SPRING ARBOR, MI (07/21/2011)(readMedia)-- Spring Arbor University is pleased to announce students from the area who are on the Spring 2011 Academic Honors List. The Academic Honors List recognizes full-time students who have received a grade point average of 3.7 or higher for the semester. Part-time students must receive a 3.7 GPA for the semester and carry a cumulative 3.7 GPA.

Spring Arbor University is a private, four-year Christian liberal arts university located eight miles west of Jackson, Mich. With total enrollment around 4,200, the University is affiliated with the Free Methodist Church of North America and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Students from the area are listed below with their full name, hometown, class, major and parents (if supplied by student):

Zachary Sandry, of Bettendorf, a Junior majoring in Youth Ministry. Son of William and Karla Sandry

HARRISONBURG, VA (07/14/2011)(readMedia)-- Maria Yoder, a Liberal Arts degree recipient at Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Va., was recognized as a member of the 2011 graduating class.

Yoder is Yoder is the daughter of Galen & Gloria Yoder of Wellman Ia.

Eastern Mennonite University is a four-year, fully-accredited Christian liberal arts college that prepares students to serve and lead in a global context. Peace, restorative justice, sustainability and inter-cultural understanding are core values. EMU offers an interdisciplinary undergraduate curriculum, graduate programs, a seminary, and houses the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding. See more at: www.emu.edu/about.

On the web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Maria-Yoder-Graduates-from-Eastern-Mennonite-University/2834402.

Law Supports Creation of Innovative Partnership School in Aurora to Advance Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education

AURORA - July 13, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that will advance STEM learning in Illinois by allowing the creation of an innovative school that will offer specialized education opportunities. Senate Bill 621 supports the creation of a math and science partnership school operated by Aurora's four school districts and Aurora University on campus. Joined by local middle school students attending summer science camp, Governor Quinn called for increased STEM learning opportunities in Illinois as a way to prepare students for 21st century jobs. 

"We want our children to be prepared to compete for the jobs of today and tomorrow," said Governor Quinn. "This innovative school will increase learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and give students more opportunities to succeed."

Sponsored by Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) and Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego), Senate Bill 621 authorizes Aurora University (AU) and its four partner school districts ? West Aurora, East Aurora, Indian Prairie and Oswego ? to jointly operate a STEM school on the AU campus. When fully operational, the partnership school will serve more than 400 third through eighth grade students who have demonstrated a proficiency in mathematics and science. The school will also train teachers who return to their home school districts as leaders in mathematics and science education.

"By signing this legislation, Governor Quinn is leading the way to make STEM learning more available for children in Illinois," said Aurora University President Rebecca L. Sherrick.

In addition to nurturing students talented in mathematics and science, the partnership school will provide access to cutting-edge STEM education methods. Best practices and research results will be shared to improve mathematics and science education throughout the community.

"This is an important step to improving student achievement and increasing their interest in school," said state Sen. Holmes, who introduced the bill in the Senate. "We owe it to our students to ensure that they aren't being shortchanged during these tough economic times. It's essential that we give them the tools needed to become future leaders in Illinois."

"This has truly been a collaborative effort with one goal in mind - to provide a partnership school with area school districts at Aurora University placing an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics - something that we need to focus on in our state," said state Rep. Cross.

The university will begin to raise private funding for the partnership school immediately and estimates the cost to be $15 million. This new law passed both the Illinois House and Senate with unanimous support and takes effect Jan. 1, 2012.

The partnership school is the cornerstone of the Mathematics and Science Education Center of Aurora University, which was launched by the university's Institute for Collaboration in 2009 to address the deficiencies in STEM education in the United States. The center's programs also include content-based bachelor's and master's degrees, professional workshops and institutes for teachers, and after-school and summer studies programs for students.

"Because it engages learners of all ages, we believe the STEM partnership school holds great potential as a groundbreaking model for similar communities throughout the state and nation," said Sherry Eagle, Executive Director of the Institute for Collaboration of Aurora University, which is leading the project.

More information about this partnership school is available at www.aurora.edu/institute.

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AMES, Iowa–John Lawrence, director, Iowa State University Extension to Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR), announced the selection of Dr. Chris Mondak as the ANR Extension assistant director. Prior to starting this position on July 6, Mondak served as the ISU Extension dairy specialist in northwest Iowa; a position she held since 2000. She was a veterinarian in Minnesota and Wisconsin before coming to Iowa State.

As ANR Extension assistant director, Mondak will work with Lawrence to coordinate new program development initiatives and develop the Federal Plan of Work and reporting. "Chris brings excellent communication and team building skills to this position, as well as a field perspective," said Lawrence.

"She will be instrumental in coordinating the development of program initiatives and issue teams that include other extension program areas and various campus departments and colleges," he said. "Her first-hand knowledge of Iowans' needs, and ability to listen and hear those needs will be essential as we continue to fulfill the land-grant mission."

Due to current renovation in Curtiss Hall, Mondak will temporarily have an office at 2019 Agronomy Hall. She can be reached at cmondak@iastate.edu; messages may be left at 515-294-7801 until her office phone is connected. ANR Extension administration and the dairy team will evaluate the needs of the dairy industry in northwest Iowa as they make decisions about the dairy specialist position previously held by Mondak.

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July 26                                   
Scott County Extension Council Meeting at the Extension Office
7pm 

August 5                                
Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office

August 23                              
Scott County Extension Council Meeting at the Extension Office
7pm 

September 2                          
Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office 

September 27                        
Scott County Extension Council Meeting at the Extension Office
7pm 

October 5                              
Aquatic, Forest and Roadside Pest Management CIC, $35 if registered by 9/28/11, after that $45
At the Scott County Extension Office, 9am-11:30am

October 7                              
Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office 

October 25                            
Scott County Extension Council Meeting at the Extension Office
7pm 

October 27                            
Mosquito & Public Health Pest Management CIC, $35 if registered by 10/20/11, after that $45
At the Scott County Extension Office, 9am-11:30am 

November 4                           
Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office 

November 9                           
Ornamental & Turf Applicators CIC, $35 if registered by 11/2/11, after that $45
At the Scott County Extension Office, 1:30pm-4pm 

November 16                         
Commercial Ag Weed, Insect, and Plant Disease Management CIC, $35 if registered by 11/9/11, after that
$45, at the Scott County Extension Office, 9am-11:30am 

November 29                         
Fumigation CIC, $35 if registered by 11/22/11, after that $45, at the Scott County Extension Office,
9am-11:30am 

December 2                           
Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office

December 7                           
Pest Control Operators CIC, $35 if registered by 11/30/11, after that $45, at the Scott County Extension
Office, 9am-11:30am

Visit our events calendar at our web site:   http://dbs.extension.iastate.edu/calendar/

ALBANY, NY (07/18/2011)(readMedia)-- Kevin Stanek, a resident of Silvis, IL (Zip Code 61282) has earned a(n) Bachelor of Science from Excelsior College.

Excelsior College (www.excelsior.edu) is an accredited, private, nonprofit institution that focuses on the needs of working adults. Its primary mission is to increase access to a college degree for adult learners by removing obstacles to their educational goals. Excelsior's unique strength is its acknowledged leadership in the assessment of student knowledge. It does so by providing working adults multiple avenues to degree completion that include its own online courses and college-level proficiency examinations, and the acceptance of credit in transfer from other colleges and universities.

Founded in 1971 and located in Albany, N.Y., it is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Its bachelor's degrees in nuclear engineering technology and electronics engineering technology are accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET. Excelsior's degree programs in nursing are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The School of Nursing has been designated a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Excelsior's bachelor's degrees in accounting (NYS CPA Track) and business are recognized by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE). Its Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program is the first exclusively distance learning-based program to be admitted to full membership in to the Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Programs (AGLSP).

On the web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Excelsior-College-Announces-Recent-Graduate-Kevin-Stanek/2842370.

Local Students Named to Dean's List, Honor Roll at University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, Colo. (July 13, 2011) - The local students listed below have been named to the Dean's List of Distinction (Dean's List) or the Dean's Honor Roll (Honor Roll) in recognition of their outstanding scholarship for the 2010-11 academic year at the University of Northern Colorado.
Dean's List (3.75-4.0 grade point average*)

Honor Roll (3.50 to 3.74 grade point average*)

Bettendorf, IA
Honor Roll, Kathleen McNamara;

Rock Island, IL
Dean's List, Margaret Conroy;

ROCK ISLAND, IL (07/12/2011)(readMedia)-- 884 students have been named to the Dean's List at Augustana College for the 2011 spring 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.

From your area, students who have earned this honor include :

Lauren Carver from Bettendorf, Iowa, a senior majoring in biology.

Peter Wessels from Bettendorf, Iowa, a senior majoring in business administration finance and accounting.

Fenner Hengst from Bettendorf, Iowa, a sophomore majoring in graphic design.

Anna Tunnicliff from Bettendorf, Iowa, a junior majoring in history.

Tyler Cowherd from Bettendorf, Iowa, a sophomore majoring in liberal studies.

Moselle Singh from Le Claire, Iowa, a sophomore majoring in anthropology.

Anna Smith from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in biology and psychology.

Regina Jarrell from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in art.

Thomas Harris from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in biology.

James Wiebler from Davenport, Iowa, a sophomore majoring in biology.

Kelsey Lovaas from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in business advising.

Gaetano Iaccarino from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in music and anthropology.

Anthony Ash from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in accounting and business administration finance.

Jasmine Brooks from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in political science.

Audrey Waner from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in art.

Anna Rusch from Davenport, Iowa, a sophomore majoring in business advising.

Grace Drenth from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in psychology.

Anita Cook from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in art.

Zain Dada from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in biology and French.

Cristina Stan from Davenport, Iowa, a sophomore majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Kylie Koger from Davenport, Iowa, a sophomore majoring in liberal studies.

Manisha Kumar from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in pre-medicine and biology.

Jillian Gibbs from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in biology.

James Sales from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in biology.

Josephine Swanson from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in biology.

Clare Kilbride from Rock Island, Ill., a junior majoring in communication science & disorders.

Angela Bahls from Rock Island, Ill., a junior majoring in communication science & disorders and psychology.

Samuel Anderson from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in computer science and math.

Nathaniel McDowell from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in English, classics and philosophy.

Andrew Shaffer from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in honors history.

Abigail Ledford from Rock Island, Ill., a sophomore majoring in liberal studies.

Katherine Rea from Rock Island, Ill., a sophomore majoring in liberal studies.

Angela Ledford from Rock Island, Ill., a sophomore majoring in pre-medicine and biology.

Sheila Ahuja from Rock Island, Ill., a sophomore majoring in pre-teaching English.

Brianna Dyer from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in teaching English.

Elaine Guthrie from Coal Valley, Ill., a senior majoring in biology.

Crystina Mayfield from Coal Valley, Ill., a senior majoring in French and Africana studies.

Erica Aten from Coal Valley, Ill., a senior majoring in psychology.

Kelsey Winter from East Moline, Ill., a sophomore majoring in biology.

Matthew Kustes from East Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in business management information systems.

Emma Burgess from East Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in psychology.

Astrid Tello-Rodriguez from Milan, Ill., a junior majoring in psychology.

Kayla Papish from East Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in teaching math and math.

Laurel Williams from Milan, Ill., a senior majoring in communication science & disorders and English.

Dalinda Widdop from Milan, Ill., a sophomore majoring in liberal studies.

Allison Brown from Milan, Ill., a sophomore majoring in pre-teaching English.

Brian Stone from Milan, Ill., a senior majoring in teaching math and math.

Darshan Hullon from Moline, Ill., a sophomore majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Deanna Zwicker from Orion, Ill., a senior majoring in business administration finance and economics.

Kayla Ferguson from Orion, Ill., a junior majoring in liberal studies.

Alyssa Zwicker from Orion, Ill., a sophomore majoring in psychology.

Ryan Brummet from Port Byron, Ill., a junior majoring in math.

Douglas Peters from Port Byron, Ill., a junior majoring in neuroscience.

Jonathan Wallace from Port Byron, Ill., a senior majoring in political science.

Emma Thompson from Port Byron, Ill., a first year majoring in Spanish.

Alexandra Jones from Sherrard, Ill., a sophomore majoring in biology.

Megan Lecander from Sherrard, Ill., a senior majoring in business administration management.

Janelle VanWatermeulen from Silvis, Ill., a senior majoring in business administration marketing.

Chelsea Vickerman from Silvis, Ill., a junior majoring in business advising.

Randi Johnson from Silvis, Ill., a senior majoring in communication science & disorders.

Jennifer Youngs from Taylor Ridge, Ill., a senior majoring in psychology and political science.

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 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.

Nebraska City, Neb. (July 12, 2011) - Children's Discovery Garden in Iowa City announced today that it earned the national designation of a certified Nature Explore Classroom from the Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation.

The first Nature Explore Classroom is located in the Tree Adventure attraction at Arbor Day Farm, the Arbor Day Foundation's interactive conservation venue in Nebraska City, Neb.

Nature Explore Classrooms are part of the Nature Explore program, a collaborative project of the Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation. Developed in response to the growing disconnect between children and nature, certified Nature Explore Classrooms are designed to help fill the void by educating young children using research-based principles for integrating nature into their daily learning.

These classrooms, which are being developed across the country, offer interactive elements - including musical instruments made of natural materials, climbing structures, wooden blocks, small waterways, garden areas, and natural materials for building and creating art - that give children important and inspiring nature experiences. While connecting children with nature, such unstructured play and activities are shown to enhance concentration, develop creativity and problem-solving, relieve stress, and improve skills in many areas.

Children's Discovery Garden is located at the Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center, 220 South Gilbert Street in Iowa City. Outdoor classrooms that are designed according to principles described in the Dimensions Foundation's Learning With Nature Idea Book are eligible to become certified Nature Explore Classrooms. In a certified Nature Explore Classroom, children can create visual masterpieces in a nature art area, build with natural materials, climb on natural structures, and practice their balance, agility, and creativity in areas designed for music and movement.

"Children's Discovery Garden has taken an important leadership role in a profoundly needed initiative to connect young children with nature, setting a wonderful example for education centers across the country," said Susie Wirth, Nature Explore outreach director for the Arbor Day Foundation. "Everyone at the Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation appreciates the commitment Children's Discovery Garden has made to the Nature Explore program and to providing nature education opportunities for young children."

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MOUNT VERNON, IA (07/12/2011)(readMedia)-- Cornell College confered degrees on approximately 250 students at its 2011 Commencement ceremony on May 28.

Daniel Krauss of Amana graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology-Exercise Science Concentration and History .

Laurel Wilhelm of Blairstown graduated with a Bachelor of Special Studies in Kinesiology-Exercise Science Concentration .

Chad Owen of Bettendorf graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology-Exercise Science Concentration .

Brock Nelson of Blue Grass graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology .

Featured in Colleges That Change Lives, Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, is a national liberal arts college with a distinctive One Course At A Time (OCAAT), or block, academic calendar. The OCAAT provides students with intellectual immersion, academic focus, and unique freedom to shed the confines of the traditional classroom to study off-campus, pursue research, or accept an internship-all without missing out on other classes. Cornell's excellent faculty, majors and pre-professional programs, and engaging residential life all combine to offer numerous extraordinary opportunities in the classroom, on campus, and around the world. Founded in 1853, the college's entire hilltop campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For details, go to www.cornellcollege.edu.

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