SIOUX CENTER, IA (05/07/2012)(readMedia)-- Nolan Hagge of Princeton, Iowa, was among 321 Dordt College students awarded diplomas at the 2012 commencement ceremony held Friday, May 4, in the B.J. Haan Auditorium.

Hagge graduated with a Bachelor of Science - Engineering degree in engineering.

Among this year's graduates, 298 earned Baccalaureate degrees, 14 Associate of Arts degrees, and nine Master of Education degrees. The Baccalaureate degrees presented included Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Bachelor of Social Work degrees.

Outgoing college president Dr. Carl E. Zylstra gave the commencement address, "To The Hilt." Zylstra has been president of Dordt College since 1996, during which time the college has seen significant expansion in its facilities, endowment, and academic programs.

Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, is a comprehensive Christian college rooted in the Reformed tradition. U.S. News & World Report, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review all list Dordt on their best colleges lists. Dordt is home to approximately 1,400 students. To learn more about Dordt College, visit www.dordt.edu.

ROCK ISLAND, IL (05/07/2012)(readMedia)-- More than 75 Augustana students from all academic areas shared their advanced research projects on Saturday, May 5, at the Celebration of Learning. This on-campus research symposium annually gives students an opportunity to show off their academic accomplishments to their families and the Augustana community.

Among the students involved:

Peter Wiese, a senior from Davenport, Iowa, majoring in neuroscience and mathematics. Wiese presented two research projects. The first project was titled Using Conditioned Place Preference to Investigate Rewarding Stimuli in Young Chickens. Chickens are readily used as models in learning, as they demonstrate a variety of behaviors and the ability to learn at a young age. The objective of our study was to determine if young chicks would have a stronger preference for social contact with other chicks or a food reward. Our experiment tested this question by exploring whether chicks could be conditioned to prefer a certain environment over another based on a learned association. Using a conditioned place preference paradigm, chicks were exposed to a colored environment paired with one of two rewards. We predicted that chicks would spend more time in the environment paired with the stimulus that they found most rewarding. Our results showed that, in contrast to previous studies, the chicks preferred the red side of the box, independent of conditioning. We are currently considering reasons as to why this occurred.

The second project was titled Parametric Equations for Video Games. Danmaku, or "manic shooters," are a genre of video games that feature intricate patterns of bullets that the player must avoid. The motion of the bullets is determined by parametric equations of varying complexity. Using a game engine, we will explore how various patterns can be produced through the use of parametric equations using both polar or Cartesian coordinate systems.

Celebration participants presented their research through a poster display or an oral presentation. Many students expounded on the results of their Senior Inquiry, a multiple-term research project required for most academic programs. Other students shared honors capstone projects or student-faculty research findings. Because of the advanced level of research involved, most of the presenters are upperclass students.

Anne Earel and Stefanie Bluemle, Augustana reference librarians and the event's co-directors, said the Celebration of Learning provided an outlet for students to showcase their accomplishments.

Presentations topics varied greatly and included anthropology, biology, physics, geography, gender studies, theater and more.

ROCK ISLAND, IL (05/07/2012)(readMedia)-- More than 75 Augustana students from all academic areas shared their advanced research projects on Saturday, May 5, at the Celebration of Learning. This on-campus research symposium annually gives students an opportunity to show off their academic accomplishments to their families and the Augustana community.

Among the students involved:

Alannah Golden, a junior from Davenport, Iowa, majoring in elementary education. The research was titled Expanding the Boundaries of Teacher Candidates in General Education: An Immersion Experience. Elementary education and communication sciences and disorders majors worked together to gather research for appropriate classroom accommodations when teaching exceptional children. Research was gathered during an immersion experience at The Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. Students researched literacy, technology, and a variety of accommodations as they worked with students with special needs within the school. The two majors worked together in order to effectively research ways to better meet the needs of exceptional children.

Manisha Kumar, a junior from Davenport, Iowa, majoring in biology and pre-medicine. The research was titled Characterizing the Cold-Conditioning Response in a Vertebrate Ectotherm. Ectothermic animals rely on seasonal increases in cold hardiness to survive a thermally variable environment, but a more rapid and supplementary subzero chilling may elicit a better response to a subsequent extreme chilling. In the present study, winter-acclimated Chrysemys picta (painted turtle) hatchlings were put in groups that were cold-conditioned to -3, -7, and -10.5°C. These turtles were later chilled to a more extreme temperature (-12.7°C) and monitored for recovery to determine the magnitude of the cold-conditioning response. To determine the effect of the cold-conditioning, levels of glucose, lactate, and urea were assessed in blood plasma, brain, and liver. Results showed that cold-conditioned turtles fared better, offering higher survival rates than those in the control condition. Turtles cold-conditioned to -3.5°C, however, had both the highest concentration of brain glucose and the highest survival rate. Concentration of brain glucose may be an important factor in determining survival of turtles exposed to cold.

Melissa McGreer, a senior from Illinois City, Ill., majoring in biology. The research was titled Mapping Infection Prevention Factors in Hospital Settings: A Clinical SI for the BA/BSN Dual Degree Program. Augustana pre-nursing students have the option of completing a dual degree BA/BSN including a clinical Senior Inquiry experience coordinated by the Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences in Rock Island, IL. After junior year as Augustana biology majors, these "nurse-scientists" take a summer nursing skills course at TCON&HS, followed by a 100+ hour clinical experience that allows them to explore a question bridging biology and nursing research. During summer 2011, I shadowed different departments at two hospitals in the Quad Cities. After a week or two learning from hospital staff, I proposed the idea that the precautions taken do vary from floor to floor in each hospital. I then created maps showing the interaction of these factors, sometimes referred to as a "web of causation" in epidemiology studies. Such maps can be used as guides for staff education to help healthcare workers see the gaps in their own practices.

Crystina Mayfield, a senior from Coal Valley, Ill., majoring in French, africana studies, and classics. The research was titled Creole Language in the Works of Patrick Chamoiseau. While Patrick Chamoiseau writes primarily in French, he uses a certain amount of Martinican creole language in his works to enhance the effect of his writing style. What exactly are the effects of the inclusion of creole language in a text when many readers will not be able to understand these phrases? What are the effects of including translations of the creole versus leaving it to stand on its own? What are the difficulties a creole writer faces when needing to use French to document a society which is firmly rooted in creole? These and other questions are the basis of this inquiry.

Celebration participants presented their research through a poster display or an oral presentation. Many students expounded on the results of their Senior Inquiry, a multiple-term research project required for most academic programs. Other students shared honors capstone projects or student-faculty research findings. Because of the advanced level of research involved, most of the presenters are upperclass students.

Anne Earel and Stefanie Bluemle, Augustana reference librarians and the event's co-directors, said the Celebration of Learning provided an outlet for students to showcase their accomplishments.

Presentations topics varied greatly and included anthropology, biology, physics, geography, gender studies, theater and more.

(Rock Island, IL) A unique feature of the Lights ON program at the high school is  the 'Racing Tech' automotive program.  In this program, students are able to take advantage of the state of the art facilities UTHS offers in the fields of Auto Mechanics and Auto Body to gain experience beyond what is provided in those credit bearing courses. Math, Science and technical reading skills are all enhanced through this one-of-a kind program taught by instructors Scott Kave and Jamie King.

The media are invited to watch the students work on the Lights ON dragster this Tuesday, May 8th at 3:30 pm at the high school (address here).  On hand for interviews with be the students, teachers and administrators.

According to instructor, Jamie King, a mathematical connection is at the heart of the program.  "The students are learning the science of combustion engines and the performance of their project car.  While students are very comfortable making modifications to this vehicle, they are learning how to maximize results with each alteration.  They are in a constant search of correlations between equipment, installation techniques and power boosts.  The Dyno (complex system measuring engine power) and the drag strip will be the assessment tools for their hard work".

WHO:  UT Auto Car Club
WHAT:  Building  a Lights ON drag car
WHEN:  Media preview Tuesdy, May 8, 2012  3:30 pm
WHERE:  United Township High School  Rock Island (check in at office)

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Granite boulder serves as a tribute to all Iowa teachers

DES MOINES, IA (05/06/2012)(readMedia)-- Over 100 educators, friends, and family unveiled a new memorial at the Capitol Complex on Sunday, May 6. The memorial-established as a tribute to Iowa Teachers and their outstanding service to Iowa's students-is the 47th memorial and first to honor teachers on the Capitol grounds.

"We are pleased to be a part of the ceremony today marking the first-ever teacher memorial in our state. Iowa has a long history of attracting the best and the brightest into the profession. We pride ourselves in our strong graduation rates and our great student scores. We have fine public schools and outstanding students. We are a strong and proud profession and we know we have the most important job in the world. Tomorrow marks the first day of National Teacher Appreciation Week and I can think of no better way to launch this week than with this memorial tribute to all Iowa teachers," said Chris Bern, President of the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA).

"We are gathered to pay tribute to those thousands of teachers who, on a daily basis, make a difference. I'm sure there are other states that treasure the field of education and educators as much as Iowa, and I'm sure those states can boast of great educators. But I am also sure no state exceeds us in either of those categories," said Tim Lane, memorial organizer.

The Teacher Memorial rests on the terrace located on the northwest corner of the Capitol Complex across from the Historical and Wallace buildings on Grand Avenue. The memorial is a granite boulder with a one-word inscription "TEACHER." Private donations for the memorial were collected from members of the Iowa Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (IAHPERD).

 

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Advance to National History Day contest at University of Maryland next month

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Pictured: (front row, l-r) Governor Terry Branstad, Taylor Gehrls, Emma Hubner, Department of Cultural Affairs Director Mary Cownie, Emily Bainter, Cydnie Carmody and Department of Education Director Jason Glass

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Pictured: (l-r) Governor Terry Branstad, Taylor Beitzel, Department of Education Director Jason Glass and Department of Cultural Affairs Director Mary Cownie

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Pictured: (l-r) Governor Terry Branstad, Gretchen Mohr, Dexter Golinghorst, Department of Education Director Jason Glass and Department of Cultural Affairs Director Mary Cownie

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Pictured: (l-r) Governor Terry Branstad, Jenna Coe, Department of Education Director Jason Glass and Department of Cultural Affairs Director Mary Cownie

DES MOINES - Eight North Scott High School students received top honors at the National History Day in Iowa contest this week at the State Historical Museum in Des Moines.

Taylor Beitzel, Emily Bainter, Cydnie Carmody, Taylor Gehrls, Emma Hubner, Jenna Coe, Dexter Golinghorst and Gretchen Mohr join a group of Iowa students who will compete against nearly 2,500 other students from the United States, Guam, America Samoa, Department of Defense schools in Europe, and Shanghai, China, June 10-14, 2012, at the 2012 Kenneth E. Behring National History Day Contest at the University of Maryland.

During this week's state contest, the students competed against nearly 270 other students in the senior division (grades 9-12). Following is a list of the students and their project titles and categories:

Category: Senior Individual Exhibit

Student: Taylor Beitzel

Project Title: "A Revolution to Cleanse Germany: The Handicapped Holocaust"

 

Category: Senior Group Exhibit 

Students: Emily Bainter, Cydnie Carmody, Taylor Gehrls, Emma Hubner

Project Title: "Scattergood Hostel: Revolutionary Concept to Reform Lives of Refugees"

 

Category: Senior Individual Documentary 

Student: Jenna Coe

Project Title: "People's Reactions, Medical Reforms, Revolutionary Goal"

 

Category: Senior Group Documentary

Student: Dexter Golinghorst, Gretchen Mohr

Project Title: "Igniting Reaction, Prompting Reform: Iowa's Revolutionary Refugee Resettlement Program"

National History Day is an academic-enrichment program that helps students learn about historical issues, ideas, people and events. The year-long academic adventure fosters students' enthusiasm for learning and encourages them to use primary, secondary, community and statewide resources on a subject of their choice related to an annual theme. The theme for 2012 is "Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History."

Working individually or collaboratively in groups of two to five, students compete in the following categories: historical papers, individual and group exhibits, documentaries, performances and websites. Nearly 10,000 Iowa students competed in the program this year, with winners at school and district competitions advancing to the state contests in Des Moines.

In addition to helping students discover the world of the past, the NHD program helps them develop the following attributes that are critical for future success:

  • critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • research and reading skills
  • oral and written communication and presentation skills
  • self-esteem and confidence
  • a sense of responsibility for and involvement in the democratic process

The NHD program in Iowa has been coordinated by the State Historical Society of Iowa, a division of the Iowa Department Cultural Affairs, since 1994 and is sponsored by the State Historical Society, Inc., and the History Channel. More information about NHD in Iowa is available at www.iowahistory.org or by contacting Millie Frese at 515-281-6860 or millie.frese@iowa.gov.

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The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs is responsible for developing the state's interest in the areas of the arts, history and other cultural matters with the advice and assistance from its two divisions: the State Historical Society of Iowa and the Iowa Arts Council. The DCA preserves, researches, interprets and promotes an awareness and understanding of local, state and regional history and stimulates and encourages the study and presentation of the performing and fine arts and public interest and participation in them. It implements tourism-related art and history projects as directed by the general assembly and designs a comprehensive, statewide, long-range plan with the assistance of the Iowa Arts Council to develop the arts in Iowa. More information about DCA is available at www.culturalaffairs.org.

Advances to National History Day contest at University of Maryland next month

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(l-r) Governor Terry Branstad, Danielle Baresel, Department of Education Director Jason Glass and Department of Cultural Affairs Director Mary Cownie.

DES MOINES - Danielle Baresel of Davenport Central High School received top honors at the National History Day in Iowa contest this week at the State Historical Museum in Des Moines.

Baresel joins a group of Iowa students who will compete against nearly 2,500 other students from the United States, Guam, America Samoa, Department of Defense schools in Europe, and Shanghai, China, June 10-14, 2012, at the 2012 Kenneth E. Behring National History Day Contest at the University of Maryland.

During this week's state contest, Baresel competed against nearly 270 other students in the senior division (grades 9-12) and received top honors for her entry, "Virginia Woolf: Reforming the Modern Novel Through Revolutionizing Feminism" in the Senior Individual Performance category. About 400 students in grades 6-8 will compete in the junior division contest Monday, May 7, 2012, also at the State Historical Museum.

National History Day is an academic-enrichment program that helps students learn about historical issues, ideas, people and events. The year-long academic adventure fosters students' enthusiasm for learning and encourages them to use primary, secondary, community and statewide resources on a subject of their choice related to an annual theme. The theme for 2012 is "Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History."

Working individually or collaboratively in groups of two to five, students compete in the following categories: historical papers, individual and group exhibits, documentaries, performances and websites. Nearly 10,000 Iowa students competed in the program this year, with winners at school and district competitions advancing to the state contests in Des Moines.

In addition to helping students discover the world of the past, the NHD program helps them develop the following attributes that are critical for future success:

  • critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • research and reading skills
  • oral and written communication and presentation skills
  • self-esteem and confidence
  • a sense of responsibility for and involvement in the democratic process

The NHD program in Iowa has been coordinated by the State Historical Society of Iowa, a division of the Iowa Department Cultural Affairs, since 1994 and is sponsored by the State Historical Society, Inc., and the History Channel. More information about NHD in Iowa is available at www.iowahistory.org or by contacting Millie Frese at 515-281-6860 or millie.frese@iowa.gov.

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The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs is responsible for developing the state's interest in the areas of the arts, history and other cultural matters with the advice and assistance from its two divisions: the State Historical Society of Iowa and the Iowa Arts Council. The DCA preserves, researches, interprets and promotes an awareness and understanding of local, state and regional history and stimulates and encourages the study and presentation of the performing and fine arts and public interest and participation in them. It implements tourism-related art and history projects as directed by the general assembly and designs a comprehensive, statewide, long-range plan with the assistance of the Iowa Arts Council to develop the arts in Iowa. More information about DCA is available at www.culturalaffairs.org.

Advance to National History Day contest at University of Maryland next month

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Pictured: (l-r) Governor Terry Branstad, Adam Dada, Lolly Telleen, Grace Moran, Department of Education Director Jason Glass and Department of Cultural Affairs Director Mary Cownie

DES MOINES - Three Rivermont Collegiate students received top honors at the National History Day in Iowa contest Monday at the State Historical Museum in Des Moines.

Lolly Telleen, Adam Dada and Grace Moran join a group of Iowa students who will compete against nearly 2,500 other students from the United States, Guam, America Samoa, Department of Defense schools in Europe, and Shanghai, China, June 10-14, 2012, at the 2012 Kenneth E. Behring National History Day Contest at the University of Maryland.

During this week's state contest, the students competed against nearly 270 other students in the senior division (grades 9-12) and received top honors for their entry, "Striking the Chains of Insanity" in the Senior Group Performance category. About 400 students in grades 6-8 will compete in the junior division contest Monday, May 7, 2012, also at the State Historical Museum.

National History Day is an academic-enrichment program that helps students learn about historical issues, ideas, people and events. The year-long academic adventure fosters students' enthusiasm for learning and encourages them to use primary, secondary, community and statewide resources on a subject of their choice related to an annual theme. The theme for 2012 is "Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History."

Working individually or collaboratively in groups of two to five, students compete in the following categories: historical papers, individual and group exhibits, documentaries, performances and websites. Nearly 10,000 Iowa students competed in the program this year, with winners at school and district competitions advancing to the state contests in Des Moines.

In addition to helping students discover the world of the past, the NHD program helps them develop the following attributes that are critical for future success:

  • critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • research and reading skills
  • oral and written communication and presentation skills
  • self-esteem and confidence
  • a sense of responsibility for and involvement in the democratic process

The NHD program in Iowa has been coordinated by the State Historical Society of Iowa, a division of the Iowa Department Cultural Affairs, since 1994 and is sponsored by the State Historical Society, Inc., and the History Channel. More information about NHD in Iowa is available at www.iowahistory.org or by contacting Millie Frese at 515-281-6860 or millie.frese@iowa.gov.

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The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs is responsible for developing the state's interest in the areas of the arts, history and other cultural matters with the advice and assistance from its two divisions: the State Historical Society of Iowa and the Iowa Arts Council. The DCA preserves, researches, interprets and promotes an awareness and understanding of local, state and regional history and stimulates and encourages the study and presentation of the performing and fine arts and public interest and participation in them. It implements tourism-related art and history projects as directed by the general assembly and designs a comprehensive, statewide, long-range plan with the assistance of the Iowa Arts Council to develop the arts in Iowa. More information about DCA is available at www.culturalaffairs.org.
On May 1st, Illinois AEYC recognized twelve outstanding early childhood leaders from around the state
through a special proclamation in the Illinois General Assembly and a dessert reception in their honor.

The mission of Illinois AEYC is to facilitate the optimal development of young children by advocating for the
rights, needs, and well-being of young children; and educating, supporting, and collaborating with
individuals and organizations working in direct or indirect service to young children. To accomplish this
mission, the organization depends on the hard work of its members. Among them are dedicated leaders
whose hard work has made their local affiliate stronger and the lives of children in their communities better.

Illinois AEYC values the impact these exemplary volunteers have made as early childhood professionals.
Each stands out for their contribution to their communities, to the early childhood field, their local AEYC
affiliates, and to Illinois AEYC. The twelve represent a wide range of professional positions; many have
worked in the field for more than 25 years; some continue to volunteer after retiring. Illinois AEYC gratefully
acknowledges these contributions.

The twelve 2012 Children's Champions and the affiliate chapter they represent are:

LORI LONGUEVILLE - Illinois AEYC
JENNIFER BROSNAHAN - Joliet Area AEYC
ANGIE COX - Southern Illinois AEYC
ANNETTE HERBERT - South Suburban AEYC
LEON DENTON - Chicago Metropolitan AEYC
PEGGY PATTEN - East Central AEYC
LAURIE WALKER - Quad Cities AEYC
TAMMY HALTER - McLean County AEYC
BRENDA SMITH- Heart of Illinois AEYC
PAM GIERMANN- DuPage AEYC
CATHY ARMSTRONG- Capitol Area AEYC
CATHERINE (CASS) WOLFE - Golden Corridor AEYC (GOAEYC)

An Award Ceremony and Reception was held in their honor on May 1, 2012, at the Governor's Mansion,
401 E. Jackson St., Springfield, Illinois, 62701. The twelve 2012 Children's Champions and their guests,
AEYC members from across the state, and Illinois Legislators were invited to the dessert reception where
each 2012 Children's Champion was recognized for their achievements.

Everyone gathered at the Capitol for a special proclamation in both chambers and then proceeded to the
Governor's Mansion. The 2012 Children's Champions represent shining examples of those in our
communities doing good things for children, which led them to be nominated by their state/local affiliate

chapters and designated by the Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children as Illinois 2012
Children's Champions.

Quad Cities AEYC Nominee - LAURIE WALKER

Laurie Walker has always been a Children's Champion! If she has not found a way to speak out for
children, we are sure she is in the process of discovering it! Laurie has no problem being the voice for
Children, Families, and Early Childhood Providers. She sits on various boards and meets with individuals
all across the State of Illinois in order to make sure that the voice of young children do not go unheard.
Laurie is a member of the IL Action for Children Board of Directors and past Board Chair, the IL Governor's
Early Learning Council Oversight and Coordination Committee, the IL State Board of Education
Kindergarten Readiness Assessment Stakeholder Committee, the IL Department of Human Services
(IDHS) Child Care and Development Advisory Council and co-chairs the Quality Committee, the Bi State
Leadership Committee, and the United Way Women's Leadership Council Steering Committee. She was
formerly Chair of the United Way Agency Director Association, Chair of the IL Department of Human
Services Statewide Advisory Council, and co-Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, and a member of
the IDHS Tiered Reimbursements Committee, the IDHS contract Deliverables Committee, and the IDHS
Great Start Committee. Laurie, truly, has a passion and commitment to children and excellence and her
dedication to this field is what Early Childhood is all about.

Over the next several months the Hawkeye Caucus will profile "A day in the life" of a typical student on campus.

Last Tuesday, I woke up and got my day started at 8:00 am. I grabbed my laptop and checked emails from the night before for about 30 minutes, as I do every morning.  I then got ready for the day and ate some breakfast.

After breakfast, I read for my Health Economics class for about an hour or so to prepare for my class later that night. At noon, I went to the College of Public Health building for my Human Resources for Healthcare Organizations' class, which lasted until 2:00 pm.

After class, I walked over to the Iowa Memorial Union to eat lunch and held the first part of my weekly office hours for Dance Marathon. During these few hours, I caught up on more emails and then worked on improving one of our development areas for Dance Marathon. This included doing some data analysis and comparing it to previous years to see how we could improve for this year.

At 4:30, I started my Health Economics which goes until 7:30 pm. Following my class, I ate dinner and then read for my Maternal/Child/Family Health class, which occurs on Wednesday. After reading, I prepared for what I needed to do for the rest of the week and prioritized what needed to get done first.

Afterward, I checked emails for one last time and then talked with my girlfriend before falling asleep around 12:30 am.

Nic Rusher is a Master of Health Administration Candidate and is the Executive Director of the University of Iowa Dance Marathon.

DID YOU KNOW?

The University of Iowa Dance Marathon is the largest student-run philanthropic organization west of the Mississippi River.

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