News
UE's Center for Innovation & Change to Expand Reach
Posted: May 23, 2023
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.
Changemaker Highlight of the Week: Imelda Salgado
Posted: April 27, 2023
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.
Changemaker Challenge Winners Receive Scholarships
Posted: January 25, 2023
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.
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.
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.
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.
Embrace's Jacobsville Advantage Receives $15K Investment from Fifth Third
Posted: May 11, 2022
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.
Changemaker Challenge Winners Receive Full Tuition to UE
Posted: January 26, 2022
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:
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
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
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.
Toyota Donates $350,000 to Changemaker's Stormwater Project
Posted: December 16, 2021
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.”
UE Hosting 7th Annual High School Changemaker Challenge
Posted: November 11, 2021
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.
Embrace, Fifth Third Partner for Jacobsville Advantage to Support Local Businesses
Posted: October 22, 2021
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.
UE ChangeLab Brings Vaccine Awareness to Latino Community
Posted: September 22, 2021
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, WNIN Receive National Edward R. Murrow Award
Posted: August 17, 2021
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.
UE Awarded $50K Elevate Nexus Grant
Posted: August 16, 2021
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.
University of Evansville Students Earn Prestigious Edward R. Murrow Awards
Posted: June 11, 2021
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.
ChangeLab Projects Receive Honorable Mentions at Civvys
Posted: April 30, 2021
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.
Winners of 6th Annual Changemaker Challenge Announced
Posted: February 15, 2021
Several high school students were awarded significant scholarships on Monday during a virtual awards ceremony for the University of Evansville’s sixth annual High School Changemaker Challenge. The competition was sponsored by Toyota.
In previous years, the High School Changemaker Challenge has been held in person and open to local students who compete in teams. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s competition was hosted in a virtual format and accepted individual entries from students around the world.
The High School Changemaker Challenge, 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 awarded first, second, and third place to individuals from each of the two categories: social & environmental justice and health. The scholarship amounts, renewable for a total of four years, are:
- 1st place: full tuition
- 2nd place: $18,000 tuition and $5,000 housing
- 3rd place: $13,000 tuition and $5,000 housing
Below is a list of the winners of the 2021 High School Changemaker Challenge:
Social & Environmental Justice
- 1st place: Grace Davidson; North High School, Evansville, Indiana; Helping victims of sexual assault receive compassionate care
- 2nd place: Ilya Budd; Arcola High School, Arcola, Illinois; Rethinking recycling
- 3rd place: Barak Hall; Evansville Christian School, Evansville, Indiana; Sustainable housing
Additional finalists who competed in this category include:
- Evelyn Hipp; Nolensville High School, Nolensville, Tennessee; Helping LGBTQ students feel supported
- Mosad Kamal Mohammed; El Sheikh STEM School, El Hamoul City, Egypt; Multifunctional Proteins Classification Model
- Blayre Walters; Friends’ Central High School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Improving mental health for children
- Aneesh Alapati; Castle High School, Newburgh, Indiana; Working to end gun violence in Evansville
Health
- 1st place: Patricia Solliday; White River Valley High School, Switz City, Indiana; Portable health care for the elderly
- 2nd place: Ali Scott; Northeastern High School, Richmond, Indiana; Basic healthcare for K-12 kids in need
- 3rd place: Omaima Khan; Signature School, Newburgh, Indiana; Clean needle exchange
Additional finalists who competed in this category include:
- Amanda Deutsch; North High School, Haubstadt, Indiana; Food insecurity
- Madison Lucas; Evansville Christian School, Evansville, Indiana; Developing a virtual blood bank
- Lydia Preske; Signature School, Evansville, Indiana; Infant formula temperature control
- Anish Patel; Woodbridge High School, Irvine, California; The Empowerment Gym
University of Evansville Announces New Plans for Department of Music
Posted: February 8, 2021
The University of Evansville announced today that it will retain the Department of Music and create enhancements to better serve students and the greater Evansville community. The announcement was made in conjunction with UE administration, Department of Music co-chairs, Friends of UE Music, the UE Student Government Association (SGA), and the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra (EPO).
“We are delighted that our faculty and the community came together to preserve our rich tradition of music at UE,’’ said University President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. “They not only have made the department financially viable, but also have reimagined our program in a way that will benefit our campus and local community.”
Pietruszkiewicz said the plan was a collaboration between Department of Music co-chairs, faculty, Friends of UE Music, community partnerships, private donors, trustees, and the administration.
The department’s new initiatives include:
- Retention of all five music degrees: Music Education, Music Therapy, Music Management, Music Performance, and Music – General
- Creation of the University of Evansville Music Conservatory, which will benefit UE students, provide private lessons to preschool through 12th grade students and adults, continue to offer Suzuki violin instruction, begin to offer dual enrollment courses in music, and strengthen the University’s enrollment pipeline
- Implementation of new offerings, including a music therapy clinic and a redesigned summer music camp which will increase revenue, enhance community engagement, and strengthen recruiting opportunities
- Full renovation of Wheeler Concert Hall and the Krannert Hall of Art and Music lobby
- Increased fundraising from Friends of UE Music
“We are grateful for the support of Friends of UE Music, collaboration with administration, and encouragement from the Evansville community to create a solution that retains the UE Department of Music,” said department co-chair Ken Steinsultz. “This plan solidifies our commitment to the community as well as the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra.”
Kimberly Bredemeier, executive director of the EPO, said she is thrilled about the department’s new direction.
“The Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra maintains a strong and important relationship with the UE Department of Music and our community,” she said. “This will ensure continued collaboration for many years to come.”
The plan will make the Department of Music financially sustainable by reducing operating costs through planned retirements, establishing new revenue streams, increasing fundraising commitments, and focusing on recruiting and retaining new students.
“Because this department is a cultural hub for music in our region, our plan is the result of input from many stakeholders, alumni, and arts organizations.” said Timothy A. Dickel, president of Friends of UE Music. “With financial support from Friends of UE Music and members of the UE Board of Trustees, we will be able to execute this plan immediately.”
Fundraising is well underway to transform Wheeler Hall and the lobby of Krannert through leadership gifts from G. Richard and Rita Eykamp, Sharon McCarthy (Mrs. Burkley McCarthy), and John C. and Diane Schroeder. The University is incredibly grateful for the generosity of these longtime friends and trustees. UE will soon begin next steps in the renovation.
This significant development is part of the current draft academic realignment process to resolve a financial operating deficit and bolster the University’s strengths. Michael Austin, PhD, executive vice president of academic affairs and provost, noted this proposal was “one of many” that the administration has seen since the process began in December.
“We continue to receive proposals from faculty and engage in earnest dialogue to revise programs and make the University financially sustainable well into the future,” he said.
Virtual High School Changemaker Challenge Offers Full Tuition Scholarships
Posted: November 18, 2020
The University of Evansville is pleased to announce the upcoming sixth annual High School Changemaker Challenge, sponsored by Toyota, will be held virtually this year. Any high school junior or senior in America and around the world is invited to participate for a chance to win one of several four-year, full tuition scholarships.
In previous years, teams of students have submitted projects for the High School Changemaker Competition. This year, due to the difficulties of gathering amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenge will seek online entries from individual students and judging will be conducted virtually.
"As an Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, we wanted to adapt and find creative ways to make this event possible for high school students," said Erin Lewis, interim director for UE's Center for Innovation & Change. "We believe everyone can be a changemaker, and offering the competition virtually allows anyone in the world to share their idea to create positive change."
A virtual session will launch the event and is scheduled for Friday, November 20, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. The Zoom meeting will be led by Lewis; Zac Parsons, local entrepreneur; and Robert Lopez, a former competitor and current UE student. To register, visit evansville.edu/cc-hs.
Students can submit an idea spanning several categories, from health and social justice to environmental and regional issues (ideas tackling something Evansville-specific).
Winning students in each category who choose UE as their college destination will receive four-year scholarships to attend UE as listed below:
- 1st place: Full tuition
- 2nd place: $18,000 tuition and $5,000 housing per year
- 3rd place: $13,000 tuition and $5,000 housing per year
"The High School Changemaker Challenge gives students the opportunity to make their dream a reality," said Jill Griffin, interim vice president for enrollment and marketing. "Our hope is that this competition inspires a generation of youth to think big and positively impact the world around them."
Detailed information is available here. You may contact uechangemaker@evansville.edu for questions.
Guatemala Project Advances to Final Round
Posted: April 7, 2020
A University of Evansville student-produced documentary, The Guatemala Project: A Habitat for Humanity Mission, was selected for Manchester Lift-Off Film Festival, an international online film festival. After an initial round of audience voting, the film advanced to the final round at #4.
The documentary was made by Brea Mullen and Amanda Ackerman, junior multimedia communication majors at the University of Evansville. The film was previously awarded a Student Emmy by the Ohio Valley Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
“This project has been such a blessing from the very beginning,” said Mullen. “From its planning phases to now, it has been such a wonderful journey of growth both personally and in terms of beginning a career in filmmaking.”
Each year, students travel the globe with UE’s Habitat for Humanity chapter. In May 2018, Mullen and Ackerman traveled to Guatemala with the group to document the experience and came out with a moving testimonial of life-changing aid that UE Changemakers are providing all over the world.
“This was a life-changing trip for me because I got to experience a new culture and people I had never met before,” Ackerman said. “I stand firmly behind Habitat for Humanity’s mission of changing the world in a positive way, which is something I would like to continue to be a part of for trips to come.”
“In times like these when everyone is so isolated, we can lean on film as a universal connector,” Mullen added. “Habitat for Humanity's mission is all about creating positive change and helping it expand and flourish throughout the world. This project is infused with hope, gratitude, and growth, and our hope is that everyone who has been so generous enough to watch the film is filled with these positive emotions when the end credits roll."
The Guatemala Project has advanced to a final round of judging along with nine other films. Network members and Lift-Off's Official Judges will score the films based on multiple aspects. The film with the highest overall score wins and will be selected to form part of one of the live screenings at an upcoming Lift-Off Film Festival.
The Guatemala Project: A Habitat for Humanity Mission can be viewed on YouTube.
Winners of the Fifth Annual High School Changemaker Challenge Get Full Tuition to UE
Posted: October 23, 2019
High school students from across the Tri-state were awarded significant scholarships today at UE's fifth annual High School Changemaker Challenge, presented by Toyota Indiana.
The challenge, which is supported by the 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.
The University has committed more than $1 million in scholarships to winners of this competition. Members from the top six winning teams who choose UE as their college destination will each receive 4-year scholarships to attend UE as listed below:
1st place team: Full tuition
Project Oasis
Team Idea: Social grocery store in food desert areas
Team Members: Graham Griffin, Ranny Badreddine, Futallah Hamed
Coach: Jose Mota
2nd place team: $26,000 per year
E.D.E
Team Idea: Device to prevent children from being left in hot cars
Team Members: Lydia Johnson, Isaac Martin, Elijah Jorgensen
Coach: Donna Lefler
3rd place team: $22,000 per year
Working out for a Change
Team Idea: Gyms with equipment that produce and store energy for sustainable use
Team Members: Vivian Valadares, Paxton Mosby, Madeline Erdell
Coach: Jose Mota
Three runner-up teams: $18,000 per year
Food Recovery
Team Idea: Utilizing un-served food to address food insecurity among children
Team Members: Ben Burson, Mary Franklin, Isabella Meier
Coach: Kacey Strange
Power of Composting
Team Idea: Educating to reduct food waste from school lunches
Team Members: Helaena Pfeiffer, Mary Gardner, Chloe Julian
Coach: Brooke Haldeman
Watt-a-Bike
Team Idea: Exercise bikes that generate energy to address climate change
Team Members: Krish Gupta, Kaden Merrill
Coach: Jenna Bunner, Haleigh Bennett
18 teams participated in the 2019 High School Changemaker Challenge. Projects from previous competitions can be seen in the city of Evansville, including the Upgrade Bike Share stations and the solar-powered CommuniTree at Mickey's Kingdom Park downtown. Projects still in the development stages include a musical swing set, an emergency response app, an anti-bullying board game, and many more.
UE to Host Annual High School Changemaker Challenge on October 23
Posted: October 16, 2019
The annual High School Changemaker Challenge, presented by Toyota Indiana, will be held on Wednesday, October 23 in Eykamp Hall within Ridgway University Center at the University of Evansville.
The challenge, which is supported by the 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.
Projects from previous competitions can be seen in the city of Evansville, including the Upgrade Bike Share stations and the solar-powered CommuniTree at Mickey's Kingdom Park downtown. Projects still in the development stages include a musical swing set, an emergency response app, an anti-bullying board game, and many more.
The University has committed more than $1 million in scholarships to winners of this competition. Members from the top six winning teams who choose UE as their college destination will each receive 4-year scholarships to attend UE as listed below:
- 1st place team: Full tuition
- 2nd place team: $26,000 per year
- 3rd place team: $22,000 per year
- Three runner-up teams: $18,000 per year
There are 18 teams participating in the 2019 High School Changemaker Challenge and project descriptions are as follows:
Community Orchard
Team Idea: A way to provide access to fresh food to community for healthier lifestyle
Team Members: Madison O’Daniel, Kenzie Paul, Emma Yarber
Coach: Kevin Krizan
E.D.E.
Team Idea: Device to prevent children being left in cars.
Team Members: Lydia Johnston, Isaac Martin, Elijah Jorgensen
Coach: Donna Lefler
Finding Y.O.U.
Team Idea: Helping students find their career pathway.
Team Members: Skylar Young, Samuel Stone
Coach: Jerrilee LaMar
Food Recovery
Team Idea: Utilizing un-served food to address food insecurity among children
Team Members: Ben Burson, Mary Franklin, Isabella Meier
Coach: Kacey Strange
Grow a Garden
Team Idea: Program to teach young kids how to grow their own garden to access healthy food.
Team Members: Bailey Bush, Alyssa Goebel
Coach: Donna Lefler
Holy Fit
Team Idea: Free gym on riverfront to address healthy living.
Team Members: Adam Barnes, Jered Blanton, Henry Duncan
Coach: Donna Lefler
International Food Court
Team Idea: A Food Court serving international cuisines in Evansville
Team Members: Haley Worland and Annemarie Smith
Coach: Linda Schaffer
Move! Evansville
Team Idea: App that incentives exercising throughout city.
Team Members: David Schultz, Stephen Custer
Coach: Kendra Schultz
Porta Wet
Team Idea: Portable shower house for homeless.
Team Members: Jacob Merkley, Noah Beard
Coach: Donna Lefler
Positivity
Team Idea: Digital wall with inspirational resources to promote positivity among individuals
Team Members: Aubrey Wheeler, Vidit Patel, Amanda Compton
Coach: Linda Schaffer
Power of Composting
Team Idea: Educating to reduce food waste from school lunches.
Team Members: Helaena Pfeiffer, Mary Gardner, Chloe Julian
Coach: Brooke Haldeman
Project Oasis
Team Idea: Social grocery store in food desert areas.
Team Members: Graham Griffin, Ranny Badreddine, Futhallah Hamed
Coach: José Mota
Study Shack Squad
Team Idea: Gazebos for outdoor study locations
Team Members: Carter Ahlstedt, Tyler Orr, Owen Minton
Coach: Jenna Bunner, Haleigh Bennett
Team Save Tomorrow
Team Idea: Composting with local restaurants.
Team Members: Elijah Randolph, Austin Whitledge, Morgan McDonald
Coach: Linda Schaffer
Trash to Treasure
Team Idea: Solar-powered water wheels to clean pollution from water ways.
Team Members: Madison Lucas, Ella Hubbard, Sinclair Sheffer
Coach: Kim Allen, Jeremy Vilines
Virtual Job Fairs
Team Idea: Lower-cost job fairs to provide more exposure to students looking to enter the workforce.
Team Members: Eric Nelson, Michael Niemeier, Grace Blondin
Coach: Lucas Swinford
Watt-a-Bike
Team Idea: Exercise bikes that generate energy to address climate change
Team Members: Krish Gupta, Kaden Merrill
Coach: Jenna Bunner, Haleigh Bennett
Working Out for a Change
Team Idea: Gyms with equipment that produce and store energy for sustainable use.
Team Members: Vivian Valadares, Paxton Mosby, Madeline Erdell
Coach: José Mota
Office Phone
812-488-2455
Office Email
centerforinnovation@evansville.edu
Office Location
Rooms 270-274, Ridgway University Center
