IOWA CITY, IA (05/28/2014)(readMedia)-- Approximately 80 University of Iowa College of Dentistry students participated in the annual White Coat Ceremony, held on May 9 on the UI campus.

The White Coat Ceremony honors first-year dental students as they move into the second year that involves their first patient experiences. The dental students were ceremonially cloaked with their first white laboratory coats and in the presence of family, friends and faculty, the students recited the Oath of a Dentist.

The UI College of Dentistry is currently the only dental school in the country with advanced programs in all recognized specialty areas. Seventy-nine percent of dentists in the state of Iowa are UI College of Dentistry alums.

Students from your area that participated include :

Greg Daniels of Long Grove

Michael Hemming of Bettendorf

Alex Phan of Bettendorf

Des Moines, Iowa (May 27, 2014) - Des Moines University granted 539 degrees at its 2014 Commencement Ceremony, the 114th in the university's history, on Saturday, May 24, at 10 a.m. at Hy-Vee Hall in the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. The dean from each of the three DMU colleges presented their classes and DMU President Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D., conferred degrees.

Emily Morse, D.O., Wayne and Debbie Morse, from Bettendorf

Areeba Ahsan, D.O., Qazi and Naseema Hai , Junaid Ahsan, from Davenport, IA

Michael Craddick, D.O., David and Kris Craddick, Erica Craddick, from Davenport, IA

Continuing a tradition started in 1899, the College of Osteopathic Medicine awarded the doctor of osteopathic medicine degree to 221 graduates. The college also conferred the master of science in anatomy and master of science in biomedical sciences degrees to 12 graduates. The College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery awarded the doctor of podiatric medicine degree to 53 graduates. The College of Health Sciences recognized 249 graduates from five programs - doctor of physical therapy, post-professional doctor of physical therapy, master of science in physician assistant studies, master of public health and master of health care administration. Some students earned dual degrees.

Senator Tom Harkin delivered the commencement address. Senator Harkin has represented Iowa in Congress for nearly 40 years. He has championed critical legislation that improves lives, working to transform America into a "wellness society" focused on disease prevention, healthier lifestyles and good nutrition. His hallmark legislation, the Americans with Disabilities Act, changed the nation's landscape by requiring buildings and transportation to be wheelchair-accessible and workplaces to accommodate people with disabilities.

A photo of the graduate is available at {URL}.

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Des Moines University has three colleges (listed below). An explanation of degrees awarded follows:

College of Osteopathic Medicine:

Osteopathic Medicine Program - Graduates of this program earn a doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) degree. They complete a comprehensive four-year medical education program, including 18 months of clinical training.

Anatomy Program - Graduates of this program earn a master of science (M.S.) degree in anatomy. This is a 40.5 credit hour program. Graduates will be listed as having earned a M.S. (A), but this is just to differentiate the program completed. The actual degree earned is a M.S.

Biomedical Sciences Program - Graduates of this program earn a master of science (M.S.) degree in biomedical sciences. This is a 40 credit hour program. Graduates will be listed as having earned a M.S. (BS), but this is just to differentiate the program completed. The actual degree earned is a M.S.

College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery:

Graduates of this program earn a doctor of podiatric medicine (D.P.M.) degree. They complete a comprehensive four-year medical education program, including 18 months of clinical training.

College of Health Sciences:

Physical Therapy Program - Graduates of this program earn a doctor of physical therapy (D.P.T.) degree. They complete a 34-month educational program, including clinical internships.

Postprofessional Physical Therapy Program - Graduates of this postprofessional program earn a doctor of physical therapy (D.P.T.) degree. They complete a 17-23 credit educational program. Graduates will be listed as having earned a (PP)D.P.T., but this is just to differentiate the program completed. The actual degree earned is a D.P.T.

Health Care Administration Program - Graduates of this program complete at least two years of education, attending full- or part-time, and earn a master of health care administration (M.H.A.) degree. The degree provides an educational foundation for careers and leadership in management, planning policy analysis and similar roles in long-term care or other health care settings.

Public Health Program - Graduates of this program complete at least two years of education, attending full- or part-time, and earn a master of public health (M.P.H.) degree. The program provides students with the skills to lead community efforts in improving health.

Physician Assistant Program - Graduates of this program earn a master of science (M.S.) degree in physician assistant studies. The program provides students the skills necessary to become certified physician assistants. Graduates will be listed as having earned a M.S. (PA), but this is just to differentiate the program completed. The actual degree earned is a M.S.

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Des Moines University is the only private medical school in Iowa, offering graduate-level, professional degree programs in osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, health care administration, anatomy, biomedical sciences and public health. Founded in 1898, the institution offers superior academics in a collaborative environment. DMU students' pass rate on national examinations and board certifications is consistently higher than the national average and the rates at similar institutions.

Visits Schools in Rantoul and DeKalb and Fights Against Classroom Cuts  

CHICAGO - With one week to go left in the spring legislative session, Governor Pat Quinn today continued to push for a responsible budget that properly funds schools and avoids devastating cuts to the classroom. If the Illinois General Assembly fails to pass a budget that provides adequate revenue for schools, education at all levels could face $1.1 billion in cuts - including  elementary, secondary and higher education - which would result in up to 15,000 teachers being laid off across the state. The Governor will discuss the importance of properly funding education today at a high school academy in Rantoul and later at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, while urging lawmakers to pass a balanced budget that avoids cuts to schools. 

"Every child in Illinois deserves access to a great education," Governor Quinn said. "That's why it's so important that we pass a responsible budget that properly funds our schools. As we enter the last week of the spring session, I urge legislators to pass a balanced budget that properly invests in education so we can build a brighter future for all our students."

About half of Illinois' discretionary budget goes to education. If the state's personal income tax rates drop as is currently scheduled, local school districts will suffer $875 million in cuts. This will cause massive teacher layoffs, significant class size expansions, program eliminations and will lead to higher property taxes. A district by district impact may be viewed at this link: http://www2.illinois.gov/gov/budget/Documents/Property_Tax%20Impact_FY15_Not_Recommended.pdf.

Higher education will suffer a similar fate without the continued revenue of the current income tax rate. The $304 million reduction to state universities includes the following cuts: Chicago State University, $4.6 million; Eastern Illinois University, $5.5 million; Governors State University, $3.1 million; Illinois State University, $9.2 million; Northeastern Illinois University, $4.7 million; Northern Illinois University, $11.6 million; Western Illinois University, $6.5 million; Southern Illinois University, $25.3 million; University of Illinois, $82.6 million; and Illinois Math and Science Academy, $2.3 million.

These reductions would cause layoffs, class and program eliminations and significantly higher tuition rates. In addition, 30,000 fewer students would receive Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants to attend college. This state grant program is often the only way that thousands of students in need are able to attend college.      

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SEWARD, NE (05/23/2014)(readMedia)-- Concordia University, Nebraska named 223 students to its honors list for the spring 2014 semester.

The top 25 percent of all undergraduate students who complete at least 12 credit hours qualify for the honors list.

Spring honors students from your local or surrounding area include :

Naomi Iltis, junior, Le Claire, Iowa

About Concordia University, Nebraska

Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university located in Seward, Neb. that currently serves over 2,100 students. Concordia offers more than 50 professional and liberal arts programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit cune.edu.