The Rock Island Elks Club provided dictionaries to Jordan Catholic School third grade students recently.

DES MOINES, IA (10/01/2014)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald announced today that College Savings Iowa is once again reducing its fees. "In the last decade, we have had six price reductions, resulting in a 60% decrease in fees," Fitzgerald said. "By consistently lowering fees over time, we are ensuring that more money stays in parents' and grandparents' accounts, growing along-side the children. The plan continues to be a great value for Iowans saving for future higher-education expenses." The price reduction, effective October 15, 2014, will bring the current annual asset-based fees of College Savings Iowa's portfolios down from 0.28% to 0.26%.

"In the last ten years our assets have nearly quadrupled as we approach the $4 billion mark," Fitzgerald said. "College Savings Iowa continues to share the benefits of its growth by lowering expenses, which is a testament to the plan's commitment to deliver well-managed college savings investments at low costs." The program has 220,000 accounts established with an average plan account size of over $17,000.

College Savings Iowa, created in 1998, 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 can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. Participants who are Iowa taxpayers can deduct contributions up to $3,098 per beneficiary from their 2014 adjusted gross income, and there are no income or residency restrictions.* For more information about College Savings Iowa, visit CollegeSavingsIowa.com or call 1-888-672-9116.

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income. 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. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor.

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. Ascensus Investment Advisors, LLC, provides records administration services. The Plan's portfolios, although they invest in Vanguard mutual funds, are not mutual funds.

Jordan Spay of Bettendorf was named to the dean's list at Olivet Nazarene University for the spring 2014 semester. To qualify for inclusion on the dean's list, a student must have been enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student and must have attained a semester grade point average of 3.50 or higher on a 4.00 grading scale.

Olivet Nazarene University is an accredited Christian, liberal arts university offering more than 100 areas of undergraduate and graduate study, including the Doctor of Education in ethical leadership. Olivet has one main campus in Bourbonnais, Ill. ? just 50 miles south of Chicago; three sites: Rolling Meadows and Oak Brook, Ill., and Hong Kong; and more than 100 School of Graduate and Continuing Studies learning locations throughout Chicagoland and the Midwest. From Oxford to Tokyo, hundreds of Olivet students also experience the global classroom each year, whether through study abroad opportunities or worldwide mission trips.

Upper Iowa University announces Summer 2014 Dean's List

FAYETTE, IA (09/29/2014)(readMedia)-- Upper Iowa University announces the Dean's List for the Summer term 2014. To be honored, a student must have earned a minimum 3.50 grade point average for the semester and be enrolled as a full-time student.

Sarah Brennan from Bettendorf, IA, majoring in Psychology at the UIU Quad Cities Center.

Jessica Buntemeyer from Davenport, IA, majoring in Psychology at the UIU Quad Cities Center.

Adam Chitwood from Davenport, IA, majoring in Accounting at the UIU Quad Cities Center.

Shawn Cotton from LeClaire, IA, majoring in Criminal Justice at the UIU Quad Cities Center.

Jennifer McKinley from Rock Island, IL, majoring in Psychology at the UIU Quad Cities Center.

Marissa Reese from Bettendorf, IA, majoring in Human Services at the UIU Quad Cities Center.

Travis Zurcher from Moline, IL, majoring in Financial Management at the UIU Quad Cities Center.

Upper Iowa University announces July 2014 graduates

Barry Gowdy of Davenport, IA, graduated with a Master of Business Admin in Organizational Devel Emphasis .

Gene Lucas of Bettendorf, IA, graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology .

Phillip Peters of Davenport, IA, graduated with a Master of Business Admin in Organizational Devel Emphasis .

Kelly Porumb of Moline, IL, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting .

Cassaundra Powell of Davenport, IA, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services .

William Stellmach of Davenport, IA, graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting .

About Upper Iowa University Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to about 5,800 students-nationally and internationally-at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and self-paced degree program. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.