ATLANTA (07/05/2012)(readMedia)-- Amelia Myers of Rock Island, Illinois, received a Doctor of Law from the School of Law of Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., at its 167th commencement ceremony on May 14, 2012.

Emory University is known for its demanding academics, outstanding undergraduate experience, highly ranked professional schools and state-of-the-art research facilities. Emory encompasses nine academic divisions as well as the Michael C. Carlos Museum, The Carter Center, the Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Emory Healthcare, Georgia's largest and most comprehensive health care system.

EAST PEORIA, IL (07/05/2012)(readMedia)-- Kaylen L Broemmer, of Rock Island, IL, was named to the Dean's List at Illinois Central College for the Spring 2012 semester. The academic honor is presented to students who earn a 3.5 to 3.99 grade point average on a 4.0 grading scale.

JACKSONVILLE, IL (07/03/2012)(readMedia)-- The following students of Illinois College have been recognized for their academic excellence on April 27 when liberal arts college held its annual Honors Day Celebration.

Hannah Oak a sophomore from Taylor Ridge was awarded the Edith Rammelkamp Elliott Memorial Award. This award is presented to selected students desiring to travel abroad. Oak is a graduate of Rockridge High School and the daughter of Kevin and Cynthia Oak of Taylor Ridge.

Dustin Secrist a junior from Hillsdale was awarded the John G. Anderson Award in Theatre. This award is presented to a student who demonstrates dedicated and consistent excellence in theatre productions. Secrist is a graduate of Riverdale High School and the son of Casey Secrist of Hillsdale.

Founded in 1829, Illinois College is a residential liberal arts college fostering academic excellence rooted in opportunities for experiential learning while preparing students for lifelong success.

PLATTEVILLE, WI (07/02/2012)(readMedia)-- Mary DePauw from Port Byron, IL, earned academic honors for the spring 2012 semester at the University of Wisconsin- Platteville. Mary made the Chancellor's List by earning a 4.0 grade point average during the semester. Attainment of the Chancellor's list represents the highest academic achievement at UW- Platteville.

UW-Platteville, founded in 1846, is located in the southwestern corner of Wisconsin, near the Iowa and Illinois borders. The University, the fastest-growing four-year school in the 13-college University of Wisconsin System, enrolls approximately 7,500 undergraduate students.

PLATTEVILLE, WI (07/02/2012)(readMedia)-- University of Wisconsin-Platteville graduate student Clementine Uwineza of Davenport, Iowa, earned a Master's degree in Project Management.

UW-Platteville awarded 965 diplomas, including 124 master's degrees, during its 188th commencement ceremony.

UW-Platteville, founded in 1846, is located in the southwestern corner of Wisconsin, near the Iowa and Illinois borders. The University, the fastest-growing four-year school in the 13-college University of Wisconsin System, enrolls approximately 7,500 undergraduate students.

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad today named Duane Magee as the new Executive Director of the Board of Educational Examiners.

Magee, who serves at the pleasure of the governor, will begin the appointment starting July 1, 2012.

"Duane will be a great leader and asset to the Board of Educational Examiners.  He holds a tremendous resume, which makes him highly skilled in educational administration," said Branstad.

Magee currently is the assistant superintendent of human resources for the Waukee Community School District. Previously, he served as director of human resources in the Waukee Community School, and before moving to Waukee, Magee was a principal in the Harlan Community School District.

Magee holds an Ed. S. in Educational Leadership from Drake University, an M.S.E. in Education Administration from Buena Vista University and a B.S.E. in Secondary Business Education from Drake University. He is an Ames Senior High School graduate.

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NOTRE DAME, IN (06/29/2012)(readMedia)-- Katherine Nelson has graduated from Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, IN. Katherine, daughter of Mary and William Nelson of Rock Island, IL, received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Student-Designed Major.

About Saint Mary's College: Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, women's institution offering five bachelor's degrees and more than 30 major areas of study. Saint Mary's College has six nationally accredited academic programs: social work, art, music, teacher education, chemistry and nursing. Saint Mary's College ranks among the top 100 "Best National Liberal Arts Colleges" in the U.S. News & World Report 2011 College Guide. Founded in 1844, Saint Mary's is a pioneer in the education of women, and is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross.

PLATTEVILLE, WI (06/29/2012)(readMedia)-- University of Wisconsin-Platteville announced its 2012 spring semester Dean's List. Students receive this academic honor in the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture and the College of Liberal Arts and Education must achieve a 3.75 grade point average and students in the College of Engineering, Math and Science must earn a 3.5 grade point average.

Among those who made the Dean's List were,

Christina Butler from Cordova, IL

Mary DePauw from Port Byron, IL

Joseph Fisher from Port Byron, IL

Kaela Hoggard from Taylor Ridge, IL

Jennifer Lincoln from Illinois City, IL

Kelsey Rumler from Sherrard, IL

Andrew Wright from Hampton, IL

UW-Platteville, founded in 1846, is located in the southwestern corner of Wisconsin, near the Iowa and Illinois borders. The University, the fastest-growing four-year school in the 13-college University of Wisconsin System, enrolls approximately 7,500 undergraduate students.

DICKINSON, ND (06/29/2012)(readMedia)-- Ivy Pokorny of Davenport IA was among the 115 students recently named to the Dickinson State University Spring 2012 President's List.

In order to be selected to the President's List, a student must have a minimum semester grade-point average of 3.9 (on a 4.0 scale) and have completed at least 12 credits during the semester.

Dickinson State University is located in Dickinson, N.D., with a population of over 18,000. Dickinson State University offers approximately 60 programs to a diverse student body.

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House passed bipartisan legislation to keep student loan interest rates at 3.4 percent for an additional year.  The House passed the legislation by a vote of 373-52 and it now heads to the President, which he is expected to sign.  An estimated 7.4 million families nationwide and 255,404 Iowa students over the next year will save an average of nearly $1,000 over the life of their loan.

"Today's an important day for Iowa students and their families. I am relieved an agreement has finally been reached to help thousands of Iowa students that doesn't add to the deficit and stops the endless political posturing on this issue.  However, this extension should have occurred long before now, should never have been subject to brinksmanship, and should have provided longer term relief for students. Ensuring any student who chooses to can access an affordable college education to pursue a degree or certificate is one of my highest priorities and I will continue working to keep rates low in the future for Iowa families.

"I grew up in poverty, and I would not have been able to attend college and have such amazing opportunities without student aid. It's long past time that we ensure millions of families aren't harmed by Congress' inaction. Education is critical to securing a good job and economic security for families, and educating our future workforce is key to boosting our economy."

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