21 May 2013

UNI TO HOST UPCOMING GRADUATE WORKSHOP FOR TEACHERS

By Brandy Welvaert
Scott County teachers successfully completing course will have tuition reimbursed

CEDAR FALLS, IA–Attention teachers! Monday, May 27 is the deadline to enroll in a one-hour, graduate-level, professional development course offered by University of Northern Iowa.

Teachers are encouraged to sign up for The Environment and The Way We Live: Our Choices Impact Everyone's Future, to be held June 17 and 18 at EB Lyons Nature Center in Dubuque, with a follow-up Nov. 9 at the Swiss Valley Nature Center, about five miles west of Dubuque.

Tuition is $50. In addition to one hour of graduate credit, teachers will receive $65 in resources to use in their classrooms.  Signup and other details are online at http://www.ceee.uni.edu/wastereduction/workshops.aspx.

Teachers in Scott County who successfully complete the course will have tuition reimbursed by Waste Commission of Scott County. Other Iowa solid waste agencies will reimburse tuition for teachers in the counties of Clayton, Dubuque, Delaware, Howard, Linn and Winneshiek, as well as the Postville School District.

The workshop will be held 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. June 17 and 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. June 18. The follow-up workshop will be held 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Nov. 9.

The courses are offered through Curriculum and Instruction and the Center for Energy and Environmental Education at UNI.

For more information, contact Susan Salterberg, instructor, at (319) 337-4816 or salterberg@uni.edu.

UNI is able to offer the graduate credit, free books and lesson plans with funding support from the Resource Enhancement and Protection Conservation Education Program and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Solid Waste Alternatives Program.  Other supporters include solid waste agencies, landfills, and the East Central Iowa Council of Governments.

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21 May 2013

Murray Stoffa of Davenport Named to Spring 2013 Dean's List at Ripon College

By Melissa Anderson

RIPON, WIS. (05/21/2013)(readMedia)-- Murray Stoffa, a Senior English major, has been named to the Dean's List at Ripon College for the spring 2013 semester, which recognizes academic excellence.

Stoffa is the child of COL Donald A. Stoffa of Davenport, IA .

To qualify for the Dean's List at Ripon College, students must achieve a 3.40 grade point average or higher on a 4.00 scale and complete at least 12 credits of regular letter-graded work.

About Ripon College

Ripon College, founded in 1851, prepares students of diverse interests for lives of productive, socially responsible citizenship. Ripon's liberal arts curriculum and residential campus create an intimate learning community in which students experience a richly personalized education. Ripon has consistently been recognized as a "best value" and "Best 376 College" by The Princeton Review, a "Best Buy in College Education" by Barron's, a "Best Liberal-Arts College" by Washington Monthly, a "Top 25 Schools for Do-Gooders" by Newsweek, among the top-tier and best-value colleges by U.S. News and World Report, and among the top 200 private colleges in the nation overall and for value by Forbes Magazine. For more information about Ripon College, visit www.ripon.edu.

21 May 2013

Luther College regents appoint David Tiede, Ph.D., interim president

By Randy Stalsberg

DECORAH, Iowa - The Luther College Board of Regents announced the appointment of David L. Tiede, Ph.D., as interim president of the college effective July 1. Luther President Richard L. Torgerson will end his term of service with the college on June 30.

Tiede David 2013.jpg

Tiede is emeritus president and emeritus professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. He served as the Bernhard M. Christensen Professor of Religion and Vocation at Augsburg College in Minneapolis from 2005 to 2010, and as interim president of Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, in 2010. He currently consults with a variety of higher education institutions as they deal with leadership transitions.

Tiede's appointment at Luther is for a period of 12 months, or until the permanent position is filled.

"The Board of Regents is delighted and honored that Dr. Tiede has agreed to lead Luther during this important time of transition," said Paul Torgerson, chairperson of the Board of Regents. "He is greatly admired as an administrator, teacher and scholar, and he is in high demand as a consultant in the area of educational leadership and governance. With Dr. Tiede serving as interim president, the board can complete the search for a permanent president with every confidence that the college is in very capable hands."

In accepting the post, Tiede said: "Luther College is educationally excellent, grounded in faith, and centered in student lives. President Torgerson's remarkable years have set the stage. This interim gives the whole college the opportunity to call the next president to lead from its strengths into the changing landscape of higher  education. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to serve an institution I have long admired."

Tiede, of White Bear Lake, Minn., served as Luther Seminary president from 1987 to 2005. He was professor of New Testament at the seminary from 1971 to 2006. His academic publications and leadership in scholarly guilds, including the Society of Biblical Literature, Catholic Biblical Association, and the International Society of New Testament Studies, have earned him great respect as a teacher and scholar.

An ordained pastor and past president of the Association of Theological Schools, Tiede is a consultant for Auburn Seminary's "Leadership That Works" research project. He is also a governance mentor for the nonprofit In Trust organization, whose mission is to help strengthen boards and governance in North American theological schools.

Tiede has served on numerous boards and commissions throughout his career and currently is on the regent boards of California Lutheran University and Augsburg College and has served as theologian-in-residence to the board of directors of Baltimore-based Lutheran Services in America.

A 1962 graduate of St. Olaf College, Tiede earned a theological degree in 1966 from Luther Seminary and a Ph.D. in 1971 from Harvard University. He is married to Martha (Muffy), and they are the parents of two grown children, Peter and Kathryn.

A national liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2,500, Luther offers an academic curriculum that leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree in 60 majors and preprofessional programs. For more information about Luther, visit the college's website: www.luther.edu.

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21 May 2013

Treasurer Fitzgerald Reminds Iowans it is Their Last Chance to Celebrate 529 Day

By Michael Fitzgerald

Register for a chance to win a $5,290 College Savings Iowa Account

DES MOINES, IA (05/21/2013)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald wants to remind Iowans it is their last chance to celebrate 529 Day by registering to win a $5,290 College Savings Iowa account for a child in their life. "I encourage everyone to register for the giveaway and explore the benefits of using a 529 plan, such as College Savings Iowa, to save for their loved ones' future higher education expenses," Fitzgerald said. "By starting early, saving a little at a time and making smart investment choices, families can make their savings work for them." For more information and to register for the giveaway, please visit www.my529iowaplan.com before May 29.

May 29, 529 Day, helps bring attention to the fact that saving for college is one of the most significant things families can do for the children in their lives. Those who begin putting away money early and save little by little can, over time, make their college savings add up to a significant amount. Because saving for future educational expenses is so important, Iowa families are encouraged to open a College Savings Iowa account for a special child in their life.

College Savings Iowa offers families a tax advantaged way to save money for their children's higher education. It only takes $25 to open an account, and anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. Participants who are Iowa taxpayers can deduct contributions up to $3,045 per beneficiary from their 2013 adjusted gross income, and there are no income or residency restrictions.* Investors can withdraw their investment federally tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and certain room and board costs at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad. To learn more about College Savings Iowa, please visit www.myiowa529plan.com or call1-888-672-9116.

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income. The earnings portion of non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

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Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 888-672-9116 or visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing.

21 May 2013

Michael Millea Graduates from The Citadel

By The Citadel External Affairs Office

CHARLESTON, SC (05/20/2013)(readMedia)-- Michael Joseph Millea of Davenport, IA, graduated May 4, 2013, from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina.

Millea, a member of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets, earned a BA in History .

Gen. Robert Cone, commander of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command at Fort Eustis, Va., delivered the commencement address. Cone congratulated the cadets for choosing to take the road less traveled when enrolling at The Citadel four years ago.

"The world is as exciting and as unpredictable as it's ever been and as you go forth realize that there is a fine line between success and failure," he said. "In that spirit, while you will succeed, you will also fail. A true test of character is how well you handle adversity."

Cone encouraged the 468 cadets, veteran students and active duty military personnel that graduated to remember "you start building your professional reputation on the first day of your job, and you build the right character with consistency. A strong record of character is like a suit of armor - a false accusation will not hurt you."

The Citadel, founded in 1842, is a public, coeducational military college in Charleston, S.C., that offers a classic military education for men and women seeking a college experience that is meaningful, academically strong and is focused on educating and developing principled leaders for a strong military and a global workforce.

21 May 2013

Valerie Van Ee of Park View Graduates from Huntington University

By Ashley Smith

HUNTINGTON, IN (05/20/2013)(readMedia)-- Valerie Van Ee participated in the 115th Commencement exercises at Huntington University.

Van Ee is a 2013 May graduate, from Park View, IA. Van Ee earned a Bachelor of Science in Animation and Computer Science. Commencement was held on May 18.

Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S. News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest, and Forbes.com has listed the university as one of America's Best Colleges. Additionally, Princeton Review has named the institution to its "Best in the Midwest" list. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

For all Huntington University news releases, visit www.huntington.edu/news.

21 May 2013

Area Students among Illinois College graduates

By MaryEllen Roy

JACKSONVILLE, ILLINOIS (05/20/2013)(readMedia)-- The following students were awarded degrees from Illinois College 179th commencement exercise on the Historic Upper Quadrangle of the liberal arts college in Jacksonville, Ill. The ceremony was held May 12.

Kirk Atwater of Davenport, Iowa graduated from Illinois College with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Kelsey McFarren of Fulton, Ill. graduated from Illinois College with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Illinois College has awarded diplomas annually since 1835 when it was the site of the first college commencement ceremony in the state. The newest class of graduates totaled 205.

In his 10th and final commencement at Illinois College, retiring President Axel Steuer on Sunday offered four guideposts to help this year's 205 graduating seniors lead fulfilling lives.

"Think of me today as a scout who has traveled quite a few years in front of you," he said. "I have been over the road that lies ahead to wherever your careers may take you. And here, in short, are the guideposts I offer:

"1. Never compromise integrity and you will have a life worth living; 2. Persist in following your dreams and your dreams have a good chance of being fulfilled; 3. Commit yourself firmly to justice and the world will be better because of you; and 4. Serve the needs of others, and your life as well as theirs will be enriched."

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.

21 May 2013

Golinghorst to receive Road to Success Scholarship

By Mallory Bradshaw

Arp Insurance, Inc. of Walcott and Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company of Grinnell, Iowa, have named North Scott High School senior Dexter Golinghorst of Walcott as a recipient of a 2013 Road to Success Scholarship in the amount of $1,000.

"We're happy to recognize Dexter for his academic accomplishments and safe driving record through a Road to Success Scholarship. We wish him the best in future endeavors," said Brent Arp of Arp Insurance.

Golinghorst was selected from thousands of Grinnell Mutual policyholders based on excellence in the high school classroom and a safe driving record. Golinghorst's parents are Dennis and Pam Golinghorst.

Arp Insurance is an independent insurance agency, providing several lines of insurance products and representing regional carriers including Grinnell Mutual.

In business since 1909, Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company provides reinsurance for mutual insurance companies and property and casualty insurance products through nearly 1,600 independent agents.

21 May 2013

"Which Vision for America Will Our New College Graduates Embrace?"

By George Nickolas
By Burton Folsom
Charles Kline Professor of History and Management
Hillsdale College
Originally posted May 13, 2013, at BurtFolsom.com.

Students all over the country are graduating from college this month. Two commencement addresses at these graduations are worth noting because they illustrate the two major but very different visions for our country: first is the constitutional vision of limited government, and second is the statist vision that looks to government to solve problems.

Senator Ted Cruz presented the constitutional vision at Hillsdale College last Saturday. Cruz began by noting that most people in history have had very little freedom because they have lived under monarchies. The Founders broke that tradition. They declared independence from England and wrote a Constitution that enshrined the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These rights, the Founders argued, came from God, not government. Government was instituted to protect those natural rights that God has given every human being.

Cruz argued that the story of America is the story of liberty and prosperity that have flourished under the constitutional protection of limited government. The free market is, Cruz said, that "engine of prosperity." He noted that the U.S. has 4.5% of the world's population but produces 22% of the world's output. And the American influence is even greater in entertainment, science, and the internet.

The freedom given to Americans has meant that many Americans have started poor and ended up rich; and other Americans were born into wealth, but have lost much of it during their lives. Freedom produces a churning effect. But Cruz likes what he called "opportunity conservatism," the notion that public policy should look to ensuring that poor people always have the chance in a free society to work hard and improve their lives. Government often gets in the way of this. Therefore, government needs to be limited to keep it from harming those in society who are most vulnerable.

At Ohio State University, President Obama argued something quite different. He contended that government needs to be large and has done good things when it has been increased in size. To some extent he did a sleight of hand. He often mixed individual achievement and government achievement as though they were the same thing. What is accomplished under "self-government" is not at all the same as what is accomplished under "government." "The Founders left us," the president said, "the power to adapt to changing times. They left us the key to a system of self-government-the tool to do big and important things together that we could not possibly do alone." That included, among other things, the president said, "To stretch railroads and electricity and a highway system across a sprawling continent. To educate our people. . . ."

The Constitution did not provide for government to do "important things together," like building schools, railroads, electricity networks, or highways (except to deliver mail). Government, the Founders believed, should only be in the business of protecting liberty through national defense, the enforcement of contracts, and free elections. Private citizens invented and built railroads and discovered how to use electricity. Schools and highways were private or state functions. The federal government was given the power of protection, not the power of action within the economy.

In President Obama's example of railroads stretching across the country, many people in the 1850s wanted those railroads to be entirely private. It was not a group effort of doing "important things together." When some politicians proposed a federally built railroad across the country, southern states strongly opposed the idea. Only when they left the Union could Congress find the votes to build the road. The resulting Union Pacific Railroad proved to be an expensive disaster, and then it went broke. However, James J. Hill built the privately-constructed Great Northern Railroad with no federal subsidies; it never went broke and was built exceptionally well.

The president also used the example of education as an achievement of government. A key point here is that many politicians early in our history wanted to fund a national university, another "let's do important things together" moment, but Congress would not pass the bill to set up the university because the Constitution did not allow it. "Self-government" never meant an intrusive government. Also, when we look at public or "government" education today, we often see the wisdom of our Founders in keeping it private.

If the United States is to continue as a beacon of liberty and a fount of prosperity, Senator Cruz argued the U.S. must have limited government. People inventing, creating, and helping other people is a better recipe for success than exchanging our freedom for bigger government, and then asking that bigger government "do big and important things together" that the Founders never intended it to do.
Burton Folsom is Charles Kline professor of history and management at Hillsdale College.  He received his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh, and he is the author of seven books, including The Myth of the Robber Barons, and New Deal or Raw Deal? His most recent book is FDR Goes to War, which he co-authored with his wife Anita.
20 May 2013

Smiddy-Backed Bill Encouraging Veterans to Choose Illinois for Higher Education Passes House

By Rep. Mike Smiddy
SPRINGFIELD, IL -A measure to increase educational opportunities for veterans in Illinois cosponsored by state Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) passed out the Illinois House on Tuesday and now heads to the governor for further consideration.

"As a community, we should provide military personnel with the tools they need to encourage their success," said Smiddy. "This measure will help ensure our men and women in uniform are given every opportunity to succeed when they return from their service to our country. This is a positive step to encourage education and assist our proud servicemen and women."

House Bill 2353 allows veterans receiving benefits under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 to receive in-state tuition rates at Illinois' public universities and colleges. Certain veterans who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2011 are also eligible for in-state tuition under this bill.  

"This legislation was supported by our public universities because of its positive impact on veteran students and the entire state," Smiddy said. "Attracting quality, hardworking, and dedicated students to Illinois improves the quality of life for everyone. I was proud to cosponsor this bill and will continue supporting measures that encourage veterans to further their education here in Illinois."

For more information, contact Smiddy's office at RepSmiddy@gmail.com, (309) 848-9098, or toll free at (855) 243-4988.

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