin of Rockford, Ill., was recognized with the Student Service Award-Adult Professional Studies Undergraduate, which recognizes the graduating adult student who has best exemplified sincerity and dedication to Christ, excellence in academic achievement and promotion of the goals and mission of Judson University. Lundin maintained an exceptional GPA during her three years at Judson; demonstrated leadership skills with cohorts; and she serves as a site leader for the annual community service event, Rockford Sharefest, which has included beautification efforts in downtown Rockford as well as renovations at more than a dozen Rockford Public School buildings.

Master of Business Administration graduate Bernie L. Richardson Jr. of Melrose Park, Ill., received the W. R. Meadows Inc. Award, which is presented to the Master of Business Administration student deemed by the School of Business and Professional Studies dean and faculty to have demonstrated the values that have been foundational to W.R. Meadows success: quality, service, integrity and family. In the MBA program, Bernie learned to more fully integrate his work and faith life, and in the process, became more fully committed to develop his ability to be a man of great faith and service to others.

During the afternoon commencement, Master of Education in Literacy graduate Calvin Braker of West Dundee, Ill., received the Road to Damascus Award, which recognizes a student with the most dramatic transformation in the way he or she embodies literacy education. Braker, it was said, was one who brought significant passion and intentionality to classroom practice.

Psychology graduate Maryjane Reilly of Joliet, Ill., was awarded the Student Service Award-Traditional Undergraduate for her generous spirit, character and leadership. Reilly is no stranger to the Judson campus or its activities, as she has served as a resident assistant in Ohio Hall, led a women's small group, served as manager for the women's volleyball team, a class mentor for GEN 101 and a manager for the Judson Improv team. She is a member of the psychology honor society, Psi Chi; has gone on a post-term mission trip to Peru; and works with her local church as a leader for junior and senior high students.

Marketing, Management and Communication Studies graduate Ethan Adams of Springfield, Ill., received the university's highest recognition for scholarship, the President's Scholar Award. This award honors the graduating senior in the traditional program who has demonstrated distinguished academic achievement in the context of a Christian liberal arts program and adhered consistently to Judson ideals. Adams, who is graduating one semester early with a triple major, has been on the Dean's list every semester, graduated summa cum laude from The Honors Program, completed two internships, a practicum, studied at Oxford University for a semester, and helped to establish a Shark Tank competition on campus and won the entrepreneurial competition as a contestant this past November.

Judson University is a fully accredited, private Christian university of the liberal arts, sciences and professions. Judson offers degrees in more than 65 different majors/minors for traditional, graduate, and adult students. Judson University ranks consistently among the Top Tier of Regional Colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report and was recognized recently as a "Christian College of Distinction" for the 2015-2016 academic year. With an academically challenging environment and encouraging spiritual community, Judson shapes lives that shape the world.

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WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate today recognized the 150th anniversary of the University of Iowa College of Law by passing a resolution commemorating some of the school's achievements.  The resolution was introduced by Iowa's two U.S. senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst.

The University of Iowa College of Law is the first law school in continuous operation west of the Mississippi to reach the 150 year milestone.

The resolution notes several significant achievements of the College of Law, including the graduation of what is believed to be the first female law student and one of the first African-American law students.  The College of Law also graduated the first United States Attorney of American Indian ancestry.

"The University of Iowa College of law is the oldest continuous law school west of the Mississippi River and has produced generations of attorneys that have been dedicated to improving and enhancing the practice of law in Iowa and throughout the nation. Currently, Iowa Law has more than 10,000 living alumni who practice in Iowa and across the world.  This is a well-deserved recognition," Grassley said.

"I'm proud to recognize the significant milestone reached by the University of Iowa's College of Law and celebrate their time honored tradition of providing an exceptional education to folks from Iowa and across the country," said Ernst. "I congratulate the College of Law on this achievement and look forward to celebrating what I'm sure will be many more achievements in the years to come."

NASHVILLE, TN (12/17/2015)-- Belmont students performed recently in the "Christmas at Belmont" concert at Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center, a performance which was taped live and will air nationally this holiday season on PBS. Participating students include :

Kellen Moss, Music Education major of Eldridge, IA

Nicholas Boyd, Commercial Music major of Rock Island, IL

Hosted by two-time Grammy winner Kathy Mattea, more than 700 student musicians joined the Belmont School of Music faculty and the Nashville Children's Choir for the taping of "Christmas at Belmont." The annual production of traditional carols, classical masterworks, world music and light-hearted seasonal favorites, produced by Nashville Public Television (NPT), will premiere on PBS on Mon., Dec. 21 at 9 p.m. central with an encore broadcast Christmas Eve at 8 p.m. central. This is the 13th consecutive year "Christmas at Belmont" has been seen by a national audience on PBS (check local listings for dates and times in your area).

This year's edition of "Christmas at Belmont" features the University Symphony Orchestra, Belmont Strings, University Singers, Belmont Chorale, Percussion Ensemble, Musical Theatre, Jazz Band, Jazzmin, Southbound and Company, as well as mass choirs. The performance includes both classic holiday music such as "Carol of the Bells" and "Little Drummer Boy," and festive seasonal songs such as "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?," "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "Deck the Halls," to name a few.

"'Christmas at Belmont' is an amazing opportunity to showcase the tremendous talent of our faculty and students," said Belmont University President Dr. Bob Fisher. "We're incredibly grateful for our partnership with NPT that brings that talent to a broader audience, and we're delighted to have an artist of Kathy Mattea's caliber at the helm this year."

"NPT is excited to once again partner with Belmont University to bring one of Nashville's great holiday traditions to the entire nation on PBS," said Beth Curley, president and CEO of NPT, which has won 46 Midsouth Emmy Awards since 2001. "I am always amazed at the depth and range of talent Belmont's School of Music is nurturing--truly making a mark on Nashville's music and performance scenes. With 2015's all-new production of 'Christmas at Belmont,' we continue a vital part of NPT's mission, which is to share these unique talents with a national audience."

Ranked No. 5 in the Regional Universities South category and named as a "Most Innovative" university by U.S. News & World Report, Belmont University is celebrating its 125th anniversary in academic year 2015-16. Founded in 1890, the University consists of more than 7,400 students who come from every state and more than 25 countries. Committed to being a leader among teaching universities, Belmont brings together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christian community of learning and service. The University's purpose is to help students explore their passions and develop their talents to meet the world's needs. With more than 80 areas of undergraduate study, 22 master's programs and five doctoral degrees, there is no limit to the ways Belmont University can expand an individual's horizon. For more information, visit www.belmont.edu.

CONWAY 28528, SC (12/14/2015)-- Marcus Gillmor, of Bettendorf, IA, was one of 592 candidates for graduation at Coastal Carolina University at ceremonies on Dec. 11 and 12 at the HTC Center. South Carolina State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman was the speaker and received an honorary degree, Doctor of Public Service. She advised the Class of 2015 not to forget their roots as they go forward in their lives and careers.

"Your journey in life may never take you back there to live again," said Spearman, "but you need to do what you can to support and uplift the people who have made you what you are today. Don't forget them. So whether you become a teacher, a scientist, a CEO of a company, a health care professional -- in later years when you are reminiscing, the relationships you had with the people along the way will be what matters the most."

Gillmor graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in management

Coastal Carolina University is a dynamic, public comprehensive liberal arts institution located in Conway, just minutes from the resort area of Myrtle Beach, S.C. The University offers 70 areas of study toward the baccalaureate degree, and 17 master's degree programs, plus two educational specialist degrees. The University began offering its first doctoral program - the Ph.D. in marine science: coastal and marine systems science - in Fall 2014. View the full list of Academic Programs.

More than 10,000 students from across the country and the world interact with a world-class faculty, and enjoy a nationally competitive NCAA I athletic program, an inspiring cultural calendar, and a tradition of community interaction that is fueled by more than 180 student clubs and organizations.

Coastal Carolina University was founded in 1954 as Coastal Carolina Junior College and became an independent state university in 1993.

Learn more: http://www.coastal.edu/