Et Cetera

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.

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.

Birthday Open House for Robert Ohlen 80th Birthday,  May 14th, Saturday,  at Legion Hall in Blairstown from 3-7 PM.   Refreshments will be served.  The family requests no gifts please!  Cards may be sent to 7499 21 st Ave  Blairstown, Iowa 52209          

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, 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.

Mr. & Mrs. Michael McDonald of Cedar Rapids and Mr. & Mrs. Mike Sharp of Dysart are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Christine Ranae McDonald to Christopher Byron Chamberlain. Chris is the son of Diana Chamberlain of Cedar Rapids. A fall 2017 wedding is planned.   --- Reminder: Vinton Today is in the midst of our annual fundraiser.

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.

Below are the new about the hours for the Horridge House Genealogy Room"         1-2nd Sunday  hours 1-5         1-2 Saturday hours 8:30-12:30         1-3rd Monday hours  5-9       Additional hours by appointment available by calling Martha Long at  319 560-9664 or 319-472 4465.

Kirkwood Community College and Mount Mercy University signed a Business Administration Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) articulation agreement on April 8. The arrangement creates a smooth transition for Kirkwood students seeking to continue a business-focused education at Mount Mercy. Those who have successfully earned an A.A.S. degree in business administration, and have met the minimum admission and general education requirements agreed upon by the two institutions, will have the opportunity to transfer on and complete a bachelor’s degree in business.

Two high school juniors have been chosen to represent ECI REC in Washington, D.C., on the Youth Tour this June. The two winners, Jamie Thompson and Kirstie Martin, will visit historical sites, spend a day on Capitol Hill, meet congressional leaders, and more. Jamie attends Vinton-Shellsburg High School and is the daughter of Julie Barnes of Palo.