14 Jun 2012

UW-STEVENS POINT SPRING HONORS LIST

By Virginia Crandell

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point honored 2,510 undergraduate students for attaining high grade point averages during the spring semester of the 2011-2012 academic year.  Those honored include Rachael M Wauer of Bettendorf.

Full-time undergraduates who earned grade points of 3.90 to 4.0 (4.0 equals straight A) are given the highest honors designation. High honor citations go to those with grade point averages from 3.75 to 3.89 and honor recognition is accorded to those with grade point averages from 3.50 to 3.74.

13 Jun 2012

Braley and Student Leaders Launch Petition Urging Congress to Stop Student Loan Interest Hike

By Molly Scherrman

Stop Student Loan Interest Hike

If Congress doesn't act by July 1st, student loan interest rates will double

WATERLOO, IA -- Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) and over 100 Iowa student leaders today launched an online petition urging Congress to act immediately to prevent a looming increase in student loan interest rates.

If Congress fails to act by July 1st, the interest rates for federally subsidized Stafford student loans will double from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent.  An increase of that magnitude would mean a student taking out the maximum Stafford student loan of $23,000 could pay an additional $4,600 in interest over a 10 year repayment period.

"The clock is ticking, and unless Congress comes together and acts, student loan interest rates are going to double," Braley said.  "Iowa students have the third highest student loan debt burden in the country at graduation.  They can't afford to be put any further behind.

"That's why we're calling on Iowans to sign our petition urging Congress to act now.  This shouldn't be another issue bogged down in partisan gridlock.

"Our colleges and universities are avenues of economic opportunity.  If America is going to compete successfully in the global economy, we need to keep college within reach for everyone who wants to go."

The petition, including the full list of student leaders who are leading the petition with Braley, can be viewed and signed at the following link.  Braley will hand-deliver the signed petition to Congressional leaders after gathering online signers:

http://www.brucebraley.com/StudentLoans

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13 Jun 2012

JET Holds Summer Camp for Area Youth

By Janine A. H. Parr
Last week, a dozen area middle schoolers participated in the first annual JET Summer Camp at Jordan Catholic School. JET (Jordan Engineering Team) is an extra-curricular program led by veteran coaches Victor Cincola and Carlo Milani, in cooperation with FIRST LEGO League (FLL.) FIRST introduces younger students to real-world engineering challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks on a thematic playing surface and then participate in team competitions. FLL teams, guided by their imaginations and adult coaches, discover exciting career possibilities and, through the process, learn to make positive contributions to society. Coach Cincola began the program in 2009 with one team of ten students. This year, the program expanded to two teams and in the fall will grow to three.

During the JET Summer Camp, kids spent the first two days building rockets and using math to calculate altitude, based on engine size and rocket weight. On launch day, each member was able to launch their rocket twice with two different engine sizes. They also built devices to measure what peak altitude the rocket reached and compared that to the value calculated in the classroom. "I was surprised at how engaged and excited the kids were during the 3-day camp. They were very involved and really enjoyed the hands-
on building of their own rocket with the anticipation of the launch on the last day," explained Coach Cincola.

One of the original team members is Mr. Cincola's daughter, Sabrina, who moves on to Alleman High School in the fall. "I'm really going to miss JET." Sabrina says. "I'll miss the competitions the most- us being together as a team. Our team started out as ten people
but by the end of the first season, we were all a family."

For more information about JET and Jordan Catholic School, please call 309-793-7350.
13 Jun 2012

Local high school students awarded Saint Michael's College Book Award

By Buff Lindau

For Leadership in Volunteer Service & Academic Achievement

COLCHESTER, VT (06/12/2012)(readMedia)-- The following local high school students were awarded the 2012 Saint Michael's College Book Award for Academic Achievement with a Social Conscience:

Benjamin Bassier of Davenport, a student at Assumption High School

Kate Fennelly of Davenport, a student at Assumption High School

The award recognizes students who demonstrate a commitment to leadership in volunteer service and academic achievement.

Saint Michael's, located in Burlington, Vermont, one of America's top 10 college towns, was founded on the belief that serving others is part of its Catholic tradition, and through the award seeks to honor those who demonstrate the true spirit of volunteerism.

Award recipients, named at schools throughout the country, are high school juniors who are inductees of the National Honor Society or an equivalent school-sponsored honors organization. They must demonstrate a commitment to service activities in high school or community organizations, taking leadership roles in these activities.

Winners were presented the book First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers (HarperCollins 2000) by Loung Ung, a 1993 Saint Michael's College graduate who has become a widely acclaimed author. In First They Killed My Father, Ung gives a powerful autobiographical account, from a child's perspective, of surviving captivity during the genocidal Pol Pot regime in Cambodia. She reveals an indomitable spirit in the face of profound suffering, including the loss of both her parents and two of her siblings. Ung has written a riveting memoir about a family's survival, and in turn, about the development of Ung's on-going crusade for a landmine free world.

Learn What Matters at Saint Michael's College, The Edmundite Catholic liberal arts college, www.smcvt.edu . Saint Michael's provides education with a social conscience, producing graduates with the intellectual tools to lead successful, purposeful lives that will contribute to peace and justice in our world. Founded in 1904 by the Society of St. Edmund and headed by President John J. Neuhauser, Saint Michael's College is located three miles from Burlington, Vermont, one of America's top college towns. Identified by the Princeton Review as one of the nations Best 376 Colleges, and included in the 2012 Fiske Guide to Colleges, Saint Michael's has 1,900 undergraduate students and 500 graduate students. Saint Michael's students and professors have received Rhodes, Woodrow Wilson, Pickering, Guggenheim, Fulbright, and other grants. The college is one of the nation's top-100, Best Liberal Arts Colleges as listed in the 2012 U.S. News & World Report rankings.

13 Jun 2012

Iowa State University's Spring 2012 Dean's List

By Jackie King

ISU students named to spring semester Dean's List

AMES, Iowa - More than 5,465 Iowa State University undergraduates have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the 2012 spring semester Dean's List. Students named to the Dean's List must have earned a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded course work.
Students listed below who qualified for the Dean's List are from the Quad Cities area.

from Bettendorf

  1. Tyler Steven Ambrozi, Elementary Education;
  2. Alison Marie Aquino, Kinesiology and Health;
  3. Jamie Marie Blaser, Computer Science;
  4. Stephanie Ann Blaser, Dietetics (H SCI);
  5. Kaitlin Janaye Bohn, Kinesiology and Health;
  6. Kimberly Ann Booe, Chemical Engineering;
  7. Matthew Roger Brown, Pre-Business;
  8. Molly Rebecca Bryant, Journalism and Mass Communication;
  9. Brittney Corrine Carpio, Political Science;
  10. Nicholas Lee Cervantes, Computer Engineering;
  11. Tyler Benjamin Cline, Civil Engineering;
  12. Spencer Owen Crane, Finance;
  13. Emily Marcene Doerder, Music;
  14. Gabriel S. Domingues, Agricultural Systems Technology;
  15. Jessica T. Drish, Veterinary Medicine;
  16. Dillan P. Dwyer, Mechanical Engineering;
  17. Zachary J. Edwards, Accounting;
  18. Katherine E. Finnegan, Animal Ecology;
  19. Taylor Marikey Finney, Apparel, Merchandising, and Design;
  20. Christopher Joseph Foss, Mechanical Engineering;
  21. Elizabeth Anne Fry, Kinesiology and Health;
  22. Jenna Corinne Fussell, Biology;
  23. Alain P. Gilles, Industrial Engineering;
  24. Emily Melissa Graham, Elementary Education;
  25. Jiyeon Han, Microbiology;
  26. Natalie S. Heiderscheit, History;
  27. Jacob T. Hemberger, Chemical Engineering;
  28. Kelly Marie Hering, Psychology;
  29. Aaron Michael Hewitt, Integrated Studio Arts;
  30. Leah Elizabeth Hodgin, Elementary Education;
  31. Lindsay Jo Hoffman, Diet and Exercise (H SCI);
  32. Morgan Dale Hoke, Computer Engineering;
  33. Ashley A. Holmes, Psychology;
  34. Carolyn Anne Johnson, Animal Science;
  35. Megan Michelle Johnson, Kinesiology and Health;
  36. John Michael Jones, Management Information Systems;
  37. Rachel E. Kirkpatrick, Child, Adult, and Family Services;
  38. Abigail Marie Kline, Child, Adult, and Family Services;
  39. Kelsey Lynn Kraft, Construction Engineering;
  40. Jason Carl Kruse, Architecture-Professional Degree;
  41. Michael Drew Kurtz, Aerospace Engineering;
  42. Austin Douglas Langfeldt, Mechanical Engineering;
  43. Mikaela Marie Leners, Civil Engineering;
  44. Evan Nathaniel Lowther, Mechanical Engineering;
  45. Thomas Ray McGee, Industrial Engineering;
  46. Christopher P. Meadows, Mechanical Engineering;
  47. Tyler Benjamin Meseke, Mechanical Engineering;
  48. Brock Robert Mills, Psychology;
  49. Emily Jeanne Misak, English;
  50. Mary Kate Misak, Event Management;
  51. Jared Paul Mumford, Psychology;
  52. Nicole Renee Oldfather, Animal Science;
  53. Emily M. Oswald, Psychology;
  54. Emily Paige Rheinhart, Child, Adult, and Family Services;
  55. Carter L. Roberts, Nutritional Science (H SCI);
  56. Carleigh A. Rose, Apparel Merchandising, Design, and Production;
  57. Raena Lynn Sampson, Interior Design;
  58. Joel Nicholas Schult, Art and Design (Bachelor of Arts);
  59. Caleb D. Schulze, Electrical Engineering;
  60. Grant Bradley Sherrard, Animal Science;
  61. Benjamin Timothy Stecker, Kinesiology and Health;
  62. Eric Michael Thennes, Mechanical Engineering;
  63. Kelly Ann Wagner, Dietetics (H SCI);
  64. Curtis Ward, Graphic Design;
  65. Paige Nicole Wear, Apparel, Merchandising, and Design;
  66. Robert W. Wright, Industrial Engineering;


from Davenport

  1. Hannah Marie Adams, Apparel, Merchandising, and Design;
  2. Joshua John Arguello, Architecture-Professional Degree;
  3. Ashley M. Arnold, Anthropology;
  4. Heather Nicole Bennett, Community and Regional Planning;
  5. Bethanie Marie Blake, Pre-Architecture;
  6. Nicholas C. Borcherding, Nutritional Science (H SCI);
  7. Molly E. Bridges, Elementary Education;
  8. Fabian Andres Briesmoore, Computer Engineering;
  9. Rebecca Joy Briesmoore, Civil Engineering;
  10. Matthew Allen Burmeister, Mechanical Engineering;
  11. Margaret Marie Carlin, Community and Regional Planning;
  12. Abigail Nicole Clevenger, Animal Science;
  13. Neal Robert Crooks, Aerospace Engineering;
  14. Matthew T. Darmour-Paul, Architecture-Professional Degree;
  15. Elizabeth Marie Doebel, Mathematics;
  16. Kalynn Dawn Doebel, Biology;
  17. Brett Christopher Ebert, Mechanical Engineering;
  18. Jacob Patrick Fennelly, Accounting;
  19. Trevor Murphy Fennelly, Business Undeclared;
  20. Marinda R. Gacke, Biology (AGLS);
  21. Emma Clare Garner, Apparel, Merchandising, and Design;
  22. Christopher Thomas Harre, Civil Engineering;
  23. Emily Nicole Hill, Elementary Education;
  24. Kelsey Jane Hoeksema, Elementary Education;
  25. Kathleen Marie Hoil, Performing Arts;
  26. Kayla Marie Kaasa, Biology (AGLS);
  27. Malcolm Andrew Kelly, Mechanical Engineering;
  28. Lance David Keltner, Civil Engineering;
  29. Emily Marie Kenneke, Elementary Education;
  30. Luke William Klenske, Graphic Design;
  31. Joseph Edward Kopacz, Mechanical Engineering;
  32. Austin Miles Laugen, Computer Engineering;
  33. Edward Yee Ly, Graphic Design;
  34. Samantha Leigh McPherson, Psychology;
  35. Alexandra Eleni Menard, Anthropology;
  36. Katherine Eleni Menard, Journalism and Mass Communication;
  37. David Edward Moore, Pre-Business;
  38. Michael Webster Mulvihill, Technical Communication;
  39. Matthew Douglas Neubauer, Kinesiology and Health;
  40. Kara Nhu Nguyen, Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management;
  41. Thanh Kim Nguyen, Mechanical Engineering;
  42. Alison Margaret Perkins, Interior Design;
  43. Bailey Christine Randone, Communication Studies;
  44. Brittany Michelle Redmond, Biochemistry;
  45. Kelsey B. Regan, Biological Systems Engineering;
  46. Winston Walter Rowley, Marketing;
  47. Aleah Nicole Salisbury, Finance;
  48. Erin Bates Sickels, Kinesiology and Health;
  49. Brian Vincent Skalak, Pre-Advertising;
  50. Matthew J. Skoglund, Chemical Engineering;
  51. Brian Michael Smith, Journalism and Mass Communication;
  52. Matthew James Stegemann, Electrical Engineering;
  53. Alexander G. Struelens, Interior Design;
  54. Michal-Marie Tillotson, Child, Adult, and Family Services;
  55. Amanda Michelle Trammell, Animal Science;
  56. Mary Therese Van Camp, World Languages and Cultures;
  57. Kayla Christine Vance, Biology (AGLS);
  58. Kelsie Deanne Witt, Apparel, Merchandising, and Design;
  59. Connor S. Young, Biology;


from Moline

  1. Brandon James Coopman, Industrial Design;
  2. Curtis D. Meier, Mechanical Engineering;
  3. Laura Elizabeth Peterson, Supply Chain Management;
  4. Kevin Craig Shedd, Mechanical Engineering;
  5. Caleb Jack Spiegel, Architecture-Professional Degree;


from Riverdale

  1. Amy K. D'Camp, Biological/Pre-Medical Illustration;


from Rock Island

  1. Taylor Marie Downing, Food Science (AGLS);
  2. Sarah Greenlee, Public Service and Administration in Agriculture;
  3. Rachel Lee Storjohann, Elementary Education;

 

13 Jun 2012

Statement from Governor Quinn Congratulating Graduates

By Nafia Khan

CHICAGO - June 12, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today served as the commencement speaker at Isabelle O'Keeffe Elementary School's eighth-grade graduation.

"Congratulations to the outstanding 8th grade students who are graduating from O'Keeffe Elementary today and many other graduates across Illinois.

"We are so proud of these girls and boys, who are proof that diligence and a good attitude leads to success.

"The best economic tool a state can have is a solid education system. That's why I'm committed to reforming and improving education in Illinois so that every student in Illinois has the opportunity to succeed.

"Students are only in eighth grade once and we must work together to make sure they have access to the excellent education they deserve."

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11 Jun 2012

More Local Students Graduate Spring 2012

By newsMedia

VERMILION COMMUNITY COLLEGE SPRING GRADS LIST
Ely, Minn. - Nicholas Goldermann of Bettendorf, an Honors Student with an AAS in Parks and Recreation, graduated on May 8, 2012 from Vermilion Community College in Ely, MN.

Chelsey Creedon Graduates from Concordia University, Nebraska

SEWARD, NEB. (06/07/2012)(readMedia)-- Chelsey Creedon of Eldridge, Iowa earned a bachelor of science from Concordia University, Nebraska at its 105th commencement on May 5. The conferral of 585 undergraduate and graduate degrees, diplomas and certificates marks the largest number awarded in Concordia University, Nebraska's 118-year history. Alumni class members of 1962, celebrating their golden reunion, led the processional in the Walz Human Performance Complex.

"This marks the largest number of degrees awarded in Concordia's 118-year history," said Concordia President Brian Friedrich. "What's better is Concordia's placement record-96 percent of our graduates have gained employment within six months of graduation at a time when 50 percent of the nation's graduates are unemployed or underemployed. We are proud we continue to grow the number of graduates serving and leading in the church and every sector of the workforce."

Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university located in Seward, Neb. that currently serves over 2,200 students. Concordia offers more than 50 professional and liberal arts programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership. For more information, visit www.cune.edu.

Martin graduates from Davenport West

Haylee Martin of Davenport, has graduated from Davenport West High School and now plans to pursue a degree in Exercise Science and Nutrition from Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota.

11 Jun 2012

Rock Island Academy Summer School

By M. McNeil

Summer school is not just reading, writing and arithmetic for some Rock Island students beginning next week

(Rock Island, IL)  Starting Monday, June 11th students at the Rock Island Academy will be learning leadership skills, having lessons in safety, health & nutrition, nature, reading, and more.

According to Carrie Roelf with Rock Island Parks and Recreation, the Summer Recreation Program provides daily enrichment, lunch and recreational activities to children residing in the Rock Island School District.  The program collaborates with more than a dozen area community agencies in bringing together many educational and enrichment activities.  Thanks in part to the federal Lights on For Learning 21st Century Grant, the Doris and Victor Day Foundation, and the Rauch Family Foundation these programs are provided at no cost to the participants.  A  free lunch program will be provided by Church of Peace.

Agencies that are an integral part of this program include : Rock Island/Milan School District, Rauch Family Foundation, Girl Scouts of the Mississippi Valley, Illowa Boy Scouts of America, Christian Friendliness, the University of Illinois Extension Service, Rock Island County Health Department, RI Library, American Red Cross, RICCA, Resource Conservation & Dev. SMART Bus, RI Fire Dept, and RI Police Dept.  They provide daily programs including leadership skills, nutrition, health and dental care classes, smoking and drug prevention, reading, emergency and first aid, environmental responsibility, and more.  The greatest benefits of the program include providing positive role models for the children as well as a safe environment to play and learn during the summer school break.

Roelf says in addition to activities that are fun, reading teachers reading teachers will also be on hand for an incorporated focus on reading.
The Summer Recreation Program is being held Monday-Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm until July 20th.  The media are invited to attend any session and interview children, teachers and community partners.

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11 Jun 2012

Augustana students studied abroad in Greece

By Keri Rursch

ROCK ISLAND, IL (06/08/2012)(readMedia)-- Twenty-one Augustana College students traveled to Greece for two weeks at the end of May and beginning of June, following a spring term course on ancient Greek culture. While in Greece the students visited Athens, Mykonos, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi and Corinth.

The students from your area that went on this trip include :

Kylie Koger, a sophomore from Davenport, Iowa, majoring in classics.

Ryan Kopatich, a senior from Davenport, Iowa, majoring in psychology.

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

At Augustana, students choosing to study abroad can receive financial support from the college thanks to a program launched in 2009 called Augie Choice. Focused on advancing student learning in the liberal arts, Augie Choice grants students in their junior year or beyond the opportunity to receive a one-time grant of $2,000 to offset the expenses of study abroad, an internship or research project. Augie Choice funding, which recently surpassed the $1.4-million milestone, is a visible symbol of the college's commitment to experiential learning as a way of preparing students to stand out among their peers.

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. The college enrolls 2,500 students from diverse geographic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds and offers nearly 90 majors and related areas of study. Augustana employs 182 full-time faculty and has a student-faculty ratio of 12:1. 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.

11 Jun 2012

Braley Op-Ed: Keeping the College Dream Within Reach

By Jeff Giertz

By: Rep. Bruce Braley

I worked hard to put myself through college and law school 30 years ago, spending my summers with the Poweshiek County Roads department repairing roads and bridges, waiting tables, and tending bar.  But I couldn't have made it through school without the help of low-interest federal student loans.

When my daughter headed off to Iowa State a few years ago, it again brought home how much student loan interest rates have increased since my college days.

And college students are facing a big challenge in just a few weeks.  Unless Congress acts by July 1st, interest rates on federally subsidized student loans will double from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent.  This drastic increase would mean a student taking out the maximum Stafford student loan of $23,000 would pay a whopping $11,000 more in interest over the 20 year repayment period of the loan.

In January, I introduced legislation to stop the student loan increase and keep interest rates at 3.4 percent.  But the bill hasn't moved forward because Washington politicians are using the issue to score political points rather than help middle class families.

You'd think that keeping the college dream within reach of more people would be a goal that could attract wide support from both sides of the aisle.  Yet the debate over this important issue has devolved into all-too-typical partisan finger-pointing.

A college degree is the ticket to job opportunities in our increasingly knowledge-based economy.  Yet increasingly, the dream is too expensive.  It's no secret that the cost of college in Iowa has dramatically increased in recent years.  The skyrocketing costs have far outpaced inflation and left graduates with mountains of debt.  Since 2000, tuition at Iowa's public universities has increased by 83 percent.  Iowa college students graduate with the third highest debt in the entire country.

College debt is threatening the economic recovery by putting graduates deeply in debt before they even start their working lives.  College costs are threatening the very accessibility of college to the middle class.

Time is running out.  Congress needs to come together and act by the end of the month.  Keeping college affordable is just too important to job creation and economic growth.

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