SIOUX CITY, IA (01/16/2014)(readMedia)-- Samuel Cunningham, son of Dawn Cunningham of Bettendorf, Iowa, and Ray Cunningham of Durant, Iowa, was named to the Dean's List at Morningside College for the 2013 fall semester.

Each semester the Dean's List recognizes students who achieve a 3.67 grade point average or better and complete at least 12 credits of coursework with no grade below a "C-." William C. Deeds, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college, recently released the Dean's List for the fall semester, and each student received a letter of recognition.

Morningside College is a small, private college in Sioux City, Iowa, that offers students the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree in a variety of disciplines, or a master's degree in education. For more information about Morningside College, visit the college's website at www.morningside.edu.

FAYETTE, IA (01/16/2014)(readMedia)-- The Upper Iowa University Athletic Department will recognize 179 student-athletes who earned a spot on the Athletic Director's Honor Roll on Friday, Jan. 24 between the men's and women's basketball games against Concorida University, St. Paul.

"We are thrilled to announce the Athletic Director's Honor Roll for the Fall semester," Brandi Rideout, the Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Services said. "We had a significant increase of student-athletes achieving a 3.2 GPA this past fall which is a testament to their hard work and commitment to academic success. We congratulate them and are very proud of their accomplishments in the classroom."

To earn consideration for the Athletic Director's Honor Roll, a student-athlete must have earned a minimum 3.20 grade-point average during the 2013 Fall semester. In years past, the standard was 3.0 but was raised last year to encourage Upper Iowa student-athletes to achieve at a higher level in the classroom.

Also, 32 student-athletes held a perfect 4.0 GPA during the fall semester (indicated with a * below), while 17 of these student-athletes (marked by a # below) hold a perfect GPA in their respective careers at UIU.

"These awards confirm our belief that academic-achievement and graduation is the number one reason why our student-athletes are here at Upper Iowa University," David Miller, the UIU Director of Athletics said. "This is a testament to the coaches here, and the quality of character in the student-athletes they recruit."

Currently the men's golf team has the highest male team career GPA at 3.30, while the women's golf team has the highest female team career GPA - 3.65.

Earlier this year, 34 student-athletes were named to the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference All-Academic Teams in the fall of 2013. To be eligible for this honor, the student-athlete must be a member of the varsity traveling team and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or better. Also, the student-athlete must have reached sophomore academic and athletic standing at the institution represented with one full year completed at their institution.

Please see the list below to view all of the student-athletes being honored from your area.

Cheyenne Burnett of Rock Falls, IL, a member of the Softball

Paige Davis of Rock Falls, IL, a member of the Women's Cross Country

Haylie Franklin of Muscatine, IA, a member of the Women's Volleyball

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 more than 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 self-paced degree program. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa said today that Connor Gillette, Neil Harte, Seth Horsley and Peter Meyers have received appointments to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point for the 2014-2015 school year.

"Admission to the service academies is highly competitive and a great honor," Grassley said.  "Students work very hard to earn this kind of opportunity.  I wish Connor, Neil, Seth and Peter well and thank them for their commitment to serve our nation."

Gillette is the son of Katie and Graham Gillette of Des Moines.  He will graduate in May from Theodore Roosevelt High School.  Gillette participated in swimming, rugby, water polo, National Honor Society and Best Buddies.

Harte is the son of Lyudmila and Willis Harte of Iowa City.  He will graduate from City High School in Iowa City in May.  Harte participated in cross country, track and field, Model United Nations and National Honor Society.  He served as president of the Chinese Club, as well as staff writer and opinion editor for the student newspaper, Little Hawk. Harte also serves in the Iowa National Guard.

Horsley, of Carroll, is the son of Kristina and Duane Horsley.  He is a graduate of Carroll High School.  Horsley participated in football; swim team; chorus; show choir; the fall musical; Big Brothers and Big Sisters; student senate; National Honor Society; North Highland Weightlifting Club; and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America.

Meyers is the son of Laura and Joel Meyers of Reinbeck.  He will graduate from Gladbrook Reinbeck High School in May.  Meyers participated in football, weight training, basketball, track, soccer, student council, National Honor Society and church youth group.

Gillette, Harte, Horsley and Meyers were among the 55 Iowans Grassley nominated this year for appointments to the U.S. service academies.  Information about seeking nominations can be found on Grassley's website.

For more than 200 years, these academies have educated and trained individuals to lead and command the U.S. armed forces.