SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today made the following statement regarding the selection by the University of Illinois' board of trustees of Dr. Timothy Killeen as the university's next president:

"Dr. Timothy Killeen is a distinguished scholar and brings over three decades of experience to lead the University of Illinois. Chosen unanimously by the university's search committee, Dr. Killeen's acclaimed background in research and his roots as an educator and administrator will greatly benefit the university and its diverse population of students from around the globe. I congratulate Dr. Killeen and extend a warm welcome to Illinois. I am confident he will continue the university's legacy of excellence in preparing graduates for a 21st century economy."

"I commend current President Easter, whose leadership and vision strengthened the university and secured its place as one of the best in the world. I join thousands of grateful students, faculty and alumni in thanking President Easter for his service to the U. of I. and to the people of Illinois."

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Kaplan University's Davenport campus will celebrate the commencement of 87graduates at the RiverCenter in Davenport, Iowa on Friday, December 5, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. Kay Runge, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Kaplan University, will be the keynote speaker.

Who: Graduates of Kaplan University Davenport Campus - See full list below

Kay Runge, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Kaplan University

What: Kaplan University Davenport Campus Commencement

 

Where: RiverCenter, Great Hall

136 E. 3rd Street

Davenport, IA 52801

 

When: Friday, December 5, 2014

6:00 p.m.

 

Note to Media: Upon arrival at the graduation please ask for Lisa Zerbonia. Interviews are available.

 

The Fall/Winter 2014 graduates of Kaplan University's Davenport Campus:

Master of Business Administration

Derrick Barry, Clinton, IA

Nichole Karstens, Colona, IL

Jennifer Kritz, Wilton, IA

 

Master of Health Care Administration

Rosina Boddicker, Long Grove, IA

 

 

Master of Science

Criminal Justice

Sharita Couch, Davenport, IA

Stacey Hart, Davenport, IA

Raitanza Kalu, DeWitt, IA

 

Psychology

Heather Brown, Davenport, IA

Jessica Sabel, Davenport, IA

 

Bachelor of Science

Accounting

Heather N. Damewood, Knoxville, IL

Tracey Kirschbaum, Marquette, IA

Trisha Lester, Tukwila, WA

Amanda McElroy, Muscatine, IA

Samantha Strohbehn, DeWitt, IA

Lauren Vincent, Cambridge, IL

Patricia Woolley, Muscatine, IA

 

Business Administration

Rhoda Burrage, Knoxville, TN

Elizabeth Hayward, Maquoketa, IA

Ashley Hixson, Andalusia, IL

Sharon James, Davenport, IA

Dean D. Macke, Taylor Ridge, IL

Jedidiah Petersen, Davenport, IA

Jessica L. Phillips, Muscatine, IA

Greg Reed, Hemet, CA

Kerry Rempt, Park View, IA

 

Criminal Justice

Angela Holtby, Fort Wainwright, AK

Cheryl Murphy, Davenport, IA

 

Early Childhood Development

Sariah Luna, Davenport, IA

 

Environmental Policy and Management

Jada King, Davenport, IA

 

Health Care Administration

Amanda Hitchcock, Moline, IL

Latisha Humphrey, Norcross, GA

Gwendolyn Marino, Davenport, IA

Kelsey Pisel, Bettendorf, IA

 

Health Science

Stephanie Simmons, Moline, IL

 

Human Services

Tonya Bartrom, Bettendorf, IA

Susanne Goodner, Davenport, IA

Renea Harbison, Davenport, IA

Brittany A. Mussmann, Coralville, IA

Stephanie Stansbarger, Clinton, IA

 

Information Technology

Hannah Gray, Davenport, IA

Mark Rankin, New Bern, NC

 

Nutrition Science

Rachel Ostberg, Bettendorf, IA

 

Psychology

Amanda Lightfoot, Davenport, IA

Brianna Varner, Clinton, IA

 

Associate of Applied Science

Business Administration

Olmedo Clarke, Davenport, IA

Ayanna Dawson, DeWitt, IA

Rhonda Estes, Milan, IL

Cord Heim, La Motte, IA

Noble Henry, Moline, IL

Stephen Koonce, DeWitt, IA

Patricia Musch, Camanche, IA

Stephanie Stevens, Davenport, IA

 

Criminal Justice

Demetrios Elliott, Davenport, IA

Brittney Noel, Donahue, IA

Joelle Stone, Davenport, IA

 

Early Childhood Development

Jillian Miller, Savanna, IL

 

Human Services

Jessica Bass, Rock Island, IL

Larry Bebber, Muscatine, IA

Jessica Cervantes, Moline, IL

Jenny Dierikx, Orion, IL

Courtney Elijah, Tipton, IA

Doris Lee, Davenport, IA

Terry Randolph, Davenport, IA

Robert Snell, Colona, IL

 

Information Technology

Lylah Lagerstam, Silvis, IL

Michael Myers, Davenport, IA

 

Medical Assisting

Perla L. Anaya Sanchez, Davenport, IA

Chiquita Austin, Clinton, IA

Kaitlynn Francois, Port Byron, IL

Jennifer Griebel, Clinton, IA

Ashley Hartz, LeClaire, IA

Sara Loerzel, Davenport, IA

Carol Noah, Davenport, IA

Sarah Ribbens, Davenport, IA

Danielle Robinson, Davenport, IA

Doris A. Septer, Wilton, IA

Kelsey Woolam, Muscatine, IA

 

Medical Office Management,

Brenda G. Bogle, Clinton, IA

Tammy Dirksen, Long Grove, IA

Jennifer Wendt, Atkinson, IL

 

Paralegal Studies

Kylara Brandt, Rock Island, IL

Melissa Brune, Davenport, IA

Sharlia Clark, Moline, IL

Keila Jordan, Davenport, IA

Tori Lawson, Tampico, IL

Larisha Tot, Davenport, IA

Courtney Yeater, Colona, IL

 

About Kaplan University

Kaplan University offers a different school of thought for higher education. It strives to help adult students unlock their talent by providing a practical, student-centered education that prepares them for careers in some of the fastest-growing industries. The University, which has its main campus in Davenport, Iowa, and its headquarters in Chicago, is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org). Kaplan University serves approximately 46,000 online and campus-based students. The University has 13 campuses in Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, Maryland, Maine, and Wisconsin, and Kaplan University Learning Centers in Maryland and Missouri.

Kaplan University is part of Kaplan Higher Education LLC and Kaplan, Inc., a leading international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Kaplan's higher education institutions serves approximately 61,000 students online and through 56 campus-based schools across the United States and offer a spectrum of academic opportunities, from certificates and diplomas to graduate and professional degrees, including a juris doctor degree. Kaplan serves students of all ages through a wide array of offerings including higher education, test preparation, professional training and programs for kids in grades K-12. Kaplan, Inc. is a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company and its largest division. For more information, visit www.kaplanuniversity.edu.

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PELLA, IA (11/19/2014)(readMedia)-- Local students will compete with Central College's mock trial team throughout this winter.

Dan Dankert of Davenport

Jacob Logan of Bettendorf

The team travels Nov. 21 to Omaha, Neb., for the Creighton Invitational, then competes next semester in Pella, Dubuque and Cedar Rapids. Central College will host a mock trial competition Jan. 24-25, and students will also compete at the Loras National Invitational Jan. 30-31 and the American Mock Trial Association regional competition in February.

Central College is a residential liberal arts college dedicated to the education of 1,500 undergraduate students. Founded in 1853, the college is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America and NCAA Division III athletics. Central is a recognized leader in study abroad as a result of its international, residential programs. The college is located in Pella, Iowa, a thriving community of 10,000 two minutes from the state's largest lake and 40 minutes southeast of Des Moines. Learn more at www.central.edu.

The media is invited to join us in the classroom on Thursday, November 20, 2014 to see how are students are using 3D software and printing to learn about how to design buildings with the architectural integrity to withstand earthquakes.

The class will be held from 1:55 until 3:30 with a special presentation from 2:00 to approximately 2:20 by a structural engineer from Shive Hattery.

Students will be available to discuss their projects.

Students will be wearing blue on Thursday in support of diabetes awareness month and their classmates with the disease.

Rivermont Collegiate is located at 1821 Sunset Drive in Bettendorf. Parking is available on the right hand side as you enter the campus. Enter through the double doors of the mansion at the top of the circle drive.

For scheduling purposes if you plan to come, please contact Jill Weitzel at
563-359-1366 Ext. 308 or email at weitzel@rvmt.org.

Washington, D.C - Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced that his office is now accepting applications from Iowa college students to participate in a Congressional internship program in his Washington, D.C. office. The internship program is open to undergraduate students and recent graduates, regardless of major. Spring internships typically begin after January 1st and run through Memorial Day, though specific dates can be set for each individual.

"As a former educator, I have seen the benefits that internships can provide by giving students a firsthand look into the government process," said Loebsack. "I encourage all hardworking, motivated students and recent graduates to apply."

Interns will have the opportunity to learn about the legislative process and the federal government by working closely with the legislative, communications and constituent services staff members. Interested candidates should email their cover letter, resume, a short writing sample and a letter of recommendation to  LoebsackInternship@mail.house..

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There's a reasonable tendency among Americans to view the education of their kids as an exclusively local issue and distinct to their communities. After all, school buildings are constant fixtures in neighborhoods, sports teams play crosstown rivals and the vast majority of public students still attend schools based solely on zip code.

However, the innovations and flurry of activity that takes place in classrooms and communities are guided by the state level policies that govern them, which is why the 2014 gubernatorial election results matter, and could potentially mean substantial improvements to student learning.

A national analysis found that more than half of governors hold encouraging views or have proven track records on promoting the types of choice and accountability measures that will lift student outcomes and give more power to parents in the educational process.

Post-election media reports signaled an overall victory for candidates with fresh ideas on how to make education the great equalizer.

This means that if there are meaningful shifts in policy that facilitate excellent schools, they're likely to originate from the statehouses and governor's mansion.

These governors and governors-elect understand that schools cannot be properly held accountable for results if parents don't have the choice to look around them and find the best educational fit for their child. And the teachers that work hard day in and day out should be rewarded for performing well and going the extra mile for kids.

They appreciate that some students need an alternate environment to master course content, and want to expand charter schools to operate alongside traditional schools, with the necessary autonomy for teachers to cater to particular learning needs.

GRADE 6 - PRINCIPAL'S LIST
Sydney Andersen
Lily Beardsley
Annabelle Bishop
Brock Clark
Ella Darrow
David Dierickx
Anna Do
Joseph Dockery-Jackson
Dana Egan
Grace Ekstrom
Anthony Guzzo
Errin Hoffman
Emily Klauer
Luke Lofgren
Casey Magee
Janie Martens
Jackson Marx
Margo Maynard
Morgan Moore
Jacob Morel
John Nonnenmann
Zachary Otten-Thoms
Jack Patting
Miriana Peterson
Brook Pickslay
Audrey Reynolds
Stephanie Ruiz
Isabelle Smith
Billy Taylor
Brianna Waller

GRADE 6 - HONOR ROLL
Kaden Boden
Lucy Evans
Caleb Habel
Billy Hayes
Jack Janssen
Seth Paniamogan

GRADE 7 - PRINCIPAL'S LIST
Emma Cowles
Tyler Estes
Jaylen Gore
Adam Hyder
Gianna Jewhurst
Madilynn Klauer
David Moens
Grace Moore
Megan Tanghe

GRADE 7 - HONOR ROLL
Alexandra Amacher
Grace Anders
Erik Coulter
Ted Fogel
Timothy Marolf
Margaret Schaecher
Daniel Smith
Collin Snyder
Tony VanDeWalle
Vanessa Verschoore
Alexis Wilkens

GRADE 8 - PRINCIPAL'S LIST
Emma Beardsley
Gabe Beardsley
Chloe Boyd
Anna Darrow
John Do
Anthony Dockery-Jackson
Sydney Elliott
Jonathan Fernandez
Grant Florence
Parker Georlett
Lauren Hird
Hannah Luppen
Olivia Manternach
Aaron Mickelson
Haley Mosley
Paige Nimrick
Taylor Parker
Faith Pickslay
Mary Powers
Vanessa Reger
Ava Reynolds
Lily Schoeck

GRADE 8 - HONOR ROLL
Jonathan Berry
Emily Elliott
Nate Maynard
Isabella Milani
Claudia Ruiz
Lillian Steffen
Logan Swartz
Natika Woods
Kaitlyn Zonnevylle

The Principal's List requires a GPA of 3.5 to 4.0. The Honor Roll requires a GPA of 3.0 to 3.49

November 12, 2014 - An Illinois community college graduate can expect a total lifetime earnings gain of over $570,000.

SPRINGFIELD - A new study released today by the Illinois Community College Board finds that an Illinois community college education increases earnings for workers, even during a recession.

For Illinois community college graduates, the return on investment equates to a total lifetime earnings gain of over $570,000 and an average annual rate of return of 14.2%.  In fact, taking courses at an Illinois community college increases a student's earnings 25.3% over pre-enrollment wages.

"Graduating from an Illinois community college pays off," said Dr. Karen Hunter Anderson, executive director of the Illinois Community College Board.   "With a rate of return of over 14%, investing in an Illinois community college education provides a far greater financial return than home ownership or even the stock market."

Illinois community colleges add skills to our workforce and boost business competitiveness.  Nearly 9 out of 10 Illinois community college graduates remain in Illinois after completing college and contribute to the state's economy.

"The state's investment in community colleges stays right here in Illinois," said ICCB Chairman Alexi Giannoulias.  "Illinois community college graduates generate billions of dollars in state and federal tax revenues and provide a skilled workforce for the jobs of the 21st century."

As major employers and business entities, Illinois community colleges generate substantial economic benefits for communities through local expenditures and employment.  According to the report, in fiscal year 2012, Illinois community colleges generated a total economic output of $3.1 billion and almost 51,000 jobs.

"Community colleges are the lifeblood of many local communities in Illinois," said Dr. Anderson.  "Investing in Illinois community colleges is not only good for students, but also good for local communities that benefit from significant economic growth and job creation."

"Overall, this study clearly demonstrates that, for a small investment, Illinois community colleges are unmatched in their long term payoff to Illinois' students, employers, and local communities," said Giannoulias.

The economic impact study was conducted by Northern Illinois University Center for Governmental Studies.  The study is unique from many other state and national higher education economic impact analyses because student-level data was matched with employee-level wage data to determine student economic impacts through their employment and earnings gains.

The Illinois Community College Board is the state coordinating board for community colleges. Illinois is home to 48 community colleges in 39 districts and has the third largest community college system in the nation serving nearly 1 million residents each year in credit and non-credit courses.

For more information, including a copy of the full report, visit http://www.iccb.org/eis.html.

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Kemin Industries, Council team up to recognize outstanding STEM educators

DES MOINES, IOWA - (Nov. 10, 2014) - Today, the Governor's Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Advisory Council, in conjunction with Kemin Industries, highlighted the STEM Education Award for Inspired Teaching today at the lieutenant governor's weekly press conference.

"The Council is fully committed to increasing interest and achievement in STEM education and actively engaging businesses to support this work," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, co-chair of the Governor's STEM Advisory Council. "This is a wonderful example of how business and industry partnerships can develop STEM opportunities for our students, as well as recognize the great instruction their educators are providing."

"Business and industry increasingly are stepping up to work with schools in ways that make a real difference," said Mary Andringa, co-chair of the Governor's STEM Advisory Council and Vermeer CEO. "I'm confident that the STEM Education Award for Inspired Teaching sponsored by Kemin will encourage more companies to look at how they can help prepare students to succeed in science, technology, engineering and math. That partnership is crucial in a fast-changing, global economy."

"Iowa's educators hold the key to the future of STEM through their work with our next generation of innovators," said Jeff Weld, Ph.D., executive director of the Governor's STEM Advisory Council. "It is vital that we do all we can to support them, including recognizing a job well done. Kemin has developed a generous award program enabling us to honor great teaching that impacts so many young minds."

The award will honor one K-12 educator from each of the six STEM regions across the state of Iowa for their work inspiring and encourage students to develop an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The six teachers selected will receive an award of $1,500, with an additional $1,500 designated for classroom use.

"We're proud to support STEM educators for all they do to engage young minds and increase awareness of the numerous opportunities available in STEM fields," said Dr. Chris Nelson, Kemin president and CEO. "Science, technology, engineering and math are integral to our business, and we appreciate teachers' efforts to demonstrate to students the enormous impact they can have in these careers, not only on their lives but the lives of others."

Nominations are due December 12, 2014 and can be completed online. Anyone is eligible to submit an educator through the simple nomination form. Once nominated, educators will fill out an application to be assessed by a panel of judges who will select the six winners. Winners will be announced in March 2015.

For more information or to nominate an educator, visit stemaward.fluidreview.com.

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MOLINE, IL - Western Illinois University-Quad Cities and WQPT's AmeriCorps program has completed its first year of service.

The original class of 12 AmeriCorps members served the Illinois Quad City area and set out to improve literacy skills in the classrooms they serve by 15 percent. After completing a pre-test and post-test based on Illinois Early Learning Standards, the results show improvement in literacy skills of the students served by 49 percent.

The AmeriCorps program has also undergone changes for the 2014-2015 class. The program is now able to serve both Illinois and Iowa and has been expanded to 24 members. Currently there are 20 members enrolled.

Fifteen of the members are new to the program, and five are returning for a second year of service. Members are serving at all three Skip-a-Long locations (Moline, Rock Island and Davenport, IA), Casa de los Ninos in Moline, Grant Wood Elementary and Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, both in Bettendorf, IA, Blackhawk Family Literacy Program in Moline, Hillcrest Elementary School in East Moline and the WIU Infant and Preschool Center in Macomb.

This is also the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps and the Western/WQPT members celebrated in Springfield, IL, marching through the city and taking the oath of service on the steps of the Old State Capital.

Other projects included making 250 blank books for children to write and illustrate their own stories at the newly opened Newcome Early Learning Center in Davenport, IA, and helping at the National Bullying Prevention Month CommUNITY Party in Bettendorf, IA, promoting kindness and helping the children make Elmo puppets.

Anyone interested in applying to AmeriCorps can email Scott at s-brouette@wiu.edu.

WQPT is a media service of WIU.

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