New Law Will Limit Use of Expensive Search Firms and Require Universities to Further Improve Hiring Practices

CHICAGO - July 14, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law to increase fiscal responsibility at state universities in Illinois by limiting their use of search firms. This law will help ensure that universities capitalize on existing resources instead of automatically hiring search firms, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. This is the latest action taken by Governor Quinn to protect taxpayer money and ensure efficiency at our public universities.

"We want the best and brightest from across America to oversee our universities but recruiting should not come at the expense of the education of our students," Governor Quinn said.  "Universities have a responsibility to maintain fiscal responsibility while making sure that students receive affordable, world-class educations."

Sponsored by Rep. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) and Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon), House Bill 5914 will allow state universities to hire external search firms only when hiring university presidents or when the current president and board of trustees prove there is a need for hiring guidance. The new law, which will further improve hiring practices, was designed to ensure that universities do no hire expensive search firms rather than using university leadership to conduct a search using existing resources.

"In this economic climate we can ill afford such extravagances, particularly when most universities in Illinois get by just fine without using them," said Rep. Rose. "I appreciate the Governor's interest in this issue and his signing of the bill today."

The law also requires state universities, including the University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University, Chicago State University, Eastern Illinois University, Governors State University, Illinois State University, Northeastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University and Western Illinois University, to implement policies for conducting hiring searches.

The new law goes into effect Jan. 1, and universities will have six months from Jan. 1 to implement search policies.

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St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church Preschool now accepting enrollment for Fall preschool classes.

Sessions:  Preschool hours are 9am until 1:30pm.

Level II:  Age 3 by September 15, 2012.  Tuesday - Thursday OR Monday-Wednesday-Friday OR Monday through Friday.

Pre-Kindergarden:  Age 4 by September 15, 2012.  Monday-Wednesday-Friday OR Monday through Friday.

Children are gouped in "classes" which are subject to availability.  They must be potty-trained and ready for group experience. Please enroll early.

Tuition:  See below plus a one-time $35 registration fee.

2-day classes: $110 per month.          3-day classes: $160 per month.          5-day classes: $260 per month

Note:  Kid's Crossing Day Care available Monday through Friday 7am until 5:30pm ages 3 through 5.

DECORAH, IA (07/13/2012)(readMedia)-- The Launching Luther Leaders program announced the recipients of Luther College's Student Leadership Awards to individuals and groups for their contribution to the college's mission of service.

Award recipients for 2012 were honored at the second annual L3 Student Leadership and Service banquet held May 6. During the banquet, certificates were also presented to students who completed the Leadership Certificate program.

Award recipients include : the Friends Organization, Outstanding Student Organization; Beta Theta Omega's "It Only Takes One" event, Outstanding Event or Activity; Student Athlete Advisory Committee's second grade mini clinic, Outstanding Service Project; and Jonathan Grieder, Outstanding Student Leader.

The Friends Organization, created and led by 2012 Luther graduate Andy Peck, is a student led organization that focuses on establishing long lasting relationships between Luther students and local children with special needs. Friends Organization participants include children ages 5-19 afflicted by mild, moderate and profound developmental disabilities.

The organization facilitates monthly large group events and encourages pairs to participate in independent activities. By partnering with Luther faculty and other community leaders, the Friends Organization provides children with unique opportunities they might otherwise never experience.

Beta Theta Omega's "It Only Takes One" event, organized by student leader Briejeswari Chauhan and organization advisor Wintlett Taylor-Brown, was a series of all-day workshops and activities for Upward Bound students. Junette Maxis, guest speaker and BT? alumna, spoke to UB students about individuals - old and young, daring to take the risk to stand up for a cause and made a difference.

Student Athlete Advisory Committee's 16th annual All-Sports Second Grade Mini Clinic, organized by Shari Huber and Mackenzie Pierson along with 60 student athletes, brought in approximately 120 second graders from the Decorah community to experience a variety of Luther sports. The clinic promotes sportsmanship and wellness and allows the students to interact with positive role models.

Jonathan Grieder, a 2012 Luther graduate from Council Bluffs, Iowa, demonstrated strong leadership skills through his many roles on campus. He was president of Student Senate and Believing and Achieving, a mentoring program for elementary school children in the Decorah community. He served as a student representative to many events and activities throughout the year, most notably to the Luther Board of Regents and to the King and Queen of Norway.

Award winners were selected by members of the L3 selection committee, including Luther student Alexander Tomesch, 2012 Luther graduate, Mandy Wubben, residence life representative, Brad Chamberlain, associate professor of chemistry, Wintlett Taylor-Browne, director of student services in the Diversity Center, Mary Weis, administrative assistant for student activities, Ann Highum, former dean of student life, and Jane Hildebrand, assistant dean for student life.

Nameplates have been added to the plaques in Williams Lounge, Dahl Centennial Union on the Luther campus to honor the award recipients.

The Launching Luther Leaders program is designed to provide a wide variety of opportunities for students to learn about leadership theories and practices, to apply and develop their leadership skills, and to reflect on the significance of leadership and service experiences across campus. The L3 program supports students as they use their talents to unite career with vocational calling.

Students who work toward a Leadership Certificate complete and document learning in four areas: organizational leadership, service to others, leadership skill building and education, and personal development.

NORTHFIELD, MN (07/12/2012)(readMedia)-- Marci Sortor, Dean and Provost of St. Olaf College, has named Amelia Schoeneman from Rock Island, IL to the St. Olaf College Dean's list for the Spring 2012 semester. She is a Political Science and Environmental Studies major. Schoeneman is the daughter of Megan Quinn.

The Dean's list recognizes students with a semester grade point average of 3.75 or higher on a 4-point scale. Dean Sortor stated, "These students have distinguished themselves among a talented and highly qualified student body. We celebrate their success in gaining recognition for academic excellence."

St. Olaf College

As one of the nation's leading liberal arts colleges, St. Olaf College offers an academically rigorous education with a vibrant faith tradition as a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. St. Olaf prepares students to become responsible citizens of the world by fostering the development of mind, body, and spirit. Widely known for its programs in mathematics, the natural sciences, and music, St. Olaf also provides dynamic opportunities for interdisciplinary study. Committed to global education, more than three-quarters of St. Olaf students participate in off-campus study programs. Over the years, St. Olaf College has been a national leader among liberal arts colleges in producing Rhodes Scholars, Fulbright Fellows, and Peace Corps volunteers.