College Credits: Batavia Student Receives 1st White Coat

BATAVIA, IL — We're keeping track of all the major higher education accomplishments of students in the area. Send your submissions to emily.rosca@patch.com.

Over 400 DMU Students Receive 1st White Coat

Michael Zidek, from Batavia, IL, was one of 438 Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences students from five programs to receive their white coat during the university's annual White Coat Ceremony Friday, Sept. 13.

"As you don your white coat today, you assume not only the responsibilities but also the obligation that attend to those who choose to provide care to other human beings," said Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D., president and CEO of DMU. "These obligations include to be honorable in all phases of your life, to excel in your academic studies and training, to be compassionate, to be accountable, to collaborate with others as an interprofessional team member and to support a culture of inclusiveness."

The White Coat Ceremony is the true start of a student's medical education to becoming a compassionate and competent health care provider. Participating in DMU's ceremony were 63 students in the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, 25 students in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program and 66 Doctor of Physical Therapy program, 51 students in the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery's Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program and 233 students in the College of Osteopathic Medicine's Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program. Zidek is part of the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program.

— Merit Pages News

Student from Batavia named to SNHU dean’s list

Nicholas Benson of Batavia (60510) has been named to Southern New Hampshire University's Summer 2024 Dean's List. The summer terms run from May to August.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the Dean's List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.

— Merit Pages News

Batavia native performs 'Christmas at Belmont: Live from Nashville' with Amazon Prime

Belmont University's Emmet Quinn, of Batavia, was among more than 600 student musicians and vocalists who performed in the beloved annual concert tradition, "Christmas at Belmont: Live from Nashville."

Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 11, this popular holiday spectacular streamed to a global audience on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch and marked the first time the event was available on a global streaming service. A showcase of Belmont's musical talent through an array of traditional carols, classical masterworks and seasonal favorites, the event featured performances from Belmont alumni Ashley Cooke, Cody Fry and Dwan Hill.

This tremendous opportunity exemplified the enduring value of a Belmont education.

Belmont University President Greg Jones noted, "This global showcase with Amazon Music is a testament to the extraordinary talent and dedication of our students and faculty. It's a moment of celebration for our entire community as we share the joy of music and the spirit of Christmas with people around the world. As viewers tune in from across the globe, they'll see our students and alumni applying years of rigorous training and collaborative creativity in real-time, illustrating why Belmont, located in the heart of Nashville, is a premier destination for aspiring artists and musicians."

— Merit Pages News

Batavia students earn scholarship from UW-Whitewater

A total of 1,465 students at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater were recipients of scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year.

The following local students are among the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater scholarship recipients receiving financial awards for the 2024-25 academic year.

• Batavia — Austin Ambrose, who is studying Marketing, won the following scholarships: College of Business and Economics Admissions Scholarship.
• Batavia — Felipe Wickler, who is studying Media Arts and Game Development, won the following scholarship: Chancellor Scholars.

"On behalf of the UW-Whitewater Foundation Board of Directors, I extend heartfelt congratulations to this year's scholarship recipients," said Katie Kuznacic, president of the UW-Whitewater Foundation. "Since 1962, thousands of individuals, families, friends, and organizations have generously contributed to make these financial awards possible. Their unwavering support plays a vital role in the success of our students and the lasting impact UW-Whitewater alumni have on the economy. Each year, the significance of their contributions is felt through the life-changing scholarships awarded. We are grateful to all of our donors for their continued commitment to UW-Whitewater students."

The UW-Whitewater Foundation awarded more than $2.5 million in scholarships to students this academic year.

— Merit Pages News

UW-Whitewater announces dean's list

The following students were named to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Dean's List for the 2024 fall semester:

• Batavia, IL (60510): Venessa Plourde
• Batavia, IL (60510): Michael Rabehl
• Batavia, IL (60510): Felipe Wickler

These students have demonstrated their academic abilities by receiving a grade point average of 3.4 or above in a single semester.

— Merit Pages News