Et Cetera

Nearly 4,600 graduates received degrees from Iowa State University this spring. Graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremonies were held May 11-13 at Hilton Coliseum. Alumna Trudy Huskamp Peterson, the first woman archivist of the United States; and Temple Grandin, Distinguished Professor of animal sciences at Colorado State University, animal welfare pioneer and activist for people with autism, received honorary degrees during the undergraduate ceremonies.

Two area students were recognized as part of Iowa Lakes Community College's Spring 2023 Honors List. The lists recognize students who achieve the highest academic standards earning inclusion on the President's Honor List or Dean's List.Included were:Coleton Usher, President's List, AtkinsAza Swayzer, Dean's List, Vinton For the Spring 2023 semester, 118 students made the President's Honor List, an honor achieved by those who recorded a 4.

Known for singing their own name, the bobwhite quail is an iconic bird in Iowa and the Midwest. When temperatures warm, this brown and white bird makes its presence known by repeating the familiar phrase: bob-WHITE!Although popular, the species is also in decline, mostly because of the continuous loss of habitat.To help Iowans better understand this bird and the environment that it needs to thrive, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has published a nine-page guide, “Northern Bobwhites in Iowa.

The University of Dubuque recognized and celebrated the academic achievements of undergraduate, graduate, and seminary students during its 171st commencement with two ceremonies on Saturday, April 29, 2023.Local graduates include:Keystone,  Morgan Klopping, Associate of ArtsVinton,  Brock Radeke, Bachelor of Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude The University of Dubuque Spring Commencement was held in the Chlapaty Recreation and Wellness Center.

 McPherson College, a four-year private college located in central Kansas, recognizes its highest academic achievers in its spring 2023 Honor Roll and Honorable Mention. Rebecca Steffen, of Vinton was named to the Honor Roll. Students must be enrolled full-time and earn a grade point average of 3.55 or higher during the last term to qualify for the honor roll.

The students listed below graduated from Mount Mercy University this May. A commencement ceremony was held Sunday, May 14, 2023, at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.Atkins Shane Finn, Bachelor of Arts Shelby Hoeppner, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Magna Cum Laude Jacqueline Vangilder, Bachelor of Business Administration, Summa Cum LaudeGarrison Rachel Harris, Master of Business AdministrationNewhall Jacob Heit, Bachelor of Science, Honors, Summa Cum LaudeNorway Shelby Rust, Master of Business AdministrationUrbana Kelsey Zieser, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Summa Cum LaudeVan Horne Jarred Childs, Bachelor of ScienceWalford Chelsey Heisdorffer, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Summa Cum Laude Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mount Mercy University is the regional Catholic, Mercy University that promises students of diverse backgrounds, ages, and faiths a challenging, practical education that inspires them to discover knowledge, build community, and live their values.

Nursing graduates honored at nursing pinning ceremony On May 12, Mount Mercy University pinned over 30 nursing graduates at the Nursing Pinning Ceremony. Graduate Olivia Vander Sanden '23 was featured as the student speaker at the event. Two nursing awards were given out. The Sister Mary Edward McConohy Nursing Award was given to Molly Jean Kvidera '23.

When you’re behind the wheel, words on your phone screen are very unnecessary. The fear of missing out on information can be controlled while you are driving but it’s up to you to make the conscious decision to put your phone down. Value your life and the lives of those on the road above what may be said over a text message or social media post.

Hawkeye Community College is launching a new Flooring Installation Apprenticeship program for individuals to gain basic floor covering installation skills. Flooring installers are in high demand and can find work virtually anywhere. If you’re looking for a career where you can work with your hands, take control of your future and be proud of your work each and every day, there’s no better time to get started.

Governor Reynolds has announced a schedule of informational webinars to assist parents and guardians who plan to apply for the state’s new Students First Education Savings Accounts (ESAs). The live webinars will be hosted by Odyssey, the program administrator selected by the state. Webinars begin Tuesday, May 23, and a total of six sessions will be offered through June 7.