Annual event adds undergraduate opportunities

Rock Island, IL - The Quad Cities Graduate Study Center (GradCenter) is pleased to announce the 2009 GradCenter Night, to be held on Tuesday, April 14 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at the i wireless Center. The i wireless Center is located at 1201 River Drive in Moline.

GradCenter Night is an annual event that allows adults with varied work backgrounds to meet with representatives from member institutions to explore ways to acquire new skills, build on existing skills and learn about ways to make a career change. The event is geared toward working adults who are interested in learning about courses, certificates and programs that can build on their existing education and job experience to create new opportunities for career advancement.

"Having a number of institutions in one place makes it possible for Quad Cities residents to jumpstart the development process," notes Marti Clyde, GradCenter Director. "Our students typically have very full lives, and streamlining discovery can help them chart a clear path very quickly."

According to Clyde, this year's event features a first. "We're very pleased to announce that two additional colleges will be represented for the first time," she says. "Black Hawk College and Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences have agreed to participate. This allows us to present information for an expanded selection of undergraduate opportunities at a time when we see additional need."

The complete list of participating institutions includes: Drake University, Northern Illinois University, Saint Xavier University, St. Ambrose University, the University of Illinois, the University of Iowa, the University of Northern Iowa, Western Illinois University, Black Hawk College and Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

GradCenter Night is open to all adults on a walk-in basis. Questions should be directed to GradCenter Director Marti Clyde at (309) 794-7376 or by email at MC@gradcenter.org.

The Quad-Cities Graduate Study Center (GradCenter) is a publicly-funded academic consortium of 10 universities incorporated in 1969. The GradCenter supports its members in offering graduate degree programs, graduate non-degree courses, and continuing professional education in the Quad Cities.  Courses are offered at the GradCenter located on the Augustana College campus in Rock Island, Illinois as well as Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, St. Ambrose University, the Kahl Educational Center, the Figge Art Museum, the New Ventures Center, and numerous other convenient locations. Programs include an array of 80+ graduate degree programs, certificate programs, and professional update courses designed for students whose work and family responsibilities make full-time study difficult.

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• Applicants must:

  • • Be a 2009 Moline High School graduate

    • Have a GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale

    • Provide a transcript and proof of class rank

    • Be involved in at least one community service activity

    • Submit an essay answer to the questions "What do you anticipate your life to be like in fifty years?" and "What prompts your interest in this scholarship?"

Applicants who want to pursue a college, university or trade/technical school education are encouraged to apply for this newly established scholarship.

The scholarship funds have been generated by alumni of the Moline High School Class of 1959. They have conducted hog roasts, participated in Birdies for Charity and received other donations. The initiation of this scholarship in 2009 will commemorate the MHS Class of 1959's fiftieth reunion and the golden anniversary of the current Moline High School campus located at 3600 Avenue of the Cities, Moline.

To obtain a copy of an application for the Class of "59" scholarship, please contact the counseling department at Moline High School or call Linda at The Moline Foundation at (309)764-4193.

Founded in 1953, The Moline Foundation is a community-based, non-profit organization which provides grants to health, human services, education, community development, the arts, and other charitable organizations which benefit the citizens of the Quad City region. The Moline Foundation receives and administers charitable gifts and has a current endowment fund of approximately $13 million. For more information contact Executive Director Joy Boruff at (309) 736-3800 or visit The Moline Foundation Web site at www.molinefoundation.org.

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Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) announced today that Ben Wolf of Clinton received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.  Wolf will enter the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, this fall. 

"I'm proud to announce Ben Wolf's acceptance to the U.S. Naval Academy," Braley said.  "With his exceptional character and history of community service, Ben will be a valuable addition to the Naval Academy.  I'm happy that Ben will have the opportunity to further his education while continuing to serve his country at Navy." 

Ben Wolf will graduate from Camanche High School this May. Ben is the son of Michael and Margaret Wolf.

Each year Congressman Braley nominates students to the military service academies, including the U.S. Naval Academy.  Nominees must demonstrate upstanding character, academic achievement, physical fitness, and leadership skills.  A nominating committee comprised of community leaders reviews all applicants, with Congressman Braley recommending top candidates to the respective academies.  Final acceptance decisions are made by the service academy.

Students interested in applying to military service academies for enrollment in fall of 2010 should contact Congressman Braley's Waterloo office at (319) 287-3233.

German language classes will be conducted at the German American Heritage Center on Tuesday nights from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. starting April 7^th through June 9, 2009.

Instructor Kathlyn Hofmann has twenty-seven years of experience teaching beginning-AP levels in the German language within Germany for the Department of Defense Education Activity.

This class will concentrate on commonly used words and phrases and their correct pronunciation.  A conversational approach to teaching will be used with some explanation of basic grammar. Handouts will be made available. Students do not need to purchase a book.  This class is meant for those who know no German or who want to brush up on the basics. Upon completion of the course, participants should be able to pronounce the alphabet and sound out word combinations, read and speak simple phrases, and be able to understand and speak simple sentences. Topics may vary depending on the interest and make-up of the group but will include greetings, introductions & useful expressions;  talking about your family and yourself; numbers, telling time, money, the calendar and weather;  food likes and dislikes; travel, hotels, shopping; going to the doctor. No prerequisite.

Cost for the class is $50 GAHC members; $60 non-members. Deadline for reservations is April 3, 2009.

To make reservations, call the German American Heritage Center at (563) 322-8844 or send reservations to German American Heritage Center, 712 West Second Street, Davenport, IA 52802. You can also email your reservations to director@gahc.org