Simon welcomes new JALC president, calls for budget reform to protect education funding

 

CARTERVILLE - May 24, 2012. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon welcomed incoming John A. Logan College President Mike Dreith on Thursday and urged lawmakers to make pension and Medicaid reforms that will protect higher education funding.

 

Without major changes, health care for the poor and retirement benefits for public employees will continue to eat up more of the state's general revenue dollars, squeezing out funding for education, law enforcement and other expenses, Simon said prior to a public reception for Dreith alongside retiring JALC President Bob Mees.

 

"Runaway Medicaid and pension costs could squeeze out education funding if major reforms are not enacted this spring," said Simon, who serves as Governor Quinn's point person on education reform. "When President Dreith takes over on July 1, we want John A. Logan College to know its state dollars will be paid on time and in full so its students receive the best education possible."

 

Fast-growing public pension and Medicaid costs could eat up 50 percent of state general revenue spending in FY2014 without major reforms. That could limit the state's ability to fund education and public safety, threaten the state's credit rating and hurt the long-term sustainability of the health care and retirement systems, Simon said. On Monday, legislation supported by Governor Quinn was filed to restructure Illinois' Medicaid system.

 

"The state's budget crisis must be resolved, with input from educators across the state, to maintain and improve the quality of higher education in Illinois," said Mees, who will retire from the JALC presidency on June 30.

 

Students who qualify for state tuition assistance, whether they pay to study microbiology or welding, could also feel the squeeze, Simon said. In the past decade, the buying power of the state's Monetary Award Program (MAP) has fallen from covering the full tuition and fees at public community colleges and universities, to covering about half. For every student who received partial assistance from MAP this year, another qualified applicant was denied due to lack of funds.

 

"We need to invest in students and schools if we expect to reach our state's big goal: 60 percent of our working-age adults holding a degree or certificate by 2025," Simon said.  "It's time to put politics aside and work together on budget reforms that will put Illinois on solid financial footing for years to come."

Register for a chance to win a $1,000 College Savings Iowa Account

DES MOINES, IA (05/22/2012)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald wants to remind Iowans it is their last chance to celebrate 529 Day by registering to win a $1,000 College Savings Iowa account for a child in their life. "I encourage everyone to register for the giveaway and explore the benefits of using a 529 plan, such as College Savings Iowa, to save for their loved ones' future higher education expenses," Fitzgerald said. "By starting early, saving a little at a time and making smart investment choices, families can make their savings work for them." For more information and to register for the giveaway, please visit www.my529iowaplan.com before May 31.

May 29, 529 Day, helps bring attention to the fact that saving for college is one of the most significant things families can do for the children in their lives. Those who begin putting away money early and save little by little can, over time, make their college savings add up to a significant amount. Because saving for future educational expenses is so important, Iowa families are encouraged to open a College Savings Iowa account for a special child in their life.

College Savings Iowa 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 - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. Participants who are Iowa taxpayers can deduct contributions up to $2,975 per beneficiary from their 2012 adjusted gross income, and there are no income or residency restrictions.* Investors can withdraw their investment federally tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and certain room and board costs at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad. To learn more about College Savings Iowa, please visit www.myiowa529plan.com or call1-888-672-9116.

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income. The earnings portion of non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state income taxes. 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.

Katelyn Smith of Port Byron Named to Missouri Valley College Spring 2012 Dean's List

MARSHALL, MO (06/05/2012)(readMedia)-- Dr. Sharon Weiser, chief academic officer for Missouri Valley College, has announced Katelyn Smith of Port Byron was named to the Spring 2012 Dean's List. The requirements for the Dean's List are a 3.3 or higher grade point average; at least 12 graded hours for the semester; and no "D," "F," or "Incomplete" grades for the semester.

Annemarie Doyle of Andalusia Named to Harding University Dean's List

SEARCY, ARK. (06/04/2012)(readMedia)-- Andalusia resident Annemarie Doyle is among more than 1,000 Harding University students included on the dean's list for grades achieved during the spring semester.

The deans's list is published each semester by Dr. Larry Long, university provost, honoring those who have achieved high scholarship. To be eligible, a student must be carrying 12 or more hours with a 3.65 or higher grade point average.

With an enrollment of more than 7,100 students, Harding is the largest private university in Arkansas and attracts more National Merit Scholars than any other private university in the state. Harding also maintains campuses in Australia, Chile, England, France, Greece, Italy and Zambia. For more information visit www.harding.edu.

Devin Lundy Named to Dean's List at Beloit College

BELOIT, WI (06/04/2012)(readMedia)-- Devin Lundy, of Davenport, IA, has been named to Beloit College's Dean's List for the spring semester.

To be eligible for the Dean's List, a student must carry a semester GPA of 3.4 or higher and take a minimum of 3 letter-graded units for the term.

Beloit College is a residential, liberal arts college offering 40 majors to its 1,250 students. Located 90 miles northwest of Chicago, Beloit is one of the nation's most international colleges, drawing students from 41 nations as well as 48 states.

Olivia Storjohann named to Dean's List at William Woods University

FULTON, MO (06/04/2012)(readMedia)-- Olivia Storjohann, a junior from Eldridge, Iowa, has been named to the Dean's List at William Woods University for academic accomplishments during the 2012 spring term.

To be named to the Dean's List, a student must be full-time and have achieved a minimum 3.6 semester and cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

William Woods University is an independent, professions-oriented, liberal arts-based institution serving the educational needs of both men and women. William Woods has an enrollment of about 3,800 students, and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of disciplines in both campus and outreach settings.

The 180-acre main campus is located in the mid-Missouri community of Fulton. Since its founding in 1870, the mission of William Woods has been to provide a quality education while ensuring the development of the individual.

Austin Baker Named to Buena Vista University Dean's List

STORM LAKE, IA (06/01/2012)(readMedia)-- Austin Baker, a senior from Blue Grass, was named to the Dean's List for the spring semester at Buena Vista University. Students named to the Dean's List must have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 for the semester based on a 4.0 grade point system and must have taken at least 12 hours of coursework.

Buena Vista University is a regionally acclaimed university that relentlessly focuses on learning. The faculty, staff and students set and meet the highest standards of academic achievement, character, conscience and compassion. Visit www.bvu.edu.

Local Students Named to Dean's List at Creighton University

OMAHA, NEB.- (05/31/2012)(readMedia)-- The following students from your area were named to the spring Dean's List at Creighton University for the spring semester of the 2011-2012 academic year.

Michael Barnes of Bettendorf, a junior College of Arts and Sciences student

Adam Dilla of Bettendorf, a junior College of Arts and Sciences student

Emily Stensrud of Bettendorf, a third year School of Pharmacy and Health Professions student

Nathan Horst of Blairstown, a sophomore College of Arts and Sciences student

Elizabeth Hines of Davenport, a sophomore College of Arts and Sciences student

Kailee Steger of Milan, a sophomore College of Arts and Sciences student

Alexandria Clark of Rock Island, a sophomore College of Arts and Sciences student

John Philibert of Rock Island, a junior College of Arts and Sciences student

Full-time students who earn a 3.5 grade-point average or better on a 4.0 scale are eligible for the Dean's Honor Roll.

Local students named to Central College Dean's list

The following students were named to the spring 2012 Central College dean's list:

Katelyn Baker of Davenport, a business management major, is the daughter of Bill & Nancy Baker

Briana Haycraft of Eldridge, a elementary education major, is the daughter of Scott & Kimberly Haycraft

Alicia Huegel of Bettendorf, a undeclared major, is the daughter of Tony & Debra Huegel

Emily Huegel of Bettendorf, a elementary education major, is the daughter of Tony & Debra Huegel

Melanie Louis of Davenport, a biology major, is the daughter of Robert & Diane Louis

Morgan Meseke of Bettendorf, a exercise science major, is the daughter of Kyle Dollins

Maaike Mielenhausen of Davenport, a elementary education major, is the daughter of Steve & Belinda Mielenhausen

Alison Miller of Davenport, a exercise science major, is the daughter of Greg & Debra Miller

Ashley Ramker of Davenport, a psychology major, is the daughter of Michael & Linda Ramker

Allison Redman of Davenport, a elemetary education major, is the daughter of Michael & Ann Redman

Samantha Scheckel of Long Grove, a art major, is the daughter of Marty & Jane Scheckel

Hannah Seibel of Eldridge, a sociology major, is the daughter of Brian & Glenna Seibel

Haley Slaubaugh of Parnell, a elementary education major, is the daughter of Doug & Carla Slaubaugh

Kelly Spavin of Bettendorf, a English major, is the daughter of David Spavin : Lori Spavin

The honor is awarded to full-time students who achieve a 3.5 grade point average or higher on a 4.0 scale while taking 12 or more graded credit hours for the semester.

The following local students were awarded for their academic excellence at Central College during their 2012 commencement ceremony:

Melanie Louis of Davenport was awarded John Bowles award (2012) due to her academic excellence in the biology department.

Central College is a private, four-year, residential liberal arts college in Pella, Iowa. Central's academic program offers 39 majors leading to a bachelor's degree, along with pre-professional programs and advising. Central was recognized in the 2011 U.S.News & World Report's annual rankings of the best liberal arts colleges in the nation.

More information about Central College is available at www.central.edu or by calling 877-462-3687.

Kirsten Dillender Named to Dean's List at Westminster College

Kirsten Dillender from Rock Island, IL, was named to the Spring 2012 Dean's List for exemplary academic performance at Westminster College located in Fulton, MO.

Dillender is a Freshman at Westminster College.

The Dean's List recognizes those Westminster students who have shown high academic performance during the past semester. To be included on the Dean's List, a student must have a 3.60 semester grade point average with at least 12 hours completed that semester.

BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY SPRING DEAN'S LIST

Bowling Green State University has announced that Alyssa Thornburg, a Health and Human Services major from Bettendorf, Iowa, has been named to the spring semester Dean's List for achieving grade point averages of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale.

Culver-Stockton College announces Spring 2012 honors lists

CANTON, MO. (05/24/2012)(readMedia)-- Culver-Stockton College is proud to announce its President's List, Dean's List and Honor Roll for the Spring 2012 semester. To be named to an honors list, students must meet high academic standards established by Culver-Stockton.

Kirsten Sindelar, senior Musical Theatre major, Sherrard, IL was named to the Honors List.

Megan Miehe, sophomore Biology major, Davenport, IA was named to the Honors List.

Kaitlyn Gutheil, a senior English major from Bettendorf, IA was named to the Presidents List.

President's List students have earned a 4.0 GPA and were enrolled in a minimum of 12 hours. Dean's List students have earned between a 3.5 and 3.99 GPA and were enrolled in a minimum of 12 hours, with no grade lower than a C. Honor Roll students have earned between a 3.2 and 3.49 and were enrolled in a minimum of 12 hours, with no grade lower than a C.

Michael Millea Named to Dean's List at The Citadel

CHARLESTON, SC (05/21/2012)(readMedia)-- Michael Joseph Millea of Davenport, IA, has been named to the Dean's List at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, for academic achievement during the spring semester of the 2011-2012 academic year.  Millea is a Cadet seeking a bachelor's degree in History .

Dean's List recognition is given to those students whose grade point average is 3.2 or higher with no grade below a C for the previous semester's work.

Millea and other Dean's List students will be recognized during a military dress parade in the fall.

Local Residents Make the Dean's List at DePaul University

CHICAGO, IL (05/22/2012)(readMedia)-- The following local residents made the Dean's List at DePaul University for the winter quarter of 2012:

Elizabeth Knowlton of Port Byron

Mark Lazio of Davenport

Alyssa Phelan of Bettendorf

In order to qualify for the Dean's List at DePaul, students must earn above a 3.0 grade point average on a four point scale.

William Penn University announces academic honors

Oskaloosa, Iowa- William Penn University is pleased to announce that Etaf Elkhatib of Bettendorf and Lisa Lacy of Davenport have been named to the President's List for the spring 2012 semester. To be included on the President's List, a student must complete at least 12 hours of credit with a minimum grade point average of 3.9 on a 4.0 scale.

William Penn University is also pleased to announce that Dania Bebber of Bettendorf has been named to the Dean's List for the spring 2012 semester. To be included on the Dean's List, a student must complete at least 12 hours of credit with a grade point average of 3.5 - 3.89 on a 4.0 scale.

William Penn University was founded by Quakers in 1873 and is located in Oskaloosa, Iowa. William Penn has one of the most diverse student populations in Iowa and has recently expanded both programming and facilities. For more information, visit the university's website at www.wmpenn.edu or call 1-800-779-7366.

Dear Rivermont Community,

 

Congratulations to the Class of 2012!  This year's class has finished their AP exams and projects and are currently involved in their Senior Projects.  These projects place our students in professional environments that give them first-hand exposure to their chosen professions.  The students will make formal presentations of their projects on Wednesday, May 30 at 5:30 PM in the Auditorium.  Everyone is invited to this special program that is the culmination of a Rivermont education.

 

 

The Class of 2012

Matt Newsome University of Pennsylvania

Meghana Yerrapothu University of Illinois at Chicago

Joann Weeks Benedictine University

 

Pavane Gorrepati Yale University

Meghana Pagadala California Institute of Technology

 

Christine Mbakwe Washington University in St. Louis

 

Ramya Prabhu University of Illinois at Chicago

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pavane Gorrepati, Matt Newsome, Ramya Prabhu, and Joann Weeks also share the distinction of joining the Heritage Club.  These students are affectionately known as "lifers" since they have been at Rivermont since Kindergarten!

 

The Class of 2012 received acceptances to the following colleges and universities across all sections of the United States: East Coast, West Coast, Midwest, and South. To date students have been offered $1,630,294.00 in renewable merit scholarships over 4 years.

 

American University DC

Augsburg College MN

Augustana College IL

Baylor University TX

Benedictine University IL

Boston University MA

Brown University RI

California Institute of Technology CA

Case Western Reserve University OH

College of New Jersey, NJ

Columbia University NY

Cornell University NY

Dartmouth College NH

DePaul University IL

Duquesne University PA

Drew University NJ

Drexel University PA

Duke University NC

Emory University GA

Gustavus Adolphus College MN

Johns Hopkins University MD

Kent State University OH

Knox College IL

Lehigh University PA

Michigan Technological University MI

New Jersey Institute of Technology NJ

New York University NY

Northern Michigan University MI

Northwestern University IL

Pennsylvania State University PA

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute NY

Rice University, TX

Richard Stockton College NJ

Rosemont College PA

Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey-Newark NJ

St. Ambrose University IA

St. Bonaventure University NY

St. Louis University MO

Sienna College NY

Stanford University CA

Stevens Institute of Technology, NJ

Stony Brook University NY

Temple University PA

Union College NY

University of Alabama AL (EMSAP)

University of Chicago IL

University of Cincinnati OH

University of Connecticut CT

University of Illinois at Chicago IL

University of Iowa IA

University of Kansas KS

University of Maryland MD

University of Miami FL

University of Minnesota, Morris MN

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities MN

University of Missouri- Kansas City MO

University of Pennsylvania PA

University of Pittsburgh PA

University of Southern Alabama AL

University of Rochester NY

University of Toledo OH

University of Virginia VA

Ursinus College PA

Vanderbilt University TN

Villanova University PA

Virginia Commonwealth University VA

Washington and Jefferson College PA

Washington University in St. Louis MO

Wayne state University MI

West Chester University PA

Widener University PA

Yale University CT

 

Intellect, Character, and Creativity!

 

Rick St. Laurent

Headmaster

 

Join us for our 125th Commencement Exercises on

Friday, June 1, 10:00 AM on the South Terrace of the Mansion.