Greeley, Colo. -- The local student listed below has been named to the Dean's List of Distinction (Dean's List) or the Dean's Honor Roll (Honor Roll) in recognition of their outstanding scholarship for the 2012-13 academic year at the University of Northern Colorado.

Kathleen McNamara, Dean's List of Distinction, Bettendorf, Iowa.

Dean's List (3.75-4.0 grade point average), Honor Roll (3.50-3.74 grade point average)

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ROCK ISLAND, IL (06/27/2013)(readMedia)-- Augustana College announced 883 students were named to the Dean's List for the 2013 spring term. Students who have earned this academic honor have maintained a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher on a four-point scale for courses taken during the term.

From your area, students who have earned this honor include :

Sheila Ahuja from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in language arts/English education.

Carlie Allison from Moline, Ill., a junior majoring in theatre arts.

Amber Anderson from Port Byron, Ill., a senior majoring in accounting.

April Anderson from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in Asian studies.

Anthony Ash from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in accounting and business administration-finance.

Christopher Atha from Bettendorf, Iowa, a junior majoring in business administration-advising and accounting.

Jessica Bacon from Rock Island, Ill., a sophomore majoring in elementary education.

Jennifer Baker from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in pyschology.

Adam Bengfort from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in engineering physics.

Amelia Beveroth from Sterling, Ill., a senior majoring in elementary education.

Andrew Beveroth from Sterling, Ill., a freshman majoring in history and accounting.

Allie Bierhaus from Bettendorf, Iowa, a senior majoring in elementary education and Spanish.

Joe Bright from Erie, Ill., a senior majoring in political science and international business.

Jasmine Brooks from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in political science.

Allison Brown from Milan, Ill., a junior majoring in language arts/English education.

Ryan Brummet from Port Byron, Ill., a senior majoring in mathematics, applied mathematics and computer science.

Samantha Bull from Port Byron, Ill., a junior majoring in communication sciences and disorders.

Arielle Campos from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in art and business administration-marketing.

Ceara Campos from Rock Falls, Ill., a senior majoring in business administration-management.

Nicholas Clark from Moline, Ill., a sophomore majoring in augie ages undecided.

Beth Cole from Muscatine, Iowa, a junior majoring in mathematics and chemistry.

Brandee Cole from Bettendorf, Iowa, a junior majoring in pre-medicine and biology.

Amanda Conger from Rock Island, Ill., a junior majoring in religion.

David Cook from Silvis, Ill., a senior majoring in history.

Hailey Coulter from Silvis, Ill., a sophomore majoring in accounting and business administration-advising.

Tyler Cowherd from Bettendorf, Iowa, a junior majoring in business administration-finance, Spanish for professional use and accounting.

Rowan Crow from Coal Valley, Ill., a freshman majoring in pre-history education.

Jane Cummings from Rock Island, Ill., a freshman majoring in augie ages undecided.

Angela Cummins from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders and pyschology.

Nicholas Cummins from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in biology.

Rosa De La Torre from Rock Falls, Ill., a sophomore majoring in pre-medicine and biology.

Katelin Durham from Sterling, Ill., a sophomore majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Elizabeth Gehrmann from Bettendorf, Iowa, a freshman majoring in chemistry.

Alannah Golden from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in elementary education.

Shai Gonzales from Milan, Ill., a junior majoring in political science.

Jonathan Grchan from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in business administration - management information system and.

Christine Harb from Davenport, Iowa, a sophomore majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Thomas Harris from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in biology.

Taelar Hillyer from Bettendorf, Iowa, a senior majoring in language arts/English education.

Nicholas Hoepfner from East Moline, Ill., a sophomore majoring in biology.

Sallie Hohenboken from Prophetstown, Ill., a senior majoring in multimedia journalism and mass communication.

Darshan Hullon from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Andrea Hult from Moline, Ill., a sophomore majoring in accounting and business administration-advising.

Paul Hurd from Wilton, Iowa, a senior majoring in business administration-management.

Jens Hurty from Moline, Ill., a junior majoring in music education vocal.

Kjerstin Hurty from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in business administration-marketing.

Jillian Jespersen from Rock Island, Ill., a freshman majoring in augie ages undecided.

Zoee Johnson from Rock Falls, Ill., a freshman majoring in augie ages undecided.

Katherine Karstens from Moline, Ill., a junior majoring in business administration-advising and accounting.

Alyssa Kendell from Davenport, Iowa, a freshman majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Clare Kilbride from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders.

Jordan Kirkbride from Rock Island, Ill., a junior majoring in French and art history.

Kimberly Klyman from East Moline, Ill., a freshman majoring in augie ages undecided.

Matthew Klyman from East Moline, Ill., a freshman majoring in chemistry.

Benjamin Knapper from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in applied mathematics and computer science.

Rebecca Knapper from Davenport, Iowa, a freshman majoring in creative writing.

Kylie Koger from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in classics.

Ryan Kopatich from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in pyschology.

Manisha Kumar from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in pre-medicine and biology.

Jessica Larrison from Hampton, Ill., a senior majoring in English.

Jamie Lawrence from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in language arts/English education.

Abigail Ledford from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in biology.

Angela Ledford from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in pre-medicine and biology.

Anna Letendre from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in business administration-marketing and pyschology.

Madison Logan from Moline, Ill., a junior majoring in communication sciences and disorders and pyschology.

Makenzie Logan from Moline, Ill., a freshman majoring in pyschology and communication sciences and disorders.

Kelsey Lovaas from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in business administration-management and accounting.

Hannah Maloney from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in pyschology and communication studies.

Samantha McGreer from Illinois City, Ill., a sophomore majoring in pre-medicine and biochemistry.

Elise McPherson from Sterling, Ill., a senior majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Lauren Mentado from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in business administration-international business.

Kelsey Miller from Milan, Ill., a senior majoring in pyschology and women and gender studies.

Garrett Miner from Moline, Ill., a freshman majoring in augie ages undecided.

Landon Neese from Davenport, Iowa, a sophomore majoring in pre-medicine.

Long Nguyen from Rock Island, Ill., a freshman majoring in applied mathematics and computer science.

Lindsey Nicolaysen from Fulton, Ill., a sophomore majoring in computer science.

Jacob O'Rourke from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in accounting and business administration-finance.

Andrew Palm from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in physics.

Eric Palmer from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in political science.

Eric Pease from Sterling, Ill., a senior majoring in neuroscience and pre-medicine.

Owen Pomije from Rock Island, Ill., a junior majoring in computer science.

Phillip Powell from Bettendorf, Iowa, a freshman majoring in English education.

Elyzia Powers from Silvis, Ill., a sophomore majoring in pyschology.

Abdur Razzaque from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in accounting.

Richard Rector from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders.

Anish Reddy from Rock Island, Ill., a freshman majoring in pre-medicine.

Tyler Richards from Port Byron, Ill., a junior majoring in business administration-marketing.

Sarah Riedel from Long Grove, Iowa, a sophomore majoring in creative writing.

Omar Rizvi from Bettendorf, Iowa, a freshman majoring in neuroscience and philosophy.

Jessica Roche from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in biology.

Anna Rusch from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in business administration-marketing.

Keith Sands from Silvis, Ill., a freshman majoring in mathematics and math education.

Lauren Schneiderbauer from Sterling, Ill., a senior majoring in biology.

Austin Schoeck from Rock Island, Ill., a freshman majoring in political science.

Jennifer Schroder from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in communication studies.

Katelyn Sedig from Morrison, Ill., a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders.

Carlie Sellers from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in biology.

Markaye Semmens from Moline, Ill., a junior majoring in elementary education.

Andrew Shearouse from Coal Valley, Ill., a senior majoring in business administration-advising and computer science.

Andrew Showers from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in computer science, philosophy, and business administration - management information system.

Moselle Singh from Le Claire, Iowa, a senior majoring in anthropology.

Alexandra Skinner from Bettendorf, Iowa, a junior majoring in theatre arts and pyschology.

Jonathan Smith from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in biology.

Tyler Spellious from Moline, Ill., a junior majoring in English and creative writing.

Cristina Stan from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Andrew Statz from Davenport, Iowa, a sophomore majoring in pre-medicine and biology.

Grant Stewart from Sterling, Ill., a senior majoring in elementary education.

Danya Tazyeen from Bettendorf, Iowa, a freshman majoring in graphic design major and computer science.

Astrid Tello-Rodriguez from Milan, Ill., a senior majoring in pyschology.

Emma Thompson from Port Byron, Ill., a senior majoring in pyschology and Spanish for professional use.

Anthony TouVelle from Bettendorf, Iowa, a junior majoring in German and international business.

Megan Vandersee from Sterling, Ill., a senior majoring in chemistry education and chemistry.

Chelsea Vickerman from Silvis, Ill., a senior majoring in business administration-finance.

Calvin Vo from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in theatre arts and English.

Kaleigh Wall from Eldridge, Iowa, a senior majoring in art.

Haley West from Rapids City, Ill., a freshman majoring in augie ages undecided.

James Wiebler from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in biology.

Drew Wiersema from Prophetstown, Ill., a senior majoring in accounting.

Kelsey Winter from East Moline, Ill., a junior majoring in biology.

Ethan Wojcinski from Moline, Ill., a sophomore majoring in computer science and biology.

Shelby Womack from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in biology.

Rong Zheng from Silvis, Ill., a freshman majoring in biochemistry.

Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. Augustana is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Alumni include 141 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.

LINCOLN, NE (06/27/2013)(readMedia)-- The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has announced the students named to the Deans' List/Honor Roll for the spring semester of the 2012-13 academic year. Students from this area who qualified included:

Bettendorf: Hannah Marjorie Kurth, senior, music major, College of Fine and Performing Arts with a 4.0 grade-point average.

Bettendorf: Nathaniel Robert Sullivan, senior, music major, College of Fine and Performing Arts with a 4.0 grade-point average.

Davenport: Samantha Walton Adrales, junior, English major, College of Arts and Sciences .

Qualification for the Deans' List varies among the eight undergraduate colleges and the Honor Roll for undeclared students in Explore Center and pre-professional programs. Listed below are the minimum grade-point averages on a 4-point scale (4.0 equals A) for each entity and the name of its respective dean or director. All qualifying grade-point averages are based on a minimum of 12 or more graded semester hours. Students can be on the Dean's List for more than one college.

? College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, 3.75; Dean Steven F. Waller.

? College of Architecture, top 10 percent of the students in the college; Interim Dean Kim Wilson.

? College of Arts and Sciences, 3.7; Dean David Manderscheid.

? College of Business Administration, 3.6; Dean Donde Plowman.

? College of Education and Human Sciences, 3.75; Dean Marjorie Kostelnik.

? College of Engineering, 3.5; Dean Timothy Wei.

? College of Journalism and Mass Communications, 3.7; Interim Dean James O'Hanlon.

? Explore Center, 3.6; Director of Undergraduate Education Nancy Mitchell.

? Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, 3.7; Interim Dean Christin Mamiya.

A full list of Deans' List/Honor Roll students can be found at:

http://newsroom.unl.edu/releases/downloadables/msword/20130627deanslist.txt.

PLATTEVILLE, WI (06/27/2013)(readMedia)-- University of Wisconsin-Platteville hosted its largest spring graduation on May 11, 2013 at Williams Fieldhouse. A total of 1,081 graduate and undergraduate students earned the right to participate in the commencement ceremonies.

Among those receiving degrees, with their hometowns and majors, were

Thomas Aronson a Industrial Technology Management major from Clinton, IA

Megan Goodall a Criminal Justice major from De Witt, IA

Timothy Govier a Criminal Justice major from DeWitt, IA

Michael Harlson a Industrial Technology Management major from Clinton, IA

Christopher Henningsen a Mechanical Engineering major from Long Grove, IA

Samuel Hershberger a Industrial Engineering major from Bettendorf, IA

Jennifer Lehman a Business Administration major from Bettendorf, IA

Kerrie Liske a Physical Education major from Donahue, IA

Daniel McGarry a Mechanical Engineering major from Clinton, IA

Dustin Belt a Biology major from Morrison, IL

Lucas Coers a Mechanical Engineering major from Cordova, IL

Tyler Fisher a Business Administration major from Rock Island, IL

Jake Payan a Industrial Technology Management major from Sterling, IL

Brittany Quick a Industrial Technology Management major from Moline, IL

Alexander Scroggins a Biology major from Sterling, IL

Lori Witte a Elementary Education major from Moline, IL

University of Wisconsin-Platteville, founded in 1866, is settled in a historic mining town near the Iowa and Illinois borders and enrolls 7,500 undergraduate students. It is an institution whose mission is to produce intellectually astute individuals who will participate in society as competent professionals and knowledgeable citizens. For more information on the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, visit www.uwplatt.edu.

EAU CLAIRE - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire has named 2054 undergraduate students to its Deans' Lists for the 2013 spring semester.

Rock Island's Kassondra Andereck, Arts and Sciences, is on this list.

The Deans' list and eligibility criteria, as well as other listings of UW-Eau Claire student honors and awards, can be found online at www.uwec.edu/news/people/honors.htm.

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UPLAND, IN (06/26/2013)(readMedia)-- The following local residents were among nearly 500 students who received degrees during Taylor University's Commencement exercises held on May 18, 2013.

Angela Stuedemann, a resident of Dewitt, IA received a BA degree in International Business

Brett Vacek, a resident of East Moline, IL received a BA degree in Psychology

About Taylor University: Founded in 1846, Taylor University is an interdenominational liberal arts university of evangelical faith located in Upland, Ind. The 2013 U.S. News and World Report survey America's Best Colleges ranked Taylor the number one Baccalaureate College in the Midwest. It marked Taylor's sixth straight top ranking following ten straight years of being ranked in the region's Top Three.

Taylor University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

[Cedar Rapids, Iowa] --Kirkwood Community College has released its Dean's List for the Spring 2013 Semester. These students have achieved a 3.3 grade point average or higher after completing 12 or more credit hours with the college.

Kirkwood students from the area earning this distinction are listed below.

from Bettendorf:
Audra Bates, Liberal Arts - AS;
Morgan Helgerson, Liberal Arts - AA;
Thomas McNair, Liberal Arts - AA;

from Davenport:
Kelly Bartman, Nursing - AAS;
Ellen Conklin, Liberal Arts - AA;
Anna Jordan, Liberal Arts - AA;
Shyanne Saladino, Nursing - AAS;

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has recognized students named to the Dean's List for the spring semester of the 2012-2013 academic year.
Students who achieve at a high level academically are recognized by the dean at the close of each semester. To be eligible for the Dean's List, students must complete a minimum of 12 graded degree credits in that semester. Each university school or college sets its own GPA requirements for students to be eligible to receive the distinction. Most call the honor "Dean's List", but some grant the "Dean's Honor List" and "Dean's High Honor List."
To view an online listing, visit http://registrar.wisc.edu/deans_list.htm. For questions or concerns about eligibility, please contact deanslist-registrar@em.wisc.edu
Below are the students from your circulation area who have received this honor:

  • Adam Vesole, School of Business, Dean's List from Bettendorf
  • Mehmet Badur, College of Engineering, Dean's Honor List from Moline
  • Evan Price, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Dean's List from Moline
  • Andrew Hoogerwerf, College of Engineering, Dean's Honor List from Rock Island

AMES, Iowa - More than 6,250 Iowa State University undergraduates have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the 2013 spring semester Dean's List. Students named to the Dean's List must have earned a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded course work.

Students listed below qualified for the Dean's List

Bettendorf, IA
Alison Marie Aquino, Kinesiology and Health;
John Morgan Beck, Biology (AGLS);
Carolyn Elizabeth Bennie, Psychology;
Jamie Marie Blaser, Event Management;
Stephanie Ann Blaser, Dietetics (H SCI);
Jessica Marie Blaum, English;
James Dewey Boddie, Software Engineering;
Kimberly Ann Booe, Chemical Engineering;
Matthew Roger Brown, Management Information Systems;
Molly Rebecca Bryant, Journalism and Mass Communication;
Sarah Anne Buck, Psychology;
Kailey Victoria Bueker, Elementary Education;
Erin Elizabeth Claeys, Chemical Engineering;
Elizabeth Rose Coffman, English;
Rachel Erin Dolehanty, Elementary Education;
Gabriel S. Domingues, Agricultural Systems Technology;
Madeline Skye Duque, Marketing;
Dillan P. Dwyer, Mechanical Engineering;
Zachary J. Edwards, Accounting;
Brendan David Elizondo, Interdisciplinary Studies;
Safwan Elkhatib, Kinesiology and Health;
Katherine E. Finnegan, Animal Ecology;
Taylor Marikey Finney, Apparel, Merchandising, and Design;
Christopher Joseph Foss, Mechanical Engineering;
Elizabeth Anne Fry, Kinesiology and Health;
Jenna Corinne Fussell, Biology;
Taylor Marie Gibney, Mechanical Engineering;
Jeremy Thomas Gillam, Mechanical Engineering;
Justin James Gizicki, Agronomy;
Amanda Michelle Haffarnan, Nutritional Science (H SCI);
Amanda Erin Hale, Communication Studies;
Jiyeon Han, Microbiology;
Andrew J. Hartman, Computer Engineering;
Natalie S. Heiderscheit, History;
Kelly Marie Hering, Psychology;
Tyler J. Hoelting, Pre-Athletic Training;
Carolyn Anne Johnson, Animal Science;
Kelsey Lynn Kraft, Construction Engineering;
Elizabeth Ilene Larsen, Psychology;
Mikaela Marie Leners, Physics;
Jesse William Leonard, Mechanical Engineering;
Lance Tyler Lipovic, Graphic Design;
Samantha Ann Matt, Open Option (LAS);
Mara McConnell, Linguistics;
Thomas Ray McGee, Industrial Engineering;
Christopher P. Meadows, Mechanical Engineering;
Tyler Benjamin Meseke, Biology;
Amanda Lauren Miller, Kinesiology and Health;
Matthew Henderson Miller, Political Science;
Brock Robert Mills, Psychology;
Emily Jeanne Misak, English;
Mary Kate Misak, Event Management;
Catherine Helen Mullen, Biology (AGLS);
Amanda Lee Oswald, Civil Engineering;
Emily M. Oswald, Psychology;
James Vance Park, Biology;
Katelynn E. Piotter, Elementary Education;
Keaton Michael Sandeman, Environmental Science (AGLS);
Caleb D. Schulze, Electrical Engineering;
Grant Bradley Sherrard, Animal Science;
Amrinder Singh, Biology (AGLS);
Brian Christopher Sipple, Management Information Systems;
Benjamin Timothy Stecker, Kinesiology and Health;
Cameron B. Thompson, Computer Science;
Emma Grace Thompson, Kinesiology and Health;
Joshua C. Thompson, Physics;
Andrew J. Tjaden, Pre-Business;
Erin Cathleen Toohey, Biology (AGLS);
Emory Stephen Traicoff, Mechanical Engineering;
Heather M. Vandewostine, Veterinary Medicine;
Kelly Ann Wagner, Dietetics (H SCI);
Chad Edward Wisham, Civil Engineering;
Robert W. Wright, Industrial Engineering;
Samantha Christine Zust, Kinesiology and Health;


Court, IA
Courtney Brianne Thompson, Dietetics (H SCI);


Davenport, IA
Grant L. Albansoder, Civil Engineering;
Joshua John Arguello, Architecture-Professional Degree;
Ashley M. Arnold, Anthropology;
Beth Anne Baustian, Dietetics (H SCI);
Heather Nicole Bennett, Sociology;
Nathan Joseph Bierl, Music;
Bethanie Marie Blake, Architecture-Professional Degree;
Callie Renee Blake, Elementary Education;
Molly E. Bridges, Elementary Education;
Rebecca Joy Briesmoore, Civil Engineering;
Matthew Samuel Brueggen, Finance;
Margaret Marie Carlin, Community and Regional Planning;
Abigail Nicole Clevenger, Animal Science;
Neal Robert Crooks, Aerospace Engineering;
Elizabeth Marie Doebel, Mathematics;
Jacob Patrick Fennelly, Accounting;
Trevor Murphy Fennelly, Finance;
Ashley Nicole Freese, Event Management;
Marinda R. Gacke, Biology (AGLS);
Brittany Grosskopf, Environmental Science (LAS);
Christopher Thomas Harre, Civil Engineering;
Troysheana Q. Hawkins, Liberal Studies;
Kathleen Marie Hoil, Performing Arts;
Amanda Rose Holtman, Landscape Architecture;
Christine Nicole Jensen, Aerospace Engineering;
Kayla Marie Kaasa, Biology (AGLS);
Malcolm Andrew Kelly, Mechanical Engineering;
Joseph Valarius Kern, Construction Engineering;
Danielle Marie Kimler, Electrical Engineering;
Nicholas Aaron King, Landscape Architecture;
Emerald Patricia Klauer, Graphic Design;
Joseph Edward Kopacz, Mechanical Engineering;
Austin Miles Laugen, Computer Engineering;
Kristina Ann Lund, Family Finance, Housing and Policy;
Amanda Margaret Malin, History;
Megan Elizabeth Maller, Music;
Vanessa Lynn McNeal, Child, Adult, and Family Services;
Gregory Paul Miers, Supply Chain Management;
Jacob M. Neff, Chemical Engineering;
Sarah Maria Neighbour, Graphic Design;
Emily Mary Neubauer, Elementary Education;
Hanna Thi Nguyen, Mechanical Engineering;
Kara Nhu Nguyen, Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management;
Amanda Leanne Pastrnak, Advertising;
Bailey Christine Randone, Communication Studies;
Brylee S. Raupp-Timmons, Computer Engineering;
Erin Bates Sickels, Kinesiology and Health;
Brian Vincent Skalak, Advertising;
Matthew J. Skoglund, Chemical Engineering;
Aaron Wayne Stechmann, Industrial Technology;
Matthew James Stegemann, Electrical Engineering;
Cody Michael Thiessen, Mechanical Engineering;
Amanda Michelle Trammell, Animal Science;
Sarah Jane Vance, Pre-Graphic Design;
Jeramie Lee Vens, Electrical Engineering;
Katherine Michelle Walton, Psychology;
Benjamin M. Wells, Mechanical Engineering;
Kelsie Deanne Witt, Apparel, Merchandising, and Design;
Connor S. Young, Biology;


Moline, IL
Evan Daniel Aubry, Landscape Architecture;
Kelsey Breann Carlson, Animal Science;
Amy Katharine Schaefer, Pre-Business;
Kevin Craig Shedd, Mechanical Engineering;
Caleb Jack Spiegel, Architecture-Professional Degree;
Steven Anthony Vogel, Pre-Business;


Rock Island, IL
Ryan Joseph Bush, Industrial Design;
Joseph Michael Johnson, Mechanical Engineering;
Daniel Joseph Siroky, Architecture-Professional Degree;

Organizes students to lobby against interest rate hike

CHICAGO - June 25, 2013. With interest rates on student loans set to double within a week, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon is working with Illinois students to lobby Congress to take action. For the second year in a row, Simon is encouraging students across the state to urge Congress to stop interest rates from doubling on July 1.

"The cost of college is a growing barrier for students to enroll in and complete college," said Simon, the state's point person on education reform. "If Congress allows interest rates to double, higher education will become too pricey for many more middle class families."

Student loan interest rates had previously been expected to double during the summer of 2012; however, students nationwide demanded change. Young people took to Facebook and Twitter asking their elected officials to take immediate action, and President Obama signed a temporary rate freeze. Simon has advocated for passage of a long-term solution that would avert the need for last-minute, piecemeal fixes.

In her first two years in office Simon visited each of Illinois' 48 community colleges and 12 public, four-year universities, hearing time and again that the cost of education is a growing strain on students and families throughout the state. Using that network, Simon on Wednesday will urge members of the Illinois delegation to endorse a solution and take action to prevent student loan rates from doubling.

The hike on federal subsidized loans to undergraduates would cost the average Illinois student more than $1,000 each year. In Illinois, there are more than 360,000 borrowers who would be affected.

To join in the effort, post on Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #DontDoubleMyRate, or find contact information for your elected representative here.

"Students need to explain what $1,000 means to them, whether that's books, housing or the ability to enroll in the first place," Simon said. "Higher education is an equalizer. We cannot let students be priced out of school."

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