ROCK ISLAND, IL (06/05/2013)(readMedia)-- Augustana College, Rock Island, Ill., held commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 19. lllinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas L. Kilbride delivered the commencement speech, and 522 students graduated.

Among the graduates:

Kyle Amati, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in music education instrumental.

Amber Anderson, from Port Byron, Ill., graduated with a major in accounting.

Courtney Anderson, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in English.

Anthony Ash, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in accounting and business administration-finance.

Jennifer Baker, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in psychology.

Hannah Barney, from Bettendorf, Iowa, graduated with a major in business administration-marketing and communication studies.

Samantha Bazely, from Coal Valley, Ill., graduated with a major in communication studies.

Allie Bierhaus, from Bettendorf, Iowa, graduated with a major in elementary education and Spanish.

Brandy Blakeney, from East Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in applied mathematics and Scandinavian.

Christopher Boley, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in political science.

Austin Boyle, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration-finance, political science, and accounting.

Joe Bright, from Erie, Ill., graduated with a major in political science and international business.

Jasmine Brooks, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in political science.

Ryan Brummet, from Port Byron, Ill., graduated with a major in mathematics, applied mathematics, and computer science.

Arielle Campos, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in art.

Ceara Campos, from Rock Falls, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration-management.

Richard Coppula, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in environmental studies.

Angela Cummins, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in communication sciences and disorders.

Nicholas Cummins, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

George Dexter, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in communication studies.

Grace Drenth, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in psychology.

Zachary Dryoel, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in economics.

Alannah Golden, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in elementary education.

Aurora Graze, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in sociology-social welfare.

Jonathan Grchan, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration - management information system.

Asta Gustafson, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in psychology.

Thomas Harris, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in biology.

Sallie Hohenboken, from Prophetstown, Ill., graduated with a major in multimedia journalism and mass communicationunication.

Paul Hurd, from Wilton, Iowa, graduated with a major in business administration-management.

Kjerstin Hurty, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration-marketing.

Mary Kandis, from East Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Michael Kautz, from East Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in accounting.

Rachael Kellums, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in sociology-social welfare.

Clare Kilbride, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in communication sciences and disorders.

Ryan Kopatich, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in psychology.

Zachary Kozelichki, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Manisha Kumar, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in pre-medicine.

Mary Lambrecht, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in sociology.

Kate Lang, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration-finance.

Anna Letendre, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration-marketing.

Courtney Linn, from Bettendorf, Iowa, graduated with a major in biology.

Ryan Lundeen, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Hannah Maloney, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in psychology.

Jared McIntosh, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in business administration-marketing.

Lauren Mentado, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration-international business.

Kelsey Miller, from Milan, Ill., graduated with a major in psychology and women and gender studies.

Leart Neziroski, from East Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in pre-medicine and biology.

Jacob O'Rourke, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in accounting and business administration-finance.

Andrew Palm, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in physics.

Eric Pease, from Sterling, Ill., graduated with a major in neuroscience and pre-medicine.

Douglas Peters, from Port Byron, Ill., graduated with a major in neuroscience and biology.

Nicholas Petre, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in philosophy, pre-medicine, and biochemistry.

Lauren Ploen, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Richard Rector, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in communication sciences and disorders.

Jessica Roche, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Amie Rogers, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in art.

Jessica Scheckel, from Taylor Ridge, Ill., graduated with a major in biology and psychology.

Jennifer Schroder, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in communication studies.

Katelyn Sedig, from Morrison, Ill., graduated with a major in communication sciences and disorders.

Moselle Singh, from Le Claire, Iowa, graduated with a major in anthropology.

Jonathan Smith, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Astrid Tello-Rodriguez, from Milan, Ill., graduated with a major in psychology.

Will Tolmie, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in accounting.

Michael Tovar, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in sociology and business administration-management.

Megan Vandersee, from Sterling, Ill., graduated with a major in chemistry education and chemistry.

Chelsea Vickerman, from Silvis, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration-finance.

Calvin Vo, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in theatre arts and English.

Kaleigh Wall, from Eldridge, Iowa, graduated with a major in art.

Drew Wiersema, from Prophetstown, Ill., graduated with a major in accounting.

Peter Wiese, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in neuroscience and mathematics.

Stormy Almanza, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in sociology.

Rebecca Anderson, from Taylor Ridge, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Saleta Anderson, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration-management.

Kayle Boggs, from Reynolds, Ill., graduated with a major in biology and women & gender studies.

Stacey Bollinger, from Silvis, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration - management information system.

Kayla Descamps, from Coal Valley, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Erin Gehn, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in applied mathematics.

Elaine Guthrie, from Coal Valley, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Jessica Larrison, from Hampton, Ill., graduated with a major in English.

Kelsey Lovaas, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in business administration-management and accounting.

Floyd Mays, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in multimedia journalism and mass communication and psychology.

Stephanie Morris, from Bettendorf, Iowa, graduated with a major in business administration-management.

John Peters, from Milan, Ill., graduated with a major in history.

Abdur Razzaque, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in accounting.

David Richard, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in psychology.

Jeffery Siirila, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in psychology.

Abbigale Staples, from Sterling, Ill., graduated with a major in elementary education.

Anna Tunnicliff, from Bettendorf, Iowa, graduated with a major in honors history major.

Alex Wilson, from Bettendorf, Iowa, graduated with a major in biology and pre-medicine.

Those graduating were given advice by Justice Kilbride, who said, "In doubt, do right. You will gratify some and probably stun others."

It was President of Augustana College, Steven Bahls, who quoted scripture, saying, "Pursue justice, love mercy and walk humbly."

Representing the class, Moselle Singh, noted the happiest of times come when happiness is being shared.

During the ceremonies, honorary degrees were presented to three individuals: Justice Kilbride; Don Wooten, the founder and former general manager of Augustana Public Radio; and Kim Brunner, chairman of Augustana's Board of Trustees.

About Augustana: 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. Current students and alumni include 142 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.

St. Paul, Minnesota - Foundation Financial Group completed its second quarter national philanthropic initiative, FFG's Viva Musica. The corporation supported Viva Musica's mission to ensure music education stays in schools. Through a significant financial contribution, Foundation Financial was also able to finance musical scholarships for Minnesota high school students.

Due to limited funding, many schools are having difficulty maintaining music and art programs. By implementing FFG's Viva Musica initiative, Foundation Financial Group employees were able to directly affect and improve the education of Minnesota's youth. The initiative included employee fundraising, volunteer efforts, and a significant corporate donation.

Foundation Financial Group employees from the corporation's Saint Paul Branch Office also volunteered to staff Viva Musica's first fundraising event of the year, the Drive for 5 Anniversary Event. One musically inclined FFG volunteer even performed as the event's opening act. In addition to FFG's generous donation, the Drive for 5 Anniversary Event generated over $2,000 which will benefit Minnesota's youth through Viva Musica's "The Lucille Project." Named after B.B. King's beloved guitar, Lucille, the project awards musical scholarships that provide custom built guitars to local aspiring musicians.

"In true FFG fashion, the company just couldn't resist joining in on the Viva Musica excitement," said Foundation Financial Group Event Coordinator Kirk Brown. "Foundation Financial donated $4,600 to help the local charity keep the arts alive in public education. The generosity of Foundation Financial Group and its employees have helped make 2013 the most successful fund raising year in Viva Musica's history. I am so blessed to work for a company that takes such pride in making a difference. FFG's heart is as big as the sky."

Foundation Financial Group's Viva Musica campaign funded three Apprentice Program Scholarships for local high school students. The scholarships will be awarded to high school musicians who are currently learning to play guitar. The students will receive guitars made exclusively for the students by LaDoten Custom Guitars. The owner of LaDoten Custom Guitars will also provide three guitar instruction sessions and a lesson on the guitar making process.

"Music has brought me comfort, energy, and purpose from a very young age, so I can't help but want that same opportunity for every child," continued Brown, who has been a passionate supporter of Viva Musica since the organization began in 2007. "The work that Viva Musica does with the Minnesota school system has the potential to positively influence thousands of kids. We're bringing children one of the world's greatest gifts - music."

Viva Musica is working towards a future filled with music and art; a world where all students have access to music and art education and can benefit from a well-rounded education. The organization is dedicated to growing music programs by supplying instruments and resources to schools in need. Viva Musica's goal is to advance children's education, spark creativity, and enhance brain development through the medium of music. With the disbursement of instruments and resources to music and art programs, Viva Musica has become a vital asset to Minnesota schools by ensuring music remains a part of every student's curriculum.

About Foundation Financial Group

Foundation Financial Group is a multibillion dollar financial services corporation. FFG offers its customers Best in Class service through its Insurance, Retirement and Mortgage Services. Named one of the fastest growing financial companies in the country by INC magazine, FFG has continued to grow its nationwide presence with over 100,000 new customers per year in 39 states. In addition to the value that Foundation Financial provides every customer, it is also dedicated to its communities and the people who live in them. Through a vast array of philanthropic endeavors the company not only provides significant monetary donations but also fosters a workforce environment that encourages all team members to personally make a difference. Foundation Financial is committed to its strong focus on customer service and community investment as it continues to grow and compete with the largest financial institutions in the world.

Foundation Financial Group reviews all public relations inquiries. For additional information, interview and image requests, contact the Foundation Financial Group Public Relations team.

Lindsay Anderson to Succeed Carrie Hightman

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that Lindsay Anderson, a senior advisor for his administration, will succeed Carrie Hightman as chair of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). Anderson brings extensive legal and governmental experience, including the coordination and oversight of legislative agendas for state agencies such as the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. Today's announcement continues the governor's commitment to making Illinois government more accountable, transparent and effective.

"Carrie Hightman has contributed a significant amount to thousands of students and I thank her for her service to the state of Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "Lindsay Anderson is a talented public servant who will work hard to improve higher education in Illinois, and encourage our young residents to pursue post secondary schooling, which will strengthen Illinois' economy."

Anderson most recently served as a Senior Advisor to Governor Quinn and as Chair of the Illinois Campaign finance Reform Task Force. Prior to those roles, Anderson acted as legislative director and counsel to Governor Quinn, working directly with the members of the Illinois General Assembly on targeted issues facing state government, including education.

Prior to joining the Quinn Administration in February 2009, Anderson worked at McGuireWoods as an Attorney in the State Government Relations practice group where she provided clients with lobbying assistance and insight on the development and execution of strategic legislative plans. Prior to joining McGuireWoods, Lindsay worked as an Assistant Counsel to the Illinois Speaker of the House. In that capacity, she served as counsel and parliamentarian for committees on revenue and local government. Anderson also worked in the Mayor of Chicago's Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.

Under Hightman's leadership as Chair of the IBHE, the state of Illinois adopted a 10-year master plan for higher education, the Public Agenda for College and Career Success, and made significant progress towards achieving its goals of affordability, accessibility and degree completion. The state is on track to meet its goal of 60 percent of the adult population having post secondary degrees by 2025. Hightman created a collaborative environment for all higher education stakeholders during her six years leading IBHE.

The IHBE oversees the programs, activities and policies related to higher education within the state and is responsible for planning and policy development; budgetary and fiscal affairs; academic program reviews and approval; and higher education grant administration and evaluation.  The four primary components of the Illinois' blueprint for higher education include :

  • Increase educational attainment to match the best-performing states and world countries;
  • Ensure college affordability for students, families, and taxpayers;
  • Increase production of high-quality postsecondary credentials to meet the demands of the economy and an increasingly global society; and
  • Better integrate Illinois' educational, research, and innovation assets to meet the economic needs of the state and its regions.

Anderson's new position as Chair of IBHE will be effective beginning on June 5, 2013.

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GROVE CITY, PA (06/04/2013)(readMedia)-- Caleb Chovan, a senior Mechanical Engineering major at Grove City College, has been named to the Dean's List with Distinction for the spring 2013 semester. Caleb is a 2009 graduate of Pleasant Valley HighSchool and is the son of Paul and Janet Chovan from Bettendorf, IA.

Students eligible for the Dean's List have a GPA of 3.40 to 3.59; for the Dean's List with Distinction a GPA of 3.60 to 3.84 and for the Dean's List with High Distinction a GPA of 3.85 to 4.0.

Founded in 1876, Grove City College stands on its founding ideals of faith and freedom, made possible by an unwavering commitment to Christian principles and rigorous academics at a price within the reach of families with modest means. The College, located 60 miles north of Pittsburgh, Pa., has an enrollment of 2,500 students and teaches the liberal arts, sciences and engineering. It is an advocate of the free market economic system and accepts no federal funding. Tuition is about half the national average for private colleges. Grove City College has been named the Top Value in Private Liberal-Arts Schools by Consumers Digest Magazine. The Intercollegiate Studies Institute has named the College one of 50 All-American Colleges, ranking it high for increasing students' civic literacy. Grove City College has been named a Best Value and one of the best colleges in America by Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. The Young America's Foundation calls Grove City College one of the Top Conservative Schools in the country.

ST. LOUIS, MO (06/04/2013)(readMedia)-- These students earned Deans List honors for the Spring Semester 2013 at Maryville University in St. Louis.

The honorees include :

Stacy Clark of Riverdale, IA; studying in Maryville's School of Education.

Mark Struve of Davenport, IA; studying in Maryville's College of Arts and Sciences.

Maryville University congratulates these students on achieving academic excellence for the spring semester. Undergraduate students are eligible for the Dean's List when they complete at least 12 Maryville University credit hours in a semester with a minimum of a 3.5 grade-point average on a 4.0 (pefect) scale..

About Maryville University

Founded in 1872, Maryville University is an independent, four-year, private university located in St. Louis, Missouri. Designated by US News & World Report as the nation's top overperforming university, Maryville University offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, and many master's and doctoral degrees.

PELLA, IA (06/04/2013)(readMedia)-- The following students were named to the spring 2013 Central College dean's list:

Patricia Braun of Davenport, majoring in biology, Spanish and international studies-Latin American, is the daughter of Michael Braun and Elizabeth Braun

Miranda Ebeling of Muscatine, majoring in athletic training, is the daughter of Scott and Carol Ebeling

Hannah Gettes of Clinton, majoring in communication studies, is the daughter of Eric and Lori Gettes

Briana Haycraft of Eldridge, majoring in elementary education, is the daughter of Scott and Kimberly Haycraft

Joseph Heath of Taylor Ridge, majoring in actuarial science and economics, is the son of Ronald and Lynn Heath

Justine Jackovich of Eldridge, majoring in biology, is the daughter of Vincent and Denise Jackovich

Melissa Ketcham of Muscatine, majoring in computer science and mathematics, is the daughter of Raymond Ketcham

Maaike Mielenhausen of Davenport, majoring in elementary education, is the daughter of Steve and Belinda Mielenhausen

Tiffany Nguyen of Davenport, majoring in international studies-Latin American, is the daughter of Nathan and Minh Kimbrough

Ashley Ramker of Davenport, majoring in psychology, is the daughter of Michael and Linda Ramker

Allison Redman of Davenport, majoring in elementary education, is the daughter of Michael and Ann Redman

Samantha Scheckel of Bettendorf, majoring in art, is the daughter of Marty and Jane Scheckel

Andrew Weaks of Fulton, majoring in accounting and actuarial science, is the son of Ron and Sharon Weaks

Treaver Willis of Muscatine, majoring in athletic training, is the son of Teresa Willis

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.

Central College is a residential liberal arts college dedicated to the education of 1,500 undergraduate students. Guided by its ecumenical Christian tradition, the college community engages in vigorous, free, open inquiry in pursuit of academic excellence. Founded in 1853, the college is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America and NCAA Division III athletics.

Central is a recognized leader in study abroad as a result of its international, residential programs. Central College is located in Pella, Iowa, a thriving community of 10,000 two minutes from the state's largest lake and 40 minutes southwest of Des Moines. Please visit the college website at www.central.edu.

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today called on House leaders, Speaker John Boehner and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, to work to bring legislation to the floor that can be passed by both Chambers and signed into law to prevent student loan rates from doubling.  Student loan interest rates are currently 3.4 percent, but are set to double to 6.8 percent on July 1st.  If Congress does not act, that average borrower's debt would increase by $1,000.  As the only member of the Iowa delegation to serve on the House Education and the Workforce Committee, Loebsack, a cosponsor of the Student Loan Relief Act of 2013 (H.R. 1595), has helped lead the fight to ensure students do not see a raise in interest rates.

"If the interest rates are allowed to rise, the average borrower's debt would increase by $1,000.  As Iowa borrowers have some of the highest student loan debt in the nation, this increase will have a disproportionate effect on the students and families I represent," Loebsack wrote to House Leaders. "We need to address student loan debt in the interest of our economy.  We must prepare our students for the kind of middle class jobs that will drive our economic recovery forward.  Our graduates are not able to fully participate in our economy by purchasing cars or homes or starting a family when they are saddled with insurmountable student loan debt."

A copy of the letter can be found here.

As a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, Loebsack has championed numerous pieces of legislation to increase access to higher education, including:

·         College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA) Loebsack helped craft and pass this legislation, which makes college more affordable and accessible for all Iowans by increasing the maximum Pell Grant scholarship and expanding eligibility;

·         Year Round Pell Grants Loebsack authored a provision that created year-round Pell grants in the Higher Education Opportunity Act, which was signed into law in 2008.  However, the year-round Pell grant was unfortunately eliminated in 2011.  In response to the ongoing need for more flexibility, Loebsack partnered with Rep. Cheri Bustos (IL-17) to introduce legislation which would reinstate the flexibility that was provided by Loebsack's provision in 2008.

·         Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act Loebsack was a cosponsor of this bill, which will save American taxpayers $61 billion by making the student loan process more efficient.  The bill further expanded the maximum Pell Grant available from $5,550 in 2010 to $5,975 in 2017, granting Iowa students more than $291 million for higher education. This bill was the largest single investment in student aid in America's history, and will make college more accessible, transform the way student loan programs operate and strengthens community colleges

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BELOIT, WI (06/04/2013)(readMedia)-- The following local students have been named to the spring 2013 Dean's List at Beloit College.

Devin Lundy of Davenport, IA. Lundy is a Junior.

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 49 states.

The Moline Foundation awarded almost $20,000.00 in scholarships to 20 college-bound students this spring. The following scholarships were awarded:

Dolores A. Hulse-DiIulio Scholarship: Tracy Pollock, Moline High School, $1,000.00. The scholarship provides funds to a deserving female student graduating from Moline High School who plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in chemistry, physics, engineering or pre-medicine. Pollock plans to attend Loyola University, Chicago, IL to pursue a degree in Chemistry. Hulse-DiIulio was a chemistry teacher at Moline High School for 36 years, retiring in 1994.

Lee Womack Memorial Scholarship: Brandon Sanchez, Moline High School, $1,000.00. The scholarship provides funds to a Moline High School graduate who plans to obtain a degree in education. Sanchez plans to study History at Carthage College, Kenosha, WI. The scholarship was established by Womack's wife, Peggy and the Lee Womack Memorial Golf Outing Steering Committee. Annually since his death, a golf outing has been held in his memory to raise funds for a local charity. In 2004, the scholarship fund was established and is now administered by the Moline Foundation.

Moline High School Class of '59: Aubrey Foulk and Abigail Ryser, both graduates of Moline High School, $1,000.00 each. Foulk plans to major in Environmental Science at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. Ryser plans to major in Biology/Pre-Medicine at Augustana College, Rock Island, IL. The fund was established by the Class of '59 as a way to commemorate their 50th class reunion. Funds are raised by class member and volunteers through various fundraisers.

Maggie Webb Scholarship: Alejandro Raya, Moline High School, $1,500.00. Raya plans to major in Acting at Illinois State University, Normal, IL. The fund was established as a memorial to Maggie Webb, a 2001 graduate of Moline High School who was killed in December 2007 in a mass shooting at an Omaha Mall.

Clem T. Hanson Scholarship: Karim Hosameldin, Amanda Johnson and Brandon Sanchez, all graduates of Moline High School, $1,500.00 annually for the next four years. Hosameldin plans to major in Civil Engineering at Bradley University, Peoria, IL. Johnson plans to major in Deaf Education/Sign Language Interpretation at MacMurray College, Jacksonville, IL. and Sanchez plans to major in History at Carthage College, Kenosha, WI. The fund was established through the generosity of Clem T. Hanson (1901-1985), a former Moline businessman and community leader.

DARE Scholarship: Becky Lankford, Aubrey Foulk and Jared Larson , $1,000.00. . The scholarship provides funds to a Moline High School graduate based on academic merit, good citizenship, attendance, and active involvement in school and community. Lankford plans to major in Materials Engineering at University of IL, Champaign-Urbana, IL. Foulk plans to major in Environmental Science at Iowa State University in Ames, IA. Larson plans to attend Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. The DARE scholarship is based upon the principles of the former DARE anti-drugs program in Moline-Coal Valley elementary schools.

Lee McAllister Scholarship: Taylor VanHyfte and Amanda Johnson, $1,000.00 each. The scholarship provides funds to a Moline High School graduate planning to major in education. VanHyfte plans to major in Psychology at BlackHawk College, Moline, IL and Johnson plans to major in Deaf Education/Sign Language Interpretation at MacMurray Colllege, Jacksonville, IL. This scholarship was established in memory of Lee McAllister who taught in the Moline Schools from 1948 to 1981.

Stan Woods Scholarship: Allison Condit, $1,000.00. The scholarship provides funds to a Moline High School graduate based on community involvement and leadership and academic achievement. Condit is majoring in American Sign Language Interpreting at Bethel College in Mishawaka, IN. This scholarship was established in memory of Stan Woods who was a teacher, guidance counselor and dean of students in Moline School District No. 40. Former students, co-workers, parents, and the community have contributed to the Woods Scholarship Fund.

Srikanth Yerra Scholarship: Karim Hosameldin, $500.00. This scholarship provides funds to a Moline School District graduate or community college student based on financial need and potential for future personal achievement. Hosameldin is majoring in Civil Engineering at Bradley University, Peoria, IL. The family established this scholarship in memory of Srikanth Yerra, a 2005 graduate of Moline High School.

Moline Kiwanis Scholarship: Aubrey Foulk, Michael J. Ryan and Becky Lankford, $1,000.00 each. Foulk plans to major in Environmental Science at Iowa State University, Ames, IA. Ryan plans to major in Psychology at Bethel University at St. Paul, MN and Lankford plans to major in Materials Engineering at University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, IL.

The Moline Foundation, founded in 1953, is a community foundation which provides grants to benefit health, human services, education, community development, the arts and other charitable organizations which help the citizens of Moline and the surrounding area, including the Quad Cities. The Moline Foundation receives and administers charitable gifts in Scott County, Iowa, and Rock Island, Henry, Mercer, Warren, Henderson and McDonough counties in Illinois. The Moline Foundation has a current endowment of approximately $17 million.

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(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today named former state Sen. Larry McKibben and construction business owner Milt Dakovich (pr: "DOCK-o-vitch") to the Iowa Board of Regents.

McKibben and Dakovich begin their terms today and will serve through April 30, 2019.

"I have chosen two passionate public servants who will help guide our Regents institutions through the next six years," said Branstad. "Larry's legislative expertise and Milt's construction background will provide both of them with the knowledge and experience needed for these two seats on the board."

"We are pleased they agreed to serve on the Board of Regents at this important time," said Reynolds. "Larry and Milt understand the importance of this new role, and are committed to offering a world-class education for all students.

McKibben, 66, served in the Iowa Senate from 1997-2008, where he chaired the Ways & Means Committee, also serving as the president pro tem. He earned his B.A. from the University of Northern Iowa, served as a graduate teaching assistant at Iowa State University and earned his J.D. from the University of Iowa. He is currently an attorney with the firm of Moore, McKibben, Goodman & Lorenz, LLP, in Marshalltown.

"I believe education is the foundation for the growth, development and well-being of future generations of Iowans," said McKibben. "I have spent my entire professional life as a problem solver. I believe that my educational background, leadership skills and breadth of lifetime experiences gives me the depth of knowledge and skill to contribute in a positive way to achieving high standards of educational excellence at the Regents institutions.

Find McKibben's photo here: https://governor.iowa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Larry-McKibben.jpg

Dakovich, 58, has a B.S. from Iowa State in both civil engineering and construction engineering. He currently serves as the president of Aspro, Inc. in Waterloo. He is a past president of both the Associated General Contractors of Iowa and the Asphalt Paving Association of Iowa.

"I am the product of Iowa public higher education and recognize its importance," said Dakovich. "It is vital that this state have quality, affordable education. Our future workforce depends on it."

Find Dakovich's photo here: https://governor.iowa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Milt-Dakovich.jpeg

McKibben and Dakovich will be up for Senate confirmation in the 2014 legislative session.

The Iowa Board of Regents consists of the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa, the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School, and the Iowa School for the Deaf. For more information, visit http://www.regents.iowa.gov/.

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