Anna Carolyn Windeknecht of Blue Grass, Iowa, has graduated cum laude in December from William Woods University with a bachelor of science degree. Windeknecht is the daughter of Todd Windeknecht and Mary Windeknecht of Bluegrass, Iowa.

William Woods University celebrated the largest December commencement in its history, and graduates heard an inspiring speech from Charles E. Kruse, president of the Missouri Farm Bureau. A total of 491 December graduates were conferred degrees. Another 158 graduates whose degrees were conferred in August were eligible to participate in the winter ceremony.

Kruse told the graduates that to become successful they should live and work "the Woods Way."

"When I first heard about the Woods Way, I was intrigued. I have observed that it is not just a slogan. I have learned that it does mean a lot. It says a lot about the culture of this university, the caring of the faculty and the closeness of the student body," Kruse said.

During her remarks later in the evening, WWU President Dr. Jahnae H. Barnett also spoke of "the Woods Way."

"At William Woods, the Woods Way is the way in which we live, learn and play. It is our small town campus, with big school opportunities. It is our knowledgeable faculty who impart their wisdom and experiences.

As cabin fever begins to reach its height, area residents have a unique tool in their arsenal to ward off those mid-winter blahs.

For a mere $25, people can break out of their homes and spend Sunday afternoons in February learning about Celtic Spirituality, A History of Angels, The Modern Civil Rights Movement, Increasing Your Intuition, Conversational Italian, Spanish and French, Tai Chi, Georgia O'Keefe, Egyptology, Psychology of Film or one of  31 other topics at this year's CommUniversity.

CommUniversity is a non-profit project, presented by a volunteer committee of representatives from various local educational and community groups. The public event has been held every February for 31 years with more than 600 people attending last year. Classes last four weeks, held from 2 - 4 p.m. every Sunday in February.

Classes are held at St. Ambrose University and will be kicked off February 6 with a keynote presentation at 1 p.m. in the university's Galvin Fine Arts Center.

This year's keynote speaker is Stephen Bloom, professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Iowa and author of Postville: A Clash of Cultures in Heartland America and The Oxford Project which won the prestigious 2009 Alex Award from the American Library Association.

Bloom's presentation will be on storytelling and why it is still important to us today, even though the platforms used to bring news to people may be changing.

Following the keynote, students will move to their chosen classes.

Classes are informal, taught by experts in their field and, best of all, there are no tests. Other classes this year include : Exploring the Book of Genesis, Irish Poetry, Beginning Photography, Yoga, Tennessee Williams and Songwriting.

Participants can sign up as an individual and use the opportunity to meet others who share an interest or, in many cases, groups of friends or entire families enroll together. Either way, anyone wanting to fight off the winter chill has 42 different classes from which to choose.

People are invited to attend Bloom's keynote address free of charge. Class registration is accepted at the door on February 6, however everyone is encouraged to register in advance. This helps to insure that there is room in the class for them, as well as makes sure the class isn't cancelled due to low enrollment.

A full listing of all the available classes and registration information is available online at www.communiversity.org

CommUniversity is made possible in part through grants from Humanities Iowa, (state-based affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities) and the Scott County Regional Authority.

The following local students were named to the Dean's List at Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minnesota:

Kelsey Francis, Bettendorf, and Samantha Good, Rock Island.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has recognized students named to the Dean's List for the fall semester of the 2010-2011 academic year:

Maria Elena Ontiveros, School of Human Ecology, Bettendorf; Mehmet Gultekin Badur, College of Engineering, Moline; and Andrew James Hoogerwerf, College of Engineering, Rock Island.

Recognition for outstanding academic achievement has been given to the following students at Grand View University, Des Moines, for the 2010 fall semester:

Katelyn Christine Carlson of Rock Island with a 3.66667 GPA.

The Dean's List honor is awarded to the following Central College 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:

Jessica Emard, junior, German studies/English, Bettendorf; Emily Huegel, sophomore, Bettendorf; Kelly Spavin, sophomore, English, Bettendorf; Katelyn Baker, junior, accounting, Davenport; Melissa Blanchard, junior, Spanish, Davenport; Patricia Braun, sophomore, Davenport; Melanie Louis, junior, biology, Davenport; Maaike Mielenhausen, sophomore, Davenport; Anthony Miller, senior, exercise science, Davenport; Allison Redman, sophomore, Davenport; and Caleb Rangel, senior, exercise science, Rock Island.

CHICAGO - January 1, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn is calling on graduating high school seniors to apply for an opportunity to attend the National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) in West Virginia this summer.
Students from across Illinois are encouraged to apply for a full scholarship to the month-long NYSC program. Two students will be selected as official Illinois delegates, allowing them to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, regardless of financial status.
"I want to encourage young people to learn the value of education - and particularly the sciences - not just during their time in school, but all throughout their lives," said Governor Quinn. "A good education is the foundation for a good job, and good jobs are the foundation of a productive, healthy and vibrant society."
The NYSC program gathers outstanding science students from all 50 states to participate in a month-long academic retreat. Lectures and hands-on research projects are presented by scientists from a wide variety of scientific fields. Delegates are challenged to explore new areas in the biological and physical sciences, art, and music with resident staff members.  Delegates also present seminars covering their own areas of research and interest.
The National Youth Science Camp was first held in 1963, established in the Monongahela National Forest in the mountains of West Virginia. With support from the National Youth Science Foundation, the State of West Virginia and corporate sponsors, each Governor can select two graduating high school students for an all-expenses paid scholarship to attend the NYSC.
In Illinois, representatives from the Governor's Office and the Illinois State Board of Education will review applications from high school students who: are eligible to graduate before June 30, 2011; have shown exceptional achievement in the math or science fields; have shown leadership in school and community activities; have demonstrated skills outside of the sciences and academic pursuits and those who have demonstrated a curiosity and eagerness to explore many and varied topics.
Students who would like to be considered for this opportunity should complete the application and return it to: Illinois State Board of Education, Attn: Gil Downey, NYSC Selection Coordinator, 100 North First Street, C-215, Springfield, Illinois 62777-0001 or via email at gov.youthsciencecamp@illinois.. More information about the camp and electronic copies of the application can be found at http://www.nysc.org. For a paper copy of the application, or questions, please call 217-557-7323.
Applications are due January 28, 2011. The camp will run Thursday, June 30 through Sunday, July 24, 2011.
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In the groundbreaking documentary "Race to Nowhere," concerned mother turned filmmaker Vicki Abeles embarks on an inquiry into the insanely hectic lives of America's overstressed, overscheduled, overcompetitive students.  Students rushing from class to sports practice and from volunteer work to homework, increasingly relying on stimulants and sleep deprivation, are facing consequences ranging from depression to eating disorders to suicide.  The film points to the silent epidemic in our schools: cheating becoming commonplace, students becoming disengaged, and young people arriving at college and the workplace unprepared and uninspired.  "Race to Nowhere" is changing the dialogue on education, with nationwide coverage including the Today Show and Oprah.

How do we foster healthy development while maintaining rigorous, high-quality curriculum?  Experts agree that increasing student voice in the classroom increases engagement and encourages real learning instead of memorization.  Research shows that students who believe teachers listen to them and want to get to know them are more engaged in learning, less likely to cheat, and show fewer signs of stress.  In addition, experts recommend giving students quality time off and productive ways to cope with stress.

At Rivermont Collegiate, small classes and a continued relationship with a faculty advisor encourage in-depth student-teacher interaction and provide focused attention and support.  Students are encouraged to customize their education and design their own "Rivermont experience."  Rivermont features a nurturing, balanced environment where character counts as much as grades do.  Final exams followed by holiday, winter, and spring breaks offer quality time off and designated "no homework" nights allow students to enjoy extracurriculars without the added stress of homework.  Students are encouraged to participate in numerous stress-relieving activities, from video game parties at the end of finals week to yoga and knitting during "mini period."

What are you waiting for?  Explore the Rivermont approach to learning!  Join us for Open Tours the first Tuesday of every month.  The next Open Tour will be held Tuesday, January 4th from 8:30-10:00 a.m.  No appointment necessary!  Drop in to explore our philosophy and curriculum, take a tour of campus, and see our teachers in action.  Rivermont Collegiate is the Quad Cities' only PS-12th private, independent, nonsectarian college prep school, located at 1821 Sunset Drive, directly off 18th Street behind K&K Hardware in Bettendorf.

In a grassroots sensation, theaters and schools nationwide are hosting community screenings of "Race to Nowhere."  The film will play in Des Moines, IA at Fleur Cinema & Café on January 25th at 7:30 p.m., as well as several locations in Illinois throughout January and February.

For additional information, including screening locations, visit http://www.racetonowhere.com

For additional information on Rivermont Collegiate or Tuesday's Open Tours, contact Cindy Murray at (563) 359-1366 ext. 302 or murray@rvmt.org

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Crafts, stories, snacks, and new friends - it's all happening at Rivermont Collegiate on Thursday mornings!  Children ages 2-4 (and an accompanying adult) are invited to join us for our free Young Scholars program, held the first Thursday of every month, beginning January 6th.  Youngsters join the current Rivermont preschool class for story time and crafts, while parents and families are invited to learn more about Rivermont, the Quad Cities' only private, independent, nonsectarian college prep school for preschool through twelfth grade.

Join us to explore the Rivermont approach to learning, see our faculty in action, and enjoy oodles of fun with the preschool class!  Cindy Murray, Director of Admissions, will be on hand to provide campus tours and answer questions.  At Rivermont, we believe a child is never too young to begin learning and provide students with a demanding and comprehensive education, driven by passionate faculty and small class sizes

The next Young Scholars event will be Thursday, January 6th from 9:00-10:00 a.m. on the Rivermont campus, located at 1821 Sunset Drive, directly off 18th Street behind K&K Hardware in Bettendorf.  Young Scholars is free and open to the community.  Bring a friend!  We can't wait to meet you!

For additional information about Rivermont Collegiate or the Young Scholars program, contact Cindy Murray at (563) 359-1366 ext. 302 or murray@rvmt.org.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today nominated 46 Iowa students for appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, Merchant Marine Academy and Military Academy, West Point for the 2011 classes.  

"I would like to congratulate these students for their many outstanding achievements," Harkin said. "An academy nomination is a great honor because of the intense competition for these nominations across the state of Iowa."

In a typical year, Harkin receives more than 150 applications from young Iowans interested in pursuing a career as a military officer.   Students apply for admission to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; or the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.

Academy nomination finalists are interviewed by Senator Harkin's Academy Selection Board, during which time their motivation, poise and self-expression are measured.  Harkin may nominate up to ten applicants to compete for each available vacancy.  From the Senator's nominees, the academy then selects the final candidate who will be offered an appointment.  
"In order for an individual to be nominated, he or she must demonstrate superior leadership, academic and athletic abilities," Harkin said. "Nominees also must exhibit the necessary motivation for serving in the demanding role of a career military officer and be of outstanding moral character."  

After March 1, 2011, men and women between the ages of 17 and 22 who are interested in pursuing a nomination to one of the academies for the class entering in 2011, should go to http://harkin.senate.gov and complete Senator Harkin's online Service Academy application, or they may contact Senator Harkin's Cedar Rapids Office at (319)365-4504.  

A list of this year's Quad Cities area nominees is below.

Bettendorf
Andrew Peterman has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Andrew is the son of Carolyn and George Peterman and is a senior at Bettendorf High School.

Blue Grass
Samual Godwin has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Samual is the son of Mary and Steve Godwin  and is a senior at Davenport West High School.

Davenport
Samuel Larson has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Samuel is the son of Cynthia and David Larson and is a senior at Bettendorf High School.

Maquoketa
Isaac Kinrade has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Isaac is the son of Julia and Steven Kinrade and is a senior at Maquoketa High School.

Muscatine
Tyler Husar has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Tyler is the son of Cindy and Mark Husar and is a senior at Muscatine High School.

Lifelong learning continues for teachers receiving national certification

DES MOINES, IA (12/20/2010)(readMedia)-- Sixteen Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) members have received the 2010 National Board Certification, the highest recognition a teacher can receive in the profession. The total number of Iowans who have received the NBCT ranking stands at 664.

Nationwide, approximately 91,000 teachers have been NBCT certified and Iowa's total shows a 2.9 percent increase over last year.

National Board Certification (NBC) allows teachers to be recognized for their highly accomplished teaching practices and is earned through demonstrating teaching expertise using a voluntary process established by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The process typically takes one to three years to complete. While state licensing systems set basic requirements to teach in each state, NBCTs have successfully demonstrated advanced teaching knowledge, skills, and practices.

"I know that National Board Certification is a tough program which is why we're especially proud of our members who put forth the effort to improve their skills and professional abilities," said ISEA Vice-President, and Nationally Board Certified educator, Tammy Wawro. "Congratulations to the 16 ISEA members for going the extra mile. Iowa's kids benefit the most from this certification process. These teachers are lifelong learners who continue to improve their skills and set a wonderful example for their students."

Iowa teachers who seek National Board Certification can take advantage of ISEA's candidate support program, including courses especially designed to help NBC candidates succeed.

"Education is a fast-paced and growing profession. It takes a lot of dedication and hard work, and we have the best of the best here in Iowa," Wawro added.

Following is a list of the ISEA members who received National Board Certification in 2010:

Cedar Rapids: Ann Timm, Harding Middle School; Traci Maxted, Thomas Jefforson High School; and John Pauly, Harding Middle School

Delmar: Cassie Dunlavey, Central Middle School

Boone: Deborah Fritcher, Ames Middle School

Davenport: Heather Cousins, North High School

Garwin: Jeffrey Teske, GMG Secondary School

Shell Rock: Jennifer Miller, North Butler Middle School

Osage: Kari Brown, Osage Middle School

St. Ansgar: Meg Schutjer, Osage Middle School

Estherville: Lynn Trompeter, Estherville Lincoln Central Middle School

Solon: Mary Holubar, Praire Heights Elementary School

Mt. Vernon: Richard Scearce, Mount Vernon High School

Monticello: Robyn Ponder, Carpenter Elementary School

Vinton: Sharla Wrage, Tilford Elementary

Bettendorf: Susan Jones-Miller, Bettendorf High School

-- 30 -

ROCK ISLAND, IL (12/15/2010)(readMedia)-- 903 students have been named to the Dean's List at Augustana College for the 2010-11 fall 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.

Martha Ade from Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Ade is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in music and English.

Sheila Ahuja from Rock Island, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Ahuja is a first year at Augustana and is majoring in liberal studies.

Katie Alms from Rock Island, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Alms is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in English and music.

Amber Anderson from Port Byron, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Anderson is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in accounting and math.

Samuel Anderson from Rock Island, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Anderson is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in math and computer science.

Anthony Ash from Davenport, IA was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Ash is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in accounting and business advising.

Erica Aten from Coal Valley, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Aten is a junior at Augustana and is majoring in psychology.

Angela Bahls from Rock Island, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Bahls is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in communication science & disorders and psychology.

Hannah Boyce from Rock Island, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Boyce is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in psychology and history.

Austin Boyle from Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Boyle is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in business advising.

Jasmine Brooks from Davenport, IA was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Brooks is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in political science.

Allison Brown from Milan, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Brown is a first year at Augustana and is majoring in liberal studies.

Courtney Brown from Port Byron, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Brown is a junior at Augustana and is majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Ryan Brummet from Port Byron, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Brummet is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in math.

Anthony Chesser from Rock Island, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Chesser is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in biology.

Tyler Cowherd from Bettendorf, IA was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Cowherd is a first year at Augustana and is majoring in liberal studies.

Adelle DeVolder from Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. DeVolder is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in business finance.

Grace Drenth from Davenport, IA was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Drenth is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in psychology.

Brianna Dyer from Rock Island, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Dyer is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in teaching English.

Owen Engstrom from Davenport, IA was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Engstrom is a junior at Augustana and is majoring in political science and multimedia journalism mass communication.

Trevor Fennelly from Davenport, IA was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Fennelly is a first year at Augustana and is majoring in liberal studies.

Kayla Ferguson from Orion, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Ferguson is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in liberal studies.

Alyssa Harmon from Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Harmon is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in political science.

Thomas Harris from Davenport, IA was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Harris is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in biochemistry.

Taelar Hillyer from Bettendorf, IA was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Hillyer is a first year at Augustana and is majoring in liberal studies.

Darshan Hullon from Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Hullon is a first year at Augustana and is majoring in liberal studies.

Mohammed Hussain from Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Hussain is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in biology, pre-medicine and religion.

Gaetano Iaccarino from Davenport, IA was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Iaccarino is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in music and anthropology.

Michael Kautz from East Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Kautz is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in accounting.

Clare Kilbride from Rock Island, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Kilbride is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in communication science & disorders.

Lauren Kirik from Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Kirik is a first year at Augustana and is majoring in liberal studies.

Kylie Koger from Davenport, IA was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Koger is a first year at Augustana and is majoring in liberal studies.

Manisha Kumar from Davenport, IA was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Kumar is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in pre-medicine and biology.

Matthew Kustes from East Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Kustes is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in business administration management information systems.

Mary Lambrecht from Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Lambrecht is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in sociology and psychology.

Anna Letendre from Rock Island, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Letendre is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in business advising.

Madison Logan from Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Logan is a first year at Augustana and is majoring in liberal studies.

Kelsey Lovaas from Davenport, IA was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Lovaas is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in liberal studies.

Eryn Maccabee from East Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Maccabee is a first year at Augustana and is majoring in liberal studies.

Amy Malmstead from Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Malmstead is a junior at Augustana and is majoring in business marketing.

Crystina Mayfield from Coal Valley, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Mayfield is a junior at Augustana and is majoring in French.

Courtney Mitten from Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Mitten is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in psychology.

Rayna Narvaez from Bettendorf, IA was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Narvaez is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in psychology and Spanish.

Jenna Nelson from Orion, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Nelson is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in liberal studies.

Leart Neziroski from East Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Neziroski is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in pre-medicine and biology.

Justine Nuguid from Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Nuguid is a junior at Augustana and is majoring in pre-medicine and biology.

Jacob O'Rourke from Davenport, IA was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. O'Rourke is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in pre-medicine, business advising and accounting.

Kayla Papish from East Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Papish is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in teaching math and math.

Aubree Payne from Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Payne is a junior at Augustana and is majoring in psychology.

Douglas Peters from Port Byron, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Peters is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in neuroscience.

Owen Pomije from Rock Island, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Pomije is a first year at Augustana and is majoring in liberal studies.

Sarah Potter from Rock Island, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Potter is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in psychology.

Anna Press from Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Press is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Katherine Rea from Rock Island, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Rea is a first year at Augustana and is majoring in liberal studies.

Michael Reeves from Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Reeves is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in accounting.

Lauren Reid from Sherrard, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Reid is a junior at Augustana and is majoring in business marketing.

Alan Sabat from Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Sabat is a first year at Augustana and is majoring in liberal studies.

James Sales from Rock Island, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Sales is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in biology.

Michael Seevers from Cordova, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Seevers is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in geography.

Britta Shold from Rock Island, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Shold is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in communication science & disorders.

Kalin Showers from Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Showers is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in political science.

Meghan Showers from Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Showers is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in Asian studies and political science.

Moselle Singh from Le Claire, IA was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Singh is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in anthropology.

Anna Smith from Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Smith is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in biology and psychology.

Jonathan Smith from Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Smith is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in liberal studies.

Amber Soike from East Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Soike is a junior at Augustana and is majoring in elementary education.

Cristina Stan from Davenport, IA was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Stan is a first year at Augustana and is majoring in liberal studies.

James Stratton from Sherrard, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Stratton is a first year at Augustana and is majoring in liberal studies.

Mark Stumphy from Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Stumphy is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in biology.

Audrey Taylor from Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Taylor is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in teaching biology and biology.

Astrid Tello-Rodriguez from Milan, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Tello-Rodriguez is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in biology and psychology.

Theodore Teros from Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Teros is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in philosophy.

Emma Thompson from Port Byron, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Thompson is a first year at Augustana and is majoring in liberal studies.

Anna Tunnicliff from Bettendorf, IA was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Tunnicliff is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in history.

Anne VanSpeybroeck from Rock Island, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. VanSpeybroeck is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in liberal studies.

Janelle VanWatermeulen from Silvis, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. VanWatermeulen is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in business marketing.

Courtney Vandewiele from Rock Island, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Vandewiele is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in political science and accounting.

Chelsea Vickerman from Silvis, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Vickerman is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in business advising.

Emily Voigt from Bettendorf, IA was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Voigt is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in business marketing.

Katherine Voigt from Bettendorf, IA was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Voigt is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in biology.

Audrey Waner from Davenport, IA was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Waner is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in art.

Peter Wessels from Bettendorf, IA was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Wessels is a junior at Augustana and is majoring in business advising and accounting.

James Wiebler from Davenport, IA was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Wiebler is a first year at Augustana and is majoring in liberal studies.

Peter Wiese from Davenport, IA was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Wiese is a sophomore at Augustana and is majoring in neuroscience and math.

Ian Williams from Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Williams is a junior at Augustana and is majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Laurel Williams from Milan, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Williams is a junior at Augustana and is majoring in communication science & disorders and English.

Kelsey Winter from East Moline, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Winter is a first year at Augustana and is majoring in liberal studies.

Jennifer Youngs from Taylor Ridge, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Youngs is a junior at Augustana and is majoring in psychology and political science.

Alyssa Zwicker from Orion, IL was among the students named to the fall term Dean's List. Zwicker is a first year at Augustana and is majoring in liberal studies.

About Augustana: Founded in 1860 and situated on a 115-acre campus near the Mississippi River, Augustana College is a private, liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The college enrolls 2,500 students from diverse geographic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds and offers more than 70 majors and related areas of study. Augustana employs 287 faculty members and has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1. Augustana continues to do what it has always done: challenge and prepare students for lives of leadership and service in our complex, ever-changing world.

DES MOINES, IA (12/09/2010)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald wants shoppers to give themselves a present this holiday season while giving their children or grandchildren one of the best gifts of all - an education. He's talking about College Savings Iowa, a convenient and tax-advantaged way to help children save for college. "Opening a College Savings Iowa account has two-fold benefits," said Fitzgerald. "Not only are you helping a child prepare for his/her future education, you can take advantage of the tax benefits as well. It's the perfect gift!"

Iowa taxpayers contributing to College Savings Iowa can deduct up to $2,811 per account from their state taxable income in 2010.* To take advantage of this great tax-savings opportunity, investors can contribute online at www.collegesavingsiowa.com. All other contributions must be submitted by December 31, 2010. If the contribution is being mailed, checks must be postmarked by December 31, 2010.

College Savings Iowa lets anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - invest for college on behalf of a child. Investors do not need to be a state resident and can withdraw their investment tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and room and board at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad.** For more information about College Savings Iowa, call 888-672-9116 or visit collegesavingsiowa.com.

* Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.

** Earnings on non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

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