Posted: Monday, August 15, 2022

By Andrew Carter ’07, M’14

The University of Evansville’s mission is to empower students to think critically, act bravely, serve responsibly, and live meaningfully in a changing world. This mission can only be attained by ensuring access to UE’s high-quality education for more students and supporting those students in the classroom and out. Perhaps one of the most important pillars of FORWARD includes initiatives that will focus on those resources.

“When you have scholarship or financial aid opportunities for those who may not otherwise have the chance to do that, you become dispensers of hope.” – Maj. Gen. Ondra Berry ’80, Board of Trustees member

Generous financial aid packages offered to students over the years brings the life-transforming education offered at UE into an affordable range for more students, including members of our Board of Trustees as well as faculty members. Continuing to offer scholarships and to grow the number of endowed scholarships available will reach more students in more places. Not only does this change the life of the student recipient, but it also enhances the richness of the UE community.

That richness is further enhanced by increasing diversity and improving equity and inclusion at the University. We know that our doors are open to every person who wants to join our community, and through increased support through FORWARD, we aim to increase our dedication to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for every person who calls UE home. By increasing support and resources for the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, we will be able to provide resources to faculty who want to include DEI topics in their courses and provide scholarships to students from underrepresented populations.

Bringing students to the University of Evansville is step one. Step two is to provide support and resources that will help them thrive here. Currently, supporters of FORWARD are providing funds to create a brand-new wellness and recreation center. This center will give students, faculty, and staff space to explore and develop healthy lifestyles – whether through physical fitness or mental wellness.

“When going through rigorous coursework, [students’] mental health and mental well-being is so essential,” said Payal Patel-Dovlatabadi, associate professor and director of UE’s public health program. “The University is recognizing that importance by providing a new wellness facility that not only promotes exercise, but also promotes the holistic well-being of the individual.”

In addition to the new wellness center, Carson Center will undergo a revitalization of its own. Being able to provide a top-of-the-line fitness and wellness area for our Division I student-athletes will continue to see positive results not only in competition but also in the classroom.

Supporting students with resources like these will reap dividends for years to come, not only for the University of Evansville, but for the communities all around the world that our graduates will call home.

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