AIB College of Business

What a concept: Get a bachelor’s degree in three years!

AIB College of Business — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Here’s the latest college news flash: While average tuition costs across the country jumped as much as 7.9 percent at public universities across the country in 2010-2011, some U.S. colleges are successfully tempering the trend of rising education costs by offering three-year bachelor’s degree programs.

In fact, the nonprofit AIB College of Business in Des Moines provides a proven working model for proponents of three-year bachelor’s degree programs, which are the norm in Europe and some other countries – and it’s slicing costs of the degree almost in half.

“Our college has always been innovative and nimble in the sense that we can accommodate change quickly,” says Nancy Williams, president of 91-year-old AIB, which quietly implemented its “Degree in 3” program five years ago.

“We introduced the bachelor’s degree program thinking that students would earn associate degrees, get full-time jobs (perhaps with tuition-reimbursement benefits for furthering their education), then take classes on a part-time basis to complete their bachelor’s degrees. But we discovered the students preferred to continue their studies full-time, completing the bachelor’s degree in three years.”

The attraction of a three-year degree to students is this: By eliminating the fourth year, graduates start bringing home paychecks much sooner. They’re earning salaries while their peers are still paying tuition or amassing student loans.

AIB’s bachelor’s degree can be attained in 11 terms – just less than three years – for a total tuition cost of $50,600 for students starting Fall 2012. According to data compiled by the Iowa College Student Aid Commission for the 2010-2011 academic year, the average annual cost for tuition and fees at Iowa’s other private, nonprofit colleges was $23,988. Disregarding any intervening tuition hikes that may have occurred, that still totals $95,952 for eight semesters over four years.

This more-affordable bottom line has not gone unnoticed. The most recent statistics released by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) listed the net tuition cost of the Bachelor of Science degree program at AIB as the lowest of all private colleges in Iowa, and as one of the lowest of all private, four-year colleges in the United States.

In its early years, AIB was well-known for providing quality training in a variety of business skills. It evolved to junior college status in the 1950s, awarding associate degrees long before such programs became popular across America with the creation of community colleges.

AIB now offers associate degrees in a variety of majors. Full-time students can graduate with an associate’s degree in 21 months, then re-enroll to spend 12 more months earning a bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration. AIB is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Critics point out that year-round classes prohibit students from working summer jobs to earn tuition money. But AIB strategically designed a work-friendly daytime schedule with no regular Friday classes, plus numerous evening classes and online courses so students can maintain part-time jobs.

To minimize student and instructor burn-out, the school schedules one- to two-week breaks between each term and during the December holiday season.

Support for three-year bachelor’s degrees may be growing. At a 2009 meeting of the American Council on Education, Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) challenged schools to save money for recession-stricken families by creating three-year bachelor degrees programs, and he continues his campaign. He wants students to minimize the size of their education loans and get a year’s head start on their lifetime income.

Last spring, Gov. John Kasich of Ohio also took up the cause, ordering state schools to prepare “pathways” to three-year programs. Ohio’s push follows legislation in Rhode Island that instituted three-year degrees in its state schools.

Tuition shock still may strike each time the bill arrives for a new term of classes. But shaving an entire year’s cost off the total expense of college and propelling students into the workforce sooner can offer a very effective antidote.

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Rodney J. Brown, a graduate of Harvard College, is a communications specialist at AIB College of Business.

Jane Schorer Meisner, a graduate of AIB and Drake University, is public relations director at AIB College of Business.

AIB donates 450 beds (and more) to FreeStore, ReStore

AIB College of Business — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Harry Swanson, volunteer coordinator for FreeStore in West Des Moines, is accustomed to loading up donated furniture to be passed on to needy families. Usually, though, the donation isn’t quite as large as the one he and a crew of volunteers are handling at AIB College of Business this month.

AIB’s 20-acre campus includes nine apartment-style residence halls for more than 500 men and women students. The college is replacing furniture in some student apartments and donating the outgoing items to FreeStore and ReStore. AIB Director of Facilities Mike Larson says that includes 450 beds, 200 dressers and 150 desks. Desk chairs were replaced last month, and those outgoing items also were donated.

Because of the enormity of the project, the replacements/donations are being done in four phases. The first shipment of new furniture was unloaded at AIB April 30, and FreeStore and ReStore removed the outgoing items.

The next phase is scheduled for Monday, May 7. Subsequent phases of the furniture replacement/donations will be the mornings of May 14 and 21.

Founded in 2001, the FreeStore at 1020 24th St. in West Des Moines (www.thefreestore.org) provides household items and furniture free of charge to women when they leave the Children & Families of Iowa's Domestic Violence Services. It also provides the same items to needy families from other social agencies for a nominal fee. The FreeStore is entirely run by volunteers, with no paid staff. Volunteer coordinator Harry Swanson can be reached at (515) 224-1733 (home) or (515) 306-0420 (cell).

The Des Moines Habitat for Humanity ReStore at 2200 E. Euclid Ave. in Des Moines sells new and used home improvement materials to the public at discounted prices. All proceeds from ReStore benefit the mission of Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity. ReStore’s phone number is (515) 309-0224.

Carlsen and Messenger receive court reporting scholarships

AIB College of Business — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Rachel Carlsen of Aberdeen, S. D.,and Emily Messenger of West Des Moines have been selected by the court reporting and captioning faculty at AIB College of Business to receive Student Court Reporters and Captioners Association (SCRCA) Scholarships.

“This scholarship recognizes the overall quality of the student,” said Professor Kay Smith, department chair of court reporting and captioning at AIB. “It’s not based on grades alone. In addition, we look at the students’ attendance and attitude.”

Students also submit personal essays on why they are deserving of selection.

The annual scholarship is funded by the SCRCA, an AIB student organization, and by a matching donation from Smith, the group’s faculty sponsor. Carlsen and Messenger, who both are working toward Associate in Applied Science degrees in Steno Transcription, were each awarded $200.

Gratopp awarded Mary L. Brown Scholarship

AIB College of Business — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Kayla Gratopp of Marshalltown has been awarded the Mary L. Brown Scholarship by the Iowa Court Reporters Association (ICRA). The $1,000 scholarship is given annually to an Iowa high school graduate enrolled in the Court Reporting & Captioning program at AIB College of Business.

Selection criteria for the scholarship from the ICRA includes community involvement, school activities and grade point average. Applicants for the scholarship also must submit an essay and two letters of recommendation.

Gratopp will be honored at a luncheon during the June ICRA Convention in Sioux City, Iowa.

Phi Theta Kappa Student Officers Elected

AIB College of Business — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The following have been elected to officer positions of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at AIB College of Business.

Jacob Mueller - President
Maria Baeza - Vice President
Gabriela Callejas - Secretary
Cindy Enriquez - Treasurer

“I welcome the chance to work with the new group of officers,” said Phi Theta Kappa advisor Jane DeHaven, Director of Career Services at AIB. “Their academic success and ambition reflect the high standards of Phi Theta Kappa and will serve them well as we prepare to induct new members, continue our community service at Children and Family Urban Ministries and set our other goals for the year.”

The mission of the Beta Pi Pi Chapter at AIB is to recognize and encourage academic achievement and to provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming.

Phi Theta Kappa was established in 1918 in Missouri. Today it is the largest honor society in American higher education with more than 2 million members and 1,200 chapters located in the United States, U.S. territories, Canada, Germany and more countries around the world. Phi Theta Kappans must have a GPA of 3.5 or above, show good moral character and possess recognized qualities of good citizenship.

What students wish they’d known before going to college

AIB College of Business — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Excited about going off to college soon? While the thrill of independence and adventure is enticing, don’t be surprised to discover challenges involving more than just classes, professors and exams.

Going to college is a total game change. It can mean leaving behind most of the people you know and learning to make your way on your own in a strange new town.

Moving from quiet, familiar neighborhoods to Des Moines’ maze of highway interchanges, one-way streets, skywalks and high-rise buildings can make your head spin at first, too.

But current students at AIB College of Business in Des Moines have found the transition is quite manageable. Here’s what they say about what changes were hardest for them – and what they wish they’d known before venturing off to college.

Homesick blues

No matter how eager you are to escape from your parents and your hometown, those ties can be pretty strong. You’ll never know how deep the hooks are set until you try to pull away.

“The biggest transition from high school to college for me was being away from my family and friends. I never imagined I would miss Carroll this much,” said Breanna Haberl.

“I have been surrounded with loving and caring people all my life in Kalona, and to all of a sudden be two hours away from them was quite a struggle for me,” agreed Kayla Duwa.

Even though many students feel the small class sizes and intimate campus at AIB made their transition easier, they still had to deal with distancing themselves from the old and familiar.

“Volleyball was a huge help,” says Shelby Sommerla, who went from knowing everyone in Malvern to knowing hardly anyone at college. By taking part in AIB’s growing athletics program in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), she found the support and friendship she needed to handle moving halfway across the state.

Because AIB has no Friday classes, many students slip back home on the long weekends. But some don’t.

“That’s not me,” says Jessica Lepird of Estherville, in northern Iowa.

Yes, she misses her dog, Jake, and her family, but she handles it by immersing herself in her schoolwork, school organizations and three part-time jobs. She also embraces all that Des Moines has to offer, such as shopping, restaurants and events in downtown area, the East Village and Valley Junction..

“I go out and explore,” she says. “I love to see what is going on around town.”

Food and shelter

For many college kids, food and shelter equate with cafeteria menus and dorm rooms.

“I would hate to live in a tiny dorm room that you have to share with two or three other people,” says Shelby. She greatly prefers AIB’s apartment-style housing, with a kitchen, bath, dining area and bedrooms.

“I think that these apartments give students a sense of freedom that doesn’t come with a dorm room,” says Stephanie Taylor of Tama. “It makes students really feel like adults, like they are actually grown up and on their own.”

Freedom brings its own challenges, though. “Dad isn’t here to fix that flat tire you get on I-235,” says Kayla Gratopp of Marshalltown. “And Mom isn’t here to make your favorite homemade chicken pot pie.”

Kayla Duwa laments not learning to cook earlier. “I wish my mother would have taught me how to make full meals for myself before coming to school,” she says.

Breanna got lucky; her roommate cooks for her almost every night. Others had to learn quickly to fend for themselves in the kitchen or fall back on pizzas, takeout or the campus eatery – the City View Diner.

But spending too much on eating out can cause problems, too. And speaking of money woes …

Managing money

“Before beginning college, I wish I would have known how to set a budget for myself and manage money better,” says Stephanie.

“I wish I would have known what gas prices were going to be,” Shelby adds.

“Money goes fast,” Jessica says. “I knew how to save before I went to college, but even saving isn’t enough. You have to learn to find deals and learn to know what you need and not what you want. I’m still working on that.”

If she had realized how many expenses she would have at college, Breanna says she would have spent her money a little less freely on what she now considers “junk” in high school.

“I also would have found a bank account with a higher-paying interest rate,” she says.

But Kayla Gratopp discovered she didn’t need to spend a lot in order to have a good time in Des Moines. She enjoys a walk around Gray’s Lake, which is just a few blocks from AIB, and all the free entertainment events that are held in the surrounding park.

Many students take advantage of AIB’s “Degree in 3” program to cut their college costs.

“I love the fact that I can earn a bachelor’s degree in three years,” Breanna says. “It’s saving me a lot of money and allowing me to start my career a year earlier than my high school classmates.”

As full-time students, they also are eligible for AIB’s Tuition Freeze, which locks in one tuition rate for their entire college career.

And while they’re learning to save, the students also are learning to earn. Almost all AIB students have at least a part-time job. They’re acquiring the cash they need now while building skills for the careers they desire after college.

Through real work experience and preparation from business-focused classes at AIB, these students become confident that they can handle whatever surprises lie ahead after college graduation.

AIB College of Business renews ESGR commitment

AIB College of Business — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Pictured, from left: Front row, AIB President Nancy Williams and Bill Harris, ESGR volunteer.
Back row, AIB vice presidents Paul Winget, Dr. Susan Cigelman and Terry Wilson.

During a ceremony May 1 at AIB College of Business, President Nancy Williams signed a renewal of the college’s Statement of Support from the Iowa Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The statement underscores AIB’s ongoing commitment to support and hire military veterans and to recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

AIB BMA's Mr. Irresistible Pageant a Success

AIB College of Business — Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The following AIB students competed in the 11th annual Mr. Irresistible Pageant at AIB College of Business recently.

Mr. Irresistible 2012 - Steven Kellogg
Runner-up - Ben Fessler
3rd Place - Izaac Reis
4th Place - Anton Winston
Contestant - Justin DeFord
Contestant - Brandon Eley
Contestant - Logan Hamm
Contestant - Ricky Levi
Contestant - Ryley Pruismann
Contestant - Adam Webb

“Ten of AIB’s finest gentlemen competed for the coveted Mr. Irresistible crown and the $100 prize money,” said Business Administration Professor Lynn Clark, co-host of the event. “The pageant was bigger and better than ever this year and was a huge success.”

The contest is a lighthearted tweaking of the traditional female beauty pageant – a decidedly hairier version when it came to the swimsuit portion of the competition. The aspiring beauty kings also went mano-a-mano in talent, formalwear and interview rounds.

The competition is sponsored by the Business Management Association (BMA), an AIB student organization dedicated to preparing its members to pursue careers in business and to developing members who will be assets to the community and society. BMA is a student chapter of the Des Moines Leadership Network.

Admission was free, but attendees were encouraged to bring a canned or boxed food item. BMA matched the audience contributions and donated more than 160 canned or boxed food items to Children and Family Urban Ministries.

“We had a great crowd, excellent judges and 10 beautiful BMA escorts who accompanied our contestants,” said Clark. “We are looking forward to hosting Mr. Irresistible in 2013.”

AIB ‘Dance Mania’ for Special Olympics moves to September

AIB College of Business — Sat, 05 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

You could be dancing – from noon to midnight – Saturday, September 15, at “Dancing Through the Decades” Dance Mania, a dance marathon sponsored by the Hospitality Travel Management Association (HTMA) at AIB College of Business. The event at AIB’s Activities Center, 2500 Fleur Drive, benefits Special Olympics Iowa.

Here’s what to do: Go to www.firstgiving.com/soiowa/aib2012dancemania and create a page to register in advance. A pledge commitment of $30 per dancer is required.

Then enlist sponsors to support your effort, and start planning what to wear – costumes will be judged, so come dressed in attire from your favorite decade. Prizes will be awarded for best costume and a variety of other categories – including top fundraiser.

Check-in starts at 11 a.m., with a rules briefing at 11:45 a.m. Dancing begins at noon, and a meal will be served at 6 p.m. for registered participants.

Hitzel named to lead Iowa college HR organization

AIB College of Business — Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Joan Hitzel, director of human resources at AIB College of Business, has been elected president of the Iowa chapter of the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources. The organization is comprised of higher education HR professionals in private and public colleges, and it keeps members abreast of news, trends and regulatory changes that impact higher education.

Hitzel, a native of Exira, is a graduate of Buena Vista College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics, and of Iowa State University, where she earned a Master’s degree in Professional Studies. She has been at AIB for seven years.

Hitzel is the daughter of Darrell and Vi Kilworth of Exira. She and her husband, Bert, have two adult children.

Hitzel begins her one-year term July 1.

SOS Leaders selected at AIB

AIB College of Business — Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The following have been selected as Student Orientation Staff (SOS) Leaders at AIB College of Business.

Jon Allaman

Maria Baeza

Cindy Enriquez

Ben Fessler

Mindy Herink

Steven Kellogg

Anid Nezirevic

Izaac Reis

Natalie Rivas

Jake Wasko

“The SOS Leader program is vital to the success of AIB students,” said Dr. Susan Cigelman, vice president for academic affairs. “For incoming first-year students, it is a chance to have a mentor who will show them the campus, introduce them to the AIB community and help them make a smooth transition to college. Thanks to the efforts of SOS Leaders, AIB’s freshmen can start the Fall term with confidence and focus.”

The program also gives aspiring SOS Leaders practical and valuable experience they’ll be able to apply to future job searches. The rigorous and competitive selection process starts by screening the students through written applications and group interviews.

“We divide the students into teams and give them a problem-solving task,” said Jane DeHaven, director of career services and chairperson of the orientation committee. “We watch how they interact and work together. Then we sit down for individual interviews.

“SOS Leaders selected were picked because they showed they could be strong leaders and yet still act as a team. They are good communicators who bring a rich diversity in their backgrounds, types of majors and involvement in student organizations and sports that they can share with the incoming students.”

SOS Leaders are role models for the campus, said Terry Wilson, Vice President for Student Life. “Serving in this position helps these students develop crucial leadership and teamwork skills outside the classroom,” he said.

AIB in the News: May 2012

AIB College of Business — Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

May 2 - Britt residents get NCAA work experience in college
AIB students Stephanie Nauss and Tyler Olson volunteered during the NCAA tournament.
From Britt News Tribune:
http://globegazette.com/brittnewstribune/news/local/britt-residents-get-ncaa-work-experience-in-college/article_c6f84e98-9450-11e1-9f35-001a4bcf887a.html

May 6 - Caitlin Hagarty earns female athlete honors at AIB
From the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier:
http://wcfcourier.com/sports/college/caitlin-hagarty-earns-female-athlete-honors-at-aib/article_ecefee66-9721-11e1-bcc6-0019bb2963f4.html

May 8 - WEEKLY WORKOUT: Playing Granny Basketball
The "Hoops for Shelter" basketball game benefiting Central Iowa Services and Shelter and featuring the Hot Pink Grannies was held in the AIB gym.
From WHO-TV:
http://whotv.com/2012/05/08/weekly-workout-playing-granny-basketball/#ooid=ptMGZuNDo98oHV0FgmG6rOQhCJFuB5u3

May 9 - MCC women's golf all-conference honors announced
AIB's Kara Larson was named to the 2012 Midwest Collegiate Women's Golf Honorable Mention All-Conference Team
http://www.midwestcollegiateconference.com/article/1387.php

May 9 - MCC men's golf all-conference honors announced
AIB's Johnny Schwaller was named to the 2012 Midwest Collegiate Men's Golf Honorable Mention All-Conference Team
http://www.midwestcollegiateconference.com/article/1388.php

May 11 - Newton native assists with NCAA tournament
AIB student Greg Davis
From the Newton Daily News:
http://www.newtondailynews.com/2012/05/10/newton-native-assists-with-ncaa-tournament/a1c232e/

May 16 - The many lives of chef Jesus Ojeda: His menu fuses Mexican and Italian; his life fuses heartache and triumph
AIB student Jesus Ojeda
From The Des Moines Register:
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012305160008

AIB in the News: April 2012

AIB College of Business — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Apr. 13 - GRANNY GAME: Sonya And Erin Play Ball
The "Hoops for Shelter" basketball game benefiting Central Iowa Services and Shelter and featuring the Hot Pink Grannies was held in the AIB gym.
From WHO-TV:
http://whotv.com/2012/04/13/hot-pink-grannies-sonya-and-erin-play-basketball/

April 17 - Two wealthy Iowa businessmen applaud Obama’s ‘Buffett Rule’ for millionaires
One of the two is AIB Alumnus William Knapp.
From The Des Moines Register:
http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2012/04/17/two-wealthy-iowa-businessmen-applaud-obamas-buffett-rule-for-millionaires/
From BarackObama.com:
http://www.barackobama.com/ia/entry/ia-iowa-business-leaders-support-the-buffett-rule/

April - AIB Hires Keith Coleman As Next Women's Basketball Coach
From Iowa Sports Connection, Vol. 14 #1, p. 19:
http://issuu.com/iowasportsconnection/docs/volume14issue1-isc/1

April - What students wish they’d known before going to college
From High School Assembly, Vol. 7 #5, pp. 6 - 7.
http://issuu.com/iowasportsconnection/docs/highschoolassemblyvol7iss5

Athletes Honored for Academic Excellence

AIB College of Business — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The following have been recognized for achieving academic excellence in the classroom while participating in athletics at AIB College of Business.

Sabrina Almobaied - Cheerleading
Colton Barton - Men's Basketball
Nick Burrell - Men's Basketball
Megan Calmer - Volleyball
Rachel Church - Volleyball
Brandon Eley - Men's Basketball
Ben Fessler - Men's Golf
Katlynn Gannon - Volleyball
Ashley Gratopp - Cheerleading
Kayla Gratopp - Cheerleading
Travis Guy - Men's Basketball
Caitlin Hagarty - Women's Basketball
Logan Hamm - Men's Basketball
Megan Howard - Women's Basketball
Andrew Kuhr - Men's Golf
Kara Larson - Women's Golf
Sean Lewis - Men's Golf
Brittany Livengood - Women's Golf
Allison Martin - Volleyball
Bryce Maschino - Men's Basketball
Sarah Maxheimer - Volleyball
Michelle Miller - Women's Basketball
Jacob Mueller - Men's Basketball
Tim Olejniczak - Men's Basketball
Lillian Otto - Volleyball
Kayla Routson - Women's Golf
Curtis Rozenboom - Men's Basketball & Men's Golf
Ashleigh Sorensen - Women's Golf
Kristine Teig - Women's Golf
Ashley Vratny - Women's Basketball
Micah Westrum - Men's Basketball
Dillon Wilson - Men's Golf
Shelby Wood - Volleyball & Women's Basketball

It was an elite group of 33 AIB Eagles honored for having a GPA of 3.5 or better in the fall and winter terms as the rapidly expanding AIB Athletics Department held its Year-End Celebration April 26. Recognition was given to athletes participating in men’s and women’s basketball and golf, as well as volleyball and cheerleading. The school will add competitive dance and men’s and women’s soccer this fall, and baseball and softball will begin competition in spring 2014.

Hagarty named Female Athlete of the Year at AIB

AIB College of Business — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caitlin Hagarty of Cedar Falls has been named Female Athlete of the Year at AIB College of Business.

Coach Jerry Kindhart, Caitlin Hagarty and AIB Vice President for Student Life Terry Wilson

Hagarty, who recently completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration at the college, was honored as the rapidly expanding AIB Athletics Department held its Year-End Celebration April 26. Recognition was given to athletes participating in men’s and women’s basketball and golf, as well as volleyball and cheerleading. The school will add competitive dance and men’s and women’s soccer this fall, and baseball and softball will begin in 2014.

Hagarty finished her career at AIB as the first player in school history to score 1,000 points, totaling 1,131 points in three seasons. She led AIB in scoring for the second consecutive season, finishing the 2011-2012 campaign with 13.5 points per game, which ranked seventh in the MCC. Hagarty had 5.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game, ranking 14^th, 11^th and ninth in the league, respectively.

From the floor she shot 44.5 percent for eighth in the conference, and from the line she was at 75.7 percent, good for 15^th in the MCC.

A well-rounded player, Hagarty holds seven career records for the Eagles, including top marks in rebounds (614), steals (270) and assists (223). She also holds seven single-season records at the college.

A third-team NJCAA all-region selection as a freshman, Hagarty has averaged 13 points and 7.1 rebounds over a school-record 87 career games at AIB.

Howard named Academic Athlete of the Year at AIB

AIB College of Business — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Megan Howard of Elkhart has been named Academic Athlete of the Year at AIB College of Business.

Professor Lynn Clark and Megan Howard

Howard, a sophomore working toward an Associate in Applied Science degree in Sports and Event Management, was honored as the rapidly expanding AIB Athletics Department held its Year-End Celebration April 26. Recognition was given to athletes participating in men’s and women’s basketball and golf, as well as volleyball and cheerleading. The school will add competitive dance and men’s and women’s soccer this fall, and baseball and softball will begin in 2014.

Howard has earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average at AIB. She also serves as the acting secretary-treasurer for the Sports and Event Management Association, and she played an integral part in helping the women’s basketball team advance to the conference tournament in its first year of eligibility.

Howard played in 31 games, with 24 starting assignments. She led her team and ranked fourth in the conference and fourth in the nation with 3.2 steals per game. She also led the team and ranked third in the conference and the nation with 99 total steals. She was the second-highest scorer on the team with 9.9 points per game, and she averaged 4.3 rebounds per contest.

Schwaller named Male Athlete of the Year at AIB

AIB College of Business — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Johnny Schwaller of Coon Rapids has been named Male Athlete of the Year at AIB College of Business.

Coach Tony Giannetto, Johnny Schwaler and AIB Vice President for Student Life Terry Wilson

Schwaller, a junior working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration at the college, was honored as the rapidly expanding AIB Athletics Department held its Year-End Celebration April 26. Recognition was given to athletes participating in men’s and women’s basketball and golf, as well as volleyball and cheerleading. The school will add competitive dance and men’s and women’s soccer this fall, and baseball and softball will begin in 2014.

Schwaller received Midwest Collegiate Conference and NAIA National Men's Golfer of the Week honors for the period ending March 25. He took the individual title at the Statesmen Spring Classic hosted by William Penn University at The Preserve on Rathbun Lake Golf Course, finishing seven-under par over the two-day tournament. He led the Eagles to the team title while shooting a 137 (69+68=137) and finishing six strokes ahead of his nearest competitor.

He followed the victory at the Statesmen Classic with a first-place showing at the Simpson Spring Invitational March 27. He shot a 35 on the front nine and a 37 on the back nine for a one-over-par 72 on the day.

Schwaller finished the 2011-12 season collecting eight top-10 finishes and was the team’s top finisher nine times.

DeHaven receives AIB ‘EAGLE’ award

AIB College of Business — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Jane DeHaven has received the EAGLE Award at AIB College of Business. DeHaven, who is director of career services, was recognized by the President’s Cabinet for exhibiting the traits and work ethic valued in an AIB EAGLE: Enthusiastic, Achiever, Go-getter, Leader and Excellence.

Jane DeHaven and AIB President Nancy Williams

“Jane does a fabulous job,” said Terry Wilson, Vice President for Student Life at AIB. “Her thoughtful planning and oversight of the 2012 Career Fest is just one example of what she brings to AIB and Career Services.”

DeHaven, an AIB graduate, oversees the annual job fair, which this year boasted more than 60 exhibitors meeting on March 27 with some 160 ambitious AIB students and alumni. The number of exhibitors represented a 17 percent increase from last year and the highest number since 2008 – before the economic downturn.

DeHaven’s award recognizes her student focus. She coaches students before Career Fest in order to help them present their best attributes to employers and graduate school representatives. She also involves students in every aspect of planning, promoting and executing the job fair, providing them leadership opportunities, practical work experience and additional networking connections as they work one on one with the exhibitors.

AIB College of Business, Earl May pair up on Earth Day

AIB College of Business — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

AIB College of Business President Nancy Williams (left) accepts one of two trees donated to the college by Earl May Nursery & Garden Center, 7701 Bloomfield Road.

AIB students planted a total of five trees on the campus in observance of Earth Day.

Earl May associates Kelly Moffitt and Trey Berry presented the trees.

Attleson Named Student of the Term at AIB

AIB College of Business — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Adam Attleson of Fredericksburg has been selected for a second time by the faculty at AIB College of Business as the Business Administration Student of the Term in the bachelor’s degree program.

Adam Attleson and Assistant Professor Ann Wright, Business Administration Dept. Chair

“Adam is an all-around great guy,” said Professor Lynn Clark. “He’s a good student who never misses class and dresses professionally. He would be a great employee for any company.”

Attleson vied for the honor against 73 other students who had attained a grade point average of 3.75 or higher in the previous term. Eligible students were reviewed by the business administration faculty. Attleson was recognized at a reception attended by AIB faculty, staff and students.

Jennifer Nelson, an account manager at Delta Dental of Iowa and 1996 AIB graduate, spoke to the students, urging them to continually examine their lives, follow their passions and avoid getting stuck in a state of limbo. She practiced that philosophy when she moved to Delta and the insurance field after spending nearly a decade in pharmaceutical sales.

“Don’t feel that you can be just what you are today; you can be so much more tomorrow. Find what motivates you, don’t ever settle and challenge yourself every day. I wish you the best of luck in creating your future in your journey here at AIB,” she said.

Attleson is a past president of the Business Management Association. As a member of the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), he is on a presentation team that was named a regional champion in March and will be competing in May at the SIFE USA National Exposition in Kansas City, Mo.

Attleson, who will be completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration this spring, currently works in AIB’s Forsyth Financial Aid Services Office. As a 2010-11 Student Orientation Staff Leader, he welcomed new students and helped them get familiar with the AIB campus.