21 Jun 2013

Local Students Named to Dean's List at Taylor University

By Jim Garringer

UPLAND, IN (06/20/2013)(readMedia)-- The following local residents were named to the Spring 2013 Dean's list at Taylor University. Full-time students are named to the Dean's List when they have earned a GPA of 3.60 or higher for the term and at least 12 hours carry credit point values.

Angela Stuedemann, a resident of DeWitt, IA.

Brett Vacek, a resident of East Moline, IL.

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 number one ranking and followed 10 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).

21 Jun 2013

Loebsack, Bustos Call on Speaker Boehner to Allow Vote on Student Loan Bill Before Interest Rates Double on July 1

By Joe Hand

Student Loan Relief Act Supported By Loebsack & Bustos Would Prevent Stafford Student Loan Interest Rates From Doubling & Making College More Expensive

 

With Only Six Scheduled Legislative Days Before July 1, Loebsack & Bustos Urge Action On Common Sense Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) sent a letter to House Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor urging them to allow a vote on their bill to prevent student loan interest rates from doubling on July 1st.  The Student Loan Relief Act of 2013 (H.R. 1595), supported by Loebsack and Bustos, is a common sense bill that would keep interest rates on federally subsidized Stafford student loans locked in place at 3.4 percent so that hardworking families across Illinois and Iowa are not burdened by higher costs for college come next school year.

Without action from Congress, interest rates on federally subsidized Stafford student loans will double from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent on July 1st.  There are currently only six scheduled legislative days left before this rapidly approaching deadline

A copy of the letter from Loebsack and Bustos can be found HERE.

###
20 Jun 2013

Upper Iowa University announces 2013 graduates

By Monica Bayer Heaton

FAYETTE, IA (06/18/2013)(readMedia)-- Upper Iowa University is pleased to announce the names of its 2013 graduates, 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 an independent study program. About 2,000 students who completed their associate, bachelor or master degrees through these UIU offerings graduated in the UIU ceremonies. Of those, 700 graduated from the Fayette location, more than 1,000 completed their degree at a U.S. center, 500 graduated through online or independent study programs, and 250 were from the international centers. UIU is one of the most diverse universities in Iowa. In all, the graduates represented 36 states and 14 nations.

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 independent study. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.

20 Jun 2013

Luther College announces 2013 graduates

By Julie Shockey

DECORAH, IA (06/18/2013)(readMedia)-- Luther College held commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2013 at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 19 in Luther College's Regents Center Main Gym.

Andrew Ambrose of Bettendorf, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in biology and chemistry .

Tyler Brewer of Bettendorf, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in management .

Elisabeth Haager of Bettendorf, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in anthropology and environmental studies .

Alexander Heiselman of Bettendorf, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in management .

Zachary Jipp of Bettendorf, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in physical education and biology magna cum laude.

Paxton Molinari of Bettendorf, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in physical education .

Matthew Rubins of Bettendorf, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in computer science .

Kelsey Weindruch of Bettendorf, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in health .

Reece Rickertsen of Bryant, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in biology .

Charles Banta of Calamus, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in computer science .

Matthew Engelson of Clinton, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in music .

Haley Clark of Davenport, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in history .

Michael Crowe of Davenport, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in English cum laude.

Mitchell DeFauw of Davenport, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in English .

Nicole Woodson of Davenport, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in biology magna cum laude.

Abby Sandry of DeWitt, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in sociology cum laude.

Shari Huber of Eldridge, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in physical education summa cum laude.

Chelsea Weiss of Eldridge, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in biology and political science .

Gregory Daniels of Long Grove, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in biology summa cum laude.

Tyler Hagy of Muscatine, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in music and theatre/dance .

Victoria Serra of Silvis, Ill., received the bachelor of arts degree in English .

Commencement speaker was Arne Sorenson, chairman of the Marriott Global Diversity and Inclusion Council.

Chingwei Mutombu, executive director and founder of First Step Initiative, was presented with the Luther College Young Alumni Award. This award recognizes outstanding achievement of Luther alumni in their vocation or avocation who have graduated in the last 15 years.

Charlie Bruer was awarded the Luther College Jenson Medal. Luther College's Jenson Medal is presented each year to an outstanding senior, selected by the graduating class, who best demonstrates the ideals of the college through service to students and the college community.

A national liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2,500, Luther offers an academic curriculum that leads to the bachelor of arts degree in 60 majors and pre-professional programs.

19 Jun 2013

Branstad names D.T. Magee as interim director of the Iowa Department of Education

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today named Duane "D.T." Magee, 42, as the interim head of the Iowa Department of Education. Magee starts June 24. He replaces outgoing Director Jason Glass.

"We are conducting a nationwide search for our permanent Department of Education director, and I am pleased D.T. Magee is taking on this important role," said Branstad. "We are beginning our systemic, transformational education reform, and D.T. Magee will ensure a smooth transition."

Since July 2012, Magee has served as executive director of the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, which licenses Iowa's teachers, and he will continue in that role. Previously, he was assistant superintendent of human resources and director of human resources for the Waukee Community School District. Before moving to Waukee, Magee was a principal in the Harlan Community School District.

Magee holds an Ed. S. in Educational Leadership from Drake University, an M.S.E. in Education Administration from Buena Vista University and a B.S.E. in Secondary Business Education from Drake University. He is an Ames Senior High School graduate.

"This is a great opportunity to continue the great work of Jason Glass and to ensure continuity within the department as a new leader is chosen," said Magee. "I look forward to serving in this new capacity and moving Iowa's education system forward."

###
18 Jun 2013

Huntington University recognizes local Dean's List recipients

By Ashley Smith

HUNTINGTON, IN (06/17/2013)(readMedia)-- Huntington University has announced the students that were named to the Dean's List for the spring semester of the 2012-13 school year.

The Dean's List is published two times per year at Huntington University. The honor recognizes students for outstanding academic achievement during the previous semester. Honorees must be classified as regular students, be enrolled full-time with a load of 12 hours or more in graded courses, and must achieve a semester grade point average of at least 3.50 on a four-point scale.

The following students from your area were recognized:

  • Hannah McNaught, of Moline, IL, was a junior Theatre Design and Technology major.
  • Valerie Van Ee, of Eldridge, IA, was a senior Animation and Computer Science major.

Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S. News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest, and Forbes.com has listed the university as one of America's Best Colleges. Additionally, Princeton Review has named the institution to its "Best in the Midwest" list. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

18 Jun 2013

Bettendorf Resident Meghan Olt Earns Honors at Connecticut College

By Karen Laskey

NEW LONDON, CONN. (06/17/2013)(readMedia)-- Meghan Olt, a member of the class of 2016 at Connecticut College and a resident of Bettendorf, has been named to the Dean's Honors list for the 2013 spring semester.

At Connecticut College, Dean's Honors is a recognition for students who have earned a grade point average of at least 3.65, and Dean's High Honors is a recognition for students who have earned a grade point average of at least 3.78.

About Connecticut College

Connecticut College is a private, highly selective liberal arts college with 1,850 students and more than 40 majors in the arts, sciences, social sciences and humanities, as well as the option for students to self-design majors. The College offers a high level of intellectual challenge, a campus culture that supports students to tailor their educational experience to their own interests and goals, and a four-year career development program that teaches students how to translate a liberal arts degree into a first job or graduate school admission. Connecticut College is situated in the small New England seaport of New London. For more information, visit www.connecticutcollege.edu.

18 Jun 2013

Elizabeth Dhooge earns graduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis

By Melanie Walsh

ST. LOUIS, MO (06/17/2013)(readMedia)-- Elizabeth Dhooge, daughter of Mary and Alan Dhooge of Bettendorf, Iowa (52722), earned a graduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Dhooge graduated with a master of social work from the George Warren Brown School of Social Work.

Dhooge was among the nearly 800 December graduates recognized during the December Degree Candidate Recognition Ceremony, which was held Dec. 1 in Graham Chapel on the Danforth Campus. The university's 152nd all-school Commencement ceremony was held May 17 in Brookings Quadrangle on campus. Newark Mayor Cory A. Booker, who is credited with helping revitalize New Jersey's largest city with his hands-on and innovative approach, delivered the Commencement address. Booker, a Rhodes Scholar and Yale law graduate, received an honorary doctor of laws.

Dhooge graduated with a bachelor of arts in social work from University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa, in 2011.

Washington University is counted among the world's leaders in teaching and research, and it draws students and faculty to St. Louis from all 50 states and more than 110 nations. The total student body is nearly 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students.

The approximately 3,400 faculty teach in seven schools: Arts & Sciences, Brown School, Olin Business School, Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, School of Engineering & Applied Science, School of Law and School of Medicine. Twenty-three Nobel laureates have been associated with Washington University, with nine doing the major portion of their pioneering research there.

The university offers more than 90 programs and almost 1,500 courses leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in a broad spectrum of traditional and interdisciplinary fields, with additional opportunities for minor concentrations and individualized programs.

17 Jun 2013

Monet Neal Earns Semester Honors at Edgewood College

By Ed Taylor

Coal Valley Student Excels in Classroom

MADISON, WI (06/17/2013)(readMedia)-- Monet Neal of Coal Valley has earned Semester Honors for the Spring 2013 semester at Edgewood College. Full-time students who achieve a 3.5 grade point average for the semester are eligible for this honor.

About Edgewood College

Located in Madison, WI, Edgewood College is a liberal arts Catholic college in the Dominican tradition, with 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. It offers more than 40 academic and professional programs, including master's degrees in business, education, nursing, and other fields, and a doctoral degree in educational leadership. For more information about Edgewood College, please visit www.edgewood.edu.

17 Jun 2013

BANDITS ANNOUNCE TWO SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

By Marco LaNave

Bandit Scholars Program to pay first years of tuition at University of Iowa, Western Illinois University

DAVENPORT, Iowa (JUNE 16, 2013) - The Quad Cities River Bandits awarded the two annual scholarships of the Bandit Scholars Program at the game Sunday at Modern Woodmen Park. During the fourth inning, team owner Dave Heller and Jennifer Lucier announced Holly Hoelting as the winner of the Bandit Scholarship and Elizabeth Baer as the winner of the Keith Lucier Memorial Scholarship.

Hoelting, a Bettendorf native and Pleasant Valley High School graduate entering Western Illinois University, is the first-ever winner of the annual Bandit Scholarship, which was added to the Bandit Scholars Program a year ago. Baer, a Bettendorf native and Bettendorf High School graduate entering the University of Iowa, won the Keith Lucier Memorial Scholarship, given annually since the River Bandits introduced the Bandit Scholars Program in 2009. Each scholarship pays for the entire first year of tuition for the annual recipient.

"Giving out these scholarships is the most enjoyable thing I do as owner of the River Bandits, and I am so proud, on behalf of the organization and the Quad Cities community, to present these scholarships to Holly and Elizabeth," said team owner Dave Heller. "Each of these young women have demonstrated incredible talent, hard work, dedication and a passion for community service, and I am confident they will be outstanding representatives of the Bandit Scholars Program and the Quad Cities in their immensely promising futures."

River Bandits owners Dave Heller and Bob Herrfeldt founded the Bandit Scholars Program in 2009, beginning with the Keith Lucier Memorial Scholarship and expanding with the Bandit Scholarship last year. Awarded annually to a Quad Cities area high school senior, each scholarship includes a summer internship with the River Bandits following the winner's first year of college.

The Keith Lucier Memorial Scholarship pays for the entire first year of tuition at the University of Iowa for the annual recipient and is named in honor of the late Keith Lucier. Lucier was a graduate of Bettendorf High School and the University of Iowa. He was River Bandits Assistant General Manager in 2008 and a former employee of the Quad-City Times. Lucier passed away in 2009, and the scholarship has been awarded annually to one Quad Cities area high school senior since its inception. The Bandit Scholarship pays the entire first year of tuition for one student each year at either Western Illinois University or Black Hawk College.

"I am incredibly excited and grateful to receive the Keith Lucier Memorial Scholarship," Baer said. "This is an exhilirating moment and a reminder of the importance of paying it forward and being caring and giving throughout my future."

Baer hopes to pursue a communications degree with emphasis on public advocacy. In high school, she has been involved in National Student Council of Excellence, National Honor Society, Raising Student Voice and Participation, FBLA, Best Buddies, SAIL Program, Teens for Tomorrow Philanthropy Group, volleyball, and several volunteer activities.

"It is humbling and eye-opening for me to receive the Bandit Scholarship," Hoelting said. "This scholarship award and internship through the Bandit Scholars Program is a great opportunity to continue giving and helping others as I begin my college career."

Hoelting hopes to pursue a degree in physical therapy. She has worked in the Red Apple Child Care Center, Athletic Booster Club Ad Sales, the Pleasant Valley School District and Pleasant Valley Softball Camp, where she teaches the sport to young children. A five-sport athlete in high school, Hoelting will play softball for Western Illinois University.

Both scholarships are funded by fan donations and fund-raising efforts by the River Bandits and the team's ownership. Fundraising events include the annual Frost Fest, Bandits Race to Home 5K and Bandit Scholars Tournament. Fans can send donations for the scholarship fund to Modern Woodmen Park. One hundred percent of every donation goes to fund the scholarships.

UP NEXT: When the Chicago Cubs affiliate, the Kane County Cougars, visits Modern Woodmen Park on Thursday, the River Bandits will host another Mega Cubs Fantacular Giveaway, Ladies' Night and a Thirst-Day Thursday presented by Rock 104-9, the Quad Cities' CW and the River Cities' Reader. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at 563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

Pages

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

    

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.