Et Cetera
Local student honored as 'Best of the Class'

Jamie Rich from Belle Plaine Presents at Psychology Conference
Jamie Rich, a Buena Vista University (BVU) senior psychology major from Belle Plaine, was selected to present research at the annual Midwestern Psychological Association conference in Chicago.
This conference is competitive and only allows a certain number of undergraduate students to present. All nine BVU students who submitted projects were accepted.
Benton SWCD Awards Scholarship to Two Area Students
This year, the Benton Soil & Water Conservation District Commissioners are very happy to announce that they have selected two recipients for their Annual Scholarship. Each will receive a $200 scholarship award. Students who reside in Benton County and are pursuing a course of study in the field of Natural Resources or Agriculture are eligible to apply.
Wesly Williams recognized for receiving degree from Concordia University, NE
Concordia University, Nebraska held its 109th commencement on Saturday, May 7, 2016. The university awarded undergraduate or graduate degrees to 353 graduates in May 2016. Graduates receiving a degree in December 2015, May 2016 or August 2016 were invited to participate in the ceremony. Colonel Eric J. Teegerstrom of Firth, Nebraska, presented the commencement address, and Concordia presented additional honorary awards and degrees.
Jamie Rich presents race research at BVU Scholars Day
Buena Vista University's (BVU) twelfth annual Scholars Day was held Friday, April 22. The event provided students from all disciplines an opportunity to present their best presentations, original research, academic posters, artistic creations and performances to their peers, professors and the public.
This year's Scholars Day event featured 38 presentations from 66 students, exploring topics from literature and business to science and history.
80th Birthday Open House set for Robert Ohlen

12 Students Awarded $1,000 Scholarships from ECI REC
East-Central Iowa REC is proud to announce it has awarded $1,000 scholarships to two young men who plan to further education in the Powerline Technician program and 10 graduating seniors who plan to further their education as noted below following their names. Congratulations to these deserving students!
Powerline Technician Scholarships
* Independence High School Senior Drew O’Brien, son of Chad and Amy O’Brien – Northwest Iowa Community College
* Braxton Clubb of Vinton, son of Todd Clubb – Northwest Iowa Community College
General Ed Scholarships
Benton Community High School
* Jacob Thomas, son of Robert and Shelly Thomas – University of Northern Iowa
Center Point-Urbana High School
* Trenton Pfiefer, son of Randall and Jean Pfiefer – Iowa State University
East Buchanan High School
* Taniesha Goedken, daughter of Dean and Nancy Goedken – Iowa State University
Independence High School
* Elliott Ryan, son of Michael and Mary Ryan – University of Northern Iowa
Oelwein High School
* Travis McMillan, son of John and Nancy McMillan – Iowa State University
Starmont High School
* Ella Hamlett, daughter of Randy and Suzy Hamlett – St.
Jamie Rich Participates in Spring Break Service Trip to Washington D.C.
Jamie Rich, a senior psychology major from Belle Plaine, and nine other Buena Vista University (BVU) students participated in an AWOL (Alternative Week of Off-site Learning) trip during spring break, enabling them to volunteer their time and service with a focus on inner city poverty and homelessness outreach in Washington D.C.
The BVU students concerned with helping fight the war on poverty partnered with the Steinbruck Center in Washington D.
McDonald-Chamberlain Engagement Announced

Cole Moody Regional Winner of Conservation Districts of Iowa Scholarship
Conservation District of Iowa (CDI) and the Tama County Soil and Water Conservation District (Tama SWCD) are pleased to announce that Cole Moody has been selected to receive $600 as the Regional Winner of the Conservation Districts of Iowa Scholarship. In addition, he will also receive Tama SWCD’s local annual $300 scholarship.
Cole is a senior at Union High School in La Porte City and is the son of Ryan and Laura Moody of Dysart.