The University of Evansville’s 166th Commencement Ceremony will take place tomorrow, Saturday, May 4th to honor the Class of 2024. The ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Ford Center. No tickets are required. For those who cannot attend in-person, the ceremony will also be live streamed at www.evansville.edu/live/. This will also include closed captioning for those in need. Full information is available on the Commencement Central webpage at evansville.edu/Commencement. Seniors should also complete the 2024 Graduation Survey.

Summer Hours

UE will reduce business hours during the summer from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Fridays. This schedule will be in place beginning Monday, May 6, and we will extend these hours for one additional week through Friday, August 9. Regular hours will return Monday, August 12.

Juneteenth

Starting this year, on Wednesday, June 19, all University offices will be closed in honor of Juneteenth. This significant day marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. We urge everyone to utilize this time for reflection and contemplation on the journey towards freedom and equality.

July 4 Holiday

The long Holiday weekend will get a little longer. The President’s Council has added one additional day to create a long holiday weekend. In addition to the University observing the July 4 holiday on Thursday, the University will also be closed on Friday, July 5.

The Krannert Gallery will host the Hanns Pieper UE Photography Exhibition from April 10 through May 15.  This exhibit is comprised of photography created by our campus community - active and retired.

Please join us in celebrating this meaningful work at a reception on Thursday, April 11 at 4:30 p.m. in the Krannert Gallery.

The 2024 Senior Exhibition will open in the Melvin Peterson Gallery on April 15 and run through May 3.  Please join us at the opening reception on Monday, April 15 from 5 - 6:30 p.m. or the closing reception on May 3 from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Whether you have coached a ChangeLab or are interested in coaching one, this FREE workshop is for you! Spaces are very limited, so respond soon. RSVP to ac116@evansville.edu to receive registration link!

All full-time UE faculty are invited to join the Center for Innovation & Change team for a workshop about ChangeLab at the beautiful French Lick Resort and Hotel on May 27 and 28.

Sessions will start immediately after lunch on May 27, then you'll check in, stay the night, and sessions will continue until about 3pm on May 28 (Eastern Time). Full participation required.

Whether you've coached a ChangeLab before, or have been thinking about doing one, this will be a great chance to unpack the experience a bit. We'll learn from experienced coaches, provide helpful tools, and help you think about this unique approach to experiential learning in your class or department.

Spots are extremely limited and will be given first come, first served. Meals, individual hotel room, and materials provided. Families are welcome, but meals for family members will be on your own.

RSVP to ac116@evansville.edu to receive registration link!

Interested but not sure? Here is some feedback from last year’s workshop:

“I can’t think of another event that I have attended, which was so perfectly organized. Everything had been obviously thought through, and everything was well connected to what had gone before and what came after. I was completely exhausted by the end, but I feel like I absorbed everything that you tried to communicate to us. I went into the event a curious skeptic and emerged as an enthusiastic advocate!”

“This conference was absolutely life-changing for me. It was by far the best professional development conference I've ever been to, and the connections I made were so strong that I've already had coffee with several people I didn't know very well, but I'm excited to get to know better. You helped make the campus, feel more accessible and smaller.”

Biol 107 (General Biology), which fulfills the lab science General Education credit (Outcome 8), will be offered during Summer Session 2 as an online, asynchronous class. Although it is generally intended for those majoring in EXSS, public health, and similar areas, all majors are welcome! The lab portion of the course will be completed via Labster, an exciting virtual lab simulator! If you have questions about this 4 credit hour course, which will run from June 17-July 19, please contact Dr. Aldred via email ka59@evansville.edu

ES 103 (Fundamentals of Environmental Science), which fulfills the non-lab science General Education credit (Outcome 8), will be offered during Summer Session 2 as an online, asynchronous class. If you have questions about this 3 credit hour course, which will run from June 17-July 19, please contact Dr. Aldred via email ka59@evansville.edu

The Office of Marketing is seeking a creative and driven student to join our team as a Student Worker for the fall semester. In this role, you will collaborate with the University Marketing Content Specialist, Abigail Perry, to assist in creating engaging and dynamic video content for the University's social media pages.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with the production of video content from concept to completion.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions to generate creative ideas for video projects.
• Video editing on CapCut and TikTok.
• Coordinate with Abigail to ensure projects are completed on time and meet quality standards.
• Stay updated and research current trends and techniques in video production to contribute fresh ideas and approaches.
• Attend student on-campus events and capture video content for future video projects (or recaps).

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at the University of Evansville.
• Basic understanding of video editing software (e.g., CapCut, TikTok).
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.

This position offers 6-8 hours per week with a pay rate of $10 per hour. If you're interested in this hands-on experience, reach out to Abigail Perry at ap445@evansville.edu with a copy of your resume.

The University of Evansville has done something culturally significant this past weekend for this campus and students! On Saturday, April 20th for the first time since the 90s UE has multiple D9 organizations on campus. It has been 5 years since we’ve had UE Kappas and 19 years since we had UE Deltas! It is also the first time ever that UE has had multiple D9 and a Latina/Multicultural (Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc.) chapter on campus! Below are the new members of the Divine 9 Organizations on campus. Please take a moment to congratulate these UE students on such an exciting milestone and accomplishment when you see them on campus.

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Raymond Felton

1st-year Construction Management

Fellows Scholar

Track & Field student-athlete

Houston, TX

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Brynna Waters

3rd-year Theatre Performance

UE Theatre Artists of Color, President

Fellows Scholar

Brownsburg, Indiana

Alexis Stovall

2nd-year International Studies and Business Management

Member of Black Student Union

Gary, Indiana

Trinitie Terrell

4th-year Public Health (BS and MPH)

Black Student Union, President

Fellows Scholar

Indianapolis, Indiana

Calling all University of Evansville students!

We need YOUR help to capture the essence of campus life through your lens in our exciting photo contest! Submit your best snapshot showcasing the spirit of UE for a chance to have your photo displayed under the Powell Hall stairwell, where fellow students and visitors will admire it. Whether it's a study session at the library, a scenic stroll across campus, or a memorable moment with friends, we want to see your unique perspective on life as a student at the University of Evansville!

To participate, simply snap a photo that captures the spirit of campus life and share it on Instagram using the hashtag #CaptureUEContest and tag @UEvansville. Your Instagram account must be public to be considered for the competition.

Don't miss this chance to showcase your creativity and love for UE through the lens of your camera!

Discover how to easily add comments and annotations to your attached files after submitting a request to the Marketing Office.

With Request File Markup you can navigate through your document, highlight text, and toggle between light and dark modes for optimal viewing.

Experience hassle-free markup with intuitive tools and streamlined functionality. Please read the whole article on this Lytho feature by visiting the URL.

https://guide.lytho.com/help/request-file-markup

Are you going to be in Evansville for the summer? Student Financial Services has a Clerical Assistant position available for up to 25 hours a week starting May 6 and ending August 20. You do not have to qualify for federal work study to accept this summer position. See the job posting in Self-Service for more details. Applications can be submitted to Amber Chandler, Senior Administrative Assistant to the Office of Student Financial Services, via email at ac547@evansville.edu or in person in Olmsted Hall Room 105.

Family, friends and loved ones of the late Dr. Marvin E. Hartig are pleased to announce the application process for the Dr. Marvin E. Hartig Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is dedicated to the loving memory of Dr. Hartig, Dean of Evansville College’s Evening College in 1967, and administrator for the Center for Advanced Study, director of the Evansville chapter of the American Institute of Banking (AIB), and the international student advisor. In 1974, Dr. Hartig was appointed Dean of Academic Services. He retired in 1984 after serving his alma mater for thirty-five years and passed away in 2007.

This scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving sophomore student. Preference will be given to a student working while being enrolled as a full-time student. International students are encouraged to apply.

Eligible students for the 2024-2025 Hartig Memorial Scholarship will be sophomores in the 2024-2025 academic year.

The application can be found here.

Deadline: Please return all materials to the Office of Student Financial Services by May 3, 2024. The decision will be announced by May 26, 2024.

The Office of Youth Programs has opened registration for UE Summer Camps 2024! Once again, we are offering a 50% discount to UE Employees that would like to register their youth. The 50% off discount code is UE50. Esports Camp is excluded from this discount. Employees should also be aware that there is a new registration system and they will have to create an account to register.

To learn more please visit, evansville.edu/camps. If you have any questions, please email youthprograms@evansville.edu.

The Reeves Foundation was established in 1966 under the terms of the Last Will and Testament of Mrs. Isabel B. Reeves, wife of Judge Ollie C. Reeves, who both resided for many years in Vanderburgh County and firmly believed in the attainment of higher education. Through their frugal efforts and generosity, this scholarship fund has been established to perpetuate their belief.

To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must be enrolled as full-time students and be Vanderburgh County residents. An essay is also required.

Download the application.

Deadline: Please return all materials to the Office of Student Financial Services (Olmsted Hall Room 105) by May 1, 2024.

Questions: Please direct questions to Amber Chandler, Senior Administrative Assistant to the Office of Student Financial Services, at ac547@evansville.edu or 812-488-2364.

In an era where cultural preservation meets modern innovation, we are excited to announce the launch of our newly revamped Master of Arts program in Cultural Resource Management right here at the University of Evansville. Formerly known as 'Innovative Leadership in Heritage Management,' the program has undergone a transformation to better reflect its focus and appeal to aspiring students like you.

Designed with your passions and aspirations in mind, our MA in Cultural Resource Management offers a dynamic blend of theory and practice, equipping you with the skills and expertise needed to thrive in the diverse landscape of heritage and cultural preservation.

With an emphasis on accessibility and flexibility, our online, asynchronous format allows you to pursue your degree at your own pace, seamlessly integrating your studies into your busy life. Whether you're juggling work commitments, social engagements, or other academic pursuits, our program empowers you to chart your own path to success. Even better? No expensive, standardized test scores required.

What sets our program apart is the unparalleled opportunities it offers. From internship placements in Evansville to immersive workshops at the historic Harlaxton College, you'll gain hands-on experience and invaluable insights from industry leaders and experts. Our extensive network of partners and collaborators ensures that you'll be at the forefront of cultural preservation efforts, making a tangible impact in communities near and far.

As a student in our MA program, you'll delve into a diverse range of courses, including:

• Cultural Heritage Conservation
• Cultural Landscape Management
• Archaeological Resource Management
• Cultural Policy and Advocacy
• Digital Humanities and Cultural Mapping
• Heritage Tourism and Sustainable Development

Upon graduation, you'll be equipped to pursue a wide array of rewarding career paths, including:

• Cultural Resource Manager
• Museum Curator or Director
• Heritage Conservation Specialist
• Archaeological Field Supervisor
• Cultural Policy Analyst
• Tourism Development Officer

With no standardized test results required for admission, there's never been a better time to apply and embark on your journey towards a fulfilling career in cultural resource management. Seize the opportunity to shape the future of our shared heritage and make a difference in the world.

Apply today and join us in preserving the past for generations to come. Visit our University of Evansville site to learn more and start your application process. Apply today!

Students,

Your opinions are needed, would you be interested in participating in Club Sports?

Will you please take a minute to fill out a club sports interest survey?

https://forms.office.com/r/bhsCeAhQvg

Free, confidential HIV and Hepatitis C testing at the Student Health Center, first Wednesday of every month, from 9-11am. No appointment necessary. All students and faculty welcome!

Walmart giftcards available while supplies last!

The biology awards honoring the outstanding achievements of UE biology students during the 2023-2024 academic year were announced during the Annual Biology Senior Picnic and Awards Ceremony on April 25th.

The recipient of the Jerry T. Seng Freshmen Biology Award was Lanae Canen.

The David and Jennifer Pollock Sophomore Biology Award was presented to Abbie Jahn.

Anya Arora and Danielle Monroe received the P. “Louie” Winternheimer Junior Biology Award.

The James A. Brenneman Student Service Award in Biology was presented to Ashley Kitch.

Brad Schulte was honored with the Patricia L. Akrabawi Teaching Assistant Award in Biology.

The Charles and Patricia Robertson Senior Biology Award was presented to Makayla Gomperts.

The Biology Evolvement Award, an award given to a student who has shown exemplary progress, development, and achievement during their academic studies in the biology program, was presented to Lily Waddell.

During the event, the biology department also recognized the outstanding achievements of Dr. Julie Merkle and presented her with the prestigious Descent of Biology Faculty Award.

Congratulations go out to all biology majors for their success during the past academic year.

The Eykamp Center for Teaching Excellence (ECTE) offers certificates to faculty members who meet the requirement of engagement and participation in ECTE sponsored events.

Congratulations to the faculty who earned a certificate or award for the 2023-20234 academic year by demonstrating dedication to teaching and learning!

New Faculty Engagement Certificate:

·       Juliet Aura (Clinical Psychology)

·       Kyle Clark (Anthropology)

·       Tommy Housman (Communication/Student Media)

·       Fahad Humayun (Communication)

·       Jessica Snow (Health Sciences)

·       Michael Turlington (Chemistry)

Teaching Development Certificate:

·       Joan Fedor-Bassemier (Nursing)

·       Kristina Groves (English/FYS/Writing Center)

·       Lisa Hale (Education)

·       Sara Petrosillo (English)

·       Megan Voss-Warner (Civil Engineering)

Leadership award in recognition of exceptional dedication to course design and pedagogy by developing the online teaching certificate.

·       Leslie Barton (Director of Online Learning)

·       Kristen Strandberg (Assistant Director of Online Learning)

Outstanding New Faculty of the Year Award:

Tommy Housman (Communication/Student Media)

Congratulations, Tommy, for a terrific first year as a full-time faculty member at UE!

ECTE Team: Julie Merkle, Trenda Ridge, and Diana Rodríguez Quevedo

The Honors Program held its annual senior banquet on April 24 at Biaggi’s Italian Restaurant, where students received special Honors Program cords and an engraved medallion to be worn at graduation. Congratulations to the fourteen graduating seniors who completed the Honors Program requirements this semester: Bradley Baumhover, Alexis Carpenter, Avery Finn, Makayla Gomperts, Gabrielle Hardoin, Christina Jesenski, Rafay Karim, Dalton Lampert, Abbie Marlin, Jordan McKinney, Luke Robertson, Brad Schulte, Lizzy Stainback, and Ashton Wilson.

The Honors Program would also like to congratulate Rafay Karim on receiving the Honors Program Outstanding Senior Award.  In addition to Rafay’s academic achievements, he has been an integral part of the Honors Activity Board, which helps plan activities and implement other improvements to the program. We thank Rafay for his leadership and dedication to the Honors Program.

The Dean’s Teaching Awards for 2023-2024 have been awarded. The faculty members being honored are:

Daniel Byrne, professor of History from the William L. Ridgway College of Arts and Sciences.

Alanna Keenan, associate professor of Music from the William L. Ridgway College of Arts and Sciences.

Christopher Brockman, professor of Finance from the College of Business and Engineering.

Maxwell Omwenga, assistant professor of Computer Science from the College of Business and Engineering.

Mark Marchino, director of Clinical Education and clinical assistant professor of Physical Therapy from the College of Education and Health Sciences.

Leanne Nayden, lecturer of Education from the College of Education and Health Sciences.

Congratulations to our most deserving faculty members!

UE extends our deepest sympathies to the family of Chris Brockman, Professor of Finance. Dr. Brockman's father passed away on April 26. Tentative visitation services will be on Wednesday, May 1, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and the funeral will be held on Thursday, May 2, at 10 a.m., both in Hopkinsville, KY.

Please keep the entire Brockman family in your thoughts and prayers throughout this difficult time.

It is sad to report to the UE community that the wife of Robert Morse (Professor Emeritus Computer Science) has died.   His home address is: Robert Morse 8568 Aster Road Tell City, IN 47586   https://www.courierpress.com/obituaries/psbn0798532

Denise M. Morse, 70, passed away on April 21, 2024 at her home, surrounded by her family.

On a windy day in Evansville, Indiana, the visiting Missouri State Bears exploded for six home runs from the fifth inning-on on Sunday, including grand slams in both the fifth and sixth innings, to salvage the series finale over the University of Evansville baseball team, 19-8, at German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium.

The Bears struck first for four runs in the top of the first inning to grab an early 4-0 lead, highlighted by a two-run double by catcher Dylan Leach.  Evansville would chip away though with single tallies in the first, second and fourth innings to get back into the contest.

Graduate outfielder Mark Shallenberger launched an opposite-field solo home run in the first inning to plate UE’s first run of the contest.  Then, in the second inning, senior shortstop Simon Scherry and freshman second baseman Brodie Peart knocked back-to-back ground-rule doubles to trim the Missouri State lead to 4-2.

Shallenberger then added an RBI ground-rule double in the fourth inning to get UE back within a run at 4-3.  On the play, if the ball had not bounced over the wall, UE would have tied the game, as junior outfielder Harrison Taubert was racing around the bases ahead of Shallenberger.  Taubert was sent back to third base, though, and with runners on second and third and two outs, Missouri State reliever Stephen Schissler (1-0) came on to get a fly-out to end the UE threat.

In the top of the fifth inning, Missouri State exploded for eight runs, highlighted by a Zack Stewart grand slam to right field which capped the eight-run inning.  First baseman Cody Kelly then launched a grand slam in the sixth inning to help the Bears build a 16-3 lead.

After two more solo home runs by the Bears in the sixth inning, UE junior outfielder Ty Rumsey launched a two-run home run of his own in the sixth inning to help UE chip away at the lead.  Shallenberger then launched his second opposite-field home run of the day to left field two batters later.

Missouri State would add its sixth home run of the day in the seventh inning, before UE would plate two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning on run-scoring fielder’s choice ground outs to provide the final score.

Shallenberger went 4-for-4 with a double, two home runs, a walk, two runs scored and three RBI to lead the UE offense.  Scherry also added three hits, including a pair of doubles, while Peart had a two-hit afternoon as well.  Rumsey drove in three runs for UE.  Stewart drove in five runs and Kelly added four RBI to lead Missouri State.

With the victory, Missouri State improved to 18-24 overall and 7-11 in the Missouri Valley Conference.  Evansville, meanwhile, dropped to 24-19 overall and 12-6 in the Valley with the loss.  The Purple Aces will try to close out the month of April on a winning note on Tuesday, as UE will travel to Cape Girardeau, Missouri to wrap up a home-and-home mid-week series with the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks.  UE is currently 13-3 in the month of April, and the Purple Aces beat the Redhawks, 6-5, in extra innings in the season’s first meeting on Wednesday, March 13.  Tuesday’s game can be seen live on ESPN+.

Seven runs in the first two innings helped Missouri State complete the weekend with a 10-4 win over the University of Evansville softball team on Sunday at Tri-State Orthopaedics Field at Cooper Stadium.

Missouri State turned five first-inning hits into three runs to take the early lead.  Evansville recorded a pair of hits in the bottom of the inning with Zoe Frossard and Brooke Voss hitting singles, but UE could not push its first run across the plate.

In the top of the second, the Bears added to their lead with a 4-run inning highlighted by a 2-run homer from Annie Mueller that extended the lead to 7-0.  A 2-spot in the third capped a 9-0 start.

Brooke Voss launched a 2-run homer in the bottom of the third to get UE on the board.  One inning later, Brooke McCorkle helped two more runs cross the plate.  With two runners on, McCorkle hustled to first base, resulting in an error that scored two runs to make it a 10-4 game.

Purple Aces starter Sydney Weatherford allowed nine runs in 2 2/3 innings while Elle Jarrett gave up one run in 1/3 of a frame.  Megan Brenton tossed a scoreless four innings.  Voss led the offense with two hits and two RBI.

Regular season play comes to a close next weekend when the Aces travel to Normal, Ill. to face Illinois State.

One day after staging a dramatic 7th-inning rally, the University of Evansville softball team was primed to do the same on Saturday, but Missouri State held on for a 4-3 win at Tri-State Orthopaedics Field at Cooper Stadium.

Trailing by a 4-1 tally entering the bottom of the 7th, the Purple Aces registered five hits and two runs as the bases were loaded with two outs.  Interference was called on the final play with finishing with the win.

Saturday marked Senior Day for UE with its 2024 class being recognized.  Hannah Hood, Megan Brenton, Alexa Davis, Mikayla Jolly, Brooke McCorkle, Jenna Nink and Marah Wood were honored following the game.

Evansville looked to jump out to an early lead as Zoe Frossard and Brooke Voss reached on consecutive singles before Jenna Nink was issued a 2-out walk to load the bases.  A groundout ended the threat to send the game into the second.

Missouri State scored three times in the third to open the scoring.  Chloe Merced had a triple while Annie Mueller had a solo home run in the frame.  Another run crossed the plate in the top of the fourth as the Bears picked up three more hits to make it a 4-0 game.

Lacy Smith brought in the first UE run of the game with a single through the left side to score Marah Wood in the bottom of the fourth.  Megan Brenton came into the game and tossed three scoreless innings to give the Aces a chance in the bottom of the 7th.

Alexa Davis led off with a single to get things rolling.  With one out, Brooke Voss, Jess Willsey and Jenna Nink each hit singles of their own, plating two runs.  With two outs, Marah Wood singled to left to load the bases.  On the final play, a runner interference ended the threat and MSU took the win.

Sunday’s series-deciding game will begin with a 12 p.m. first pitch.

The University of Evansville baseball team used seven strong innings from graduate starter Donovan Schultz and three home runs to grab an 8-4 lead early on Saturday, and then the Purple Aces held off a hard-charging Missouri State squad to post an 8-7 victory at German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium in Evansville.

“We found a way today in a pretty wild game,” said UE head coach Wes Carroll.  “The wind was definitely a factor today, as the ball was really flying well, but thankfully, we were able to take advantage of it and grab an early lead.  And, outside of one inning, I thought that Donovan Schultz was spectacular on the mound to help us earn another series victory.

“We have to come to the park ready to compete tomorrow, as I know that Missouri State will be ready to try and salvage a game on the weekend.”

Schultz equaled a career-high with 7.0 innings of work for the fourth-straight start on Saturday, and he had only one bad inning.  Missouri State first baseman Cody Kelly hit an opposite-field three-run home run to left field to open the scoring, before third baseman Curry Sutherland took advantage of the wind blowing out to left field to add a solo home run in a four-run second inning.

From there, Schultz buckled down and retired 11 of the next 12 men he faced, with the only batter who reached base doing so on an error.  His teammates quickly tied the game in the third inning, taking advantage of the wind as well.

Graduate catcher Brendan Hord opened the scoring in the third inning with a solo home run that took advantage of the wind to left-center field.  Senior shortstop Simon Scherry then followed with a no-doubt home run to left field to cut Missouri State’s lead to 4-2.  Senior outfielder Kip Fougerousse then tied the game three batters later with a laser-shot two-run home run down the left-field line to tie the game at 4-4.

UE would take the lead for good in the fourth inning on a two-run double off the wall in center field by Hord.  After a single by Scherry, Hord would score on a run-scoring fielder’s choice by junior outfielder Harrison Taubert to push the lead to 7-4.  UE would add another run in the fifth inning on another run-scoring fielder’s choice by Scherry to take an 8-4 lead.

Schultz (3-1) would take the 8-4 lead through seven innings, as he held the Bears to the four runs on just five hits.  Missouri State would quickly strike for three runs in the eighth inning though against the UE bullpen on a pair of home runs by Zack Stewart and Dylan Leach to cut the UE lead to 8-7.  Senior Jakob Meyer would come on though to get out of the eighth inning, and then worked a perfect ninth inning with a pair of strikeouts to nail down his third save of the year.

Hord went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and three RBI to lead UE offensively.  Scherry and graduate third baseman Brent Widder also had two-hit afternoons, while Scherry and Fougerousse both added two RBI.

With the victory, Evansville improved to 24-18 overall and 12-5 in the MVC, as the Purple Aces earned their fifth-straight MVC series victory.  Overall, UE has won 15 of its last 18 games.  Missouri State, meanwhile, dropped to 17-24 overall and 6-11 in the MVC with the loss.  The series will conclude on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m., as senior right-hander Shane Harris (4-4, 3.27 ERA) is expected to get the start.

The University of Evansville track and field team gets back to work this Saturday at the Rick Erdmann Twilight meet hosted by Eastern Kentucky.

The Purple Aces return to the bluegrass state for the second time during the outdoor season for the Rick Erdmann Twilight. Along with competing against the Colonels, UE will compete against two other Division I programs in Kentucky and Moorehead State along with a handful of Division II and Division III programs.

Last weekend Evansville got a preview of the Missouri Valley Conference Outdoor Championship course at the Gibson Invitational in Terre Haute. The Aces collected one first-place finish from freshman Nicole Prauchner (Neuhofen an der Ybbs, Austria) in the 1,500-meter race and three other top-five finishes. Kalina Urbaniak (Suchy Las, Poland) was close behind Prauchner in fourth with a time of 4:37.57. UE also had a top-five finish in the men's 1500-meter race as freshman Rafael Rodriguez (Segovia, Spain) placed fourth with a PR of 3:52.08. Evansville's other top-five finish came in the women's 800-meter race for freshman Eilen Brenne (Skien, Norway) placing fourth with a time of 2:13.67.

Several Aces had PRs or high finishes in the 1500-meter race as Tommaso Losma (Lombardia, Italy) placed ninth with a time of 3:57.38 while Samuel Lea (Worchester, England) set a PR of 4:00.10. UE junior Adam Oulgout (St. Paul, Minn. / Central HS) also set a season-best in the 1500-meter with a time of 4:01.53. Oulgout also ran a season-best in the men's 800-meter race at 1:55.75 for 12th place. Evansville's final PRs in Terre Haute came from sophomore Jose Ocampo (Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico), who set two personal records in the 100-meter dash and the 400-meter race with times of 11.08 and 51.71.

The Aces day on Saturday will begin at 12 p.m. in the field with the men and women's hammer throws. UE's track events will begin at 2:45 p.m. with the men's 1500-meter race.

With two outs and two runners on base in the bottom of the 7th inning, Jenna Nink launched a walk-off 3-run home run to give the University of Evansville softball team a 6-5 win over Missouri State at Tri-State Orthopaedics Field at Cooper Stadium.

Nink’s home run was the fourth of the game for the Purple Aces, who continued to battle throughout the game.  Alexa Davis, Marah Wood and Niki Bode also hit homers in the win.  Nink finished the night going 2-4 with three RBI and a run while Hannah Hood was 2-2 with a walk.  Sydney Weatherford had another strong start, giving up five runs, three earned, in 6 2/3 innings.  Megan Brenton recorded the final out in the top of the 7th and was credited with the win.

Missouri State took an early lead as a 2-run home run by Annie Mueller in the top of the first put the Bears in front.  In the top of the fourth, a solo shot by Kenzie Derryberry made it a 3-0 game.

UE drew a pair of walks in the opening three frames before notching its first hit in the bottom half of the fourth.  Jenna Nink singled through the left side before a bloop single by Hannah Hood put two runners on with one out.  MSU starter Gracie Johnson picked up the final two outs to keep UE off the board.

Lacy Smith made a stellar defensive play in the top of the fifth, securing a catch against the outfield wall to keep a sure run from scoring.  That work paid off as the offense came through in the bottom of the inning.  Alexa Davis picked up a solo home run to get her squad on the board.

Back-to-back solo shots by Marah Wood and Niki Bode in the bottom of the 6th tied the game heading into the 7th.  Missouri State rallied back with two scores to retake a 5-3 lead in the top half of the 7th, but UE staged a 2-out rally in the bottom of the frame.  Brooke Voss drew a walk before Jess Willsey singled to right.  That brought Nink to the plate and she came through with her second long ball of the season to secure the win.

On Saturday, the squads meet up at 2 p.m.

University of Evansville freshman starter Kenton Deverman tossed a complete-game four-hitter on Friday night, as the host Purple Aces knocked off the visiting Missouri State Bears, 4-1, at German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium in Evansville.

“What a special performance tonight by Kenton Deverman on the mound,” said UE head coach Wes Carroll.  “He certainly did not look like a freshman tonight, as he went out and battled against a very good lineup in Missouri State.

“Tonight was a classic Friday night pitcher’s duel in the Missouri Valley Conference.  I thought that their guy (Brandt Thompson) was really good tonight as well, and we were just able to scratch across enough runs to get the win and set us up for a situation to win another series on a Saturday.”

Deverman was strong from the start, allowing just a single hit through the first four innings.  Missouri State would strike first against him in the fifth inning on a one-out RBI single by catcher Dylan Leach, but Deverman’s teammates quickly answered back to tie the game, and he retired 13 of the final 15 men he faced, not allowing a base runner past first base after the fifth inning.

UE tied the game for Deverman in the bottom of the fifth inning thanks to a hustle double by junior outfielder Harrison Taubert and a Missouri State error.  Graduate third baseman Brent Widder then gave UE the lead for good in the sixth inning with a line-shot home run to left field for his ninth home run of the year.  Senior shortstop Simon Scherry followed two batters later with an RBI double down the left-field line to move UE’s lead to 3-1.  Another double by Taubert and an RBI single by graduate outfielder Mark Shallenberger in the seventh inning capped the scoring for UE.

Deverman improved to 6-1 with the victory, striking out six in a complete-game effort.  Taubert went 3-for-5 with three doubles, while Shallenberger added two hits.

With the victory, Evansville improved to 23-18 overall and 11-5 in the MVC.  Missouri State, meanwhile, dropped to 17-23 overall and 6-10 in the MVC with the loss.  The series will continue on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m., with UE graduate left-hander Donovan Schultz (2-1, 6.29 ERA) scheduled to get the start for the Purple Aces.  Saturday’s game can be heard live in the Tri-State area on 107.1 FM-WJPS.

On the heels of her second Missouri Valley Conference individual championship in as many tries, University of Evansville golfer Kate Petrova is set to take part in the NCAA Regionals.

Petrova was selected to represent the MVC as an individual at the East Lansing Regional with play to take place from May 6-8.  Michigan State University is the host institution for the regional.  She joins individuals from Illinois, Notre Dame, Louisville and Western Kentucky in the 3-round tournament.

Teams set to participate in the East Lansing Regional include USC, Northwestern, Florida, Pepperdine, Michigan State, Kentucky, Denver, Oklahoma State, Indiana, Augusta, Illinois State and Oakland.  This marks just the second time UE has been represented at an NCAA Regional.  In 2021, the Purple Aces won the team championship and took part in the Columbus Regional.

For the second year in a row, the 2024 MVC Championship came down to a playoff with Petrova earning the victory.  Trailing by four strokes entering the final round, Petrova carded a 3-under 69 to force a playoff with Ali Schrock of Illinois State.  Petrova birdied the third playoff hole to seal the victory.  Her win marked the fourth time in the last eight seasons that the University of Evansville has had the individual league champion.

Petrova is Evansville’s first 2-time MVC women’s golf champion.  Kayla Katterhenry (2017) and Sophia Rohleder (2021) are Evansville’s other champions.  Along with being Medalist, Petrova was named to the All-Conference and All-Tournament Teams.  She is the 7th golfer to earn MVC Medalist two or more times.

Following two years at Butler, Connor Turnbull has officially joined the University of Evansville men’s basketball program.  The 6-foot-10 forward was rated a 4-star recruit out of high school by ESPN.

Turnbull is a native of St. Paul, Missouri where he played at Fort Zumwalt North High School.  Following his junior and senior seasons, he earned Class 6 All-State honors.  A member of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch All-Metro Team, Turnbull averaged 23.5 points and 12.7 rebounds in his final high school campaign.  He completed his high school career with the career school records for career rebounds, single-season rebounds, career blocks and single-season blocks.

His junior campaign saw him finish with 14.9 points and 7.3 caroms while helping his team advance to the Class 6 state semifinals.

“We are extremely happy to have Connor and his family join our UE family.  I have known Connor and his family for 3+ years.  During that time, I have learned how humble and hard-working Connor and his family are,” Ragland said.  “Our staff felt the need to continue to add size, skill and shooting to our roster.  Connor fits all these characteristics perfectly.”

“Another key area of focus for our staff was to get players athletic and mobile enough to defend multiple positions.  Connor has always had the ability to block and alter shots on the defensive end.  Coach Rose has built a strong relationship with individuals in Connor's inner circle.  Having the trust and respect for those close with Connor will help in the development process both on and off the court.  We look forward to getting Connor to campus and Aces fans will love watching him play.”

As a sophomore with the Bulldogs last season, Turnbull made his presence known despite being limited to nine games.  In 105 minutes of play, he posted 16 blocks including six against East Tennessee State, which was one shy of the Butler program record.  In the season opener against Eastern Michigan, he recorded a season-high 13 points while converting five of his six shot attempts.

Playing in 22 games as a freshman, Turnbull ranked third on the team with 15 blocks.  He was a 44% shooter from the field while finishing at 47% from long range.  Against Big East opponents, he shot 70% from outside.

“I chose Evansville because I believe in what coach Ragland is building and really enjoy the staff he’s put together,” Turnbull exclaimed.  “The family environment he’s created just makes it feel like home!”

During the momentous Saturday, the Missouri Valley Conference and the National Esports Collegiate Conference united to host the inaugural Missouri Valley Conference Esports Championship at the Illinois State University Redbird Esports facility. The University of Evansville's newly established Overwatch and Rocket League esports teams, despite facing off against experienced adversaries, demonstrated their prowess. In a display of their skill and determination, the Overwatch team secured an impressive fourth place, while the Rocket League team claimed a commendable fifth place.

In Overwatch 2, a team of 5 players competes on different maps and game modes where they must outlast or score more than the other team. For a team to win, they must win the best of five maps. The Aces started with fierce competition with Missouri State University. Previously, the Aces had lost to Missouri during the regular season; however, it would be different this time. The Aces started slow, losing a close Map 1 to Missouri. After shaking it off, the Aces would come back and win three maps in a row against Missouri to take their first win (3-1) in the MVC Esports Championship.

Following their initial triumph, the Aces faced their most formidable opponents yet, Illinois State University. The Aces struggled to find their rhythm in the first map, resulting in their first loss in the series. However, they regrouped and started the second map on the defensive, winning their fair share of engagements. Unfortunately, the Red Birds' offense proved too strong, leading them to victory in the second map. With the final map on the line, the Aces fought bravely but ultimately succumbed to the MVC Esports Champions, relegating them to the consolation round to compete for third and fourth place.

Despite being knocked down, the Aces had no problem picking up the win against Southern Illinois University—Carbondale. The Aces started strong against the Salukis and never released the gas, taking a dominant 3-0 victory.

The Overwatch team was up against Valparaiso University for their last match to secure third or fourth place. Although the Aces won the first game on Ilios, Valparaiso returned stronger, winning the second game in a close finish. They continued their momentum and won the third game, bringing the series to match point. However, the Aces made a strong comeback and handily the following map on Esperanca, tying the series 2-2. Valparaiso won in a thrilling and nail-biting game, making them the 3-2 victors of the series, ending the Aces season as fourth within the MVC for Overwatch.

In Rocket League, a team of three players competes on a soccer field-based map where they must outscore the other team. For a team to win, they must win the best of seven maps. In their first match, the Aces played against Valparaiso. Valparaiso took an early lead, resulting in the first win in the series. The Aces, unfazed, took the second game in a close battle. However, Valparaiso would ultimately prove too strong and win the series 4-1.

Following their loss, the Aces would drop to the Consolation bracket and win against the University of Northern Iowa 4-0. Continuing their consolation road, the Aces would play against the closely matched team, Bradley University. In the closest match yet, Bradley would ultimately come out victorious, winning 4-3, ending the Aces season as fifth within the MVC for Rocket League.

"They fought hard for their wins, accepted well their defeats, and surpassed expectations with their teamwork, skills, and professionalism," says Coach Henderson about his teams' performances last Saturday. "It was great to see how impressed other teams, who have been established for several years now, were with our esports program, and it was incredible to see our Overwatch team adapt so well to the new dynamic of playing in an in-person tournament," says Faith "Mrs. Coach" Henderson who spectated the competitions and provided much needed secondary support throughout the tournament. The regular season is over, but Coach Henderson and the many current and future players of the Aces Esports program are eager to return in the fall to prepare for next year's MVC Esports Championship.