UIU hosts legislative reception in Des Moines
FAYETTE, IOWA (February 09, 2007) -Upper Iowa University will host its 3rd annual Legislative Reception at the Des Moines Botanical Center from 6-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25. All UIU alumni, faculty, staff and students are invited to attend."In today's economic climate, an event like this has even more significance," said UIU President Alan G. Walker. "It gives our area alumni, faculty, and staff a chance to meet with their elected officials in an informal setting and have conversation about subjects that are top priority to them right now."
UIU also uses the forum to heighten awareness of its unique profile and the role it plays in support of the local and state economy, educating Iowa's workforce, offering quality higher education at an affordable price, and serves as a portal to international markets.
According to the 2007 Annual County Profile, Upper Iowa University is the largest employer in Fayette County (www.iowaworkforce.org/lmi/empstat/fayette.pdf).
"Through Upper Iowa centers located in Waterloo, Des Moines and Ankeny, and our online and independent study programs, we are helping over 1,000 working adults in Iowa further their education," added Walker. "To continue to do so, it is important for our legislators to know how vital programs such as the Iowa Tuition Grant are to Iowa's private colleges and universities."
The State Legislature established the Iowa Tuition Grant program in 1969 to give students the option of attending Iowa independent colleges and universities, based on family financial need. A qualifying, full-time, undergraduate student can receive almost $4,000 annually for up to four years, and part-time students can qualify for lesser amounts. Upper Iowa financial aid counselors can assist any interested students.
A few past key legislators from the Iowa House and Senate attending UIU's event include the Chair of the Senate Education Committee, President of the Senate, President Pro Tempore, Chair of the Senate's Education Appropriations Subcommittee, the Vice Chair and a ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, Chair and Vice Chair of the House Economic Growth Committee, and several members from the House Ways and Means Committee.
To find out more about Upper Iowa University's legislative event, please contact Jackson Hayek at 563-425-5244 or e-mail legislativereception@uiu.edu.
Contact:
Sheila Miller
Director of Public Relations
Work - 563-425-5326
Cell - 319-610-7108
Fax - 563-425-5701
millers@uiu.edu
www.uiu.edu