06 Sep 2013

Lt. Governor Simon to tour Midwest Technical Institute

By Ted Nelson
Simon continue efforts to increase career credentials, job placements

SPRINGFIELD - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon is visiting the Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) today in an effort to learn more about how for-profit schools can benefit students looking for a quick entry into the workforce.

"It is essential to prepare our students to succeed in today's job market," said Simon. "It is my hope that by visiting vocational schools I can help foster academic success and promote job creation in rural areas and across the state. Illinois is fortunate to have a range of schools ready to meet those needs."

During Simon's visit, she will speak with MTI students, view classes in progress and tour facilities. Established in 1995, MTI is a vocational school providing course offerings in busy career fields that include : welding, heating and air conditioning repair, nursing, dentistry and medicine. According to its web site, MTI has a 100 percent job placement rate in its Dental Assistant Program. The United States Department of Labor reports the median pay for a dental assistant is over $33,000 while MTI notes a median loan debt for the program being $5,474.

"I am aware of concerns about the default rates and questionable credentials of some for-profit schools and believe the best way to learn more about a topic is to go straight to the source," Simon said. "I hope to count MTI as a partner in our state's college and career readiness movement."

Previously, Simon has visited the state's 48 community colleges and 12 public universities to see how the schools are working to improve completion rates and workforce development, and gather ideas on how the state can help schools overcome barriers to completion goals. Affordability is the most significant non-academic barrier to students seeking career and college credentials, Simon said.

As the chair of the Joint Educational Leadership Committee, Simon is working to increase to 60 percent the proportion of working-age adults in Illinois with meaningful college degrees or certificates by 2025.
06 Sep 2013

Local Students Attending Creighton University This Fall

By Deborah Daley

OMAHA, NE (09/05/2013)(readMedia)-- Students from your area are attending Creighton University along with more than 960 other freshmen this fall. They are part of a freshman class that is academically strong, diverse and engaged in community and service activities.

The academic profile of the 2013 freshman class places Creighton among the top 10 private universities in the Midwest with more than 4,000 undergraduates and among the top 50 national private Catholic universities.

The list of students from your area:

Allison Hanser of Davenport, IA, a Davenport Assumption Catholic High School graduate entering the College of Arts & Sciences

McKenna Pearson of Sterling, IL, a Sterling High School graduate entering the College of Arts & Sciences

Ryan Cruise of Bettendorf, IA, a Bettendorf High School graduate entering the College of Arts & Sciences

Brandon Krantz of Moline, IL, a Moline Senior High School graduate entering the College of Business

Thomas Bush of Davenport, IA, a Davenport Assumption Catholic High School graduate entering the College of Business

About Creighton University: Creighton University, a Catholic, Jesuit institution located in Omaha, Neb., enrolls more than 4,000 undergraduate and 3,500 professional school and graduate students. No other university its size offers students such a comprehensive academic environment coupled with personal attention from faculty-mentors.With nine colleges and schools on the same campus, Creighton affords incomparable interdisciplinary learning and unique opportunities for collaborative research among arts and sciences, business, health sciences and law. Creighton has been a top-ranked Midwestern regional university in the college edition of U.S. News & World Report magazine for more than 20 years. For more information, visit our website at: www.creighton.edu.

06 Sep 2013

Quad City Federation of Labor Endorses Candidates for Davenport, Muscatine and Bettendorf School Boards

By Quad City Federation of Labor

Davenport, Iowa - The Quad City Federation of Labor endorses the following candidates for the September 10th, 2013, School Board Elections in Bettendorf, Davenport and Muscatine.

In Bettendorf, QCFL endorses Roy Leonard. Mr. Leonard experience in both management and union situations is a trait shared by no other candidate. He brings a common sense, roll up your shirt-sleeves and get to work approach to the Board.

In Davenport, QCFL endorses Maria Dickmann, Elaine Kresse, and Patt Zamora. Ms. Dickmann is a political newcomer, and as an expecting parent is most invested in the future success of the school district. We welcome her entry into politics and hope other young people will be inspired by her leadership to get involved in public service and the democratic process.

Elaine Kresse is a retired educator who believes a strong district is also one that offers living wage jobs to its staff. It's a difficult task to ask students to work hard to achieve success when every day they see hard working support staff in the district hardly surviving on just above minimum wage wages.

Patt Zamora's work as a board member has been exemplary and we look forward to her continued service.

In Muscatine, QCFL endorses Randy Nabor. Mr. Nabor is a just-retired teacher with previous experience on board-appointed committees. In a District that has suffered much rancor in recent months, including the resignation of the Board President, Mr. Nabor offers a diplomatic approach that is long-overdue.

06 Sep 2013

Purdue Confers Degree to Roy Fisher Following Spring Semester

By Purdue News Service

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN (09/04/2013)(readMedia)-- Purdue University awarded about 7,100 degrees to students following the spring semester.

Those earning degrees include :

Roy Fisher of Taylor Ridge, IL, who earned a BS in Aero & Astro Engineering degree from the School of Aero and Astro Engr.

Purdue University is a vast laboratory for discovery. The university is known not only for science, technology, engineering, and math programs, but also for our imagination, ingenuity, and innovation. Founded in 1869 in West Lafayette, Indiana, the university proudly serves its state as well as the nation and the world. Academically, Purdue's role as a major research institution is supported by top-ranking disciplines in pharmacy, business, engineering, and agriculture. More than 39,000 students are enrolled here. All 50 states and 130 countries are represented. Add about 850 student organizations and Big Ten Boilermaker athletics, and you get a college atmosphere that's without rival.

06 Sep 2013

Announcement at Washington Junior High, Rock Island

By Tami Seitz
Beginning at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17 at Washington Junior High School, the AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc., will announce a joint grant to Western Illinois University-Quad Cities counselor education department and Rock Island Schools' for the PACERS program. PACERS is an intensive and academic and personal support program designed to help eighth grade students with personal, social, academic success and their transition to high school. The grant will allow program implementation at Washington and Edison Junior High Schools.


Community leaders, WIU representatives and Rock Island School District administrators and staff will be on hand for the announcement.

For more information or to confirm attendance contact Tami Seitz, director of marketing at Western Illinois University-Quad Cities at (309)762-9481 or TS-Seitz@wiu.edu.

04 Sep 2013

Braley Discusses College Affordability at University of Iowa

By Jeff Link

Hosts "Meet and Greet" event to discuss keeping college within reach with U of I students


IOWA CITY, IA -- Rep. Bruce Braley traveled to Iowa City and the University of Iowa today to talk with college students about the rising cost of higher education and his efforts to keep college within reach for more Iowa students and their families.
Braley is running for the Senate seat held by Sen. Tom Harkin, who announced in January he was retiring at the end of his current term.
Braley said, "A college education opens doors of economic opportunity in a world increasingly defined by global competition. That's why the dream of a college education needs to stay within reach for anyone who wants to pursue it. But in the past decade, median household income has actually gone down while the cost of college tuition has gone up -- by nearly 83 percent. Today, Iowa college students graduate with some of the highest debt loads in the country.
"We need to do more to ensure the next generation can afford the opportunities created by pursuing higher education. That's why I've worked hard to keep student loan interest rates low and renew tax breaks for families and students paying college tuition. And I'll work to do even more in the Senate."
Braley has worked relentlessly to keep college within reach for more Iowa students and families.
  • In 2012 and again this year, he helped lead the successful push to keep federally subsidized students loans from doubling to 6.8 percent.
  • In 2012, Braley helped to renew the popular, $2,500 American Opportunity Tax Credit, which offsets the cost of tuition, books, and fees.
  • And just this week, Braley announced an effort to renew a $4,000 federal income tax deduction for college tuition and fees.
Bruce Braley was born in Grinnell and grew up in nearby Brooklyn, Iowa. His father, a Marine, fought on Iwo Jima in World War II; his mother was a teacher. Braley worked his way through college and law school building roads and bridges with the Poweshiek County Roads Department, waiting tables, and tending bar. He worked as an attorney for 23 years before being elected to Congress. Braley has become known for his work on behalf of veterans, his advocacy for the middle class, and his bipartisan effectiveness. Braley lives in Waterloo with his wife, Carolyn. They have three children: Lisa, David, and Paul.

# # #
03 Sep 2013

Elizabeth Hines to Present Original Research as Part of Creighton's Ferlic Scholarship

By Deborah Daley

OMAHA, NE (09/03/2013)(readMedia)-- Thirteen Creighton University Arts and Sciences students who received 2013 Ferlic Research Scholarships will present their original research findings from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 24. A formal program acknowledging their efforts will begin at 5:15 p.m.

The eighth annual event is open to the public and will take place in the Suzanne and Walter Scott Jr. Atrium of the Hixson-Lied Science Building on the campus of Creighton University.

The presentations contain overviews of what the students discovered and the critical thinking they applied to these topics representing basic science research in biology, chemistry and physics. Students worked alongside faculty mentors at least 40 hours a week for 10 weeks. Faculty members guided them in research planning; taught them how to conduct their research; and worked with them on how to communicate the results.

Elizabeth Hines of Davenport worked with Biology professor Mary Ann Vinton on The Current State of Deciduous Forests in the Central Midwest: A Historical and Comprehensive Examination of Proposed Trends of Species Composition Change and Decline.

The undergraduate research projects are made possible by the generosity and support of Randolph M. Ferlic, M.D., his wife, Teresa Kolars Ferlic, Ruth and Bill Scott and others. Ferlic earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Creighton in 1958 and graduated from the Creighton School of Medicine in 1961. The Ferlics are ardent supporters of higher education in Nebraska.

Each of the student scholars received a research stipend as well as access to state-of-the-art laboratories, simulation centers, microscopes and other equipment, facilities and supplies to perform full-time research project.

03 Sep 2013

Treasurer Fitzgerald Encourages Iowans to Celebrate College Savings Month

By Karen Austin

Register for a chance to win a $5,290 College Savings Iowa account

DES MOINES, IA (09/03/2013)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald recently announced that Iowa has joined forces with other states in declaring September as College Savings Month. College Savings Month is a time when families are encouraged to explore the benefits of saving through a 529 plan, such as College Savings Iowa.

"As a way to raise awareness among families about saving for higher education, College Savings Iowa will be awarding a $5,290 College Savings Iowa account this fall," Fitzgerald said. "I encourage all Iowans with young children to register today for a chance to win and jump-start their children's college savings." For more information about the giveaway and to register, visit collegesavingsiowa.com.

College Savings Iowa is an affordable, tax-advantaged option for families who are saving for their children's higher education. It takes just $25 to open a College Savings Iowa account, and anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - can invest on behalf of a child. Participants who are Iowa taxpayers can deduct contributions up to $3,045 per beneficiary account from their adjusted gross income in 2013 and there no income or residency restrictions.* To learn more about College Savings Iowa, go to 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.

###

Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as the 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 1-888-332-7545, or visit www.my529iowaplan.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. Upromise Investment Advisors, LLC, provides records administration services. The Plan's portfolios, although they invest in Vanguard mutual funds, are not mutual funds.

30 Aug 2013

Iowa State University and Ames will host the Future Problem Solving Program International Conference in 2014 and 2015

By Shawne Ungs
AMES, IOWA, August 30, 2013 - Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa has been selected to host the Future Problem Solving Program International (FPSPI) Conference for 2014 and 2015. The event is expected to bring approximately 2,000 student attendees and coaches to the Iowa State University campus and the Ames community. Recently, the executive director and program director for the FPSPI were in Ames to visit facilities around campus and throughout the community in preparation for next summer's conference.

 

"FPSPI  selected Ames and Iowa State University because it is a beautiful, safe and welcoming community that has a variety of facilities, entertainment options and the support of both the university and the community, to make our international conference a success," said Marianne Solomon, executive director for the Future Problem Solving Program International. "Ames and Iowa State also have the professional event staff and volunteers who will take care of all the details and provide the services that will make our event run smoothly and be an enjoyable experience for everyone."

 

The Future Problem Solving Program International gives thousands of students the opportunity to practice creative problem solving within the given curriculum and develop leadership and creative thinking skills. The event will bring students from across the United States and from countries around the world to Iowa State University to compete in the event. The participating countries include Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Turkey and the United States.

 

Students in grades 4 through 12 will compete within three components including Global Issues Problem Solving, Community Problem Solving and Scenario Writing, competing either as individuals or as teams. Each component gives students the opportunity to apply research, writing skills, academics, research and problem solving skills to hypothetical and real life scenarios and issues. During this event, there will be opportunities for the community to enjoy the students' hard work. There will be a community fair and a variety show that the public is encouraged to attend.

 

"As a youth-focused educational conference, the Future Problem Solving International Conference is an event we are very excited to host in Ames and at Iowa State University," said Julie Weeks, director of the Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Conference Planning and Management. "The event is expected to bring 2,000 attendees and hundreds of additional visitors to the Ames community for an average of five nights each year during June 2014 and 2015."

 

"We are very excited that Iowa State University and Ames will be the host for the international conference in 2014 and 2015," said Karen Dadisman, affiliate director, Iowa Future Problem Solving Program." It is very fitting that we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Future Problem Solving Program International in Iowa in 2014, since Iowa was one of the original states to participate in this program."

 

For more information, visit www.fpspi.org or www.iowafutureproblemsolving.com

 

For more information, please contact:

 

Julie Weeks                          Shawne Ungs

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach,                             Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau

Conference Planning and Management and                                Communications Manager

Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau                         515.956.4602

Director                       shawneu@amescvb.com

515.956.4600

juliew@amescvb.com ###
30 Aug 2013

Upper Iowa University announces June 2013 graduates

By Monica Bayer Heaton

FAYETTE, IA (08/30/2013)(readMedia)-- Upper Iowa University is pleased to announce the names of its June 2013 graduates, followed by the degree earned and respective honors.

Summa cum laude is awarded to those with a 3.8 to 4.0 GPA; magna cum laude (3.6-3.79 GPA), and cum laude (3.3-3.59 GPA).

Upper Iowa University has 19 U.S. off-campus education centers, a traditional residential campus in Fayette, international centers in Hong Kong and Malaysia, as well as an extensive online program and a self-paced degree program.

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 some 6,200 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.

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