Funds Will Create Jobs; Renovate Existing Building to Finish One of the Midwest's Top Higher Education Science Facilities 

EDWARDSVILLE - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by local and university officials to announce an Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program investment of $23 million to complete the Science Building at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). The funds will completely renovate an existing building, and along with a brand-new, already finished facility will complete one of the Midwest's top higher education science centers. The Science Building project advances Governor Quinn's agenda to give every child the opportunity for a high-quality education, while creating jobs to drive Illinois' economy forward.

"This building will keep SIUE at the forefront of science education and offer students even better training for careers in the sciences," Governor Quinn said. "Numerous construction jobs will be created on this project, which will boost local economic growth."

The $23 million project will involve renovating and reconfiguring approximately 80,000 square feet in the existing Science Laboratory for offices, classrooms and laboratories, including upgrading the climate control, mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems and replacing the existing windows with more energy-efficient designs. The construction project will be overseen by the Illinois Capital Development Board, with construction bids to be sought in the near future.

"In addition to the construction of the new science building, the renovation of the existing structure with updated classrooms and office space will ensure that SIUE remains on the cutting edge of science research and education," SIUE President Glenn Poshard said. "We appreciate the Governor releasing these funds."

The $23 million renovation will complement the already completed, $52 million, 107,000-square-foot new facility, which boasts classrooms and laboratories in a state-of-the-art learning environment. The new building uses the latest energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly building technology, and the renovated building will use many of these features as well.

Both SIUE projects are part of Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support more than 400,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest capital construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest capital construction programs in the nation.

CANTON, MO (08/27/2013)(readMedia)-- Ian Sodawasser of Davenport, Iowa, was among Culver-Stockton College's students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members who spent Saturday, Aug. 24 volunteering for the fifth annual Extreme Dome Makeover. Over 400 volunteers participated in the event, sprucing up 13 work sites in the town of Canton, Mo.

Volunteers spent the day doing various activities like painting, landscaping and cleaning. Project sites included both public areas and private residences. Public sites included Canton Senior Housing, City Hall, Martin Park, the Mississippi River Park, the Canton Community Garden and more.

Extreme Dome Makeover provides the opportunity to introduce incoming students to the community of Canton, as well as to their classmates, advisors and neighbors. "We want our students to know that being a servant leader is important. Hopefully by the time they graduate they will know that importance and they'll be able to lead service projects in their own community after they graduate," said Dean of Students Chris Gill.

Culver-Stockton College, located in Canton, Mo., is a four-year residential institution in affiliation with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). C-SC specializes in experiential education and is one of only two colleges in the nation to offer the 12/3 semester calendar, where the typical 15 week semester is divided into two terms, a 12-week term and a 3-week term.

The C-SC Wildcats are members of the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

New Law Lowers Compulsory School Age from Seven to Six Years Old

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law that lowers the compulsory school age for students in Illinois in order to ensure all children have the opportunity to build a solid foundation for academic achievement. The law will also help to combat truancy. Research shows that children who start school at an earlier age are less likely to drop out of school, be placed in special education or commit crimes, and more likely to attend college. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to prepare every child for success in college, career and beyond.

"Today is a good day for our students and for the future of Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "The key to so many things in life is a quality education and this new law will ensure our students get an early start on their academic success."

Sponsored by State Senator Kimberly Lightford (D-Westchester) and State Representative LaShawn Ford (D-Chicago), Senate Bill 1307 lowers the compulsory school attendance age from seven to six years of age beginning with the 2014-2015 school year. Illinois joins 26 states that have set the compulsory attendance age at six years old. Eight states and the District of Columbia require students to begin school at age five. The law will also help to combat truancy.

Under the new law, any student turning six years old on or before Sept. 1 must be enrolled to attend school for that school year, starting in 2014. This legislation was introduced in part due to investigative reporting by the Chicago Tribune.

"Study after study has demonstrated that the earlier kids start school, the more likely they are to succeed," Senator Lightford said. "This law will help make sure all of our children are on the right path."

"This law will help children to develop the social and academic skills that will give them a better chance at success in the future," Representative Ford said. "It will also help to give children from disadvantaged backgrounds an equal opportunity to excel in the classroom. The early developmental stages are critical in a person's life, and Illinois cannot afford to put early education on the back burner."

The law will go into effect on July 1, 2014.

FLAGSTAFF, AZ (08/23/2013)(readMedia)-- Elizabeth McCorkle, a Northern Arizona University SecEd-Earth Sci (BSED) major and resident of Hillsdale, IL, was among more than 4,500 students who made the Dean's List for the spring 2013 semester.

Founded in 1899, Northern Arizona University has established a lasting legacy of educating students to help them make a difference in the world. With an expansive Extended Campuses program, the university has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 20,000 students located at more than 30 sites across Arizona or online. The university is a leader in integrating sustainability into university policies and educational curriculum highlighted by the Platinum LEED-certified Applied Research and Development building, the third-greenest building in the world. More information is online at nau.edu