News Archive

UE's Andiron Lecture Series to Feature Insight into Electroacoustic Music Analysis

The Andiron Lecture series at the University of Evansville (UE) is proud to announce its upcoming event featuring Charles du Preez, DMA, Assistant Professor of Clarinet. Charles du Preez will be delivering a lecture titled "Listener-based analysis of electroacoustic music: a selected chronology of methods," which promises to be an illuminating exploration into the analytical methods of electroacoustic music.

Scheduled for Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. in Wheeler Concert Hall at the Krannert Hall of Art and Music, this lecture will be an enlightening experience for music enthusiasts, students, and scholars alike. Charles du Preez, is a distinguished clarinetist and bass clarinetist with a rich background in performance and academia, holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Arizona and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the California Institute of the Arts.

The lecture will feature insights from du Preez's extensive research, culminating in a comprehensive 222-page document titled "Listener-Based Analysis of Electroacoustic Music." This document provides analytical methods used in electroacoustic music, with a focus on listener-based approaches. Attendees can expect an in-depth examination of various methods, including spectromorphology, sonograms, and other listener-based techniques.

du Preez brings a fresh perspective as his lecture will explore the evolution of analytical methods since the 1960's and their practical implications for understanding electroacoustic compositions.

Admission is free and open to the public, offering an invaluable opportunity for anyone interested in the intersection of music and technology.

UE School of Health Science Professors Visit India to Discuss Regional Healthcare

Two University of Evansville (UE) professors recently visited India in early March to discuss healthcare in the region. 

Dr. William Stroube, Professor of Health Service Administration, and Dr. Erik Brown, Assistant Professor of Health Science, conducted a series of presentations during their time abroad. They engaged with faculty and students across several institutions such as Jaipur National University, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Jagan Institute of Management Studies, among others, covering diverse healthcare subjects. Additionally, Dr. Brown delivered a notable lecture on concussion management at Sharda University in Agra.

UE Hosting Events in Honor of Disability Awareness Month

In recognition of Disability Awareness Month, the University of Evansville (UE) is proud to host a Disability Awareness event titled "Behind the Masks We Wear: Living & Leading with Vulnerability & Purpose." This event will take place on March 26 at 4:00 p.m. at Eykamp Hall in Ridgway University Center. The event is not open to the public, but students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to attend.

Counseling and Disability Services, along with the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (CDEI), are organizing the event featuring renowned speaker Joshua Rivedal, who will deliver an impactful address aimed at empowering college students to embrace vulnerability and purpose in their lives.

College life is often a journey filled with challenges and uncertainties, and it takes courage to navigate through education, career pursuits, and relationships. Rivedal's presentation will delve into the theme of authenticity, urging attendees to challenge societal norms, overcome fears, and strive towards personal growth.

Attendees of "Behind the Masks We Wear" will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights that will enable them to confront obstacles, pursue their aspirations, and evolve into their best selves. Through engaging with Rivedal's message, students will be encouraged to break free from societal expectations and embrace their unique identities.

UE is arranging further events, such as a panel discussion featuring students with disabilities from diverse backgrounds and identities sharing their experiences. Additionally, there's a speed networking event in partnership with Vocational Rehabilitation, where 20 employers will be present on campus. With only 20 registered students participating, this setup offers a less overwhelming and more structured environment compared to conventional career events. Participants will have the chance to engage with each employer, receive interview feedback, and expand their professional network.

"We anticipate these events to profoundly impact every member of our community, cultivating a nurturing atmosphere conducive to personal development and empowerment," expressed Debbie Brenton, Assistant Director of Disability Services. "We invite all college students to participate, as we dedicate this month and every day to seeking inspiration, introspection, and solidarity."

University of Evansville's BSU to Host Panel on Infant Mortality Disparities

The University of Evansville's (UE) Black Student Union (BSU) is set to host an event on March 18, bringing together community leaders, healthcare professionals, and citizens to address the pressing issue of infant mortality disparities.

Titled "The Intersectionality and Disparities of Infant Mortality," the event aims to shine a spotlight on the multifaceted challenges surrounding infant mortality and ignite positive change within the community. Specifically, the discussion will delve into the intersections of socioeconomic status, race, access to healthcare, and systemic disparities that contribute to this issue.

The event will start with a networking hour from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Eykamp Hall in the Ridgway University Center. Attendees can enjoy a light breakfast while connecting and collaborating.

The centerpiece of the event will be a panel discussion starting at 10:00 a.m., featuring the following experts:

  • Thomas Stratton, MD, FAAFP, Chair, Health Committee, NAACP Evansville Branch
  • Lynn Herr, RN, BSN, CPN, Director, Clinical & Outreach Division for the Vanderburgh County Health Department
  • LaRissa Madison, MSN-Ed, RN, IBCLC, RLC, Deaconess Health - The Women's Hospital
  • Trinisia Brooks, EdD, Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation

The panelists will bring their diverse perspectives and expertise, offering insights into the root causes of infant mortality disparities and potential solutions.

UE Community Gears Up for Highly Anticipated Solar Eclipse

As the date for the much-awaited solar eclipse draws near, the University of Evansville (UE) is pulling out all the stops to ensure an unforgettable experience for its community as part of "UEclipse." On Monday, April 8, this celestial event promises to attract thousands of visitors to the area, and UE is ready to host an array of activities to mark the occasion.

In anticipation of the eclipse, the University is hosting a lecture on Sunday, April 7, by distinguished alumna Maria Weber '08, PhD, on solar magnetism titled "From Eclipses to Magnetism: The Secret Life of the Sun." This presentation is funded by the Dr. Guy Banta Distinguished Lecture Series in Natural Sciences and Mathematics. The lecture will be held at 2:00 p.m. in Eykamp Hall on the UE campus.

On Monday, April 8, beginning at 12:45 p.m., the partial phase of the eclipse will commence, leading up to totality at 2:02 p.m. The eclipse will conclude with the partial phase ending at 3:20 p.m. To maximize enjoyment, UE has organized a series of events starting at 11:00 a.m. that day.

Highlights of the day's activities include:

  • Live performances by the UE Pep Band and a captivating presentation by the UE Theatre, both taking place outside the Ridgway University Center at East Terrace Lawn.
  • Line dancing and moonwalk sessions hosted by the UE Dance Company.
  • A game zone for enthusiasts located on the first floor of Ridgway University Center.
  • Corn hole boards available for entertainment before the eclipse.
  • Access to sand volleyball and basketball courts at Hale Hall.

Additionally, Chartwells will provide food offerings at the soccer stadium concessions, and there will be special narrations by Jeffrey Braun, PhD, and Maria Weber, PhD, on what to expect as totality approaches.

UE advises attendees to plan their journeys accordingly due to expected increased traffic and potential internet connectivity issues. The University encourages nearby residents to join the festivities.

For further details and registration for the pre-eclipse lecture, please visit evansville.edu/ueclipse.

UEclipse logo

University of Evansville, multiple community partners benefit from $2.2 million in trust gift

The University of Evansville (UE) on Wednesday announced the Robert and Patricia Johnson Trust will generously provide over $2.2 million to eight community organizations, including UE.

Community organizations benefiting from the gift include Shriners' Hospitals for Children Foundation, R-Men Varsity Club Scholarship Fund, All Saints Parish Church Maintenance Fund, Indiana Masonic Home Foundation, Inc., The Workingmen's Institute, Johnson United Methodist Church, and Willard Library. Each will receive approximately $275,000 along with the same gift amount to the University of Evansville Scholarship Fund.

The University of Evansville's Scholarship fund will support student scholarships. This gesture reflects the Johnsons' belief in the transformative power of education and their commitment to uplifting future generations.

The remarkable legacy of Robert A. Johnson and Patricia "Pat" Johnson '45, will continue to make profound impact on the community. Robert and Pat Johnson dedicated their lives to service and education. Robert, a steadfast farmer, and Pat, an esteemed educator, embodied values of hard work, service, and a deep commitment to community betterment. Their enduring dedication continues to inspire countless individuals.

Their legacy serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us of the profound impact of philanthropy and kindness. Patricia's dedication to education is echoed in the trust's contribution to her alma mater, furthering her life's work of shaping students' lives.

"We extend our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude for the boundless generosity of the Johnson family," said Vice President for University Advancement Abigail Werling. "Their thoughtful generosity will continue to enrich lives and cultivate opportunities for our students and community for years to come."

Handshake

UE, USI to cohost archaeologist who challenges claims made in popular television series

The Department of Archaeology at the University of Evansville (UE) and the Department of World Languages and Cultures at the University of Southern Indiana (USI) will cohost an event aimed at examining the claims made by the popular program Ancient Aliens.

The lecture titled Ancient Aliens: A Joke That Really Isn't Very Funny by Andrew White, PhD, is set for Thursday, March 28, 2024, and will take place from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Smythe Auditorium, located in the Stone Family Center for Health Sciences. Admission is free and open to the public.

The television program Ancient Aliens argues that there is good evidence that space aliens interacted with ancient human societies and continue to be active here on Earth. According to White, a Research Archaeologist for the Illinois State Archaeological Survey who has confronted pseudo-archaeological claims about the human past, most of the archaeological claims made on the program are far-fetched and have been shown to be wrong. This presentation aims to expose the fallacies behind these claims and explore the shared intellectual ancestry of Ancient Aliens, eugenics, the occult, Nazism, Atlantis believers, and other pseudo-scientific belief systems.

By challenging the assertions made by Ancient Aliens, the local academic community hopes to encourage critical thinking and promote a better understanding of archaeology and our shared human past.

To learn more about the lecture, please contact archaeology@evansville.edu.

Center for Innovation & Change Nominated for Community Impact Award at 25th Annual 'Best of Tech' Mira Awards

TechPoint, the industry-led growth initiative for Indiana's digital innovation economy, announced the nominees for its 25th annual Mira Awards program presented by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Salesforce and a host of the state's most innovative companies, universities and organizations. Notably, among the nominees stands the Center for Innovation & Change (CIC) at the University of Evansville (UE), highlighting its significant contributions to the state's dynamic landscape of innovation and progress.

The CIC was nominated in the Community Impact Award category thanks to its contributions, including organizing the annual High School Changemaker Challenge, directing UE's ChangeLab program, and leading a large, collaborative effort to establish the historic Evansville Promise Neighborhood grant, a $62 million investment into the city of Evansville.

"The Center for Innovation & Change is honored to be considered for this award," said Executive Director Erin Lewis. "UE is now the only college campus in the world to be both an Ashoka Changemaker Campus and a Promise Neighborhood. We are thrilled about what that could mean for Indiana, as we reimagine an innovation ecosystem for a new era."

"We look forward to celebrating the 25th anniversary of Indiana's most prestigious tech and innovation awards at a new venue," said TechPoint President and CEO Ting Gootee. "Even more exciting is the level of excellence, innovation and resilience outlined in each entry and even more so by those whose efforts elevated them to status as a Mira Award nominee. It is truly Indiana's biggest night for innovation."

Panels composed of founders, executives, community leaders and subject matter experts will interview nominees and determine the winners next month. Winners will be spotlighted at the TechPoint Mira Awards gala Friday, April 26, 2024, at the Old National Centre in Indianapolis.

Learn more about the Mira awards by visiting https://techpoint.org/category/mira/.

UE Theatre Alumni head to Broadway this Spring with New Play STEREOPHONIC

After a hugely successful Off-Broadway run at Playwrights Horizons, STEREOPHONIC, by David Adjmi, is headed to Broadway in April with three University of Evansville alumni attached to the production.

Two 2003 UE classmates are involved in producing this Broadway premiere, Nick Mills is a lead producer along with UE Assistant Professor Wes Grantom. In addition, recent graduate Miriam Cortes '21 will make her Broadway debut with the production as the Assistant Costume Manager.

Loosely based on Fleetwood Mac and their seminal album "Rumours," STEREOPHONIC mines the agony and the ecstasy of creation as it zooms in on a music studio in 1976. Here, an up-and-coming rock band recording a new album finds itself suddenly on the cusp of superstardom. The ensuing pressures could spark their breakup-or their breakthrough. Written by David Adjmi, directed by Daniel Aukin, and featuring original music by Arcade Fire's Will Butler, STEREOPHONIC invites the audience to immerse themselves-with fly on-the-wall intimacy-in the powder keg process of a band on the brink of blowing up.

The Broadway production of STEREOPHONIC begins previews at the Golden Theater, in New York City, on April 3 and will open on April 19.

University of Evansville Announces Remaining Black History Month Events

The University of Evansville's (UE) Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (CDEI) is sponsoring a long list of events to celebrate Black History Month throughout February.

The Black History Month Kickoff took place on February 1, it was held at the Multi-Student Commons.

The University of Evansville African American Alumni Association's (UEAAA) Documentary was screened on Tuesday, February 6 at the Central Library. Our Story: Once the Doors Opened was produced by 1980 graduate Arnell Hill. Co-narrated by Leirra Carter '24 and directed by black Indianapolis videographer Aaron Turner, Our Story is a 45-minute documentary on the history of black students at Evansville College/University of Evansville, from 1934 to the early 2000 era. You can watch the full documentary at this link.

For the Health of it! - In collaboration with the UE Nursing Department, students were able to receive free medical health assessments as part of Black History Month.

The Black Student Union held a Friday Hang Out for the month of February on Friday, February 9. However, it was not open to the public.

Black Student Union is collaborating with Young & Established on a Black & White Charity Ball taking place on Saturday, February 24 at 8:00 p.m. There will be a live DJ, 3 cash bars, hors d'oeuvres, multiple picture booths, silent auction, half pot, and lots of giveaways! To register please visit this link.

The Black Student Union is also hosting a 3v3 tournament on Thursday, February 25 at 11:00 p.m. at Carson Center. For more information, contact Black Student Union President, Trinitee Terrel via email, tt141@evansville.edu.

The CDEI and the Eatery are collaborating to culminate the end of Black History. CDEI is partnering for Soul Food Sunday with the theme of "Let's Go to Big Mama's House." This fellowship dining experience will be open to the public as well. This event is Sunday, February 25 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and will cost $12.08 per person.

Lunch and Learn - "I Am Not My Hair"

This Lunch and Learn (lunch is provided) session for Black History Month will shine a spotlight on women of color making significant strides, delving deeply into their presence in various spheres, particularly within higher education, and examining the significance for women of color in 2024. This will take place on February 29 at 11:00 a.m. in Eykamp 251, you can register (free) at this link.

The CDEI office will close out the Black History Month with Celebration of Hip Hop Then & Now featuring Manon Voice at Butler University, Professor of Music-teaching Hip Hop: History, Evolution, and Culture and DJ Stylistic, Education and Indiana Pacers DJ. This event will take place on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 6 p.m. in Eykamp Hall Room 251, free admission to the public.

Four students, some wearing MLK Day t-shirts

UE Professor Presents Paper at International Conference on Inaugural Swiftposium

University of Evansville (UE) Professor Kristie Daugherty recently unveiled her groundbreaking paper titled "'Rooting for the Anti-Hero': Taylor Swift's Lyrics and the Contemporary Female Protagonist" at the highly anticipated Swiftposium. Organized by scholars from six universities across Australia and New Zealand, Swiftposium marks the first international academic conference dedicated to the cultural phenomenon that is Taylor Swift.

With over 400 paper proposals received, Daugherty's paper was among the select 130 chosen for presentation at the event, a testament to its academic rigor and innovative insights. Swiftposium hosted scholars from 78 academic institutions worldwide, representing diverse disciplines and perspectives at the University of Melbourne from Feb. 11 to Feb. 13.

Daugherty's paper expands on her previous work discussing Taylor Swift in academic circles. She previously presented at a Taylor Swift conference at Indiana University. The Swiftposium further explored Swift's impact on modern life, covering topics such as gender, fandom, popular culture, literature, and the music industry.

"It was an immense privilege to take part in the Swiftposium, delving into the profound influence Taylor Swift has on our culture," remarked Daughtery. "This event served as a unique platform for scholars to analyze her societal impact. I feel deeply honored to engage in this collective exploration, exchanging insights with academics from across the globe."

University of Evansville Theatre Presents A BRIGHT NEW BOISE

The University of Evansville Theatre commences its Spring 2024 season with Samuel D. Hunter's A BRIGHT NEW BOISE. This production opens at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 15, in the May Studio Theatre. Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m., on Feb. 16, 17, and at 2:00 p.m. on Feb. 17 and 18.

Winner of the 2011 Obie Award for Best Playwriting, this tragi-comedic play explores the intricacies of faith and the power of forgiveness. Set in the dismal break room of a Hobby Lobby, these low-wage earners struggle with both mundane daily routines and larger questions posed by the havoc that can be wreaked by blind faith. No respite from a scintillating scrapbook section can be found here though, as group politics dissolve into utter pandemonium!

A BRIGHT NEW BOISE is directed by Bradley Baumhover, a senior theatre management major, from Joplin, Mo. Maya Barry, a junior stage management major from Marietta, Ga., serves as the scenic designer; Kylee Hassell, a senior design and technology major from Portland, Tenn., is the costume designer; Jamey Pearson, a senior design and technology major from Moody, Texas, is the lighting designer; Bailey Piontkowski, a first-year design and technology major from Fort Worth, Texas, serves as the sound designer; Claire Londenberg, a first-year theatre management major from Sabine Pass, Texas, serves as video designer; Marguerite Winzinger, a first-year directing and dramaturgy major from Bordentown, N.J., is the dramaturg; Katie Lawhorn, a junior stage management major from Louisville, Ky., is the stage manager, and Visiting Assistant Professor Scott Carpenter '05 serves as the technical director.

The cast features Kurt Sparks, a first-year performance major from Millville, N.J., as Will; Daphne Wheeler, a first-year performance major from Star, Idaho, as Anna; Guldana Karman, a first-year performance major from Katy, Texas, as Pauline; Matthew Manders, a first-year performance major from Houston, Texas, as Alex, and Adam Techmanski, a junior performance major from Richmond, Texas, as Leroy.

Seating is limited, and general admission tickets are $12. UE students may obtain one free student rush ticket beginning at noon on the day of the performance they wish to attend. Single tickets may be purchased online at theatre.evansville.edu or by calling the ticket office at 812.488.2031.

Building Bridges: UE and Memorial High School Forge Partnership to Build Career-Ready Pathways for Students

The University of Evansville (UE) in partnership with Reitz Memorial High School (MHS) is proud to announce a transformative collaboration that will open education pathways for high school students to earn college credit.

Through this partnership, MHS students with junior status will have the opportunity to earn college credit for courses ranging from Education, Chemistry, Biology, Spanish, and Psychology. These credits are transferable to the University of Evansville or any institution accepting UE transfer credits. Memorial students may also attend college courses on the UE campus as part of their daily class schedule.

This collaboration aims to enhance educational opportunities, providing a seamless academic journey for high school students entering higher education. Faculty at UE will work with high school administrators and instructors to provide additional educational opportunities for MHS students. Students who earn college credit through this partnership will be well prepared to start one of UE's 3-year degree tracks.

"Reitz Memorial High School is thrilled to join forces with the University of Evansville as we believe our shared goal to enrich educational opportunities and create an impact in the students we serve will be beneficial in the years to come, setting the stage for a promising future for all Memorial Tigers," said Memorial High School President Christian Mocek.

"This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to fostering excellence in education and opening doors for the next generation of scholars and leaders. Together, UE and MHS are shaping a brighter future for students as they embark on their academic and professional journeys," said Mary Kessler, Interim Executive Vice President, Academic Affairs and Provost.

UE Archaeology Students Undertake Unique Campus Project

The Grounds Crew at the University of Evansville (UE) recently removed a tree located near the Koch Center, sparking an unexpected chain of events.

Archaeology majors undertook a unique project following the removal of a tree. They were inspired by their newfound knowledge of dendrochronology, and took it upon themselves to uncover the tree's age and leave an indelible mark on the stump.

In a display of academic curiosity and in a testament to the caliber of students at UE, they meticulously examined the tree rings, determining its age, and inscribed significant dates in UE's history on the stump. This impromptu project not only showcases the students' enthusiasm for learning but also their ability to apply acquired skills in unconventional yet meaningful ways.

Stump
Stump Close Up
Stump being inscribed

"This initiative exemplifies the kind of students we attract to UE and highlights our commitment to providing them with skills and knowledge that extend beyond the classroom," said Dr. Alan Kaiser, Professor of Archaeology. "We take pride in fostering an environment where students feel empowered to explore and apply their learning in innovative ways."

Learn more by visting https://www.evansville.edu/archaeology/

Changemaker Challenge Winners Receive Scholarships

High school students throughout the Tri-State and beyond were awarded significant scholarships on Saturday at the University of Evansville's tenth High School Changemaker Challenge, made possible by Toyota Indiana.

The challenge is designed to motivate young people to take a leading role in identifying and solving challenges in the world through innovation and creativity.

UE has committed more than $1 million in scholarships to winners of this competition since its inception. Those who choose UE as their college destination will each receive four-year scholarships as listed below:

First place winners holding check

1st place: Full tuition

SolarLens: Jacob Barnwell and Elie Duff (New Tech Institute, Evansville, Ind.)

Summary: SolarLens is a solar powered streetlight with a monitored dome camera attached to it. It will all be in one unit and established into the Evansville Promise Neighborhood to help improve the quality of life by saving money on energy and helping lower the crime rate in the city of Evansville.

Second place winners holding check

2nd place: $27,000 per year

UpLift18: Claire Deardorff and Jennifer Vazquez (Signature School, Evansville, Ind.)

Summary: UpLift18 raises awareness about human trafficking by providing education, prevention, student empowerment, and community service opportunities. UpLift18 creates a meaningful impact for students in fighting human trafficking.

Third place winners holding check

3rd place: $23,000 per year

Boomerang Learning: Kris Lau, Abdul-Aleem Mohammed, and Parth Patel (Signature School, Evansville, Ind.)

Summary: Boomerang Learning is program to help students that have had trouble catching up to Indiana standards post COVID and to help students who are falling behind their peers.

On Friday, January 26, a panel of judges heard pitches from the top 20 teams and individual students who had been invited to the in-person competition. From those top 20, six ideas were then chosen for the championship round that took place on Saturday, January 27. During that event, judges awarded first, second, and third place. To learn more about High School Changemaker Challenge please visit https://www.evansville.edu/changemaker/

University of Evansville ChangeLab Awarded $10,000 to Improve Local News

The University of Evansville's Center for Innovation & Change is excited to announce that Evansville NewsLab, a UE ChangeLab, has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Listening Post Collective, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting innovative community-driven journalism projects.

The grant will support the ChangeLab in expanding its efforts to foster community engagement and promote civic journalism in the Evansville area. The funds will be used to enhance the organization's community outreach initiatives in Spring 2024 as they conduct community-wide research through surveys and focus groups to help develop a civic journalism hub in Evansville.

"We are thrilled to receive this generous grant from the Listening Post Collective," said Andrew Carter, Associate Director of UE's Center for Innovation & Change and coach for the NewsLab course. "We are committed to adding a civic journalism component to local news that promotes a more vibrant media landscape with better informed and engaged citizens." Evansville NewsLab will be making more announcements about the initiative as it rolls out in 2024.

The Listening Post Collective focuses on supporting projects that prioritize community voices, encourage civic participation, and foster inclusive and equitable journalism practices. The grant reflects the organization's recognition of the NewsLab's dedication to amplifying diverse perspectives and building bridges between local residents, local government, and the media.

"We are excited to partner with Evansville NewsLab ChangeLab and support their goals of making local journalism more accessible and representative," said Grace Northern, Program Officer at the Listening Post Collective. "Their commitment to empowering citizens through civic information aligns perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of their projects on the Evansville community."

Evansville NewsLab is proud to partner with Our Times, Evansville's Black-owned newspaper, to establish a community-driven civic journalism model in Evansville and encourages residents of Evansville and the surrounding areas to get involved in shaping the narrative of their community. The grant will facilitate focus groups, listening sessions, and survey distribution to empower individuals to tell their own stories and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive local media landscape.

About Evansville NewsLab ChangeLab

ChangeLabs are academic courses offered at the University of Evansville for students to earn academic credit while working on projects that make an impact in the community. Evansville NewsLab is a community-driven journalism initiative dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between media outlets and the local community. Through innovative projects and collaborative efforts, the lab seeks to amplify diverse voices and empower citizens to actively participate in shaping the narrative of Evansville. Students in this the NewsLab are mentored by Steve Burger, Andrew Carter, Erin Hempfling, and Guy Sides.

About Listening Post Collective

Listening Post Collective is a nonprofit organization that supports and promotes community-driven journalism projects. By providing grants, resources, and guidance through their Civic Media Playbook, the organization aims to empower communities to create their own narratives, fostering a more inclusive and participatory media landscape.

UE Clay Club Donates Thousands to Community Food Bank

The Clay Club held its 21st annual Chili Bowl Sale on the University of Evansville campus on October 31, 2023. There were over 500 handmade ceramic bowls for sale, with the majority being sold for $10 and others ranging from $15 to $100. In previous years, the sale of the bowls lasted from 15 to 30 minutes. In 2023, the bowls sold out in a record time of six minutes and 30 seconds. People waited in lines longer for chili than they waited to buy the bowls.

Photo: Alayna Acree, President of UE Clay Club, and Professor Todd Matteson, Advisor to UE Clay Club, present a check to Amanda Drew, Community Food Bank, in the sum of $6880.00.

The Chili Bowl Sale brings one of the largest crowds to campus, and the crowd for 2023 was twice as large as the previous year. This event draws a large turnout from not only the campus community but also the public.

“We have families that drive over two hours to be here,” said Todd Matteson, Chair of the Department of Art. “The sale is anticipated every year and has become a tradition for many.” 

This year the UE Clay Club chose the Community Food Bank Inc. of Dubois County as its beneficiary. The club has a member that personally benefitted from this charity in the past and wanted to pay it forward. The UE Clay Club decided to donate all profits this year to the Community Food Bank. 

Since 2016, when the UE Clay Club became a Student Government Association-sponsored group, they have been operating the Chili Bowl Sale as a philanthropic event and fundraiser, donating close to $30,000 to fight hunger. Each year the UE Clay Club members must research and decide which organization they want to support.

 Matteson has two requirements for the students as they choose where to donate: first, the organization needs to be mostly funded by private donors; and two, they must spread the gifts to organizations inside and outside of Vanderburgh County. This is done on a rotating basis.

“We have a lot of students that also reside in the surrounding counties, and those counties need our support too,” said Matteson. “This furthers UE's commitment to fighting hunger within the greater community.”

Alayna Acree, President of UE Clay Club, and Professor Todd Matteson, Advisor to UE Clay Club, present a check to Amanda Drew, Community Food Bank, in the sum of $6880.00.

UE Students Work to Drive Positive Change in Evansville's Latino Community

Changemakers are leaving an indelible mark on Evansville, and the University of Evansville (UE) stands at the forefront with a program that is actively reshaping the landscape for the local Latino community. UE students are taking charge, addressing critical healthcare and educational needs, while spearheading initiatives that resonate throughout the city.

Under the auspices of the UE ChangeLab program, students are leading efforts to engage with middle school students and parents, focusing on crucial healthcare concerns and advocating for self-esteem and multiculturalism among elementary and middle school students.

A central aspect of the program is fostering and creating opportunities for adult Latinos through English language instruction. The current flagship project involves providing English language classes every Sunday at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, aiming to empower Latinos with essential language skills.

Developed by UE's own Assistant Professor of Spanish Cindy Crowe and students, the comprehensive lesson plans cover basic grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, dialogues, and situational conversations featuring diverse vocabulary.

"In an effort to make language learning an enjoyable experience, we have partnered with Washington Middle School, offering an engaging after-school opportunity," explained Dr. Crowe. "This initiative introduces students to Spanish through hands-on activities, imparts knowledge about Latino culture, and ensures a connection to the community. Further amplifying its impact, we have also extended our reach through partnerships with Carver Community Organization and Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) ESL Family Engagement Center."

UE's Latino ChangeLab is committed to effecting enduring positive change within Evansville's Latino community. As it looks toward the future, the program is eager to expand its reach, deepen its impact, and continue fostering a brighter, more inclusive community for all.

To learn more about Changemaking, please visit https://www.evansville.edu/changemaker.

Over 700 Students Named to University of Evansville Fall 2023 Dean's List

Students at the University of Evansville are named to the Dean's List every fall and spring semester. To merit the honor of being placed on the Dean's List, a student must have carried a full academic load of 12 hours or more and have earned a grade point average of 3.5 or above.

Center for Adult Education

  • Katelyn Miller

College of Arts and Sciences

  • Olivia Barclay
  • Chloe Burns
  • Paige Byington
  • Sophia Caci
  • Declan Doyle
  • Maeve Doyle
  • Grace Gleisner
  • Matthew Golden
  • Baylee Harris
  • Jade Hindersman
  • Olivia Horn
  • Bianca Jordan
  • Garret Kirby
  • Iljan Krajacich
  • Ainsley Kurtz
  • Roslyn Malacina
  • Lucas Manner
  • Brenna McLain
  • Shauna Mihalyo
  • Andrew Norrington
  • Jacob Overstreet
  • Andrew Painter
  • Samuel Ports
  • Julia Ribblett
  • Anna Robbins
  • Franklyn Schultz
  • Noah Stabler
  • Zoe Sykes
  • Ethan Terry
  • Rebekah Turner
  • Madelyn Webb
  • Sara Wilkens
  • Laurel Wren
  • Zoe Caggiano
  • Lilah Rogel
  • Jasmine Brents
  • Mikayla Duffy
  • Abigail Kyle
  • Baylee Minton
  • Marianne Mueller
  • Elizabeth Ackerman
  • Anya Arora
  • Evan Barr
  • Kelsey Berner
  • Chase Boyles
  • John Brown
  • Riley Bryant
  • Nicholas Buechlein
  • Lanae Canen
  • Gabrielle Carter
  • Audrey Chambers
  • Hayley Drake
  • Anna Elpers
  • John Erickson
  • Makayla Gomperts
  • Abigail Harris
  • Rachel Harris
  • Ashleigh Hoskins
  • Abigal Jahn
  • Annie Kim
  • Lauren Lovingood
  • Nandini Mathavan
  • Ashley Matheis
  • Danielle Monroe
  • Reagan Nowaskie
  • Josephine Pagano
  • Madeline Rentchler
  • Ross Rider
  • Shelby Satterfield
  • Allyson Schroeder
  • Bradley Schulte
  • Dalton Seiler
  • Rachel Shultz
  • Sydney Ulrich
  • Lily Waddell
  • Evelyn Wickett
  • Hannah Bauer
  • Kynzie Combs
  • Abigail Daniel
  • Olivia Oliver
  • Aman Patel
  • Lincoln Smith
  • Natasha Suwisanto
  • Madelyn Tarvin
  • Ariel Thomasson
  • Abigail Wight
  • Camille Wy
  • Berkley Carter
  • Elizabeth Geittmann
  • Taylor Johnson
  • Eliana Neighbors
  • Kira O'Neal
  • David Schultz
  • Ali Scott
  • Forrest Wade
  • Elizabeth Recker
  • Claire Abner
  • Macie Hammons
  • Kasey Martin
  • Samuel Lea
  • Gavriel Honnigford
  • Carmen Worthington
  • Morgan Bassett
  • Chloe Campbell
  • Jackson Caudill
  • Myia Danek
  • Alexa Davis
  • Taylor Howe
  • Devon Langley
  • Callie Meinel
  • Cecilia Odenbaugh
  • Paige Radel
  • Richard Shellnutt
  • Noah Watters
  • David Dilegge
  • Jacob Baker
  • Lucas Greer
  • Corwin Krippel
  • Cal McGinnis
  • Robert Pool
  • Troy Schroeder
  • John Smith
  • Ariana Barker
  • Destini Beckham
  • Grace Burnell
  • Alexis Carpenter
  • Hailey Chrapek
  • Samantha Fowler
  • Trix-Nico Gebele
  • Willow Kruggel
  • Madeline Langlinais
  • Andrea Lenser
  • Danielle Parisi
  • Heather Rak
  • Kalea Reeves
  • Samuel Tarter
  • Collin Wilson
  • Annabelle Faith
  • Madeline Folz
  • Alison Gansman
  • Jordan McKinney
  • Caleb Sellers
  • Paige Bean
  • Caroline Bullock
  • Gabrielle Hardoin
  • Emily Palmisano
  • Devon Mathews
  • Olivia Oswald
  • Cristina Alvarado
  • Jaylin Boger
  • Jessica Bouche
  • Claire Franzman
  • William Guzman
  • Daniel Hackney
  • Abbigail Kaup
  • Elizabeth Lay
  • Jarett Osborne
  • Vivian Slaton
  • Savanah Summerfield
  • Addison Campbell
  • Emily Castleberry
  • Reagan Evans
  • Benton Simpson
  • Sydney Wilbur
  • Lauren Wuebbels
  • Sarah Seils
  • Angelika Elderbrook
  • Grant Kay
  • Mia Pesavento
  • Kevin Reed
  • Elizabeth Sergesketter
  • Evan Waggoner
  • Cecilia Barmes
  • Gabriella Boswell
  • Andrew Dusablon
  • Sophie Howard
  • Dung Nguyen
  • Jeremiah Sagers
  • Savannah Wheeler-Bigge
  • Max Hansmann
  • Benjamin Humrichous
  • Andrew Thompson
  • Martha Wolf
  • Brianna Alley
  • Andrew Burklow
  • Katelyn Thomason
  • Jeremiah Angel
  • Ali Braikat
  • Allison Enchelmayer
  • Mandelynn Gorbett
  • Joshua Haverfield
  • Avery Mallory
  • Cameron Miller
  • Garett Pritchett
  • Luke Robertson
  • Anna Wies
  • Magdalena Truta
  • Haley Curtis
  • Melisa Dubon
  • Lindsey Ostria
  • Elizabeth Stainback
  • Jacob Bettag
  • Ava Gerwe
  • Collin Jones
  • Alana Osenbaugh
  • Morgan Adams
  • Sarah Andresen
  • Luana Carrotta
  • Logan Lampert
  • Ella McAndrew
  • Kayla Stephenson
  • McKenzie White
  • Fairouz Alshwikh
  • Nathan Bradford
  • Misha Bukkasagaram
  • Mackenzie Earney
  • Nolan Gardner
  • Caroline Hayward
  • Kayli Hoffman
  • Rachel Hoke
  • Ethan John
  • Dalton Lampert
  • Nayla Martin
  • Zorah Mehrzad
  • Ishaan Prasad
  • Connor Shin
  • Elnora Stewart
  • Madison Warner
  • Olivia Wilson
  • Peyton Beduhn
  • Peighton Brown
  • Melody Chambers
  • Jessica Cuff
  • Katherine Doty
  • Hannah Fleenor
  • Liliana Inderstrodt
  • Kylie Jesus
  • Abigail Kellams
  • Madelyn Kier
  • Tyler Myers
  • Jason Reeves
  • Kora Ruff
  • Hannah Ryan
  • Lainee Schumacher
  • Tene Smith
  • Emma Sowders
  • Brooke Stanley
  • Anna Toohill
  • Kathryn Tyler
  • Kate Walke
  • Majestica Weatherford
  • Haley Worland
  • Mikayla Jolly
  • Josephine Kremzar
  • Kyra Roquet
  • Harrison Taubert
  • Olutomilola Akinwande
  • Landry Barker
  • Maya Barry
  • Beverley Buchanan
  • Lillian Carlson
  • Ashly Chalico
  • Chelaina Coats
  • Antonio Cortes Roman
  • Bailey Crawford
  • Melaina Denison
  • Jonathan Finn
  • Garrett Hale
  • Brayden Havard
  • Evelyn Hipp
  • Christina Jesenski
  • Guldana Karman
  • Mia Lacy
  • Jamy Lentz
  • Benjamin Lodge
  • Claire Londenberg
  • Matthew Manders
  • Spencer Marfy
  • Sophia Maroudis
  • Quinn McGaugh
  • Alyssa Meadows
  • Violet Nassri
  • Amoren Newton
  • Kennedy Olson
  • Folarin Oyeleye
  • Jamey Pearson
  • Lindsay Perr
  • Destiny Person
  • Bailey Piontkowski
  • Emily Proctor
  • Gavin Ramirez
  • Lily Rehberg
  • Tatiana Robledo
  • Saray Rodriguez Hernandez
  • Delaney Ross
  • Olivia Roy
  • James Scott
  • Caden Sevier
  • Lauren Shinoski
  • Rylie Sudduth
  • Brynna Waters
  • Daphne Wheeler
  • Owen White
  • Marguerite Winzinger
  • May Anderson
  • Bradley Baumhover
  • Emily Burlison
  • Abigail Marlin
  • Ethan Dilegge
  • Aleah Fox
  • Callie Jansen
  • Esther Knoll
  • Remington McDaniel
  • Auden Phillips
  • Keghan Pye

College of Education and Health Sciences

  • Katie Anderson
  • Eileen Flanigan
  • Rylie Penticuff
  • Sydney Rusher
  • Riley Angel
  • Phoebe August
  • Michaela Bayer
  • David Bernhardt
  • Jara Braunecker
  • Mercedes Bustos
  • Halle Chambers
  • Katie Conley
  • Emma Denbo
  • Kaitlyn Eastridge
  • Zoe Frossard
  • Hannah Goad
  • Geneva Halter
  • Cassidy Hood
  • Arwyn Horstman
  • Amy Hunt
  • Kyla Jaworski
  • Sierra Knapp
  • Kaylee Lawson
  • Jessica Moore
  • Emily Munday
  • Aidan Newman
  • Ali Payne
  • Maci Potter
  • Nicole Prauchner
  • Hannah Rhodes
  • Allison Riley
  • Rachel Rosborough
  • Annalisa Rouse
  • Emma Spaulding
  • Olivia Spencer
  • Alana Striverson
  • Sarah Stutzman
  • Akane Suzuki
  • Kaleb Tucker
  • Carissa Ward
  • Sydney Weatherford
  • Allison Welch
  • Ashton Wilson
  • Margo Wittmer
  • Jenna Wortz
  • Alon Baer
  • Alayna Courey
  • Cassandra Gilmore
  • Erin Marx
  • Elise Payne
  • Charli Albea
  • Maria Alexopoulos
  • Kyndall Anthis
  • Callie Backherms
  • Mitali Bahinipati
  • Shelby Bastin
  • Kayley Batts
  • Chance Bentley
  • Emily Bickel
  • Joseph Blake
  • Abby Bode
  • Nicole Bode
  • Brady Boring
  • Nico Borrelli
  • Elliot Boutell
  • Megan Brenton
  • Abigail Briggs
  • Carson Brindle
  • Sveva Brugnoli
  • Alyssa Burnett
  • Mackenzie Carter
  • Rou Xuan Chin
  • Chloe Cline
  • Hannah Conley
  • Neeley Correll
  • Owen Cuplin
  • Ryan Domin
  • Annika Evenson
  • Emma Farmer
  • Thomas Fox
  • Blakeley Freeman
  • Paige Gehl
  • Ewan Grant
  • Cameron Haffner
  • Joelle Haines
  • Cara Hand
  • Allison Harness
  • Alexander Harris
  • Matthew Hawkins
  • Ella Heavin
  • Kathryn Heiny
  • Evan Holt
  • Titus Jabedo
  • Elle Jarrett
  • Lexy Jarvis
  • Jessica Johnston
  • Masatoyo Kato
  • Krista Kellar
  • Kennah Keller
  • Brianna Kelly
  • Carina Kessens
  • Jackson Ketcham
  • Madilynn Laffoon
  • Rebecca Lago
  • Austin Landis
  • Owen Lawrence
  • Matthew Lee
  • Kyleigh Mayer
  • Alyssa Mejia
  • Edyn Meny
  • Lauren Meunier
  • Hannah Moore
  • Elise Motz
  • Briley Neikirk
  • Justin Nichols
  • Ellie Nohren
  • Lindsey Nolan
  • Sadie Obenauer
  • Clara Oberg
  • Lillieann Oelker
  • Edwin Ortez
  • Adam Oulgout
  • Krystell Pappas
  • Adam Pawlak
  • Kyle Penders
  • Jeremy Pennington
  • Alexia Recinella
  • Claire Reiman
  • River Remble
  • Evelyn Rose
  • Chloe Ruffin
  • Jazlyn Sander
  • Kaitlyn Sansone
  • Rebecca Saxsma
  • Rachel Schmidt
  • Grace Schroeder
  • Hannah Seibert
  • Lenna Seidel
  • Mackenzie Sharp
  • Destynie Sheridan
  • Emma Slavkin
  • Aedon Smith
  • Emily Spiller
  • Jacob Stanford
  • Avery Stephens
  • Peter Sullivan
  • Marie Tempel
  • Nevaeh Thomas
  • Grace Trefren
  • Breylin Turner
  • Brooke Voss
  • Kailey Walker
  • Luke Watts
  • Mallory Weber
  • Evan Weilnau
  • Lauren Weiner
  • Abigail Williams
  • Anna Wokurka
  • Joshua Wong
  • Marah Wood
  • Justin Zumbahlen
  • Breah Bailey
  • Chloe Braden
  • Carly Frazier
  • Cecilia Persicketti
  • Mallory Russell
  • Hailey Autenrieb
  • Emily Bonenberger
  • Abigail Bruner
  • Olivia Buehler
  • Leairra Carter
  • Sydni Flowers
  • Lyndie Foster
  • Lindsey Grayson
  • Sydni Harper
  • Alexandra Healy
  • Habeba Mohamed
  • Grace Reisinger
  • Hannah Stocks
  • Trinitie Terrell
  • Isabel Valdez
  • Johni Boone
  • Olivia Bordere
  • Hope Brothers
  • Chloe Carlin
  • Erin Carlson
  • Kylee Charles
  • Erika Correa
  • Megan Criss
  • Tarakate Curl
  • My Dang
  • Zoey Davis
  • Sophia Ewen
  • Madisyn Faulkner
  • Madison Fleck
  • Faith Folz
  • Emily Fortune
  • Mary Franklin
  • Ashley Gibson
  • Sarah Hale
  • Emma Hall
  • Gwyneth Hanson
  • Madelyn Hawkins
  • Erika Hazelwood
  • Makayla Healy
  • Meghan Hillenbrand
  • Olivia Holding
  • Alyssa Howell
  • Jacy Hughes
  • Odera Ijeomah
  • Claire Jones
  • Sydney Kalonihea
  • Julia Libby
  • Olivia McIntire
  • Laura Miller
  • Samantha Nance
  • Jemimah Napoles
  • Michaela Nurrenbern
  • Adeline O'Brian
  • Madison O'Daniel
  • Courtney Olberding
  • Makyla Pease
  • Jaylyn Pegram
  • Olivia Pennington
  • Lizie Quintano
  • Ezekiel Roberts
  • Collin Scaggs
  • Madison Schenk
  • Joey Shreve
  • Mallory Singer
  • Lacy Smith
  • Lane Smith
  • Patricia Solliday
  • Kristen Stacy
  • Isabelle Stapp
  • Loren Stoll
  • Ianglen Sung
  • Madelyn Thomas
  • Emma Timmermann
  • Sierra Tippett
  • Victoria Vance
  • David Vandersteen
  • Chrysta Vasquez
  • Brandee White
  • Shelby Winkler
  • Kara Yunker
  • Chloe Gossar
  • Elke Travis

School of Computer Science and Engineering

  • Wyatt Hardin
  • Omar Ashraf Abouelela
  • Yousef Ashraf Abouelela
  • Daniel Dwyer
  • Anelise Fellers
  • Daniil Goncharuk
  • Spencer Lenahan
  • Alejandro Malla
  • Tiffany Martindale
  • Ghaya Mtimet
  • Alejandro Navarrete
  • Jakub Nowicki
  • Abhijan Poudel
  • Michael Pruett
  • Rakhmatillo Rayimjonov
  • Noel Tafa
  • Aaron Tucker
  • Kaelan Wilson
  • Clay Dempsey
  • Chongxiao Jiang
  • Colton Watson
  • Anna Ackerman
  • Wesley Fleischmann
  • Nicholas Gushrowski
  • Henry Hall
  • Ashlyn Koutsos
  • Kayla Simon
  • Jingpeng Tang
  • Jillian Tretter
  • Gavin Wheeler
  • Emily Wiebe
  • Connor Young
  • Dakota Candler
  • Ethan Clark
  • Nathaniel Hurt
  • Jaxon McCullough
  • Shivam Patel
  • Lillian Roskind
  • Wendy Staat
  • Swarup Bhatta
  • Preston Brinkman
  • Bradan Bruce
  • Kole Buechler
  • Steven Case
  • Grace Davidson
  • Sebastian Diener
  • Ethan Floyd
  • Barak Hall
  • Samuel Kluemper
  • Christopher Martin
  • Brenden Moore
  • Samuel Morgan
  • Brendan Ulewicz
  • Connor Vollmer

Schroeder School of Business 

  • Alexandra Angermeier
  • Katherine Boots
  • Ethan Brawley
  • Hayley Buerster
  • Haley Fischer
  • Kourtney Hauk
  • Ella Held
  • Ashton Lambert
  • Brooke McCorkle
  • Devani Mendonca
  • Abdulloh Mirzaev
  • Samer Nassif
  • Kyera North
  • Alexis Speitel
  • James St.ledger
  • Patrick Szankowski
  • James Tichenor
  • Kyler West
  • Matthew Worthington
  • Ethan Ziegler
  • Ellis Amo-Gottfried
  • William Bencic
  • Ignacio Diaz-Caneja
  • Evgeniia Grankina
  • Benjamin Howard
  • Levi McKinney
  • Daniil Romashkin
  • Elshaday Tesfaye Teferi
  • Guilherme Tesch
  • Audun Vik
  • Marc Vila Marti
  • Easton Ziegler
  • Mohamad El Osman
  • Joao Guilherme 
  • Fernandes Pereira
  • Elimdar Idrisov
  • Jacopo Fedrizzi
  • Cameron Gehlhausen
  • Tabitha Kierstead
  • Jakob Meyer
  • Deshaun Mitchell
  • Porter Pomykal
  • Luke Schneider
  • Landon Stoll
  • Benjamin Stuart
  • Jonathan Taylor
  • Patrik Vilbergsson
  • Drake Winstead
  • Ane Madina Garate
  • Sara Albalushi
  • Logan Anthis
  • Adam Barnes
  • Cody Bunch
  • Kate Howard
  • Trey Krizan
  • Gabriel Long
  • David Martin
  • Dylan Mofield
  • Emma Tucker
  • Jose Joaquin Vivas Bueso
  • Trinity Dubbs
  • Alexis Fletcher
  • Cedrik Flipo
  • Austin Griffin
  • Raneem Malkawi
  • Kynidi Mason Striverson
  • Kaitlyn Miller
  • Magdalen Newcomb
  • Jenna Nink
  • Vidit Patel
  • Gavin Sandvoss
  • Luke Schweickart
  • Reese Simmons
  • Alexis Sinclair
  • Jon Varela Herrero
  • Anna Watson
  • Cole Weida
  • Emilie Ames
  • Kaylen Beard
  • Magdalena Borisova
  • Ethan Bowman
  • Brayden Doll
  • Crispin Ewen
  • Kobe Grant
  • Felipe Guilger
  • Katlyn Hall
  • Jasmine Hauser
  • Anna Linge
  • Rory MacMaster
  • David McFarland
  • Griffen Rohrscheib
  • Anna Schwambach
  • Carlos Souto Vilas
  • Carson Thomas

Students walking across campus

Dunigan Family School of Nursing to Launch Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

An innovative program that aims to address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals and cultivate the next generation of nursing leaders will soon be launched at the University of Evansville (UE).

In 2024, the Dunigan Family School of Nursing will expand through the introduction of an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (A-BSN) designed to allow students who have an undergraduate degree in another field to earn their BSN in as little as 16 months. This first cohort is expected to begin in the summer of 2024.

"The A-BSN program is designed to provide a fast-track degree option for people who want to switch careers to enter the field of nursing," said Mary Kessler, Interim Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost. "By introducing this program, we aim to mitigate the nursing shortage locally and nationally while showcasing our commitment to making a positive impact."

By 2030, the retirement of nearly 5 million Registered Nurses (RNs) and the need for an additional 1.2 million new nurses create a substantial demand for educational initiatives like the A-BSN program.

The accelerated BSN program directly addresses the severe nursing shortage experienced by local stakeholders, including Deaconess Healthcare and Ascension St. Vincent Evansville. With over 350 vacant acute care RN positions within a 6-mile radius and no accelerated BSN program within 50 miles, the program will become a crucial asset to the community. Graduates will swiftly fill nursing openings, alleviating the reliance on travel nursing contracts and ensuring a robust healthcare workforce for the region.

To learn more, please visit https://www.evansville.edu/majors/nursing/

UE School of Education awarded $500,000 grant from Lilly Endowment for Advancing the Science of Reading in Indiana initiative

The University of Evansville (UE) has received a grant of approximately $500,000 from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its initiative, Advancing the Science of Reading (SoR) in Indiana. The grant will support UE's School of Education.

UE is one of 28 Indiana colleges and universities that received grants from Lilly Endowment to support efforts that integrate Science of Reading-aligned principles into teacher preparation programs.

Through the support of this funding, the School of Education's goal is to thoroughly prepare pre-service teachers to implement the SoR principles in their future classrooms. In doing so, this will ensure the increased literacy ability levels of Indiana's elementary-aged students. The grant includes professional development for literacy faculty and pre-service teachers, along with SoR resources that will allow the application of SoR throughout clinical experiences.

"Investing in education is an investment in the future. This grant not only empowers the institution but also signifies a collective commitment to advancing the science of reading in Indiana," said Dr. Sally Busby, Clinical Assistant Professor of Education. "By supporting our programs here in Evansville and across Southwest Indiana, we look forward to a brighter tomorrow through the transformative power of literacy."

"It is imperative that more of Indiana's elementary students learn to read proficiently, and it is essential that current teachers and the next generation of teachers are prepared to use proven principles to teach reading in their classrooms," said Ted Maple, Lilly Endowment's vice president for education. "We are pleased therefore to help Indiana colleges and universities strengthen the use of these research-based principles to teach reading in their teacher preparation programs."

Lilly Endowment launched the Advancing the Science of Reading in Indiana initiative in 2022. It complements a statewide effort undertaken in 2022 by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to improve reading achievement in K-12 schools by helping current teachers implement Science of Reading-aligned principles in their classrooms. In 2022, the Endowment made a $60 million grant to the IDOE to support that work with school districts and teachers across Indiana.

Education student with elementary child

Alumni Spotlight: David Eilken '17 - From UE Graduate to Pioneering EV Battery Engineer

David Eilken, a 2017 graduate of the University of Evansville (UE), never imagined his career would lead him into the exciting and innovative world of electric vehicle (EV) battery design and implementation. As a mechanical engineering graduate, his journey into this dynamic field was shaped by his time at UE and the valuable connections it provided.

David's adventure began during his college years when he embarked on co-op opportunities with Toyota, a decision that would set the course for his career. Reflecting on his time at UE, David emphasized the importance of the connections he made: "The connections UE provided really allowed me to get hands-on experience early on in my college career, and it set me up for success."

Originally from St. Charles, Illinois, David was drawn to UE for personal reasons, including his high school sweetheart, who was looking for a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. The university's welcoming atmosphere and the fact that his now wife had family in Henderson, Kentucky, played a significant role in his decision. David noted that, especially after attending other larger flagship institutions for post graduate studies, his time at UE was "by far the best experience I've had."

One of the key factors that made UE stand out for David was the small class sizes and the open-door policy of professors in the engineering department. This allowed him to delve deep into various topics, gaining a fundamental understanding that has proven invaluable in his career. He highlighted how UE not only provided a strong foundation in engineering but also taught practical skills, business acumen, and project and schedule management – all of which have been a huge advantage in his professional journey.

After living in Ann Arbor for several years, David has now found himself in Japan for the last four-months. In a world where electrification in cars is a hot topic, he worked with Toyota's North America R&D headquarters group on battery electric vehicle design. He is one of the first members of this group to work in Japan, and his role is to absorb as much knowledge as possible and contribute to the growth of their battery operations. As a Senior Engineer for Battery Design, his responsibilities are broad and interdisciplinary, covering everything from developing battery packs for multiple fully electrified vehicles to addressing thermal issues and working with the sales team to ensure batteries meet customer expectations.

David's passion for experiencing different cultures and his ability to adapt to various environments are a testament to the cultural diversity that UE encouraged during his studies. Study abroad programs like Harlaxton, UE’s Victorian style manor, and the comprehensive curriculum helped him understand the diverse needs of various communities and the importance of cultural awareness in the real world.

David Eilken's journey from a UE graduate to a senior engineer in the cutting-edge field of EV battery design at Toyota exemplifies the exceptional opportunities and education offered by the University of Evansville. His success story is not only a reflection of his personal dedication but also of the university's commitment to fostering well-rounded, adaptable, and globally aware graduates.

Services Planned for 46th Anniversary Commemoration of 1977 UE Plane Crash

On the cold and drizzly night of December 13, 1977, a chartered DC-3 crashed slightly after takeoff from Evansville's Dress Regional Airport. Members of the UE community soon learned that this plane included men's basketball Coach Bobby Watson, 14 players, 11 team friends, and a plane crew of 5. For those who remember the crash, it's known as "the night it rained tears."

This event was a shocking loss to the UE community. At a memorial service held a few days later, Dr. Philip Ott, then-professor of philosophy and religion, said "we do not choose to live. We do not choose to die. Life is a gift."

Former UE President Wallace Graves reminded the community, "Out of the agony of this hour we will rise."

While this tragedy will always be remembered, the University of Evansville came together in strength and unity to move forward and carry on as a tribute to those who were lost.

To commemorate the 46th anniversary and remember these lives, UE has planned a memorial on Wednesday, December 13, that is open to the campus community and public. The service will be held at noon at Memorial Plaza on campus, located directly behind Olmsted Hall. The service will include an invocation, special message, the reading of all 29 names, and a moment of silence.

46 years later, we remember each life that was taken much too early.

1977 UE Mens Basketball Team

UE Hosting Weeklong Events in Honor of 2024 MLK Day

he University of Evansville (UE) proudly announces the comprehensive schedule for its 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Events, a week-long celebration dedicated to honoring the legacy of the iconic civil rights leader. Under the theme "Embracing Liberation: Radical Love for a United Community," the University invites all individuals to participate in activities that commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s unwavering commitment to solidarity.

As part of a larger community-wide day of service, on Saturday, January 13, the UE MLK Day of Service kicks off by providing an opportunity for UE students, faculty, and staff to actively contribute to the community. The week continues with a series of impactful events culminating in the UE Inaugural conference on community solidarity, welcoming all members of the Evansville community.

As a guiding principle for the week's celebration, the University shares a profound quote from Dr. King's Nobel Peace Prize Lecture, delivered on December 11, 1964: "There is a sort of poverty of the spirit which stands in glaring contrast to our scientific and technological abundance. The richer we have become materially, the poorer we have become morally and spiritually. We have learned to fly the air like birds and swim the sea like fish, but we have not learned the simple art of living together as brothers."

The schedule of events for the week is as follows:

Saturday, January 13:

9:00 a.m. - UE MLK Day of Service for UE Students, Faculty, and Staff

Monday, January 15:

8:30 a.m. - Faith-based service in Neu Chapel

9:45 a.m. - Rally at Meeks Family Fieldhouse

10:00 a.m. - Symbolic March

Wednesday, January 17:

11:30 a.m. - Luncheon in Eykamp Hall featuring the William G. and Rose M. Mays Lectureship, 2024 Mays Legacy Award, and Rising Star Service Award presentations.

Saturday, January 20:

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - UE Inaugural Conference on Community Solidarity open to all Evansville community members

To enhance the experience, individuals are encouraged to register for the luncheon and Unity Conference on Community Solidarity through the provided buttons by visiting www.evansville.edu/MLK.

UE is committed to fostering an environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. By commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and teachings, the institution aims to inspire a renewed commitment of integrity and inclusive community while encouraging everyone to act bravely and live meaningfully in a changing world.

Martin Luther King Jr.

UE Journey to Justice Nominated for Leadership Everyone's 29th Annual Celebration of Leadership

UE's Journey to Justice, the transformative 8-day educational bus tour, has been nominated for a prestigious accolade at the 29th Annual Celebration of Leadership (COL) by Leadership Everyone. This nomination is a testament to the program's commitment to fostering change and personal growth.

Journey to Justice, is a unique 8-day bus tour that takes place annually and is geared toward high school students, teachers and recently expanded to include spots for community members. The experience traverses' cities of the South to explore the history of the Civil Rights Movement. During this educational journey, students have the opportunity to gain profound insights and lessons at each stop, fostering personal reflection and the application of these lessons within their own communities.

The annual Celebration of Leadership event is a platform where leadership in the Evansville community is celebrated and recognized, and it promises to be an exciting opportunity to honor those who have made significant contributions to the betterment of our region.

The upcoming COL ceremony is set to take place in early 2024, with more details about the event to be announced soon. The event has historically been a beacon of diversity and inclusivity, offering public recognition to individuals, projects, programs, businesses, and organizations that have made contributions to improve and transform our community.

"We are honored to be recognized by Leadership Everyone and embrace the opportunity to showcase the impact of our unique 8-day educational bus tour," said Dr. Valerie Stein, Professor of Religious Studies / Program Director, Ethics & Social Change / Program Director, Race & Ethnicity Studies. "This nomination is a reminder that together, we can be the change we wish to see in our communities."

This Celebration of Leadership ceremony will take place live on air at WNIN in early 2024.

To learn more about Journey to Justice, please visit https://www.evansville.edu/journeytojustice/

Many students standing in front of a sign.

Celebrate the Season with Annual Holiday Pops Extravaganza at the Victory Theatre

The University of Evansville (UE) Music Conservatory is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated annual Holiday Pops event at the historic Victory Theatre on Tuesday, December 5.

This festive extravaganza promises an unforgettable evening filled with the joyous sounds of the holiday season, featuring all of the Music Conservatory's large performing ensembles.

The Conservatory's talented musicians, comprising UE's Choirs (University Choir and Choral Society), Wind Ensemble, and Symphony Orchestra, along with the Changelab "United Sound" will come together to create a magical atmosphere that captures the spirit of the holidays.

"We are delighted to invite the community to join us for this joyous celebration of the holiday season," said Dennis Malfatti, Professor of Music & Director of Choral Activities. "The Holiday Pops at the Victory Theatre has become a beloved tradition, and we are excited to share the magic of music with our friends and neighbors."

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, December 5

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Location: Victory Theatre, 600 Main St, Evansville, IN 47708

Admission: Free and open to the public

UE Center Innovation & Change and Indiana’s Circular Venture Lab Secure $50,000 award from the United States Department of Energy

The University of Evansville’s Center for Innovation & Change (CIC) and the Evansville’s nonprofit 501(c)(3) Circular Venture Lab (CVL) announce the acquisition of a collaborative $50,000 award from the United States Department of Energy to spearhead innovative initiatives in clean energy manufacturing. On November 15, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced 13 Phase One winners of the inaugural Manufacture of Advanced Key Energy Infrastructure Technologies (MAKE IT) Prize Strategies Track. The MAKE IT Prize is a multiphase, two-track competition aimed at catalyzing domestic manufacturing of critical components for the clean energy infrastructure. The Strategies Track supports communities developing roadmaps for bringing vibrant manufacturing activities to their regions. The MAKE IT Prize was developed by the DOE Office of Technology Transitions, the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED), and the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).

Each of the 13 teams selected will receive $50,000 and will go on to engage their communities and draft a concept roadmap in their respective regions. The teams can then participate in Phase 2: Create for the chance to earn an additional $100,000 to develop a final roadmap and engage in discussions with manufacturers about establishing clean energy manufacturing. Successful Phase 2 competitors can continue to Phase 3: Activate, where they will wrap up the prize by obtaining commitment from at least one entity interested in establishing a clean energy manufacturing facility in the region and finalizing their roadmap.

This investment will propel our community’s ability to harness its manufacturing and changemaking strengths for the benefit of the environment, and allow Evansville to play a pivotal role in shaping the future landscape of sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing processes.

The prize will support the CVL and CIC collaboration as it develops teams preparing a credible road map to support clean energy manufacturing activity, with a particular focus on how it can be beneficial to residents in the Evansville Promise Neighborhood and other underserved communities. With Evansville’s blend of manufacturing infrastructure, incentives, expertise, and student innovation power at the University of Evansville (Indiana’s only Ashoka Changemaker Campus), it’s ready to provide manufacturing companies and their employees a high quality of life, while still realizing sustainability goals for the region.

This funds will be used to create the Evansville Energy Nucleus. Led by Logan Jenkins of CVL, and supported by ChangeLab teams from the CIC, the Nucleus will highlight specific resources for manufacturers and their employees considering a move to the region, and how they can work with UE students to achieve those goals. It will be an asset for Executive teams of relocating companies, and an additional resource for regional economic development teams.

Logan Jenkins, Executive Director of the Circular Venture Lab, expressed enthusiasm about the transformative potential of this award. Jenkins states, “Though I've only been in Evansville since April, the community as a whole, the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership, and industry leaders have been very supportive of this and other potential initiatives I've introduced. Working with Erin and her team at the UE CIC has absolutely accelerated progress on these concepts, like this one, which are complementary to our region. We've got other exciting projects involving the CIC and its students coming together in the near future.”

Erin Lewis, Executive Director of the Center for Innovation & Change added, “this generation of college students is not shy about its passion to help solve the climate change crisis. We are thrilled to collaborate with Circular Venture Lab as co-designers in the pursuit of sustainable manufacturing practices. We can’t wait to work with the amazing manufacturers already in our region, as well as help attract new ones with this goal in mind.”

As the team embarks on this groundbreaking venture, it invites industry partners, policymakers, and the public to participate in the future of clean energy manufacturing. Interested parties can contact CVL at hello@circularventurelab.org or the CIC at centerforinnovation@evansville.edu.

University of Evansville among 34 Educator Prep Programs Recognized for National Excellence

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) announced today that the University of Evansville (UE) is one of 34 providers from 24 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to receive accreditation for their educator preparation programs. The Fall 2023 review by the CAEP Accreditation Council resulted in 34 educator preparation providers receiving accreditation, bringing the total to 551 providers approved under the CAEP Accreditation Standards - rigorous, nationally recognized standards that were developed to ensure excellence in educator preparation programs.

"These institutions meet high standards so that their students receive an education that prepares them to succeed in a diverse range of classrooms after they graduate," said CAEP President Dr. Christopher A. Koch. "Seeking CAEP Accreditation is a significant commitment on the part of an educator preparation provider."

CAEP is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Accreditation is a nongovernmental activity based on peer review that serves the dual functions of assuring quality and promoting improvement. CAEP is a unified accreditation system intent on raising the performance of all institutions focused on educator preparation. Approximately, 600 educator preparation providers participate in the CAEP Accreditation system, including some previously accredited through former standards.

UE's Education department is continuously recognized nationally, including a recent award from the National Council on Teacher Quality, earning an "A" grade for its undergraduate teacher preparation program.

In May, UE also launched an accelerated Master's of Science in Education: Educational Administration degree after receiving approval from the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE).

"Our students and faculty and staff should be very proud of the work they are doing. We've set a very high bar for our teacher prep program and CAEP Accreditation validates the hard work we are doing," said Dr. Alison Jones, Co-Department Chair / Assistant Professor of Education. "Our students and their families are investing in an education program that is designated as nationally accredited for teacher preparation."

UE joins 33 other providers to receive accreditation this fall, bringing the total number to 551 CAEP-accredited providers from 43 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.

University of Evansville Unveils State-of-the-Art Mental Health and Wellness Clinic

In a landmark dedication ceremony on Friday, the University of Evansville (UE) proudly introduced its cutting-edge Mental Health and Wellness Clinic, solidifying its commitment to addressing critical mental health challenges in the Evansville community. This groundbreaking initiative, developed in collaboration with Easterseals, includes the Emily M. Young Assessment Center, a comprehensive facility equipped to provide advanced therapy and assessment services.

"UE's Mental Health and Wellness Clinic, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to our Evansville community," said Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, President of the University of Evansville. "This state-of-the-art facility, along with the Emily M. Young Assessment Center, marks a significant stride towards a brighter and promising future for individuals and families grappling with mental health concerns."

At the heart of the clinic is the Emily M. Young Assessment Center, a specialized facility furnished with cutting-edge equipment and materials essential for sophisticated testing. This includes computers, software, recording devices, white noise machines, and testing kits. The Assessment Center will play a central role in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions by offering a range of assessment measures, including outcome questionnaires, personality testing, psychopathology measures, and cognitive functioning assessments. The center is named in honor of the late Emily Young, the daughter of the Honorable Richard L. and Roseann Young.

Operated by 10-15 students annually from the University of Evansville's Doctor of Psychology clinical degree program, under the supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist, the clinic will provide crucial therapy and assessment services to the Evansville community. The services, offered on a monthly basis, will focus on conditions such as ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, intellectual functioning, and personality functioning.

"The Emily M. Young Assessment Center serves as an invaluable resource for the Evansville community, addressing the pressing need for comprehensive mental health assessments for both children and adults," noted Pietruszkiewicz. "This educational training clinic will play a pivotal role in not only diagnosing psychological disorders but also in guiding effective treatment, ultimately contributing to the overall mental health and well-being of our community."

Community members interested in giving to the Mental Health and Wellness Clinic can visit www.uealumnionline.com/mentalhealth.

Rendering of Mental Health and Wellness Clinic.

UE Theatre Professor Receives National Recognition for Excellence in Undergraduate Training in Acting

Amelia McClain, Assistant Professor of Theatre at the University of Evansville, has been announced as the recipient of the University Resident Theatre Association (URTA)’s 2023 Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Training in Acting. McClain been on the faculty at UE since 2018. In the Fall of 2021, McClain took leave from UE as a member of the Broadway cast in Aaron Sorkin’s TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, at the Shubert Theatre.

She received her BFA from the University of Evansville and MFA from the graduate acting program at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. McClain is a member of the Actors Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild.

Before returning to her alma mater, she completed a year-long run on Broadway as Sandra in the smash-hit production of THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG. Also on Broadway, she worked on FOOL FOR LOVE, NOISES OFF, THE HEIDI CHRONICLES, THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES, and the Tony Award-winning VANYA & SONIA & MASHA & SPIKE. McClain has been in over 20 productions off-Broadway and in regional theatres across the country.

Lillian Grace Carlson, a current UE senior, said “I have been lucky enough to work with Amelia as my Acting Professor closely these last two years. She is the one who taught me that no matter how impossible it seems, if you keep going, and keep putting in the work, the impossible is possible. When I have been at my lowest lows as a student, Amelia’s teachings continuously play in my head, and they keep me going. She has taught me what it means to be an incredibly hard-working actor, artist, and human being. I feel prepared to walk out of college because of the rigor she has taught me to endure. Truly, when I didn’t believe in myself as an actor or even a person, Amelia taught me how to refocus those insecurities into strength and determination for my art. Amelia McClain is one of the main reasons I now know why I want to be an actor and what I want in my future.” 

Jack Russell, a 2021 UE alumnus, added this tribute, “Amelia McClain taught me and my peers with strength, heart, and specificity to each of our needs. Amelia impacted me so much as a student because she led by example. The tools that she was giving to us were the very tools that she uses to book jobs on Broadway. She taught us to be selfless, aware, and precise with our work. She didn’t care about creating actors with talent, she cared about creating actors that knew how to work hard and care about the process. Truly, Amelia gave me the education I’ve always dreamed of. I am eternally grateful for her impact on my life. Without it, I don’t think I could pursue this career path.”

Founded in 1969, the University Resident Theatre Association works to ensure the continued renewal of the American theatre by supporting excellence in the professional training of new artists. The “2023 Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Training” will be formally presented at the URTAs, an audition event in which more than 1,200 candidates pursuing graduate training in theatre take part each year in January.

Amelia McClain

Music Conservatory Celebrates $25,000 Grant Awarded to UE Opera

The University of Evansville (UE) Music Conservatory is delighted to announce that UE Opera has been awarded a generous $25,000 grant from the William E. Schmidt Foundation.

The grant encompasses funding for the Schmidt Opera Series, a vital component of UE Opera's productions held on campus. It will also contribute to the Schmidt Opera Collaborative, a community outreach and education program designed to engage and inspire residents in the tri-state area.

"We are profoundly grateful to the William E. Schmidt Foundation for their support of UE Opera," said Dr. Alanna Keenan, Associate Professor of Music. "The funding will bring support to our commitment to advancing music education and cultural enrichment."

Under the artistic direction of Dr. Keenan, with additional guidance from Dr. Dennis Malfatti and Dr. Gregory Rike, UE Opera has established itself as a dynamic force in the world of opera. This grant will empower the program to continue its legacy of excellence, providing invaluable opportunities for students and fostering an appreciation for the arts within the community.

In addition to supporting on-campus productions and community outreach, the grant will facilitate the continuation of the Community Conservatory Study Grants. This initiative ensures that area students, who may otherwise lack access to private study, can benefit from music lessons, further enriching their musical education.

The William E. Schmidt Foundation's commitment to supporting the arts aligns seamlessly with The Music Conservatory's mission to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive cultural community. This partnership will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the artistic landscape of the region.

Kevin Corbin Appointed as New Public Safety Director at the University of Evansville

The University of Evansville (UE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Corbin as the new Public Safety Director. Corbin's extensive background in law enforcement, security management, and his commitment to innovation and safety will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the University's campus community.

A highly qualified professional with a master's degree in security management and actively pursuing a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, Corbin brings a wealth of knowledge and academic rigor to his new role.

With nearly 22 years of dedicated service at the Evansville Police Department, Corbin has demonstrated his commitment to public safety. He has served in various capacities, including the Crime Prevention Unit, where his creative problem-solving and adaptive critical thinking skills were instrumental to the unit's success. His experience also includes roles in Motor Patrol, Crises Intervention Team (CIT), Mobile Field Force, Humane Officer Unit, and Honor Guard, in addition to conducting a wide range of criminal investigations.

Furthermore, Corbin holds certifications in Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) at both basic and advanced levels, as well as a Professional Designation in CPTED. His expertise extends to school safety, and various certifications in OSHA and FEMA disciplines.

In addition to his law enforcement career, Corbin has shared his knowledge as a guest instructor at local universities and colleges. His commitment to education extends to positions as an adjunct in Criminal Justice at Oakland City University and contributions to the Southwestern Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.

"I am thrilled to be joining UE as the new Public Safety Director. My commitment to safety and my professional experiences will be essential in ensuring the well-being of the University's students, faculty, and staff. I look forward to collaborating with the University of Evansville community to further enhance the safety and security of campus," said Corbin upon his appointment.

Corbin replaces current Director Jason Cullum who leaves the university after a nearly four-year stint for a school resource officer position at a local district. Corbin officially begins his duties on Wednesday, November 15.

UE Receives National Award for Service to Veterans

On this Veterans Day, the University of Evansville (UE) has been nationally recognized for its service to veterans. UE was named to the prestigious Military Times' "Best for Vets: Colleges" 2023 List. This recognition is a testament to the university's unwavering commitment to supporting military-affiliated students and providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to achieve academic success. Among the 325 colleges who made the rankings, the University of Evansville was one of only 83 private-not-for-profit colleges on the list and the top ranked in Indiana.

The Best for Vets list for colleges is a highly regarded annual survey that evaluates and ranks educational institutions across the United States based on their support for military-connected students. The survey's questions and scoring rubric have been meticulously developed in consultation with representatives from a diverse range of schools to ensure fairness and accuracy in the evaluation process.

This year, the primary focus of the survey was on student success metrics, with specific emphasis on completion, retention, persistence, GPA, and graduation rates. The University of Evansville excelled in these areas, demonstrating a commitment to helping military-affiliated students achieve their academic goals.

The survey also evaluated admissions and registration policies, human resources, and assorted miscellaneous considerations.

"UE's commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for military-affiliated students across all these aspects played a pivotal role in securing our position on the list," said Cherie Leonhardt, Manager of Transfer Admission, "we are honored to work with ROTC cadets, current service members, veterans and their families to further support them and ensure they have the tools and resources needed to be successful in their academic journey."

UE participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which provides free tuition to military veterans and active service members with more than 36 months of active duty since September 11, 2001. Anyone who qualifies for the educational award can also choose to transfer it to a spouse or dependent.

To learn more about this honor, visit https://bestforvets.militarytimes.com/.

Hundreds of Tri-State Students to Attend "Exploring Teaching Day" on UE campus

The University of Evansville (UE) is thrilled to present "Exploring Teaching Day," an engaging and insightful event set to take place on November 13, 2023, in Eykamp Hall in the Ridgway University Center. This day is dedicated to celebrating the teaching profession and inspiring the educators of tomorrow.

Keynote speaker Tara Cocanower, the 2022-23 Indiana Teacher of the Year, will share her experiences, insights, and passion for education during the event. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge from one of Indiana's outstanding educators.

The day will also feature a roundtable discussion with local educators, EVSC Superintendent Dr. David Smith, and other local educational leaders. This panel of experts will provide insights into the field of education, sharing their diverse perspectives and experiences.

Approximately 300 K-12 students are expected to attend, offering them a glimpse into the world of teaching and the opportunities it presents. Students will participate in exciting activities, including a services scavenger hunt and campus tour.

"Education is the key to unlocking a world of possibilities.," said Dr. Amy McBride, Associate Professor of Education. "At UE, we believe education extends beyond the classroom and we are honored to host this day to inspire and to shape the future of educators. We look forward to celebrating the art of teaching and the power of knowledge."

University of Evansville Receives Renewal of Changemaker Campus Designation; Celebrates 5 Year Anniversary

The University of Evansville (UE) is proud to announce that it has been granted the renewal of its Changemaker Campus designation by Ashoka U, solidifying its position as one of the nation's leading institutions dedicated to fostering social innovation and community engagement. The renewal also marks UE's fifth consecutive year of being a Changemaker Campus.

Ashoka - rated one of the top five most impactful social good organizations by NGO Advisor - confers the Changemaker Campus designation to institutions worldwide that exhibit an exceptional commitment to promoting positive social change within their communities and beyond. The leading designation for social innovation in higher education, this achievement highlights the University of Evansville's unwavering dedication to empowering students, faculty, and staff to become active participants in addressing the world's most pressing challenges. UE remains Indiana's only Changemaker Campus, and one of only a handful in the Midwest.

"It is a true honor to be part of an institution that places a priority on positive change the way UE does," said Erin Lewis, Executive Director of UE's Center for Innovation & Change. "This recognition by Ashoka U is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire community in fostering a culture of innovation, social impact, and positive change across all disciplines. Our students, staff, and faculty drive meaningful transformations that address some of the most significant challenges of our time, and we're thrilled to continue being in the Ashoka network of colleges prioritizing that work."

Students need interdisciplinary, entrepreneurial, and solutions-oriented skillsets to succeed in today's complex world that is changing at an accelerating pace. "Changemakers at UE have made an impact addressing issues such as food and housing insecurity, environmental sustainability, and promoting equitable access to the arts - many of these projects that have been pursued by students in our flagship program, Change Lab," said Lewis. "Whether they are tackling large projects like the Toyota Trinity Stormwater Park being built in downtown Evansville right now, providing pro-bono physical therapy to uninsured patients, or helping minority-owned businesses gain access to capital, UE's changemakers work hard to make the world better than they found it."

One notable illustration of UE's commitment to fostering positive change in the community is the receipt of $30 million federal grant to establish the Evansville Promise Neighborhood. With this designation, UE becomes the first institution in the world to host a Promise Neighborhood grant as an Ashoka Changemaker Campus.

Ashoka U noted that UE exhibits changemaking through its deep community engagement locally as well as its role in fostering social innovation in global issues and with global partners. One reviewer stated: "This university leads the way in communicating changemaking, and their community embeddedness is exemplary."

"Ashoka U is thrilled to have the University of Evansville continue serving as a global leader in changemaking. UE has demonstrated an exceptional dedication to equipping its students with the tools and mindset needed to address complex global challenges and drive meaningful impact," said Heather MacCleoud, PhD, Chief Network Officer for Ashoka U. "Particularly through innovative programs like ChangeLab, I am confident that UE's students will continue to shape a brighter future for our increasingly complex world."

By earning this renewal, the University of Evansville remains in an elite group of fewer than 50 academic institutions around the world that are at the forefront of social innovation and creating a meaningful impact on a global scale. Other Changemaker Campuses include such distinguished institutions as Brown, Cornell, Tulane, Arizona State University, and Duke, to name a few. This recognition is a testament to the University's integration of social innovation and changemaking principles throughout its core values and academic programs, and to the community's willingness to engage with students and faculty to address challenges in our region.

"We are immensely proud to have our commitment to social innovation and community engagement recognized once again with the renewal of our Changemaker Campus designation," said University President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. "Our students, faculty, and staff continue to make a positive difference in the world, and through the Evansville Promise Neighborhood, we will continue to provide a transformative educational experience that empowers our entire community to be agents of change."

In recognition of this achievement, UE is designating 2024 as a year to highlight changemaking on campus and in our community. More details will be available in the new year.

Pulitzer-Winning Historian to Commemorate 60th JFK Assassination Anniversary with Lecture on UE campus

The University of Evansville's Department of History, Politics, and Social Change is proud to welcome Dr. Fredrik Logevall for the 21st annual Thomas C. Fiddick Memorial Lecture. The Lecture will be in Eykamp Hall in the Ridgway University Center at UE on Friday, November 10 at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

John F. Kennedy was one of the iconic political figures of the 20th century, a man known around the world by his initials, and tragically assassinated sixty years ago. From a young age, Kennedy had been fascinated by the nature and demands of leadership, especially in a democracy, and by the nature of political courage. Later, as a U.S. senator, he wondered aloud about how elected officials could reconcile their sense of the national interests with the often capricious demands of their constituents. The question, Kennedy suggested, went to the core of democratic governance. How should we consider JFK and his role in American and world politics, particularly during this time of rising threats to democracy both at home and abroad? In the 21st annual Thomas C. Fiddick Memorial Lecture, Pulitzer Prize-winning Harvard historian Fredrik Logevall will mark the 60th anniversary of JFK's death by exploring Kennedy's consequential leadership and why it matters for our current moment.

Dr. Fredrik Logevall is the Laurence D. Belfer Professor of International Affairs and Professor of History at Harvard University. He is a specialist in U.S. politics and foreign policy. Logevall was previously the Stephen and Madeline Anbinder Professor of History at Cornell University, where he also served as vice provost and as director of the Mario Einaudi Center for International Studies. He won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for History for his book Embers of War: The Fall of an Empire and the Making of America's Vietnam. His most recent book, JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956 (2020), was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year. It has been called "An utterly incandescent study of one of the most consequential figures of the twentieth century" and "a powerful, provocative, and above all compelling book." Logevall's essays and reviews have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, Politico, Daily Beast, and Foreign Affairs, among other publications.

"Professor Legevall is one of the world's leading historians of John F Kennedy and it is an enormous privilege to bring him to the University of Evansville to deliver the 2023 Fiddick Lecture and interact with students in class," said Dr James MacLeod, UE professor of history and director of the Fiddick Memorial Lecture Series. "Given the fact that the lecture will mark 60 years since JFK's untimely death, and Tom Fiddick's lifelong interest in the study of Kennedy, this lecture topic is particularly appropriate."

Thomas C. Fiddick, for whom the Fiddick Memorial Lecture is named, served as professor of history at the University of Evansville from 1963 to 2002. In his 39 years at the University, he was a dedicated teacher, a productive scholar, and a tireless fighter in the cause of justice. His book, Russia's Retreat from Poland, 1920: From Permanent Revolution to Peaceful Coexistence, is still considered to be the best book on this topic. Tom's untimely death on the day of his retirement in 2002 stunned the entire UE community, especially his many former students. It was from the former students' efforts in particular, with the support of Dr Fiddick's friends and the University, that the annual Thomas C. Fiddick Memorial Lecture was established.

"For over twenty years, the Fiddick Lecture has been one of the best events of the year, as we get to celebrate the career of a truly outstanding faculty member here at UE," MacLeod added. "Tom Fiddick was a wonderful friend, a brilliant scholar and an incredible teacher who made a life-transforming impact on generations of students."

Library of Congress Recognizes Plagiarized University of Evansville Archaeologist After 90 Years

The Library of Congress, a bastion of knowledge and information, has taken a historic step in acknowledging the groundbreaking contributions of Dr. Mary Ellingson, a former University of Evansville archaeologist whose work was wrongfully attributed to another individual. After a staggering 90 years of anonymity and academic injustice, Dr. Ellingson's name now graces the catalog entry of the Excavations at Olynthus series, a monumental archaeological publication. This recognition comes as a result of tireless efforts to correct the historical record, and it marks a triumph for those seeking justice for a woman written out of history.

Dr. Mary Ellingson, an archaeologist with a profound passion for her field, taught at the University of Evansville between 1963 and 1974, leaving an indelible mark on her students and colleagues. Little did they know the secret she carried - a story of her invaluable contribution to the field of archaeology dating back to her graduate years in 1931.

During her graduate studies, Dr. Ellingson began work excavating at the Greek site of Olynthus, a project led by David Robinson. This excavation focused on domestic architecture and provided unprecedented insight into the private aspects of ancient Greek culture. Dr. Ellingson's involvement in directing Greek workers and documenting terracotta figurines in the field became the foundation for her master's thesis. A few years later, she furthered her groundbreaking analysis by crafting her dissertation, which redefined the interpretation of ancient Greek figurines.

In a shocking act of plagiarism that has few parallels in the history of archaeology and the sciences, David Robinson published both of Dr. Ellingson's documents under his own name as part of the Excavations of Olynthus series. This deception remained undetected for decades until the rediscovery of Dr. Ellingson's photo album and letters from 1931 by University of Evansville archaeology professor Dr. Alan Kaiser. Dr. Kaiser unveiled this scandalous history in his 2014 book titled "Archaeology, Sexism, and Scandal."

The exposure of this academic injustice resonated with reviewers and supporters of Dr. Kaiser's book, compelling them to call for acknowledgment of Dr. Ellingson's contributions to the Excavations at Olynthus series. Johns Hopkins University Press, the current copyright holder of the series, heeded this call and, last year, petitioned the Library of Congress to rectify the historical record by adding Dr. Ellingson's name as an author to their catalog entry for the series.

In late October, in a move unprecedented before for archaeology and the sciences, the Library of Congress recognized Dr. Mary Ellingson's groundbreaking contributions by adding her name to the catalog entry. This momentous recognition not only rectifies the historical injustice suffered by Dr. Ellingson but also serves as a triumph for all those who have tirelessly sought justice for a woman unjustly omitted from the pages of history.

In celebration of this historic milestone, Dr. Alan Kaiser, the archaeology professor whose work led to this momentous change, offered these words:

"Recognizing Dr. Mary Ellingson's long-suppressed contributions to the Excavations at Olynthus series is a significant step toward justice in the academic world. Her groundbreaking work has finally received the acknowledgment it deserves, and her story stands as an inspiration to all those who strive for truth and recognition in their respective fields."

Dr. Mary Ellingson black and white photo.

Fourteen UE Students Selected for Prestigious Scholars Program

The University of Evansville (UE) proudly announces that fourteen of its students have been selected to join the prestigious Class of 2025 Indiana AHEC Scholars Program. This highly competitive program is part of a national initiative aimed at preparing the health care professionals of tomorrow to be leaders in interprofessional, transformative practice, dedicated to serving the underserved populations of Indiana.

The Indiana AHEC Scholars program is tailored to individuals with a resolute commitment to providing health care services in rural and medically underserved communities across the state of Indiana. These dedicated students will undergo a rigorous two-year program that combines didactic training opportunities with hands-on field experiences. These experiences are specially designed to focus on both rural and urban health care, with an emphasis on caring for underserved populations.

Throughout their journey in the Indiana AHEC Scholars program, these outstanding students will engage with and integrate eight core topics:

  • Behavioral Health Integration
  • Cultural Competency & Humility
  • Interprofessional Practice
  • Practice Transformation
  • Social Determinants of Health
  • Connecting Communities and Supporting Health Professionals
  • Virtual Learning and Telehealth
  • Current/Emerging Issues (Including topics such as COVID-19, the Opioid Epidemic, and Maternal-Child Health)

"UE extends our congratulations to the exceptional students comprising the new class of Indiana AHEC Scholars," said Dr. Andy Lampkins, Interim Dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences. "These students represent the future of health care and have demonstrated their unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in communities that need it most."

The Class of 2025 Indiana AHEC Scholars from the University of Evansville are as follows:

Katelyn Brown - Physician Assistant

Sydney Hirt - Physician Assistant

Aubrey Lankford - Physician Assistant

Heather Mathis - Nursing

Samantha Moore - Exercise Physiology

Hannah Myers - Physician Assistant

Hannah Rawhoof - Physical Therapy

Chastity Reising - Physician Assistant

Natalie Schimp - Physician Assistant

Carlie Schultheis - Physician Assistant

Yanyu Wei - Physician Assistant

Erika Will - Physician Assistant

Kathryn Williams - Physical Therapy

Keri Zumbahlen - Physical Therapy

About the Indiana AHEC Network: Indiana AHEC Network's mission is to improve health by recruiting, educating and retaining health care professionals in underserved communities. We work to enhance access to quality health care, primary and preventive care, by improving the supply and distribution of health care professionals through community/academic educational partnerships.

UE, EVSC Forge Partnership to Launch Careers in Education and Health Sciences

The University of Evansville (UE), in partnership with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) is proud to announce a transformative collaboration that opens exciting educational pathways for high school students to earn college credit and qualify for scholarships.

Through this partnership, students interested in careers in health sciences or education can enroll in one of the Health Sciences Next Level Programs, the Academy of Science and Medicine (ASM), or the Education Pathways Program and earn college credits from UE, which can be easily transferred to other universities. Students who successfully complete one of these programs and are admitted to UE will also automatically qualify for a minimum academic merit scholarship of $25,000, renewable for up to four years.

Faculty at UE will work with high school administrators and instructors to provide additional educational opportunities for EVSC students, including but not limited to campus visits, observational experiences, and potential research projects with faculty and UE students. Students who earn college credit through this partnership will be well prepared to start one of UE's 3-year degree tracks in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Nursing, or Exercise Science. Additionally, they are eligible to apply to direct entry programs at UE, including Physical Therapy, Athletic Training, and Physician Assistant Science, that provide the assurance of admission into a graduate program and shorten the time it takes to earn both the undergraduate and graduate degrees in their field.

"The collaboration between UE and the EVSC serves to strengthen our partnership and equip high school students with the tools necessary to chase their aspirations and never stop learning," said EVSC Superintendent Dr. David Smith. "Not only does this pave the way for students to earn college credit, but also opens doors to a world of possibilities."

"We are delighted to partner with EVSC to support young people who are passionate about education or health sciences and want to get a jump start on challenging and exciting careers in these fields while they are in high school," said Mary Kessler, Interim Executive Vice President, Academic Affairs and Provost.

Additional scholarship information can be found by clicking here.

Dunigan Family School of Nursing Achieves Full Accreditation Status through Spring 2031

The University of Evansville’s (UE) Dunigan Family School of Nursing has announced the recent achievement of full accreditation status from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) through Spring 2031. This accreditation signifies the school's commitment to excellence in nursing education and its dedication to preparing students for successful careers in the field.

Notably, the ACEN Board of Commissioners, in their assessment of the school's nursing program, identified a remarkable area of program strength. The Dunigan Family School of Nursing's students benefit from a rich and diverse learning experience that encompasses educational activities exploring a wide range of cultures, ethnic differences, and societal distinctions.

One of the standout features contributing to this program’s strength is the unique opportunity for students to study abroad while pursuing their nursing education. By taking nursing courses in foreign countries, students broaden their horizons, gain a global perspective, and enhance their cultural competence. Importantly, they can achieve their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree within eight semesters, making this an exceptional and efficient pathway for aspiring nurses.

"We are thrilled to receive full accreditation status from ACEN, which underscores our unwavering commitment to excellence in nursing education," said Dr. Jerrilee LaMar, Associate Professor and Nancy McFadin Mueller Chair in Nursing. "We are especially proud of our unique programs that offer students the chance to explore diverse cultures and international perspectives while working towards their BSN. This distinction reaffirms our mission to prepare our students for success in the field of nursing, both locally and globally."

For more information about the Dunigan Family School of Nursing and its programs, please visit evansville.edu/nursing.

University of Evansville Theatre Presents RENT

The University of Evansville Theatre announces the second installment of the 2023–2024 season with RENT, book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson.  This production opens at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 10, in Shanklin Theatre.  Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m., on Nov. 11, 16, 17, 18 and at 2:00 p.m., on Nov. 19.  Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, an Obie Award, and the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1996, this iconic rock musical shaped a generation of audiences and is being performed for the first time in Shanklin Theatre.  Loosely based on Puccini’s La Boheme and set in New York’s Lower East Side, this fast-paced musical follows a year in the life of a group of destitute young artists struggling to survive and stay true to their creative ambitions, all under the daunting shadow of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.  This exuberant American rock opera is a pop-cultural phenomenon not to be missed!

RENT is directed by Assistant Professor Wes Grantom ’03. Tyler Simpson, guest artist, serves as the music director; Avery Finn, a senior theatre studies major from Terre Haute, Ind., is the choreographer and costume designer; Jason Simms, guest artist, serves as the scenic designer; Avery Reagan ’17, guest artist, is the lighting designer; Jon Robertson, guest artist, serves as the sound designer; Morgan Bailey, a senior stage management major from Keller, Texas, is the stage manager, and Lily Rehberg, a senior design and technology major from Dalton, Ga., is the technical director.

The cast features Landry Barker, a sophomore performance major from Fort Worth, Texas, as Roger; Antonio Cortés Román, a sophomore performance major from Metepec, Mexico, as Angel; Tomi Akinwande, a sophomore performance major from Houston, Texas, as Mimi; Spencer Marfy, a senior performance major from Tallmadge, Ohio, as Mark; Drake J. Susuras, a senior performance major from Broomfield, Colo., as Tom; Alijah J. Roberson, a sophomore performance major from Marietta, Ga., as Benny; Alyssa Meadows, a sophomore performance major from Louisville, Ky., as Maureen; Brynna Waters, a junior performance major from Brownsburg, Ind., as Joanne; The ensemble includes: Dinarri Cox, a first-year performance major from Woodstock, Ga.; Bailey Crawford, a first-year performance major from Frisco, Texas; Ben Lodge, a first-year performance major from ­Overland Park, Kan.; Quinn McGaugh, a first-year performance major from McAlester, Okla.; Mason Norton, a sophomore performance major from Bremen, Ind.; Kennedy Olson, a sophomore performance major from Porter, Texas; Lindsay Perr, a junior performance major from Medford, NJ.; Umbra Person, a sophomore performance major from Jonesboro, Ga.; Rylie Sudduth, a first-year performance major from Versailles, Ky.; Andrea Vargas, sophomore performance major from Missouri City, Texas; and Owen White, a first-year performance major from Valley Center, Kan.

Adult ticket prices are $20 and $18 for senior adults, UE employees, and non-UE students. UE students may obtain one free student rush ticket beginning at 12 p.m. on the day of the performance they wish to attend.  In addition, UE Theatre is excited to continue their “Pay What You Will” initiative again this second season.  Every Thursday evening performance in Shanklin Theatre is available for any person to pay any price that best fits their budget.  Single tickets may be purchased online at theatre.evansville.edu or by calling the ticket office at 812.488.2031, Monday through Friday, 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.

University of Evansville Music Conservatory Presents EVSC "Choir Palooza": A Day of Musical Exploration and Education

The University of Evansville Music Conservatory will host the "Choir Palooza," set to take place on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. This extraordinary event will unite middle school and high school students from the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) on the UE campus for a full day of enriching workshops led by three distinguished experts in middle and high school choral music.

Approximately 500 EVSC students will be on campus for the day with UE students assisting with the event and learning from guest teachers. UE students will also do a brief performance for the EVSC students to promote vocal music opportunities at the university. 

The activities of the day will unfold across multiple locations on the UE campus, with Wheeler Concert Hall, Neu Chapel, and Eykamp Hall simultaneously hosting workshops conducted by the guest clinicians. The culmination of this immersive experience will occur on the East Terrace Lawn, where all participants will join together for a grand finale performance, celebrating the power of choral music and the extraordinary talent fostered by EVSC and UE.

“Bringing 500 middle and high school students to UE, enabling them to engage with our student body and experience the wealth of musical opportunities available at our university, represents an exceptional outreach and recruitment prospect for the entire institution,” said Dennis Malfatti, Conservatory Co-Director, Professor of Music, and Director of Choral Activities, Music Education. “We feel privileged to collaborate with the EVSC as we nurture and strive towards a bright future for musical talent.”

To learn more about UE’s Music Conservatory, click here.

Brook Moffat Joins UE as Director of Marketing

University of Evansville (UE) alumna Brook Moffat has joined the University as the new Director of Marketing. Moffat brings nearly two decades of experience in marketing, communication, and events management in the U.S. and the U.K., most recently serving as Senior Manager of Integrated Marketing for Shoe Carnival in Evansville.

“My experience at UE shaped who I am today both personally and professionally. My education prepared me to excel in my career. The time I spent at Harlaxton opened my eyes to the world and led me to spend six years working in Glasgow, Scotland. Even my family and close friendships have stemmed out of the connections I forged as a student at UE,” said Moffat. “I couldn’t be more delighted to return to my alma mater and share the stories of impact that UE  has made on so many people.”

In her capacity as Director of Marketing, Moffat will be tasked with charting the university's marketing strategy, devising integrated marketing plans, and executing marketing initiatives. Her first day was October 2.

Brook Moffat headshot

Annual Chili Bowl Sale Returns for 21st Year at University of Evansville

On Tuesday, October 31, the hearty smell of chili will fill the air at the University of Evansville (UE) when the Clay Club holds its 21st annual Chili Bowl Sale.

From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., or until the bowls and chili run out, UE Clay Club members will serve chili from open-air cauldrons on the East Terrace Lawn near the Ridgway University Center.

This community event draws not only UE students and staff but also friends from afar. Customers select a one-of-a-kind ceramic bowl made by UE art students, enjoy chili for lunch, and keep the bowl.

For $10, attendees can purchase a unique ceramic bowl and fill it with chili. For those who prefer to preserve their pristine bowls, lidded containers will also be available. The event also offers larger, handcrafted bowls, priced between $15 and $100, making it a must-attend for both chili lovers and art enthusiasts.

A significant portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local food organization, furthering UE's commitment to fighting hunger within the community. The remaining funds will be allocated to the UE Clay Club, providing essential support for students' attendance at conferences, hosting visiting artists, and embarking on studio and gallery visits.

For additional information, please call the UE Department of Art at 812-488-2043.

UE Professor, Historian Dr. James MacLeod Releases Book Highlighting Evansville during the 20th Century

Dr. James MacLeod, a Professor of History at the University of Evansville (UE), has unveiled a captivating historical narrative in his book, Lost Evansville, which was released on October 9 by The History Press.

In this book, spanning 1945 to 1975, Dr. MacLeod explores the profound impact of this transformative period on Evansville. The narrative spans from the city's early history at Angel Mounds to the challenges of the Great Depression, World War II, the turbulent 1950s, and the significant physical changes of the 1960s and 1970s. Importantly, it sheds light on the "lost history" of the Civil Rights struggle in Evansville during this era.

Lost Evansville features over 80 images, bringing history to life in a gripping and fast-paced account. Dr. MacLeod's extensive expertise in Evansville's history makes this book a compelling read for those interested in the city's past and how it created the future.

Dr. MacLeod's impressive contributions to local history include his roles on historical society boards and receiving the Indiana Historical Society's Hubert Hawkins History Award in 2021. This book is his fourth publication and is expected to be a valuable addition to his body of work.

Lost Evansville by Dr. MacLeod is available at major retailers or by clicking here.

A series of public lectures followed by book signings will be available during the months of November and December. Dr. MacLeod will be selling and signing books at all of these events.

About Dr. James MacLeod, Professor of History, University of Evansville

Dr James MacLeod chairs the Department of History, Politics, and Social Change at UE. He is the author of Evansville in World War Two, which was published in 2015, and The Cartoons of Evansville's Karl Kae Knecht, published in February 2017. In 2016 he wrote and co-produced a 2-part documentary on Evansville in World War II for WNIN PBS titled Evansville at War. In 2000, he published a book on 19th century British religion, The Second Disruption, and has also written over 30 other scholarly publications. He has delivered hundreds of public lectures, has won many awards for his teaching and scholarship, and was UE's Outstanding Teacher in 2009. MacLeod is an active local historian, and serves on the Boards of the Vanderburgh County Historical Society, the Southwestern Indiana Historical Society, and the History Committee of the Evansville Museum of Art, History and Science. In 2021 he received the Indiana Historical Society's Hubert Hawkins History Award in recognition of his distinguished service and career in local history.

Lost Evansville Flyer

First-of-its-kind outdoor Hydration Station unveiled at University of Evansville

Jack Deig's journey began with a simple realization: that access to clean water is a pervasive global issue that needs immediate attention. He created “Hydration Station” as a way to address that issue by providing water dispensing stations that would empower and educate young people to initiate green projects within their communities.

Deig submitted the concept into the 2022 High School Changemaker Challenge, sponsored by Toyota, a pitch competition that earned him a scholarship to attend the University of Evansville. Now a UE sophomore majoring in marketing with a minor in psychology, Deig’s community-transforming idea is taking shape.

During a dedication ceremony on October 9, the first outdoor Hydration Station was revealed on the University of Evansville campus. Hydration Stations are innovative, no-contact public water refilling stations, offering free access to filtered water for all members of the community.

Originally a solo endeavor, Deig tirelessly sought funding and sponsors to bring his vision to life while working on the project in UE’s ChangeLab program. ChangeLab allows UE students to pursue passion projects while earning academic credit. "Hydration Station" has grown into a formidable team of five individuals, with their inaugural indoor station now operational at Patchwork Central. An additional station is in the works along the downtown Evansville riverfront in partnership with the EWSU.   

These stations are equipped to provide unlimited refills to anyone with a reusable bottle, aligning with Deig's philosophy that "you can't abuse a Hydration Station." This project is a nonprofit led by Deig and is undoubtedly a labor of love, reflecting his deep-rooted connection to the Evansville community where he grew up.

Since launching "Hydration Station" in 2022, the project has made significant strides. Deig envisions expansion throughout the city and potentially even across the nation in the coming years. He is inviting individuals to join him on this transformative mission and explore the message and impact of "Hydration Station." This station was made possible through generous donations from Greg and Candice Hofmann, the UE Board of Visitors, and many other supporters of UE. It was installed through partnerships with EWSU, Alstadt Plumbing, Culligan Water, Alva Electric, and the UE facilities team led by Mike Averett.

For more information about "Hydration Station" and how you can get involved, please visit https://www.hydration-station.org/

Hydration Station side

UE Fraternity Continues Tradition at Evansville's Annual Fall Festival, Demonstrating Ongoing Commitment to ChemoBuddies

The members of the University of Evansville's Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Fraternity will continue their participation in Evansville's Annual Fall Festival, a tradition they have proudly upheld since 2012. SAE's booth at the festival serves a noble cause, extending support to ChemoBuddies, an organization dedicated to ensuring that no one has to face cancer alone.

SAE members say they are looking forward to selling a few different treats at the Fall Festival to further their support for ChemoBuddies. Festival goers can indulge in "Haystacks," a mouthwatering delight similar to a walking taco. The Haystacks come with a choice of popular snack chips like Doritos, Fritos, or Grippos, complemented by savory BBQ pulled pork or chili. In addition, SAE's booth will offer a range of refreshing beverages, including root beer and dreamsicle floats, as well as apple and cherry cider.

The SAE booth will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., running from Monday, October 2, through Saturday, October 7. It's the perfect opportunity for festival attendees to enjoy delicious food while contributing to a worthy cause. Every purchase made at the SAE booth directly supports ChemoBuddies.

ChemoBuddies' mission is deeply rooted in compassion and community. They provide invaluable positive and uplifting support to individuals navigating the challenging journey of chemotherapy. In addition to emotional assistance, ChemoBuddies offers free transportation to medical appointments and financial aid to procure essential items like wigs, helping patients maintain their dignity and self-esteem throughout their battle with cancer.

"Our partnership with ChemoBuddies and the yearly Fall Festival provides us with a great opportunity to serve our community each year," said SAE member Landon Stoll. "We get to spend valuable time as a fraternity in working together to provide for a wonderful philanthropy. SAE looks forward to seeing many people come out and support ChemoBuddies this week."

University of Evansville Named Evansville Regional Economic Partnership's 2023 Community Champion of the Year

The University of Evansville (UE) was named the 2023 Community Champion of the Year by the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP.) This recognition serves as a testament to the university's unwavering commitment to sustainability, education, and community engagement.

UE was recognized for this honor during E-REP's Third Annual Meeting and Dinner on September 28, which is one of the most significant business gatherings in the region, where local leaders are honored, and regional wins are celebrated. UE received the award due to its role in securing the $30 million Evansville Promise Neighborhood grant. The Evansville Promise Neighborhood initiative is a transformative program aimed at improving educational outcomes, community services, and economic opportunities. This $30 million grant, secured through the collaborative efforts led by UE, is poised to bring about substantial positive changes in the lives of the community's residents.

UE played a pivotal role in securing the grant by collaborating with community leaders, educational partners, and local organizations. Through innovative strategies and a shared vision, this partnership successfully secured the funds needed to drive essential programs, educational resources, and economic development initiatives within the Evansville Promise Neighborhood. With continued collaboration and partnerships in the community, twenty-three Evansville Promise Neighborhood partner agencies accounted for a match totaling over $32 million, for a total of more than $62 million to be invested in the community.

The Community Champion Award recognizes an organization that demonstrates how its work, and its "guiding principles" accelerate E-REP's success. E-REP's recognition of UE as Community Champion of the Year highlights the university's commitment to being a catalyst for positive change in the community and the region at large.

"UE led this initiative with the collaboration of many community partners and the support of our business community, and we deeply appreciate this recognition by E-REP," said UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. "Our university's mission extends beyond the classroom, and our involvement in the Evansville Promise Neighborhood and other community-based initiatives exemplify our dedication to making a significant impact on the lives of our neighbors and our broader community."

To learn more about the Evansville Promise Neighborhood, please visit evansville.edu/PromiseNeighborhood.

Award winners group photo

Eduardo Chavez, Grandson of Legendary Civil Rights Activist Cesar Chavez, to visit UE in Celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month

The University of Evansville (UE) is excited to welcome Eduardo Chavez to campus in commemoration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. The distinguished director, speaker, podcast host, and the grandson of the iconic civil rights activist Cesar Chavez, will be making a special appearance on Monday, October 2.

UE will host a screening of "Hailing Cesar," a documentary directed by and featuring Eduardo Chavez. The screening begins at 5:00 p.m. in Eykamp Hall in the Ridgway University Center. Following the documentary screening, there will be an engaging question and answer session with Eduardo Chavez himself.

Additional details can be found by clicking here.

Chavez headshot

University of Evansville Theatre Presents THE SEAGULL

The University of Evansville Theatre opens their 2023–2024 season with Anton Chekhov’s THE SEAGULL, translated by Tom Stoppard. This production opens at 7:30 pm, Friday, Sept. 29, in Shanklin Theatre. Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m., on Sept. 30, Oct. 12, 13, 14, and at 2:00 p.m., on Oct. 15.

This achingly beautiful story of unrequited love is as timeless today as in the 1890s Russian countryside in which it is set. Stoppard’s masterful translation remains faithful to the humor that Chekhov intended to convey amid all the pathos. Diving into the psychological minefields between mothers, sons, lovers, and familial relations, the passionate lives of these characters are all on full display as they make decisions that are often paradoxical, sometimes destructive, but always recognizably human. A vast emotive masterpiece with music in its words, this play will sear itself into your memory!

THE SEAGULL is directed by Assistant Professor Amelia McClain ‘03. Ethan Henry, a sophomore theatre performance major from Salina, Kan., serves as the associate director; Associate Professor Eric Renschler ’83, serves as the scenic designer; Violet Nassri, a senior design and technology major from Dallas, Texas, is the costume designer; Ethan Santiago, a sophomore design and technology major from Belton, Texas, is the lighting designer; Jonathan Roth, a sophomore design and technology major from Brookfield, Wis., serves as the sound designer; Katie Lawhorn, a junior stage management major from Louisville, Ky., is the stage manager, and Visiting Assistant Professor Scott Carpenter ‘05 serves as the technical director.

The cast features Lillian Grace Carlson, a senior performance major from Minneapolis, Minn., as Masha; Trace Levens, a junior performance major from Bryan, Texas, as Medvedenko; Kurt Sparks, a first-year performance major from Millville, N.J., as Sorin; Arturo Quepóns, a sophomore performance major from San Antonio, Texas, as Konstantin; Beverley Buchanan, a senior performance major from Tomball, Texas, as Nina; Folarin Oyeleye, a first-year performance major from Richmond, Texas, as Dorn; Christina Tinde Jesenski, a senior performance major from Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., as Polina; Amoren Newton, a first-year performance major from Denton, Texas, as Shamraev; Ashly Chalico, a junior performance major from Magnolia, Texas, as Arkadina; Caden Sevier, a senior performance major from Humble, Texas, as Trigorin; Ethan Henry, a sophomore performance major from Salina, Kan., as Yakov; Daphne Wheeler, a first-year performance major from Star, Idaho, as Maid; and Brayden Havard, a first-year performance major from Montgomery, Texas, as Cook.

Adult ticket prices are $20 and $18 for senior adults, UE employees, and non-UE students. UE students may obtain one free student rush ticket beginning at 12 p.m. on the day of the performance they wish to attend. In addition, UE Theatre is excited to continue their “Pay What You Will” initiative again this second season. Every Thursday evening performance in Shanklin Theatre is available for any person to pay any price that best fits their budget.

Season subscriptions for the 2023–2024 Shanklin Theatre season are also available and are $50 for an adult subscription and $44 for a discount subscription for senior adults, UE employees, and non-UE students. This three-play season includes THE SEAGULL, the smash–hit musical RENT, and the powerful WAITING FOR LEFTY. A May Studio Theatre Discovery Package can be purchased for $18 and includes A BRIGHT NEW BOISE and POTUS OR, BEHIND EVERY GREAT DUMBASS ARE SEVEN WOMEN TRYING TO KEEP HIM ALIVE. Subscriptions may be purchased by calling the ticket office at 812.488.2031, Monday through Friday, 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. Single tickets may be purchased online at theatre.evansville.edu or by calling the ticket office.

The Seagull logo

Tin City Archaeological Project Celebrates 20 Years at University of Evansville

The Tin City Archaeological Project is celebrating its 20th anniversary at the University of Evansville (UE). Tin City, originally known as Campus Court Apartments, was constructed in 1946 and dismantled in 1962, making way for Wheeler Auditorium and Neu Chapel landscaping. Despite its historical significance, few written records exist about Tin City, and it soon faded into obscurity.

Twenty years ago, Dr. Alan Kaiser and students from the University of Evansville Department of Archaeology embarked on the Tin City Archaeological Project. Over these two decades, more than one hundred students have excavated and screened 727 cubic feet of soil, discovering 4,491 artifacts that tell the stories of people's lives. Remarkably, this project remains the only ongoing, on-campus archaeological excavation in the United States.

The public attended a celebration on Saturday at the Tin City Trenches in front of Neu Chapel. The SOBA Atrium also hosted family-friendly educational activities curated by archaeology majors, providing insights into the university's history as revealed through the Tin City excavation.

For more information, please visit https://www.evansville.edu/majors/archaeology/tin-city.cfm.

Tin City dig site

UEclipse: Renowned Astrophysicist and UE Alumna, Maria Weber '08, PhD, to Share Insights on Solar Magnetism ahead of 2024 Eclipse

Ahead of the Spring 2024 Eclipse, the University of Evansville (UE) is proud to announce the upcoming presentation by astrophysicist and UE alumna, Maria Weber '08, PhD, that will highlight what to expect leading up to the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024.

Dr. Weber's talk, titled "From Eclipses to Magnetism: The Secret Life of the Sun," promises to shed light on the intriguing mysteries of our nearest star. Weber will speak in Eykamp Hall on the UE campus at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 7.

A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Evansville, Weber earned her bachelor's degree with majors in Physics and Philosophy at UE. She later pursued a PhD in Physics from Colorado State University, with research focusing on the Sun's magnetism and internal processes using computer simulations. Weber's expertise in magnetic flux emergence-the processes by which magnetic fields of the Sun and other stars reach their surfaces-has earned her recognition as a leading authority in the field.

In addition to her groundbreaking research, Weber is passionate about science communication and outreach. Her dedication to educating and engaging the public with the wonders of astrophysics has taken her around the world, making her a respected figure in both academic and public spheres.

Today, Weber serves as an Assistant Professor of Physics and Director of the Wiley Planetarium at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. Her achievements and commitment to advancing our understanding of the Sun's secrets make her a distinguished member of the UE alumni community.

This special presentation by Weber is a unique opportunity for the Evansville community to gain insights into the captivating world of solar magnetism and the vital role it plays in our universe. The event is open to all interested parties, and we encourage members of the public to join us on Sunday, April 7.

On Monday, April 8, residents of neighborhoods near the UE campus are encouraged to join our community to view this spectacular event. To learn more, please visit https://www.evansville.edu/ueclipse. Members of the public are encouraged to register by clicking this link.

UEClipse Logo

University of Evansville Achieves Record Enrollment Growth

At a time when universities across the nation are experiencing enrollment declines and students are increasingly questioning the value of a college degree, more students have chosen to place their bet on the value of a University of Evansville degree. Based upon fall census data, the University of Evansville has witnessed substantial growth in both undergraduate and graduate enrollment.

The size of the incoming freshman class grew 23 percent year over year and on the heels of 15 percent growth last year, making it the largest freshman class since 2018 and the largest single year of growth in over a decade. Students who have elected to make UE their educational home hail from 28 states, 26 countries, and all continents except for Antarctica.

The incoming freshman class is remarkably diverse based upon a variety of measures. The number of international freshmen is nearly triple that of last year, representing 12 percent of the total freshman class. Students at UE come from all socioeconomic backgrounds, with over 30 percent of the incoming freshmen qualifying for Federal Pell grants. Approximately 1 in 6 students qualified for UE's Aces Opportunity Grant, allowing them to attend UE without paying any tuition out of pocket. Students from underrepresented populations make up 21 percent of the class.

"We are bucking the national and regional trends in higher education thanks to our significant investments in new facilities and programs," said UE President Pietruszkiewicz. "Our efforts to address affordability and access through generous scholarships are helping to attract a wide range of talented students."

The academic caliber of the freshman class is exceptionally strong. One out of every 8 students is a valedictorian, a Lilly Scholar, or a College Board National Recognition Scholar. More than 36 percent have a weighted GPA of 4.0 or higher or an ACT score of at least 27.

The number of students transferring to UE is also on the rise, with year over year growth of 21 percent. Transfer students come from 2-year and 4-year institutions from Florida to Oregon in the U.S. and from six countries including Spain, Latvia, Indonesia, China, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

With the introduction of new graduate programs such as the Master of Science in Education and the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, UE has experienced 76 percent growth in the number of entering graduate students and 23 percent growth in the total graduate student population.

"We are delighted to see students recognizing that we are a community that deeply cares about them as individuals," said Dr. Jill Griffin, Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing. "Every day we pour out our heart and soul to empower them for a successful career and a life of meaning."

Students during Welcome Week 2023

Renowned Activist Cleve Jones to Deliver Inspirational Talk at UE

The University of Evansville (UE) is thrilled to announce that Cleve Jones, a celebrated author, AIDS & LGBT rights activist, and a true icon in the world of human rights advocacy, will be speaking on campus.

The event will take place on September 21, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in Eykamp Hall, followed by a Q&A session. This speech is free and open to the public and is in observance of Constitution Day.

Jones is a distinguished voice in the fight for equality and human rights. With a career spanning five decades, Jones's inspirational journey has left a permanent mark on the world of activism, shedding light on the struggles of marginalized communities and positive change.

His speaking engagements and advocacy continue to shape conversations on vital contemporary issues. Jones's achievements include his recognition as a Champion of Change by President Barack Obama and portrayal in an Oscar-winning film titled "Milk." In 1987, Cleve Jones initiated the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, commemorating over 85,000 American lives lost to AIDS. His book, "Stitching a Revolution: The Making of an Activist," chronicles his life and the quilt project's role in restoring hope during a time of tragedy.

In addition to his impressive history, Jones consistently receives rave reviews for both his stage presence and collaborations with clients. His keynotes have touched the hearts of diverse audiences. For more information about Cleve Jones's upcoming talk and other event details, please click here.

Cleve Jones headshot

University of Evansville Theatre Announces 2023-2024 Season

The University of Evansville Theatre announces five productions for the 2023-2024 season in Shanklin Theatre and the May Studio Theatre. The Shanklin Theatre season includes a 19th-century masterpiece, a riveting rock musical, and one of the most celebrated and significant plays of the American Theatre. The May Studio season includes an Obie Award-winning drama and a comedy straight from the 2022 Broadway season.

The Shanklin Theatre season kicks off with Anton Chekhov's THE SEAGULL translated by Tom Stoppard, Sept. 29 through Oct. 15. Assistant Professor Amelia McClain '03 serves as director for the production. This achingly beautiful story of unrequited love is as timeless today as in the 1890s Russian countryside in which it is set. Stoppard's masterful translation remains faithful to the humor that Chekhov intended to convey amid all the pathos. Diving into the psychological minefields between mothers, sons, lovers, and familial relations, the passionate lives of these characters are all on full display as they make decisions that are often paradoxical, sometimes destructive, but always recognizably human. A vast emotive masterpiece with music in its words, this play will sear itself into your memory!

Assistant Professor Wes Grantom '03 adds RENT, by Jonathan Larson, to his directing credits, Nov. 10 through 19, in Shanklin Theatre. The UE production also features music direction by guest artist Tyler Simpson. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, an Obie Award, and the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1996, this iconic rock musical shaped a generation of audiences and is being performed for the first time in Shanklin Theatre. Loosely based on Puccini's La Boheme and set in New York's Lower East Side, this fast-paced musical follows a year in the life of a group of destitute young artists struggling to survive and stay true to their creative ambitions, all under the daunting shadow of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This exuberant American rock opera is a pop-cultural phenomenon not to be missed!

The spring season begins with two student-directed productions in the May Studio Theatre. Bradley Baumhover, a senior theatre management major from Joplin, Mo., directs A BRIGHT NEW BOISE, by Samuel D. Hunter, Feb. 15 through 18. Winner of the 2011 Obie Award for Best Playwriting, this tragi-comedic play explores the intricacies of faith and the power of forgiveness. Set in the dismal break room of a Hobby Lobby, these low-wage earners struggle with both mundane daily routines and larger questions posed by the havoc that can be wreaked by blind faith. No respite from a scintillating scrapbook section can be found here though, as group politics dissolve into utter pandemonium!

Avery Finn, a theatre studies major from Terre Haute, Ind., directs POTUS, OR BEHIND EVERY GREAT DUMBASS ARE SEVEN WOMEN TRYING TO KEEP HIM ALIVE, by Selina Fillinger, March 14 through 17. This internationally produced writer burst onto the Broadway scene with this 2022 uproarious comedy. This bawdy farce follows seven beleaguered and brilliant women trying to save the President of the United States after he unwittingly spins a PR nightmare into a global crisis. This side-splitting satire takes an irreverent look at sex, politics, and the women in charge of the man in charge of the entire country!

Visiting Assistant Professor Stacey Yen takes the helm of the final production of the season, Clifford Odet's WAITING FOR LEFTY, in Shanklin Theatre, April 12 through 21. Inspired by true events of a 1934 New York taxicab strike, this fictional retelling creates a powerful mosaic of the trials and tribulations of the working class. First produced in 1935, this play made a sensation of its playwright, who became the theatrical conscience of a generation, and this work remains one of the most celebrated and significant plays of the American Theatre. With the fight for living wages and safe, equitable workplaces continuing to cause political debates, this seminal play illustrates the power of individual protest and the right to reform. Grab your picket sign and get ready to march!

Subscription tickets for the three-play Shanklin Theatre series are available for $50 adult and $44 for senior adults, UE employees, and any non-UE student. Patrons can also purchase a two-play May Studio Theatre subscription for $18. Single tickets for THE SEAGULL, RENT, and WAITING FOR LEFTY are $20 for adults and $18 for senior adults, UE employees, and any non- UE student. Single tickets for A BRIGHT NEW BOISE and POTUS OR, BEHIND EVERY GREAT DUMBASS ARE SEVEN WOMEN TRYING TO KEEP HIM ALIVE are $12 for all patrons. All Thursday performances are "Pay What You Will," as part of an initiative to create access for all in the Evansville community. UE students may obtain one free student rush ticket beginning at 12:00 p.m. on the day of the performance they wish to attend for all Shanklin Theatre and May Studio productions. Season subscriptions may be purchased by calling 812.488.2031, Monday through Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Single tickets may be purchased by calling the ticket office or online at theatre.evansville.edu.

For additional details please contact Sharla Cowden, Dept. Chair and Managing Director University of Evansville Theatre at theatre@evansville.edu or 812.488.2747

University of Evansville partners with Ascend Indiana to help students with career and internship searches while providing one-on-one support

The University of Evansville (UE) has formed a partnership with Ascend Indiana to connect more students to good and promising career opportunities in Indiana. Through the Ascend Network, the initiative's online job matching platform, UE students will be able to connect with Indiana jobs and internships that match their skill sets and interests and will receive increased one-on-one career guidance and job search support. In addition, this partnership provides Indiana's leading employers with a unique platform for hiring UE students.

Since its inception in 2017, Ascend has connected more than 4,000 Hoosiers with jobs and training opportunities in all sectors across the state. Nearly 700 employers are currently using the Network.

"We are thrilled to embark on this transformative partnership with Ascend Indiana, which will provide our University of Evansville students with enhanced career opportunities and invaluable one-on-one support," said Dianna Cundiff, director of the Center for Career Development. "This collaboration goes beyond the exceptional career assistance we already provide, offering our students a direct pathway to meaningful internships and jobs that align with their passions and skills. By connecting our students to Indiana's leading employers through the Ascend Network, we are reinforcing our commitment to their professional success and the continued growth of our community."

The Network adds a robust resource to the school's efforts to help students find jobs and internships that align with their career goals and provides a lens into the variety of companies and opportunities here in the Hoosier state.

"It is critical for Indiana to retain more college students with relevant skills and abilities to meet employer demand for talent," said Jason Kloth, president and CEO of Ascend Indiana. "Partnering with educational institutions such as the University of Evansville is essential to equipping students with the necessary tools to get their career started here through an internship or early-in-career job, as well as to helping employers connect to the talent they need."

The Ascend Network is a resource offered through the Center for Career Development and at no cost to students. Through the Network, students receive personalized job and internship recommendations that lead to meaningful careers in Indiana. During the job search, application and interview process, the Center for Career Development, will continue to provide individualized support and educational resources, in partnership with Ascend. Students can find out more information here: https://ascendindiana.com/.

About Ascend Indiana

An initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), Ascend Indiana is committed to making Indiana a place of economic opportunity for all. Ascend connects job seekers to good and promising career opportunities through an innovative job matching platform, the Ascend Network; catalyzes partnerships and provides consulting services to meet high-demand workforce needs through Ascend Services; and conducts research through Ascend Insights to enable systems-level change that positively impacts individuals throughout the state. To learn more, visit ascendindiana.com.

Harlaxton Brand Nominated for Global Award

The University of Evansville (UE) is proud to announce that Harlaxton has been shortlisted in the Education category for a Brand Impact Award. Now in their tenth consecutive year, the Brand Impact Awards (BIAs) reward the best branding from around the world.

In recent months, Harlaxton has undergone a rebranding that retraces its emblematic roots. The Manor's classic shield was stripped back and now focuses on the idiosyncratic features of Harlaxton and what can be experienced there. The new brand has enabled Harlaxton to bring heraldic heritage into the brand, a nod to the changemaking alumni, trailblazing owners and patrons of Manor who have their ancestry documented across the building.

The journey to create the new brand began with a comprehensive strategy phase, which included on-site visits and consultations with various stakeholders, including staff, students, tutors, and alumni. Through these interactions, it became clear that values such as conservation, sustainability, learning, and internationalism is fundamental to Harlaxton's future.

Feeding into the immersive strategy phase, Harlaxton landed on five key findings to develop the brand's creative principles: a place to progress, change your stars and see the world anew, experience growth, one Harlaxton with many faces and enchanting enigma.

"We are honored to be considered for this award, through our rebrand we communicated the belief that educational opportunity should transcend wealth, emboldening first-generation students and those from minority backgrounds to bravely innovate in a changing world, joining Harlaxton's rich legacy of changemakers," said Dr. Holly Carter, Executive Director and Dean of Harlaxton. "So, whether studying at an international campus, teaching abroad, immersing yourself in the culture or being a part of an amazing event, the extraordinary can be pursued at Harlaxton."

Harlaxton College is housed in an exquisite, 19th-century Victorian manor located in the countryside of Lincolnshire, England, near the town of Grantham. Every semester, the manor welcomes students from UE and other partner institutions across the nation, and they complete general education and program-specific courses while immersed in British culture.

The rebranding was officially launched in August. Learn more at https://college.harlaxton.co.uk/

Harlaxton Shield

University of Evansville Launches Innovative Degrees in 3

Earning a college degree in just three years has become more attainable, thanks to the introduction of Degrees in 3 at the University of Evansville (UE).

Degrees in 3 offers accelerated degree plans designed to empower students to complete a bachelor's degree in just three years, save both time and money without sacrificing the quality of the educational experience. Degrees in 3 plans are available for all areas of Business, including Accounting, Finance, Global Business, Management, Marketing, and Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Other majors that have three-year plans include Nursing, Exercise Science, Archaeology, Elementary Education, and Secondary Education.

Degrees in 3 places a strong emphasis on career preparation, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen professions.

Each three-year program is designed to allow students to earn a degree sooner without sacrificing the quality education and experiential opportunities that UE is known for. Students will also have access to some opportunities for study abroad and internships, depending on the program. The degree plans vary by major and may require students to bring in college or AP credit, to take summer courses, and/or to take full course loads each semester.

UE understands the challenges that college students face in today's changing world, and Degrees in 3 will work to reduce the financial burden on those attending college.

"We are thrilled to introduce Degrees in 3, which represents a major milestone in our commitment to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education," said Kenton Hargis, Senior Director of Admission. "This innovative approach will empower students in some majors to fast-track their education and launch successful careers through a carefully structured curriculum that ultimately saves them time and money."

Prospective students, parents, and educators are encouraged to visit evansville.edu/Degreesin3 to learn more about Degrees in 3.

UE Graduates at Commencement

New UE Program Offers Clinicians Opportunities for Career Advancement; First in the Region

The University of Evansville (UE) has received approval from the Higher Learning Commission to launch a PhD in Health Professions Education. This terminal academic doctorate degree is a first for the University, with the goal of helping to ease the shortage of healthcare professionals nationwide.

The PhD in Health Professions Education will be an avenue to help clinicians develop the skills necessary to be effective educators who contribute to interdisciplinary research across the healthcare sector.

This program aims to benefit various health professions, including nursing, physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, medical doctors, physician assistants, and more. With the shift in educational requirements from baccalaureates to advanced degrees, many academic healthcare programs need more qualified faculty members, compounded by the imminent retirement of many existing faculty.

The PhD program encompasses 44 credit hours and will be delivered in an online format with optional in-person meetings. This format ensures improved instructional quality, higher student retention rates, and enhanced satisfaction.

Designed with working professionals in mind, the curriculum allows students to complete all coursework within eight semesters (2 years), with the option of either in-person or remote access. Online classroom meetings are scheduled on weekends to provide flexibility and accommodate students' existing professional commitments.

UE is committed to meeting the evolving needs of healthcare professionals and the academic community. This program presents a unique opportunity for clinicians to expand their career prospects, contribute to the development of future healthcare practitioners, and elevate the quality of education in their respective fields.

"This is truly a pioneering program in the Tri-State region, and we believe this doctorate degree will play a pivotal role in addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals across disciplines while empowering clinicians to become effective educators and valuable contributors to research," said Bethany Huebner, PT, DPT, PhD, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy and PhD in Health Professions Education. "We remain dedicated to meeting the needs of healthcare professionals and the patients they serve."

The program received several letters of support from community leaders, including Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke and Deaconess Health System CEO Shawn McCoy.

"The Ph.D. in Health Professions Education will train future faculty members who can teach and mentor students in a variety of healthcare fields," said Lloyd Winnecke, '82, Mayor of Evansville. "This will ensure that we will have a strong pipeline of qualified healthcare professionals and can attract students into our region to receive an education and hopefully remain in our community once they have completed their degree."

"I commend the University of Evansville for its innovative solutions in addressing the healthcare workforce's significant challenges," said Shawn McCoy, Chief Executive Officer of Deaconess Health System. "The Ph.D. in Health Professions Education program particularly addresses faculty shortages in nursing, social work, physical and occupational therapy, and physician assistant science, among others. In addition, the program enables academic partners to increase class sizes and produce more healthcare professionals to serve the community."

To learn more about the PhD in Health Professions Education, please visit evansville.edu/hpe.

Student using laptop

UE Launches Innovative Anthropology Program: Shaping Cultural Insights for Tomorrow's World

The University of Evansville (UE) is proud to unveil an Anthropology Program, a comprehensive academic offering poised to redefine the study of human culture and its evolution. Through a dynamic blend of specialized subfields, unique faculty expertise, and exceptional internship opportunities, UE's Anthropology Program is set to empower students with the tools to decipher the intricate tapestry of our global society.

Anthropology, often referred to as the study of humanity's cultural mosaic, holds the key to unraveling the complexities of societies past and present. UE's Anthropology Program takes a holistic approach by encompassing four distinct subfields, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of cultural dynamics:

  • Socio-Cultural Anthropology: Delving into the exploration of living cultures, understanding societal nuances, and deciphering contemporary human interactions.
  • Archaeology: Unearthing the mysteries of past civilizations through meticulous study and analysis of artifacts and historical context.
  • Biological Anthropology: Investigating the interplay between human biological variation and cultural phenomena, shedding light on the interconnectedness of our evolution and our social world.
  • Linguistic Anthropology: Pioneering the examination of the symbiotic relationship between language and culture, uncovering the profound influence of communication on societal constructs.

The demand for skilled anthropologists is broad-based, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 7% growth in anthropology jobs over the next decade. UE's Anthropology Program positions graduates for a multitude of exciting career avenues, including roles in corporate marketing, cultural consultancy, public health, government agencies, and law enforcement.

Anthropologist Dr. Kyle Clark, leads the charge at UE's Anthropology Program, bringing a wealth of field experience to the classroom. Dr. Clark's research, including extensive studies on ancestor worship among the Iban of Indonesian Borneo has enriched his understanding of how diverse societies cope with life's challenges. His invaluable expertise ensures students receive a transformative education rooted in real-world insights.

Furthermore, UE's affiliation with one of the nation's premier archaeology programs provides students with unparalleled access to groundbreaking research and top-tier faculty. The Department of Archaeology's esteemed reputation, as recognized by the Archaeological Institute of America, bolsters the program's academic prowess, ensuring students receive an education of unparalleled quality.

One of the standout features of UE's Anthropology Program is its commitment to hands-on learning. Internship opportunities abound, spanning across Evansville, the United States, and even international locations. UE faculty advisors will work closely with students to secure internships and field positions tailored to their interests, providing practical experiences that solidify classroom learning.

“By embracing the diverse tapestry of human culture, our anthropology program enriches the academic landscape, fostering a profound understanding of societies past and present,” said Dr. Kyle Clark, Assistant Visting Professor of Anthropology. “This addition empowers students with cross-disciplinary insights, promoting critical thinking, empathy, and a global perspective, essential skills for navigating the complexities of our interconnected world."

The Anthropology Program is set to revolutionize the way we comprehend human culture and its intricate evolution. Through a blend of innovative curriculum and unmatched experiential learning, UE's Anthropology Program prepares students to become cultural pioneers, equipped to navigate the dynamic global landscape.

To learn more, click here.

UE anthropology student

UE Professor, Young & Established Secure Additional Funding to Fight Food Insecurity

Increased state funding has been secured to combat food insecurity in Evansville and Vanderburgh County, thanks to the collaborative efforts of a professor from the University of Evansville (UE) and a local non-profit organization.

UE's Director of the Institute for Public Health and Associate Professor Dr. Su Jin Jeong along with Young & Established (Y&E), was able to secure an additional $50,000 in funding from The Epidemiology Laboratory Capacity (ELC) grant through the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH.)

The funds will further support Y&E's work regarding food insecurity and food equity in the greater Evansville area. This funding would provide additional means to address the problems related to food deserts and child hunger among the population that Y&E serves daily.

This grant is in addition to the previous Health Issues and Challenges grant awarded in March.

The funds will allow Y&E to utilize a total of $500,000 to help the community. Dr. Jeong, as the Director for the Institute for Public Health, serves as the technical grant assistant on this project.

"Food insecurity is still a major issue in Vanderburgh County, and with the increase in funding, Y&E and the Institute for Public Health will be able to further reach those in the population who are still struggling to feed their families," said Dr. Jeong. "We are hopeful that our collaborative efforts will be effective in making a major impact for our community and are excited for the positive change that we may be able to see happen for those in need."

UE Graduate Recognized for Theatre Contributions Nationwide

Lizzie Tredinnick ‘18 will always remember her time at the University of Evansville. The theatre design major knew that UE was the place to call home for her college years from the moment she stepped on campus. 

“I really enjoyed the area and liked how easily accessible campus was,” said Tredinnick. "I remember having my interview in Chicago with the late John David Lutz and Sharla Cowden and just remember I got a good feeling from both of them, the connections they had were extremely important.” 

Originally born in Minneapolis, Tredinnick spent most of her childhood in Madison, Wisconsin. She said Evansville’s name came up numerous times when she was looking around at institutions to study at.

“I knew I was looking for a smaller school that did not have a theatre graduate program, and my mother who has many connections to the theatre world had asked around what is a small school with a  good reputation, and Evansville came up quite a few times and after doing several tours of schools, I really liked the vibe of Evansville,” said Tredinnick.

During her time at UE, Tredinnick was focused on advancing her academic and her real-world experiences. She held several internships including with Hope Summer Repertory Theatre in Holland, Michigan, and the Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts.

After graduation, her work would take her to New York City, where she helped in various roles working for the Hello, Dolly! Production.

“UE connections helped me get there,” explained Tredinnick. She continued to pursue her dreams and eventually began working for Evergreene Architectual Arts by focusing on removing latex boring paints to reveal original finishes at the downtown Chicago Cultural Center.

“It was a fun contrast to work on something that will be there for years and years,” she said.

Eventually, Tredinnick landed a gig working as a painter in the scene shop at the Santa Fe Opera. She is currently swapping between that job and as an Assistant Scenic Artist with the Children's Theatre Company (CTC) in Minneapolis. She started at the CTC in 2022, which remains the flagship theatre for young audiences in North America.

Tredinnick said she loves the work she does because it makes an impact on not only her life, but the lives of those around her.

“It's nice to be able to create something that goes on stage and tells the story, I enjoy being a part of that story,” said Tredinnick. "Having a hand in the setting is awesome for the kids that see it and follow along and are interacting by asking questions and going home and asking questions and learning about the world around them, that’s really something I love.”

That transformation of a set is something Tredinnick said makes each day unique.

“I love it because you can fully transform something into something that looks different and really cool, it's like having a magic wand in the shape of the paintbrush and I have a lot of fun strategizing the best way to make this happen and make it look like something that is different,” Tredinnick said.

Lizzy Trednnick

UE Hires Blair Doneske to Lead Enrollment Analytics

The University of Evansville (UE) has hired Dr. Blair Doneske as Director of Enrollment Analytics and Strategy. Doneske officially began his duties on Monday, August 14. In this new role, Doneske will oversee the effective use of data to develop strategies and monitor the use of resources to drive enrollment growth for the university.

Doneske brings nearly a decade of professional experience in technical sales, enterprise architecture, and data analytics through various roles at International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) and CenterPoint Energy. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from Rice University and a B.S. in Genetics from Texas A&M.

"Dr. Doneske's arrival as Director of Enrollment Analytics and Strategy reflects our commitment to leveraging data's transformative potential in shaping UE's enrollment landscape," said Dr. Jill Griffin, Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing. "With his extensive background and passion for higher education, Dr. Doneske will enhance our ability to make informed decisions, ensuring a thriving future for our university community."

Blair Doneske headshot

UE holds Groundbreaking Ceremony for Lincoln Commons

The University of Evansville (UE) on Thursday held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new student housing apartment complex, Lincoln Commons. Demolition of the site originally began in November 2022, and foundation work started in March.

When completed, the four-story building located on campus at the corner of Weinbach Avenue and Lincoln Avenue will house approximately 123 upperclassman students.

All four levels will include a total of 55 units with a mix of one, two, and four-bedroom options. Each apartment will include a full kitchen with appliances, washer and dryer, full size beds, couches, chairs, and desks.

The first level of Lincoln Commons will feature an approximately 3,500 square foot restaurant with outdoor patio. An 87 spaced parking lot will also be developed across the street, just south of Lincoln Avenue.

"Today marks a significant milestone in the continued growth and development of the University of Evansville. With its prime location at the corner of Weinbach Avenue and Lincoln Avenue, we are excited that Lincoln Commons will offer a modern and comfortable home for over 100 upperclassman students," said University President, Christopher Pietruszkiewicz. "I look forward to the day when we welcome our students to their new home at Lincoln Commons, and witness firsthand the positive impact it will have on their personal and academic growth."

The project is expected to be completed by August 2024 just in time for the start of the academic year. To learn more, visit evansville.edu/lincolncommons.

Lincoln Commons Artist Rendering

UE President Named Vice Chair of NCAA Division I Board of Directors

University of Evansville (UE) President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz has been named Vice Chair of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Board of Directors, showcasing his commitment to advancing excellence in higher education and collegiate athletics. Pietruszkiewicz will also continue to serve on the Finance Committee and become the Chair of the Administrative Committee as the NCAA navigates the changing landscape in college sports.

Evansville's sports culture is enriched by NCAA Division I athletics, fostering teamwork, discipline, and pride among our university and Evansville community, both on and off the field. Pietruszkiewicz's appointment comes as he finishes his term as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Independent Colleges of Indiana, the collective voice for excellence in higher education for all of Indiana's 29 private, non-profit, regionally accredited colleges, and universities.

"In a time of great transformation in collegiate athletics, I am honored to serve our nearly 200,000 Division I student-athletes as they work in the classroom to prepare themselves for a lifetime of success and on the field as they pursue their athletic dreams. We know we have work to do in the next few years and I look forward to being a part of the solution," said Pietruszkiewicz. "I take great pleasure in being a member of an institution that values the significance of athletics in higher education and demonstrates the positive impact it has on the lives of student-athletes and our community."

Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz in front of Olmsted Administration Hall

UE named one of Money magazine's 'Best Colleges in America'

The University of Evansville (UE) has been recognized as one of the "Best Colleges for 2023" by Money magazine.

Money uses research and advice from the nation's top experts on education quality, financing, and value to create a practical analysis of the nation's best-performing colleges. Schools were ranked in quality of education, affordability, and outcomes, including graduate earnings.

Paying for college is one of the main concerns when it comes to finding the right institution. UE works closely with families to ensure a UE education is affordable.

UE was previously named to the list in 2019.

"This latest recognition is yet another testament to the impact we have on families and students," said Vice President for Talent and Community Rob Shelby, PhD. "Our University is truly remarkable, dedicated to the mission of providing students with an education that transforms their lives. We remain committed to accelerating our progress and achieving even greater heights."

Money's "Best Colleges in America 2023" full list is available at money.com/best-colleges.

Money Magazine 2023 Best Colleges badge

UE President named in IBJ Media Indiana 250 list

University of Evansville President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz has been named to the IBJ Media Indiana 250 list for the first time. The list includes 250 of the most influential executives across the state in an array of economic sectors.

During the nomination process, IBJ Media, which includes Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ)Inside INdiana Business, and Indiana Lawyer, sought out individuals from across the state who have the most significant impact on Indiana's economy and its people. Through an extensive assessment, the organizations determined the distinguished group known as the "Indiana 250 class" for this year.

"I am honored to be selected as part of the Indiana 250 class by IBJ Media," said President Pietruszkiewicz. "I am particularly grateful for the supportive campus community in helping demonstrate each and every day the impact that we have on our students, our community, and our State. We challenge ourselves daily to serve responsibility and live meaningfully in a changing world and this honor is reflective of the good work UE does to make a difference in the lives of our fellow Hoosiers."

IBJ Media published full profiles of the honorees in their magazine published in the July 21 issue of the Indiana Business Journal and is available online at Indiana250.com.

"Our 2023 Indiana 250 list is chock full of private- and public-sector leaders who are making big impacts in their communities, in our state and even in our nation," said IBJ Media CEO Nate Feltman. "We chose these leaders because they are doing inspiring work, and we want to share their stories so others can be inspired, too."

President Pietruszkiewicz Headshot

Digging Harlaxton named Top 3 Community Project of the Year by Council for British Archaeology

The Council for British Archaeology in partnership with the Marsh Charitable Trust has named Digging Harlaxton in the Top 3 for the Marsh Community Archaeology Awards.

Digging Harlaxton was a month-long archaeology field school that focused on the Walled Garden Project, a carbon-negative initiative that allowed for greater access and engagement opportunities to the Harlaxton community and visitors. Most of the excavation and findings revolved around a prehistoric ritual landscape site situated just beyond the Harlaxton grounds.

Developed by Harlaxton College in 2022, the dig began in the "Thunder House" of the long-abandoned gardener's cottage. Participants from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom uncovered the forgotten lives of those who helped run the manor, revealed traces of the site's prehistoric past, and investigated WWI training trenches. The Archaeology Field School was offered in partnership with the Enabled Archaeology Foundation and a range of local community history and archaeology societies.

Harlaxton College is housed in an exquisite, 19th-century Victorian manor located in the countryside of Lincolnshire, England, near the town of Grantham. Every semester, the manor welcomes students from UE and other partner institutions across the nation, and they complete general education and program-specific courses while immersed in British culture.

"Digging Harlaxton epitomizes the power of community archaeology, where the passion for uncovering the past unites diverse individuals in a shared mission," said Emily Stammitti, PhD, program coordinator and director of the Archaeology Field School at Harlaxton. "By unearthing forgotten stories, restoring a carbon-negative initiative, and fostering engagement, this field school has become a catalyst for change and a testament to the lasting impact of preserving our heritage at Harlaxton Manor."

The Marsh Community Archaeology Awards, funded by The Marsh Charitable Trust, celebrates the outstanding contributions of those people who are committed to social, cultural, and environmental causes, including through Archaeological impact.

Archeologist at Harlaxton

Continued Learning @ UE (CLUE) Announces Upcoming Program Highlights

Continued Learning @ UE (CLUE), the highly acclaimed program designed for individuals approaching or at retirement age, is excited to announce the program highlights for the upcoming year. CLUE provides personal enrichment through non-credit courses that are offered each semester, meeting once a week for five weeks. With a wide range of topics including art, history, literature, music, science, and general interest, CLUE offers an engaging and intellectually stimulating environment for lifelong learners.

One of the key features of the CLUE program is its accessibility and affordability. The cost for each course is only $55, providing exceptional value for the enriching educational experience it offers. Classes within the CLUE program are designed to be engaging and informative, with sessions lasting between 60-90 minutes (about 1 and a half hours). This format allows participants to delve into the subjects of their choice, gaining valuable knowledge and insights from expert instructors.

The CLUE program was initially created in 2016 by former UE President Dr. Tom Kazee and his wife, Sharon. Their vision was to provide a platform for continued learning aimed at retirees and those nearing retirement. The program has since flourished, attracting individuals from the local community and beyond and fostering a vibrant a place where participants can continue their educational journey and explore new interests.

"This is a really a unique program that allows UE to continue our community focused approach and our belief that learning never stops," said Cindy Felts, senior director of the Center for Advancement of Learning. "Age is no barrier to lifelong learning; it is an invitation to never stop growing."

During the 2022-2023 academic year, the CLUE program experienced tremendous success, with 106 community members attending classes. This accomplishment demonstrates the program's ability to provide a valuable and engaging learning experience that resonates with the community.

CLUE is excited to continue offering these educational opportunities to individuals seeking personal enrichment. Whether participants are looking to delve into a new subject, expand their knowledge, or connect with like-minded individuals, CLUE provides the perfect platform for continued learning.

To learn more about CLUE, please visit evansville.edu/CLUE

CLUE Logo

John David Lutz, UE's Longest Serving Faculty Member and Founding Father of Theatre Program, Passes Away at 83

John David Lutz, an influential figure in the world of theatre and a well-respected member of the University of Evansville community, passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at the age of 83. Surrounded by his loving family, John David peacefully departed from this world in the comfort of his own home.

Born on January 17, 1940, in Indianapolis, Indiana, John David was the son of the late John "Jack" and Mary Lutz. He graduated from what was then called Evansville College in 1964 before earning a Master of Arts degree from the University of Denver. He returned to the University of Evansville in 1965 as an instructor and technical director, later acquiring a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of New Orleans.

John David's impact on the theatrical landscape was immeasurable. Over his tenure at the University of Evansville, he directed nearly 80 productions, a testament to his dedication and artistic vision. Under his guidance, the university participated in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for 38 years, with 32 productions earning invitations to regional festivals. Remarkably, he directed 24 of those 32 productions, and six of the eight UE productions invited to the national festival. His directorial talent also graced renowned regional theaters, including the Indiana Repertory Theatre, Cleveland Playhouse, Hope Summer Repertory Theatre, Brown County Playhouse, and Pittsburgh Playhouse. In New York City, he directed the Off-Broadway premiere of "Between Daylight and Boonville," a play written by Matt Williams, a UE alumnus.

John David's innovative approach to recruiting prospective students in the 1980's helped the University of Evansville Theatre gain recognition as a premier training ground for future theater professionals. Additionally, he co-founded the National Unified Auditions, an organization comprising 25 schools that hold simultaneous auditions in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles for aspiring theater students. His dedication to nurturing young talent led to a legacy in the theater community.

Throughout his illustrious career, John David received numerous accolades, including the 1982 UE Medal of Honor, the 1984 KC/ACTF Gold Medallion, and the 1998 Indiana Theatre Association's Theatre Person of the Year. These awards were further complemented by his 2007 induction into the College of Fellows of the American Theatre and his 2012 KC/ACTF Outstanding Career Achievement in Directing. His contributions were recognized by the University of Evansville, which honored him as the 2014 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year and bestowed upon him an Honorary Doctor of Letters in 2016.

After dedicating 53 years to the University of Evansville, John David retired in 2018, solidifying his position as the longest-serving faculty member in the university's history. His unwavering commitment earned him the well-deserved title of Professor Emeritus.

"John David was a visionary theatre professor and beloved member of the Evansville community. His dedication to the arts and his students has left an indelible mark on the University of Evansville and the wider theatre world," said Sharla Cowden, Department Chair and Managing Director of UE Theatre. "John David's passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment will be deeply missed. Across the nation, there are broken-hearted former students and colleagues, but we are also grateful to have been mentored by and worked alongside this incredible theatre artist."

Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Evansville's new John David Lutz Theatre Lab, located at 1800 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN 47722, or Omni Hospice, situated at 3101 N Green River Rd., Suite 210, Evansville, IN 47715. Celebration of life arrangements will be provided at a later time.

Expressions of condolences may be made online at www.browningfuneral.com.

John David Lutz in Shanklin Theatre

UE Hires New Director to Grow Graduate Programs

The University of Evansville (UE) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Charles "Toby" Ziglar as the new Director of Graduate Enrollment. The University conducted a nationwide search with the assistance of Blue Rock Search to identify a candidate to fill this important role.

In this new role, Dr. Ziglar will be responsible for the creation of the Office of Graduate Enrollment, where his work will help to shape and guide the future of UE's graduate studies footprint regionally and nationally.

He will serve as a key member of the Enrollment team and will collaborate with various departments across campus on new program development, marketing, recruiting, and financial aid.

With more than two decades of higher education expertise, Dr. Ziglar is known for his administrative leadership, strategic planning, programmatic growth, budgetary oversight, student services, and policy development to elevate enrollment and increase retention.

Previously, he served in roles as Dean of the Graduate School and Director of Graduate and International Admissions at the University of West Georgia, GA; Vice President for Enrollment Management at Bluefield College, VA; Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions at Kennesaw State University, GA, and in other enrollment and academic leadership roles.

Dr. Ziglar's appointment supports UE's continued growth in graduate studies.

UE currently offers ten graduate programs focused on health sciences, leadership, psychology, education, and athletic training. Most recently, UE launched the PsyD in Clinical Psychology program and the Master of Science in Education program. The University's graduate programs are in high demand, and many have full cohorts of students. With continued growth in existing programs and the addition of several new programs, the University expects to bring in 40% more graduate students in 2023 than in 2022.

"As the Director of Graduate Enrollment, Dr. Ziglar will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our graduate programs by leveraging untapped potential in the local community and beyond," said Dr. Jill Griffin, vice president for enrollment and marketing. "This is a step forward to fuel additional growth in our flourishing graduate programs."

"Together, we will expand and enhance the graduate programs at the University of Evansville, ensuring they are responsive to the evolving needs of the global society," said Dr. Ziglar. "Success for the university lies not only in the enrollment numbers, but in the impact our graduates make on the world. I'm looking forward to empowering our students to thrive academically, professionally, and personally."

Dr. Ziglar officially began in his new role on June 29. To learn more about UE's Graduate Programs please visit https://www.evansville.edu/majors/graduate-programs.cfm

Toby Ziglar's Headshot

UE Celebrates Successful 2023 Summer Camp Season

The University of Evansville (UE) is proud to announce a successful conclusion of the 2023 summer camps. The University hosted an exciting week of Pride, Art, STEM, Music, and Dance camps, which drew in a remarkable total of approximately 200 enthusiastic campers.

Throughout the week, campers had the opportunity to explore their passions and develop new skills in a variety of fields. The Pride and Dance camps, which offered a residential experience, had an attendance of nearly 50 campers. Meanwhile, the Art, STEM, and Music camps attracted an average of 125 to 135 campers daily, providing an engaging and enriching experience for all participants.

The highlight of this summer camp season was the highly anticipated Showcase, which took place in Neu Chapel on Friday, June 23, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. This event provided campers with a platform to display their creativity and showcase the knowledge and abilities they had acquired throughout the week.

The Showcase brought in 250 family members and friends who gathered to support and witness the incredible works of art, scientific projects, musical performances, and dance routines created by the campers.

"We are thrilled with the overwhelming response and the talent displayed by our campers during this summer season," said Apryl Weatherford, Director of Youth Programs. "The Showcase was a testament to their creativity, passion, and growth they experienced throughout the week. We take immense pride in each and every one of them."

UE remains committed to providing high-quality educational and recreational programs that empower and inspire young individuals. To learn more, please visit https://www.evansville.edu/youth-programs/

Art Camp 2023 Group Photo

University of Evansville President Issues Statement on Supreme Court's Affirmative Action ruling

Christopher Pietruszkiewicz, president of the University of Evansville, issued a statement today regarding the Supreme Court decisions on Affirmative Action.

"Today's Supreme Court decisions in Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President & Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. University of North Carolina have not changed the University of Evansville's commitment to our mission: to empower students to think critically, act bravely, serve responsibly, and live meaningfully in a changing world. That requires diversity of experiences, viewpoints, and opinions in our classrooms and on our campus and remains firmly committed to building on our recent progress in diversifying our student body in accordance with these decisions. We will continue to monitor developments in this area and adjust as necessary to ensure that our policies and practices remain fair, legal and in line with the values of our institution.

We will continue to work tirelessly to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can feel valued and supported. In addition, resources are available for those who wish to take advantage of them through the University's Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our shared commitment of creating a better, more just, and inclusive world."

UE Announces Hiring of Evansville Promise Neighborhood Leadership, Team

The University of Evansville (UE) has announced the hiring of five full-time employees including a director to lead the Evansville Promise Neighborhood team. In March, UE announced the receipt of a $30 million federal grant program through the United States Department of Education (DOE) that will establish the Evansville's Promise Neighborhood (EPN). UE was part of a new cohort founded this year and one of only three Neighborhoods in the nation to be awarded in 2023.

In recent months, UE's Center for Innovation & Change, where the Promise employees will be housed, together with the Promise Neighborhood partners, dedicated significant efforts to procuring applications and conducting interviews for potential candidates. UE is delighted to extend a warm welcome to these new additions who have joined our family.

EPN Team Member Headshots

"We are confident that these new team members will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission and making a meaningful difference in the lives of our community," said UE President Christopher Pietruszkiewicz. "Their expertise and passion for community development will greatly contribute to the success of the Evansville Promise Neighborhood. I'm looking forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on our community, fostering opportunities for education, growth, and prosperity."

Director - Derek McKillop

McKillop is the immediate past Director of Community Learning Centers for the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation. He brings a wide range of knowledge on how to leverage federal grant opportunities for the youth, how to manage resources in a way that builds capacity, and how to lead by empowering people he serves. McKillop has been a core team member on several EPN applications. He received his bachelor's degree in Business from University of Strathclyde in Scotland, with graduate training from Harvard in building partnerships for equity, justice, and student success.

Program Coordinator - Lisa Allen

Allen joins us with a wealth of experience and a service-oriented mindset. Previously serving as an Employment Specialist for Work One Southwest in Evansville, Allen's well-connected nature and empathetic approach will be instrumental in coordinating programs and managing calendars. She has been actively involved in various neighborhood organizations such as Head Start, Catholic Charities, Job Works, and Youth Build. She earned her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Southern Indiana.

Marketing Coordinator - Irais Ibarra

Ibarra just graduated from the University of Evansville with a bachelor's degree in Marketing. She brings a great deal of experience in innovative marketing techniques as the former Chief Executive Officer of Embrace Marketing Agency, a student-run ChangeLab at UE. Embrace has worked with Jacobsville Advantage, Gayla Cakes, Foster Care in the U.S., and many other Promise Neighborhood organizations and partners. This work helped her develop a passion for serving nonprofits, and we're thrilled to keep one of UE's best and brightest right here in our community.

Data & Program Evaluation Manager - Dr. Stephanie Doneske

Dr. Doneske, a research scientist and PhD-trained chemical engineer, brings a unique blend of expertise to the team. Previously, she taught math in local schools in Houston and Evansville after working at a biotech start-up in Houston. Driven by a passion for community improvement and a deep love for learning, we are confident she will be an exceptional partner for our data team at UE and with Diehl Consulting.

Grant Accountant - Renee Heil

Heil, previously the Finance and Operations Senior Manager for Junior Achievement, joins us as the Grant Accountant. With her master's degree in Accountancy and proven ability to ask the right questions and develop effective solutions, she will be an invaluable asset in managing the funds necessary to complete the work of the Promise Neighborhood.

The Center for Innovation & Change will be working hard to onboard these team members through the next month. All employees are expected to begin by August 1.

The aim of the Promise Neighborhood funding is to assist children and youth who are growing up in Promise Neighborhoods, providing them with access to outstanding schools as well as robust family and community support systems. These resources will help prepare them to achieve academic excellence, make the transition to college, and, ultimately, embark on a successful career.

To learn more about the Evansville Promise Neighborhood, please visit evansville.edu/PromiseNeighborhood.

Evansville Promise Neighborhood Logo

Phi Theta Kappa Honors UE for Outstanding Transfer Support

The University of Evansville (UE) was recently named to the 2023 Transfer Honor Roll by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) for its support of transfer students as they enroll and work to complete their education. Of the 800 colleges and universities across the nation that were considered, UE was one of just 208 that made the list.

The Transfer Honor Roll is established through the evaluation of 40 key indicators that measure a university's commitment to transfer students as they transition to and succeed at their institutions. These metrics encompass factors such as college expenses, financial aid availability, transfer-friendly campus environment, admission procedures, and successful attainment of bachelor's degrees.

"This recognition underscores our commitment to supporting and empowering transfer students in their educational journeys. We understand the unique challenges these students face and have implemented programs and resources to ensure their success," said UE President Christopher Pietruszkiewicz. "We value their contributions to our campus community, and will continue to be a supportive environment for transfer students."

UE is a natural choice for high achieving transfer students, like PTK members.

"PTK has four core principles: scholarship, leadership, fellowship, and service, and these were ingrained in me as a PTK scholar and are also important to the University of Evansville," said UE transfer student Chloe Prince. "UE offers so many ways for you to continue practicing these values. This was one of the many reasons I chose to attend UE."

Transfers are a growing population of students at the University of Evansville. Their academic talents and abilities are recognized by robust scholarships and financial aid, including a scholarship for PTK members, and special scholarships for students transferring from Ivy Tech Community College and Vincennes University.

Learn more about University of Evansville's transfer admission program at evansville.edu/transfer.

University of Evansville to Launch Esports Program

With competitive gaming on the rise throughout the world, the University of Evansville (UE) is excited to announce the launch of an on-campus collegiate Esports program.

UE believes the creation of this program will be a promising avenue to attract new students, integrate future academic offerings, and enhance student engagement on campus.

Esports, or electronic sports, is the term used to describe organized competitive video gaming, which is typically played in a multiplayer setting as part of a league or tournament. Esports has the potential to shape students' knowledge, skills, and future employment opportunities in careers spanning the tech industry, communication, content creation, software and network engineering, and sports management.

Esports is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, with programs implemented in over 8,600 US high schools and a global audience of over 500 million people.

UE's Esports Center will be located in a renovated two-story lounge inside Schroeder Residence Hall to include areas for team practice, competitive play and open game play. Based on the enrollment and progress of the program, the University will activate a second phase of the initiative by expanding space within the Esports Center.

Samuel Henderson headshot

The University has hired Samuel Henderson to serve as the Esports Coordinator and Head Coach. He comes to UE from his hometown of Moline, Illinois, and has spent the past year as a coach at St. Ambrose University in Iowa. Henderson brings prior experience as a success coach, academic advisor, and coordinator of youth programs.

"This opportunity is a testament to the growing recognition of Esports as a legitimate and thriving sport, and I am honored to be part of an institution that embraces the power of digital competition," said Henderson. "Together, we will nurture talent, shape champions, and pave the way for the future of Esports at the University of Evansville. Let the games begin!"

Renovation efforts will begin in June with team competitions slated to begin during the fall semester.

"Esports is more than just a game; it is a rapidly growing industry that has the power to bring people together and transcend geographical and cultural barriers," said Rachel Carpenter, DPS, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students who served as the chair of the Esports Task Force. "I'm enthusiastic about the potential of introducing Esports at UE, as it will expand our impact on students seeking new opportunities for campus engagement and career development."

To learn more about UE Esports, visit evansville.edu/Esports.

UE Esports Logo

University Of Evansville Program Among Top in the U.S. For Preparing Future Teachers in the Science of Reading

The undergraduate teacher preparation program at the University of Evansville (UE) has been recognized by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for its rigorous preparation of future teachers in how to teach reading, earning an "A" grade in NCTQ's new report, Teacher Prep Review: Strengthening Elementary Reading Instruction.

The program is among just 23% nationwide to earn an "A" from NCTQ for meeting standards set by literacy experts for coverage of the most effective methods of reading instruction-often called the "science of reading."

National data shows that more than one-third of fourth grade students-over 1.3 million children-cannot read at a basic level. By preparing teachers in the methods that research has shown to work best, we can change these devastating results.

To evaluate the quality of preparation being provided, a team of experts at NCTQ analyzed syllabi, including lecture schedules and topics, background reading materials, class assessments, assignments, and opportunities to practice instruction in required literacy courses for undergraduate elementary teacher candidates at University of Evansville. To earn an "A," programs needed to meet NCTQ's targets for coverage of the five core components of scientifically based reading instruction-phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension-and not teach more than three instructional methods that are unsupported by the research on effective reading instruction.

While some portion of children will learn to read naturally, over five decades of research have established the components of explicit, scientifically based reading instruction that help most students become successful readers. Research suggests that over 90% of children could learn to read if their teachers used instructional methods grounded in the science of reading.

University of Evansville is proud to be recognized among the programs ensuring that future elementary teachers enter the classroom equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to help students become strong readers.

"The University of Evansville is dedicated to equipping future teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to make a lasting impact on students' reading abilities," said Sally Busby, Clinical Assistant Professor of Education. "We are honored to receive this recognition from the National Council on Teacher Quality, affirming our commitment to delivering rigorous teacher preparation in the science of reading. By adhering to evidence-based instructional methods, we aim to empower teachers to transform the lives of their students and address the critical issue of literacy in our society."

The new NCTQ analysis of teacher preparation programs' coverage of the science of reading was developed over the course of two years, involving teams of literacy experts, researchers, teacher preparation leaders, and educators. NCTQ evaluated 693 traditional undergraduate and graduate programs across the country, including 18 in Indiana. Overall, just 112 programs earned an A and 48 earned an A+.

See the NCTQ report for more information about University of Evansville's coverage of the science of reading and to see how University of Evansville compares to other programs in Indiana or across the country.

UE School of Education receives approval to add an Elementary Transition to Teaching program

The University of Evansville's School of Education acknowledges the increased demand for qualified teachers. Recently, the School of Education obtained approval from the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to introduce an Elementary Transition to Teaching (T2T) program.

The elementary and secondary T2T programs target individuals with undergraduate degrees who are seeking their teaching license in Indiana. By offering both secondary and elementary programs, UE aims to create a strong pool of educators to fill teaching vacancies at local, state, and national levels.

UE's Elementary (grades K-6) Program includes 24 credit hours and can typically be completed within one calendar year. Similarly, the Secondary (grades 5-12) program requires 18 credit hours and can also be completed in just one calendar year. Students enrolled in these programs meet the coursework requirements for an initial Indiana educators license. Both programs include a minimum of 600 hours of clinical experience in area classrooms. Those who complete the programs build the set of competencies needed to be a successful teacher. It is possible for students to be hired by local school corporations and work through the program as hired teachers within a school corporation. This is a good option for those who are highly motivated to begin their career.

"The expansion of UE's Transition to Teaching Program reflects the recognition of the invaluable benefits it brings to both aspiring educators and the education system as a whole," said Dr. Alison Jones, Co-Department Chair and Assistant Professor of Education. "This initiative not only opens doors of opportunity for individuals seeking a fulfilling career in teaching but also supports Indiana K-12 schools in filling teaching vacancies."

For additional information about the Transition to Teaching program, please contact Laura Watkins, Transition to Teaching Coordinator, at lw261@evansville.edu or click here.

UE Guarantees $25,000 Scholarship for Tell City Early College High School Participants

The University of Evansville (UE) has announced a partnership with Tell City Jr.-Sr. High School that will provide students enrolled in the early college high school program with a jumpstart on their post-secondary education.

Through the partnership with Tell City's Early College High School Program, students who successfully complete this program and who are admitted to UE will be offered a minimum of $25,000 in annual scholarships.

"Education is the key to unlocking a world of opportunities. The partnership between the University of Evansville and Tell City High School serves as a bridge to success, empowering students to strive toward a bright future," said Kenton Hargis, senior director of admission at UE. "Together, we are looking forward to nurturing these students' potential and watching them soar."

The partnership is slated to begin this fall, and the scholarships will be available to students graduating in spring 2024.

"The benefits of this partnership extend beyond financial support," said Lisa Noble, director of school counseling at Tell City Jr.-Sr. High School. "This partnership can become a catalyst for positive change, inspiring generations to pursue higher education, enhancing local talent pools, and nurturing an environment of growth, innovation, and progress."

UE's Center for Innovation & Change to Expand Reach

The University of Evansville (UE) has announced an expansion of the Center for Innovation & Change (CIC) to better serve the regional community.

In June 2023, Faculty Director Dr. Derek Jones will transition to the new role of Director of Field Innovation for the Center for Innovation & Change. In addition to designing workshops and professional development opportunities through the CIC, Dr. Jones will work with high schools throughout southeastern Indiana to develop social innovation programs that will equip high school students with the tools they need to improve their communities in innovative and meaningful ways. He will also work with these programs to help students develop projects for the University of Evansville's High School Changemaker Challenge (sponsored by Toyota).

Dr. Jones also plans to build a regional information-sharing network that will give participating students and faculty access to updated research on the science, methods, and ethics of innovation and design, as well as to allow them to share information and support one another in their changemaking journey. Dr. Jones will be regionally operational, but also returning to Evansville once a month to continue support for Evansville-based ChangeLab faculty and K-12 Changemaker teachers.

Dr. Jones is no stranger to the University. He received a BA and BFA from UE in 2003. He served as an officer in the Army after graduating, and then went on to earn an MA in Philosophy from the University of Houston in 2007 and a PhD in Philosophy from Indiana University in 2013. As a member of the UE faculty, he directed the Cognitive Science program from 2013-2023 and served as Faculty Director for the Center for Innovation & Change (CIC) from 2021-2023, helping shape ChangeLab programming through a faculty lens and expanding Design Thinking capacity. His academic interests include the psychology of creativity, skill acquisition, the philosophy of technology, and embodied cognition, and he has published a book and several articles on topics in these areas.

Dr. Jones sees his new role as a practical extension of his previous academic work.

"It's no secret to young people that the world could be quite a bit better than it currently is, but many are uncertain of how to do anything about it. I am excited to have the opportunity, not only to help students throughout our region think critically and creatively about how the world could be better, but also to give them the confidence and the tools they need to enact positive, sustainable change," said Dr. Jones.

"This move allows the University of Evansville to strategically expand what Toyota has made possible for young people in this area through the Changemaker Challenge," said Erin Lewis, Executive Director of the CIC. "No longer will proximity to our office define whether or not a young changemaker can receive support. Dr. Jones will be a bridge between our university and our community, surfacing dozens of students who will find a home at UE, while still supporting our current faculty. We couldn't be more excited about this innovative new era."

K-12 schools interested in talking to Dr. Jones about developing a changemaker pipeline should contact him directly at DJ4@evansville.edu.

Derek Jones at whiteboard

Over 640 Students Named to Spring 2023 Dean's List

The University of Evansville named more than 640 students to the Dean's List for the Spring 2023 semester. Congratulations to these Aces for their outstanding academic achievement! 

Students are named to the Dean's List every fall and spring semester. To merit the honor of being placed on the Dean's List, a student must have carried a full academic load of 12 hours or more and have earned a grade point average of 3.5 or above. 

The following students achieved Dean's List Honors:

William L. Ridgway College of Arts and Sciences 

Isaac Bates 

Ivy Clark 

Rachel Neupert 

Jacob Overstreet 

Noah Stabler 

Madelyn Webb 

Lillian Boring 

Tessa Chanley 

Baylee Minton 

Elizabeth Ackerman 

Evan Barr 

Makayla Gomperts 

Amanda Shields 

Abigail Daniel 

Abby Feit 

Emily Langston 

Ariel Thomasson 

Abigail Wight 

Lucas Greer 

Nora Ruotolo 

Destini Beckham 

Willow Kruggel 

Caroline Gorman 

Michael Ikejiani 

Cristina Alvarado 

Alejandra Aguilar 

Sarah Vreeland 

Martha Wolf 

Cecilia Barmes 

Jeremiah Sagers 

Nicole Tucker 

Samuel Leatherwood 

Benjamin Patterson 

Jacob Bettag 

Andrew Garvin 

Savannah Cook 

Charles Harad 

Brian Woodard 

Kylie Jesus 

Shraya Rao 

Kaitlyn Wilhite 

Emma Williams 

Maya Barry 

Benjamin Bravard 

Ashly Chalico 

James Guest 

Gabriel Smothers 

Remington McDaniel 

Brianna Alley 

Brenna McLain 

Niamh Steffens 

Kelsey Berner 

Ashley Kitch 

Samantha Schmidt 

Bradley Schulte 

Alyssia Faulkner 

Emma Ault 

Jackson Caudill 

Alexa Davis 

Taylor Howe 

Allison Enchelmayer 

Rachel Taylor 

Grace Hoening 

Olivia Howlett 

Kaitlyn Collins 

Kayli Hoffman 

Allison Statler 

Madison Warner 

Kelsey Breneman 

Abigail Kellams 

Hyeonjong Oh 

Chloe Brzozowski 

Elizabeth Dye 

Evelyn Hipp 

Sara Mathew 

Andrew Norrington 

Anna Robbins 

Sara Wilkens 

John Brown 

Nicholas Buechlein 

Audrey Chambers 

John Erickson

Emily Palmisano

Nandini Mathavan 

Reagan Nowaskie

Shauna Mihalyo

Kim Phan 

Devyn Schaetzle 

Elyse Talley 

Lily Waddell 

Charlie Watts 

Olivia Frayer 

Jordan Bradley 

Wuendi Gaytan 

Kira O'Neal 

Elizabeth Recker 

Samuel Tarter 

Blake Froedge 

Jordan McKinney 

Hannah Addison 

Austin Faulkner 

Hannah Garrity 

Sarah Andresen 

Angelika Elderbrook 

Katelyn Chambers 

Riley Forinash 

Kodie Myszka 

Kathryn Tyler 

Rebecca Conaway 

Jonathan Finn 

Garrett Hale 

Christina Jesenski 

Zoe Paraskevopoulos 

Jeffrey Parkinson 

Haley Curtis 

Yumna Al-Hasni 

Olivia Barclay 

Mary Butler 

Lucas Manner 

Andrew Painter 

Julia Ribblett 

Zoe Sykes 

Rachel Fisher 

Hannah Halbrook 

Rebecca Bailey 

Logan Chanley 

Hope Hartmann 

Ashleigh Hoskins 

Abbigail Lenk 

Elias Gray 

Forrest Wade 

Gavriel Honnigford 

Ian Leonhardt 

Iryna Tsesiul 

Austin Hernandez 

Troy Schroeder 

Donovan Schultz 

Mason Taylor 

Grace Burnell 

Samantha Fowler 

Delaney Rasche 

Emily Schwartz 

Caleb Sellers 

Elizabeth McCook 

Mitchell Matthews 

Olivia Oswald 

Jessica Bouche 

Daniel Hackney 

Jarett Osborne 

N'deyah Wilson 

John Sutter 

Sydney Wilbur 

Grant Kay 

Luke Sergesketter 

Olivia Doyle 

Melisa Dubon 

Tad Specht 

Audrey Blanner 

Jocelyn Solano Sanchez 

Abigail Sorensen 

Kent Biehle 

Misha Bukkasagaram 

Dalton Lampert 

Olivia Wilson 

Darrah Alcantara 

Peighton Brown 

Emily Clark 

Nicholas Hemmerlein 

Micah Johnson 

Kalea Reeves 

Emma Royer 

Kora Ruff 

Anna Schindler 

Amanda Ward 

Aubrey Wheeler 

Paige Beard 

Aivelyn Karsten 

Quinn McGaugh 

Destiny Person 

Hayley Mullen 

Matus Malovec 

Emelia Tidwell 

Nalu Wagner 

Joshua Maier 

Bianca Jordan 

Franklyn Schultz 

Abigail Kyle 

Ewan Grant 

Abigal Jahn 

Hayley Laidlaw 

Evelyn Wickett 

Callum Appel 

Aman Patel 

Morgan Bassett 

Richard Shellnutt 

William Guzman 

Alexis Stovall 

Evan Waggoner 

Nicole Benati 

Benjamin Vanderwall 

Lauren Wentworth 

Haley Dreyer 

William McDonner 

Elizabeth Stainback 

Katelyn Thomason 

Sadie Scovern 

Madeline Adamson 

Hannah  Bryan 

Katherine Doty 

Madelyn Kier 

Landry Barker 

Lillian Carlson 

Erin Casey 

Virginia Lecklider 

Spencer Marfy 

Kennedy Olson 

Bradley Baumhover 

Abigail Marlin 

Almale Wheeless 

Callie Meinel 

Daniel Griffaton 

Ali Braikat 

Grace Gleisner 

Ashley Matheis 

Abigail Watters 

David Schultz 

Myia Danek 

Devon Langley 

Paige Radel 

Annabelle Faith 

Isaac Johnson 

Caroline Hayward 

Ethan John 

Lainee Schumacher 

Majestica Weatherford 

Gavin Ramirez 

Jasmine Brents 

Chloe Ferguson 

Marianne Mueller 

Abigail Harris 

Annie Kim 

Nishita Trivedi 

Aidan Montoure 

Claire Abner 

Jack Gasser 

Ryan Schneider 

Alison Gansman 

Laura Dunlap 

Savanah Summerfield 

Sarah Curtin 

Sean Froidcoeur 

Vraj Patel 

Claire Stout 

Nicole Bluhm 

Logan Lampert 

Zorah Mehrzad 

Elnora Stewart 

Hannah  Fleenor 

Sarah Williams 

Josephine Kremzar 

Olutomilola Akinwande 

Antonio Cortes Roman 

Josie Madzik 

Alyssa Meadows 

Caden Sevier 

Jeremiah Angel 

Justin Leary 

Samuel Weber 

Sidney Kritzmire 

Luke Robertson 

College of Education and Health Sciences 

Michaela Bayer 

Kaitlyn Eastridge 

Camille Spencer 

Madison Donofrio 

Maria Roshel 

Kristen Harvey 

Karissa Dowd 

Claire Griffy 

Apryl Jancouskas 

Laney Olson 

Callie Backherms 

Abigail Faltus 

Jillian Happe 

Jace Kressin 

Emma Slavkin 

Grace Trefren 

Emily Burleson 

Elizabeth Allanson 

Julia Wolfe 

Anna Bury 

Paige Cockrum 

Megan Criss 

Tarakate Curl 

Amy Haudek 

Hannah Hood 

Joshua Isaacs 

Sarah Jahns 

Luke Johanningsmeier 

Tori Lahanis 

Nicolette Mauney 

Emily McMonigle 

Jordyn Miller 

Johnna Mitchell 

Sage Moore 

Breona Owen 

Aubrie Reid 

Dylan Saint-Pre 

Isabelle Stapp 

Emma Timmermann 

Alexa Wheeler 

Kara Yunker 

Arwyn Horstman 

Sierra Knapp 

Lindsey Field 

Elise Deeg 

Ross Knepp 

Gabriela Lacour 

Ashleigh Bolton 

Abigail Repking 

Rebekah Ritter 

Kayley Batts 

Nico Borrelli 

Cassandra Bykowicz 

Tyler Furbee 

Monique Landrum

Carson Kline 

Lillieann Oelker 

Catherine Shafer 

Elizabeth Williams 

Kaylee Woosley 

Justin Zumbahlen 

Cecilia Persicketti 

Luciano Albanese 

Hannah Gourley 

Chloe Carlin 

Mary Franklin 

Emily Hudson 

Jacy Hughes 

Olivia McIntire 

Michaela Nurrenbern 

Adeline O'Brian 

Joey Shreve 

Lane Smith 

Luke Watts 

Ava Bourn 

Alyssa Heldt 

Delaney Herrmann 

Caitlin Kehler 

Sydney Koplinski 

David Lorimer 

Faith Macy 

Kalee Muth 

Savannah Watson 

Melanie Hawkins 

Brandi Dore 

Lesley Gerster 

Allison McDonald 

Ellen Messer 

Kelsey Miller 

Tiffany Weisman 

Jodi Willenbrink 

Noah Blake 

Brady Boring 

Megan Brenton 

Alexander Harris 

Haydn Johnston 

Masatoyo Kato 

Emily Spiller 

Jerryn Swingle 

Katherine Tsironis 

Marah Wood 

Olivia Buehler 

Grace Reisinger 

My Dang 

Karlee Frobeter 

Collin Scaggs 

Lacy Smith 

Patricia Solliday 

Erin Carlson 

Alayna Acree 

Katie Anderson 

Eileen Flanigan 

Sydney Rusher 

Riley Angel 

Madison Horvath 

Kaylee Lawson 

Kendall Lee 

Olivia Spencer 

Alayna Courey 

Cassandra Gilmore 

Mitali Bahinipati 

Kyle Billhartz 

Sveva Brugnoli 

Alyssa Burnett 

Mackenzie Carter 

Chloe Cline 

Abigail Groenewold 

Allison Harness 

Elle Jarrett 

Georgia Katsonouri 

Carina Kessens 

Alexia Recinella 

River Remble 

Kaitlyn Sansone 

Breah Bailey 

Novella Hoskins 

Mallory Russell 

Sophia Rodil 

Trinitie Terrell 

Hope Brothers 

Alyssa Howell 

Odera Ijeomah 

Elspeth Nelson 

Kathryn Nixon 

Mallory Singer 

Xia Stafford 

Phoebe August 

Jara Braunecker 

Emma Denbo 

Haley Foster 

Zoe Frossard 

Kaitlynn Mitchell-Grisham 

Maci Potter 

Hannah Rhodes 

Rachel Rosborough 

Spenser Shuey 

Sarah Stutzman 

Sydney Weatherford 

Allison Welch 

Ashton Wilson 

Carmen Alford 

Gwyneth Gorley 

Abigail Hatcher 

Brenna McCormack 

Elise O'Risky 

Bailee Speicher 

Caleb Stevenson 

Kathryn Williams 

Keri Zumbahlen 

Hannah Walker 

Annelise Brown 

Maria Alexopoulos 

Joseph Blake 

Carson Brindle 

Emily Brown 

Neeley Correll 

Paige Gehl 

Austin Landis 

Briley Neikirk 

Justin Nichols 

Adam Oulgout 

Rachel Schmidt 

Cheyenne Summerfield 

Mallory Weber 

Zebediah Williams 

Sydni Flowers 

Caroline Laird 

Taylor Rapp 

Emily Fortune 

Olivia Pennington 

Loren Stoll 

Katharine Frerichs 

Caitlin O'Rorke 

Zoe Dennis 

Abby Husak 

Akane Suzuki 

Dawson Beers 

Alon Baer 

Griffin Hammett 

Erin Marx 

Emily Bickel 

Elliot Boutell 

Ryan Domin 

Annika Evenson 

Joelle Haines 

Cara Hand 

Ella Heavin 

Krista Kellar 

Kyleigh Mayer 

Lauren Meunier 

Giovanni Purser 

Mackenzie Sharp 

Joseph Zamora 

Hailey Autenrieb 

Isabel Valdez 

Madison Fleck 

Madelyn Hawkins 

Chrysta Vasquez 

Halle Chambers 

Emma Spaulding 

Hannah Rawhoof 

Christian Johnson 

Elise Payne 

MacGuire Butterfield 

Hannah Conley 

Megan Hatayama 

Jessica Johnston 

Matthew Lee 

Austin Liston 

Kaitlyn Martlage 

Eli Minar 

Sadie Obenauer 

Clara Oberg 

Claire Reiman 

Elijah Rohleder 

Hannah Seibert 

Peter Sullivan 

Tasha Wiseman 

Joshua Wong 

Abby McClarney 

Sevannah Ramsey 

Alexis Tindle 

Emma Hall 

Ashlee Goad 

Hannah Goad 

Kyla Jaworski 

Hannah Barger 

Addison Dockery 

College of Computer Science and Engineering 

Daniil Goncharuk 

Weston Miller 

Riccardo Di Domenico 

Eric Harpenau 

Darian Kuhn 

Caleb Peters 

Alexander Sagers 

Trevor Seufert 

Ethan Abney 

Jude Nguyen 

Baylee Essert 

Jeanette Foley 

Kim Sulayao 

Samuel Kluemper 

Dalton Clark 

Sarah Lambright 

Keziah Long 

Reed Tarr 

Justin Fritch 

Brendon Herrin 

Mitchell Wilson 

Wyatt Hardin 

Daniel Dwyer 

Wesley Fleischmann 

Nicholas Gushrowski 

Henry Hall 

Zachary Worley 

Kole Buechler 

Barak Hall 

Samuel Morgan 

Kaleb Werner 

Kayla Simon 

Emily Wiebe 

Jakob Barlow 

Preston Brinkman 

Kaylee Ivy 

Bradan Bruce 

Alejandro Malla 

Grace Davidson 

Christopher Schroeder 

Aaron Tucker 

Schroeder School of Business 

Katherine Boots 

Dowon Choi 

Tyler Denu 

Martin Everett 

Ethan Garvey 

Emilie Hill 

Benjamin Johnson 

Brooke McCorkle 

Ethan Ziegler 

Jobe Miller 

Brent Widder 

Adam Barnes 

Abigail Johnson 

Jacob Rea 

Levi Middleton 

Elly Morgan 

Sonsoles Aguayo Munoz 

Auberi Grubb 

Jasmine Hauser 

Michael Whitehead 

Shane Harris 

Haley Fischer 

Kourtney Hauk 

Casandra Muston 

Samer Nassif 

Alexis Speitel 

James Tichenor 

Ellis Amo-Gottfried 

William Bencic 

Caden Crawford 

Lydia McAllister 

James McCowen 

Daniil Romashkin 

Gabriel Spinelli 

Marc Vila Marti 

Easton Ziegler 

Kyera North 

Preston Riggs 

Luke Schneider 

Jonathan Scott 

Landon Stoll 

Benjamin Stuart 

Matthew Worthington 

Kyaw Kyaw Htun 

Sara Albalushi 

David Martin 

Carly Frazier 

John Gerth 

Ellen Johnston 

Kaitlyn Miller 

Magdalen Newcomb 

Jenna Nink 

Vidit Patel 

Luke Schweickart 

Anna Watson 

Sidney Bartelt 

Magdalena Borisova 

Ellie Cassidy 

Crispin Ewen 

Carlos Souto Vilas 

Gabrielle Stewart 

Carson Thomas 

Alexis Fletcher 

Emilie Ames 

Bryan Fonkoua 

Warda Alaisari 

John Jeffus 

Kynidi Mason Striverson 

Gavin Sandvoss 

Nicholas Smith 

Brayden Doll 

Ethan Brawley 

Audrie Collins 

Ashton Lambert 

Angelica Lyashchuk 

Laura Ruiz 

Patrick Szankowski 

Elayna Walters 

Kyler West 

Reese Simmons 

Grant Claspell 

Porter Pomykal 

Patrik Vilbergsson 

Kate Howard 

Austin Griffin 

Kaylen Beard 

Irais Ibarra 

University of Evansville to Launch Master of Science in Education Program

The University of Evansville (UE) has launched an accelerated Master's of Science in Education: Educational Administration degree after receiving approval from the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). The program is housed in UE's School of Education, and applications are now open for entry.

UE's School of Education looks to establish a pipeline of strong candidates for administrative positions. This degree program will provide students with the academic coursework, mentoring, and internship experiences necessary to become highly effective school administrators. The program is designed to meet all Indiana Department of Education requirements and prepare students for the state licensure exam.

The Master's of Science in Education program provides the path to obtaining a Building Level Administrative Licensure. Each course will incorporate a specific amount of observation/internship hours with principal mentors. This 12-month, 30-credit hour program supports candidates on their path to becoming highly effective school leaders. The program is 100 percent online and offers accelerated 5-week courses. This advanced degree program is designed for working professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in building level administration.

"Obtaining a Master of Science in Education degree can provide educators with a deeper understanding of educational theory and practice, enhanced leadership skills, and increased opportunities for career advancement," said Dr. Shari Millikan, Co-Department Chair / Assistant Professor of Education and Assessment Coordinator. "It can also lead to greater job satisfaction, as educators are better equipped to meet the diverse needs of their students and contribute to the overall improvement of the education system."

Applicants are required to have a Bachelor's degree, transcript, letter of recommendation, resume, and a personal statement. The program does not require any application fees or GRE scores.

For information about UE's Master's of Science in Education: Educational Administration degree, please visit this page to learn more and apply.

Education faculty Alison Jones

UE Graduate on Saturday, Firefighter on Tuesday: Meet the Alumnus Making a Difference in Colorado

On Saturday, University of Evansville (UE) graduate Avy Henrikson walked across the stage at Ford Center to accept her degree; just days later she’s already working on the frontlines as a wild-land firefighter in Colorado. Originally from Rollinsville, Colorado, Avy obtained her bachelor's degree in archaeology from the University.

Recently, she was hired back in her home state to work as a wild-land firefighter. Currently, she is working a proscribed burn to clear vegetation and help prevent future fires. Her long-term goal is to help develop and implement protocols that guide wild-land land managers and firefighters in protecting known and unknown archaeological and historical sites during fire season.

The attached photo shows Avy training last summer in Colorado.

Avy Henrikson and other firefighters in training

University of Evansville Celebrates 165th Commencement Ceremony on May 6

The University of Evansville bestowed 517 degrees upon 510 graduates during the 165th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 6. President Christopher Pietruszkiewicz presided.

Several awards were given at the ceremony including the Mabel Dillingham Nenneker and Guthrie May Outstanding Senior Award, the Outstanding Teacher Award, and the Eykamp Prize. Additionally, two honorary degrees and the Presidential Medal of Honor recipients were featured during the celebration.

Full information on the award recipients is as follows:

Amanda Ward with Prez P

2023 Mabel Dillingham Nenneker and Guthrie May Outstanding Senior Award

Each year, a committee of students and faculty selects an award recipient for the most outstanding senior. The selection is based on high academic performance, commitment to service, outstanding leadership, and involvement in diverse campus activities. The award is named after two of the University's most respected alumni, Mabel Dillingham Nenneker and Guthrie May.

This year's recipient is Amanda Ward. She truly embodies UE’s core values of inclusivity, innovation, integrity, and intellectual curiosity. Ward had been pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with minors in Social and Human Services, Criminal Justice, and Sociology, making the Dean’s List for six semesters. She was heavily involved with Residence Life, the Student Activities Board, and Sigma Alpha Iota.

Outstanding Teach Dr. Jim Ware. on stage

2023 Outstanding Teacher Award Recipient

The 2023 Outstanding Teacher was awarded to Dr. Jim Ware, Professor of Religion.

Dr. Ware teaches classes in the Bible, the Gospels, and ancient Christianity, as well as courses in ancient Greek and literature. His teaching has supported the archaeology, history, classics, and religion programs. Dr. Ware developed and has served as the advisor for the pre-ministry track and is the faculty sponsor for the Newman Club.

Dr. Suresh Immanuel with award.

2023 Eykamp Prize Recipient

The recipient for the 2023 Eykamp Prize was Dr. Suresh Immanuel, Associate Dean and Professor of Civil Engineering. 

Dr. Immanuel is involved in actively recruiting students for the School of Engineering and Computer Science. He takes the initiative to meet with prospective students individually, and he communicates directly with both parents and students to address any concerns they may have.

Honorary Degrees

Bussing with honorary degree.

Wilfred C. Bussing III.: Doctor of Humane Letters

The University of Evansville celebrates Bill Bussing’s many contributions to the life of UE's campus and beyond. Bussing was born and raised in Evansville, he is an esteemed alumnus of the University of Evansville and has deep roots in the community.

Currently, Bussing is not only a well-respected attorney, but he and his family are proud owners of the Evansville Otters Baseball Team.

Bussing is a highly engaged member of various community organizations and has been recognized with several accolades for his meaningful contributions to society. He embodies the essence of local talent, and we are lucky to have him as part of our community.

Sheila Huff with honorary degree.

Sheila L. Huff: Doctor of Humane Letters

The University of Evansville pays tribute to Huff’s contributions and accomplishments to the UE campus impacts on the education system. Sheila has made a significant impact in the community and has been recognized for her contributions to society.

Sheila is the Director of Strategic Engagement for the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation and is actively involved in several organizations. Her dedication to teaching has inspired many students to pursue careers in education, and she has received recognition for her outstanding work.

Mayor Lloyd Winnecke with honorary degree.

Mayor Winnecke receives UE Presidential Medal of Honor

In light of his extraordinary contributions to the community, the University of Evansville presented the Presidential Medal of Honor to Mayor Lloyd Winnecke at this year’s graduation ceremony. The legacy of Mayor Lloyd Winnecke in our community is unchallenged.

In 2012, he was elected Mayor of Evansville and has been so impactful in his three terms in office. Under his leadership, the city has seen the construction of the Stone Family Center for Health Sciences, a collaboration between three universities, four hospitals, and the city.

As a 1982 University of Evansville alumnus, Winnecke continues to be involved with the university in several capacities, including as a UE Connect member, a supporter of UE Theatre and Aces Athletics, and a former PAC Board member. Mayor Winnecke was a deserving candidate for the Presidential Medal of Honor, and UE is elated he received this recognition.  

UE Archaeology Students to Travel Internationally for Summer Excavations and Internships

Sixteen University of Evansville (UE) Archaeology students will make their mark on the international stage as they prepare for a summer full of experiential learning across five countries.

Seven students will be in Israel working on the largest Canaanite city. In the second millennium BCE, the city was comprised of an upper city (the acropolis) and a lower city. Ancient records show that the city was considered the southern-most Syrian urban center during the Bronze Age. Students will be partaking in efforts to excavate ancient artifacts at the University of Haifa Excavation site in the Lower City at Tel Hazor.

In Greece, one student will be working on the University of Missouri, St. Louis' Iklaina-Pylos Field School Archaeological Project, a lab located at the excavation site of a Mycenaean palace. In Italy, one student will assist in the excavation of an ancient palace through the University of Massachusetts Amherst's Poggio Civitate Archaeological Project. Also in Europe, one student will travel to Portugal to assist in excavation at the Caladinho Archaeological Project, a rural Roman fort.

In the United States, students will be working at sites across the nation. One student will help to locate the remains of an 1840's farmstead in Illinois built by a freed slave. A second student will assist at the Rhode Island Marine Archaeological Project, where they will process finds from the excavation of two Colonial-era shipwrecks.

Additional students will take on internships at Willard Library in Evansville, the Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science and at the Maritime Museum Louisiana, in Madisonville, Louisiana.

"While the work of summer archeological students may seem small in scope, the impact of their contributions can be felt on an international level," said Dr. Alan Kaiser, Professor of Archaeology. "Through their hard work and dedication, these students help to uncover pieces of our shared human history and bring new insights to the forefront. Whether they are assisting with excavations, cataloging artifacts, or conducting research, the efforts of these students contribute to a greater understanding of our past and inform our present and future. Their work is part of a larger effort to uncover the mysteries of our world and connect us to our collective past."

UE student Anna Robbins digging at archaeology site.

UE Computer Science students to present papers at IEEE International Conference

Two University of Evansville (UE) students will present their papers at the 2023 IEEE International Conference on Electro/Information Technology at Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois.

Senior Ethan Abney and Freshman Daniel Dwyer will present papers during the conference which takes place May 18 through May 20. Abney and Dwyer are Computer Science majors in the Koch School of Engineering and Computer Science.

“This shows the incredible partnership and mentoring that happens between the students and faculty in our programs at UE," said Dr. Suresh Immanuel, Associate Dean and Professor of Civil Engineering. “The School of Engineering and Computer Science would like to offer congratulations to both of our students and Dr. Maxwell Omwenga for supporting them through the writing and submission process and co-authoring their papers. The collaborative efforts of our faculty and students can lead to limitless possibilities.”

The papers being presented are listed below:

Ethan D. Abney, Maxwell M. Omwenga, “The Effects of Basic Obfuscation on Neural Based Android Malware Detection,” 2023 IEEE International Conference on Electro/Information Technology (eit2023), May 18–20, 2023.

Daniel Dwyer, Maxwell M. Omwenga, “Training Topology With Graph Neural Cellular Automata,” 2023 IEEE International Conference on Electro/Information Technology (eit2023), May 18–20, 2023.

Changemaker Highlight of the Week: Imelda Salgado

Imelda Salgado is earning a public health degree with a minor in medical Spanish. She enrolled at the University of Evansville (UE) as a Fellows Scholar in the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. As a first-generation college student from Indianapolis, Imelda was shy, quiet, and didn't always feel comfortable asking for help. However, she wanted to challenge herself and found a way to do that through ChangeLab.

During her freshman year, Imelda was the project coordinator for a ChangeLab course with the goal of ascertaining healthcare challenges of the local Latino community.

With guidance from their professor, Dr. Cindy Crowe, assistant professor of Spanish, Imelda's ChangeLab team dug deep and made a difference. Through surveys and interviews, focus groups and translation services, they brought important healthcare resources directly to the community members who needed them.

"I couldn't believe I was the one making the phone calls and talking to people - this was so outside my comfort zone, but it's exactly what I was looking for. I wanted to challenge myself, and UE gave me that chance," Imelda says.

Imelda has worked with the Latino Community Healthcare ChangeLab ever since her freshman year, growing the project from communication, education, and vaccine access during the COVID-19 pandemic to broader access to healthcare resources and language learning. The group has made connections in local schools to help young Latino students have a safe afterschool activity where they could feel comfortable practicing English. The ChangeLab also hosts regular meetings at a local church where they provide adult English learners opportunity to learn and practice the language.

Imelda is a true changemaker. She is always unafraid to live outside her comfort zone while pursuing meaningful change and has grown in leadership capabilities and confidence every step of the way.

Imelda Salgado headshot

University of Evansville Announces CLD Scholarship Recipients

The Center for Leadership Development (CLD) scholarships' recipients have been announced by the University of Evansville (UE). Brinli Helms and Victoria Vance, two incoming freshmen from Indiana high schools, have received the CLD's full-tuition scholarships to attend UE.

The scholarship recipients must be an existing participant of the CLD prior to applying for the award and must carry a 3.0 grade point average. Helms and Vance were selected based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.

Helms will graduate from North Central High School in Indianapolis and plans to study Exercise Science, with a direct entry into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Helms' recommendation letter noted that she is a leader. "She is simply a self-motivated individual who continually seeks ways to become her "best" self. And through that, she motivates and inspires others to seek the same for themselves."

Vance is from Fishers, Indiana, where she will graduate from Hamilton Southeastern High School. She is a direct entry nursing student who is passionate about women's health.

"I want to be a Changemaker in my local community," said Vance. "As someone that is deeply passionate and cares about women's reproductive rights and women's health overall, this is an area in which I would want to make a difference."

CLD has been empowering young leaders in several cities for many years, and these scholarships represent the continued commitment to providing access to leadership development opportunities for minority youth in Central Indiana, regardless of their background or financial means.

Helms and Vance

Two Civil Engineering Seniors receive ASCE Indiana Section Award

Two University of Evansville (UE) Civil Engineering seniors, Sarah Lambright and Weston Miller, were presented awards at the American Society of Civil Engineers Indiana Section meeting in Carmel, Indiana. On April 18, 2023, the ASCE Indiana Section presented the awards: For demonstrating exemplary performance and potential in Civil Engineering.

The School of Engineering and Computer Science would like to congratulate Sarah and Weston on this achievement.

Sarah Lambright and Weston Miller holding their awards

Annual UE Journey to Justice Program to Educate on Civil Rights Movement

The University of Evansville (UE) is proud to announce the third annual Journey to Justice bus tour, an upcoming summer program that will take place from June 10 through 17.

This unique program offers students a chance to explore the history of the Civil Rights Movement firsthand and gain valuable insights into present-day racial justice protests.

Journey to Justice is an eight-day bus tour that will take participants through several cities in the South, including Montgomery, Alabama; Birmingham, Alabama; Selma, Alabama; Memphis, Tennessee; and Louisville, Kentucky. Students will visit historical sites, churches, and museums in each city, including the Edmund Pettis Bridge, where John Lewis and others were met with violence during the Civil Rights Movement.

The tour is aimed primarily at high school juniors and seniors and is designed to convey information about the nation's past, specifically in regard to matters of race.

Dr. Valerie Stein, who is both a professor of religious studies at UE and the director of the race and ethnicity studies program, said Journey to Justice has three primary objectives.

The first is to educate students about the country's historical background, with a particular focus on issues of race. The second objective is to encourage students to engage in discussions about current social movements, such as Black Lives Matter, by asking relevant questions. Lastly, the program aims to provide a platform for students to critically examine and address significant questions pertaining to race and social justice.

"The tour is a powerful tool for education and awareness, it allows members of our community to witness firsthand the impact of historical and contemporary systems of oppression," said Dr. Stein. "By confronting uncomfortable truths and acknowledging the injustices of the past and present, we can work towards creating a more equitable and just society for all."

The deadline to register is April 30. Additional information can be found here.

UE, Warrick County School Corp. Partner for Teaching and Learning Pathway

The University of Evansville (UE) in partnership with the Warrick County School Corporation (WCSC), is offering a new program open to high school students interested in pursuing careers in Exercise Science/Physical Therapy and Education.

Warrick County students enrolled in the Exercise Science/Physical Therapy Pathway and the Education Professions Graduation Pathway will have the opportunity to complete both high school and post-secondary courses simultaneously and earn credit. These courses are then eligible to be transferred as college credit to UE or other universities that would accept transfer credit from the University.

The programs will be taught at the newly developed Warrick Pathways Career Center (WPCC.) The facility is scheduled to open in Fall 2023, and students enrolled in the pathways program will have the opportunity to earn UE credits while taking courses.

"This is positive for both Warrick County students and the University of Evansville," said Dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences Mary Kessler. "Students benefit from access to higher education resources and coursework, which can help them better prepare for their future academic and career goals. Additionally, there is the potential for students to accelerate completion of their undergraduate degrees, gain valuable exposure to UE faculty and students, and in some cases enter the workforce earlier. This partnership helps to address concerns related to higher education cost and workforce shortages in our community."

Through the partnership, scholarship support will be offered to students who successfully complete one of these two Next Level Study Programs. Upon admission, students will be offered a minimum $25,000 annual scholarship at UE. This agreement also allows students the ability for direct entry eligibility to several UE health sciences programs.

"This program creates the perfect opportunity to increase access to higher education for students in the Warrick County area," said WCSC Director of Learning and Incoming Superintendent Abbie Redmon. "It will promote successful future careers for our local high schoolers by giving them an additional way to complete their education."

UE Theatre's Rogue and Peasant Aces present ANIMAL FARM

After a two-year hiatus, the University of Evansville Theatre Department has announced the return of the Rogue and Peasant Aces, their traveling performance troupe, with ANIMAL FARM, based on the book by George Orwell and adapted by Ian Wooldridge.

Performances are at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 15 and Saturday, April 22, on the UE campus, in the John David Lutz Theatre Lab.

George Orwell's satire on the perils of Stalinism has proved a magnificently long-lived parable about totalitarianism and has given the world at least one immortal phrase: "Some are more equal than others." This dramatization remains faithful to the book's plot and intent and retains both its affection for the animals and the insightfulness of its message.

The aim of the Rogue and Peasant Aces is to provide accessible theatre experiences for individuals who otherwise may not have exposure to the arts. This spring, the Rogue and Peasant Aces are touring to various high schools in the area to perform.

ANIMAL FARM is directed by Rebecca Conaway, a senior theatre studies major, from Wellsburg, W. Va.; Liam Arney, a first-year design and technology major, from McAllen, Texas, serves as the costume and properties coordinator; Josie Madzik, a first-year theatre studies major, from Howell, Mich., is the dramaturg; and William Cooper Sanders, a first-year performance major, from Jeffersonville, Ind., is the stage manager.

Each role is shared by two actors, who will alternate between shows. The cast includes Benjamin Bravard, a senior performance major, from Batavia, Ohio, and Drake J. Susuras, a junior performance major, from Broomfield, Colo., sharing the roles of Old Major, Boxer, and Young Animal; Mason Norton, a first-year performance major, from Bremen, Ind., and Devyn Jolgren, a junior performance major, from Louisville, Ky., sharing the role of Squealer; Trace Levens, a first year performance major, from Bryan, Texas, and Jeff Parkinson, a senior performance major, from Mercer Island, Wash., sharing the role of Napoleon; Quinn McGaugh, a first-year performance major, from McAlester, Okla., and Caden Sevier, a junior performance major, from Humble, Texas, sharing the roles of Snowball and Benjamin; Elizabeth Dye, a senior performance major, from Frisco, Texas, and Kennedy Olson, a first-year performance major, from Porter, Texas, sharing the role of Clover; and Beverley Buchanan, a junior performance major, from Tomball, Texas, and Alyssa Meadows, a first-year performance major, from Louisville, Ky., sharing the roles of Moses, Mollie, Minimus, and Pilkington.

UE Theatre's Rogue and Peasant Aces is a part of the Ashoka U Changemaker Program. This leading global designation is part of a dynamic, global network of leading colleges and universities who set the bar for social innovation and changemaking in higher education.

Tickets for the two on-campus performances are free to the public and seating is general admission. The new John David Lutz Theatre Lab is limited to 87 seats. Tickets may be reserved at theatre.evansville.edu or by calling the ticket office at 812.488.2031, open from noon to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Rogue and Peasant Aces logo

Students from 13 Southwest Indiana High Schools Honored by UE’s Mathematics Department

Students from 13 Southwestern Indiana High Schools were honored during the 30th Annual Mathematics Department Banquet on Tuesday, April 4, at the University of Evansville (UE).

The top performing High School junior students were recognized for their hard work. Students were awarded a special add-on scholarship. The schools participating included Boonville High School, Bosse High School, Castle High School, Central High School, Gibson Southern High School, Mater Dei High School, Mt. Vernon High School, New Tech Institute, North High School, North Posey high School, Reitz High School, Reitz Memorial high School, and Signature School.

A room of 150 people were on hand for the annual celebration in Eykamp Hall of the University's Ridgway Center. Keynote Speaker and Data Scientist Dr. Darrin Weber presented on "What is data science and why does it need mathematicians?" Professor of Mathematics Dr. Clark Kimberling and Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing Dr. Jill Griffin also spoke to audience members.

"We must take a moment to express our gratitude for all the young minds who gathered at UE on Tuesday night, their passion for mathematics inspires us all," said Associate Professor and Department Chair of Mathematics Dr. Erin Davis. "Their enthusiasm and dedication remind us of the power of curiosity and the endless possibilities that come with a love for learning. We are thankful for their presence and for the joy they bring to this annual math banquet."

Banquet attendees

UE's College of Business & Engineering Lecture Series to Highlight Positive Community Impacts

The University of Evansville's (UE) College of Business & Engineering is proud to continue its Lecture Series which will highlight how institutional research and class engagement are making a positive impact on society. The upcoming Lecture Series is set to take place on April 11.

Associate Professor of Accounting and Mead Johnson Nutrition Endowed Chair in Business Dr. Rania Mousa will discuss what financial inclusion means in a post COVID-19 world during her presentation Reimagining Financial Inclusion in the Post COVID-19 World: The Case for Grameen America. Dr. Mousa identified and analyzed the key initiatives implemented by Grameen America in alleviating the financial hardships of its underserved female members, thereby contributing to the attainment of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Her paper has been published in the International Journal of Ethics and Systems. Dr. Mousa is also a recipient of the UE 2022-2023 Global Scholar Award and has presented her research at the Sustainable and Socially Responsible Finance Conference held at the Yunus Social Business Center at the University of Bologna in Italy.

Following Dr. Mousa's presentation, Dr. Beverly Brockman, Schroeder Family Dean, College of Business & Engineering and Dr. Chris Brockman, Professor of Finance, and Director of the Institute for Banking & Finance will present on the unique barriers confronting entrepreneurs in low-income communities. Their presentation A Managerial Perspective on Underbanked Entrepreneurs: Barriers to Lending and Community Partnership Solutions will highlight how the process of acquiring debt capital in the United States remains challenging, especially for low-income entrepreneurs. The authors will identify barriers to financial lending and present community-based partnership solutions to improve access to capital for underbanked entrepreneurs. Their research was published in the Journal of Economics and Finance Education.

Dr. Chris Brockman will then follow up with his presentation on Loan Opportunities through the UE Microloan Program. The UE Microloan Program is an experiential student-run program administered by the Institute for Banking and Finance in UE's Schroeder School of Business. Advisors for the Southwest Indiana Small Business Development Center serve as executive mentors for microloan participants, with funding for the program provided by Old National Bank.

The School of Business' dedication to promoting continuous learning will be further reinforced through these presentations. The Speaker Series is provided to highlight essential and emerging issues in business and engineering. It serves as outreach to the community and alumni as a form of engagement. Previously in the 2022-2023 academic year, the College of Business and Engineering hosted three Speaker Series Events.

Both in person and zoom options will be provided. For additional information on the event and how to register, please click here.

University of Evansville, STARTedUP Foundation announce pitch competition regional qualifiers

With nearly 2500 statewide sign ups, the STARTedUP Foundation's Innovate WithIN program is the largest high school pitch competition in the country. During the month of April, fifty-two teams across Indiana will be competing to qualify for the state competition with the top two teams from each region progressing onto state.

"In addition to having another record-breaking year, we have seen such an improvement in the quality of student's pitches and heard from educators of how they have seen a mindset shift in their classrooms," said Don Wettrick, co-founder and CEO of the STARTedUP Foundation. "As an educator of 25 years, when you bring a mindset of innovation into the classroom, things change for students. These young people are able to visualize real-world opportunities and are challenged to explore their own entrepreneurial passions."

On April 10, ten student teams will be competing in the Region 1 competition hosted by the University of Evansville, who has removed barriers for students to attend their school by offering scholarships and making connections within their university and community.

"We are honored and excited to host this pitch competition at University of Evansville," said Dr. Beverly Brockman, Schroeder Family Dean of the College of Business & Engineering. "Pitch competitions provide a great opportunity for students to collaborate with other students, mentors, investors, and industry experts. Hosting this event allows us to create an environment that fosters collaboration and networking, which can be beneficial for these students' professional development."

In addition to the financial and relational opportunities offered by the University of Evansville, students are connected to business and civic leaders who also have a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship, especially as they look ahead to growing their future workforce ecosystem.

Individuals from across the state are invited to attend their local competition and experience these impressive student pitches. Residents may join in person on April 10th at the University of Evansville from 8:30AM - 1:00PM CST or attend virtually. More details and registration information can be found at: startedupfoundation.org/region-1

  • The Region 1 participating teams are as follows:
  • Cruzin' Cabs
    • Breanna Lawrence, Seymour Senior High School
  • Dr. Orthopedic
    • Claire Deardorff, Signature School Inc.
    • Jennifer Vazquez, Signature School Inc.
  • Fleetwise
    • Peyton Chitwood, The Academy of Science & Entrepreneurship
  • Legaltec
    • Jude Allaw, Signature School Inc.
    • Ethan Hilton, Signature School Inc.
    • Mann Patel, Signature School Inc.
  • Music Makers
    • Aparna Kudiyirkkal Anil, Signature School Inc.
    • Sreya Yelamanchili, Signature School Inc.
  • Pure Pup
    • Rue Henderson, Mount Vernon High School
    • Kyra Rainey, Mount Vernon High School
    • Malley Wagner, Mount Vernon High School
  • Sid's Studio
    • Siddhant, Jain, Columbus North High School
  • Virtual Pet Prep
    • Jack Megnin, Bloomington High School South
    • Nolan Risen, Bloomington High School South
    • Noah Spicer, Bloomington High School South
  • Voluntabs
    • Jennie Amador, Signature School Inc.
    • Nicole Diab, Signature School Inc.
    • Grayson Koch, Signature School Inc.
  • Z&M Promotions
    • Zayden Kinsey, New Tech Institute
    • Mathis Rogers, New Tech Institute

About The STARTedUP Foundation

The STARTedUP Foundation officially launched in 2018 to start building the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. This is accomplished through three key initiatives: Spark, Develop, and Accelerate. Beginning with sparking innovation through the Innovate WithIN pitch competition; continuing to develop students through an educator fellowship; and accelerating innovation through the creation of an alumni association for all students previously engaged with STARTedUP.

About Innovate WithIN

STARTedUP's innovation pitch competition, Innovate WithIN, is the most elite entrepreneurial pitch competition in the country, with ten teams selected within each of Indiana's five regions to compete in the first round of the competition and the top two teams from each region invited to compete in the Innovate WithIN State Finals. These top teams are competing for $25,000 in seed funding to launch their company, product, or idea.

UE Presents Vanderburgh County Educators of the Year

On Wednesday, April 5, the University of Evansville (UE) presented four individuals in Vanderburgh County with Outstanding Educator Awards. Each educator received a surprise announcement within their school as part of UE’s 32nd annual presentation of awards.  

The competition, which is specific to Vanderburgh County, recognizes current classroom teachers and building principals in grades K-12 with at least three years of experience. The Outstanding Educator Awards for Vanderburgh County are sponsored by UE, Evansville Liberty Federal Credit Union, and the Evansville Courier & Press. 

The following awards were presented: 

Outstanding Elementary Teacher of the Year: Briana Campbell, first grade teacher at Lodge Community School 

Briana Campbell has been immersed in the education field for the last decade and spent the last two years working at Lodge Community School. She teaches reading, writing, math, and social emotional learning in a first-grade classroom.  

Along with her regular classroom duties, Campbell teaches students who require additional academic and behavioral support. Campell is there for her students in every way, even taking one in as a foster child. 

Campbell believes in Nelson Mandela’s saying, "Education is the most powerful weapon in which you can use to change the world." She said she wholeheartedly knows that she is “changing this world for the better one child at a time.” One of Campbell’s main focuses as a teacher is assuring that the children know they are safe, loved, and believed in. She greets each student with a hug or a fist bump and is a firm believer in mutual respect. 

Campbell’s teaching strategy includes holding all her students to high standards of achievement. She believes in their ability which inspires students to believe in themselves.  

Campbell’s work does not go unnoticed. She is admired by her fellow coworkers who say her amazing work extends beyond the classroom.  

In nominating Campbell for an Outstanding Educator Award, an individual said that “I cannot say enough wonderful things about Briana, nor can I think of a more deserving educator.” 

Outstanding Middle School Teacher of the Year: Jance Johnston, sixth grade teacher at Delaware Elementary School 

Jance Johnston has been a teacher for 9 years, which is exactly how long he has worked at Delaware Elementary. His primary disciplines are English language arts, math, and science. In addition to his many middle school subjects, he has an array of additional school-related contributions including being an afterschool teacher, 6th-grade boys' basketball coach, inclusion teacher, and summer schoolteacher. 

“I place a high value on ensuring that all of my students feel as though they belong to our school family and are seen as individuals,” Johnston said. “Intentional time is used throughout the day to connect with my students and allow them to connect with one another.” 

In his teaching philosophy, Johnston‘s emphasis is placed on building relationships with students. He believes that understanding each student as an individual is crucial for effective education. By getting to know his students better, he can better cater to their needs within the classroom. Johnston observes and interprets his students' verbal and nonverbal communication to assess their ability to absorb knowledge. 

Johnston’s involvement in a variety of additional school activities such as 3D printing, technology, gardening, cooking, and coaching provides him with an advantage in building relationships with students. He believes that these activities offer opportunities to find common ground with students, earn mutual respect and trust, and better understand their emotions. This approach helps maintain an efficient and focused classroom that is ready to learn. 

A nomination for Johnston noted his passion and drive for learning. “Jance continually goes above and beyond as an educator both during and after school hours. From making conscious and sincere efforts to connect with families and students as if they were his own, to ensuring that each child gets the academic support they need to learn to their highest potential.” 

Outstanding High School Teacher of the Year: Timothy Wilhelmus, an eleventh and twelfth grade teacher at Central High School 

Timothy Wilhelmus has been teaching for thirty-one years and has spent the last three years teaching at Central High School. Wilhelmus is also involved in numerous school-related responsibilities. In particular, he sponsors the creative writer's guild and the imagineering club. He also serves on several committees including the Equal Opportunity schools (EOS), Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), and the Medical Professions Academy (MPA). 

Wilhelmus teaches English Language arts, AP Literature, and the AVID elective. The AVID elective supports traditionally underrepresented students to develop skills needed to be successful in honors and college-level coursework.  

“We all have our own journeys, and I honor that, by being highly flexible and encouraging student voice and choice. I also focus heavily on creating a classroom environment that supports students as they learn in all respects: academically, materially, emotionally, and socially,” said Wilhelmus. “My lessons are designed to develop skills that allow students to own their own learning. Students are given every opportunity to try, fail, try again, and grow.” 

The nominations for Wilhelmus offer incredible words describing how he exceeds the expectations of his students. 

One nomination stated that “he goes above and beyond to influence a positive class culture while still being able to finish lessons and allow students to develop an overall understanding of the materials.”  

Outstanding Building Principal of the Year: Chris Gibson, New Tech Institute 

Chris Gibson has been an educator for twenty-four years, spending eight teaching science, six as a counselor, and ten in administration. He has been at New Tech Institute for the last ten years. 

In addition to his administrative work, Gibson has accomplished a great deal in the academic community. He played a crucial role in launching the Makerspace and Entrepreneurial Academy Advisory Council. He also served as the coach for the FIRST robotics League team. Gibson partnered with three seniors in 2020 to achieve STEM School re-certification through the Indiana Department of Education. With that, he also helps coordinate the annual STEM festival for the community. Additionally, Gibson was responsible for forming the Diversity and Equity Team at New Tech institute in 2021 to build competency around equity for all students. 

Gibson has also been asked to serve as a presenter and facilitator at the Central Indiana Educational Service Center (CIESC) STEM Boot Camp in June 2022. 

“The focus of my educational journey has been to ensure that all students have access to high-quality, rigorous instruction – and that they have the equivalent support to help them reach the expectations inherent in that challenging environment,” said Gibson.  

For over 20 years, Gibson has prioritized the concept of relevance in his educational philosophy. He understands that students need to see the practical relevance of what they are learning in order to become engaged, and that they are more likely to retain knowledge and skills when the content is relatable.  

Gibson currently serves as the principal of New Tech, which is a close-knit small school with about 275 students featuring a family-like atmosphere. As the leader of an innovative project-based learning school, he continues to place a strong emphasis on connecting learning to the real world, highlighting how students can apply what they have learned in practical ways. 

Gibson’s peers acknowledge his outstanding efforts. In his nomination they mentioned his diverse range of responsibilities and his incredible support for fellow staff and students.  

“He knows every student's name and takes time to develop relationships with them.” 

University of Evansville Theatre Presents NOISES OFF

The University of Evansville Theatre announces the season finale of the 2022–2023 season. NOISES OFF, written by Michael Frayn. The show opens on Friday, Apr. 14, at 7:30 p.m., in Shanklin Theatre. Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m., on Apr. 15, 20, 21, 22, and at 2:00 p.m., on Apr. 23. 

 

Easily considered the funniest farce ever written, this classic comedy follows a troupe of assiduous actors as they blunder from a disastrous dress rehearsal to complete pandemonium when they embark on an ill-fated tour. Hilarity ensues! With screwball shenanigans, mounting mayhem, slamming doors, and even flying sardines, this rip-roaring romp is the perfect outing for anyone ready to leave reality behind and indulge in the life-affirming and mood-altering benefits of good, old-fashioned belly laughs. This multiple Tony Award-nominated gem of a play will leave audiences in stitches.

NOISES OFF is directed by Assistant Professor Amelia McClain ’03. Bradley Baumhover, a junior theatre management major from Joplin, Mo., serves as the assistant director; Ben Kahre ’09,  guest artist, serves as the fight coordinator; Joseph P. Flauto, serves as the scenic designer; Sara Mathew, a senior design and technology major, from Union, Ky., is the costume designer; Associate Professor Stephen Boulmetis, serves as the lighting designer; Assistant Technical Director Blake Cooper, serves as the sound designer; Assistant Professor Mitch Critel, serves as the technical director, and Zoe Paraskevopoulos, a senior stage management major, from Flower Mound, Texas, is the stage manager.

This cast features Tatiana Robledo, a junior performance major from Houston, Texas., as Dotty; McAllister Reed Stowell, a senior performance major, from Lakewood, Colo., as Lloyd; Gavin Ramirez, a first-year performance major, from McKinney, Texas, as Gary; Amelia Overholt, a senior performance major, from Fort Collins, Colo., as Brooke; Spencer Marfy, a junior performance major, from Tallmadge, Ohio, as Freddy; Marie Reilly, a senior performance major, from Spring Hill, Fla., as Belinda; Aibhlinn Rose, a senior performance major, from Clackamas, Ore., as Poppy; Landry Barker, a first-year performance major, from Fort Worth, Texas., as Tim; Jack Cory, a senior performance major, from Southlake, Texas., as Selsdon.

Adult ticket prices are $20 and $18 for senior adults, UE employees, and non-UE students. UE students may obtain one free student rush ticket beginning at 12 p.m. on the day of the performance they wish to attend. In addition, UE Theatre offers a new “Pay What You Will” initiative. Every Thursday evening performance in Shanklin Theatre is available for any person to pay any price that best fits their budget. Single tickets may be purchased online at theatre.evansville.edu or by calling the ticket office at 812.488.2031, Monday through Friday, 12:00 to 5:00 p.m

UE Secures $30 Million Grant to Create Evansville Promise Neighborhood

The University of Evansville (UE) has announced the receipt of a $30 million federal grant program through the United States Department of Education (DOE) that will establish the Evansville's Promise Neighborhood (EPN). UE is part of a new cohort funded in 2023. Only three Neighborhoods in the nation were awarded in 2023.

The aim of the funding is to assist children and youth who are growing up in Promise Neighborhoods, providing them with access to outstanding schools as well as robust family and community support systems. These resources will help prepare them to achieve academic excellence, make the transition to college, and, ultimately, embark on a successful career.

The University of Evansville, as lead applicant, submitted the 2022 grant application to the DOE for an Evansville Promise Neighborhood on October 7, 2022, with a total request of $30 million over five years. Twenty-three Evansville Promise Neighborhood partner agencies accounted for a match totaling $32,497,295.55, for a total of more than $62 million to be invested in the community. This figure comes from the cost invested in providing wraparound care services to the schools and neighborhoods designated as the Evansville Promise Neighborhood. The Promise Neighborhood includes six schools: Evans Elementary School, Delaware Elementary School, Lincoln School, Bosse High School, Lodge Community School, and Glenwood Leadership Academy. The major partners for the EPN are UE, EVSC, E-REP, and the Evansville Promise Zone.

"The significance of this investment by our University for numerous families who require assistance is critical and extraordinarily impactful for the well-being of our entire Evansville community," said UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. "UE has been the leader of this initiative from day one, and we eagerly anticipate the positive outcomes it will bring. This is what being a Changemaker campus is all about and it emphasizes the strong partnership we have with our community."

"This Evansville's Promise Neighborhood investment is unmatched and will be critical to ensuring our community has the resources they need," said Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke '82. "This is a major success for our city and will be beneficial in the months and years ahead."

"We are excited and grateful for the opportunity to leverage this funding for the betterment of our students and the families we serve," said Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation Superintendent Dr. David Smith. "It is, once again, another shining example of the collaborative efforts of our Evansville community."

"This grant we received is a result of this community coming together and collaborating for the common good of Evansville," said Evansville Promise Zone Director Silas Matchem. "This really solidifies all the work we have been doing since the culmination of the Promise Zone designation. I can't emphasize enough how big of an impact this will truly have for not only the neighborhoods it serves but for our Promise Zone and the City of Evansville as a whole."

"Over the past 2-3 years the Evansville Region has committed to enhancing quality of place for both current and future residents through strategic public/private investments. We know that the people care about high quality education, access to healthcare, improved infrastructure, and access to community resources, all of which are key components of what this approach will enable our communities to prioritize," said Tara Barney, CEO of the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership. "This award is further testament to the high level of collaboration and strategic visioning that regional leaders have had, and as the regional economic development organization, we are thrilled to see the lasting impact and opportunity that is fostered through and from this opportunity."

The Background

In June of 2016, the City of Evansville received a federal 10-year Promise Zone designation to support its most at-risk, yet most promising neighborhoods within its urban core. Schools and census tracts were selected after a careful review of school and neighborhood data based on areas of most concentrated need within the Promise Zone. This effort was led by Diehl Consulting, widely respected local program evaluation experts, in close partnership with EVSC to analyze the data. Leadership Everyone and UE's Center for Innovation & Change conducted neighborhood vision and design thinking sessions with EVSC students and families to help guide the interventions selected. Dr. Timothy A. (Tad) Dickel of the T.A. Dickel Group, LLC helped facilitate the process of budget development with partners, and Amy Bolek (UE alumna) of Bolek Grant Writing and Consulting Services led the grant process. UE, as lead applicant, would house the staff leading the Promise Neighborhood, through its Center for Innovation & Change.

Evansville has applied for Promise Neighborhoods four times, including in 2021, the first year in which UE was a partner and is now the lead partner. Evansville's selection as a Promise Zone was seen as a necessary precursor to eventually receiving the Promise Neighborhoods grant.

Evansville Promise Neighborhood logo

University of Evansville Programs Recognized during Annual Leadership Everyone Awards

Several University of Evansville (UE) ChangeLabs won awards during the 28th annual Celebration of Leadership program hosted by Leadership Everyone.

Celebration of Leadership is an annual event during which Leadership Everyone honors individuals, projects, programs, businesses, and organizations that make significant, collaborative contributions that improve and transform community in the Tri-State region.

"We are very proud of what our students and faculty accomplish through their work in ChangeLabs," said Erin Lewis, executive director of the Center for Innovation & Change, which facilitates ChangeLab at UE. "Every day we are inspired by the passion, talent, and ingenuity of our students and the UE community and truly honored to empower them as they serve."

ChangeLab is a multi- and inter-disciplinary academic offering at the University of Evansville. Through this program, students and faculty can propose projects that make a positive difference in the community and around the world and then get to work on these transformative initiatives while earning academic credit. ChangeLab courses are made up of individuals from nearly all areas of study and explore topics ranging from data analytics to housing and food insecurity to healthcare and educational topics.

"We feel a great sense of pride for our community members in their accomplishments by being recognized with Leadership Everyone Awards," said UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. "As a Changemaker Campus, UE is dedicated to empowering students and faculty as they work to make the world more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive. We are honored to see their efforts recognized in our community."

Below is a list of the students and programs recognized with the 28th Annual Celebration of Leadership Awards.

Annie Kim

UE United Sound

2023 Sam Featherstone Youth Award

Annie Kim is a sophomore biology major and concertmaster for the UE Symphony Orchestra. Over the past two semesters, she has established and championed UE United Sound, a student club and ChangeLab course at UE based on the national group aimed at removing barriers and fostering social change through music. UE United Sound trains UE music students to teach younger students with disabilities how to play instruments, and gives them exciting opportunities to perform, such as at the Victory Theatre for the Holiday Pops concert.

Jack Deig

Hydration Station

2023 Sam Featherstone Youth Award

As a high school student, Jack Deig identified a problem in our community-not everyone has access to filtered drinking water. He entered UE's High School Changemaker Challenge with his idea to provide clean drinking water to all through Hydration Stations. Continuing his work at UE ChangeLab, he has now installed a free drinking water machine at Patchwork Central, and more are being installed around Evansville's downtown, specifically targeting those experiencing homelessness.

Joshua Academy Music Instruction ChangeLab

Coach Fran Vile, UE Clinical Instructor of Music

2023 Arts Award for a Project or Program

Through this course led by Fran Vile of UE's Music Conservatory, music education students Will McDonner and Luke Robertson have established and cultivated an instrumental music program at Joshua Academy. Beginning with a closet full of forgotten, dusty, and broken instruments, they repaired or replaced the instruments and taught students to read and play music, finishing the year with a popular performance and partnering with the Academy's choir.

Data Analytics ChangeLab

Coach Omid Khormali, UE Assistant Professor of Mathematics

2023 Leader in Technology Award

UE's Data Analytics ChangeLab, led by Assistant Professor of Mathematics Omid Khormali, puts its students' talents to use for the community. They have served Deaconess, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's iCivics, and COVID Between the Coasts, a partnership with WNIN. Last semester, their project took data received from the United States Forestry Service and created a tool for them to identify trends in invasive species and forest fires. The Data Analytics ChangeLab students have also been asked to testify before Congress about the project.

Children's Mental Health ChangeLab

Coach Jennie Braun

2023 Project and Program Division Award

When children need mental health testing, it is often a year-long wait. The students at UE's Children's Mental Health ChangeLab collaborated with parents and doctors in our community to identify the root causes of this issue, and then developed a well-designed, multi-tiered solution. They make it easy to view eligible doctors and wait times and use UE's Doctor of Psychology program to help with the backlog of doctors and paperwork, increasing affordability and speed of testing for kids.

Changemaker Highlight of the Week: Latino Community Outreach

The University of Evansville's (UE) Latino Community Outreach ChangeLab functions to assist the local Latino community with their needs. From translation of materials and documents, to helping during vaccination clinics, the members of this ChangeLab work diligently to ensure the local Latino community have readily available resources.

Members of the ChangeLab have assisted with various forms of education. The group has incorporated "Latino Healthcare," a workshop presented by these ChangeLab students to medical providers in the Ascension southern region of Indiana. This encompasses all representatives and managers of primary care and essentially all specialty practices, urgent cares, and Tri State Community Clinics.

They have also held events spotlighting breast cancer awareness and included screening and free mammograms for Latinas in conjunction with Ascension St. Vincent.

The Latino Community Outreach ChangeLab works extensively in the community. Members have hosted meetings with middle school Latino students and parents to promote bilingualism, and to explain the need for bilingual healthcare professionals. The goal of these meetings is to acquaint Latinos with the Medical Professions Academy at Central High School and walk them through the application process. The group has also visited with elementary students who speak little English to encourage them to continue speaking Spanish and be proud of their culture.

The work continues to evolve and has included afterschool programs teaching diverse students in K-8 grades basic Spanish vocab and Hispanic culture. At Carver Community Organization's Afterschool Program and Washington Middle School Afterschool Program, the ChangeLab created a Club de Espanol.

Every Sunday, English as a Second Language Classes are held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church to help Latinos develop greater proficiency in English to benefit their work in society as a whole.

ChangeLab students who have taken Spanish throughout high school or who have taken classes in college (as well as native speakers) enjoy these educational initiatives and serve as interpreters and translators for these projects.

UE's Andiron Lecture Series to Feature Guest Speaker

The next installment of the Andiron Lecture Series at the University of Evansville (UE) is set for Wednesday. Assistant Professor of English, Sara Petrosillo, will be giving a lecture to launch her new book entitled Hawking Women: Falconry, Gender, and Control in Medieval Literary Culture. The book was recently published by the Ohio State University Press.

The Andiron Lecture Series, established by UE in 1982, presents research, commentary, and reflection from diverse fields of study and will display Petrosillo's knowledge ranging from feminist theories to medieval manuscript studies.

Petrosillo's lecture will show how cultural literacy in the art of falconry mapped, for medieval readers, onto poetry and challenged patriarchal control. According to Petrosillo, medieval women could teach a lesson on resistance in a culture of training and control, especially when it comes to resisting and reshaping depictions of female bodies. Across medieval art and language, references to ladies with falcons seemed to convey a clear and misogynous message: women are like wild hawks in need of taming. What happens when women, who occupy a subordinate position in the human hierarchy, spend time with hawks and even reclaim hawks as their personal symbols?

In answering this question, Petrosillo's presentation will span centuries and cultures, beginning with an illustrated overview of medieval falconry and concluding with a connection to the modern treatment of women.

The lecture, sponsored by the University of Evansville William L. Ridgway College of Arts and Sciences and Evansville Partners in Women's Reproductive Health, will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22, in the Schroeder School of Business Building, Harkness Hall, (room number 162). The lectures are free and open to the greater Evansville community.

Changemaker Highlight of the Week: People for Pollinators

Elyse Talley, University of Evansville biology, and ethics major, wanted to study the research-implementation gap, particularly as it relates to native plants' importance to conservation efforts. She found there was plenty of research into the importance of native plants for pollinators such as bees, and how increasing the number of native plants and pollinator zones will be immensely helpful in improving environmental stability. But as important as that research is, there was not as much material available on how to educate and invigorate a community around the concept.

Increasing the native plant population will lead the way to a healthier, cleaner environment, and Elyse wanted to figure out how to make that happen on a large scale.

So she set out to close that gap. With the guidance of Professor of Biology Cris Hochwender, Elyse spent the Summer of 2022 in the University of Evansville's Native Plant Garden, identifying plants and bees. She paid close attention to which plants attracted which bees and monitoring their pollination habits and efficacy and began laying the groundwork for her ChangeLab, called People for Pollinators.

In the Fall 2022 semester, she worked hard to make connections in the community, ultimately forming meaningful connections with John James Audubon State Park, Seton Harvest, Wesselman Woods, Warrick and Vanderburgh Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and the Indiana Native Plant Society. Through these connections, she has been involved in coordinating local events for raising awareness and also distributing what Elyse has called "Seeds of Change" - packets of native plant seeds that include care instructions.

Currently in its second full semester, People for Pollinators is UE's largest ChangeLab with 16 students enrolled. The team is multidisciplinary, with students from biology, environmental science, communication, literature, psychology, and exercise science. Together, they have continued preparing Seeds for Change seed packets, raising awareness of native plants through social media and community events. Their efforts will culminate in the Spring 2023 Earth Day Celebration on UE's campus when native plants and seed packets will be given away free.

The work that Elyse has undertaken is immense and important. The community she has become a part of has been inspired and invigorated by her efforts. She recently was awarded the Community Conservationist Award from the Vanderburgh County Soil & Water Conservation District.

Elyse Talley holding sign

UE student-run Marketing Agency Spearheads Local Organization's Fundraising Efforts

Embrace, the University of Evansville (UE) student-run marketing and communications agency, is utilizing its services to help a local organization fundraise for its upcoming collaborative community kitchen.

The organization, Bedford Collab, LLC, was founded in 2020 by Merrick Korach. Its vision is to provide local food entrepreneurs with a place to grow their businesses while bringing economic development and restoration to the South Side of Evansville.

Bedford Collab and Embrace's relationship began in February 2022 and has since expanded to include a variety of marketing projects.

Currently, Bedford Collab is raising funds for its community kitchen space. In September 2022, the City of Evansville approved a plan to allocate $170,000 in matching funds to the organization. Efforts to increase donations started in October 2022 through the design of a branded slide deck. Since then, Embrace has developed a website for Bedford Collab and managed a crowdfunding campaign on its social media platforms.

Bedford Collab turned to Embrace in a joint venture to help both entities attain their goals. The Bedford Collab vision aligns with what Embrace hopes to achieve in the community.

"Embrace, like Bedford Collab, exists to support and create opportunities for growth in the Evansville community. Bedford Collab is aiming to improve the quality of life in the Tepe Park Community," said Chief Executive Officer of Embrace Irais Ibarra. "Embrace strives to create a community in which everyone can enjoy the benefits of high-quality and affordable marketing. Passion is what unites us."

"The Embrace team has been nothing short of amazing," said Bedford Collab CEO Merrick Korach. "These students have harnessed their gifts and skills to tell a vivid story surrounding the journey of Impact Evansville and Bedford Collab. We have been able to scale our impact with their services, and recommend the team to anyone looking to invest in the next generational talent."

Real-world business experiences give Embrace team members relevant experience when job searching. To date, about 30 individuals have graduated from Embrace. These alums have a 100 percent employment rate with either a full-time position or are pursuing higher education. Students have often been hired for above-entry-level positions because of their relevant agency experience.

Embrace Marketing and Communications launched in October 2018 as a Changelab course. Now in its 10th consecutive semester, the agency operates year-round and sustains itself through a for-profit business model. Over the years, Embrace has worked with over 60 clients across numerous industries, including small businesses, start-ups, national corporations, non-profits, and political candidates. The Embrace organization seeks to set its students up for post-graduate success.

For more information about Bedford Collab, visit https://bedfordcollab.com/. To connect with Embrace Marketing and Communications, please visit https://www.embracemarcomm.com/.

University of Evansville Announces Lineup of Summer Camps

The University of Evansville (UE) will be providing numerous youth camps during the summer months. Parents can now register their child for any of the camps by visiting evansville.edu/camps. Registration is now open for each camp, with opportunities for financial assistance. The deadline to register for most camps is Wednesday, June 14.

Springboard

Springboard is a four-week, full day summer camp that will serve as a way for high school students to learn about all things college from the different types of colleges to what's a major and how to choose one. While students are gaining exposure to different aspects of college, they will simultaneously be growing into changemakers by focusing first on self (self-reflection, communication, goal setting, dreaming big) and then on community (team building, paying it forward, making dreams come true while working with the community). Becoming a changemaker in this way will enable students to grow self-confidence and develop skills for a successful future.

Springboard is open to high school students and will be held Monday through Friday, July 5 and ending on July 30, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The cost is $600 and the deadline to register is Wednesday, June 28.

Wesley Shepard Music Camp

The UE Music Conservatory will host a weeklong camp for students entering grades 6-12 from Monday, June 19, through Friday, June 23. Those who have completed at least one year of band, orchestra, piano, private lessons, or similar experience are eligible to attend.

The music camp will include experiences in band, orchestra, and piano. Students will rehearse and perform, receive specialized instruction, learn musicianship skills, and participate in other music-related activities. Lunch will be provided each day in Ridgway University Center. The cost to attend is $250.

STEM Camp

The UE Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics will jointly host a STEM camp for high school students. STEM education includes science, technology, engineering, and math.

Rising students for grades 9-12 are invited to participate in hands-on exploration from June 19-23. The weeklong camp will cover several STEM topics, including energy in molecules, data science, biophysics of drugs, testing for antibiotic-resistant data and more. Participants will also learn about STEM-based career discovery and undergraduate research. The cost of the camp is $250 and will last each day from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Exploring Art at UE

The UE Department of Art is inviting the local youth to make all types of art in the studios on campus. Participants will get to draw, paint, dye, marbleize, and create jewelry alongside art faculty and students. At the end of the camp, students will take home a 106-piece art kit with a built-in easel for future creations.

Exploring Art at UE will be offered the week of June 19-23, and the cost is $175. The camp will be split into two groups: students entering grades 2-5 will meet from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., and those entering grades 6-8 will meet from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m.

Dance Camp

The inaugural Dance Camp will be held from June 19-23, and students in grades 6-12 will have the opportunity to be overnight for the week at UE and learn ballroom, hip hop, modern dance, and more. Ballroom dances will include swing, rumba, foxtrot, and waltz. On the last day, a performance will be held. Campers will also receive in-depth dance lessons, a T-shirt, and breakfast and lunch. The cost of the camp is $300.

Pride Camp

Pride Camp begins on Sunday, June 18 and ends on Saturday, June 24. This camp is for ages 13-17 and participants will spend a week living on campus at the University of Evansville for this first-of-its-kind summer camp! Build lifelong friends with incredible activities throughout the week while learning about social justice and activism. Hear powerful stories of LGBTQ+ history and heroes - and learn how to write your own story your way. The cost for this camp is $700.

Clay Camp

The UE Department of Art will host youth in grades 6-8 in a real ceramic studio to work on clay projects on June 26, July 10, July 17, and July 24. Participants will use clay in a variety of hand building techniques, and experience wheel throwing. Pieces will be kiln fired and then participants will glaze them. Projects will include a slab box, wind chimes, a coil pot, and a slump bowl. This camp costs $150 and will meet from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.

Journey to Justice

UE is also leading an 8-day Journey to Justice bus tour through cities of the South to explore the history of the civil rights movement. The trip is scheduled for July 10-17 and is open to rising high school juniors and seniors. More information is available at evansville.edu/journeytojustice.

The University strives to make summer camps accessible to all students regardless of their ability to pay. Thanks to generous funding from Lilly Endowment Inc., we can offer financial assistance to students who demonstrate need. Since demand for assistance is great and funds are limited, we encourage parents/guardians to apply early. Please visit https://www.evansville.edu/camps/index.cfm to apply for financial assistance and to register for camps.

2022 UE Graduates Achieve Strong Outcomes

After surveying the class of 2022 graduates, the University of Evansville (UE) is pleased to report that 98 percent of graduates were employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The median salary of those employed full-time was $55,000.   

The survey, conducted annually, is a collaborative effort between the University’s Center for Career Development, Office of Institutional Effectiveness, and the Office of Alumni and Engagement. Data was gathered from surveys at the time of graduation, as well as alumni surveys, academic departments, the National Student Clearinghouse, and other methods. Approximately 93 percent of 2022 graduates provided career outcome information.  

Outcomes improved over the previous year, as the nation’s economy slightly recovered from the pandemic. The class of 2021 outcomes included 95 percent of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduating. 

“From academics to ChangeLab, to research and internships, the University of Evansville provides a robust and comprehensive educational experience that incorporates a strong foundation of career readiness,” said Dianna Cundiff, director of the Center for Career Development. “These essential competencies, including critical thinking, communication and leadership, along with support from our office, prepare students for success in their future endeavors.”  

For nearly a decade, the Center for Career Development has implemented an “end to end” approach to career success. When a prospective student visits campus, they meet with the Center to review career interests, take a free career assessment, and explore future job opportunities. As a student, the Center offers appointments to assist with resumes and cover letters, mock interviews, and career advising. Job fairs are held throughout the year to connect students with local and regional employers. After graduation, the Center continues its outreach to alums to ensure each individual’s success. 

Changemaker Highlight of the Week: Annie Kim, United Sound

In Fall 2022, Annie Kim began the work of establishing UE United Sound, a student club and ChangeLab course at the University of Evansville. Annie is a sophomore biology major and is concertmaster for the UE Symphony Orchestra. As a student at Carmel High School in Carmel, Indiana, Annie became involved in United Sound and had a dream of bringing the program to the University of Evansville. 

United Sound is a national organization founded in 2014 with a mission of removing barriers and fostering social change through music. With that program’s support, UE United Sound trains peer mentors (UE music students) to bring the joy of music to students who have disabilities. Mentors and musicians work together to learn how to read music and play an instrument. This is a very special program that gives these musicians newfound confidence and community as well as experiences they may not have had access to otherwise. 

In December 2022, Annie’s United Sound students had the opportunity to perform on stage at the Victory Theatre with the UE Symphony Orchestra in front of a packed house for the annual Holiday Pops concert. 

Establishing a new program at any institution is always going to be more challenging than first expected, and that was certainly the case for Annie. However challenging, Annie was undaunted. She reached out to individuals all over campus to learn policies and processes and powered through with her goal of establishing the group. The opportunities provided to students as well as the experience gained by peer mentors was the driving force behind growing through every new challenge. 

UE United Sound has continued into the Spring and is growing as the musicians increase their skills and competencies and take on more challenging musical concepts. Rehearsals have now begun for the group to perform again on April 18 at the Victory Theatre during the Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble Spring Concert, which is free and open to the public. 

By providing opportunities for students with disabilities to learn how to play an instrument and read music, and by providing a path to a performance on a premier stage, Annie has shown a commitment to ensuring every student has access to the highest quality music education. The stated goal of United Sound is lived out through Annie’s commitment to the program: “We know that the joy of learning and performing music is life-changing. We believe that all children should have access to meaningful and authentic music education and musical experiences.” 

For more information and a great article and video about this program, visit wnin.org, which ran a feature leading up to the Holiday Pops performance. 

Annie Kim and UE United Sound

UE to launch four-year Bachelor of Science in Creative Technologies Degree

 In 2023, The University of Evansville (UE) will launch a four-year Bachelor of Science in Creative Technologies degree.

Combining elements from UE's Departments of Art, Communication, Theatre, and Music Conservatory, the B.S. in Creative Technologies aims to build students' technological skills in the creation of sound, video, lighting, graphic, and other technologies used for creative endeavors.

"UE's new Creative Technologies program combines multiple disciplines to engage students in the conception, development, and production of creative content," said Assistant Professor of Communication Joe Atkinson, MFA, who will serve as the program's director. "From the first draft to the final product, students in Creative Technologies will be challenged to develop their creative skills through immersion in fundamentals of art, music, communication and creative writing, and to bring their creations to life onstage, onscreen, or on-air through a variety of cutting-edge digital technologies."

UE's Creative Technologies program will provide hands-on learning opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills in various practical settings. These include producing audio podcasts with the UE Department of Communication, supporting music performances and recordings with the University's Music Conservatory, working on productions with the award-winning Department of Theatre, assisting in the production of UE's broadcasts of NCAA Division I athletics, creating film and video projects, working for UE's student-run marketing and advertising agency, contributing to UE's student publication, and participating in real-world projects through the ChangeLab program.

The new program will prepare UE students for a variety of careers after graduation, including in the fields of advertising, digital art, digital media, production, marketing, light/sound design, stage management, media design, video production, and visual effects.

Applications for the Bachelor of Science in Creative Technologies are now available for Fall 2023. For more information, please visit http://www.evansville.edu/creative.

Students in communications class

UE announces investiture of two Chemistry professors

The University of Evansville's (UE) Ridgway College of Arts and Sciences announced the investiture of two Chemistry faculty members during a ceremony on Tuesday.

Dr. Kristy K. Miller was named the Weller Endowed Professor in Chemistry and Dr. Roslyn Lampkins was named the Wargel Endowed Chair in Chemistry.

Weller Endowed Professor in Chemistry

Eloise and Lowell Weller were natives of Ohio, and both graduated with bachelor's degrees from Bowling Green State University. Lowell earned a master's and doctoral degree in Chemistry from Michigan State University. Eloise earned a master's degree from Indiana University and was a teacher in the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation. Lowell was an assistant professor at Michigan State University before joining the faculty of Evansville College in 1957. He was a professor and the chair of the Department of Chemistry until his retirement in 1989, after which the University conferred the status of professor emeritus to him. Lowell was a member of the American Chemical Society and the Royal Society of Chemistry. He was also a World War II veteran and served in the ETO. Eloise and Lowell had two sons, Ronald Weller, MD, of Merion Station, Pennsylvania, and Donald Weller, PhD, of Millersville, Maryland.

Kristy Miller, PhDKristy Miller, PhD, is Professor and Chair of the Robert J. '66 and Judy Decker '66 Wargel Department of Chemistry at the University of Evansville. Miller obtained her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Indiana University (Bloomington) in 1999 and PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Louisville in 2004. She began her career in the UE Department of Chemistry in 2004 and has been Chair since 2011. Miller is passionate about teaching and covers both general chemistry and biochemistry. Her research interests include the enzyme regulation of 11-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 as well as best practices of assessment of chemical education. Since her appointment, Miller has mentored 20 undergraduate research students and been awarded over $80,000 in external funding from both the MERCK/AAAS Undergraduate Science Research Program and the Jean Dreyfus Boissevain Lectureship for Undergraduate Institutions Program. Miller helped initiate the Baccalaureate to Doctor of Medicine (B/ MD) program at UE and has also served on various committees during her tenure at UE, including the University Judicial Board, the Academic Assessment Committee, the Faculty Appeals Committee, Admission and Standards Committee, as well as several search committees. She received the Sidelle and Sydney Berger Award for University Service and has been a recipient of the Eykamp Prize, an award that acknowledges faculty achievement. Miller was also named to the 20 Under 40 Class of 2012 which recognizes individuals under 40 in the Evansville community who exhibit leadership in various ways. Miller enjoys spending time with her husband, Eric, and their daughters, Erica, 14, and Kate, 12. She also enjoys playing golf and tennis and coaching girls' tennis at Evansville Christian School. A native of Washington, Indiana, she is a 1995 graduate of Washington High School.

Wargel Endowed Chair in Chemistry

Roslyn Lampkins, PhRoslyn Lampkins, PhDD, joined UE's Department of Chemistry as an Assistant Professor in 2017, and she wasted no time getting her undergraduate research lab up and running. The theme for her research is "supramolecular therapeutics." Lampkins' group uses the principles of supramolecular chemistry (molecular recognition and intermolecular interactions) and computational analysis to design and synthesize purine-based scaffolds that can be used as enzyme inhibitors and DNA minor-groove binders. Lampkins received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Western Kentucky University. During her time at WKU, she had the opportunity to work as an undergraduate researcher studying substrate-assisted ortho-metalation of aromatic molecules in hydrocarbon solvents to improve the synthesis of pharmaceuticals. She also participated in a summer research experience for undergraduates at the University of Tennessee, where she synthesized and investigated polymer-supported dyes to selectively bind and remove toxic metals from aqueous environments. It was these undergraduate research experiences that sparked her interest in chemistry and inspired her to pursue a career path toward becoming an academic scientist and educator. Lampkins received her PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Florida. Her graduate training in the Castellano lab involved designing, synthesizing, and characterizing a novel class of purine derivatives and exploring their applications in self-assembly and molecular electronics. After receiving her PhD, she conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Notre Dame in the lab of Professor Paul Bohn, where she worked on integrating microfluidics and electrokinetics to develop early prototypes of novel "lab on a chip" sensor devices. Lampkins has mentored 17 undergraduate researchers since joining UE. These students have delivered presentations of their work at various local, regional, and national conferences. Lampkins enjoys reading, the outdoors, and spending time with her husband, Andy, and their twin sons, Clark and Luke.

Dr. Robert J. '66 and Judy Decker '66 Wargel

The University of Evansville Department of Chemistry is proud to be named after Bob and Judy Wargel, two alumni and friends whose generosity has supported remarkable student experiences, cutting-edge faculty research, and a continuously enhanced academic experience. Bob and Judy were students of UE when it was still known as Evansville College. Through the years, they remained connected to the University where they first met. For Judy, whose mother had graduated from Evansville College, attending UE was a family tradition. For Bob, the decision was financial. He enlisted in the Air Force after high school. Upon his discharge, he returned to Evansville, lived at home, and worked full-time while attending college. They both earned degrees in Chemistry. After graduating from UE in 1966, Bob pursued his PhD from Northwestern University in Illinois, and Judy joined Abbott Laboratories where she worked as an information scientist, a medical writer, and ultimately in regulatory affairs. Upon retirement, the Wargels followed their love of volunteering. One of their passions was improving health and wellness in third-world countries. The UE Department of Chemistry has been a particular recipient of the Wargels' generosity. The couple helped spearhead the Dr. Lowell Weller Chemistry Instrumentation Fund, which led to the purchase of a new 400 MHz Bruker Biospin NMR spectrometer. Bob and Judy gave countless hours to the department by sponsoring summer internships for students and establishing a planned gift to the department.

UE announces investiture of two faculty members

The University of Evansville's (UE) Schroeder Family School of Business Administration announced the investiture of two faculty members during a ceremony on Wednesday.

Rania Mousa, PhD was named the Mead Johnson Nutrition Endowed Chair in Business and Yolanda Obaze, PhD was named the Guthrie May Endowed Chair in Business.

Mead Johnson Nutrition

In 1993, the Mead Johnson Nutrition Endowed Chair in Business was established at the University of Evansville through a generous gift from Mead Johnson Nutrition and the Bristol-Myers Squib Foundation seeking to participate as responsible neighbors and members of the communities where its people live and work and where its facilities are located. The company understands its obligation to participate in and enhance the life of those communities. Originally known as the Bristol-Myers Squibb Chair, the Mead Johnson Nutrition Endowed Chair in Business is dedicated to building on the strengths of the University's business school. The goal is to give students the opportunity to study with an outstanding professor who will inspire them to achieve greater levels of excellence and make a life-transforming difference in their academic careers. This endowed chair honors Mead Johnson Nutrition's long-standing relationship with UE which began when the University moved to the City of Evansville in 1919. Throughout the years, representatives of the company have supported the UE as trustees, advisory board members, volunteers, and students. Mead Johnson has employed hundreds of University alumni.

Mead Johnson Nutrition Endowed Chair in Business Rania Mousa, PhD, Associate Professor of Accounting, holds a bachelor's degree in Accounting from the American University in Cairo, Egypt. She also holds a Master of Business Administration from Illinois Institute of Technology and a PhD in Accounting from the University of Birmingham in England. Mousa has been teaching at the University of Evansville since 2010. She teaches courses in Financial Accounting, Accounting Information Systems, Computer Accounting, and Forensic Accounting. Mousa's doctoral research centered on examining the implementation process of open standard reporting technologies in the United Kingdom's His Majesty's Revenue and Customs and Companies House. Her research has expanded to cover a wide range of areas, including accounting information systems, financial and non-financial reporting technologies, electronic government, financial inclusion, and pedagogical research in forensic accounting and accounting education. Over the last 13 years, Mousa has published 14 peer-reviewed publications, including 11 papers and three book chapters. During her tenure at UE, Mousa has received multiple awards, including the Schroeder Dean's Research Award in 2017 and Teaching Award in 2019. In August 2022, she received the American Accounting Association's Forensic Accounting Section's Best Teaching Innovation Award for a fraud case she created. This year she has received the 2022-2023 UE Global Scholar Award allowing her to present her paper on Grameen America's remarkable response to the COVID-19 pandemic at the University of Bologna in Italy.

Guthrie May Endowed Chair in Business - The Guthrie May Endowed Chair in the Schroeder Family School of Business Administration was established by the University of Evansville to honor Guthrie May for his long-standing devotion, effective leadership, and financial support to the University of Evansville, with the intent of promoting teaching excellence and community outreach by the Guthrie May Endowed Chair in the Schroeder Family School of Business Administration. Guthrie May graduated from Evansville College in 1931. Guthrie and his wife, Alice '34, were tremendous friends of their alma mater. This fact is best exhibited by the gift of their home, the May House, to UE to be used as the President's residence. To previous generations, the "American Dream" meant home ownership. Prior to World War II, the vast majority of Americans did not own their homes. More than anyone else, Guthrie May brought the "American Dream" of home ownership to Evansville. He built more than 7,000 homes in Evansville and in other communities across the country. He also was involved in the development and construction of shopping centers, business condominiums, and residential condominiums. Guthrie May's involvement with community leadership is clear from the many boards on which he served and activities in which he participated. He was a member of the University of Evansville Board of Trustees, the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporations Board of Directors, the Administrative Board of Trinity United Methodist Church, the Board of Directors of United Way of Southwestern Indiana, Evansville's Future Board of Directors, Metropolitan Evansville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Evansville Board of Realtors, the Evansville Rotary Club, Citizens National Bank Board of Directors, and many other boards. He was the recipient of many honors and awards from various charities and the local community.

Guthrie May Endowed Chair in Business Yolanda Obaze, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management. She also serves as the Director of the Center for Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Obaze obtained both her MBA and PhD from the University of North Texas. Obaze was instrumental in the creation and implementation of the Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM) program and continues to teach a significant portion of the curriculum. She ensures the efficient running of the Center through cross-industry collaborations. Obaze currently serves as the Academic Advisor for the LSCM student organization, Business Professional of America student chapter, and the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at UE. In 2018, she received the Schroeder Dean's Service Award. She is passionate about her research in the humanitarian logistics field. Her doctoral research centered on the community-based context of humanitarian logistics and supply chain management. She continues her research by helping much of the community-based companies in the Evansville area. Obaze serves on the Board of Directors for both the Evansville Association of the Blind and the Potter's Wheel Ministries. Her research work also extends to Aces Haven, the on-campus food pantry that addresses food insecurity among students and the local community. Obaze received the Schroeder Dean's Research Award in 2019 and was a 2020 UE Global Scholar Award recipient. In 2019, she was awarded the Annual Decision Sciences Institute's Best Theoretical Paper Award for her work on social supply chain management.

Yolanda Obaze (left) and Rania Mousa (right)

Fifth Third Bank Provides Additional Investment to UE's Embrace for Expanded Services Outside of The Jacobsville Advantage

Embrace, the University of Evansville (UE) student-run marketing and communications agency, and Fifth Third Bank have announced the renewal of a $15,000 grant that will expand its reach to include funding for nonprofits outside the Jacobsville community.

In October 2021, The Jacobsville Advantage was initially launched to help fuel growth and development for businesses in their community. At the time, Fifth Third Bank provided an initial $25,000 grant to kickstart the endeavor, and they have recently invested an additional $15,000 to support ongoing services to help Jacobsville businesses meet their marketing needs at an affordable price.

To celebrate the grant renewal, Embrace and Fifth Third Bank is hosting a Marketing Panel and Creative Solutions event on February 25 at the Fifth Third Center. The event will provide an opportunity for additional local businesses to find affordable solutions to their marketing needs.

The event is open to any non-profit or for-profit business. Embrace will hold one-on-one meetings with their marketing and media experts to specifically address business needs and answer any questions. In addition, Embrace will offer website and social media set-up at the event.

Under the grant, Embrace completed projects for five Jacobsville businesses within the last year. Project highlights include designing a flyer for Gayla Cake and a map brochure for the Jacobsville Community Cooperative; launching a website for The Jacobsville Fine Art Association and Foster Care in the US; and creating a video advertisement for Zesto.

Irais Ibarra, Chief Executive Officer of Embrace, says the goal is to expand and cultivate community relationships by investing in small businesses and non-profits.

"What we really want as an agency is to grow alongside our clients by developing our own capabilities, and we believe this opportunity will provide the first steps in helping these organizations embrace their potential," said Ibarra.

"Fifth Third Bank has been a proud sponsor of the Jacobsville Advantage project and we are excited to see Embrace take it to the next level by expanding the project to include non-profits throughout our region. This key change in Embrace's strategy will enable even more well deserving organizations take advantage of the great services Embrace provides to our community." said Neely Pierce, Evansville City President, S.V.P.

About Embrace

Embrace Marketing and Communications was founded in October 2018 at the University of Evansville to provide students with real-world business experience. Its mission is to provide its clients with innovative, high-quality marketing and communications services. For more information, please visit embracemarcomm.com. To connect with The Jacobsville Advantage, please visit jacobsvilleadvantage.org

Changemaker Highlight of the Week: Joshua Academy Band Project

Since 2019, a small number of students in University of Evansville's Music Conservatory have been leading a new band program at Joshua Academy in Evansville, Indiana. The group took a temporary hiatus in 2020 through the pandemic, but picked the program back up in 2021 and have steadily grown its participation and capabilities.

Joshua Academy principal Arvenda McDonald reached out to UE Music Conservatory faculty member Fran Vile, UE Clinical Assistant Professor of Music, with an idea to start a band program at the academy. She had found a closet filled with old instruments and wondered about the possibility.

Fran in turn reached out to Erin Lewis, Executive Director of UE's Center for Innovation & Change and said "Is this possible?" And Erin said, "Let's make it a ChangeLab." Fran took it from there, and instrumental music education students began the Joshua Academy band program in the fall of 2019.

A ChangeLab is a project-based course offered at the University of Evansville where students can earn academic credit while working on passion projects that help improve the community. So far this year there are 20 ChangeLabs being offered on topics ranging from music education, food access, data analytics for the National Forest Service, environmental sustainability, and many more. More than 100 students are registered in these courses.

For this course, UE music education students worked with Joshua Academy to grow a music program from the ground up. Beginning with assessing viability of current instruments to recruiting the first few students to the program, and even arranging music to suit their capabilities, the project has been a success so far.

"Music is flourishing at Joshua Academy," said Will McDonner, a senior music education major at UE. He and his colleague Luke Robertson, also a senior music education major, have led the project beginning in 2021.

The group meets at 7:00 in the morning before classes begin. Together, with Vile's advice, McDonner and Robertson have navigated challenges of recruiting, scheduling, communicating between students and parents, and finally teaching students what music is and how to read it and play an instrument.

It doesn't always go smoothly, and plans don't always work out the way they expect. But that hasn't kept the program from being successful. When things get particularly challenging, McDonner says, "We're going to push ahead and see how much music we can make."

In its first semester, six Joshua Academy students "met" instruments and chose their favorite to learn, practiced and rehearsed regularly, and then performed a concert at the end of the year. The following semester, the group nearly doubled. And, thanks to grant funding received by the school, several brand-new instruments were made available.

"The real-world experience in music education is invaluable," said Vile. "Students leading this program hope to teach music professionally and building this band program has given them experiences that they would never get reading textbooks and studying theory in the classroom."

"We are so impressed and proud of what these students have accomplished," said Lewis. "These types of community-building projects are what ChangeLab is all about. Teaching young people how to read music and play instruments is an experience that will benefit them for years to come."

The Fall 2023 semester will be the third semester for this program. This program has been nominated for a Leadership Everyone award.

Changemaker Band Project

University of Evansville Theatre Presents THE MOORS

The University of Evansville Theatre continues its Spring 2023 season with Jen Silverman's THE MOORS, opening at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 23, in the May Studio Theatre. Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 24 and 25, and at 2:00 p.m., Feb. 25 and 26. This brilliant, award-winning playwright weaves a complex tapestry of contemporary and classic genres in a whimsical satire that embraces the gothic musings of the Bronte sisters and examines love, romance, and the transformational power in the quest for intimacy.

THE MOORS is directed by Hannah Tarr, a senior theatre studies major, from Floyds Knobs, Ind.; Keegan Macaluso, a senior design and technology major, from Georgetown, Texas, serves as the scenic designer; Kylee Hassell, a junior design and technology major, from Portland, Tenn., is the costume designer; Ethan Santiago, a first-year design and technology major, from Belton, Texas, is the lighting designer; Beverly Buchanan, a junior performance major, from Tomball, Texas, serves as the sound designer; Aibhlinn Rose, a senior performance major, from Clackamas, Ore., is the dramaturg; Morgan Bailey, a junior stage management major, from Keller, Texas, is the stage manager, and Lily Rehburg, a junior design and technology major, from Dalton, Ga., serves as the technical director.

The cast features Christina Tinde Jesenski, a junior performance major, from Rancho Santo Margarita, Calif., as Agatha; Madison G. Conway, a junior performance major, from Jeffersonville, Ind., as Huldey; Riley Katherine Miller, a senior performance major, from Crown Point, Ind., as Marjory; Tomi Akinwande, a first-year performance major, from Houston, Texas, as Emilie; James Scott, a first-year performance major, from Sugar Hill, Ga., as Mastiff, and Antonio Cortes Roman, a first-year performance major, from Metepec, Estado de Mexico.

In following industry standards, masks are strongly encouraged, but not required. Seating is limited, and all general admission tickets are $12. UE students may obtain one free student rush ticket beginning at noon on the day of the performance they wish to attend. Single tickets may be purchased online at theatre.evansville.edu or by calling the ticket office at 812.488.2031.

For additional information please contact UE Theatre Department Chair and Managing Director Sharla Cowden at 812.488.2747.

The Moors Key Art

UE awarded state funds for new Multidisciplinary Mental Health and Wellness Clinic

The University of Evansville's (UE) Multidisciplinary Mental Health and Wellness Clinic has received a $750,000 state award for the development of their community-based clinic.

The funding is part of the Evansville region's READI Awards Initiative managed by the Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) in partnership with the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP). Indiana's READI funds work toward improving the quality of place, quality of life, and quality of opportunity within their communities.

"This multidisciplinary clinic is part of the University's larger vision of community outreach that will increase the quality of life for our community members. Faculty and students from multiple health disciplines will work and learn together to improve how we deliver health care while also gaining valuable experience in their chosen field," said Mary Kessler, Dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences. "Our goal is to provide UE students with transformational educational and clinical experiences, which will improve their overall competency while also assisting the Evansville region with increasing and retaining needed health care providers in the local workforce."

In the fall of 2023, UE will admit its first cohort of graduate students for the newly developed Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) program. A key component of the PsyD program is the development of a community-based clinic where PsyD students and faculty provide psychotherapy and psychological testing to clients with mental health problems.

"The RDA continues to award READI funds to projects that align with our community's vision called Talent EVV," said Tara Barney, CEO of the E-REP. "Including this investment, over $8.7 million of READI funds have been awarded to projects within the health and life sciences cluster, which leverages nearly $77 million in total investment. The UE Multidisciplinary Mental Health and Wellness Clinic further supports our region's growing health and life sciences cluster while providing a valuable service to our community."

With the use of the READI funds, the PsyD program will grow its capacity to admit new students and ultimately increase the number of clinical psychologists and physician assistants who stay and work in the Evansville area upon graduation.

UE will be able to embed a physician assistant in the clinic to provide medication management for mental health conditions under the supervision of a licensed physician or psychiatrist. It will also increase opportunities for physician assistants and nursing students to apply what they are learning in class in actual practice.

The facility will be located directly across Lincoln Avenue at the site of Talbot Square, which was purchased by the University.

Approximately 5,000 square feet of the Old National Bank space will be renovated into the new clinic. The facility will incorporate office space, conference rooms, ten individual therapy rooms, and a larger space for group therapy.

Construction is expected to begin sometime in late April and continue through the summer months until an anticipated final completion date in August 2023.

Multidisciplinary Mental Health and Wellness Clinic Exterior Plans

UE Professor Secures Grant Funding to Fight Food Insecurity and Obesity in Vanderburgh County

A state grant targeting the fight against food insecurity and obesity in Vanderburgh County has been funded thanks in part to the work of UE’s Director of the Institute for Public Health and Associate Professor Dr. Su Jin Jeong. 

Dr. Jeong submitted a grant application in November on behalf of the Evansville non-profit Young & Established. Founded by activist Courtney Johnson, Y&E works to better the community primarily through the inspiration and motivation of the youth. 

"The University of Evansville’s Insititute for Public Health was proud to partner to assist Young & Established by submitting this grant that will ultimately assist our community's youth in understanding the value of food nutrition and incorporating a robust program that combats food insecurity,” said Dr. Jeong.  

The grant valued at $450,000 will provide two years' worth of funding for work related to food insecurity and obesity. With the funding, the goal is to accomplish three programs including a backpack and food pantry program, community garden and farmer’s market, and cooking classes for children who are part of the Y&E mentorship program.  

The University of Evansville’s Institute for Public Health was included in this grant as a technical advisor. The grant disbursement begins this summer.  

The full grantee list can be found here: https://www.in.gov/health/files/Indiana-Health-Issues-and-Challenges-Grantee-List-2023.pdf 

Theatre Opens Spring 2023 with "Circle Mirror Transformation"

The University of Evansville (UE) Theatre commences its Spring 2023 season with Annie Baker's Circle Mirror Transformation, which opens at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, in the May Studio Theatre. Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m. on February 3-4; and at 2:00 p.m. on February 4-5.

Led by a charismatic instructor, a group of adults convene in a community center to seek connection through a creative drama class. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker explores the pathos and comedy inherent in everyone's efforts to find joy in the journey towards transformation.

Circle Mirror Transformation is directed by Jimmy Guest, a senior Theatre Studies major from Bettendorf, Iowa; Zoe Paraskevopoulos, a senior Stage Management major from Flower Mound, Texas, serves as the scenic designer; Avery Finn, a junior Theatre Studies major from Terre Haute, Indiana, is the costume designer; Jamey Pearson, a junior Design and Technology major from Moody, Texas, is the lighting designer; Blake Cooper, Assistant Technical Director/Scene Shop Manager, serves as the sound designer; Spencer Marfy, a junior Performance major from Tallmadge, Ohio, is the dramaturg; Madison Wilson '22, a guest artist, is the stage manager, and Vi Lecklider, a senior Design and Technology major from Columbus, Indiana, serves as the technical director.

The cast features Umbra Person, a first-year Performance major from Jonesboro, Georgia, as Marty; Nathan Viscaino, a senior Performance major from Redmond, Oregon, as James; Garrett Hale, a junior Performance major from Haslet, Texas, as Schultz; Lillian Grace Carlson, a junior Performance major from Minneapolis, Minnesota, as Theresa; and Sophia McGuire, a first-year Performance major from McKinney, Texas, as Lauren.

In following industry standards, masks are strongly encouraged, but not required. Seating is limited, and all general admission tickets are $12. UE students may obtain one free student rush ticket beginning at noon on the day of the performance they wish to attend. Single tickets may be purchased online or by calling the ticket office at 812.488.2031.

Changemaker Challenge Winners Receive Scholarships

High school students throughout the tri-state were awarded significant scholarships on Tuesday at the University of Evansville's ninth High School Changemaker Challenge, sponsored by Toyota Indiana.

The challenge is designed to motivate young people to take a leading role in identifying and solving challenges in the world through innovation and creativity.

UE has committed more than $1 million in scholarships to winners of this competition since its inception. Those who choose UE as their college destination will each receive four-year scholarships as listed below:

1st place: Full tuition
Heroes Among Us: Tyler Myers (Evansville Day School)
Summary: Heroes Among Us is an interactive app that will equip schools with a curriculum that allows them to educate kids about sensory needs.

Tyler Myers holding trophy and check

2nd place: $27,000 per year
Ticket to Health: Sophie Rodionova and Maryam Adeel (Signature School)
Summary: The language barrier should not mean the difference between the quality of life a patient has and could have. As Evansville grows and becomes diverse, we need to provide for the needs of a diverse community. Ticket to Health is a medical booklet that will contain questions specifically tailored to each doctor's needs. It will include the most common languages in Evansville: Spanish, Ukrainian, Russian, Urdu, and Mandarin. Different colors will represent various specialties, and each language will have a translation to English.

2nd place winner holding check and trophy.

3rd place: $23,000 per year
QuickSports: Prab Jayachandran and Kaden Oberlander (Signature School)
Summary: An app that connects sports players and brings them to the best sports location near them. QuickSports is the go-to app for anyone looking to find friends and play sports in a large group as fast as possible.

3rd place winners holding check and trophy.

On Tuesday, January 24, a panel of judges heard pitches from the top 20 teams and individual students who were invited to the in-person competition. Six ideas were then chosen for the championship round, from which judges awarded first, second, and third place.

Alatza Appointed Chief Communications Officer

The University of Evansville (UE) has announced the appointment of Noah Alatza as Chief Communications Officer effective January 30. In this newly created position, Alatza will serve as the University's chief spokesperson and primary media contact. His work will help shape and guide UE's public affairs and strategic communications strategy that builds upon the institution's mission and core values.

"Noah's unique background, talent, and deep understanding of the Evansville community and media landscape will help us expand our efforts to better tell the story of the University of Evansville," said UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. "Noah will be a tremendous addition to our team, and we are thrilled he is joining us to help advance the University."

Alatza is a former award-winning television news anchor and reporter with an extensive background in media and journalism. Most recently, he worked as an account manager and public relations specialist for Fishers, Indiana-based Coverdale Consulting. At Coverdale, Alatza worked on the development of marketing and public relations strategies for a diverse range of clients in a variety of industries, including architecture, accounting, and municipal government. From 2018 to 2021, Alatza served as both an on-air anchor and reporter for two of Evansville's television affiliates, 44News WEVV-TV and Eyewitness News WEHT/WTVW-TV.

Alatza has been honored for his work, including awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Indiana Association of School Broadcasters. His work has been featured in national publications including The Washington Post, Yahoo, The New York Times and Newsweek. Alatza graduated from University of Southern Indiana with degrees in both journalism and radio-television. He and his wife, Rachel, have one daughter, Norah. In his free time, he enjoys exercising and spending time with family and friends.

"I'm honored and deeply humbled to serve as the University's first Chief Communications Officer," Alatza said. "Ensuring that all members of our campus community and other stakeholders are receiving timely and effective communications is critical for building support and bringing innovative solutions to the University."

Noah Alatza headshot

Over 650 Students Named to Fall 2022 Dean's List

More than 650 Aces were named to the University of Evansville Dean's List for the Fall 2022 semester.

UE announces the Dean's List every fall and spring semester. To merit the honor of being placed on the Dean's List, a student must have carried a full academic load of 12 hours or more and have earned a grade point average of 3.5 or above.

The following students achieved Dean's List Honors:

Sydney Abel

Ethan Abney

Elizabeth Ackerman

Alayna Acree

Madeline Adamson

Hannah Addison

Paarami Adhikari

Sonsoles Aguayo Munoz

Ale Aguilar

Warda Alaisari

Sara Albalushi

Luciano Albanese

Molly Alexander

Maria Alexopoulos

Emilie Ames

Landon Amick

Katie Anderson

Sarah Andresen

Riley Angel

Logan Anthis

Ola Arntsen

Anya Arora

Phoebe August

Emma Ault

Hailey Autenrieb

Callie Backherms

Alon Baer

Mitali Bahinipati

Rebecca Bailey

Breah Bailey

Tobias Bak

Olivia Barclay

Hannah Barger

Landry Barker

Ariana Barker

Cecilia Barmes

Adam Barnes

Evan Barr

Garrett Barthel

Morgan Bassett

Isaac Bates

Kayley Batts

Bradley Baumhover

Paige Beard

Kaylen Beard

Dawson Beers

Makenna Beggiani

Nicole Benati

Jacob Bettag

Emily Bickel

Kent Biehle

Kyle Billhartz

Joseph Blake

Noah Blake

Audrey Blanner

Nicole Bluhm

Ashleigh Bobo

Emily Bonenberger

Johni Boone

Katie Boots

Lilly Boring

Brady Boring

Magi Borisova

Nico Borrelli

Jessie Bouche

Ava Bourn

Elliot Boutell

Payton Boyd

Nathan Bradford

Jordan Bradley

Ali Braikat

Jara Braunecker

Ethan Brawley

Kelsey Breneman

Megan Brenton

Mitchell Bretz

Abby Briggs

Carson Brindle

Preston Brinkman

Wren Brooks

Hope Brothers

John Brown

Emily Brown

Mackenzie Brown

Bradan Bruce

Sveva Brugnoli

Hannah Bryan

Beverley Buchanan

Max Budowsky

Nick Buechlein

Kole Buechler

Olivia Buehler

Hayley Buerster

Misha Bukkasagaram

Steven Burkhart

Emily Burleson

Emily Burlison

Grace Burnell

Alyssa Burnett

Chloe Burns

Anna Bury

Mary Butler

Cassie Bykowicz

Ruili Cai

Chloe Campbell

Chloe Carlin

Lilli Carlson

Erin Carlson

Alexis Carpenter

Kenzie Carter

Erin Casey

Ellie Cassidy

Jackson Caudill

Ashly Chalico

Halle Chambers

Logan Chanley

Kylee Charles

Dowon Choi

Hailey Chrapek

Ivy Clark

Emily Clark

Kate Cloyd

Paige Cockrum

Garrett Collier

Kynzie Combs

Rebecca Conaway

Katie Conley

Hannah Conley

Savannah Cook

Neeley Correll

Antonio Cortes Roman

Robert Coulter

Alayna Courey

Kaitlyn Crecelius

Maya Cunningham

Haley Curtis

Myia Danek

My Dang

Abbey Daniel

Gwendolyn Darrah

Gracie Davidson

Alexa Davis

Lyndsay Deal

Elise Deeg

Jack Deig

Emma Denbo

Zoe Dennis

Tyler Denu

Riccardo Di Domenico

Sebastian Diener

Addison Dockery

Brooklyn Dodd

Brayden Doll

Ryan Domin

Maddy Donofrio

Brandi Dore

Katherine Doty

Karissa Dowd

Olivia Doyle

Haley Dreyer

Laura Dunlap

Kate Durchholz

Elizabeth Dye

Madeline Ebbott

Angelika Elderbrook

Allison Enchelmayer

John Erickson

Baylee Essert

Annika Evenson

Martin Everett

Crispin Ewen

Annabelle Faith

Abbie Faltus

Cole Faulkner

Abby Feit

Lindsey Field

Avery Finn

Haley Fischer

Rachel Fisher

Eileen Flanigan

Madi Fleck

Hannah Fleenor

Alexis Fletcher

Sydni Flowers

Mackenzie Folk

Madde Folz

Riley Forinash

Emily Fortune

Lyndie Foster

Sam Fowler

Mary Franklin

Claire Franzman

Olivia Frayer

Carly Frazier

Blakeley Freeman

Justin Fritch

Blake Froedge

Sean Froidcoeur

Zoe Frossard

Tiva Frushour

Bryce Galvan

Ethan Garvey

Trix-Nico Gebele

Paige Gehl

Cameron Gehlhausen

Ellie Geittmann

Lesley Gerster

Cassy Gilmore

Grace Gleisner

Ashlee Goad

Hannah Goad

Makayla Gomperts

Gwyn Gorley

Hannah Gourley

Ewan Grant

Ian Green

Sophie Greenway

Lucas Greer

Gabe Gries

Daniel Griffaton

Austin Griffin

Claire Griffy

Auberi Grubb

Jaden Guidry

Felipe Guilger

Nick Gushrowski

William Guzman

Daniel Hackney

Joelle Haines

Hannah Halbrook

Oliver Hald

Garrett Hale

Kieren Hall

Emma Hall

Henry Hall

Barak Hall

Griffin Hammett

Cara Hand

Jillian Happe

Max Harad

Nate Hardman

Gabrielle Hardoin

Ally Harness

Eric Harpenau

Abbey Harris

Alex Harris

Shane Harris

Hope Hartmann

Kristen Harvey

Abigail Hatcher

Kourtney Hauk

Jasmine Hauser

Melanie Hawkins

Madelyn Hawkins

Jaden Hayes

Carlie Hayward

Ella Heavin

Kathryn Heiny

Ella Held

Alyssa Heldt

Austin Hernandez

Brendon Herrin

Delaney Herrmann

Paris Himes

Evelyn Hipp

Nolan Hobgood

Kayli Hoffman

Cassie Hood

Hannah Hood

Brendan Hord

Arwyn Horstman

Madison Horvath

Ashleigh Hoskins

Kate Howard

Alyssa Howell

Olivia Howlett

Jossie Hudson

Emily Hudson

Jacy Hughes

Arthur Hurst

Abby Husak

Jordan Huth

Joshua Isaacs

Kaylee Ivy

Abbie Jahn

Sarah Jahns

Apryl Jancouskas

Elle Jarrett

Christina Jesenski

Luke Johanningsmeier

Ethan John

Micah Johnson

Abby Johnson

Haydn Johnston

Jessica Johnston

Collin Jones

Bianca Jordan

Rafay Karim

Ivy Karsten

Masatoyo Kato

Grant Kay

Caitlin Kehler

Abby Kellams

Krista Kellar

Brianna Kelly

Autumn Kerce

Carina Kessens

Lyn Kier

Conner Killian

Annie Kim

Collin Klemann

Carson Kline

Sam Kluemper

Sierra Knapp

Ross Knepp

Isabelle Koch

Lilly Kolley

Sydney Koplinski

Josie Kremzar

Corwin Krippel

Sidney Kritzmire

Willow Kruggel

Darian Kuhn

Maggie Kuypers

Abbey Kyle

Gabby Lacour

Tori Lahanis

Hayley Laidlaw

Kiki Laird

Ashton Lambert

Sarah Lambright

Logan Lampert

Dalton Lampert

Austin Landis

Monique Landrum

Devon Langley

Denzel Lasam

Katie Lawhorn

Kaylee Lawson

Sam Leatherwood

Kendall Lee

Matthew Lee

Sydney Lemler

Abbi Lenk

Emily Levendoski

Julia Libby

Sandar Lin

Keziah Long

David Lorimer

Lauren Lovingood

Nicole Luchetti

Angelica Lyashchuk

Isabel Lynch

Faith Macy

Josie Madzik

Matus Malovec

Lucas Manner

Spencer Marfy

Abbie Marlin

David Martin

Kaitlyn Martlage

Erin Marx

Nandini Mathavan

Ashley Matheis

Sara Mathew

Devon Mathews

Mitchell Matthews

Nicolette Mauney

Madaline Maurer

Paige McAllister

Abby McClarney

Elizabeth McCook

Brooke McCorkle

James McCowen

Remi McDaniel

Matthew McDonald

Allison McDonald

Quinn McGaugh

Sophia McGuire

Olivia McIntire

Jordan McKinney

Brenna McLain

Emily McMonigle

Gabby McNeely

Alyssa Meadows

Zorah Mehrzad

Callie Meinel

Jason Meinhardt

Rafael Mendoza-Romero

Edward Mendy

Edyn Meny

Ellen Messer

Malia Metelues

Lauren Meunier

Jakob Meyer

Levi Middleton

Shauna Mihalyo

Kelsey Miller

Sophia Miller

Jordyn Miller

Jobe Miller

Eli Minar

Kaitlynn Mitchell-Grisham

Dylan Mofield

Rachel Mohr

Danielle Monroe

Kile Montgomery

Brooklynn Moody

Sage Moore

Sam Morgan

Elly Morgan

Elise Motz

Mari Mueller

Emily Munday

Kalee Muth

Kodie Myszka

Samer Nassif

Briley Neikirk

Eric Nelson

Rachel Neupert

Maggie Newcomb

Aidan Newman

Justin Nichols

Jenna Nink

Andrew Norrington

Mason Norton

Reagan Nowaskie

Michaela Nurrenbern

Sadie Obenauer

Clara Oberg

Adeline O'Brian

Ceci Odenbaugh

Lillie Oelker

Olivia Oliver

Kennedy Olson

Laney Olson

Elise O'Risky

Caitlin O'Rorke

Jarett Osborne

Olivia Oswald

Amelia Overholt

Jacob Overstreet

Bree Owen

Josie Pagano

Andrew Painter

Emily Palmisano

Zoe Paraskevopoulos

Dani Parisi

Carson Parker

Jeffrey Parkinson

Aman Patel

Vidit Patel

Ben Patterson

Elise Payne

Makyla Pease

Olivia Pennington

Lindsay Perr

Umbra Person

Caleb Peters

Kim Phan

Eli Phillips

Porter Pomykal

Maci Potter

Jake Price

Chloe Prince

Paige Radel

Gavin Ramirez

Sev Ramsey

Taylor Rapp

Delaney Rasche

Mohammed Rashed

Hannah Rawhoof

Alexia Recinella

Elizabeth Recker

Riley Reed

Kalea Reeves

Lily Rehberg

Claire Reiman

Grace Reisinger

River Remble

Abby Repking

Hannah Rhodes

Julia Ribblett

Meredith Rielly

Allison Roach

Anna Robbins

Luke Robertson

Daniil Romashkin

Rachel Rosborough

Natalie Rose

Maria Roshel

Laney Ross

Jonathan Roth

Emma Royer

Kora Ruff

Laura Ruiz

Nora Ruotolo

Sydney Rusher

Mallory Russell

Jeremiah Sagers

Alex Sagers

Dylan Saint-Pre

Imelda Salgado

Kyla Sallee

Gavin Sandvoss

Kaitlyn Sansone

Andre Saucedo

Collin Scaggs

Mariah Schaefer

Devyn Schaetzle

Carly Scheu

Anna Schindler

Samantha Schmidt

Rachel Schmidt

Ryan Schneider

Hayden Schneider

Luke Schneider

Troy Schroeder

Brad Schulte

Franklyn Schultz

David Schultz

Donovan Schultz

Lainee Schumacher

Emily Schwartz

Luke Schweickart

Ali Scott

Jimmy Scott

Jonathan Scott

Sadie Scovern

Hannah Seibert

Caleb Sellers

Luke Sergesketter

Trevor Seufert

Caden Sevier

Catherine Shafer

Mackenzie Sharp

Mandi Shields

Lauren Shinoski

Joey Shreve

Spenser Shuey

Rachel Shultz

Reese Simmons

Chris Simon

Benton Simpson

Lexie Sinclair

Mallory Singer

Neeta Singh

Emma Slavkin

Lincoln Smith

Lacy Smith

Gabriel Smothers

Patricia Solliday

Shami Sorrells

Tad Specht

Olivia Spencer

Emily Spiller

Lizzy Stainback

Izzy Stapp

Theresa Stark

Allison Statler

Caleb Stevenson

Ellie Stewart

Hannah Stocks

Loren Stoll

Alexis Stovall

McAllister Stowell

Ben Stuart

Sarah Stutzman

Peter Sullivan

Savanah Summerfield

Cheyenne Summerfield

Mayray Sung

John Sutter

Akane Suzuki

Zoe Sykes

Patrick Szankowski

Elyse Talley

Hannah Tarr

Sam Tarter

Madelyn Tarvin

Rachel Taylor

Victoriia Taylor

Trinitie Terrell

Anna Thacker

Carson Thomas

Tarakate Thompson

Ashlyn Thompson

Emmie Tidwell

Hannah Tomlin

Grace Trefren

Nishita Trivedi

Iryna Tsesiul

Nicole Tucker

Aaron Tucker

Sarah Tuma

Kathryn Tyler

Isa Valdez

Jon Varela Herrero

Chrysta Vasquez

Sarah Vreeland

Forrest Wade

Evan Waggoner

Mariah Walrath-Williams

Elayna Walters

Amanda Ward

Madison Warner

Brynna Waters

Hannah Watkins

Savannah Watson

Abigail Watters

Charlie Watts

Luke Watts

Majestica Weatherford

Mallory Weber

Tiffany Weisman

Allison Welch

Kaleb Werner

Kyler West

Alexa Wheeler

Savannah Wheeler-Bigge

Evelyn Wickett

Brent Widder

Emily Wiebe

Abi Wight

Sydney Wilbur

Kate Wilhite

Sara Wilkens

Jodi Willenbrink

Sarah Williams

Elizabeth Williams

Zeb Williams

Jess Willsey

Nina Wilson

Olivia Wilson

Ashton Wilson

Mitchell Wilson

Drake Winstead

Tasha Wiseman

Margo Wittmer

Martha Wolf

Julia Wolfe

Josh Wong

Marah Wood

Brian Woodard

Kaylee Woosley

Zach Worley

Matt Worthington

Connor Young

Kara Yunker

Ethan Ziegler

Justin Zumbahlen

Keri Zumbahlen

Alum Matt Williams, Creator of "Roseanne" and "Home Improvement", Returning to Campus January 21

The University of Evansville (UE) Department of Theatre is proud to announce that alumnus Matt Williams '73 will be returning to campus for Glimpses: An Evening with Matt Williams. The event will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2023, in Shanklin Theatre's John David Lutz Theatre Lab. Williams will promote his upcoming book, Glimpses, a collection of stories of hope, humanity, and humor.

An Evansville native, Williams is best known as the creator and executive producer of the hit series Roseanne as well as co-creator and executive producer of Home Improvement, one of the most successful programs in television history. Williams started his television career when he joined The Cosby Show during its premiere season and worked as a writer/producer for three subsequent seasons. He also co-created the series A Different World. His work was nominated for Emmy and Humanitas Awards and won a Peabody Award for Outstanding Achievement in Television Writing.

In addition to his many credits, Williams is a founding board member of The New Harmony Project and the Cherry Lane Theatre. He is currently an adjunct associate professor at Columbia University School of the Arts Theatre Program. He lives in New York with his wife, actress Angelina Fiordellisi, the executive director of the Cherry Lane Theatre.

Tickets for the event can be purchased online at uealumnionline.com/mattwilliams. Tickets are $75, which include a seat at the reading as well as the post-show reception with Williams in the new Matt Williams Lobby of Shanklin Theatre. Livestream tickets to the reading are available for $25. For questions, please call 812-488-2744.

45th Anniversary Services Planned for 1977 Plane Crash

On December 13, 1977, a plane crashed at 7:22 p.m., just 90 seconds after takeoff. The event tragically took all 29 lives on board, including the University of Evansville (UE) men's basketball team, supporters of the Purple Aces, and the flight crew. To commemorate the 45th anniversary and remember these lives, UE has planned two services on Tuesday, December 13, that are open to the campus community and public.

A daytime service will be held at noon at Memorial Plaza on campus, located directly behind Olmsted Hall. The service will include an invocation and message by Reverend Andy Payton; bagpipes by Tad Dickel, PhD; and the reading of the names of those who tragically passed. Afterwards, a reception will be held in the Class of 1959 Gallery, located on the second floor of Ridgway University Center. Light refreshments will be served.

The evening service, which begins at 7:00 p.m., will be held inside Neu Chapel. Speakers for the evening include Reverend Cynthia Bumb '81, Curt Begle '99, and Mike Blake, sportscaster. A moment of silence will be observed at 7:22 p.m.

Ahead of the anniversary services, the public will be able to stream From the Ashes: The University of Evansville Purple Aces. The documentary, produced and directed by Joe Atkinson, assistant professor of communication, tells the story of the 1977 UE Men's Basketball team, the crash, and its aftermath. From the Ashes will premiere at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 12, at evansville.edu/live.

UE Named Among Colleges with “A” for Scholarship Transparency

The University of Evansville (UE) recently received an “A” grade for scholarship transparency from University Business. UE was one of just over 100 institutions across the nation that achieved this top ranking. 

University Business based its scholarship transparency ranking on clear, easily accessible information pertaining to merit scholarships. The organization also took into consideration whether or not institutions figure merit scholarships into their Net Price Calculator projections. Because there are no transparency requirements in issuing merit-based scholarships, it’s up to each institution how upfront they choose to be when communicating scholarship details. 

Approximately 650 schools were graded by University Business based on the clarity of requirements and amounts awarded, along with consistency in the application process. Those who received “A” grades provided specific merit scholarship amounts rather than “wide dollar ranges,” as explained in the report. They also provided well-defined criteria on their websites. 

UE’s scholarship opportunities, which include merit-based scholarships, can be found on our Scholarships page

UE Hosting Events for 2023 MLK Day

The University of Evansville (UE) will host a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on Monday, January 16, 2023. There will be several activities throughout the day, and the public is invited to participate along with the campus community. The 2023 theme is “Daring to Dream: The Radical Imagination of a Liberated Other America.”

The schedule of events is available below. For full details, please visit MLK Day of Service.

54 Miles to Social Change – December 15, 2022 - January 16, 2023

During the Civil Rights March of 1965, activists gathered in Selma, Alabama, to complete a 54-mile trek to the state capital in Montgomery. In recognition of this historical event, UE invites everyone to participate in 54 Miles to Social Change, a virtual march that raises awareness for social injustice in the United States. Join from anywhere in the world and log your miles spent walking, running, biking, or swimming.

Miles 1-53 will be completed virtually, and the 54th mile will be completed together on the Day of Service. Participants can register for free on our 54 Miles to Social Change webpage.

9:00 a.m. – Faith-Based Service

The Day of Service will begin with a religious service in Neu Chapel.

10:30 a.m. – Rally

The rally will be held in Meeks Family Fieldhouse, located inside Carson Center off Walnut Street. The rally will recap the significance of a day on, not off, and include remarks from Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, president of UE; and Rob Shelby, PhD, vice president for talent & community and chief inclusion & equity officer.

11:15 a.m. – Symbolic March

After the rally, UE invites everyone to complete the 54th Mile to Social Change together. The march will begin at Meeks Family Fieldhouse and along nearby streets before returning to campus at Ridgway University Center.

12:00 p.m. – Luncheon and Keynote Speaker

Held in Eykamp Hall on the second floor of Ridgway University Center, the MLK Day of Service Luncheon will include student speakers, award presentations, a performance by the Boom Squad, and the keynote speaker.

Each year, the Martin Luther King Lectureship is made possible by the generous support of William G. and Rose M. Mays. The 2023 lectureship will feature keynote speaker Chris Emdin.

Chris Emdin, PhD is the Robert A. Naslund Endowed Chair in Curriculum Theory and Professor of Education at the University of Southern California. He also serves as Director of Youth Engagement and Community Partnerships at the USC Race and Equity Center. Emdin is the creator of the #HipHopEd social media movement, and he is the author of numerous award-winning works. He was recently named one of the 27 people bridging divides in the United States by TIME, and he has been named to Root 100’s list of most influential African Americans.

To purchase tickets or sponsor a table, visit MLK Day of Service.

2:00 p.m. – Community Service Projects

Four community service projects will run concurrently in Carson Center. Participants will have the ability to participate in a project of their choosing upon arrival. All service projects will go towards benefiting the following local organizations: United Caring Shelter, Youth First, and House of Bread and Peace.

3:30 p.m. – Local Leaders Panel Discussion

Held in Shanklin Theatre, this panel will bring together dynamic individuals from across Evansville to discuss their roles as changemakers and how we as a community can support the next generation in the continued pursuit of ‘a Liberated Other America.’ This panel will be moderated by Dr. J.C. Campbell. Dr. Campbell is the senior pastor at Greater Hope Church and vice president and chief diversity officer at Oakland City University.

4:30 p.m. – Lead Forward Lecture

The 2023 MLK Day of Service will culminate in a final Lead Forward Lecture. This final discussion will amplify the messages and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and encourage all community members to ‘lead forward’ with what was learned throughout the day.

5:30 p.m. – Reception

Following the lecture, a reception with light refreshments will be held outside Shanklin in the Toyota Lounge of Hyde Hall.

UE Receives Accreditation for PsyD in Clinical Psychology Program

The University of Evansville has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission for its PsyD in Clinical Psychology program. With full approval granted, UE is now accepting applications for the five-year doctoral program. It will commence in the Fall of 2023 with a cohort of 15 students. 

Mental health is a growing issue not only in the tri-state but across the nation. According to the Center for Workforce Studies, there are only 19 clinical psychologists per 100,000 people in Indiana, which is much less than other parts of the country. Providing this program in Evansville will help increase mental health services for all ages, and PsyD graduates may remain in the area long-term as well. In the state, the demand for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists is projected to grow 18.5 percent over the next five years, which is much faster than other occupations. 

“We spent more than a year meeting with community leaders, healthcare professionals, and members of the Mayor’s Mental Health Task Force,” said Michael Austin, PhD, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. “We asked, ‘what is the most important thing that the University of Evansville can do to address mental health issues in our community?’ Repeatedly, the answer was a need for more people on the ground providing quality care. The PsyD program was specifically developed to meet this need.” 

The PsyD in Clinical Psychology program provides a pathway for individuals who want to become a clinical psychologist. Students will gain discipline-specific knowledge and clinical core competencies as well as supervised experiences in increasingly complex settings. Coursework will span the areas of psychopathology, research methods, ethics, diversity, and more. 

“I am excited for what the future holds for UE and its PsyD program,” said Kevin Jordan, PhD, associate professor and director of clinical psychology. “The students and faculty in the PsyD program will provide clinical services in the greater Evansville area that are much needed. Students who graduate from our program will be well equipped to have a fulfilling career as a clinical psychologist.” 

As they work toward their doctoral degree, students will also earn a master’s degree upon completing their second year of the program. In addition to coursework, clinical experiences, and internship, students will complete an empirical dissertation that contributes to the knowledge base of clinical psychology. 

The first four years of the PsyD program will be on campus. In their second and third years, students will see clients of all ages with a variety of different presenting concerns at a new UE community-based mental health clinic at Talbot Square. During years three and four, students will also be placed in local clinical settings (e.g., Ascension St. Vincent Evansville, Deaconess Health System, Easterseals Rehabilitation Center, Evansville State Hospital) to acquire additional training. The fifth year is clinical internship in which students enroll in a match process that places them in an American Psychological Association approved internship site in the United States or Canada. Upon conclusion of their clinical internship and approval of their dissertation, students will earn the PsyD in Clinical Psychology. 

PsyD in Clinical PsyChology

Athletic Training Adds Performing Arts to Clinical Site Opportunities

The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program has added Mercy Health Hospital in Cincinnati as a new site for immersive clinical education. With this location, students in the program now have the opportunity to work in a performing arts environment with the Cincinnati Ballet. 

Adding Mercy Health Hospital will provide a new avenue for clinical rotations, as MSAT students haven’t previously been able to work with performing arts.

“We are always looking to provide our students opportunities in new and developing areas of athletic training,” said Jeff Tilly, program director and assistant professor for athletic training. “This site, along with the other locations, presents another pathway for new and exciting career opportunities.” 

In addition to Mercy Health Hospital in Cincinnati, UE also has partnerships with other universities and organizations across the nation. Current locations include Kentucky Wesleyan College, Louisville City Football Club, Northwestern University, University of Florida, Vanderbilt University, and Western Kentucky University. Classes can be completed online, so there are no geographic restrictions when it comes to a student’s rotations. 

UE Theatre Presents MEASURE FOR MEASURE

The University of Evansville (UE) Theatre opens their fall 2022 season with William Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, in a modern verse translation by Aditi Brennan Kapil, in an ongoing collaboration with Play On Shakespeare. Being presented on the UE campus for the first time ever, this production opens on at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, September 30, in Shanklin Theatre. Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m. on October 1, 6, 14, and 15; and at 2:00 p.m. on October 16. This 400-year-old tale could be “ripped from the headlines” of today’s world, as it examines themes central to human nature and our paradoxical relationship to justice and mercy. With all its high-spirited bawdiness, this tragicomedy reveals what can happen when sex, religion, and politics collide.

Measure for Measure is directed by visiting assistant professor Stacey Yen. Rebecca Conaway, a senior theatre studies major from Wellsburg, West Virginia, serves as the associate director; associate professor Eric Renschler ’83 serves as the scenic designer; assistant professor Sarah J. Smith is the costume designer; Jamey Pearson, a junior design and technology major from Moody, Texas, is the lighting designer; Maya Barry, a sophomore stage management major from Marietta, Georgia, serves as the sound designer; Devyn Jolgren, a junior performance major from Louisville, Kentucky, is the dramaturg; Zoe Paraskevopoulos, a senior stage management major from Flower Mound, Texas, is the stage manager, and assistant professor Mitchell L. Critel serves as the technical director. 

The cast features McAllister Reed Stowell, a senior performance major from Lakewood, Colorado, as Duke; Tatiana Robledo, a junior performance major from Houston, Texas, as Escalus; Adam Techmanski, a sophomore performance major from Richmond, Texas, as Angelo; Delaney Ross, a sophomore performance major from Keller, Texas, as Isabella; Alijah Roberson, a first-year performance major from Atlanta, Georgia, as Claudio; Aibhlinn Rose, a senior performance major from Clackamas, Oregon, as Juliet; Garrett Hale, a junior performance major from Haslet, Texas, as Lucio; Jacovia Young, a first-year performance major from Houston, Texas, as Provost; Sarah Tuma, a sophomore performance major from Henderson, Kentucky, as Mariana; Christina Tinde Jesenski, a junior performance major from Rancho Santa Margarita, California, as Mistress Overdone; Jeff Parkinson, a senior performance major from Mercer Island, Washington, as Pompey; Jack Cory, a senior performance major from Southlake, Texas, as Elbow; Antonio Cortés Román, a first-year performance major from Metepec, Mexico, as Froth; Drake J. Susuras, a junior performance major from Broomfield, Colorado, as Friar Thomas; Umbra Person, a first-year performance major from Jonesboro, Georgia, as Francisca; Gavin Ramirez, a first-year performance major from McKinney, Texas, as Abhorson; Benjamin Bravard, a senior performance major from Batavia, Ohio, as Barnardine; J. Kenneth Guzman, a first-year performance major from Brighton, Colorado, as First Gentleman; Hauson Anderson, a first-year performance major from Columbia, Maryland, as Second Gentleman; Trace Levens, a first-year performance major from Bryan, Texas, as Officer; Josie Madzik, a first-year theatre studies major from Howell, Michigan, as Officer; Arturo Quepons, a first-year performance major from San Antonio, Texas, as Duke’s Attendant; Andrea Vargas, a first-year performance major from Missouri City, Texas, as Duke’s Attendant; and William Cooper Sanders, a first-year performance major from Jeffersonville, Indiana, as Angelo’s Attendant. 

In following industry standards, as established by the Broadway League, all audience members must remain masked during the performance. Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $18 for senior adults, UE employees, and non-UE students. 

UE students may obtain one free student rush ticket beginning at 12 p.m. on the day of the performance they wish to attend. In addition, UE Theatre is excited to introduce a new “Pay What You Can” initiative. Every Thursday evening performance in Shanklin Theatre is available for any person to pay any price that best fits their budget.

Season subscriptions for the 2022–2023 Shanklin Theatre season are also available and are $50 for an adult subscription and $44 for a discount subscription. This three-play season includes Measure for Measure, the smash–hit musical Cabaret, and the hilarious Noises Off. A May Studio Theatre Discovery Package can be purchased for $18 and includes Circle Mirror Transformation and The Moors.

Single tickets and subscriptions may be purchased by calling the ticket office at 812-488-2031, Monday through Friday, between 12:00-5:00 p.m. You may also purchase single tickets online at theatre.evansville.edu.

The University of Evansville empowers students to think critically, act bravely, serve responsibly, and live meaningfully in a changing world. Through an innovative academic curriculum combined with practical hands-on experiences, UE students engage the local and international community in meaningful ways. With a diverse student body from 44 states and 48 countries, students choose from an array of majors in business, engineering, arts and sciences, and health science. UE graduates engage the world and workplace with the tools and skills to excel in fulfilling careers. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.

UE Named #5 Best Regional University in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report

The University of Evansville (UE) has been named the #5 Best Regional University in the Midwest in U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best Colleges rankings. 

The report, published annually by U.S. News & World Report, recognizes public and private higher education institutions across the nation. To calculate the rankings, U.S. News focuses on academic quality and places emphasis on outcome measures, including graduation rates, retention rates, and social mobility. Outcomes contribute to 40 percent of each school’s overall score. 

“This recognition is a true testament to the high-quality education we are offering at UE,” said Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, president of UE. “Being considered a top regional university is possible only because of the dedication of our staff and faculty in creating an exceptional student experience. When you combine critical thinking in the classroom and serving meaningfully in our communities, our students graduate ready to have an immediate impact in the world.” 

The complete ranking of the Best Regional Universities in the Midwest can be found at usnews.com/colleges

UE Launching Construction Management Program

In 2023, UE will launch a four-year Bachelor of Science in construction management degree. The program will be housed in UE’s School of Engineering and Computer Science, and applications are now open for Fall 2023 entry. 

A construction manager is responsible for the planning, coordination, budgeting, and supervision of an array of construction projects. The job not only includes in-office administrative duties but also onsite work, monitoring projects and making crucial decisions for both the team and the project. 

This field continues to grow within the tri-state and throughout the nation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction management jobs are projected to grow by 11 percent between 2020-2030, faster than the average for other jobs. In 2021, the median salary was nearly $99,000. 

Over the course of four years, the construction management program at UE will place heavy emphasis on technical and managerial skills. Students will learn design and planning concepts as well as construction methods, equipment, and codes. As safety is a major factor in construction, an upper-level course will focus on safety management methodology and OSHA compliance. 

“The construction management program was created to meet the industry demands for construction managers at the local and national levels,” said Suresh Immanuel, PhD, PE, associate dean in the School of Engineering and Computer Science. Immanuel also serves as a professor of civil engineering and will teach courses for the construction management program. “Due to technological advancements in construction processes and buildings, project management has become more complex which demands specialized personnel for successful completion. The curriculum designed for this program will touch each point of the process, from project planning to full completion.” 

Students will participate in hands-on learning in several classes, but internships with local businesses will provide real-world, immersive experience. In their final year, students will also complete a yearlong capstone project under the supervision of a faculty member or industry partner. Through these opportunities, students will develop a strong foundation in planning, field operations, project scheduling and management, and working in teams. 

The program will be led by Hyunsoung Park, PhD, assistant professor of civil engineering. Park earned a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering from Hongik University in South Korea, a master’s degree in construction management from Texas A&M, and a PhD in construction management from the University of Florida. In the construction industry, he worked as a project manager for Hyundai. He also served as an Air Force Sergeant on the civil engineering squadron for the Republic of Korea Air Force. 

“Construction is an applied discipline, so practical experience is very important,” said Park. “Our students will learn about every step of construction so they are equipped to handle real projects immediately following graduation. We are ready to fill the demand of this growing market, and this is going to be a great field for anyone interested in construction and engineering.” 

Visit the construction management page to learn more and apply.

Construction Management project

AceBuddies Hosting Zoo Day on September 24

AceBuddies, a group fitness program for individuals with disabilities that is operated by Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students at the University of Evansville (UE), will host AceBuddies Zoo Day on Saturday, September 24, at Mesker Park Zoo. The event will be held from 9:00 a.m. until noon and is open to 50 individuals on a first come, first served basis. To register, please visit evansville.edu/ZooDay.  

During the event, participants will travel to various animal exhibits where they will then complete an exercise or activity based on the animal. Each participant will be paired with one DPT student who will assist with each exercise. Participants can bring one guardian with them to Zoo Day, who will follow the group throughout the event. 

AceBuddies organizers are hoping to spread awareness of their cause with this event, as they plan to launch regular AceBuddies sessions the following month on October 15. Each semester, six sessions are held on UE’s campus in Carson Center and are open to participants of all ages. The sessions are free of charge and do not require a physician referral. Licensed physical therapists supervise all DPT students that work closely with individuals during these fun and effective fitness sessions. AceBuddies meets on Saturday mornings for one hour, and participants are paired with the same DPT student to build a trusting relationship. AceBuddies is a branch of Ace CARE, a student-led pro bono organization that provides free PT and fitness opportunities to the community.

“This program provides incredible opportunities for our local community to access free, play-based fitness and for our DPT students to apply their skills in new ways,” said Kate Schwartzkopf-Phifer, DPT, PhD, OCS, CSCS, associate professor of physical therapy. “Together, they work hard to meet goals, improve function, gain confidence, and – above all – have fun.” 

The registration deadline is September 10, so parents or guardians are encouraged to sign up soon at evansville.edu/ZooDay. The event is generously sponsored by the Mattingly Foundation. 

UE Holds Ribbon Cutting for New Residence Hall

On August 16, the University of Evansville (UE) held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its New Residence Hall. Breaking ground 15 months earlier on May 18, 2021, the event marked the official opening of the building, which will house nearly 300 first- and second-year students. 

The ribbon cutting ceremony included words from Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, president of UE; Bob Jones, board of trustees chair; vice presidents; and the student government association president. Guests in attendance included employees, alumni, members of the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP), and more. Afterwards, a celebration was held under a tent on Walnut Street. The Office of Residence Life also provided tours of the New Residence Hall. 

“Our University is very excited about this building and the new home it will become for future generations of Aces,” Pietruszkiewicz said. “The structure of the living spaces stemmed from a survey of our students and is designed to exceed their expectations. We are building for the future, and there is much more to come.” 

The New Residence Hall has four floors and features 293 beds across a mixture of four- and six-person “pod” structures. Each pod includes bedrooms with either single or double occupancy, one or two private bathrooms, and a shared living space and kitchenette. The first floor features an entryway and front desk, laundry room, mail room, living space, and kitchen complete with appliances. The U-shaped building totals 83,000 square feet and has a central courtyard that features landscaping, picnic tables, seating, and grilling stations. 

This residence hall is located near the corner of Walnut Street and Rotherwood Avenue and takes the place of Brentano and Morton Residence Halls. Brentano Residence Hall opened in 1966 and was dedicated to A.A. “Gus” Brentano, who worked for The Evansville Courier and Keller Crescent for many years. Morton Residence Hall opened in 1968 and was dedicated to Ruth Wertz Morton in 1972. She and her husband, Thomas, were loyal supporters of UE, contributing to many scholarships and campaigns over the years.  

Ribbon cutting

Learn About the Discovery of an Underwater Castle in Scotland

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to discover an underwater castle? Did you know there even was such a thing? Registration is now open for a free, virtual chat with Dr. Emily Stammitti, a British-American underwater archaeologist, where she will share her personal experience finding a lost castle in Scotland and the treasures it revealed.  

This virtual chat will be held on Thursday, September 8, from 12:15 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. and is offered by the University of Evansville (UE). There is no cost to attend, and you can register any time here

Stammitti serves as a faculty member at Harlaxton College, a Victorian manor that serves as UE's living and learning center in Grantham, England. She joined the college with 15 years of experience and has taught extensively across Scotland and England. There, she also worked as a professional archaeologist and heritage consultant. She now directs the Master of Arts in Innovative Leadership in Heritage Management degree at Harlaxton, and she recently led an archaeology field school on the manor grounds.  

Emily in diving gear.

Efroymson Family Fund Supports UE Art, Creates New Endeavors

The University of Evansville (UE) has received support for its Department of Art from the Efroymson Family Fund for the 2022-23 academic year. The generous gift, which marks the 11th year of annual support from the family, will fund existing traditions and create new opportunities for art students.  

“The Department of Art is deeply committed to providing high-quality, unique experiences for students, and the Efroymson Family Fund is helping us do exactly that,” said Todd Matteson, chair of the UE Department of Art. “We are excited to enhance our students’ education and share even more art with the community through this gift.” 

The Efroymson Family Emerging Contemporary Artists Lecture Series will continue into the next academic year. Through this initiative, professional artists will be selected to display artwork in the Melvin Peterson  and Krannert Galleries. During this time, art students interact with the professional artist through lectures and workshops, and the public is invited to view the galleries. 

Each year, the fund also supports a marketing internship for a current art student. One intern is selected each semester to work closely with the department chair in designing print and digital materials that assist with recruitment, exhibitions and receptions, and departmental advertising. The paid internship provides beneficial, hands-on experience that allows for growth beyond the classroom. 

For the second year in a row, the Efroymson Family Fund will provide a Bridge Fellowship Program. The UE Department of Art will extend this opportunity to a recent art graduate who wishes to pursue further art education. This individual will work on research and assist with studio management and teaching. The fellow will also receive a studio space and exhibit their research. The assistance performed by the Bridge Year Fellow will allow current art faculty to dedicate more time to classrooms, student mentorship, and artwork. 

“The Efroymson Family is proud to support the work of University of Evansville and its mission to empower each student to think critically, act bravely, serve responsibly, and live meaningfully in a changing world,” said Jeremy Efroymson, vice chair of the Efroymson Family Fund. 

Learn more about the UE Department of Art, or follow the department and the Melvin Peterson Gallery on Facebook

About the Efroymson Family Fund  

The Efroymson Family Fund, a donor-advised fund of Central Indiana Community Foundation, continues a long family legacy of charitable giving. The Efroymson Family Fund was established in 1998 by Dan and Lori Efroymson to promote the viability of communities, and to date, the family has awarded more than $123 million in grants in central Indiana and beyond.  For more information about the Efroymson Family Fund, visit efroymsonfamilyfund.org

UE, VU Offer Guaranteed Admission Agreement in Engineering

A direct admit transfer agreement is now in place guaranteeing Vincennes University (VU) graduates a spot in the University of Evansville’s School of Engineering and Computer Science with a scholarship worth at least $18,000. 

The agreement applies to the civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering programs at UE. VU students need to earn their associate's degree in one of these concentrations and maintain a 2.5 GPA. After graduating from VU, they can transfer to UE to earn a bachelor’s degree with an academic scholarship award of at least $18,000 per year. 

“We at VU look forward to expanding our relationship with UE. I also extend my gratitude to UE leadership and faculty for their exceptional work and for this partnership creating even more opportunities for the students we mutually serve,” says Curt Coffman, VU dean of science, engineering and mathematics. “With VU’s in-state tuition scholarship, the entire tri-state area could save thousands of dollars on a VU/UE engineering education,” Coffman added. 

Students will graduate from VU confident that they are well prepared to continue their academic journey and are sought after by top employers and top Universities. “We strive to ensure our students are set up for success. Direct admission agreements like this are one way VU offers our students pathways to high-quality educational experiences that aligns with their true goals and passion,” says Chuck Johnson, president of VU. “We expect to see many students taking advantage of the guaranteed admission to UE.” 

“We are thrilled to partner with VU and extend this opportunity to those pursuing a future in engineering,” says Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, President of UE. “Students who transfer to UE will receive a high-quality education in our School of Engineering and Computer Science from a talented and experienced faculty. The rigorous curriculum, senior design teams, and internships with local organizations will provide them with the skills and experience for a successful career many years after graduating.” 

VU’s affordable tuition rates allow students to save enough in their first two years to pay for a full year at a four-year college. The guaranteed transfer agreements and surefire scholarships make a VU degree highly attractive to those interested in engineering fields. 

“The students we have been getting from VU for our engineering programs are very well prepared and a perfect fit for our hands on, project-based curriculum.” says Suresh Immanuel, PhD, Associate Dean for the UE School of Engineering and Computer Science. “They are able to transition quickly and play an integral role in all our team-based projects. We look forward to having many more VU students through the guaranteed admission agreement.”  

Visit the School of Engineering and Computer Science to learn more and apply for any of the engineering or computer science programs.

UE Named a 2022-2023 College of Distinction

The University of Evansville has been recognized for its commitment to helping undergraduate students learn, grow, and succeed by Colleges of Distinction, a unique guide for college-bound students. UE has been named a 2022-2023 College of Distinction and an Indiana College of Distinction, and it also received recognition for a multitude of academic programs and campus departments. 

Colleges of Distinction uses a selection process not only of in-depth research but also detailed interviews with the schools, accepting only those that adhere to the “Four Distinctions.” This includes criteria of engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community, and successful outcomes. Combined, these principles ensure that students have a fulfilling and individualized college experience both inside and outside the classroom. 

“At our university, we are deeply committed to providing a well-rounded, transformative education that has a lasting impact on our students for years to come,” said Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, president of UE. “This recognition from Colleges of Distinction speaks to our mission and the individual experiences of each of our students.” 

Aside from overall undergraduate recognitions, Colleges of Distinction also awards recognition in individual areas. UE earned recognition in the academic areas of business, education, engineering, and nursing. Colleges of Distinction also recognized the University’s career development, equity and inclusion, and military support

“The success of our academic programs and campus departments speaks to the endless efforts of our staff, faculty, and administration,” said Michael Austin, PhD, provost and executive vice president of academic affairs. “We are proud to deliver high-quality courses for our students while also providing academic quality, personal support, and career counseling  throughout their journey at this university.” 

About Colleges of Distinction 

Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to honoring schools throughout the U.S. for true excellence in higher education. The member schools within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their dedicated focus on the undergraduate experience. Its website provides dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information, and to learn how to become a College of Distinction, visit CollegesofDistinction.com

UE Recognized by Phi Theta Kappa for Exemplary Transfer-Friendliness

The University of Evansville was recently named to the 2022 Transfer Honor Roll by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) for its commitment to dynamic pathways and support for transfer students. Of the 700 colleges and universities across the nation that were considered, UE was one of just 171 that made the Transfer Honor Roll. 

The Transfer Honor Roll recognizes the importance of creating strong, successful transfer pathways for community college transfer students. It is determined by 40 key metrics related to transfer student support and success, including: college cost and financial aid; campus life; admission practices; and bachelor’s degree completion. Analyses and data came from the National Student Clearinghouse as well as PTK Connect, Phi Theta Kappa’s online tool designed to help students find their best-fit colleges and career pathways. 

“At our University, we have always strived to foster a welcoming environment for transfer students and to make the process as seamless as possible,” said Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, president of UE. “This recognition speaks to the excellence of our staff, administrators, and faculty who help transfer students every step of the way towards a degree.” 

UE was included in the Transfer Honor Roll because of its exceptional transfer student outcomes. For those who transfer, UE accepts an average of 95 percent of credits from other institutions, and 100 percent of transfer students receive financial aid consisting of scholarships and/or need-based grants. The averages among the Honor Roll for merit-based financial aid and need-based financial aid were just 68 percent and 59 percent, respectively. 

Enrollment for transfer students is expected to grow in the coming semesters. Fall 2022 applications are up more than 100 percent compared to last year, and the number of students choosing to enroll is up significantly, too. This is due to not only student support but also the financial aid awarded to transfer students. Academic scholarships, which are based on cumulative college GPA, range from $15,000 to $21,000 per year. Members of PTK are eligible for additional scholarships. 

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.8 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 10 countries, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org

UE Receives $1.7 Million Gift from Zane and Frances Todd

The University of Evansville has been provided a $1.7 million gift from the Zane and Frances Todd Trust. With this generous support, the University will now establish the Zane and Frances Todd Merit Scholarship Fund. 

Born in 1924, Zane Todd was a native of Evansville and a graduate of Central High School. He attended Evansville College for one year before transferring and eventually being drafted into the Army during World War II. He led a remarkable life and had a career with Indianapolis Power & Light Company that spanned four decades. He later retired in Florida with his wife, Frances, until his passing in 2013. Together, they shared a vision for establishing a scholarship fund to support nontraditional students – as Zane was one himself.  

While there is no precise definition, a “nontraditional student” is one who falls outside of the traditional undergraduate student mold by virtue of age, marital or family status, financial independence, full-time work status, military service, or other characteristics less common among typical college-age students. 

This gift will fund scholarships for nontraditional students majoring in engineering, computer science, the sciences, and nursing.  

“Zane Todd led such an impressive life through his military service, career, and beyond,” said Abigail Werling, vice president for advancement at UE. “Both he and Frances understood the powerful change that scholarships can make for nontraditional students seeking a transformational education from the University of Evansville. We are very honored to receive this legacy gift from the Zane and Frances Todd Trust and thank them for their vision to make higher education accessible for all."

Students who want to pursue a degree in engineering, computer science, nursing, or science can apply for admission to the University for free by visiting evansville.edu/apply.   

Forward Logo

David Ragland named head men’s basketball coach at UE

David Ragland has been named the 16th head men’s basketball coach in University of Evansville history. The announcement of the 8th Division I head coach in Purple Aces history was made by director of athletics Dr. Kenneth “Ziggy” Siegfried.

As we moved through the search process for our new head men’s basketball coach, David Ragland separated himself from the other candidates and established himself as the clear choice to lead our program,” Siegfried said. “David brings a wealth of experience that will help our program in every way, while his familiarity with the Evansville community will help to reengage our supporters.”

In a coaching career that has spanned nearly two decades, Ragland’s experience has contributed to an impressive group of programs that includes Butler, Utah State, Valparaiso, Vincennes, Northern Kentucky, Bowling Green, Indiana State, and Frank Phillips College. He joins the Evansville program following a 1-year stint as an assistant coach at Butler University.

Prior to his time with the Bulldogs, Ragland enjoyed a successful tenure at Utah State where his squads achieved at least 20 wins in each of his three seasons while finishing with an overall mark of 74-24. The Aggies made two NCAA Tournament appearances during his tenure, while the 2019-20 squad posted a 26-8 mark before the postseason was canceled due to COVID-19.

“I want to thank Dr. Siegfried and President Pietruszkiewicz for putting their trust in me to lead this program. It is a dream come true to return home. Evansville is such a special place for my family and myself and the opportunity to come back to where it all started means the world,” Ragland exclaimed. “Growing up in the city, I understand what the Purple Aces program means to the community. From day one, I will work to establish a program that the entire University of Evansville campus community and the city of Evansville will be proud of. My family and I are excited to be home.”

Ragland has worked at two current Missouri Valley Conference institutions, including a 2-year term at Valparaiso. During his first season with the program, the team accumulated 24 victories in 2016-17 while finishing with a Horizon League regular season championship and a spot in the postseason NIT. Highlighting the roster for VU was Horizon League Player of the Year Alec Peters, who was the 54th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

From 2010 through 2014, Ragland was an assistant coach at Indiana State where the Sycamores put forth one of the top stretches by a mid-major program in recent memory. ISU recorded 80 victories along with four postseason appearances, including a spot in the NCAA

Tournament in 2010-11. Ragland was an assistant at Northern Kentucky (2015-16) and Bowling Green (2014-15) following his stint with the Sycamores. He contributed to a 24-11 mark at NKU, which included an NCAA Tournament berth.

His first head coaching opportunity came at Vincennes University where he led the Trailblazers to a 44-19 record in his two years at the helm. The 2009-10 campaign saw them post a 22-10 mark and a run that took the program to the NJCAA District Tournament Finals. Ragland opened his coaching career at Frank Phillips College where he was part of a squad that went 25-5 in 2004-05.

Graduating from Harrison High School, Ragland was named an All-State Honorable Mention basketball player. He began his collegiate career at Missouri Southern State College in Joplin, where his team went on to the NCAA Division II Final Four during his freshman year. Following his sophomore year, he transferred to the University of Southern Indiana where he played for two seasons, propelling the Screaming Eagles to a total of 47 victories and leading the team in assists in both years.

Ragland and his wife, Annie, have two children: Ava and Joshua.

At 6 p.m. on Wednesday, a community introduction will take place at Meeks Family Fieldhouse. The event will be open to the public. Media is invited to cover the event; however, interviews with Ragland and Siegfried must be conducted at the earlier media opportunity.

Over 650 Students Named to Spring 2022 Dean's List

The University of Evansville named more than 650 students to the Dean's List for the Spring 2022 semester. Congratulations to these Aces for their outstanding academic achievement!

Students are named to the Dean's List every fall and spring semester. To merit the honor of being placed on the Dean's List, a student must have carried a full academic load of 12 hours or more and have earned a grade point average of 3.5 or above.

Center for Adult Education

  • Kari Korschgen
  • Lauren Hart
  • Andrew Hartmann
  • Jason Kinder
  • Jana Williams

William L. Ridgway College of Arts and Sciences

  • Ever Gowins
  • Katcha Papesh
  • Evan Barr
  • Kelsey Berner
  • Audrey Chambers
  • Makayla Gomperts
  • Madelynn Jacobs
  • Carlie Schultheis
  • Jordan Bradley
  • Abigail Wight
  • Elias Gray
  • Elizabeth Recker
  • Fadwa Al-Rawahi
  • Lily Waddell
  • Nathanael Kuechenberg
  • Alexa Davis
  • Jalyn Davis
  • Emily Ormson
  • Claire Franzman
  • Abbigail Kaup
  • Antoine Smith
  • Alejandra Aguilar
  • Sarah Curtin
  • Sarah Vreeland
  • Madeline Schneider
  • Nicole Tucker
  • Savannah Wheeler-Bigge
  • Kent Biehle
  • Savannah Cook
  • Mariah Schaefer
  • Malia Metelues
  • Casey Winters
  • Haley Worland
  • Beverley Buchanan
  • Garrett Hale
  • Spencer Marfy
  • Zoe Paraskevopoulos
  • Almale Wheeless
  • Isaac Bates
  • Rachel Neupert
  • Ryan Schneider
  • Megan Adkins
  • Lauren Lovingood
  • Elyse Talley
  • Quentin Yoder
  • Rafay Karim
  • Emma Ault
  • Devon Langley
  • Iryna Tsesiul
  • Caroline Gorman
  • Hannah Garrity
  • Sarah Andresen
  • Jeremiah Sagers
  • Megan Montgomery
  • Brooklynn Moody
  • Liliana Inderstrodt
  • Conner Killian
  • Kaitlyn Wilhite
  • Brandi Borchers
  • James Guest
  • Aivelyn Karsten
  • Charles Shald
  • Madison Wilson
  • Rebecca Bailey
  • Nicholas Buechlein
  • Danielle Monroe
  • Josephine Pagano
  • Devyn Schaetzle
  • Bradley Schulte
  • Amanda Shields
  • Jenna Zirkelbach
  • Abby Feit
  • Garrett Barthel
  • Kira Johnson
  • Keegan Leek
  • Carly Scheu
  • Ali Scott
  • Madelyn Jesop
  • Daniel Hackney
  • Martha Wolf
  • Benjamin Patterson
  • McKenzie White
  • Charles Harad
  • Jaden Hayes
  • Kelsey Breneman
  • Maya Barry
  • Ashly Chalico
  • Elizabeth Dye
  • Marie Reilly
  • Bradley Baumhover
  • Sarah Diaz-Garcia
  • Yumna Al-Hasni
  • Ivy Clark
  • Iljana Krajacich
  • Shauna Mihalyo
  • Andrew Norrington
  • Jacob Overstreet
  • Samuel Ports
  • Julia Ribblett
  • Anna Robbins
  • Sara Wilkens
  • Rachel Fisher
  • Hannah Halbrook
  • Baylee Minton
  • Hope Hartmann
  • Dev Patel
  • Callum Appel
  • Emily Langston
  • Aman Patel
  • Lincoln Smith
  • Abigail Watters
  • Elizabeth Geittmann
  • Carmen Worthington
  • Jackson Caudill
  • Cecilia Odenbaugh
  • Elaine Vazquez
  • Donovan Schultz
  • Hailey Chrapek
  • Trix-Nico Gebele
  • Danielle Parisi
  • Madeline Folz
  • Jordan McKinney
  • Caleb Sellers
  • Chloe Campbell
  • Michael Ikejiani
  • Elizabeth McCook
  • Mitchell Matthews
  • Cynthia Spaetti
  • Sean Froidcoeur
  • Evan Waggoner
  • Cecilia Barmes
  • Koby Durbin
  • Tad Specht
  • Cassidy Hood
  • Madeline Adamson
  • Daniela Castillo Daura
  • Dalton Lampert
  • Alexa Markl
  • Chloe Bontrager
  • Hannah Bryan
  • Katherine Doty
  • Delaney Ross
  • Hannah Tarr
  • Hailey Autenrieb
  • Haley Curtis
  • Olivia Barclay
  • Sally Steffens
  • Anya Arora
  • Hayley Laidlaw
  • Reagan Nowaskie
  • Rachel Shultz
  • Abigail Daniel
  • Sophie Lindner
  • Austin Hernandez
  • Corwin Krippel
  • Nora Ruotolo
  • John Smith
  • Samantha Fowler
  • Brandon Gibson
  • Emily Palmisano
  • Jarett Osborne
  • Savanah Summerfield
  • John Sutter
  • Sydney Wilbur
  • Grant Kay
  • Nicole Benati
  • Daniel Griffaton
  • Allison Enchelmayer
  • Rachel Taylor
  • Allyse Hardy
  • Kaitlyn Collins
  • Brian Woodard
  • Abigail Batdorf
  • Macy Beard
  • Micah Johnson
  • Kylee Peck
  • Isabella Ehrick
  • May Anderson
  • Chloe Brzozowski
  • Jonathan Finn
  • Evelyn Hipp
  • Sara Mathew
  • Gabriel Smothers
  • Sarah Tuma
  • Abigail Marlin
  • Amanda Ward
  • John Erickson
  • Abbigail Lenk
  • Samantha Schmidt
  • Charlie Watts
  • Mayray Sung
  • Alexis Carpenter
  • Samantha Anderson
  • Austin Faulkner
  • Olivia Doyle
  • Claire Stout
  • Joseph Gardner
  • Sadie Scovern
  • Zorah Mehrzad
  • Olivia Wilson
  • Emily Burlison
  • Rebecca Conaway
  • McAllister Stowell
  • Alexys Bolin
  • Chloe Burns
  • Mary Butler
  • Olivia Oswald
  • Noah Stabler
  • Mikayla Duffy
  • Annie Kim
  • Kynzie Combs
  • Chasity Carner
  • Samuel Tarter
  • Annabelle Faith
  • Delaney Rasche
  • Laura Dunlap
  • Benton Simpson
  • Elizabeth Stainback
  • Logan Lampert
  • Natalie Wolf
  • Elnora Stewart
  • Katelyn Thomason
  • Blake Froedge
  • Haley Dreyer
  • Jared Bailey
  • Trenton Barbee
  • Ashley Barnett
  • Xinyue Bi
  • Rachel Black
  • Evan Book
  • Olivia Brames
  • Corinna Cagle
  • Olivia Campbell
  • Kate Clarke
  • Kienan Corcoran
  • Alyssa DeCorrevont
  • Cassandra Dunn
  • Carissa Eckroth
  • Merris Egloff
  • Baylee Geng
  • Hannah Girten
  • Ashley Gray
  • Hannah Hall
  • Keri Hammers
  • Rebecca Harwood
  • Lauren Hill
  • Claire Himstedt
  • Alfred Ijeomah
  • Angela Jansen
  • Fae-Siri Keighley
  • Samantha Kinnevan
  • Paige Kirkey
  • Dallas Koth
  • Bailey Lomax
  • Kirkland Long
  • Gabriela Mancuso
  • Katherine Maue
  • Hannah McAlister
  • Elise Moeller
  • Austin Nickens
  • Olivia Pedersen
  • Herbert Perlman
  • Lindsey Phillips
  • Brynn Radak
  • Tyla Rasche
  • Kylee Rathgeber
  • Rebecca Riggs
  • Benjamin Roberts
  • Erin Rowlett
  • Margaret Scarberry
  • Grace Sinclair
  • Bryan Stevens
  • Makayla Stewart
  • Sophia Toth
  • Kira Ulrich
  • Isabell Vetter
  • Loretta Wachter
  • Paige Webster
  • Macy Wilson
  • McKenzie Young

College of Education and Health Sciences

  • Luke Robertson
  • Alyssa McMinn
  • Laney Olson
  • Abigail Repking
  • Geordan Blades
  • Madison Donofrio
  • Alexandra Eyler
  • Abigail Faltus
  • Jillian Happe
  • Marah Wood
  • Peyton Beller
  • Emily Burleson
  • Khalesia Lange
  • Hannah Gourley
  • Blake Johnson
  • Chloe Carlin
  • Laura Hart
  • Meghan Hillenbrand
  • Jacy Hughes
  • Julia Libby
  • Michaela Nurrenbern
  • Adeline O'Brian
  • Ianglen Sung
  • Phoebe August
  • Brandi Dore
  • Allison Roach
  • Rachael Walker
  • Kameron Graber
  • Austin Yoder
  • Laura Crouch
  • Caitlin O'Donnell
  • Megan Brenton
  • Sveva Brugnoli
  • MacGuire Butterfield
  • Kristen Harvey
  • Jossie Hudson
  • Elise O'Risky
  • Jeremy Pennington
  • Kimberly Zamora
  • Grace Reisinger
  • Madeleine Vinson
  • Anna Bury
  • Nolan Hobgood
  • Emily McMonigle
  • Savannah Watson
  • Alexa Wheeler
  • Kara Yunker
  • Alayna Acree
  • Zoe Dennis
  • Noah Wolf
  • Hayden Folz
  • Elizabeth Siverly
  • Claire Griffy
  • Elise Payne
  • Meredith Rielly
  • Nishita Trivedi
  • Tressa Hodge
  • Haydn Johnston
  • Georgia Katsonouri
  • Carina Kessens
  • Carson Kline
  • Monique Landrum
  • Elijah Rohleder
  • Tyler Strantz
  • Jerryn Swingle
  • Emily Bonenberger
  • Ava Bourn
  • Megan Criss
  • Kayla Hughes
  • Mallory Singer
  • Chelsie Edwards
  • Zoe Frossard
  • Sierra Knapp
  • Kelsey Miller
  • Hannah Rhodes
  • Carissa Ward
  • Sydney Weatherford
  • Margo Wittmer
  • Lindsey Field
  • Grace Frasier
  • Alon Baer
  • Annelise Brown
  • Elise Deeg
  • Ross Knepp
  • Kyle Billhartz
  • Cassandra Bykowicz
  • Zachary Dove
  • Madeline Ebbott
  • Gwyneth Gorley
  • Abigail Groenewold
  • Joshua Heuck
  • Brianna Kelly
  • Isabel Lynch
  • Sadie Obenauer
  • Lillieann Oelker
  • Kathryn Williams
  • Ellie Cassidy
  • Amberly Jacob
  • Luciano Albanese
  • Rebecca Crow
  • Caroline Laird
  • Hannah Stocks
  • Emily Fortune
  • Mary Franklin
  • Makayla Healy
  • Olivia McIntire
  • Madison O'Daniel
  • Joey Shreve
  • Lyndsay Deal
  • Dyrena Darrett
  • Danielle Henderson
  • Ellen Messer
  • Tiffany Weisman
  • Jodi Willenbrink
  • Emily Vasquez
  • Sarah Dottavio
  • Megan Fulhorst
  • Allyson Jordens
  • Olivia Ommen
  • Shelby Zins
  • Apryl Stahl
  • Carmen Alford
  • Hannah Barger
  • Brady Boring
  • Sara Budd
  • Mackenzie Carter
  • Makenna DeCapua
  • Evan Dekker
  • Haley Elpers
  • Paige Gehl
  • Cara Hand
  • Brooke Lasher
  • Kyleigh Mayer
  • Eli Minar
  • Justin Nichols
  • Adam Oulgout
  • Claire Reiman
  • River Remble
  • Maria Roshel
  • Emma Slavkin
  • Brian Tong
  • Alexandria Treadway
  • Mallory Weber
  • Tasha Wiseman
  • Joshua Wong
  • Keri Zumbahlen
  • Emma McConnell
  • Taylor Rapp
  • Sophia Rodil
  • Delaney Herrmann
  • Sydney Koplinski
  • Faith Macy
  • Kalee Muth
  • Dylan Saint-Pre
  • Isabelle Stapp
  • Tarakate Thompson
  • Luke Watts
  • Allison McDonald
  • Ashton Wilson
  • Dawson Beers
  • Cassandra Gilmore
  • Griffin Hammett
  • Hannah Rawhoof
  • Olivia Frayer
  • Emily Bickel
  • Hannah Conley
  • Neeley Correll
  • Kathryn Heiny
  • Kennah Keller
  • Matthew Lee
  • Hannah Seibert
  • Bailee Speicher
  • Emily Spiller
  • Caleb Stevenson
  • Grace Trefren
  • Imelda Salgado
  • Alyssa Howell
  • Xia Stafford
  • Akane Suzuki
  • Jessica Steele
  • Jara Braunecker
  • Emily Munday
  • Rachel Rosborough
  • Olivia Spencer
  • Francesco Komyatte
  • Karissa Dowd
  • Lyndie Foster
  • Erin Marx
  • Emily Brown
  • Katharine Frerichs
  • Abigail Hatcher
  • Krista Kellar
  • Jenna Littlejohn
  • Giovanni Purser
  • Alexia Recinella
  • Catherine Shafer
  • Justin Zumbahlen
  • Fatimah Albahrani
  • Breah Bailey
  • Ryan Melvin
  • Mallory Russell
  • Caleb Wassmer
  • Sarah Felts
  • Emilee Scheumann
  • Noah Blake
  • Sydney Bachman
  • Elizabeth Bell
  • Katheryn Bell
  • Dakota Blankenship
  • Emma Boebinger
  • Alexandria Brothers
  • Claire Brown
  • Corinne Buchanan
  • Abbey Chapman
  • Raphaello Colasito
  • Madeline Craig
  • Andrew Cvelbar
  • Emily Duckworth
  • Lauren Fischer
  • Nathan Fischer
  • Savannah Freels
  • Janson Garman
  • Nicholas Gerber
  • Brady Gogel
  • Katherine Goslak
  • Joshua Graves
  • Ethan Gray
  • Katlyn Hands
  • Alexa Hopf
  • Jasmine Jones
  • Rachel Jones
  • Sarah Kelley
  • Alan Kerstiens
  • Quinn Kidd
  • Amy Lannan
  • Erin Linscott
  • Karnesha March
  • Hadley Martin
  • Samuel McNichols
  • Julia Meadows
  • Kyli Miles
  • Elizabeth Miller
  • Savanna Mills
  • Kaitlynn Moffatt
  • Gaven Moore
  • Schyler Motz
  • Erin Nixon
  • Jami Nobbe
  • Ashton Padgett
  • Simon Paez Abedanck
  • Brooke Pentecost
  • Marlana Pleak
  • Dasha Pottgiesser
  • Kortney Quinn
  • Lauren Rech
  • Katherine Reed
  • Morgan Ribaudo
  • Sydney Richter
  • Olivia Rodd
  • Kelly Roth
  • Katelyn Sander
  • McKenna Sapp
  • Madelyn Schroeder
  • Kylie Shourds
  • Maggie Southwood
  • Abigail Thomason
  • Sydney Thurwalker
  • Lauren Tomich
  • Emma Vassy
  • Paige Weintraut
  • Nicolette Wickes
  • Emily Wolak
  • Audrey Wuertz

College of Business and Engineering

  • Jeffery Coulter
  • Luke Leffert
  • Eric Harpenau
  • Darian Kuhn
  • Dalton Clark
  • Owen Bryant
  • Wesley Fleischmann
  • Nicholas Gushrowski
  • Henry Hall
  • Sarah Lambright
  • Kaleb Werner
  • Ethan Abney
  • Alejandro Malla
  • Riccardo Di Domenico
  • Justin Fritch
  • Gabriel Gries
  • Brendon Herrin
  • Alexander Sagers
  • Caleb Peters
  • Emily Wiebe
  • Trevor Seufert
  • Bradan Bruce
  • Elayna Walters
  • Ellora Daily
  • Jackson Maurer
  • Kyaw Kyaw Htun
  • Dylan Mofield
  • Auberi Grubb
  • Ashlyn Thompson
  • Ethan Garvey
  • Kourtney Hauk
  • Samer Nassif
  • Macy Campbell
  • Tyler Denu
  • Soomin Ko
  • Alexis Speitel
  • Garrett Wood
  • Carlos Souto Vilas
  • Ethan Ziegler
  • Porter Pomykal
  • Jonathan Scott
  • Benjamin Stuart
  • Henry Kiel
  • Warda Alaisari
  • Sara Albalushi
  • Oliver Hald
  • Abigail Johnson
  • Preston Thornton
  • McKenna Tutt
  • Kaylen Beard
  • Carly Frazier
  • John Gerth
  • David Martin
  • Magdalen Newcomb
  • Jenna Nink
  • Marissa Shook
  • Hannah Watkins
  • Ashtyn Baxter
  • Magdalena Borisova
  • Max Dehen
  • Crispin Ewen
  • Jasmine Hauser
  • Erin Kleffman
  • Carson Parker
  • Katherine Boots
  • Logan Replogle
  • Laura Ruiz
  • Landon Stoll
  • Anna Watson
  • Steven Burkhart
  • Jobe Miller
  • Vidit Patel
  • Pratikchhaya Adhikari
  • Ethan Brawley
  • Emilie Hill
  • Michael Whitehead
  • Zocoyotzin Galindo-Ortiz
  • Sonsoles Aguayo Munoz
  • Dylan Arthur
  • Mark Bauer
  • Elisa Cardona
  • Hunter Davis
  • Parker Dierks
  • Alex Dodson
  • Alek Dunkelberger
  • Edward Friesel
  • Connor Fritch
  • Gage Gossman
  • John Helmerich
  • Connor Luebbehusen
  • Trey Riggs
  • Jackson Smith
  • Ahmed Solaiman
  • Lauren Stevenson
  • Alex Bauer
  • Benjamin Becher
  • James Buchanan
  • Julie Burkholder
  • Crayton Chesnut
  • Adam Dahou
  • Kendyl Guzman
  • Jakub Hall
  • Jacob Madden
  • Kristin Norris
  • Ellen Rohr
  • Joseph Rucinski
  • Daniel Setton
  • Pema Sherpa
  • Spencer Thompson
  • Katherine Tielking
  • Nicholas Tyring
  • Ifechi Umeh
  • Benjamin Welp
  • Megan Yoder

UE Offering Lineup of Summer Camps

Throughout the summer of 2022, the University of Evansville (UE) will offer several youth camps. Registration is now open for each camp, and parents can learn more and sign up their child by visiting evansville.edu/camps. The deadline to register for most camps is Friday, June 10, 2022.

Springboard 

In partnership with Black Lemonade, a nonprofit organization “dedicated to turning sour conflict into sweet and powerful solutions,” Springboard will give students the opportunity to learn about stereotypes throughout the world and identify ways to educate the masses on the truth using media outlets. Participants will learn from UE faculty and staff, engage with their peers, and volunteer with several organizations in the Evansville community.  

Springboard is open to high school students and will be held Monday through Friday, June 6 through July 22, from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The cost is $120, and the deadline to register is Friday, June 3. 

Wesley Shepard Music Camp 

The UE Music Conservatory will host a weeklong camp for students entering grades 6-12 from Sunday, June 19, through Saturday, June 25. Those who have completed at least one year of band, orchestra, piano, private lessons, or similar experience are eligible to attend. 

The music camp will include experiences in band, orchestra, and piano. Students will rehearse and perform, receive specialized instruction, learn musicianship skills, and participate in other music-related activities. Lunch will be provided each day in Ridgway University Center. The cost to attend is $250. 

STEM Camp 

The UE Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics will jointly host an inaugural STEM camp for high school students. STEM education includes science, technology, engineering, and math. 

Rising students for grades 9-12 are invited to participate in hands-on exploration from June 20-25. The weeklong camp will cover several STEM topics, including energy in molecules, ecological interactions, DNA barcoding, data science, and more. Participants will also learn about STEM-based career discovery and undergraduate research. The cost of the camp is $250 and will last each day from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. 

Exploring Art at UE 

The UE Department of Art is inviting the local youth to make all types of art in the studios on campus. Participants will get to draw, paint, dye, marbleize, and create jewelry alongside art faculty and students. At the end of the camp, students will take home a 106-piece art kit with a built-in easel for future creations. 

Exploring Art at UE will be offered the week of June 20-25, and the cost is $100. The camp will be split into two groups: students entering grades 2-5 will meet from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., and those entering grades 5-8 will meet from 1:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. 

Dance Camp 

The inaugural Dance Camp will be held from June 22-25, and students will have the opportunity to learn ballroom, hip hop, modern dance, and more. Ballroom dances will include swing, rumba, foxtrot, and waltz. On the last day, a performance will be held. Campers will also receive in-depth dance lessons, a T-shirt, and breakfast and lunch. The cost of the camp is $200. 

Journey to Justice 

UE is also leading an 8-day Journey to Justice bus tour through cities of the South to explore the history of the civil rights movement. The trip is scheduled for July 16-23 and open to rising high school juniors and seniors. More information is available at evansville.edu/journeytojustice

The University strives to make summer camps accessible to all students regardless of their ability to pay. Thanks to generous funding from Lilly Endowment Inc., financial assistance could cover up to 90% of costs for those in need. Funds are limited, so parents and guardians are encouraged to apply early. Visit evansville.edu/camps to register for all camps, and the pre-registration will include financial assistance questions. 

Embrace's Jacobsville Advantage Receives $15K Investment from Fifth Third

Embrace, the University of Evansville (UE) student-run marketing and communications agency, will continue offering discounted services to local businesses through the Jacobsville Advantage. Fifth Third Bank provided an initial $25,000 grant to kickstart the endeavor, and they have recently invested an additional $15,000 to support ongoing services. 

The Jacobsville Advantage was launched in October 2021 to help fuel growth and development for businesses in the Jacobsville community. Since that time, Embrace has taken on six clients, some of which include Foster Care in the US, Gayla Cake, Jacobsville Community Cooperative, The Jacobsville Fine Arts Association, and Zesto. Projects with these businesses have included website creation and redesign, flyers, video advertisements, social media, and more. 

“Working with the Jacobsville community has been one of the best opportunities for Embrace,” said Ellen Rohr, CEO of the agency. “We were able to help a variety of businesses with diverse marketing needs. My hope is that this will be a program that can help small businesses grow for many years to come.” 

Any business owner in the Jacobsville community can apply to receive marketing services at discounted rates. Embrace uses a stairstep approach for pricing, with the initial five hours beginning at $10 per hour. Rates increase up to and max out at $50 after 35 hours of service. To learn more or schedule an appointment with the team, owners should visit jacobsvilleadvantage.org

Although senior students of Embrace will graduate on May 7, the agency wants to continue serving the Jacobsville community and finding innovative solutions for business owners. Seven new members will be added to Embrace, and each bring unique capabilities to the dynamic team. With Fifth Third Bank’s $15,000 investment, the incoming team is eager to continue creating positive change and supporting local businesses. 

"Fifth Third Bank is thrilled to continue supporting the Jacobsville Advantage Program in partnership with Embrace,” shared Neely Pierce, city president of Fifth Third Bank. “This community is extremely deserving of these much-needed marketing and business resources, and we look forward to being a part of their continued success.” 

Eyewitness News covered the story and included interviews from business owners, which you can view here.

About Embrace 

Embrace Marketing and Communications was founded in October 2018 at the University of Evansville to provide students with real-world business experience. Its mission is to provide its clients with innovative, high-quality marketing and communications services. For more information, please visit embracemarcomm.com

UE Men’s Basketball parts ways with Lickliter

Kenneth “Ziggy” Siegfried, EdD, director of athletics at the University of Evansville (UE), has announced the departure of head men’s basketball coach Todd Lickliter, effective immediately.

“I have had the opportunity to meet with Coach Lickliter and it is obvious that he is an outstanding individual who cares greatly for this University and our student-athletes,” said Siegfried. “Todd and his staff have exemplified the true meaning and purpose of a Purple Ace. We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”

Lickliter assumed the head coaching position on January 21, 2020 and directed the program through the COVID-19 pandemic. The highlight of his tenure came during the 2020-21 season when he orchestrated a 7-game Missouri Valley Conference turnaround while leading the Aces to a top five finish in the league standings.

A national search for Lickliter’s replacement will begin immediately.

Thananatthanachon, Lampkins Invested as Wargel Endowed Chairs of Academic Programs

On May 2, 2022, the University of Evansville held an investiture ceremony for two faculty members: Todsapon Thananatthanachon, PhD; and Andrew Lampkins, PharmD, PhD. Both individuals were invested as the Wargel Endowed Chair of their respective programs, which was made possible due to a generous gift from Bob and Judy Wargel. 

Thananatthanachon, or known by his colleagues and students as “Dr. Tod,” will now serve as the Wargel Endowed Chair in Chemistry for the Wargel Department of Chemistry in the William L. Ridgway College of Arts and Sciences. As an associate professor, he teaches a variety of courses and maintains an active research group in the area of organometallic chemistry, green chemistry, and catalysis. Dr. Tod also serves as a faculty research advisor for the Chemistry Club, and he established an annual Chemistry Club Lecture Series that invites distinguished researchers in all areas of chemistry to present on campus. 

Lampkins was invested as the Wargel Endowed Chair in Physician Assistant Science for the Master of Physician Assistant Science program in the College of Education and Health Sciences. After earning his PhD in organic and medical chemistry, he completed a Walther Cancer Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Notre Dame. Before he became an associate professor for the physician assistant program, he was an assistant professor and inaugural G. Richard and Rita ’59 Eykamp Endowed Chair in Chemistry.  

Following the formal ceremony, which was held in UE’s Neu Chapel, guests were invited to a reception where UE unveiled the Robert and Judy Decker Wargel Department of Chemistry. The department and its new signage are located on the third floor of Koch Center for Engineering and Science. 

Bob and Judy Wargel are two alumni and friends of the University whose generosity has supported remarkable student experiences, cutting edge faculty research, and continuously enhanced academics. They met one another at UE, and both earned degrees in chemistry. After successful careers, the Wargels followed their love of volunteering and passion for improving health and wellness in third-world countries. They also gave countless hours to the Department of Chemistry by sponsoring summer internships for students and establishing a planned gift to the department. 

Dr. Tod and Dr. Lampkins pose with President Pietruszkiewicz

Dr. Kenneth “Ziggy” Siegfried named UE Director of Athletics

Turning the page into a new era of Purple Aces athletics, University of Evansville President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz announced the hiring of Dr. Kenneth “Ziggy” Siegfried as the new Director of Athletics. Siegfried will officially be introduced today at a 2:00 p.m. press conference inside Meeks Family Fieldhouse.

“I have been delighted with our partnership with Turnkey. They listened to our campus community and especially our student athletes, attracting a world class pool of candidates,” said Pietruszkiewicz. “We hired a leader with a proven track record of success for our athletic department, our University, and our community. We said we would hire the right person for UE — and we did.” 

Siegfried joins the University of Evansville from California State University Bakersfield (CSUB) where he has served as the Director of Athletics and Associate Vice President for Student Affairs since August of 2015. In his role at CSUB, Siegfried has successfully led an athletic program that is comprised of 16 varsity sports programs with over 300 student-athletes and 90 employees. One of the highlights of his tenure at CSUB was when he succeeded in securing an invitation for CSUB to join the Big West Conference. 

“It is an honor to join the University of Evansville, the athletic department, and the Evansville community. This is a special place with a great deal of potential,” Siegfried said. “I would like to thank President Pietruszkiewicz for presenting me with this opportunity. My appreciation also goes out to the advisory committee and TurnkeyZRG.” 

Siegfried transformed the athletic department during his tenure at CSUB through the development of a new strategic plan, the creation of a comprehensive master facilities plan, and the commencement of a variety of major construction projects. Under his direction, CSUB generated the largest amount of revenue in the history of the department while achieving high ticket sales and securing significant donations and corporate sponsorships.  

Putting an emphasis on academics is a pivotal part of Siegfried’s blueprint. During his tenure, CSUB set records in Graduation Success Rates (GSR), departmental GPAs, and Academic Progress Rates (APR). Siegfried has also been active at the university, conference, and national level throughout his career. On a national level, he serves on the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA) Board and is in his third year serving on the NCAA Accelerating Academic Success Program Committee. 

At the conference level, he serves on the Big West Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, the D1-AAA Athletics Directors Association Scholar-Athlete Team Committee and has served on the conference championships committee for both the Western Athletic Conference and the Big West Conference. 

“I am excited to lead a talented group of student-athletes, coaches, and staff members as we strive to be the best at what we do in the classroom, in competition, and in the community. Together, we will strive to give our student-athletes an experience that is second to none,” Siegfried added. “The Purple Aces are Evansville’s team, and we are going to actively engage our community from day one. My wife, my children, and I are excited to call Evansville home.” 

Prior to his arrival in Bakersfield, Siegfried worked at the University of Memphis for eight years on the Senior Staff within the Athletics Department while serving on the University fundraising leadership team during a successful $250 million campaign. During his time at U of M, Siegfried helped to raise $16 million that went into the transformation of the athletic facilities.  

Siegfried attended the University of Memphis where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education and sports management in 2003. He earned his Master of Science in sports administration from Middle Tennessee State University in 2004 and completed his Doctor of Education from the University of Memphis in 2019. A native of Memphis, Siegfried and his wife, Karen, have five children: William, Samuel, Caroline, Miriam, and their late sister Delilah.

Dr. Kenneth Seigfried

UE Leading 8-Day Civil Rights Bus Tour in July 2022

For the second year in a row, the University of Evansville will lead an eight-day civil rights bus tour in July that will explore historical sites and landmarks in cities of the South. Students on this trip will learn important, valuable lessons at each stop for an impactful experience of personal reflection and application within their own communities. Journey to Justice is open to rising high school juniors and seniors and current students of UE, and registration is open through June 10, 2022. Scholarships are available for students in need. 

From July 16-23, 2022, travelers will visit museums, churches, and other culturally rich destinations across the cities of Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma, Alabama; Memphis, Tennessee; and Louisville, Kentucky. Sites will include the Rosa Parks Museum, Edmund Pettus Bridge, National Civil Rights Institute, Beale Street, and the Muhammad Ali Center. Before departing UE for the trip, students will also visit the Evansville African American Museum.  

Through Journey to Justice, students can earn three college credits that are applied toward general education requirements or the ethics and social change major. Some assignments, such as journal entries and film viewings, will be completed on the trip, while others will be completed after returning home. 

The cost of the trip is $1575 for high school students and includes tuition and travel. For questions about scholarships, please email vs9@evansville.edu.  

Journey to Justice is made possible through the generous support of Lilly Endowment Inc. To register, or for more information, visit the Journey to Justice page. 

UE Offering Archaeology Field School at Harlaxton

This June, the University of Evansville (UE) will lead the first archaeological excavation on the grounds of its overseas study abroad center, Harlaxton College. The 30-day Archaeology Field School is open to both beginning and experienced archaeologists. Learners of all ages from anywhere in the United States and United Kingdom can join. The deadline to register is May 2, 2022.

Harlaxton College is housed in an exquisite, 19th-century Victorian manor located in the countryside of Lincolnshire, England, near the town of Grantham. Every semester, the manor welcomes students from UE and other partner institutions across the nation, and they complete general education and program-specific courses while immersed in British culture. 

The Archaeology Field School will focus on the Walled Garden Project, a carbon-negative initiative that will allow greater access and engagement opportunities to the Harlaxton community and visitors. The dig will begin in the “Thunder House” of the long-abandoned gardener’s cottage. Participants will look to uncover the forgotten lives of those who helped run the manor, reveal traces of the site’s prehistoric past, and investigate WWI training trenches. The Archaeology Field School is offered in partnership with the Enabled Archaeology Foundation and a range of local community history and archaeology societies. 

Regardless of participants’ skill sets, the field-based learning will cover excavation and survey techniques, understanding mapping and recording, and how to correctly trowel. Participants will also attend a British Studies seminar with a leading professor and expert in the field. College students are eligible to earn course credit through the experience and can choose from archaeology or British studies options. 

“The opportunity to have a field school this summer at Harlaxton makes me beyond grateful,” said Emily Stammitti, PhD, program coordinator and director of the Archaeology Field School at Harlaxton. “The support we have received from both the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as the county of Lincolnshire, has been inspiring. Our hope is to report findings after the conclusion of the dig and to continue this good work into the future.” 

Space is limited, so interested individuals are encouraged to register soon. Visit evansville.edu/fieldschool

UE Presents Vanderburgh County Educators of the Year

On Wednesday, April 6, the University of Evansville (UE) presented four individuals in Vanderburgh County with Outstanding Educator Awards. Each educator received a surprise announcement within their school as part of UE’s 31st annual presentation of awards. 

The competition, which is specific to Vanderburgh County, recognizes current classroom teachers and building principals in grades K-12 with at least three years of experience. The Outstanding Educator Awards for Vanderburgh County are sponsored by UE, Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union, and the Evansville Courier & Press. 

The following awards were presented on Wednesday: 

Outstanding Elementary Teacher of the Year: Kenneth “Kennan” Barnett, sixth grade teacher at Vogel Elementary                                     

Kennan has been teaching for five years, all of which have been spent at Vogel Elementary. This year, he began teaching English and language arts, math, science, and social studies at the fifth-grade level. 

As a teacher, his goal is to ensure each student leaves his classroom having grown academically, emotionally, and socially. By creating a safe learning environment where students respect one another and value hard work and positivity, he hopes students will thrive outside of the school walls.   

“On a daily basis, I remind my students that they have control over very few things in their life, but they will always have full control over their work ethic and attitude,” said Kennan. “Anything they may lack in skill, they will always make up for with these two traits.” 

The pandemic has taught Kennan a lot about adaptability. He was a physical education teacher before COVID-19 arrived. While he planned to continue this path, a large influx of students returning from Virtual Academy required additional teachers in the classroom. Kennan saw this as an opportunity to grow and expand upon his experience. “I went from locomotor movements and manipulative skills in PE to explaining the area of parallelograms and how to write a first-person narrative essay,” he said. “I never saw myself outside of the gym, but now I have built strong relationships with my team and my amazing students, and I can’t imagine leaving the classroom.” 

Last year, Kennan had the opportunity to pilot a program, titled “Gentleman’s Academy,” for sixth grade boys at Vogel. Being the only male teacher in the school, he wanted to ensure the boys had a positive male mentor in life that they could always rely on. The program specifically helps those with a low sense of belonging or high frequency of behavior issues. The boys are paired with a staff member that they trust and meet with daily. The staff members build trust with the students as they support them academically, socially, and behaviorally. Bi-monthly meetings also incorporate helpful lessons, such as budgeting, tipping at restaurants, and spending quality time with family members. 

Outstanding Middle School Teacher of the Year: Lori Kassel-Reed, special education teacher for grades 6-8 at Washington Middle School 

Lori Kassel-Reed teaches English and language arts, social studies, social skills, and resource skills for students in grades 6-8 with emotional disabilities. Some of her additional roles at Washington include being a spelling bee sponsor, coach for girls’ track, and an enrichment teacher for summer school. 

With 16 years of teaching experience, Lori believes that every child can learn and reach their potential when teachers tailor their approaches to student strengths and weaknesses.  

Of those years, she has spent the last eight working with students who have experienced and are working through some type of trauma. This can include abuse, homelessness, incarceration, or self-harm.  

“In this classroom, you will see some amazingly strong and resilient children who are doing their best to better themselves so they can move to general education classrooms,” Lori said. “There is a lot of love, laughter, and healing in this room.”  

Because the goal is to move students out of the room, Lori runs a tightly scheduled class with clearly defined expectations and a focus on behavior. She teaches self-regulation and coping skills; she encourages them to face challenges in life and overcome them. 

“I let my students see my mistakes and share with them my own personal challenges,” she said. “I have a very strong track record of getting my students back into the general education classrooms, and I feel that’s due to building that trust and honesty with them.” 

In nominating Lori for an Outstanding Educator Award, an individual said that “she is the most selfless person [they] have ever met. She deserves the award because she is a genuinely good, caring person and teacher.”  

Outstanding High School Teacher of the Year: Brian Bobbitt, Master Teacher for Project Lead the Way at North High School 

At North High School, Brian Bobbitt teaches engineering and robotics. It’s part of Project Lead the Way (PLTW), which develops STEM curricula for K-12 teachers. For the 2019-2020 school year, he was named the National Project Lead the Way Outstanding Teacher. 

As the Master Teacher of this program, Brian has had the opportunity to train other teachers across the nation to use PLTW curricula for engineering classes. It has proven to be beneficial to him, too, as he is always learning from those he is fortunate enough to teach. 

“Simply put, I love what I do,” he said. “My dad always said, ‘pick something you love to do, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.’” Brian has always enjoyed teaching, and he especially likes the subject area of engineering. However, his favorite part of the job is watching students develop ideas and come up with their own solutions. In his career, he has seen students grow a love for learning and stretch their expectations to do even better.  

“For all students who make their way to the engineering labs, my goal is to ensure they leave with the ability to solve problems as well as a lifelong passion for learning more,” he said. 

Brian implemented a robotics team at North just a few years ago, and now the students compete at district, regional, and state events. Students not only get a chance to grow beyond the normal scope of the curriculum, but they always have a chance to meet and work with engineers from Toyota, Berry Global, Mead-Johnson, and Sabic. Brian is thrilled to see these students make career connections before graduating high school, several of which have led to summer internships. 

A nomination for Brian noted his enthusiasm for engineering, as well as the confidence he instills in his students. “His passion for STEM projects is contagious, and he helps students see how they can use their skills to give back to their community,” the form said. 

Outstanding Building Principal of the Year: Aaron Huff, Principal of Bosse High School 

Aaron Huff has been in the education field for 19 years, and this is his fourth year as the principal for Bosse High School. He is a member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, in which he serves as the advocacy chair, governance chair, and executive director of the search committee. He is also part of the steering committee and board of directors. In December, Aaron expects to earn his doctoral degree. 

Since becoming the principal of Bosse, Aaron has been focused on leading the instructional leadership team to improve employee performance and student outcomes. The school has also been working to improve chronic absenteeism among students. He noted that COVID-19 has created additional challenges in navigating this, but he and the teachers have created an environment of seeking continual improvement. 

Aaron firmly believes kids must learn no matter what, and some students will need very little support while others may need coaching or encouragement. “Our ability to create change in students’ lives depends on developing a meaningful relationship with them,” he said. “We are responsible for creating conditions that promote academic and personal success for all students.” 

To unlock students’ success and realization of their own gifts, Aaron says the same must be done with teachers. As an administrator, he is focused on removing barriers to improvement and dismantling systems that maintain the status quo. He thinks it is important to “find ways to get to yes and then get out of the way.” 

Most recently, Aaron struck a collaborative partnership with Toyota Indiana. Course offerings and instruction will align with Toyota’s qualities in entry-level employees, and students will be offered a position with the manufacturer immediately after graduation. The “Toyota 4T” program will launch this fall, and Aaron is confident it will significantly impact the landscape of education and student outcomes at Bosse. 

Holly Carter Appointed Executive Director and Dean of Harlaxton College

On the unanimous recommendation of a search committee consisting of faculty, staff, and members of the University of Evansville Board of Trustees, UE president Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz announces that Holly Carter, PhD, will be the new executive director and dean of Harlaxton College, the University’s study abroad center. She has been serving in an interim role as principal for the past two years. 

Harlaxton College is housed in an exquisite, 200-room Victorian manor built in the 1850s and located in the countryside of Lincolnshire, England, near the town of Grantham. The first students to study abroad at the manor were welcomed in 1971, and over the last five decades, it has been a second home to thousands of students. Immersed in the culture of British life, students can spend a semester overseas completing both general education and program-specific courses while touring other popular European destinations. Harlaxton provides study abroad opportunities for UE students and for students at the University's partner institutions across the nation. 

Dr Holly Carter

Carter will supervise both the academic services of Harlaxton College as well as its business operations. As the dean, she will join the UE academic affairs leadership team and will be responsible for Harlaxton’s curriculum, assessment, course scheduling, and ongoing partnerships with other universities. As the executive director, she will manage filming opportunities as well as bookings for weddings and conferences. 

"Holly has been an exemplary leader at Harlaxton for the past two years, especially in the midst of challenges brought on by the pandemic,” said Pietruszkiewicz. “She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and innovation to this new role, and we are confident she will lead Harlaxton to new levels of outreach and success for the next generations of study abroad students.” 

Prior to taking on the role of interim principal, Carter served as the director of programs for Harlaxton College as well as the director of education abroad. 

“I am humbled and honored to be placed in this position of trust,” said Carter.  “Harlaxton means so much to me and to so many people in Evansville and beyond. In my new role, I will endeavor to keep the manor and the college thriving for generations to come.” 

Harlaxton Manor

Lilly Endowment Inc. Awards UE $1 Million for Youth Programs

The University of Evansville (UE) has received a grant of $1 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support the establishment of camps and afterschool programs for youth outreach in the Evansville community and beyond.  

With the grant, UE will also establish a new Office of Youth Programs. This department will develop and oversee PathFinder programs, which are designed to create a spark youth to consider and obtain a college education. With PathFinder, middle and high school students will explore various disciplines and engage in activities to help them intentionally design the future they want for themselves, their families, and their communities. Some of the initial PathFinder programs will include Springboard, STEM, Wesley Shepherd Music, UE Dance Company, and UE Explorers.  

Lilly Endowment made the grant through its initiative, Indiana Youth Programs on Campus, which is helping colleges and universities across Indiana develop new and strengthen existing efforts to provide enriching campus-based programs for students, ages 5 to 18. 

“At UE, we know that education transforms lives and communities,” said Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, president of UE. “Our PathFinder initiative will help youth to envision a future for themselves that begins with a college education. We are very grateful to Lilly Endowment for sharing this vision and always striving to support education for all.”  

Springboard  

In partnership with Black Lemonade, a non-profit organization, Springboard is designed to prepare and empower high school students of color and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds for life beyond grade 12. Guided by UE faculty, staff, and students, youth in this summer program will create positive change through the studying of various cultures and creation of podcasts, news stories, articles, and social media posts.    

Wesley Shepherd Music  

This week-long summer music camp, hosted by the UE Music Conservatory, will be designed for grades 6-12. It will include performances, instrument and vocal lessons, music theory, and more. Wesley Shepherd Music will be led by full-time faculty from the Conservatory, and current music students will also assist and mentor the youth.    

STEM Camp  

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) is comprised of growing academic fields, and this camp is designed to increase youth interest in them. Heavy emphasis will be given to natural sciences and mathematics, and career options will be discussed for each field. Students entering grades 9-11 will engage in hands-on activities, experiments, and data analyses across chemistry, biology, and mathematics. Camp students will also shadow current UE students conducting undergraduate research projects.    

UE Dance Company  

Modeled after the nationally acclaimed Mad Hot Ballroom program, this five-day summer camp will be available for students entering grades 8-10. Each day, students will learn a new dance, such as the Rumba and Tango, and they will prepare for a showcase at the end of the week. Selected dancers at the camp will be invited to join a newly established Junior Aces Performance team, which performs at UE basketball games and other campus events.     

UE Explorers  

UE Explorers is an afterschool program that will debut in the fall of 2022. Each month, a rotating UE faculty member will lead middle school students in the exploration of a new academic area. This program will be delivered in partnership with local youth-serving agencies Dream Center Evansville, Potter’s Wheel, and the YCMA.    

About Lilly Endowment Inc.  

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders' wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education, and religion and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. 

Wesley Shepard Music camp students

UE Hires Search Firm for new Director of Athletics

In an effort to conduct a thorough national search for the next director of athletics, the University of Evansville has hired TurnkeyZRG to assist in the search process. TurnkeyZRG is universally known as one of the top search firms in the sports industry.  

UE has formed a diverse, nine-person advisory committee that includes current and former student-athletes, faculty, coaches, administrators, and trustees. The advisory committee, along with UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, will work collaboratively with TurnkeyZRG, led by managing director Chad Chatlos, in a national search for the next director of athletics. Chatlos specializes in senior executive searches across the sports industry with a focus on senior leadership roles in the ever-changing landscape of intercollegiate athletics. 

"I am confident that this advisory committee will assist in attracting an impressive pool of candidates who will focus on the student-athlete experience in competition and in the classroom, who will engage our campus, our friends, our fan base, and our community, who will build strong competitive programs, and who will support our coaches and athletics staff who build competitive skills and serve as mentors for future leaders,” said Pietruszkiewicz. 

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Mark Spencer steps down as UE Director of Athletics, University to conduct national search for replacement

University of Evansville Director of Athletics Mark D. Spencer announced on Friday that he is stepping down to pursue other opportunities after eight years of leading the Purple Aces. Spencer has served as athletic director at UE since September 2014.

“I am very proud of what I was able to accomplish during my tenure at the University of Evansville,” Spencer said. “The commitment, dedication and collaboration of the entire athletic department led to incredible growth and numerous memorable accomplishments during my tenure. With that said, it is time for a new voice to lead UE Athletics, and time for a new opportunity for my family and me. I look forward to being a fan and supporting Purple Aces Athletics as they are poised for great success.”

While at the University of Evansville, Spencer’s accomplishments included:

  • The women’s golf team winning its’ first ever Missouri Valley Conference championship and advancing to the NCAA tournament for the first time, the women’s volleyball program advancing to the 2021 NIVC Quarterfinals, marking the programs first post-season appearance ever, the men’s basketball team winning at Rupp Arena against #1 UK and the 2015 Collegeinsider.com post-season tournament, which is the first men’s basketball post-season tournament championship since the 1971 NCAA College Division National Championship, and adding the men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field programs.
  • An unwavering commitment for Purple Aces student-athletes to fulfill the University’s academic mission. During the 2020-21 academic year, 55% of all student athletes made the Dean’s List and all seventeen of UE’s Division I sports teams earning a GPA over 3.0. UE was recognized for having the highest Graduation Success Rate of any school in the Missouri Valley Conference.
  • Facility and rebranding of athletic and University marks, transforming the Meek’s Family Fieldhouse for women’s basketball and volleyball, including an Olympic grade TaraFlex volleyball competition floor. The installation of new scoreboards and sound systems for the baseball, softball and soccer facilities as well as a state-of-the-art Field Turf on German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun stadium.
  • Negotiating the University’s beverage provider agreement with Pepsi, as well as the multi-year Learfield IMG College and Nike/BSN Sports athletic department contracts generating significant revenues and cost savings across the University and athletic department.

“I greatly appreciate Mark’s contributions to the University of Evansville and UE Athletics, especially as colleges navigate all of the changes to higher education and collegiate athletics,” UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz said. “The department has seen a tremendous transformation during his tenure, and we are enormously grateful for his dedication, hard work, and teamwork. I wish Mark well in his future endeavors and am eager to watch his success.”

A national search for the next director of athletics will begin immediately.

Strong Outcomes Reported for 2021 Graduates

After surveying class of 2021 graduates, the University of Evansville (UE) is pleased to report that 95 percent of graduates were employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The median salary of those employed full-time was $50,000.  

The survey, conducted annually, is a collaborative effort between the University’s Center for Career Development, Office of Institutional Effectiveness, and Office of Alumni and Parent Relations. Data was gathered from surveys at the time of graduation, as well as alumni surveys, academic department chairs, the National Student Clearinghouse, and other methods. Approximately 93 percent of 2021 graduates provided career information. 

Outcomes improved from the previous year, which saw slightly lower rates due to the pandemic’s effect on the economy. Those outcomes included 91 percent of graduates employed or in graduate school within six months of graduating, as well as a median salary of $47,500.  

“We are very committed at the University to provide an outstanding educational experience which includes essential career planning,” said Gene Wells, senior director of the Center for Career Development. “In addition to the hands-on training and internships students receive within their program, our office assists them with every step preparing for their future endeavors.” 

For nearly a decade, the Center for Career Development has implemented an “end to end” approach to career success. When a prospective student visits campus, they meet with the Center to review career interests, take a free career assessment, and explore future job opportunities. As a student, the Center offers appointments to assist with resumes and cover letters, mock interviews, and career advising. Job fairs are held throughout the year to connect students with local and regional employers. After graduation, the Center continues its outreach to alums to ensure each individual’s success. 

"It Started with a Moose" Exhibit on Display in Krannert Gallery

The University of Evansville presents "It Started with a Moose," a watercolor exhibit by Diane Ubelhor-Wunderlich, on display at the Krannert Gallery now through March 27, 2022. The gallery is located inside the Krannert Hall of Art and Music. The gallery is open to the public from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. each day. 

A public reception for the artist will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2022, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The reception will be held in the Krannert Gallery. The exhibit and reception are part of the Emerging Contemporary Artist Lecture Series, sponsored by the Efroymson Family Fund and the UE Department of Art. 

Diane Ubelhor-Wunderlich studied at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, where she developed a love for watercolor. In 2001 she attended a workshop in Montana by renowned wildlife artist, Robert Bateman, which advanced her interest in painting wildlife and the nature surrounding it. Ubelhor-Wunderlich has won several awards, and her work has been featured in multiple publications.  

"I have a variety of subjects that I enjoy painting, but wildlife has been one of my favorites," said Ubelhor-Wunderlich. "As I paint, I try to bring out those same emotions that were evoked in me when I took the photo. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is getting out in nature. Photography has recently taken a new place near to my heart - as I’ve gotten out in the field, I’ve learned so much about the birds and wildlife. God‘s beautiful creation indeed has no boundaries!"

For more information, contact the UE Art Department of Art at 812-488-2043, email art@evansville.edu, or visit the gallery's Facebook page

Theatre Presents "The Caucasian Chalk Circle"

The University of Evansville (UE) Theatre continues their spring 2022 season with Bertolt Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle, English version by Eric Bentley. Teeming with political overtones and a sharp look at human nature, this play, written at the end of World War II, retells the story of an innocent child claimed and fought over by two mothers, resulting in one of the most riveting trials ever staged. This production opens on Thursday, February 24, at 7:30 p.m. in the May Studio Theatre. Additional performances are 7:30 p.m. on February 25 and 26, and at 2:00 p.m. on February 26 and 27.

The Caucasian Chalk Circle is directed by Obi Roberts, a senior theatre performance major from Arvada, Colorado. Angus Creech, a senior theatre studies major from Brooklyn, New York, serves as the scenic designer; Sara Mathew, a junior design and technology major from Union, Kentucky, is the costume designer; Stephen Boulmetis, associate professor of lighting design, serves as the lighting designer; guest artist Araceli Ramirez serves as the sound designer; Rebecca Conaway, a junior theatre studies major from Wellsburg, West Virginia, is the dramaturg; Madison Wilson, a junior stage management major from Fort Worth, Texas, is the stage manager, and Blake Cooper, assistant technical director and scene shop manager, serves as the technical director.

The cast features Jake Conrad, a junior performance major from Olympia, Washington, as the singer; Kayleigh Doyle, a senior performance major from McKinney, Texas, as Grusha; Aivelyn Karsten, a junior performance major from Clackamas, Oregon, as Simon; Josh Gelman, a senior performance major from Denver, Colorado, as Azdak; Ben Bravard, a junior performance major from Batavia, Ohio, as Governor and others; Liv Campbell, a senior performance major from Kingwood, Texas, as Delegate and others; Jack Cory, a junior performance major from Southlake, Texas, as Fat Prince and others; and Bryce Galvan, a junior performance major from West Carrollton, Ohio, as Adjutant and others; Lillie Kolich, a senior performance major from Albuquerque, New Mexico, as Governor’s wife and others; Kirkland Long, a senior performance major from Canal Winchester, Ohio, as Corporal and others; Jeff Parkinson, a junior performance major from Mercer Island, Washington, as Lavrenti and others; Lindsay Perr, a first-year performance major from Medford, New Jersey, as Sister-in-law and others; and Brynna Waters, a first-year performance major from Brownsburg, Indiana, as Shauwa and others.

In following industry standards, as established by the Broadway League, all audience members must show proof of COVID–19 vaccination or a negative test result taken within 48 hours of the date on their ticket. Upon arrival at the theatre, proof of vaccination/negative test result and an ID will be checked before each performance. In compliance with the UE Coronavirus Task Force guidelines, all audience members must remain masked when indoors on campus. Additionally, both Shanklin Theatre and the May Studio Theatre will be seated at no more than 50% capacity. The restrictions are in place to allow student actors to safely perform unmasked in both spaces.

Ticket prices are $12. UE students may obtain one free student rush ticket beginning at 12 p.m. on the day of the performance they wish to attend. Seating is limited and tickets are available by calling 812-488-2031.

Three Civil Engineering Alums, Student Awarded Scholarships by APAI

The Asphalt Pavement Association of Indiana (APAI) has named Alex Marie Dodson '21, Seth Mendel '21, and Samantha Weldon as 2021 APAI Scholars. The Civil Engineering graduates and student were recognized as award winners during the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Scholarship Awards Banquet, held in conjunction with the 2021 APAI Winter Conference and Expo on December 16th, 2021 at the Marriott East Hotel in Indianapolis.

Scholarships are awarded by the APAI Scholarship Committee to students studying construction management, civil engineering, and construction engineering and management at six nationally accredited Indiana universities, including the University of Evansville. Students must complete an in-person interview with members of the Scholarship Committee to receive an award. The total amount of scholarships awarded in 2021 by the association totaled $50,000 to deserving scholars, in anticipation that many recipients will remain in Indiana and seek employment opportunities with APAI's member contractors.

$1.9 Million Estate Gift to Support Music Conservatory

The University of Evansville (UE) has received a $1.9 million gift from the Nancy Shepard Estate, with designation to three separate areas within the UE Music Conservatory.  

Nancy Shepard, who hailed from southern Illinois, attended Evansville College for elementary education. Halfway through college, she decided to change her major. In 1968, she graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education. After marrying her husband, Wesley, she earned a Master of Arts in 1971. She would spend the next three decades of her career as a band director for schools, instilling a love of music in thousands of students. 

The gift will fund three areas: the Nancy L. Shepard Endowed Scholarship for Wind and Percussion Students, the O. Wesley Shepard Memorial Scholarship, and the Nancy L. and O. Wesley Shepard Endowed Guest Artist Series. 

The Nancy L. Shepard Endowed Scholarship for Wind and Percussion Students will provide financial assistance for music education majors who wish to pursue a career as a band director. The O. Wesley Shepard Memorial Scholarship was established by his friends and former students upon his retirement in 1972. The scholarship supports students who are clarinet or music education majors and are part of the University band. 

As husband and wife, Nancy and Wesley were deeply involved in music and saw its purpose in expanding the minds and talents of students. They believed guest artists could have a positive impact on college music programs. The Nancy L. and O. Wesley Shepard Endowed Guest Artist Series will be utilized annually to welcome guest artists of significant stature to UE. The artist will work with students in the classroom or through master classes, and they will hold a music performance available for the enjoyment of the local community. 

“Our Music Conservatory is tremendously grateful for the generosity of Nancy Shepard and her passion for music that will benefit our students for years to come,” said Ken Steinsultz, co-director of the UE Music Conservatory and director of bands. “We are equipping music educators of the future who will carry on Nancy’s legacy and help generations of students, just as she did in her own career.” 

The UE Music Conservatory is a community of students and artist-teachers working together to achieve artistic excellence and professional results. Curriculum combined with active learning gives students the extensive experience needed for any degree offered, including music education, music therapy, and more. The Community Conservatory provides creative outlets for locals, including private lessons, the Suzuki method, summer camps, community ensembles, and classes. Become a member today at evansville.edu/community-conservatory

Chun-Ming Chen conducting

Alums Join Executive Leadership at NSWC Crane

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane), a Navy federal laboratory located in the Southern Indiana, is pleased to announce the selection of new members of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). The ELT is a group of 10 senior-level executives responsible for directing departments and leading NSWC Crane’s strategic vision. Two University of Evansville (UE) alums are part of the four new members of the team.

Dr. Kyle Werner

Dr. Kyle Werner has been selected to serve as NSWC Crane’s Deputy Technical Director (DTD). Dr. Werner’s brings more than 23 years of diverse and extensive leadership experience to this unique role.

“Dr. Werner is well versed in the strategic direction of NSWC Crane and provides valuable executive leadership across the organization,” said Dr. Angie Lewis (SES), NSWC Crane Technical Director. “Kyle has served on our ELT for the past eight years and I am confident we will succeed with his leadership as Deputy Technical Director.”

Dr. Werner’s previous assignments on the ELT include having served as the Director of the Applied Science & Demand Management Department, Director of Innovation, Director of Engagement, and most recently acting Director of the Global Deterrence and Defense Department.

Dr. Werner received his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Evansville. He received his master’s degree in Engineering Management from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and his Ph.D. in Strategic Management from Sullivan University. Dr. Werner received a certificate in Public Management from Indiana University and a certificate in Executive Leadership & Management from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.   

Mr. James R. (JR) Ross

Mr. James R (JR) Ross has been selected as the Director for the Global Deterrence and Defense Department. Mr. Ross has more than 23 years of experience at NSWC Crane, 11 of which have been in Nuclear Deterrence, Hypersonics, and Missile Defense.

“JR has a proven track record of providing executive leadership in support of Strategic Missions, including Nuclear Deterrence, Missile Defense Agency, and Office of Secretary of Defense to support Hypersonics and Microelectronics,” said Dr. Angie Lewis (SES), NSWC Crane Technical Director. “He has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and the ability to conceive, plan, and manage complex and innovative technical programs.”

He previously served as the Deputy Director for the Global Deterrence and Defense Department, Division Manager of the Platform and Launch Systems Division, Division Manager of Irregular Warfare Technologies Division, and Deputy Division Director/Chief Engineer of the Expeditionary Systems Engineering Division.

Mr. Ross received his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Evansville. He received his master’s degree in Engineering Management from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and his Masters of Public Administration from Indiana University.

NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory and a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) with mission areas in Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions and Electronic Warfare. The warfare center is responsible for multi-domain, multi- spectral, full life cycle support of technologies and systems enhancing capability to today's Warfighter.

Theatre Announces Spring 2022 Season

The University of Evansville Department of Theatre proudly presents the Spring 2022 season with two student-directed productions in the May Studio Theatre and one guest-directed production in Shanklin Theatre. Tickets are now on sale for all performances.

The semester kicks off with Mac Beth by Erica Schmidt, based on the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare, in the May Studio Theatre. Directed by senior theatre studies major Claire Himstedt from St. Louis, Missouri, this new take on Shakespeare's classic tale of bloody violence explores a symmetry with rebellious teenage girls meeting to stage the play in a parochial school's parking lot. Mac Beth begins at 7:30 p.m. on February 10, 11, and 12; and at 2:00 p.m. on February 12 and 13.

Next up is Bertolt Brecht's The Caucasian Chalk Circle with an English version by Eric Bentley, in the May Studio Theatre. Originally written at the end of WWII, it retells the story of a child claimed and fought over by two mothers, resulting in one of the most riveting trials ever staged. Teeming with political overtones and a sharp look at human nature, it is directed by senior performance major Obi Roberts of Arvada, Colardo. The Caucasian Chalk Circle runs at 7:30 p.m. on February 24, 25, 26; and at 2:00 p.m. on February 26 and 27.

The finale is Heroes of the Fourth Turning by Will Arbery in Shanklin Theatre. Guest-directed by Dylan Frederick, a 2014 alum, this 2020 Pulitzer Prize Finalist in Drama is a meticulously fashioned story centering on four alumni of a conservative college. Their reunion spirals into chaos over spirituality, politics, and a nearly fanatical desire to be understood. This haunting and brilliant play begins at 7:30 p.m. on April 8, 9, 21, 22, 23; and at 2:00 p.m. on April 24.

After graduating from UE, Frederick attended the Yale School of Drama and ultimately made his Broadway debut in the 2021 Tony Award-winning production of The Inheritance by Matthew Lopez. Frederick will likely be remembered by UE audiences for playing the role of Master Harold in the 2011 smash-hit production of Master Harold...and the Boys by Athol Fugard, directed by John David Lutz. A native of Minnesota, Frederick returns to his alma mater to make his directing debut.

In following industry standards, as established by the Broadway League, all audience members must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result taken within 48 hours of the date on their ticket. Upon arrival at the theatre, proof of vaccination/negative test result and an ID will be checked before each performance. In compliance with the UE Coronavirus Task Force guidelines, all audience members must remain masked while indoors on campus. Additionally, both Shanklin Theatre and the May Studio Theatre will be seated at no more than 50% capacity.

Single ticket prices for Mac Beth and The Caucasian Chalk Circle are $12 for all patrons. Heroes of the Fourth Turning tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for senior adults, students, and UE employees. UE students may obtain one free student rush ticket beginning at 12:00 p.m. on the day of the performance they wish to attend. Tickets may be purchased by calling (812) 488-2031, Monday through Friday, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Changemaker Challenge Winners Receive Full Tuition to UE

High school students throughout the tri-state were awarded significant scholarships yesterday at the University of Evansville's seventh annual High School Changemaker Challenge, sponsored by Toyota Indiana.

The challenge, which is supported by the UE Center for Innovation and Change, is designed to motivate young people to take a leading role in identifying and solving challenges in the world around them through innovation and creativity.

UE has committed more than $1 million in scholarships to winners of this competition since its inception. Those who choose UE as their college destination will each receive 4-year scholarships as listed below:

Kerry Ah and Naina Muvva

1st place team: Full tuition
Kerry Ao and Naina Muvva
Signature School (Evansville, IN)
Intertwined Financial Literacy - An online, interactive simulator used in schools to enhance students' understanding of finance through portfolios, stocks, and more

Neva Verbik

2nd place team: $23,000 per year
Neva Verbik
Avon High School (Avon, IN)
Uptown Gardens - Addresses solutions to the constant issues of pollution, increasingly less space for plants to grow, and global warming

Jack Deig

3rd place team: $18,000 per year
Jack Deig
Castle High School (Newburgh, IN)
The Hydration Station - Easily accessible water dispensing units placed throughout Evansville for a healthier, more hydrated community

The January 25 event included pitches from the top 20 teams or individuals who were invited to the in-person competition. Six ideas were then chosen for the championship round, from which judges awarded first, second, and third place. The remaining students who placed in the top six included:

Tyler Myers
Evansville Day School (Evansville, IN)
Driving for Change, Sensory Inclusion - helping individuals with special needs by partnering with local agencies and offering sensory-friendly locations and items

Faith Field
Edgewood High School (Ellettsville, IN)
Restore and Rebuild - a nonprofit organization which would provide housing for the homeless population of Indiana and inspire them to find work they enjoy

Zeke Grant
Perry Central High School (Leopold, IN)
Additive Affordable Prosthetics - prosthetics and biological augmentations that have full range of motion and are truly affordable

Projects from previous competitions can be found throughout the city of Evansville, including the Upgrade Bike Share stations and the solar-powered CommuniTree at Mickey's Kingdom Park downtown. The Toyota Trinity Stormwater Park, which will be developed in 2022, also stemmed from a previous competitor.

Nursing Students Make Donation to Dream Center

Senior-level students in the University of Evansville Dunigan Family School of Nursing recently made a donation to Dream Center Evansville. Funds were raised during the fall semester, and the $1,400 check was presented on January 12, 2022.  

The donation was made possible through a scrub jacket sale offered to Nursing students, as well as the generous support of locally- based Kim’s Scrub Connection. Owner Kim Tenhumberg and her husband, Keith, donated several jackets to the sale in honor of her mother-in-law, Delores Tenhumberg.  

“We chose to donate to Dream Center because it is a local, faith-based organization that strives to teach children how to be self-sufficient, serve those around them, and live a healthy life,” said Rachel Jones, a senior Nursing student and representative for her class. “The goal for our senior project was to promote healthy living and decrease the rate of childhood obesity in the local community. We partnered with Dream Center to make this possible, because they support these initiatives through education and empowerment.” 

In addition to the monetary donation, the students provided healthy snacks and educational materials for Dream Center’s after-school program. Jones and other students in her group also volunteered for a few days with the organization by leading activities, teaching children the importance of a healthy diet and exercise. 

“I didn’t know much about Dream Center’s mission and operations before volunteering, but I’m so glad I had the opportunity to visit,” said Jones. “I quickly learned just how much they do to shape the youth of our community.” 

Dream Center Evansville is a collective impact backbone organization dedicated to helping every child in Jacobsville win by curating the neighborhood’s cradle-to-career continuum. 

Jeremy Evans, executive director of Dream Center Evansville, was pleased with the partnership. “By exposing our next generation of healthcare providers to the challenges facing families in poverty,” he said, “we help to ensure equitable treatment and cast a light on the real difficulties people in poverty face every day.” 

Students in Dream Studio holding check.

Art Exhibit "David Unsupervised" on Display at UE

The University of Evansville (UE) presents "David Unsupervised," an exhibit by David Gamble, on display at the Melvin Peterson Gallery through Saturday, February 26, 2022. The Melvin Peterson Gallery is located on Lincoln Avenue across the street from the UE campus.

The gallery is open to the public from noon until 3:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; and from noon until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

A public reception for the artist will be held on Thursday, February 3, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The reception will be held in the Melvin Peterson Gallery. Gamble will also conduct multiple workshops for art students while visiting.

The exhibit and reception are part of the Emerging Contemporary Artist Lecture Series, sponsored by the Efroymson Family Fund and the UE Department of Art.

David Gamble has over four decades of balancing art and business in the ceramics industry. While making clay art and teaching, he also developed products and designed marketing campaigns. Gamble has conducted hundreds of workshops in North America, and he has participated in five clay symposiums in Eastern Europe. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree and contributes an educational focus to the kilns and pottery wheels for Skutt Ceramic Products.

"The glaze surface has always interested me more than the sculptural possibilities in clay," said Gamble. "I layer and multi-fire glaze combinations as if I were using oil paints. I have found I am able to produce what many might consider glaze defects, with some control. This allows me to achieve interesting surfaces, depth, and imagery like I were painting."

For more information, contact the UE Art Department of Art at 812-488-2043, email art@evansville.edu, or visit the gallery's Facebook page.

David Gamble in his studio

Wes Grantom Directs World Premiere at Pioneer Theatre in Salt Lake City

Wes Grantom, assistant professor of theatre at University of Evansville (UE), is in Salt Lake City, Utah, directing the world premiere production of The Messenger at the Pioneer Theatre Company (PTC). Written by Jeff Talbott, The Messenger is an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People. The production opens January 14 and runs through January 29.

This timely new play deals with the consequences of speaking out about a public health threat. The Messenger is a dramatic roller-coaster ride that examines the relationship between the press and the community and challenges beliefs about when and where to draw the line when public safety and economics clash.

“I have been recently fascinated by classic pieces of theatre containing social and political themes that closely mirror our current climate,” says Karen Azenberg, artistic director at PTC. “Ibsen’s whistleblower story has always been intriguing and even more so in the last year.” This production was part of a new play reading series at PTC, when it was interrupted by the pandemic in March of 2020.

Grantom, a 2003 alum, isn't the only UE connection to the production. The scenic and costume designer is Yoon Bae, who was in residence at the University last fall and designed the set for Three Sisters. 

Grantom has been a UE faculty member since 2018, and he teaches directing, stage management, and a senior capstone in performance. His directing credits at UE include Once in a Lifetime, Spring Awakening, Violet, and this season’s Gone Missing.

In addition to his work at UE, Grantom continues to direct professionally, including Beep Boop by Richard Saudek, at Ars Nova and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland; A Comedy of Tenors by Ken Ludwig, at Pioneer Theatre Company; Older Brother's Almanac by Richard Thieriot, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival; Toxic Avenger: The Musical by David Bryan and Joe DiPietro, at Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera; Lone Star Spirits by Josh Tobiessen, at NYC’s Crowded Outlet; Eager to Lose by Matthew-Lee Erlbach, at Ars Nova; The Steadfast by Mat Smart; and Mine by Bekah Brunstetter, for Slant Theatre Project.

He also has several Broadway credits as resident and associate director, working alongside James Lapine, Emma Rice, John Rando, Anthony Page and Rufus Norris. Grantom is also a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a recipient of multiple Drama League Fellowships, and a member of Lincoln Center Directors Lab.

Group photo

UE Announces Dean's List for Fall 2021 Semester

The University of Evansville is pleased to announce that over 630 students were named to the Dean's List for the Fall 2021 semester. To merit the honor of being placed on the Dean's List each semester, a student must have carried a full academic load of 12 hours or more and have earned a grade point average of 3.5 or above.

Those named to the Dean's List are:

  • Jason Kinder
  • Kari Korschgen
  • Jana Williams
  • Olivia Barclay
  • Isaac Bates
  • Alexys Bolin
  • Chloe Burns
  • Mary Butler
  • Sophia Caci
  • Ivy Clark
  • Carissa Eckroth
  • Avy Henrikson
  • Lauren Hill
  • Shauna Mihalyo
  • Rachel Neupert
  • Andrew Norrington
  • Olivia Oswald
  • Jacob Overstreet
  • Katcha Papesh
  • Julia Ribblett
  • Anna Robbins
  • Noah Stabler
  • Loretta Wachter
  • Sara Wilkens
  • Dakota Woodard
  • Lilly Boring
  • Hannah Girten
  • Ashley Gray
  • Mari Mueller
  • Shami Sorrells
  • Makayla Stewart
  • Rachel Fisher
  • Hannah Halbrook
  • Ryan Schneider
  • Sally Steffens
  • Hayley Tran
  • Anya Arora
  • Xinyue Bi
  • Nick Buechlein
  • Logan Chanley
  • John Erickson
  • Makayla Gomperts
  • Madelynn Jacobs
  • Joe Jakubaitis
  • Sarah Kempf
  • Annie Kim
  • Anthony Kluemper
  • Abbi Lenk
  • Danielle Monroe
  • Reagan Nowaskie
  • Josie Pagano
  • Dev Patel
  • Elizabeth Recker
  • Samantha Schmidt
  • Brad Schulte
  • Carlie Schultheis
  • Rachel Shultz
  • Darcie Smith
  • Elyse Talley
  • Emily Vasquez
  • Charlie Watts
  • Kenzie Young
  • Jenna Zirkelbach
  • Jordan Bradley
  • Kynzie Combs
  • Abbey Daniel
  • Abby Feit
  • Aman Patel
  • Lincoln Smith
  • Forrest Wade
  • Abigail Watters
  • Quentin Yoder
  • Garrett Barthel
  • Giulia Cardona
  • Ellie Geittmann
  • Pranav Haran
  • Kira Johnson
  • Rafay Karim
  • Keegan Leek
  • Noah McMurtry
  • Carly Scheu
  • Fadwa Al-Rawahi
  • Evan Book
  • Caitlin Caldwell
  • Fae-Siri Keighley
  • Lily Waddell
  • Nathanael Kuechenberg
  • Alexa Davis
  • Jalyn Davis
  • Tiva Frushour
  • Kieren Hall
  • Devon Langley
  • Sophie Lindner
  • Emily Ormson
  • Shamar Samuels-Givance
  • Nataya Partee
  • Austin Hernandez
  • Dallas Koth
  • Dan Murphy
  • Nora Ruotolo
  • Donovan Schultz
  • John Smith
  • Alexis Carpenter
  • Samantha Fowler
  • Trix-Nico Gebele
  • Rebecca Harwood
  • Hollie Hoffman
  • Willow Kruggel
  • Gabriela Mancuso
  • Dani Parisi
  • Sam Tarter
  • Olivia Brames
  • Annabelle Faith
  • Madde Folz
  • Blake Froedge
  • Brandon Gibson
  • Gabrielle Hardoin
  • Jordan McKinney
  • Delaney Rasche
  • Emily Schwartz
  • Caleb Sellers
  • Audrey Theriac
  • Chloe Campbell
  • Michael Ikejiani
  • Elizabeth McCook
  • Emily Palmisano
  • Hailey Chrapek
  • Mitchell Matthews
  • Tyla Rasche
  • Cynthia Spaetti
  • Claire Franzman
  • Keri Hammers
  • Keri Hammers
  • Brynn Radak
  • Laura Dunlap
  • Katherine Fox
  • Abbi Kaup
  • Josie Martinez
  • Megan Montgomery
  • Jarett Osborne
  • Shane Ranschaert
  • Erin Rowlett
  • Antoine Smith
  • Sarah Andresen
  • Payton Boyd
  • Benton Simpson
  • John Sutter
  • Evan Turner
  • Sydney Wilbur
  • Carmen Worthington
  • Sarah Curtin
  • Katie Boots
  • Sean Froidcoeur
  • Grant Kay
  • Sarah Vreeland
  • Evan Waggoner
  • Martha Wolf
  • Cecilia Barmes
  • Kylee Rathgeber
  • Jeremiah Sagers
  • Madeline Schneider
  • Nicole Tucker
  • Savannah Wheeler-Bigge
  • Rachel Basinski
  • Alex Chandler
  • Zeke Metz
  • Ben Patterson
  • Daniel Griffaton
  • Austin Nickens
  • Olivia Doyle
  • Haley Dreyer
  • Koby Durbin
  • Allison Enchelmayer
  • Will McDonner
  • Luke Robertson
  • Claire Stout
  • Haley Curtis
  • Alyssa DeCorrevont
  • Joseph Gardner
  • Allyse Hardy
  • Lizzy Stainback
  • Rachel Taylor
  • Kate Thomason
  • Tad Specht
  • Kienan Corcoran
  • Andrew Garvin
  • Angela Jansen
  • Collin Jones
  • Sadie Scovern
  • Kaitlyn Collins
  • Hannah Hall
  • Logan Lampert
  • Becky Riggs
  • Kira Ulrich
  • McKenzie White
  • Natasha Wolf
  • Madeline Adamson
  • Kent Biehle
  • Rachel Black
  • Nathan Bradford
  • Savannah Cook
  • Max Harad
  • Jaden Hayes
  • Dalton Lampert
  • Grace McGuire
  • Zorah Mehrzad
  • Mariah Schaefer
  • Ellie Stewart
  • Sophie Toth
  • Paige Webster
  • Brian Woodard
  • Macy Beard
  • Kelsey Breneman
  • Emily Clark
  • Katherine Doty
  • Merris Egloff
  • Micah Johnson
  • Conner Killian
  • Elise Moeller
  • Kylee Peck
  • Sue Prasad
  • Chloe Prince
  • Emma Royer
  • Mark Shallenberger
  • Amanda Ward
  • Kate Wilhite
  • Casey Winters
  • Bella Ehrick
  • Jesse McEuen
  • May Anderson
  • Morgan Bailey
  • Maya Barry
  • Chloe Brzozowski
  • Emily Burlison
  • Corey Cagle
  • Olivia Campbell
  • Lilli Carlson
  • Erin Casey
  • Ashly Chalico
  • Chea Coats
  • Rebecca Conaway
  • Kayleigh Doyle
  • Cassie Dunn
  • Elizabeth Dye
  • Avery Finn
  • Allie Forte
  • Jimmy Guest
  • Garrett Hale
  • Claire Himstedt
  • Lillie Kolich
  • Spencer Marfy
  • Sara Mathew
  • Amelia Overholt
  • Zoe Paraskevopoulos
  • Olivia Pedersen
  • Herbie Perlman
  • Lily Rehberg
  • Marie Reilly
  • Benjamin Roberts
  • Laney Ross
  • Becky Rusch
  • Zack Scalzitti
  • Charles Shald
  • Lauren Shinoski
  • Chloe Shrieves
  • Gabriel Smothers
  • McAllister Stowell
  • Drake Susuras
  • Hannah Tarr
  • Joy Weidenhamer
  • Bradley Baumhover
  • Abbie Marlin
  • Samantha Anderson
  • Hailey Autenrieb
  • Ceci Odenbaugh
  • Aaron Tucker
  • Alayna Acree
  • Zoe Dennis
  • Phoebe August
  • Jara Braunecker
  • Abbey Chapman
  • Brandi Dore
  • Emily Duckworth
  • Sarah Felts
  • Lauren Fischer
  • Zoe Frossard
  • Kyla Jaworski
  • Sierra Knapp
  • Allison McDonald
  • Ellen Messer
  • Savanna Mills
  • Emily Munday
  • Kortney Quinn
  • Katie Reed
  • Hannah Rhodes
  • Allison Roach
  • Olivia Rodd
  • Rachel Rosborough
  • Maddy Schroeder
  • Maggie Southwood
  • Olivia Spencer
  • Akane Suzuki
  • Abby Thomason
  • Rachael Walker
  • Tiffany Weisman
  • Jodi Willenbrink
  • Ashton Wilson
  • Noah Wolf
  • Lindsey Field
  • Alon Baer
  • Dawson Beers
  • Elise Deeg
  • Karissa Dowd
  • Cassy Gilmore
  • Kameron Graber
  • Claire Griffy
  • Griffin Hammett
  • Christian Johnson
  • Alan Kerstiens
  • Ross Knepp
  • Gabby Lacour
  • Erin Linscott
  • Erin Marx
  • Laney Olson
  • Hannah Rawhoof
  • Abby Repking
  • Sydney Richter
  • Austin Yoder
  • Kelsey Berner
  • Olivia Frayer
  • Nishita Trivedi
  • Carmen Alford
  • Hannah Barger
  • Kyle Barton
  • Libby Bell
  • Katey Bell
  • Emily Bickel
  • Kyle Billhartz
  • Noah Blake
  • Emma Boebinger
  • Brady Boring
  • Megan Brenton
  • Sara Budd
  • Mac Butterfield
  • Cassie Bykowicz
  • Kenzie Carter
  • Sean Cody
  • Hannah Conley
  • Neeley Correll
  • Laura Crouch
  • Drew Cvelbar
  • Je'naiya Davis
  • Lyndsay Deal
  • Makenna DeCapua
  • Maddy Donofrio
  • Sarah Dottavio
  • Madeline Ebbott
  • Haley Elpers
  • Alex Eyler
  • Lydia Fenley
  • Hayden Folz
  • Maggie Franz
  • Megan Fulhorst
  • Paige Gehl
  • Gwyn Gorley
  • Cara Hand
  • Jillian Happe
  • Kristen Harvey
  • Abigail Hatcher
  • Kathryn Heiny
  • Jossie Hudson
  • Haydn Johnston
  • Ally Jordens
  • Georgia Katsonouri
  • Krista Kellar
  • Kennah Keller
  • Brianna Kelly
  • Carina Kessens
  • Carson Kline
  • Franco Komyatte
  • Monique Landrum
  • Denzel Lasam
  • Matthew Lee
  • Austin Liston
  • Jenna Littlejohn
  • Isabel Lynch
  • Kaitlyn Martlage
  • Brenna McCormack
  • Alyssa McMinn
  • Samuel McNichols
  • Edward Mendy
  • Wesley Messick
  • Eli Minar
  • Gaven Moore
  • Justin Nichols
  • Jami Nobbe
  • Clay Nosko
  • Caitlin O'Donnell
  • Elise O'Risky
  • Sadie Obenauer
  • Lillie Oelker
  • Olivia Ommen
  • Adam Oulgout
  • Alexia Recinella
  • Claire Reiman
  • River Remble
  • Maria Roshel
  • Andrew Saltzmann
  • Kaitlyn Sansone
  • Hannah Seibert
  • Catherine Shafer
  • Emma Slavkin
  • Bailee Speicher
  • Emily Spiller
  • Caleb Stevenson
  • Peter Sullivan
  • Cheyenne Summerfield
  • Sydney Thurwalker
  • Ally Treadway
  • Skylar Tucker
  • Molly Watson
  • Luke Watts
  • Mallory Weber
  • Nicolette Wickes
  • Kathryn Williams
  • Tasha Wiseman
  • Emily Wolak
  • Josh Wong
  • Kimberly Zamora
  • Shelby Zins
  • Justin Zumbahlen
  • Keri Zumbahlen
  • Fatimah Albahrani
  • Peyton Beller
  • Emily Burleson
  • Ellie Cassidy
  • Abbie Lee
  • Emma McConnell
  • Jaren Pfoff
  • Mallory Russell
  • Jacob Soderlund
  • Caleb Wassmer
  • Luciano Albanese
  • Sydney Bachman
  • Emily Bonenberger
  • Corinne Buchanan
  • Megan Buechler
  • Raph Colasito
  • Hannah Gourley
  • Blake Johnson
  • Shelby Jones
  • Kiki Laird
  • Elizabeth Miller
  • Alexandra Pulling
  • Sevannah Ramsey
  • Taylor Rapp
  • Grace Reisinger
  • Link Smith
  • Hannah Stocks
  • Grace Vinson
  • Marysa Bernard
  • Ava Bourn
  • Allie Brothers
  • Hope Brothers
  • Chloe Carlin
  • Megan Criss
  • Kenzie Edwards
  • Emily Fortune
  • Mary Franklin
  • Brady Gogel
  • Katie Goslak
  • Shelby Groves
  • Delaney Herrmann
  • Meghan Hillenbrand
  • Alexa Hopf
  • Alyssa Howell
  • Kayla Hughes
  • Jasmine Jones
  • Rachel Jones
  • Caitlin Kehler
  • Sarah Kelley
  • Julia Libby
  • Faith Macy
  • Hadley Martin
  • Olivia McIntire
  • Emily McMonigle
  • Julia Meadows
  • Kyli Miles
  • Johnna Mitchell
  • Schyler Motz
  • Jemimah Napoles
  • Elspeth Nelson
  • Erin Nixon
  • Adeline O'Brian
  • Brooke Pentecost
  • Lauren Rech
  • Morgan Ribaudo
  • Kelly Roth
  • Kylie Shourds
  • Joey Shreve
  • Mallory Singer
  • Lane Smith
  • Xia Stafford
  • Izzy Stapp
  • Tarakate Thompson
  • Emma Vassy
  • Savannah Watson
  • Alexa Wheeler
  • Kara Yunker
  • Lacey Fulcher
  • Paarami Adhikari
  • Olivia Barnes
  • Alex Bauer
  • Ethan Brawley
  • James Buchanan
  • Macy Campbell
  • Tyler Denu
  • Martin Everett
  • Ethan Garvey
  • Emmalee Gladding
  • Kyana Griffith
  • Kourtney Hauk
  • Emilie Hill
  • Ryan Neumann
  • Joseph Parnin
  • Garrett Presko
  • Alisha Rhea
  • Laura Ruiz
  • Andrew Schuler
  • Pema Sherpa
  • Alexis Speitel
  • Elayna Walters
  • Ben Welp
  • Jordan Wible
  • Megan Yoder
  • Troy Boynton
  • Mackenzie Folk
  • Masatoyo Kato
  • Paige McAllister
  • Cody Mobley
  • Cody Mobley
  • Marissa Shook
  • Ethan Ziegler
  • Cesar Aguirre Aragon
  • Grant Claspell
  • Ellora Daily
  • Kendyl Guzman
  • Emmy Miller
  • Ifechi Umeh
  • Mahdi Alsultan
  • Owen Butcher
  • Ruili Cai
  • Nkosi Graham
  • Jackson Maurer
  • Kevin McCormick
  • Jakob Meyer
  • Porter Pomykal
  • Jonathan Scott
  • Landon Stoll
  • Ben Stuart
  • Brent Widder
  • Pablo Candal
  • Ben Becher
  • Justus Donaldson
  • Abby Johnson
  • Dylan Mofield
  • Eric Roberts
  • Will Simon
  • McKenna Tutt
  • Cole Tyring
  • Kaylen Beard
  • Julie Burkholder
  • Carly Frazier
  • Jakub Hall
  • Evan Hassler
  • Jacob Madden
  • David Martin
  • Maggie Newcomb
  • Jenna Nink
  • Ellen Rohr
  • Joey Rucinski
  • Spencer Thompson
  • Brock Wandel
  • Hannah Watkins
  • Sonsoles Aguayo Munoz
  • Ash Baxter
  • Magi Borisova
  • Steven Burkhart
  • Crayton Chesnut
  • Crispin Ewen
  • Auberi Grubb
  • Nate Hardman
  • Jared Kennedy
  • Samer Nassif
  • Kristin Norris
  • Dan Setton
  • Dylan Arthur
  • Gage Gossman
  • Connor Luebbehusen
  • Lucia Pantigozo
  • Muhammad Ibrahim Dhillown
  • Connor Fritch
  • Alejandro Malla
  • Jianbo Zhang
  • Parker Dierks
  • Elisa Cardona
  • Alex Dodson
  • Wes Fleischmann
  • Nick Gushrowski
  • Henry Hall
  • Brendan Hord
  • Kyaw Htet
  • Trey Riggs
  • Lauren Stevenson
  • Sam Weldon
  • Emily Wiebe
  • Essa Ahmed
  • Michael Boots
  • Gracie Davidson
  • Alek Dunkelberger
  • Edward Friesel
  • Justin Fritch
  • Gabe Gries
  • Eric Harpenau
  • Kaylee Ivy
  • Sam Kluemper
  • Darian Kuhn
  • Caleb McKinney
  • Sam Morgan
  • Caleb Peters
  • Alex Sagers
  • Daniel Santos Lopez
  • Trevor Seufert
  • Jackson Smith
  • Ahmed Solaiman
  • Kaleb Werner

UE will Premiere The College Tour Episode on January 12, 2022

The campus community of the University of Evansville (UE) will soon star in their very own episode of The College Tour, a new TV series that provides in-depth looks into universities across the nation. The 30-minute special will premiere at a watch party on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. UE is inviting students, employees, alumni, and prospective students and families to the party, and those in attendance will be the first to see the final cut. 

The watch party will be held inside UE’s Ridgway University Center, with the pre-show beginning at 8:30 p.m. The pre-show will include free snacks from Café Court, music, giveaways, and photos on the purple carpet. At 9:00 p.m., the episode will premiere in Eykamp Hall, located on the second floor of Ridgway.  

A wide variety of footage and ten student interviews will give extensive looks of the UE campus, as well as the academic programs, student life, Division I athletics, changemaking culture, and more. The City of Evansville is also featured throughout the show, with views including Main Street, the Ford Center, and the riverfront. This 30-minute episode provides an inside view of UE for those who are unable to tour in person due to distance or finances, or for those who are simply unfamiliar with the name and want to learn more. 

"We are absolutely thrilled to share our episode on a national stage and bring to light what UE is all about,” said Jill Griffin, PhD, vice president for enrollment and marketing. “Each student shared their own personal story, but together they paint an authentic picture of our tight-knit community, the exciting academic opportunities we provide, and the empowering experiences that are a unique part of a UE education. Watching our episode will make people feel like they’re standing on our campus and experiencing it for themselves.” 

The College Tour was created by Emmy-nominated and multi-award-winning producers. Hosted by Alex Boylan, each episode of The College Tour tells the unique story of a college through the lens of its very own students. The UE episode will be part of season four, which will be released on Amazon Prime Video in May. All episodes can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video and through the show’s channel on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, and more. 

Student being filmed for The College Tour

UE Hosting 2022 MLK Celebration

The University of Evansville (UE) will host a celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 17, 2022. The event will include activities throughout the day for the campus community as well as the public. Two events in particular will have live streaming availability for those unable to attend in-person. The 2022 theme is “Unrelenting Faith” and highlights one of King’s famous quotes, “Faith is taking the first step even when you cannot see the whole staircase.” 

The schedule of events is available below. For full details, please visit evansville.edu/MLK

Symbolic March – January 1-17, 2022 

During the Civil Rights March of 1965, activists gathered in Selma, Alabama, to complete a 54-mile trek to the state capital in Montgomery. In recognition of this historical event, UE invites everyone to participate in 54 Miles to Social Change, a virtual march that raises awareness for social injustice in the United States. Join from anywhere in the world by logging miles spent walking, running, biking, or swimming. Miles 1-53 will be completed virtually, and the 54th mile will be completed together on the day of the celebration. 

The virtual march has a $15 registration fee, and all proceeds will go directly towards Journey to Justice scholarships for students expressing financial need. Participants will also receive a T-shirt to celebrate the march. To register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Evansville/54MilestoSocialChange

Grand Opening of the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – 10:30 a.m. 

To begin the celebration, UE will hold a ribbon cutting for the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as well as the Multicultural Student Commons. This will take place on the second floor of Ridgway University Center. 

Rally – 11:15 a.m. 

The rally will be held in Meeks Family Fieldhouse, located inside Carson Center off Walnut Street. It will recap the significance of the celebration and include remarks from Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, president of UE; Rob Shelby, PhD, chief diversity officer; Abagail Catania, assistant director of diversity recruitment and programming; and the president of the Black Student Union. 

Symbolic March – 11:45 a.m. 

After the rally, UE invites everyone to complete the 54th Mile to Social Change together. The march will begin at Meeks Family Fieldhouse and down nearby streets before returning to campus at Ridgway University Center. 

Local Leaders Panel Discussion – 1:00 p.m. 

This insightful discussion will include leaders from the Evansville community. The panel will be led by Melissa Moore, a UE alumna and member of the Legal Aid Society Board of Vanderburgh County. If you are unable to attend in-person, you can stream the discussion live on the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’s Facebook page at facebook.com/uecenterdei

Community Service – 2:00 p.m. 

UE will provide the opportunity to participate in one of several community service projects, and the impact will last long beyond the celebration. Several departments and student organizations will be spearheading or supporting the projects, which will be announced on the day of the event. 

Lectureship – 6:00 p.m. 

Each year, the Martin Luther King Lectureship is made possible by the generous support of William G. and Rose M. Mays. The lectureship will be held in Eykamp Hall, located on the second floor of Ridgway University Center. You may also live-stream it at evansville.edu/live

The 2022 lectureship will feature keynote speaker Dr. Lerone A. Martin. Beginning in 2022, Martin will become the faculty director for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University. The King Institute supports a broad range of educational activities illuminating Dr. King’s life and the movements he inspired. 

Martin is also the author of the award-winning Preaching on Wax: The Phonograph and the Making of Modern African American Religion, which tracks the role of the phonograph in the shaping of African American religion, culture, and politics during the first half of the twentieth century. 

After the lectureship, UE will present the 2022 Mays Legacy Award as well as the inaugural Rising Star Award.

7:00 p.m. - Reception 

Following the lectureship, a reception with light refreshments will be held outside Eykamp Hall in the Class of 1959 Gallery. 

Martin Luther King Jr.

Toyota Donates $350,000 to Changemaker's Stormwater Project

Robert Lopez, an Ethics and Social Change major, competed in the UE High School Changemaker Challenge during his junior year at Bosse High School. He and his friend came up with an idea for a wetland education park that collects rainwater and cleans it through the park's plants.

After claiming third place, Robert decided to attend UE and continue working on this project for the Evansville community. Through several ChangeLabs focused on the park, he has worked alongside local organizations to bring his idea to life.

On December 13, community partners met in downtown Evansville to announce the next phase of Robert's project. Community partners include the City of Evansville, Evansville Water and Sewer Utility, Toyota Indiana, and Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation. Now, thanks to a generous $350,000 donation from Toyota Indiana, the Toyota Trinity Stormwater Park will eventually be fully accessible to the public while creating a better, more environmentally-friendly community.

"This is a testament to our community’s collaborative spirit," said Mayor Lloyd Winnecke. "Our schools, water utility, businesses, architects and designers came together to provide a unique, sustainable solution to improve our city’s infrastructure and quality of life.”

"Working on this park has been nothing short of a life-changing experience," said Robert. "Starting as a junior in high school, I’ve been able to take this idea from sketches on a whiteboard, to presenting a virtual 3D walk through to the Mayor, and UE’s Center has been there the whole way. Without this project and the amazing team at the Center, I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am today. I only hope that someday I can inspire someone the way they inspired me and help them change their community too.”

Mike Labitzke, former lead Project Director for Evansville Water & Sewer Utility, served as one of Lopez’s ChangeLab coaches for several semesters. His initial concept for a park on top of water filtration was shared with the Center, who then pitched the idea to Robert's AP Biology class at Bosse High School. The team never stopped working on the project.

“We are excited about our partnership with the University of Evansville on what will become the city’s largest green infrastructure,” said EWSU Executive Director Lane Young. “This project allows us to be good stewards of our environment by diverting millions of gallons of sewage overflow away from the Ohio River while preserving historic relics from the former Trinity Catholic Church and incorporating them into an urban garden for our community to enjoy.”

"The collaboration with so many different parts of the community elevates the impact,” said UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. “UE is so pleased to do our part in advancing our community, and reinforce that our students, like Robert, demonstrate how we bring academics to life to solve real world issues.”

The Toyota Trinity Stormwater Park will divert approximately 25 acres of downtown storm water runoff from the combined sewer system to reduce combined sewer overflows (CSO) to the Ohio River as part of the City’s CSO Long Term Control Plan. The first phase of the project involved demolition of the buildings on the former Holy Trinity Church property, located at 3rd Street and Court Street in Downtown Evansville, with materials salvaged including the plinth, some limestone and stained-glass. These materials will be incorporated into the design of the park.

The next phase involves storm sewer and storage facility construction below ground to collect storm water runoff and promote infiltration into the sand and gravel layers below grade at the church site. This next phase will also involve finalizing design and construction of the top side amenities, and designing some of the wellness programs to be offered.

Toyota has been named the title sponsor and will work with Lopez and the UE Center for Innovation & Change to identify additional green space funding opportunities from corporations and individuals. Toyota has sponsored each High School Changemaker Challenge at UE, including the 2022 challenge that is currently underway.

“We are extremely honored to be the lead supporter on such a transformative project,” said Ted Brown, vice president of administration at Toyota Indiana. “Robert’s vision for an innovative solution—to what many may have considered a standard infrastructure project—shows leadership, vision and pride for his community. That’s why programs like UE’s Changemaker Challenge are so vital to the evolution and growth of our region, and why we at Toyota Indiana continue to support those efforts. We want to challenge those in our communities to seek out opportunities to pioneer ideas for our future like Robert did, so that together we can build a better future.”

Robert Lopez holding up stormwater signs along with UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, Jill Griffin, Erin Lewis, and Brooksie Smith.

McClain Receives National Recognition for Excellence in Undergraduate Training in Acting

Amelia McClain, assistant professor of theatre at the University of Evansville, has been announced as the recipient of the University Resident Theatre Association (URTA)'s 2021 Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Training in Acting. McClain is currently on leave from UE this year as a member of the Broadway cast in Aaron Sorkin's "To Kill a Mockingbird" at Shubert Theatre.

McClain has been a faculty member at UE since 2018. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from UE before earning her Master of Fine Arts from the graduate acting program at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. McClain is a member of the Actors Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild.

Before returning to her alma mater, she completed a year-long run on Broadway as Sandra in the smash-hit production of "The Play That Goes Wrong". Also on Broadway, she worked on "Foor for Love", "Noises Off", "The Heidi Chronicles", "The House of Blue Leaves", and the Tony Award-winning "Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike". McClain has been in over 20 productions off-Broadway and in regional theatres across the country.

"When I was a student at UE, Amelia encouraged us to take our insecurities as actors and reframe them as strengths," said Madeline Easley, a 2019 UE alumna. "Her ability to perceive beyond the mask of stressed-out college students and cast us as professionals, fully capable of advocating for ourselves, our unique stories, and our natural talents, was the push I needed to pursue every opportunity to carve out a fulfilling and sustainable artistic career after graduation."

"Amelia McClain taught me and my peers with strength, heart, and specificity to each of our needs," added Jack Russell, a 2021 UE alumnus. "Amelia impacted me so much as a student because she led by example. The tools that she was giving to us were the very tools that she uses to book jobs on Broadway. She taught us to be selfless, aware, and precise with our work. She didn't care about creating actors with talent. Rather, she cared about creating actors that knew how to work hard and care about the process. Truly, Amelia gave me the education I've always dreamed of. I am eternally grateful for her impact on my life. Without it, I don't think I could pursue this career path."

Founded in 1969, the University Resident Theatre Association works to ensure the continued renewal of the American theatre by supporting excellence in the professional training of new artists. The 2021 Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Training will be formally presented at the URTAs, an audition event attended by over 1,200 candidates who are pursuing graduate training in theatre.

Amelia McClain headshot

UE Announces New Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs

After a national search, Rachel Carpenter has been selected as the new vice president for student affairs and dean of students at the University of Evansville (UE) in Evansville, Indiana. She will begin her duties with an anticipated start date of June 1, 2022. 

In her new role, Carpenter will serve the UE student body and help create a safe, welcoming, and supportive campus community. She will not only work one-on-one with students but also student organizations across campus. Carpenter will also oversee areas that support students outside of the classroom, including residence life, student engagement, international student services, counseling services, career development, the student health center, public safety, and the fitness center. 

“As someone who grew up in the military, I have rarely experienced the feeling of returning home," said Carpenter. “I am very excited to return to the UE campus, a place I once called home for several years, and work alongside talented faculty and staff. Together, I know we will move the University forward and prepare students to live meaningful lives in a changing world.” 

Carpenter brings nearly two decades of experience in student affairs. Currently, she is the interim university dean for students at Pace University, which has two campuses in Pleasantville and New York City, New York. Prior to serving in this role, she was interim associate vice president for student affairs and dean for students, interim dean, and director of the Center for Student Development. While at Pace, she has been working toward her Doctor of Professional Studies in business and is expected to graduate this month. 

The UE campus will be familiar to Carpenter, who graduated with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 2003 and 2009, respectively. From 2003-10, she served in various student-oriented roles on campus. Two of those years were spent as dean of students at Harlaxton College, the University’s study abroad center located in Grantham, England and the #1 ranked study abroad program in the United States. 

 “We are thrilled to welcome Dean Carpenter back to the University of Evansville, and I am confident our students and our entire campus will benefit from her compassion and enthusiasm,” said UE president Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. “She brings a wealth of experience, and I know that she will make a positive impact on our campus community.” 

Carpenter will succeed Dana Clayton, EdD, who has been an exemplary leader for thousands of students who are making a difference in the world. Clayton is retiring in February 2022 after 32 years of service to the University. Until Carpenter’s arrival, Rob Shelby, PhD, chief diversity officer at UE, will be the interim vice president for student affairs. Michael Tessier, assistant vice president of student affairs and director of residence life, will serve as the interim dean of students.

Rachel Carpenter

Music Conservatory Hosting Holiday Pops Concert on December 7

The University of Evansville Music Conservatory will host the Holiday Pops concert on Tuesday, December 7. The event will be held at Old National Events Plaza beginning at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, and the public is invited to enjoy the sounds of the season.

Holiday Pops will feature music from the UE Symphony Orchestra, University Choir and Choral Society, and Wind Ensemble. Musical selections will include "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Christmas at the Movies," "Christmas and Sousa Forever," and more. Holiday Pops is made possible by the George L. Mesker Music Trust, Anna Bosse Trust, and Raymond B. Preston Family Foundation.

UE Hosting 7th Annual High School Changemaker Challenge

The University of Evansville is pleased to announce the upcoming High School Changemaker Challenge, sponsored by Toyota. Any high school junior or senior is invited to participate for a chance to win a four-year scholarship, with the top prize offering full tuition. 

UE believes everyone can be a changemaker, and positive change doesn’t have to wait until college. The Changemaker Challenge, created by the University’s Center for Innovation and Change, encourages the younger generation to identify and solve challenges in the world through innovation and creativity. Students will share their unique ideas (products, services, or programs) in the form of a 2-minute video, and scholarships will be awarded to first through third place. Once they enroll at UE to continue their education, students can continue designing and implementing their ideas to make a lasting difference.  

Interested participants can attend an online information session on Thursday, November 18. Video recordings describing students’ ideas must be submitted by December 8, and the top 20 finalists will be announced on the UE website on December 15. The final round will be held on UE’s campus on January 25, 2022, where winners will be selected. To register for the information session and competition, please visit evansville.edu/cc-hs

The competition is open to any high school junior or senior, and they may compete individually or in teams of up to three. Home school and club entries (e.g. Scouts, Boys and Girls Club, 4-H) will also be eligible. To qualify for a scholarship, competitors must also attend the in-person final round on campus in Evansville, Indiana.  A separate Changemaker Challenge, beginning at a later date, will be virtual and geared towards a national and global audience that cannot compete in-person.  

Competitors may be eligible to receive special prizes for forming ideas that: 

  • Increase girls’ access and exposure to science fields (e.g. a summer camp for girls interested in physics) 
  • Address or mitigate climate change (e.g. decreasing air pollution, rooftop gardens) 
  • Increase access to physical activity or health options (e.g. more dance classes or recess in schools, fitness trails, creative outdoor play options) 
  • Provide creative ideas to improve quality of life in Evansville’s Promise Zone 

Winning students who choose UE as their college destination will receive four-year scholarships to attend UE as listed below: 

  • 1st place: Full tuition 
  • 2nd place: $23,000 tuition 
  • 3rd place: $18,000 tuition 

Students that participate will receive ongoing support from the UE Center for Innovation and Change, including online training and connections to faculty experts. To submit your video or learn more about the High School Changemaker Challenge, visit evansville.edu/cc-hs or email Brooksie Smith, the Center’s associate director, at bs267@evansville.edu

UE Hosting 35th Annual International Bazaar

The University of Evansville will host the 35th annual International Bazaar on Friday, November 12. The public is invited to attend and experience the diverse cultures, history, and traditions of represented countries. The event, sponsored by the University’s International Club, will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in Eykamp Hall, located on the second floor of Ridgway University Center off Walnut Street.  

From 5:00-6:00 p.m., there will be live performances highlighting each country’s cultural traditions. From 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., there will be interactive booths representing students’ native countries. A total of 10 countries and 4 student organizations will be featured. 

The International Club is dedicated to preserving, sharing, and understanding cultural relationships around the world. The organization holds activities and events throughout the year to bring together UE students of all backgrounds and nationalities. 

To RSVP for the International Bazaar, please select a time slot through SignUpGenius. The link may be found through the UE social media channels. The event is free to students, and the public may attend by purchasing tickets for $8. Tickets may purchased at the door, but guests must choose a time slot in advance. Cash payment will be accepted (please pay with exact change). 

International Club students

UE Awarded Grant for Summer Camp to Support ALICE Families

The University of Evansville's Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was recently awarded a $90,000 grant to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The grant was part of the COVID-19 Crisis Response Fund of the Greater Evansville Region, which provided $1 million to a total of six organizations in September. The purpose of these funds is to support non-profits that are reconceptualizing systems, environments, and pathways to create a more resilient region.

UE has created "Springboard,” a summer day program that seeks to address the preparation gap for under-resourced high school students before graduation. The program will include STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) curriculum, character development, and leadership training. Intracultural appreciation will also be fostered to improve intercultural competency. Through these efforts, Springboard will improve high school graduation rates as well as college readiness and admission for students from Black and African American ALICE families (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed).

“This grant is going to help us serve the underrepresented in our local community in a manner that is both effective and entertaining,” said Rob Shelby, PhD, chief diversity officer at UE. “By empowering each student who attends Springboard, we are paving the way for a successful future.”

Springboard is a collaborative project between UE and Black Lemonade, Inc., which is a non-profit organization “dedicated to turning sour conflict into sweet and powerful solutions.” Black Lemonade originally created a summer camp for grades K-8, but the grant will expand its reach to support students up to 12th grade.

"I'm so glad to share this vision of helping my community advance in ways that oftentimes weren’t discussed growing up,” said Kaymi Butler, who serves as founder and chief executive officer of Black Lemonade. “This vision, and more importantly its execution, is more than preparing a student for a future career. It's about instilling in them how to avoid the hate that is often associated with indifference. It's about teaching and showing love, letting go of the stereotypes, and purposefully meeting a person where they are."

The Springboard program will be spearheaded by both UE and Black Lemonade, but current students are developing the curriculum through a ChangeLab titled “Community Race Project.” ChangeLabs are semester-long courses in which students work in teams to tackle a local or regional issue and create positive change in the community. The Community Race Project will continue into the spring semester to further prepare for the camp.

Additional details for Springboard will be added to the UE website at a later date and can be found at evansville.edu/cdei.

UE Recognizes the 4th Annual First-Generation College Celebration

On Monday, November 8, 2021, the University of Evansville will join colleges and universities across the nation in recognizing the fourth-annual First-Generation College Celebration. The awareness day was created in 2017 by the Council for Opportunity for Education (COE) and Center for First-Generation Student Success. The date also coincides with the anniversary of the signing of the 1965 Higher Education Act, which has helped millions of low-income, first-generation students earn college degrees.  

Since its founding 167 years ago, UE has strived to create an atmosphere for success as well as a home away from home for first-generation, or "first-gen", college students. This particular group of students may have faced challenges in the college search, balancing academic coursework, and navigating everyday life in higher education. With personal constant support from faculty and staff, as well as various initiatives instituted by the University, students can successfully earn a college degree and develop lasting skills and talents for the future. For the 2021-22 academic year, approximately 14 percent of UE's full-time undergraduates are first-gen. Of the full-time faculty, staff, and administration, more than 30 individuals are also first-gen. 

At UE, all first-generation college students are encouraged to take a special course designed for them. The class covers a variety of beneficial topics, including career and major exploration, time management, study skills, stress management, and financial aid opportunities. A Student Success Lab is also available, which provides access to supplemental instruction, academic coaches, library services, and more. 

In the spring semester, several students came together to form an organization for their first-gen peers. Ace Scholars, as it was named, formed an executive board that meets weekly to plan and strategize methods of fostering success and extra support. Together, the group meets on an as-needed basis and hopes to see growth in the coming semesters. 

“Looking ahead, we would like to create a mentoring program for Ace Scholars,” said Ty Meadors, president of the organization and biology/pre-medicine senior. “Current students would be paired with an incoming first-gen student, and from the beginning of their freshman year they will have someone to go to for extra support.” 

Chad Hart, manager of retention at UE, serves as the advisor for Ace Scholars. He is excited about helping the organization grow, and he wants to create a safe place for asking questions and feeling understood.  

“Being a first-generation student myself and working in higher education, I always find myself saying, ‘I wish I would’ve known that when I was in college,’” Chad said. “I’m really inspired by what I am learning from the students and the impact they have had on me.” 

You can read several success stories from first-generation students and employees at UE by visiting evansville.edu/first-gen.

UE Theatre Presents GONE MISSING

The University of Evansville Department of Theatre announces the third installment of the 2021–2022 season with GONE MISSING, created by The Civilians, written by Steven Cosson, from interviews by the company, with music and lyrics by Michael Friedman. The show opens on Saturday, Nov. 13, at 7:30 p.m., in Shanklin Theatre. Running in repertory style with THREE SISTERS by Anton Chekov, in a new version by Sarah Ruhl, additional performances of GONE MISSING are at 7:30 p.m. on November 18 and December 3 and 4; and at 2:00 p.m. on November 20 and 21.

This charming show combines real-life interviews about the nature of memory with a scintillating score that effortlessly swings between salsa, ballads, jazzy numbers, and tuneful pop songs. An ensemble of eccentric characters seamlessly intertwines tales of lost objects with fascinating stories of seekers and finders and examines our tendency to place heightened
significance on everyday items. While a global pandemic may be the most opportune time to
explore this “cabaret of loss,” it is the communal experience of shared joy that is sure to resonate and linger in hearts and minds long after the show ends.

Wes Grantom '03, resident director and adjunct instructor of directing, directs GONE MISSING. Tyler Simpson, guest artist, serves as the music director; E. Casey, a junior design and technology major from Kingsland, Ga., serves as the scenic designer; Cole McCarty '10, guest artist, serves as the costume designer; Herbie Perlman, a senior design and technology major from Bethel, Conn., serves as the lighting designer; Richard B. Ingraham, guest artist, serves as the sound designer; Drake Susuras, a sophomore performance major from Broomfield, Colo., serves as the dramaturg; Damian Thompson '03, visiting assistant professor of theatre, serves as the choreographer; Mitch L. Critel, assistant professor of theatre, serves as the technical director; and Hannah Tarr, a junior theatre studies major from Floyds Knobs, Ind., serves as the stage manager.

The ensemble includes Lillian Grace Carlson, a sophomore performance major from
Minneapolis, Minn.; Ashly Chalico, a first-year performance major from Magnolia, Texas; Allie
Forté, a senior performance major from New Albany, Ind.; Davis Jolgren, a sophomore
performance major from Louisville, Ky.; Lillie Kolich, a senior performance major from
Albuquerque, N.M.; Kirkland Long, a senior performance major from Canal Winchester, Ohio;
Riley Katherine Miller, a junior performance major from Crown Point, Ind.; Amelia Overholt, a
junior performance major from Fort Collins, Colo.; Jeff Parkinson, a junior performance major
from Mercer Island, Wash.; and Chloe Shrieves, a senior performance major from St. Cloud, Fla.

The safety of students and patrons is of top priority to UE Theatre. The program boasts a
100% vaccination rate against COVID-19 among the faculty and students. In addition to
compliance with guidelines established by the University's Coronavirus Task Force, UE Theatre continues regular weekly COVID-19 testing of students involved with productions in order to maintain a healthy, safe environment for the coalition of theatre artists working on campus.

In following industry standards, as established by the Broadway League, all audience
members must show proof of COVID–19 vaccination or a negative test result taken within
72-hours of the date on their ticket. Upon arrival at Shanklin Theatre, proof of vaccination/negative test result and an ID will be checked before each performance. All audience members must remain masked while indoors, and Shanklin Theatre will be seated at no more than 50% capacity.

Single ticket prices for GONE MISSING are $20 for adults and $18 for senior adults,
students, and UE faculty and staff. UE students may obtain one free student rush ticket beginning at 12:00 p.m. on the day of the performance they wish to attend. Tickets may be purchased by calling (812) 488-2031, Monday through Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

UE Theatre Presents THREE SISTERS

The University of Evansville Department of Theatre is excited to continue the fall season of the 2021–2022 school year with Anton Chekov’s THREE SISTERS, in a new version by Sarah Ruhl, based on a literal translation by Elise Thoron with Natasha Paramonova and Kristin Johnsen-Neshati. The show opens on Friday, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m., in Shanklin Theatre. In repertory style with GONE MISSING, created by The Civilians, additional performances of THREE SISTERS are at 7:30 p.m. on November 19 and 20 and December 2; and at 2:00 p.m. on November 13 and December 5.

Sarah Ruhl’s modern voice has garnered her a Tony Award nomination, a MacArthur Fellowship, and she was twice named a Pulitzer Prize finalist. Her version of one of Chekhov’s most famous plays exposes the timely struggles of a family living in a small town in Russia and facing gambling debts, a house in foreclosure, and fears of a war on the horizon. These sisters defy despair, celebrate milestones, fall hopelessly in love, and rival as only siblings can. With unyielding resilience and acerbic humor, these women throw themselves into the distance between their dreams and reality and inspire us all to brave our own “new normal.”

Diane Brewer, PhD, professor of theatre history and criticism, directs THREE SISTERS. Yoon Bae, guest artist, serves as the scenic designer; Sara Mathew, a junior design and technology major, from Union, Ky., serves as the costume designer; Stephen Boulmetis, associate professor of lighting design, serves as the lighting designer; Richard B. Ingraham, guest artist, serves as the sound designer; Joy Weidenhamer, a senior theatre studies major from Omaha, Neb., serves as the dramaturg; Mitchell L. Critel, assistant professor of theatre, serves as the technical director; and Corey Cagle, a senior stage management major, from Nashville, Ind., serves as the stage manager.

The cast features Cassidy Rogers, a senior performance major from College Station, Texas, as Olga; Marie Reilly, a junior performance major from Spring Hill, Fla., as Masha; Cass Dunn, a senior performance major from Brattleboro, Vt., as Irina; McAllister Stowell, a junior performance major from Lakewood, Colo., as Andrei; Tatiana Robledo, a sophomore performance major from Houston, Texas, as Natasha; Nathan Viscaino, a junior performance major from Redmond, Ore., as Kulygin; Zachary Scalzitti, a senior performance major from Saint John, Ind., as Vershinin; Brody Ray, a sophomore performance major from Owensboro, Ky., as Tuzenbach; Benjamin Bravard, a junior performance major from Batavia, Ohio, as Solyony; Josh Gelman, a senior performance major from Denver, Colo., as Chebutykin; Caden Sevier, a sophomore performance major from Humble, Texas, as Fedotik; Beverley Buchanan, a sophomore performance major from Tomball, Texas, as Rodé; Jack Cory, a junior performance major from Southlake, Texas, as Ferapont; and Elizabeth Dye a junior performance major, from Frisco, Texas, as Anfisa.

The safety of students and patrons is of top priority to UE Theatre. The program boasts a 100% vaccination rate against COVID-19 among the faculty and students. In addition to compliance with the guidelines established by the University's Coronavirus Task Force, UE Theatre continues regular weekly COVID-19 testing of students involved with productions in order to maintain a healthy, safe environment for the coalition of theatre artists working on campus.

In following industry standards, as established by the Broadway League, all audience members must show proof of COVID–19 vaccination or a negative test result taken within 72 hours of the date on their ticket. Upon arrival at Shanklin Theatre, proof of vaccination/negative test result and an ID will be checked before each performance. All audience members must remain masked when indoors on campus, and Shanklin Theatre will be seated at no more than 50% capacity.

Single ticket prices for THREE SISTERS are $20 for adults and $18 for senior adults, students, and UE faculty and staff. UE students may obtain one free student rush ticket beginning at 12:00 p.m. on the day of the performance they wish to attend. Tickets may be purchased by calling (812) 488-2031, Monday through Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Dr. James MacLeod Receives Indiana Historical Society's Hubert Hawkins History Award

James MacLeod, PhD, chair of the UE Department of History, Politics, and Social Change, has been presented with one of the 2021 Founders Day Awards by the Indiana Historical Society (IHS). Each year, the IHS presents the Founders Day Awards, which recognize outstanding individuals and organizations whose efforts have enriched the lives of others by conveying awareness and appreciation of Indiana's history on local, regional, and statewide levels. 

The IHS awarded MacLeod with the Hubert Hawkins History Award, which is made annually to a local historian for his or her distinguished service and career in local history. MacLeod is an active local historian, serving on the Boards of the Vanderburgh County Historical Society; the Southwestern Indiana Historical Society; and the Evansville Museum of Art, History and Science.

“I am extremely honored to receive this award from the IHS," said MacLeod. "While it is an individual award, it is a reflection of the hard work being done by numerous people in the field of local history here in Evansville. The work that I have done over the last few years has all been built on the foundation of research produced by others, and it has been done with the help of a group of wonderful people who welcomed me - as a foreigner and an outsider - incredibly warmly into the local history community.”

MacLeod was educated at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, receiving a Master of Arts in 1988 and a PhD in 1993. He taught history and British studies at Harlaxton College in England from 1994-1999. Since 1999, he has been teaching at UE. Currently, MacLeod chairs the Department of History, Politics, and Social Change, and he teaches courses in European History and the two World Wars. In 2009, he received the Outstanding Teacher Award at the UE commencement.

MacLeod is the author of Evansville in World War Two, which was published in 2015, and The Cartoons of Evansville’s Karl Kae Knecht, published in 2017. In 2016, he wrote and co-produced a 2-part documentary on Evansville in World War II for WNIN PBS, titled Evansville at War. In 2000, he published a book on 19th-century British religion titled The Second Disruption. MacLeod has written over 30 other scholarly publications, delivered hundreds of public lectures, and won many awards for teaching and scholarship. In 2009, he was awarded the Outstanding Teacher Award during the UE Commencement.

“Dr. James MacLeod is the heir apparent for local academic history studies in Vanderburgh County,” said Terry Hughes, president of the Vanderburgh County Historical Association. “His books on World War II and cartoonist Karl Kae Knecht fill voids in local history research, and his documentary film on WWII in Evansville will be a lasting treasure for the community.”

“His original research into Evansville’s history is a significant addition to the body of knowledge documenting our community’s development," said Tom Lonnberg, chief curator and curator of history at the Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science. "His leadership in this area and ready willingness to share his findings are an invaluable resource.”

Jennifer Greene, chief archivist at the University of Southern Indiana, added, “Dr. James MacLeod has made the old new again through his books and projects about local history. He brings a sense of humor in his editorial cartoons that highlights the issue of the day in much the same way Karl K. Knecht did, a history he brought to life in his recent book about the cartoon editorialist. He supports the community in his work with organizations like Southwestern Indiana Historical Society, of which he has been a long-standing board member, but also in his involvement in civic projects.”

“Founders Day Awards honor the people and organizations who toil in the fields of history to create resources that benefit our state and its many communities,” said Susan Jones-Huffine, chair of the board of trustees of the Indiana Historical Society. “Our history proves that in times like these, we have reason to be hopeful.”

The IHS will honor Founders Day Award recipients during a virtual celebration on November 1, 2021. It will be streamed on Facebook Live beginning at 6 p.m.

James MacLeod

UE Clay Club to Host Annual Chili Bowl Sale on October 29

The UE Department of Art and Clay Club will host the annual Chili Bowl Sale on Friday, October 29, 2021 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event will be held in Eykamp Hall, located inside Ridgway University Center off Walnut Street.

For $10, customers can buy one-of-a-kind ceramic bowls with the option of filling it with chili. To-go containers will also be available. Chartwells, the food service provider of UE, is co-sponsoring the event and providing chili. Chef Brown will be serving his own unique recipe. Larger bowls will be for sale from $15 to $50, and a silent auction will have artistic bowls on display, with price ranges from $75 to $125. Customers may purchase up to eight chili bowls, and cash or check (made out to UE Clay Club) will be accepted.

"A lot of hours went into creating these unique ceramic bowls," said Todd Matteson, chair of the Department of Art and Clay Club advisor. "The artists dedicated a lot of energy and hard work. I feel blessed to have such a wonderful group to work with on supporting such a great cause."

The bowls are made by members of the Clay Club as well as UE students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the Evansville community. This year one hundred precent of the sales will go to St. Vincent de Paul's Food Pantry. The Clay Club chose this organization to assist in fighting hunger in the local area.

The Clay Club was established to further the knowledge of ceramic arts at UE and provide activities, both social and educational, to all interested students. Members raise funds to attend conferences, visit museums and galleries, and host visiting artists.

Embrace, Fifth Third Partner for Jacobsville Advantage to Support Local Businesses

The University of Evansville, with the support of Fifth Third Bank, is launching the Jacobsville Advantage, a collaborative effort that assists small businesses in the community with the resources necessary for growth. The overall project was created by Embrace Marketing, a marketing and communications agency managed by UE students. Members of the team hope the innovative program will strengthen Jacobsville businesses and bring strategic growth to the area.

For some time, Fifth Third has been partnering with UE and the Small Business Development Corporation to find innovative solutions and initiatives for the Jacobsville community, in which approximately 460 businesses are located. After conducting research to identify the best ways to support small businesses in the community, Embrace found that marketing assistance was a significant need. Because small businesses often do not have the funds to strategically market their goods or services, they may struggle to be profitable. With a grant from Fifth Third to launch their efforts, Embrace will work one-on-one with business owners to create marketing campaigns and increase brand awareness and reach.

“Fifth Third is dedicated to continuing in our shared vision of creating a Tri-State region where small businesses can truly thrive with exceptional community partners like the University of Evansville and their Center for Innovation & Change,” said Neely Pierce, city president of Fifth Third Bank. “That’s why we have been a proud supporter of this meaningful work and will continue in our philanthropy and resource sharing as the next phase of this program sparks growth and change in the Jacobsville business district.”

Any business owner in the Jacobsville community can receive these services at a very low cost, thanks to the grant from Fifth Third. A stairstep approach will set the initial 5 hours at $10 per hour, with increasing rates up to $50 after 35 hours of service. To learn more or schedule an appointment with the team, businesses can apply on the Jacobsville Advantage website.

“Our team is very excited to bring this project to the Jacobsville area and create real change that will support these business owners and their families,” said Brock Wandel, a UE junior and account executive for Embrace. “While we may not be able to help every single business, we’re confident that those who reach out to us will be impacted for the better.”

Embrace was founded in 2018 by UE alumnus Joe Ellsworth as well as the University’s Center for Innovation & Change. This unique program, now guided by alums Keith Leonhardt and Emily Schuster, is entirely student-run and provides experiential, hands-on learning for students. Clients of Embrace receive affordable marketing and communication services, including graphic design, rebranding, advertising, and consulting.

The Jacobsville Advantage is one of several improvements UE has brought to the community. ChangeLabs, or semester-long courses that seek to create positive change, helped implement Bike Share for the city. Three UE students created the CommuniTree at Mickey’s Kingdom, a solar-powered structure that provides wi-fi and charging ports for mobile devices. The University also obtained $90,000 in solar panels for the Carver Community Organization. Additionally, UE teamed up with Glenwood Leadership Academy to launch the mad hot ballroom program to enhance art education and performance opportunities.

Art Exhibit by Mark Pease on Display

The UE Department of Art presents “You Can’t Call Clouds Clouds Because They’re Always Moving,” an exhibit by Mark Pease that will soon be on display at the Krannert Gallery. The exhibit will be available for public viewing from October 25 through December 11. The Krannert Gallery is located in the Krannert Hall of Art and Music on the UE campus.

The gallery is open from noon until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, it is open from noon until 6:00 p.m. Masks are required while indoors.

A reception for the artist will be held on Thursday, November 11, at 6:30 p.m. A lecture will follow at 7:00 p.m. Both events are free to the public and will be held in the Peterson Gallery, located on the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Weinbach Avenue.

Mark Pease creates work in a variety of media, including printmaking, animation, 3D visualizations, painting, and photography. Through his work, he explores visual ideas inspired by consumer nostalgia, simulacra, suburban landscapes, and modernist architecture.

Currently, Mark is an associate professor of digital media at Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. His courses incorporate the use of computer graphics, digital animation, video art, and 3D modeling. Mark’s work has been on display in national exhibitions such as Los Angeles, New York, and St. Louis.

For more information, contact the UE Art Department of Art at 812-488-2043, email art@evansville.edu, or visit the gallery's Facebook page.

UE Receives $3.6 Million Gift for Lucy Kelly Nursing Scholarship

The University of Evansville (UE) has been provided a $3.6 million gift from the John B. and Lucille S. Kelly Trust. The funds will support and grow the Lucy Kelly Nursing Scholarship, which assists Dunigan Family School of Nursing students who demonstrate financial need and strong academic abilities. 

After her marriage to Dr. John B. Kelly, Lucy relocated from St. Louis to Evansville. At age 42 she decided to enroll at UE for a nursing degree. In 1970, she graduated at 46. Looking back on her time at the University, she considered her four years of studies some of the most fulfilling and happiest of her life. Lucy worked as a nurse at Welborn Baptist Hospital for many years, while her husband was a urologist for Welborn Clinic. She eventually moved to a retirement community in Sun City, Arizona, where she lived until her passing at the age of 97. 

“We are tremendously grateful for the Kellys’ generosity and foresight in developing a philanthropic plan that will both make the UE Nursing degree more accessible to students and expand the pipeline of professionals in this critical need field,” said Abigail Werling, vice president for university advancement at UE.  “Mrs. Kelly was very proud of her UE degree, and today, we are proud of the Kellys’ decision to invest in the University of Evansville’s future with such a beautiful gift of scholarship.” 

Concerned about the nursing shortage and accessibility to education, Lucy established the Lucy Kelly Nursing Scholarship at UE. It was her hope that students in need could pursue their passion for nursing and join the field after graduation. Applicants for the scholarship must be in the top twenty percent of their class and hold a B grade average. 

UE was the first institution in the state of Indiana to receive accreditation for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Now celebrating over 60 years of continuous accreditation, the program offers a scientific and creative learning environment in which students work closely with talented, experienced faculty. UE offers direct entry into the program for eligible freshmen, meaning those who meet required standards are guaranteed a spot in the program once they deposit. Direct entry students also receive a nursing scholarship valued at $20,000 per year. 

“Nursing careers, especially in the tri-state region, are currently in high demand,” said Jerrilee Lamar, PhD, RN, CNE, the Dunigan Family School of Nursing chair. “We are incredibly grateful for this generous gift from the John B. and Lucille S. Kelly Trust, which will support nursing students for years to come.” 

Students interested in pursuing a nursing degree can apply for free at evansville.edu/apply. 

Distinguished Historian Sally Roesch Wagner to Deliver Fiddick Lecture on November 5

The UE Department of History, Politics, and Social Change will welcome Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner for the 19th annual Thomas C. Fiddick Memorial Lecture on Friday, November 5. The lecture will begin at 7:00 p.m. in Eykamp Hall, located on the second floor of Ridgway University Center on the UE campus. The event is free and open to the public with a book-signing afterwards. For those who are unable to attend in person, the lecture will be live streamed. 

The 19th annual Fiddick Lecture is a centennial celebration (delayed by one year due to COVID-19) of the passing of the 19th Amendment, which gave American women the right to vote. Focusing on the women's rights movement over three centuries, Dr. Wagner’s lecture examines the movement's changing agenda, why it has happened, and how we can move forward today with United States democracy and the very existence of life on the planet hanging in the balance. 

Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner was awarded one of the first doctorates in the country for work in women’s studies (UC Santa Cruz), and she is a founder of one the first college-level women’s studies programs in the United States (CSU Sacramento). Dr. Wagner has taught women’s studies courses for 50 years, and she currently teaches for Syracuse University’s Honors Program. 

A major historian of the suffrage movement, Dr. Wagner has been active on the national scene. She appeared in and wrote the faculty guide for the Ken Burns documentary Not for Ourselves Alone. A prolific author, Dr. Wagner’s anthology The Women's Suffrage Movement, with a foreword by Gloria Steinem (Penguin Classics, 2019), unfolds a new intersectional look at the 19th century women’s rights movement. Sisters in Spirit: Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Influence on Early American Feminists (Native Voices, 2001) documents the surprisingly unrecognized authority of Native women who inspired the suffrage movement. It was followed by her young reader’s book, We Want Equal Rights: How Suffragists Were Influenced by Native American Women (Native Voices, 2020). Among her awards, Dr. Wagner was selected as a 2020 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction, one of “21 Leaders for the 21st Century” by Women’s E-News in 2015, and she received the Katherine Coffey Award for outstanding service to museology from the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums in 2012. 

“Professor Wagner is one of the leading historians of Women’s Suffrage in the country, and it is an enormous privilege to bring her to the University of Evansville to deliver the 2021 Fiddick Lecture and interact with students in class,” said Dr. James MacLeod, professor of history and director of the Fiddick Memorial Lecture Series for UE. “On the hundredth anniversary of one of the greatest steps forward in American history, it is important that we reflect and learn some of the lessons of the passing of Women’s Suffrage. Gaining the vote was a hugely important moment for American women, but the women’s rights movement has evolved significantly over the years, and there can be few better-qualified people to tell us this fascinating story than Sally Roesch Wagner.”  

Thomas C. Fiddick, for whom the Fiddick Memorial Lecture is named, served as professor of history at UE from 1963 to 2002. In his 39 years at the University, he was a dedicated teacher, a productive scholar, and a tireless fighter in the cause of justice. His book, Russia's Retreat from Poland, 1920: From Permanent Revolution to Peaceful Coexistence, is still considered to be the best book on this topic. Tom’s untimely death on the day of his retirement in 2002 stunned the entire UE community, especially his many former students. It was from the former students’ efforts in particular, with the support of Dr. Fiddick’s friends and the University, that the annual Thomas C. Fiddick Memorial Lecture was established. 

“The Fiddick Lecture is one of the best events of the year, as we get to celebrate the career of a truly outstanding faculty member here at UE,” MacLeod added. “Tom Fiddick was a brilliant scholar and an incredible teacher who made a life-transforming impact on generations of students.” 

Masks will be required while indoors on the UE campus. To stream the lecture live, visit evansville.edu/live

Rami Malek, Theatre Alumnus, Stars in New Bond Film "No Time to Die"

University of Evansville alumnus Rami Malek is starring in the upcoming film No Time To Die, the 25th film in the James Bond franchise. Playing the role of Lyutsifer Safin, the nemesis of Bond, Malek is the latest villain in the storied series.

The film is set to be released in the United States on Friday, October 8, 2021. The world premiere was September 28, 2021, in London.

Malek will also be an opening host for the 47th season of Saturday Night Live. He is slated to appear on the show October 16.

A 2003 graduate of the theatre program, Malek's roles at UE included Death and the King's HorsemanThe Kentucky CycleBook of DaysMuch Ado About NothingOthello, and The Real Thing.

Malek has won many awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody, which was released in 2018.

Theatre Alums, Assistant Professor Open on Broadway in To Kill a Mockingbird

As part of Broadway’s historic reopening, two University of Evansville Theatre alumnae have roles in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, by Aaron Sorkin, at the Shubert Theatre on Broadway, opening on Tuesday, October 5.

Amelia McClain (left) and Erin Wilhelmi (right)

Amelia McClain has been on the faculty at UE since 2018 and serves as an Assistant Professor of Acting. She teaches all levels of acting, as well as senior-level audition techniques and directs one production each year. Before returning to her alma mater, she completed a year-long tenure on Broadway as Sandra in the smash-hit production of THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG. Also on Broadway, she worked on FOOL FOR LOVE, NOISES OFF, THE HEIDI CHRONICLES, THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES, and the Tony Award-winning VANYA & SONIA & MASHA & SPIKE. Amelia has been in over 20 productions off-Broadway and in regional theatres across the country. Her favorites include OCTOBER/ NOVEMBER at Ensemble Stage Theatre in New York, Brooke in NOISES OFF at Arena Stage in Washington, DC, and Juliet in ROMEO AND JULIET at the Pioneer Theatre Company in Utah. If you don’t blink, you can catch Amelia in the film INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS, written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. A Texas native, she received her BFA from the University of Evansville, in 2003, and MFA from the graduate acting program at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. She is a member of Actors Equity Association. In TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, Amelia plays the roles of Ms. Stephanie and Dill’s mom.

Erin Wilhelmi, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, made her Broadway debut in the Tony-nominated revival of Arthur Miller’s THE CRUCIBLE. Her other Broadway credits include TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (original cast), and A DOLL’S HOUSE PART 2. She has played several roles in Off-Broadway productions, including, GNIT (Theatre for a New Audience), AMERICAN HERO (Second Stage/Williamstown Theatre Festival), THE GREAT IMMENSITY (The Public Theater), CORE VALUES (Ars Nova), and THE GREAT GOD PAN (Playwrights Horizions). In addition to her roles on stage, she is most notably known for her role as Alice in the hit film, THE PERKS OF BENG A WALLFLOWER. Her other Film/TV credits include THE GILDED AGE, BABY RUBY, SWEET, SWEET LONELY GIRL, BETTER CALL SAUL, THE KNICK, TAXI BROOKLYN, MONSTERLAND, LAW & ORDER: SVU, GOSSIP GIRL, and THE ACCIDENTAL WOLF. Erin received her BFA from the University of Evansville in 2008. She is a member of the Actors Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) organization.

Music Conservatory Announces Full Funding for Wheeler Concert Hall Renovations

On October 5, 2021, the University of Evansville (UE) announced the full funding of Wheeler Concert Hall and the Krannert Hall of Art and Music gallery. Members of the UE Music Conservatory delivered the exciting news to the audience of the Ensemble Showcase and through a live stream on the University’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.  

In February 2021, UE announced the creation of the UE Music Conservatory (formerly the Department of Music) as well as plans to renovate Wheeler Concert Hall and the Krannert Hall of Art and Music gallery. The entire project was funded through philanthropy, and a total of $3 million was raised in less than six months. 

Wheeler Hall Renovations Interior

"We are excited about the future of the UE Music Conservatory, and this major renovation to Wheeler Concert will enrich the lives of UE students for many years,” said Tad Dickel, PhD, president of the Friends of UE Music. “Many people have generously supported this project, and we are extremely grateful. The renovated hall will be a place that the campus and community will be proud of." 

Wheeler Concert Hall experienced a water line break in the fall of 2019, causing the space to be unavailable for concerts and recitals. With this fully funded project, the Music Conservatory will now have a first-class concert hall that includes acoustical improvements and arrangeable seating. UE will also add a handicap-accessible entrance to Wheeler Concert Hall. Additionally, improvements to the Krannert Hall of Art and Music gallery will create a more welcoming and open space to visitors and future gallery events. 

The University would like to thank all the donors and Friends of UE Music for their ongoing support and making the renovation project possible. Interested individuals can still name a seat in Wheeler Concert Hall for $2,500 if the donation is made before October 31. To make a gift, please visit uealumnionline.com/HaveASeat

Wheeler Hall Renovations Exterior

Baines Publishes Essay in Collection

Robert Baines, associate professor of English, has an essay in the new collection "Modernism, Theory, and Responsible Reading," edited by Stephen Ross and published by Bloomsbury. Baines' essay is titled "The Positive of the Negative: Joycean Post-Structuralism as Felskian Critique."

Book Cover

UE ChangeLab Brings Vaccine Awareness to Latino Community

Holy Rosary Catholic Church, located on south Green River Road in Evansville, will host a COVID-19 vaccine clinic this Sunday, September 26, 2021, from 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. The clinic is targeted toward the youth of the local Latino community.  

The first dose of the Pfizer vaccine will be administered on that Sunday, and the second dose will be administered at another clinic on Sunday, October 17, 2021, from 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Anyone age 12 and older can receive the vaccine for free. No identification cards or insurance will be required, and registration will be walk-in only. Individuals must wear a mask while at the clinic. 

Any Latino high school student who receives both doses of the vaccine will be entered to win a four-year, full-tuition scholarship from the University of Evansville. If the student is already fully vaccinated but would still like to be entered for the scholarship, they must bring proof of full vaccination and a friend, family member, or neighbor to the clinic. This individual must receive both doses of the vaccine for the student to be eligible for the scholarship. The drawing will be held after the second vaccine clinic.  

In partnership with Holy Rosary and Ascension St. Vincent, a professor and group of students from UE have worked diligently to increase COVID-19 vaccine awareness in the local Latino community. The idea arose from a ChangeLab – a semester-long UE course in which student teams develop innovative solutions to challenges either locally, nationally, or globally. The ChangeLab was held throughout the Spring 2021 semester and titled “Latinx Community Health.” 

Although vaccination awareness and encouragement has been strong in Evansville, the majority of information has been in English – whether it be online or printed in schools, healthcare facilities, or stores. Coached by Cindy Crowe, assistant professor emeritus of Spanish, the students used medical Spanish knowledge to transcribe English materials to Spanish. In particular, they created a pamphlet completely in Spanish that shared CDC guidelines as well as vaccination locations in Evansville.  

After producing the materials, Crowe and her students looked for a way to provide a comfortable, easily accessible vaccination site for Latinos where no ID was required. This was accomplished by forming a partnership with Ascension St. Vincent and Holy Rosary. Holy Rosary offers Catholic mass services in Spanish on Wednesdays and Sundays, so they knew it would be an ideal location for reaching the community and hosting the clinic. The team of students also translated the registration forms for the clinic, which led to more than 100 full vaccinations.  

“Since our clinic in the spring, the vaccine is now available for high school students, so we wanted the next clinic to focus on supporting them,” said Crowe. “As the coach of this class, it has been extremely rewarding to see these students take their ideas and goals and create a real difference in the community.” 

UE Theatre Announces Fall 2021 Season

The University of Evansville (UE) Department of Theatre proudly presents the Fall 2021 Shanklin Theatre season. After more than a year’s absence from live performances on campus, UE Theatre is ready to welcome patrons back with an extraordinary line-up of plays which includes a humorous interpretation of everyday life, a dashing story of self-willed sisters, and a fascinating cabaret about life and the way people interact with possessions.

The season kicks off with EVERYBODY, written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and directed by Visiting Assistant Professor Stacey Yen. EVERYBODY opens on Fri., Sept. 24, at 7:30 p.m., in Shanklin Theatre. Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m., on Sept. 2–5, 30, Oct. 1, 2, and at 2:00 p.m., on Oct. 3.

A finalist for the 2018 Pulitzer Prize in Drama, this innovative play is an immersive and inclusive experience for the cast and audience—as actors draw lots onstage to discover which role they will play at each performance. This brilliant, award-winning playwright gives us a modern take on EVERYMAN, a 15th-century morality play. His inventive interpretation is a provocative and joyful romp about love and death, a whimsical look into the unknown, and, ultimately, an exploration of the ties that bind us on this wondrous journey called life. Who knew that death could be so fun? And absurdly funny!

Next in the repertory line-up is THREE SISTERS from the iconic playwright Anton Chekhov, written in a new version, by Sarah Ruhl. The production is directed by Professor Diane Brewer and opens Fri., Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m. Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m., on Nov. 19, 20, Dec. 2, and at 2:00 p.m., on Nov. 13 and Dec. 5.

This playwright’s modern voice has garnered her a Tony Award nomination, a MacArthur Fellowship, and she was twice named a Pulitzer Prize finalist. Her version of one of Chekhov’s most famous plays exposes the timely struggles of a family living in a small town in Russia and facing gambling debts, a house in foreclosure, and fears of a war on the horizon. These sisters defy despair, celebrate milestones, fall hopelessly in love, and rival as only siblings can. With unyielding resilience and acerbic humor, these women throw themselves into the distance between their dreams and reality and inspire us all to brave our own “new normal.”

The inventive play GONE MISSING, devised by the groundbreaking theatre troupe, The Civilians, is directed by Wes Grantom ’03 and opens Sat., Nov. 13, at 7:30 p.m. Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m., on Nov. 18, Dec. 3, 4, and at 2:00 p.m., on Nov. 20, 21.

This charming show combines real-life interviews about the nature of memory with a scintillating score that effortlessly swings between salsa, ballads, jazzy numbers, and tuneful pop songs. An ensemble of eccentric characters seamlessly intertwines tales of lost objects with fascinating stories of seekers and finders and examines our tendency to place heightened significance on everyday items. While a global pandemic may be the most opportune time to explore this “cabaret of loss,” it is the communal experience of shared joy that is sure to resonate and linger in hearts and minds long after the show ends.

In following industry standards, as established by the Broadway League, all audience members must show proof of COVID–19 vaccination or a negative test result
taken within 72-hours of the date on their ticket. Upon arrival at Shanklin Theatre, proof of vaccination/negative test result and an ID will be checked before each performance. In compliance with the UE Coronavirus Task Force guidelines, all audience members must remain masked when indoors on campus. Additionally, Shanklin Theatre will be seated at no more than 50% capacity.

Season tickets are available now at $45 for adults and $40 for senior adults, students, and UE faculty and staff. Single ticket prices for EVERYBODY, THREE SISTERS, and GONE MISSING are $20 for adults and $18 for senior adults, students, and UE faculty and staff. UE students may obtain one free student rush ticket beginning at 12:00 p.m. on the day of the performance they wish to attend. Tickets may be purchased by calling (812) 488–2031, Monday through Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. You may also visit the Ticket Office on campus, located within Shanklin Theatre in Hyde Hall.

Lilly Dale Performance

UE Holds Ribbon Cutting for Ace CARE Transportation Van

On September 8, 2021, the University of Evansville held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new transportation van for the Ace CARE program. The event was held at 3:00 p.m. and included attendance from staff, faculty, alumni, and members of Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP). 

Ace CARE (Community Action through Rehabilitation and Exercise) was founded 10 years ago by several students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at UE. The organization has three branches of service: Ace+ PT, an outpatient physical therapy clinic for the underinsured, uninsured, and those experiencing homelessness; ACErcise, which serves adults who have sustained a neurologic injury; and AceBuddies, geared toward children and young adults with special needs. 

All Ace CARE services are completely student-run, held on campus, and offered at no cost to patients and participants. In previous years, those in need of Ace CARE services were responsible for their own transportation. For the vulnerable in the local community, however, finding transportation can many times be difficult or unreliable and can result in inconsistent service delivery.

Ace CARE van ribbon cutting attendees

“I have had participants share with me the various obstacles they must work through to make it to our Ace CARE services,” said Christin Donahoe, a Doctor of Physical Therapy student who serves with the program. “With this van, we can solve these problems and enthusiastically assure our patients that they are our priority. For many who may be experiencing an unstable season of life, this van opens doors – literally – and provides them reliability and stability.” 

Early in 2020, discussions were held regarding the need for a transportation van for the Ace CARE program. The idea was launched into reality by March, when University of Evansville parents Mike and Julie Mangan initiated fundraising efforts and provided lead gift money. The Mangans challenged others to support the cause, which prompted others to contribute. In total, 155 donors allowed UE to add the van to Ace CARE’s services. 

“This program was created because our students saw a gap in healthcare services for the vulnerable in our community,” said Mary Kessler, who serves as dean of UE’s College of Education and Health Sciences and oversees Ace CARE. “Ten years later, our students continue to address this growing need and give back to the community. Adding the van to our services is just another way we can help our participants achieve a better quality of life.” 

Ace CARE services have begun for the fall and will continue through the end of the semester. For more information, visit evansville.edu/pt or call 812-431-4832. 

“I hope everyone will see that this van truly moves into all corners of our local community and tells those in need, ‘you and your health are valued here,’” said Donahoe. 

Ace CARE Van

UE School of Education Reaches $1 Million in Grants Since 2017

The University of Evansville (UE) School of Education was recently awarded a $110,000 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) grant from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE). This is the third STEM grant the School of Education has received from the CHE. With these funds, UE has now received over $1 million in grants for the School of Education since 2017.

The recent $110,000 grant will be used to fund full-tuition scholarships for students in the Transition to Teaching program who are entering STEM fields, such as math, science, and computer science. Transition to Teaching is an accelerated, 17-credit education program that prepares students to pursue licensure in teaching. During their time in the program, students will receive teaching placements in local schools and are paired with a mentor teacher and University supervisor for constant support. 

The grant will also provide STEM professional development opportunities for current students in elementary and secondary education majors, as well as UE alums and teachers within the region. Additionally, a mentoring program for graduates teaching in STEM fields will be continued and funded.  

The School of Education will continue to implement a Project Lead the Way program for undergraduate elementary education majors. Project Lead the Way is an American organization that develops and provides STEM curricula to create engaging classroom environments. Through this program, students will be equipped with the knowledge, training, and support to incorporate these in-demand skills into their future classrooms. 

“We are thrilled that this grant will bring even more STEM training and opportunities to our students,” said Sharon Gieselmann, PhD, who serves as chair for the UE School of Education. “The teaching shortage in these fields continues to rise as the demand for these skills continues to grow. This grant is going to have a dual purpose. It will equip our students for teaching STEM in the classroom, but it will also give K-12 students a greater understanding of these areas as they think about their own future aspirations.” 

In addition to the three STEM grants from the CHE, the School of Education also received a $735,000 grant in 2020 from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) fund. The initiative of this grant was to improve distance learning techniques in the classroom. Since receiving the funds, the School of Education has been offering a free community tutoring program as well as professional development opportunities for current students and local teachers to improve student outcomes.

UE Education student with child

UE, WNIN Receive National Edward R. Murrow Award

On Tuesday, August 17, the Radio Television Digital News Association announced the University of Evansville (UE) and WNIN as a national winner for the 2021 Edward R. Murrow Awards.

In 2020, WNIN, the Center for Innovation and Change at the University of Evansville, and ¿Qué Pasa, Midwest? collaborated on a seven-month research and reporting project to find stories of the coronavirus pandemic in seven Midwestern states. COVID Between the Coasts (CBC) is ongoing, adding data-driven reporting on the pandemic for the historical record.

CBC Lead Reporter Sarah Kuper said, “The students' hard work and valuable points of view, combined with the expertise of Dr. Tamara Wandel and Dr. Darrin Weber, made COVID Between the Coasts a historic time capsule of Midwestern life during the pandemic. It was their contribution that put us in the position to win one of the highest honors in the field of journalism. I know I personally learned a lot by working with them.”

WNIN Vice President of Radio Steve Burger said, “Because of the UE data and research, we were able to focus our coverage within a large survey area and break new ground. For example, our ¿Qué Pasa, Midwest? team on the ground in Chicago did valuable reporting on inconsistencies in the national data regarding essential workers. We reported on rural Midwestern communities that previously were not part of the national discussion of the pandemic. We showed the differences in the pandemic’s impact across our survey area.”

“UE is proud to have been part of telling the story of our Midwestern region in the first pandemic in 100 years and highlights the significant contributions that our faculty, staff, and students make every day in our ever-changing world,” said UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. “With UE and WNIN working together, we were able to make a difference in a way that we would not have been able to do individually and are delighted by the collaboration. 

Since 1971, the Radio Television Digital News Association has honored outstanding achievements in electronic journalism with the annual Edward R. Murrow Awards. These awards are among the most prestigious in broadcast news, and recipients demonstrate the spirit of excellence that Murrow set as a standard for the profession of electronic journalism. Winners will be honored at the Murrow Awards Gala in New York City on October 27, 2021.

Murrow Award Winners

UE Awarded $50K Elevate Nexus Grant

The University of Evansville was awarded a $50,000 grant from Elevate Ventures to support entrepreneurship programming and curriculum. The funding, which is channeled through the Elevate Nexus program, is designed to strengthen bonds among higher education institutions, community partners, and entrepreneurs. UE was one of four recipients, which also included Ball State University, Indiana Institute of Technology (Indiana Tech), and Indiana University School of Medicine.

UE will use the grant to create MakerspACE, a three-pronged entrepreneurial program that provides access to innovation training and support for K-16 students. The program will address cultural challenges in the region, provide support to teachers, and build an innovative ecosystem on and off the UE campus.

The Center for Innovation & Change (CIC) at UE will create an on-campus summer institute for K-16 teachers and University professors in 2022. This institute will train individuals to utilize design thinking and infuse problem-solving activities into existing curricula. The CIC plans to offer this summer workshop for educators at no cost to them.

The MakerspACE will be housed inside the CIC office on the campus of UE. Here, students will have access to design thinking, 3D printing, light prototyping, business canvas assistance, and graphic design. This will allow students to visualize ideas and bring projects to life, particularly through prototypes. CIC staff can also connect students with a wider range of more advanced resources, for those who want to continue their pursuit of innovation and product development.

“We are so excited to generate innovation support for the educators in this region,” said Erin Lewis, executive director of the Center for Innovation & Change. “Southern Indiana has many talented individuals who want to improve the quality of life for everyone. UE can now be an even bigger part of the process to support them and bring their ideas to life.”

Elevate Nexus Higher Education Grants are made possible through a partnership with the U.S. Economic Development Administration. A total of $600,000 has been awarded. The funding enables higher education institutions to launch and improve programming to support growth of Indiana startups.

“In the last three years, we have seen some exceptional proposals—all of which foster entrepreneurship and innovation across the campus and in the communities they serve,” said Landon Young, executive director of the Elevate Nexus program. “We are seeing the successful execution of programs, the building of cross-campus ecosystems, and high-potential companies starting and growing. I look forward to the future success these universities see from the programming they were able to launch and expand.”

To stay appraised of additional and future programs provided by Elevate Nexus, visit elevateventures.com.

Erin Lewis is pictured with Chris LaMothe, CEO of Elevate Ventures.

Efroymson Family Fund Supports UE Art, Creates New Endeavors

The University of Evansville is grateful to receive support for the Department of Art from the Efroymson Family Fund. The generous gift from the family, which is in place for the 2021-22 academic year, will not only fund existing traditions within the department but also create new opportunities for art students. 

“We are really excited to create a more impactful learning experience for our art students, thanks to the Efroymson Family Fund,” said Todd Matteson, chair of the Department of Art. “Their contributions help us in preparing our students to be successful not just at UE, but beyond the classroom.” 

With the support from the fund, the department will continue to welcome an artist to Evansville each semester as part of the Efroymson Family Emerging Contemporary Artists Lecture Series. The artist’s pieces will be on display in the Melvin Peterson Gallery as well as the Krannert Gallery. Art students are able to interact with professional artists through lectures and workshops, and the public is invited to view the galleries. 

Each year, the fund supports a marketing internship for a current art student. One intern is selected each semester, and the student works closely with the department chair. The paid internship provides beneficial, hands-on experience, as the student will design print and digital materials that assist with recruitment, exhibitions and receptions, and departmental advertising. 

The Efroymson Family Fund will, for the first time, provide a Bridge Fellowship Program for the upcoming academic year. This new program will deliver invaluable experience for a recent graduate for the Department of Art who wishes to pursue further education. They will work on research and assist with studio management and teaching. The fellow will also receive a studio space and exhibit their research. The assistance performed by the Bridge Year Fellow will allow current art faculty to dedicate more time to classrooms, student mentorship, and artwork. 

“The University is tremendously grateful for the ongoing support from the Efroymson family,” said Sylvia DeVault, corporate and foundation relations officer for UE. “For ten years now, they have been supporters of the arts, which has created a lasting impact on our campus and in the Evansville community.” 

University of Evansville Launches Music Community Conservatory

Earlier this year, the University of Evansville (UE) announced the creation of the UE Music Conservatory to better serve students and the local community. Beginning this fall, the Conservatory will expand its offerings to provide musical opportunities and lifelong learning for all ages through the new Community Conservatory. Lessons and classes will begin in August. 

Community Conservatory membership will allow students to take private instrument or voice lessons from UE music faculty. Lessons are available to all ages and abilities. In addition to one-on-one lessons, students will have opportunities for masterclasses and coaching, recitals with a provided pianist, reduced class rates, a discount toward the UE Summer Music Camp, and a guaranteed talent-based scholarship toward a UE music degree. 

A variety of classes will also be available to the community, accommodating many age groups and skill levels. Course offerings will include chamber music, group piano, audition preparation, drumming, ensembles, and more. Registration for classes is now open. 

UE will continue to offer existing services through the Conservatory, including community ensembles such as UE Choral Society, UE Symphony Orchestra, and the UE Community Band. Rehearsals are held on a weekly basis and performances are presented each semester. The long-running Suzuki Program will also continue as part of the Community Conservatory. Founded in 1972, the program teaches more than 100 students aged 4-17 in the tri-state region. 

“Recognizing UE’s commitment to the community, the faculty are excited to offer and develop new musical opportunities in the area,” said Kenneth Steinsultz, co-director of the UE Music Conservatory. “Music can be a lifelong talent and passion no matter your path in life, and the Community Conservatory will allow anyone to accomplish that.” 

Find more information and register any time by visiting the Community Conservatory webpage.

UE Orchestra

University of Evansville Students Earn Prestigious Edward R. Murrow Awards

A group of University of Evansville (UE) students have been recognized for their work on a community journalism initiative that examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Midwest.

The UE ChangeLab project, “COVID Between the Coasts,” is a collaboration between two University courses and National Public Radio member station WNIN.

The project, presented in a podcast format, examined seven Midwestern states through the lens of underrepresented populations grappling with the ongoing pandemic.

Over seven months, Aces led by Drs. Tamara Wandel (communications) and Darrin Weber (mathematics) carried out research, conducted interviews, and compiled data to tell localized and human stories.

“The research and reporting for our podcast is broader and richer as a result of the ChangeLab students’ award-winning work,” said WNIN reporter and producer Sarah Kuper.

“COVID Between the Coasts” earned the Excellence and Innovation and Excellence in Writing in the Region 7 group at the 2021 Edward R. Murrow Awards. Since 1971, the Radio Television Digital News Association has honored outstanding achievements in electronic journalism with annual ceremonies.

 “These are some of the most prestigious journalism awards out there, and I’m so proud of our students for their work on this project,” Wandel said.

“My classmates and I were able to do everything from research to interviewing and script writing,” UE student Nicole Tucker. “These were all things that we didn’t have a lot of experience in but with the help of our professors and WNIN, we were able to create a successful podcast series.”

A compilation of “COVID Between the Coasts” is available online.

ChangeLabs at the University of Evansville are semester-long courses in which students create positive change for businesses, nonprofits, and the community. Guided by expert coaches, multidisciplinary student teams provide services or develop innovative solutions to challenges. In addition to the award-winning “COVID Between the Coasts” collaboration, other ChangeLab projects include a city-wide bike sharing program and a $90,000 solar panel grant for a local community center.

For more information, visit the ChangeLab webpage.

UE Ranked a Top 100 Best College for Veterans

The University of Evansville has been ranked among the top 100 best colleges for veterans by College Consensus. The complete list of schools was published to the organization's website for 2021. 

To establish the rankings, College Consensus used a method that combined ratings from internationally recognized publishers (publisher rating) as well as student reviews (student review rating). To qualify for the report, a college must be a Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges member, have a recognized student veteran organization, be a Yellow Ribbon Program participant, employ dedicated support contact for veterans, and offer credit for military training. 

"Our student veterans are a valuable asset to our campus community," said Tracey Y. Folden, PhD, assistant vice president for academic affairs. "Their unique work and life experience as prior service members enriches the academic culture." 

In addition to free tuition through the Yellow Ribbon Program, UE offers constant support to student veterans for an engaging college experience. Throughout their college careers, student veterans can receive one-on-one assistance with advising, tutoring, and résumé and interview preparation. The student organization UE VETS (Veterans Education Transition Support) connects veterans and ROTC cadets for a smooth transition to campus life. 

"The resources that UE has made available to veterans have been exemplary,” said Jordan Wright, a student veteran majoring in finance. Wright served in the Navy from 2007-2011. "My experience at the University has been everything I hoped it would be." 

U.S. News & World Report recognized UE as the #2 Best College for Veterans in the Midwest for 2021. The University has also been previously recognized by U.S. Veterans Magazine and Military Times as a top college for veterans. 

"For many transitioning veterans, the process can be a very overwhelming and scary experience," said Neal Quick, a class of 2022 student veteran. "UE has shown me that they genuinely care about veterans, and they have made becoming an Ace one of the easiest processes to accomplish while going through so many changes."

College Consensus is an online organization that highlights the best college programs and degrees offered in traditional and online formats. Studies recognize both public and private institutions at the undergraduate and graduate levels. You can read the complete report about the best colleges for veterans on their website. 

UE Receives Accreditation for Nurse Anesthesia Program

The University of Evansville (UE) has received accreditation for the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. UE earned accreditation for five years, which is the maximum amount awarded to new nurse anesthesia programs.

"Achieving this accreditation status is extremely rewarding and exciting for our program," said Melissa Fitch, DNP, CRNA, who serves as program director. "We look forward to welcoming future students to the University and preparing them for successful careers in the field of nurse anesthesia."

The Nurse Anesthesia program at UE is a nine-semester graduate program. Students receive a blend of classroom lecture and lab exercises from faculty members who possess many years of experience as certified registered nurse anesthetists, or CRNAs. During the second and third years of the program, students work directly with licensed practitioners in the tri-state region and obtain over 2,000 clinical hours providing anesthesia for many types of procedures, including general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, sedation, and invasive monitoring line placement.

Students in the first cohort of the program began their classes in January. The application for the second cohort with January 2022 entry will be open June 1 through August 31. For more information, visit evansville.edu/crna.

The demand for CRNAs is growing across the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is projected to grow by 31 percent through 2026, which is much faster than the average for other occupations. In 2020, the average salary for a CRNA was $189,190.

The inaugural cohort of students is pictured with faculty members Dr. Michele Ardigo and Dr. Melissa Fitch.

UE Leading Eight-Day Civil Rights Bus Tour for Local High School Students

The University of Evansville will lead an eight-day civil rights bus tour in July 2021 that will explore historical sites and events in cities of the South. Students on this trip will learn important, valuable lessons at each stop for an impactful experience of personal reflection and application within their own communities. Journey to Justice is open to local high school juniors and seniors, and registration is open through June 30. Scholarships are available for students in need. 

From July 24-31, participants will visit museums, churches, and more across the cities of Montgomery, Alabama; Birmingham, Alabama; Selma, Alabama; Memphis, Tennessee; and Louisville, Kentucky. Sites will include the Rosa Parks Museum, Edmund Pettus Bridge, National Civil Rights Institute, Beale Street, and the Breonna Taylor Memorial. Before departing UE for the trip, students will also visit the Evansville African-American Museum.  

“Journey to Justice will be a transformational experience for young people seeking to make a difference,” said Rob Shelby, PhD, chief diversity officer at UE. “While there are opportunities for high school students to learn about historical watershed moments, this trip will allow them to learn firsthand from the field.” 

Through Journey to Justice, students can earn three college credits. The interactive experience will be part of Social Justice Movements, an ethics course that can fulfill a general education requirement or be applied towards the ethics and social change major. Some assignments, such as journal entries and film viewings, will be completed on the trip, while others will be given after returning to Evansville. 

The base cost of the trip is $800. The tuition cost will be $350 for students as part of the Bridge/Dual Credit Program through UE.  

Journey to Justice is made possible through the generous support of Lilly Endowment Inc. To register, or for more information, visit evansville.edu/journeytojustice.  

ChangeLab Projects Receive Honorable Mentions at Civvys

Two ChangeLab projects of the University of Evansville (UE) Center for Innovation & Change received honorable mentions at the fourth annual American Civic Collaboration Awards, or Civvys. The event was hosted live from Washington, D.C. on Monday, April 19. 

“We are thrilled to see the positive impact of our student and faculty-led ChangeLab projects recognized not just in our local community, but also at the national level,” said Erin Lewis, director of the Center for Innovation & Change. “Both teams that participated in these award-winning projects worked diligently across disciplines to create powerful change through innovation and inclusion.” 

As an Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, UE gives students the opportunity to create a lasting impact in the community through ChangeLabs, which are courses that connect the classroom with the world. Students work together in teams to turn an idea into reality, bringing positive change to businesses, nonprofits, and communities throughout the world. 

The first honorable mention was for “COVID Between the Coasts,” a collaborative ChangeLab project between UE, ¿Qué Pasa, Midwest?, and WNIN. Hypothesizing that news media largely reported on the pandemic from the east and west coasts, this team conducted research to assess COVID-19 exclusively in the Midwest. The project was led by Darrin Weber, PhD, assistant professor of mathematics; and Tamara Wandel, PhD, associate professor of communications. 

Evansville Adaptive Watersports also received an honorable mention at the 2020 Civvys. At UE’s first Community Changemaker Challenge, Philip Jacobs presented a winning idea that would support local residents with disabilities by providing accessibility to watersports. After the event, the ChangeLab project was guided by a team of four undergraduate and graduate UE students: Jamie Born, Jalyn Davis, Brooksie Smith, and Ashlyn Thompson. Evansville Adaptive Watersports successfully launched last fall, and the disabilities served include autism, spina bifida, paraplegic, brain injuries, and more. 

The Civvys highlight best practices in civic collaboration in America, and awards are given at the national, youth, and local levels. The 2020 awards brought a record-setting number of entries, and finalists were selected by the Civvys Review Committee. 

Support for our UE BIPOC Community

The University of Evansville wants to shed light on recent expressions of hate, bias, and discrimination. Less than a month ago, the University sent out a statement to students and employees condemning acts of racism in our country after the tragic deaths in Atlanta. Sadly, times have continued to weigh heavily on our hearts and in our minds as we endure an international pandemic in addition to an emotionally taxing trial. Yet, lives continue to be taken at only 13 and 20 years of age.

The University of Evansville recognizes the systemically discriminate acts taking place in our country and condemns those who uphold those systems of oppression by acting with racism, hatred, violence, and ignorance. The loss of a life cannot and should not be reduced to an “accident.” Throughout our country, around the world, and in our backyard, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals face a daily charge of images, videos, and experiences clearly depicting the disparities their communities face. It is our responsibility as individuals to learn about these inequities and utilize our spaces and privileges to support and uplift BIPOC community members.

Today, we reach out to our entire University community, focusing on our BIPOC students and employees, to acknowledge the continued pain and frustration they are experiencing as a result of seeking “justice for all.” As an institution, we are dedicated to creating and fostering a space not only for diversity and inclusion, but also for belonging. We are committed to providing support and advocating for our community members affected by acts of hate.

Those outside of the BIPOC community should recognize the immense pain BIPOC community members are facing right now and how that may be affecting them in all aspects of life. It is imperative that we acknowledge and support others different from ourselves and strive to become a more empathic and compassionate community. It is not enough to not be racist. We need to stand up for our community members and be anti-racist. We want to encourage everyone to take care and, in a time fueled by hate, spread love. Love yourself and love each other.

We understand these times are extremely difficult and confusing. The Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will offer campus community members an opportunity to process recent events in a safe and collaborative space during the week of April 19-23. Please look for a posting in AceNotes, UEngage, and on our social media sites for further information regarding this intentional safe space.

If you or any University community member has experienced harassment or bias, we want to know. As part of our continued commitment to creating and maintaining a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community, we encourage you to stand up against hate and contact the Office of Institutional Equity to file a report. Reports can also be made anonymously through the Office of Public Safety online reporting system.

The Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Office of Institutional Equity welcome suggestions on ways to better support our community. We encourage you to reach out to us at center4dei@evansville.edu or titleix@evansville.edu.

Say their Names:
Daunte Wright, Adam Toledo, Anthony Alvarez, Sun Cha Kim, Yong A. Yue, Hyun J. Grant, Soon Chung Park, Delaina Ashley Yuan, Paula Andre Michels, Xiajie Tan, Daoyou Feng, Lieutenant Nazario, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland, Philando Castile, Ahmaud Arbery, Elijah McClain, Michael Brown, Aura Rosser, Botham Jean, Andres Guardando, Eric Garner, Anthony McClain, Tamir Rice, Trayvon Martin, Janisha Fonville, Freddie Gray, Alton Sterling, Atatiana Jefferson, and so many more that have gone unnamed and unpublicized.

Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz
President
University of Evansville

University of Evansville alumna uncovers ancient fingerprints on Roman oil lamps

A University of Evansville (UE) alumna has unearthed historic fingerprints embedded in a series of ancient Roman oil lamps, helping to build a greater profile of the potters that created them.

Dr. Megan Hagseth, ’12, a graduate of the UE archaeology program, had been collaborating with colleague Rachel Matheny to create three-dimensional digital models of four lamps owned by the Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science. The pair both currently work for Texas A&M University as part of its Uluburun Shipwreck Project.

Utilizing the UE archaeology lab on campus, Hagseth and Matheny set out to create digital models using photogrammetry; each lamp was captured using a DSLR camera at different angles with proper placement and lighting, with each photo then combined using a special computer program to create a detailed virtual 3D model.

Fellow UE archaeology graduate and Evansville Museum Collections Manager Kamen Hillenburg, ’08, said the project originally intended to virtualize a portion of the museum’s collection to make it more accessible amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The lamps are roughly 2,000 years old and arrived at the museum in the late 1950s and early 60s.

“Digital documentation and modeling with photogrammetry allow us to put the objects in the hands of specialists all over the world instantaneously,” Matheny said. “We can model an object in Indiana, and someone in Turkey can put on a virtual reality headset and hold it in their hands.”

While taking photographs and modeling the lamps, Hagseth and Matheny noticed about half a dozen fingerprints impressed in the clay dating back to when the ancient potter originally cast them.

“These fingerprints help connect us to the past in ways you’d never believe,” Hagseth said. “Specialists can measure the distance between fingerprint ridges and their depth, determining the age and sex of the potter. We have the technology to essentially shake the hands of someone who lived thousands of years ago and that’s remarkable.

“Even small, seemingly unimportant objects can not only connect us to humanity's shared past but also provide insight into the everyday, ordinary person. People like you and me."

While on campus, Hagseth and Matheny held workshops for UE archaeology majors to teach them the basics of photogrammetry and share their work.

“This helps to show them what the possibilities are so when they go to graduate school and they see a problem, here’s a potential solution they have in their back pocket to solving that particular problem,” said UE archaeology professor Dr. Alan Kaiser. “It’s very much a hands-on oriented program. We teach students computer skills to get started and equip them to uncover more on their own in their careers. There are fewer than 20 departments of archaeology in the nation, and ours is definitely one of the best because of stuff like this.”

Hagseth said the lamps will soon be sent to a specialist to inspect the finger and palm prints and establish a profile of the potter that made them.

Ancient Oil Lamp

UE Receives Gift from Koch Foundation for Doctorate of Psychology Program

The University of Evansville announced on April 12 a $1.5 million gift from the Koch Foundation that will support the development of a new Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) program. This new opportunity will allow for providers in the region to diagnose and treat conditions associated with the brain, behaviors, and mental health.  

“We feel privileged to invest in the mental health of our region alongside the University of Evansville,” said Robert L. Koch II, chairman of Koch Enterprises. "There is a tremendous need for quality providers, and the establishment of this program is part of a larger vision to create a better quality of life for those in our community.” 

"The Koch Foundation has long been a leader in our community for inspiring change through philanthropy,” said Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, president of UE. “The University of Evansville is tremendously appreciative of the Koch family’s spirit of philanthropy, commitment to excellence in higher education, and support of our future through this transformational gift.”  

Mental health was identified as a top priority for Vanderburgh and Warrick Counties in the most recent Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNA). The study was conducted for both counties by Deaconess Health System and Ascension St. Vincent, along with ECHO Community Healthcare, the United Way of Southwest Indiana, the Vanderburgh County Health Department, and the Welborn Baptist Foundation. The demand is high for mental health services in the Evansville community, but there are simply not enough providers to adequately serve the area. 

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, studies estimated that one out of five people will be diagnosed with a mental health condition at some point in life. Recent data now suggests that a third of COVID-19 survivors are suffering with mental health issues, including anxiety and mood disorders, which directly impacts the individuals surrounding them. Through the PsyD program at UE, trained and licensed mental health providers can be placed in the community to provide care and treatment in a timely manner. 

“The PsyD program is a fantastic addition to UE’s academic offerings, and it will benefit our Counseling Services department on campus,” said Karen Stenstrom, LCSW (licensed clinical social worker), who serves as the University’s director of counseling and ADA coordinator for students. “This is a critical piece for increasing much-needed mental healthcare and improving the availability of services for our community.” 

“I am very excited about this doctoral program because of the impact it will have in our community,” said Elizabeth Hennon Peters, PhD, department chair and associate professor of psychology. “Society has known for over 50 years that individuals with the fewest mental health resources are the most likely to be impacted by stress and develop mental health challenges. Through the program, we will be available to offer valuable resources to those who need it most.” 

“The University of Evansville developing a Doctorate of Psychology degree is of particular interest,” said James F. Schroeder, PhD, HSPP, vice president of psychology and wellness at Easter Seals Rehabilitation. “There is a strong need for more highly trained clinical professionals in Evansville; more specifically, this region is undersaturated when it comes to practicing psychologists and thus waitlists, especially services for child providers, are very long. Beyond serving as a recruiting tool for psychologists in the area, the services provided by the graduate student interns will be invaluable to the community. For those who pursue the PsyD program at UE, they will be part of a rich, collaborative, dynamic learning environment that trains students at all levels to pursue a career of service and meaning.”  

The Koch Foundation was established in 1945 to fulfill a philanthropic mission to improve the quality of life within communities where Koch Enterprises conducts operations. 

Forward campaign logo.

UE Granted Accreditation-Continued Status for Physician Assistant Program

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the University of Evansville Physician Assistant Program sponsored by the University of Evansville. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards. 

Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be March 2031. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy. 

The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-university-of-evansville/

“Since the program’s establishment in 2016, our department faculty, administration, and staff have worked tirelessly to earn this accreditation,” said Andy Lampkins, PhD, associate chair of the Physician Assistant program. “It has been very rewarding to achieve this status, and we look forward to welcoming future generations of students to this program.” 

The Physician Assistant Program at UE is a seven-semester graduate program. Students receive a blend of classroom lecture and hands-on learning from faculty members who provide a wealth of knowledge as medical professionals and educators. During the final three semesters, students complete 12 months of supervised clinical experiences in a variety of medical specialties. The program is nationally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the ARC-PA. 

UE PA students holding up 'UE PA Continued' signs.

UE Presents 2021 Outstanding Educator Awards 

On Wednesday, April 7, the University of Evansville presented four individuals in Vanderburgh County with Outstanding Educator Awards. Each educator received a surprise announcement within their school as part of UE’s 30th annual presentation of awards. 

The competition, which is specific to Vanderburgh County, recognizes current classroom teachers and building principals in grades K-12 with at least three years of experience. The Outstanding Educator Awards are sponsored by UE, Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union, and the Evansville Courier & Press. 

The following awards were presented on Wednesday:

Cathy Hoffman

Outstanding Elementary Educator of the Year: Cathy Hoffman, fifth grade teacher at Delaware Elementary School

Cathy has been an educator for 16 years, nine of which have been in her current role.

As a teacher, Cathy believes building relationships with students and their families is essential to the profession. She always strives to make her students feel “safe and secure” in the knowledge that she is there to support them in every situation.

“My motto in the classroom is, ‘We don’t do easy. We make easy happen through hard work,’” says Cathy. “Many students want to give up if something is hard. But the relationships I have built with them allow me to show them they can achieve these things.”

When schools suddenly closed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) asked many teachers to create lessons that could be aired on WNIN for local students without cable or internet access. Cathy carried out this strategy the rest of the semester for her fifth graders so they could feel like they were still part of the classroom.

When summer arrived, she created new lessons for third grade summer school sessions. Cathy knew that her work created a lasting impact when students throughout the community would approach her in public, sharing that they recognized her from the educational lessons on WNIN. “During a time when there were many unknowns about the upcoming school year, this experience gave me the extra push I needed to mentally prepare for my classes,” she said.

Cathy says one of her main goals is to be in tune with her students each day, which allows her to build trust and encourage them.

“In my classroom, I make it a priority to have a conversation with each student, each day,” she said. “Whether it’s about their family, sports, or even favorite foods, I listen to anything they want to share. In return, I tell them about my own life outside of teaching. This reminds students that I’m not just their teacher, but I am also someone who is in their corner and cheering them on.”

Gayle Mooney

Outstanding Middle School Educator of the Year: Gayle Mooney, sixth grade teacher at Scott School

Gayle Mooney has been a teacher for 28 years, and for the last nine, she has taught sixth grade math and science.

Over the last two decades, Gayle has served as a sponsor and coordinator for several organizations, including student council, cheerleading, technology, and book fairs.

Gayle’s teaching philosophy is based upon building relationships with each of her students. “I want my students to know that I care about them, respect them, and want the best for them,” she said. “Students want to feel respected and valued, and I believe my success depends on the success of my students.”

On top of their personal success, Gayle also strives to make learning enjoyable for her classes. She encourages her students to always ask for help when it is needed so they will learn to enjoy coming to school each day.

“I feel like I am fortunate to be in the classroom and learn with my students as they learn from me,” Gayle said.

Peter Barringer

Outstanding High School Educator of the Year: Peter Barringer, English teacher at Harrison High School

Peter Barringer has been a teacher for seven years, and he has been teaching English at Harrison High School for the last five years.

Teaching the full spectrum of English classes, Peter says that each class demands a different skill set and unique approach. He also teaches in the Shepard Leadership and Law Academy, a rigorous four-year program that combine social studies and English. “This program has stretched my abilities as a teacher, and it has provided an additional opportunity for growth in my skill set,” he said.

Peter says his educational philosophy is very simple: “I believe all students are capable of learning and succeeding.” This principle guides his daily instruction, although he says that is just one aspect of his job. “I relish the opportunity to talk with my students on a personal level, because students often apply themselves in class more regularly when I engage with them about hobbies or extracurricular activities,” Peter said.

To put his philosophy into practice, Peter uses three strategies: 1) build both academic and personal relationships with students, especially those who have not experienced much academic success in the past; 2) respond quickly to student struggles through constant feedback and conversations; and 3) provide quality instruction that reaches the needs of all students.

In addition to teaching English, Peter serves as a coach for the speech team and recorder for the Harrison Social-Emotional Learning Team. He also established the Harrison Board Game Club to further engage with students.

Susie Masterson

Outstanding Building Principal of the Year: Susie Masterson, Principal of Evansville Christian School

Susie Masterson has been an educator for 44 years. This is her 34th year as principal for Evansville Christian School, where she oversees pre-kindergarten through sixth grade.

Throughout her career, Susie has been an elementary school teacher, principal, adjunct faculty member at the graduate level, and a professional development trainer. She has also served overseas in Afghanistan and Uganda, training teachers and planting schools.

“In every situation, I have been challenged and equipped for the next opportunity,” said Susie, “And that’s what it means to be a lifelong learner.”

Since 1988, Susie has served in various roles with ECS. This year is a bittersweet one for her, as the elementary school campus prepares to say goodbye to its Bethel Church location and move to a new, freestanding location in Warrick County (near Crossroads Christian Church). “I have loved working on the design and building of this new space as well as planning for new procedures and programming,” said Susie. “This will create a positive school culture for our K-6 students, where our school’s mission will thrive.”

Susie wrote a life mission statement to guide her both professionally and personally. It reads, “Commit to serving God by continuing a spiritual legacy to my children and grandchildren; using my God-gifts of teaching and leading; and pursuing connections that serve as an outreach for the Gospel.” Susie has always aspired to be the leader that she needed at various seasons in her life. Today, she invests in teachers so they can invest in their students.

In nominating Susie for an Outstanding Educator Award, an individual said that she is “the epitome of a selfless leader who is teacher-focused and believes in partnering with parents to positively impact each student’s learning.”

Award winner Peter Barringer

UE Receives Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.

The University of Evansville (UE) has received a grant of $5 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. through the competitive Phase 3 of its initiative, Charting the Future of Indiana’s Colleges and Universities. The grant will support the establishment of a shared, cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) system with a single set of standardized business practices.

UE is one of 16 Indiana colleges and universities that will be supported by funding in the final phase of Charting the Future, an initiative designed to help colleges and universities in Indiana assess and prioritize the most significant challenges and opportunities they face as higher education institutions and develop strategies to address them.

Over the span of several months, UE collaborated with three other institutions to request the grant. Those institutions included Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa; North Central College in Naperville, Illinois; and Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana. Valparaiso also received a $5 million from Lilly Endowment through the Charting the Future initiative. That grant will fund Valparaiso’s participation in the collaboration.

Through the collaboration, the four institutions will form an independent, non-profit organization called the College and University Sustainability Project (CUSP) to house the collaborative effort toward providing efficient and effective non-academic services. Once significant progress has been achieved, the intention is to enable additional institutions to join CUSP and achieve similar efficiency and effectiveness.

Concepts and initiatives for the grant were established by a steering committee of members from each of the four institutions. In addition to the four presidents, it was comprised of chief financial officers, chief information officers, and other key administrators.

“The University of Evansville is very grateful to Lilly Endowment for its generous grant and commitment to supporting higher education,” said Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, president of UE. “Technology is an ever-evolving industry that directly impacts our University, and this grant will provide remarkable opportunities and expand our capabilities for modernization among core information systems.”

“Indiana’s colleges and universities face myriad challenges as they work to fulfill their educational missions while adapting to growing financial pressures, rapid demographic and technological changes, and evolving needs and demands of students,” said Ted Maple, the Endowment’s vice president for education. “We are pleased with the creative and collaborative approaches the colleges and universities are taking to address these challenges and seize opportunities to better serve their students, institutions, communities and the state of Indiana.” 

Lilly Endowment launched the three-phased Charting the Future initiative in 2019 to help leaders of the state’s 38 colleges and universities engage in thoughtful discernment about the future of their institutions and to advance strategic planning and implementation efforts to address key challenges and opportunities. Collaboration was encouraged, especially in the third phase of Charting the Future, and several schools proposed collaborative programs and strategies. Through three phases of grantmaking, Lilly Endowment awarded more than $138 million to the schools.

Through earlier rounds of the initiative, all 38 schools received planning grants, which were approved in December 2019, and implementation grants approved in June and September 2020. The implementation grants funded strategies to improve efforts to prepare students for successful futures and strengthen the schools’ long-term institutional vitality.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The Endowment funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion. However, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

UE Announces Return to Regular Operations for Fall 2021 Semester

The University of Evansville will return to normal operations and offer most courses in-person for the Fall 2021 semester, offering online and hybrid courses when appropriate. The plans were developed in accordance with COVID-19 trends at the local, state, and national levels, and recognize the increasing availability of vaccines and reduced rates of transmission.  

“Since the pandemic arrived last year, we have been looking forward to the day when we can safely return to normal,” said Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, University of Evansville president. “Even if there are precautions in place in the fall, we have every intention of providing the complete in-person college experience that is the foundation of our education at UE.” 

Pietruszkiewicz also noted UE’s success in preventing the spread of COVID-19 on campus. For the 2020-2021 academic year, UE’s Coronavirus Task Force implemented several measures to protect the campus community. This included moving select classes to an online or hybrid format and reducing classroom density. As the task force continues to navigate the pandemic and adjust plans accordingly, the University expects a full return to regular in-person course offerings and activities for the fall. 

“Our entire campus community has been very dedicated to protecting those around them by following the protocols in place,” Pietruszkiewicz said. “It is thanks to the support of each member that we have made it this far and can confidently look ahead to the fall.” 

As safety remains a top priority, UE will continue to follow guidelines at the local, state, and national levels. Following direction from the CDC, some health and safety precautions may be in place for the campus, and it is certainly possible that external conditions could alter these plans. 

The fall semester will follow a normal class schedule and is slated to begin Wednesday, August 25. 

UE Chemistry Students