University of Evansville

AceNotes Today

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

* No Catholic Mass on Campus Tonight-No Seminarians on Campus Today

Newman Club seminarian interns from St. Meinrad will NOT be on campus today. The 9:30 pm Mass for tonight in Neu Chapel has also been cancelled due to the weather forecast.

 
* UE's Unique Career Development Process Produces Big Results for 2014 Grads

According to a recent survey, the University of Evansville’s 2014 graduating class has found success after graduation, with 93 percent currently employed or in graduate school. The median salary of 2014 UE graduates employed full-time was $42,500. 

The survey, a collaborative effort between UE’s Center for Career Development, Office of Alumni and Parent Relations, Office of Institutional Effectiveness, and academic departments, produced career information on 95 percent of the 616 members of the class of 2014.

“The findings of this survey reflect the results of our active role in student success and career development,” says UE President Thomas A. Kazee. “Our unique end-to-end career planning process starts with students even before they enroll here and continues on after they step through the doors as a graduate.”

The UE Career Development Center provides comprehensive services to students throughout their collegiate journey. Through the Career Advantage Program, prospective students have the opportunity to actively evaluate and test career options by taking a career assessment, meeting with a career advising professional and developing a career action plan. Prospective students can begin the Career Advantage Program during their first visit to UE.

Current UE students can pursue the Advanced Career Education (ACE) Certificate to hone their professional skills, and graduating seniors and new alumni can sign up for the UE Connect alumni mentoring program. All Center for Career Development services, ranging from résumé and cover letter assistance to mock interviews to the UE JobLink database, are free to students and alumni.
 

 
* Wellness Nurse Visit Cancelled

The employee wellness nurse will NOT be in the Fitness Center today, March 4, 1-3 p.m. The next visit will be March 18 in Olmsted Lobby, 1 -3 p.m. Enjoy your upcoming Spring Break.

 

What's Happening Today

* Andiron Lecture Set for Wednesday, March 4

Matthew Hummel will be the guest speaker for the Andiron Lecture on Wednesday, March 4. His topic will be "The Antithesis of Justice." The lecture will begin at 4:00 p.m. in Eykamp 252, Ridgway University Center. A social gathering with beverages will precede the event at 3:45 p.m.

Hummel's topic will be "The Antithesis of Justice."  The abstractness of justice does not stop people from having some sense of what it is, even without really considering it. There exists a great rift among the varying conceptions of justice today. This lecture describes and looks at significant evidence of an antithesis of justice – a communicatory event brought on by epistemological crisis and characterized by counter-rationality and antagonism – which poses a considerable, unyielding threat to conceptions of justice grounded in rational debate. It also outlines suggestions for adapting the antithesis of justice into social philosophy as well as measures for coping with its effects.

Hummel graduated from the University of Evansville with bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice and philosophy. He earned a Master of Arts in liberal studies with a focus in ethics and values from Valparaiso University Graduate School and is finishing up some post-graduate work in humane education. Presently, Hummel works as a paralegal for the Vanderburgh County Public Defender Agency. He is to married fellow UE alumna Caitlyn Prosser. Hummel was recently published in the Blackwell Series of pop culture and philosophy books Dungeons and Dragons and Philosophy. He is also a regular performer with the Evansville Civic Theatre.

 
* I-House: Pakistan

It's time for I-House again! This week's presentation will be about Pakistan and Sajid and Aatma will be presenting! Sajid's major is economics and political science and he loves to play cricket, travel and hang out with friends. His favorite part of UE is the Adventure Crew trips. Aatma Ram is a pre-med major and he loves to read books and to socialize. He loves how the professors here are very cooperative! So come see them present on their country upstairs in Ridgway University Center this Wednesday at 7 p.m.! 

 
* Student Activities Board Call-Out Meeting

If you are currently involved in SAB, or would like to be, there is a big committee meeting Wednesday night, March 4. It will be held at 8 pm in Room 271, Schroeder School of Business Building. At this meeting we will be discussing applications/elections for new board members for the next school year and going over events for the rest of the semester. We will also discuss events for the following school year as well and we would love to get your input!

If you are interested but unable to attend, feel free to email the SAB President at dm196 and let her know. 

 
* Writing Center Boot Camp: Paraphrasing, Summarizing, and the Argument

How do you build an argument in academic writing? Learn an approach for coming up with ideas, relating them to the thesis, and organizing them logically. We will also demonstrate the techniques of summary and paraphrasing to help effectively incorporate outside sources into your papers. Join us on Wednesday, March 4 at 5 p.m. in the Writing Center for this useful session. 

 

Upcoming Events

* Cold Stone Fundraiser for Pi Gamma Mu on Thursday!

Pi Gamma Mu, honor society in social sciences, is holding a fundraiser at Cold Stone Creamery (both eastside and westside locations) on Thursday, March 5 from 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm.  This fundraiser will help support the Social Science Scholars Lecture on April 27. This year's lecture will be given by Graham Baker, Harlaxton professor, on "Ethics in Medicine and History." 

Note: You must bring voucher to participate.  For vouchers or information, email Pi Gamma Mu faculty advisor, Dr. Mari Plikuhn at mp168

 
* Pre-game Event Planned for Men's MVC Tourney Friday - All Invited

All students, faculty, staff, alumni and other Aces fans are invited to the Aces Arch Madness Pregame Party this Friday, March 6 from noon - 1:30 p.m. at Joe Buck's Downtown. Food, drinks and good Aces company prior to the 2:35 p.m. match up vs. Illinois State. Come get your rally towel and get ready to cheer on the Aces. Sponsored by Athletics, Alumni and Benny's Flooring. Questions? Contact alumni@evansville.edu or extension 2586. 

 
* Celebrate Holi - Colors Day - in Ridgway this Thursday

Get ready for the Colors Day celebration on Thursday, March 5, at Ridgway University Center, 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. This celebration represents the peaceful, colorful and joyful aspects of life. So, wear light color clothes on the day, and celebrate the event by getting your face or hands or tee shirt colored with powder colors. Invite your friends to enjoy this fun and joyful event.

Holi is the most colorful festival celebrated in Hinduism. It is celebrated as a harvest festival as well as a welcome festival for the spring season.

The festival of Holi is also regarded as a celebration of the Colors of Unity - an opportunity to forget all differences and indulge in simple fun. It is one occasion when painting colored powder on each other breaks all barriers of discrimination and everyone is reaffirmed. This is one simple reason to participate in this colorful festival. All are welcome!

Happy Holi

 
* Promotion and Tenure Committee Open Meeting with Candidates

The Promotion and Tenure Committee will hold an open meeting on Thursday, March 5, at 4:00 p.m. in the Schroeder Board Room of the Library. Committee members will answer questions about the promotion/tenure process and offer suggestions to those applying in the 2015-2016 academic year. Candidates, their chairs, and all interested faculty are invited to attend. 

 
* Residence Hall Housing Information Meetings

Students wishing to reside in one of the residence halls for 2015-16 should plan to attend one of the information sessions about the residence hall selection process. Meetings will be at 4:00 pm and 9:30 pm in Hyde 126 on Tuesday, March 3, and Thursday, March 5.

More information about the housing selection process can be found online at http://www.evansville.edu/residencelife/whereWillYouLive.cfm

 
* Fish Friday in Cafe Court

In observance for the Lenten season, Café Court will be serving fish on Fridays at Grill 155. 

 

Info You Should Know

* Homecoming & Family Weekend combined in 2015! Date set for Sept. 25-27

“Forever Purple” is the theme for Homecoming and Family Weekend, scheduled for September 25-27! The Office of Alumni and Parent Relations has started working on event planning. Homecoming will feature special reunions for the following groups: Sigma Phi Epsilon’s 60th anniversary, Tau Kappa Epsilon, School of Public Health, School of Education, Class of 1965, and Men’s and Women’s Soccer!

If your department or organization would like to have an event during this weekend for alumni or parents or both, please complete the "Family Weekend Event Form" by April 10, by clicking on this link: http://acelink.evansville.edu/Areas/Alumni/, or by e-mailing the information to Alumni@evansville.edu. All requests will be gathered and will be reviewed for approval. Like past years' successful events, we would like to have a lot of student, school, and department participation! If you have any questions, please contact alumni@evansville.edu or extension 2586.

 
* Register Today for the L2L Leadership Conference!

Are you ready to take "The Next Step" in becoming a better leader? Register today to attend UE Leadership Academy's second annual Leadership Conference! This year's conference will be held Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in Eykamp Hall, Ridgway University Center, and will feature professional speaker Michael Miller as our keynote presenter!

Please visit http://www.evansville.edu/studentengagement/leadershipconference.cfm to sign up today! Online registration as well as a refundable $10 registration fee will be due Friday March 6. For more information, please contact ka112.

 
* Positions still available for 2015–16

Applications are still being accepted for positions with Crescent Magazine and the LinC for the 2015–16 school year. Most positions do not require previous experience and receive academic credit. Check out Crescent Magazine’s Facebook page — facebook.com/uecrescent — for more information about the positions available with the magazine and the yearbook. Direct your questions to tm2@evansville.edu.

The application for the magazine is https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YvQ5_yHMoEqZPr1-ZgShlN4HyDm1S7DtY1ixgcM6SPM/viewform?usp=send_form

For the yearbook it is https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_GuVB4GGGPxuko96M8oGrZydjrbR6CITfpIiK-B6vQs/viewform?usp=send_form 

 
* Seniors Invited to Submit Speech for Spring Commencement

In 2012 the University established the tradition of selecting a graduating senior to deliver a brief address at spring commencement. March 22 is the deadline for submitting a speech. For more information visit: http://www.evansville.edu/commencement/seniorkeynote.cfm

 
* To UE Faculty and Staff with young children or grandchildren

The Art Department is looking for children, between the ages of 3 and 10, to model for Life Drawing students in ART 325.

The class has four sessions designated for children; Tuesday, March 17, Thursday, March 19, Tuesday, March 24 and Thursday, March 26.

The class meets from 6:00 to 7:45 on the top floor of Krannert Hall of Fine Arts.

This is a great opportunity to acquire a drawing of your children/grandchildren as you get to keep the drawings from the session.

The instructor is fully cognizant of the short attention span of young children so the session will be geared with that in mind.

You may dress your child in any manner you wish but something comfortable is recommended. Parents are also encouraged to bring a portable DVD player, iPad, hand held game, etc. to make sitting easier on the child.

And finally, child models earn $10.00 an hour.

If you are interested in having your child/children sit for the class, please contact the Art Department at 488-2043 or the instructor, Nancy Lockyear at 812-226-5114.

 
* 2015-16 Housing Contracts Available

Returning students interested in living on-campus can log into WebAdvisor and submit a housing contract for 2015-16. Once logged into WebAdvisor, select “Housing and Meal Plan Registration” under the Housing and Meal Plan section. Housing contracts should be submitted by March 6th. More information on the returning student housing selection process can be found online at http://www.evansville.edu/residencelife/whereWillYouLive.cfm

 
* Advising and Registration!

Advising for Fall and Summer courses begins March 16. With registration just around the corner, make an appointment with your advisor today! 

 
* Libraries Announces Spring Recess Hours

Libraries will observe the following schedule of hours during the Spring Recess. Contact Library at 488.2462 with questions.

March 6  (F):      7:30 a.m.  -  5:00 p.m.
March 7  (S):     CLOSED
March 8  (S):     CLOSED
March 9  (M):     8:00 a.m.  -  5:00 p.m.
March 10  (T):    8:00 a.m.  -  5:00 p.m.
March 11  (W):   8:00 a.m.  -  5:00 p.m.
March 12  (T):    8:00 a.m.  -  5:00 p.m.
March 13  (F):    8:00 a.m.  -  5:00 p.m.
March 14  (S):    CLOSED
March 15  (S):    3:00 p.m.  -  Midnight
March 16  (M):    Resume Regular Hours

 
* File the 2015-16 FAFSA by March 10 at www.fafsa.gov

File the 2015-16 FAFSA by March 10 at www.fafsa.gov

Continuing students should file the 2015-16 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal, state and University need-based financial aid, including all federal student loans. UE's FAFSA code is 001795.

Filing by March 10 is essential for Indiana residents, and highly recommended for all. Questions regarding the FAFSA should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid (Olmsted Hall, Room 116) at (812) 488-2364, (800) 424-8634 or financialaid@evansville.edu.

IRS Data Retrieval Tool
The IRS Data Retrieval Tool transfers parent and/or student IRS tax information to the FAFSA. The IRS Data Retrieval Tool is available through the FAFSA approximately 3 weeks after the 2014 federal tax return is filed electronically. IRS Data Retrieval can be used for the initial FAFSA or to correct estimated tax information on a submitted FAFSA.

 

Congratulations

* Shepard Brass and UE3 perform at Southeastern Illinois College

The Shepard Brass Quintet, comprised of UE faculty Tim Zifer, Marc Zyla, Ken Steinsultz and UE alumni Kevin Wilson and Jim Allison performed a concert Sunday, March 1, at the George T. Dennis Performing Arts Center on the campus of Southeastern Illinois College. Professors Zifer, Zyla, and Steinsultz also performed a portion of the program as the UE3. 

 
* Shala Cunningham Receives First Place for Presentation at AAOMPT

Shala Cunningham, assistant professor of physical therapy, and Jayson Myerson, physical therapist, received first place for best 5 x 5 thoraco-lumbar spine platform presentation at AAOMPT 2014 for their case series: The Use Of Modified Thoracic Manipulation Techniques In The Treatment Of Patients Following Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

 
* Shala Cunningham and Joni McFelea Have Paper Accepted for Presentation

Shala Cunningham, assistant professor of physical therapy, and Joni McFelea, associate professor of physical therapy, had there abstract “A Description of Kenyan Physiotherapists’ Knowledge and Psychomotor Skills Following Participation in a Post-Graduate Manual Therapy Residency Program” accepted for presentation at the World Confederation for Physical Therapy Congress 2015 in Singapore.

 
* UE Students Lilia Mast and Jaclyn Alstadt Receive Engineering Awards

UE’s 18th Annual Engineering Banquet was Wednesday, February 25, in Eykamp Hall in Ridgway University Center. During the event, Dr. Jared Fulcher presented the James M. Hall Award to Lilia Mast, a UE student who is majoring in computer science. Each year, the James M. Hall Award honors an outstanding CECS student based on academics, activities, character and the potential for professional growth. 

Also honored at the event was Jaclyn Alstadt, a junior majoring in civil engineering. Alstadt received the PR Brown Engineering Spirit Award.  She is the first recipient of this award that was established in memory of Paul R. (P.R.) Brown.  The purpose of the award is to recognize and provide a financial reward for students who have created a spirit of camaraderie in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and have encouraged their fellow students by exhibiting a positive attitude that is inspiring to others. 

 
* Margaret Stevenson Publishes Article in "Basic and Applied Social Psychology"

Margaret C. Stevenson, associate professor of psychology, published a peer-reviewed journal article in “Basic and Applied Social Psychology,” entitled “Ambivalent Sexism in Context: Hostile and Benevolent Sexism Moderate Bias Against Female Drivers.” In two studies, this research investigated whether ambivalent sexism predicts bias against female drivers in a simulated civil trial paradigm. Participants were randomly assigned to read a vignette of an automobile accident involving a male or female defendant. In a driving context designed to incite feelings of competitiveness toward women (Study 1), hostile sexism predicted greater responsibility attributed to the female defendant. In a context designed to elicit paternalistic attitudes toward women (Study 2), benevolent sexism predicted increased responsibility attributed to the female defendant. Findings show that hostile and benevolent sexism predict different patterns of discriminatory treatment depending on contextually triggered concepts of women. 

 

Thank You

* UE Women's Basketball Thanks Alumni for their Support

The University of Evansville women's basketball team held an alumni gathering last Friday for their game against Indiana State.

The team honored the returning alumni at halftime and also enjoyed a postgame gathering at a local restaurant.

The Purple Aces wanted to extend thanks to all those who made it and for all of the support.

"We appreciate every player, coach, and donor that has paved a way and left their legacy upon this program and school."

The UE women's basketball team is planning to make the alumni game and gathering an annual tradition that would continue next season. 

 

Athletics

* UE Women's Basketball Battles Wichita State on Thursday

The University of Evansville women’s basketball team (11-16, 6-10) begins the final weekend of the Missouri Valley Conference regular season with a home game against the conference leading Wichita State Shockers on Thursday night. The tip is set for 7:00 p.m. at the Ford Center in Evansville, Ind.

The Aces enter this game after a loss to Indiana State last Friday night. Guard Sara Dickey scored a team-best 14 points in the contest. With her first two points of the evening, the sophomore guard became just the second Purple Ace in program history to post two, 500 point seasons.

On the stat sheet, Evansville’s Dickey (19.0 points per game), forward Mallory Ladd (14.4) and guard Khristian Hart (10.2) are all averaging double figures. Dickey also has the most assists (66) as Hart has totaled a team-best with 47 steals for UE this year. Ladd is notching a team-high 0.9 blocks per game. Forward Sasha Robinson is securing 7.9 rebounds per game, a team-high.

UE is averaging 61.9 points and 32.8 rebounds per game. The Aces make 39.8% of their field goals, 34.1% of threes, and 65.3% at the free throw line.

Wichita State (24-4, 15-1) have won seven straight games including a 66-54 victory over Northern Iowa last Sunday. Guard Jamillah Bonner led the Shockers with 23 points.

Statistically, guard Alex Harden paces the Shockers with a team-best 16.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 3.2 steals per game. In addition to Harden, both Bonner (13.1) and forward Michaela Dapprich (12.1) average double figure points per game. Forward Kelsey Jacobs has deflected a team-high 32 blocks this year. Wichita State averages 63.8 points and 34.2 rebounds per game.

The Shockers shoot 43.1% from the floor, 31.1% beyond the arc, and 74.6% at the charity stripe.

Evansville is projected to finish fourth in the MVC preseason poll, their highest projection since 2008-2009. Dickey was also named to the preseason All-Conference team. The Aces are guided by fourth year head coach Oties Epps. Wichita State, who won the MVC Tournament in 2013, was projected to win the MVC in 2014-15. Harden was selected as the Preseason Player of the Year and was also named to the Preseason All-Conference team. The Shockers are led by seventh year head coach Jody Adams.

Wichita State leads the all-time series with Evansville 22-21 based on a 54-44 victory in the last meeting on Jan. 4.

Tickets can be purchased over the phone at 812-488-ACES (2237), in person at either the Carson Center or Ford Center ticket office, or online via Ticketmaster.com.

 
* UE Baseball Takes #1 Vanderbilt to Extras Before 12th Inning Defeat

The University of Evansville baseball team (4-3) battled the #1 Vanderbilt Commodores through an hour of rain delays and a four-plus hour game before falling 9-8 in 12 innings on Tuesday night. Down 7-5, a three-run ninth inning home run from infielder Jonathan Ramon propelled the Purple Aces to an 8-7 lead. The advantage was short lived though, as Vanderbilt infielder Penn Murfee hit a game-tying solo home run in the bottom of the ninth to force extra innings. The Commodores then won on a walk-off wild pitch in the 12th.

“Seeing Jonathan Ramon step in there and give us a lift was great to see,” said Carroll. “There were a lot of little things that we did not do right and so many things that went our way. We need to take better care of the baseball and make the other team earn their win.”

Down 3-0, UE rallied to tie the game in the fourth. Outfielder Kevin Kaczmarski led off the frame with a double to left field and infielder Boomer Synek singled him to third. Designated hitter Max Foley then reached on a fielder’s choice, scoring Kaczmarski and bringing the Aces within two. After a single from first baseman Eric McKibban and an RBI fielder’s choice by infielder Shain Showers, UE tied the game on a sacrifice fly to center field from infielder Stuart Nelson.

The game stayed a 3-3 tie until Vanderbilt tacked on two runs in the fifth and another pair in the sixth for a 7-3 advantage.

After a scoreless bottom of the seventh from reliever Brian Jestice, the Aces staged another ally in the eighth. McKibban walked to start the inning and moved to second on a wild pitch. Unfortunately for UE, McKibban would be stranded as a pair of strikeouts ended the inning. Aces’ reliever Brent Jurceka kept UE within two in the bottom of the eighth. Entering a bases loaded one out jam, Jurceka got a foul popup to first and a strikeout to end the threat. Down 7-5 in the ninth, leadoff batter Korbin Williams drew a walk and Kaczmarski followed with a one out free pass. That set the table for Ramon’s go-ahead three-run home run over the 35-foot tall left field wall at Charles Hawkins Field. Murfee’s game-tying home run in the bottom half of the inning was also hit over the left field wall to force extra innings.

The teams played through rain showers most of the evening, including two rain delays that lasted 35 minutes and 25 minutes respectively. Kaczmarski and outfielder Korbin Williams each had two runs scored in the game. Kaczmarski also drew four walks in the game. Right-hander Ryan Billo started for Evansville, going 2.2 innings and allowing two unearned runs. Jurceka threw 3.2 innings in relief, yielding one run on four hits and striking out four. Reliever Alex Gould (0-1) took the loss, going 0.1 innings and yielding the final run in the 12th.

The Purple Aces will return home to host Western Illinois for a four game, three-day series beginning on Friday, March 6 at Braun Stadium. 

 
* Taylor Shotwell earns MVC Leadership & Service Award

University of Evansville swimmer Taylor Shotwell was the Purple Aces' recipient of the Missouri Valley Conference Leadership and Service Award for the winter of 2015.

Shotwell has accumulated a 3.694 GPA through her first seven semesters at UE. She has been named to the Dean's List in all of those semster's while also earning the UE Student-Athelte Academic Honor Award in each of her first three year's.

With her efforts, she gained direct entry into UE's Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program. Her grades also helped her to gain a spot on the 2014 MVC Swimming and Diving Scholar-Athlete Team.

Outside of school, she has spent a great deal of time in the community. Over the last year alone, she has donated her time to several organizations including: PBS's WNIN Kids Festival, Ronald McDonald House, Pickerington Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Riley's Children's Hospital, Race for the Cure, Project Linus, Relay for Live and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

In order to be eligible for the award, the student-athlete must be in good academic standing, must demonstrate good citizenship through good sportsmanship and significant community service, and must participate in a sport, during the season of recognition. The Valley will recognize 10 student-athletes three times annually (fall, winter, spring), for a total of 30 honorees. Institutions select their MVC Leadership & Service Award honorees. 

 
* UE Men's Swimming heads to MAC Championship

Geneva, Ohio will be the scene of the 2015 Mid-American Conference Men’s Swimming and Diving Championships, which are set to begin on Wednesday and run through Saturday.

SPIRE will host the event for the entire duration of the 4-day event.

Action gets underway on Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. ET as the finals of the 200 medley relay and 800 free relay will take place. Preliminary rounds take place at 11 a.m. ET on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Final rounds of action on Thursday and Friday begin at 7 p.m. ET while Saturday’s final day of action begins at 5 p.m.

A full schedule of action as well as times of all events is available by visiting the Championship Central link above. Live scoring is available via the Meet Mobile app while live video is also available on the MAC website.

Evansville’s men were last in action on February 7th in a dual meet in Carbondale, Ill. as the Aces faced rival Southern Illinois.

Pacing the men was the team of Everett Plocek, Phil Stevenson, Matt Childress and Ashton Bishop, who were the top finishers in the 200 free relay. They swam a time of 1:26.99 and won by nearly three seconds.

Andrew Cotton was dominant in the 500 free, finishing in 5:02.53 to win by seven seconds. Overall, the men fell by a 165-62 final. Prescott Marcy took a solid second in the 100 free, posting a 51.28 while Daniel O'Brien was the runner-up in the 100 backstroke. He swam a 53.38.

The Purple Aces have been keeping busy in the classroom and their work culminated in both the men’s and women’s teams garnering CSCAA All-America Team honors. As a team, the guys finished last semester at a solid 3.03 GPA en route to the award.

The Team Scholar All American Award is presented to college and university swimming and diving teams, who have achieved a team grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The award is presented twice annually, once in the fall semester and again in the spring to recognize teams achieving a 3.0 in the semester coinciding with the NCAA/NAIA/NJCAA/CCCAA Swimming and Diving Championships.

 
* Mockevicius and Balentine earn MVC Honors

For the first time since 1989 and the first since joining the Missouri Valley Conference, the University of Evansville men’s basketball team has two players named to the MVC All-Conference First Team.

The Valley announced its awards on Tuesday and saw juniors D.J. Balentine and Egidijus Mockevicius garner First Team honors while Mockevicius also earned a nod on the All-Defensive squad.

Balentine and Mockevicius have led the Purple Aces to their best regular season effort in 15 years as they enter Arch Madness with 19 regular-season victories.

For the second year in a row, Mockevicius finished the season as the top rebounder in the league, averaging 9.9 rebounds per game. The native of Lithuania also shot the ball extremely well, hitting 59% of his shots. Even more impressive were his efforts from the free throw line. He was the #3 shooter from the foul line in the Valley, checking in at 83.2% while hitting 69 of his last 80 tries.

On December 22, 2014, he was named the MVC Player of the Week for the first time in his career thanks to a 25-point, 12-rebound effort against Alabama State. Mockevicius has 17 double-doubles on the season, ranked in the top five in the NCAA and the most in Evansville’s Division I era.

Mockevicius was also named to the All-Defensive Team for the second year in a row. He has done it all on the defensive end of the floor and ranks fourth in the country with an average of 7.68. He also ranks near the top of the league in blocked shots once again with 64 on the season.

Balentine followed up his stellar sophomore campaign with another conference-leading scoring effort. The Kokomo, Ind. product posted an average of 19 points per game this season and has registered double figures in 58 of Evansville’s last 63 games.

In December, Balentine had the top scoring streak in 27 years as he recorded 20 or more points in 8-consecutive games. The last UE player to do that was head coach Marty Simmons, who did so as he wrapped up his playing career with the university in 1988.

This marks the second First Team honor in a row for Balentine and the first for Mockevicius. Last season, Mockevisiu was named an honorable mention player. The duo make it a total of ten first teamers for the Aces since joining the MVC in 1994. It is the eighth time the program has had two on the first team and the first time since Scott Haffner and Dan Godfread earned the accolade in 1989 when Evansville was part of the Midwestern Collegiate Conference.

Evansville begins the MVC Tournament on Friday against Illinois State. Tip is set for 2:30 p.m. at Scottrade Center.
 

 
* Kat Taylor named 2015 Brady Comeback Scholarship Award Recipient

The University of Evansville women’s basketball player Kat Taylor was selected as a 2015 Brady Comeback Scholarship Award recipient by the Methodist Sports Medicine Research & Education Foundation on Monday.

The Brady Comeback Award honors male and female, high school and college athletes from Indiana who have distinguished themselves by overcoming adversity or injury. These never-say-never role models have returned and excelled beyond expectations in their respective sports, distinguishing themselves on the field of play and off.

Taylor has encountered numerous injuries throughout her career and most recently suffered a ruptured Achilles on July 8, 2014, just four months before the first game of the 2014-15 season. Facing the possible end of her career and doctors telling her she may never play again, Taylor returned in just five short months to make her season debut on December 18. In that game, the guard scored 10 points, set a career-high with eight assists and led UE to a 94-85 victory over Troy on her 22nd birthday.

“It took a lot of determination and tears to get back to playing,” said Taylor. “I was motivated to get back and play again this season so that I could finish my career on my own terms.”

The senior has played all 19 games for UE since returning from injury. She is averaging 6.9 points per game, fourth highest on the team. Taylor is converting on 39.0% of her shots from the floor and 39.5% from beyond the arc.

“We are extremely happy for Kat to receive this award,” said Evansville head coach Oties Epps. “The challenges of being a student-athlete are enormous without injuries and this young lady has been through so much. She has been able to persevere and her mental fortitude and determination to not be denied the opportunity to play the game that she loves will leave a lasting impact on this program.”

The Akron, Ohio native will receive her award at a Thursday, April 16 dinner at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis. The Methodist Sports Medicine Research & Education Foundation will also be honoring three additional student athletes as well as legendary football coach Lou Holtz and Hoosier Basketball Legend, Quinn Buckner, who will both be receiving Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Taylor is only the 2nd Purple Ace to ever receive the honor (Laura Gaybrick, women’s basketball, 2007).

Taylor and the Aces are at home to finish the Missouri Valley Conference regular season. The Purple Aces host Wichita State on Thursday, March 5 at 7:00 p.m. and Missouri State on Saturday, March 7 at 2 p.m. UE will look to avenge a 54-44 loss to Wichita State on January 4. Evansville defeated Missouri State earlier this year 65-56 on January 2, only the second win ever for UE in Springfield, Missouri.

 
* Aces to hold Arch Madness Pregame Party on Friday

On Friday at noon, the University of Evansville will be holding an Arch Madness Pregame Party at Joe Buck’s in St. Louis.

Sponsored by Benny’s Flooring, the event is slated to run from noon until just after 2 p.m. before the Purple Aces square off against Illinois State at 2:30 p.m. inside Scottrade Center.

Everyone is welcome to the party, which will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres and soft drinks. A cash bar will also be available.

Rally towels will be available while supplies last and fans will also have the opportunity to win door prizes.

For more information, please contact Lance Wilkerson at lw137@evansville.edu or 812-488-2623.

 

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