Today marks Kenton Hargis’ last official day at the University of Evansville. While we will still see him from time to time at Purple Visit Days, he will now be focusing his time primarily on being home with his kids. Kenton has given extraordinary leadership, energy, and care to UE.

Take the Kenton Hargis Challenge:

One of Kenton’s superpowers has been his ability to build connections across campus. He often invites people he wants to get to know better to grab coffee or share a meal with him.  So in his honor, I invite you to take the Kenton Hargis Challenge:

You can keep this commitment private as a way of honoring Kenton’s legacy or you can share it more publicly by emailing me at jg121@evansville.edu to let me know you’re taking the challenge. I will share your commitments with Kenton so he knows how the spirit of his example will live on here at UE.

Reminder: PurplePulse issues are published only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the academic year. Please plan your submissions accordingly to ensure timely publication.

The University will be closed on Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day. No classes will be held and all UE academic departments and administrative offices will be closed.

Dr. Mark Cirino will deliver the first Stankey Andiron Lecture of the academic year on Thursday, September 18 at 4 PM in Koch 100. The lecture is entitled "Ernest Hemingway and the Road to A Farewell to Arms."   Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms was published in 1929, a full decade after the writer was wounded in World War I and rejected by the war nurse that took care of him. These two traumas inspired the plot of his classic novel. This presentation describes those difficult personal experiences, the years Hemingway spent trying to cope with their memories, and then the triumphant way he chronicled them in A Farewell to Arms. This discussion will illuminate Hemingway’s creative process and inspire us to think more broadly about the way artists transform their own reality into their work.   Mark Cirino teaches American literature at the University of Evansville. He is the host of the Ernest Hemingway Society-sponsored program, One True Podcast. His most recent publication is an edition of A Farewell to Arms for the Norton Library.

The William L. Ridgway College of Arts and Sciences is delighted to support The Morgan Whitaker Stankey Andiron Lectures. The series is dedicated to the memory of University of Evansville alumna Morgan Stankey, who passed away suddenly in March, 2023. Many generous gifts in Morgan’s memory have allowed us to reinvigorate a long-established tradition – the Andiron Lecture - that was a significant part of the University’s intellectual life for many years. This event is free and open to the public.

Tuesday, September 2

Wheeler Concert Hall

7:30 PM

The Music Conservatory is proud to announce the opening of its 2025–2026 concert season with the highly anticipated Faculty Gala. Join us for an evening showcasing the exceptional talents of our faculty. This is a spectacular event you will not want to miss.

This Friday we’re creating space to join together—to pause, worship, and remember what gives us strength and hope. Come gather with the UE community outside for a night of worship and prayer.

Friday, August 29
7 PM - 8 PM
East Terrace Lawn

The Center for Career Development and the Office for Career Success are hosting a Professional Clothing Pop-Up Shop on Friday, August 29, 11:00am – 2:00pm in the SOBA Atrium.  Need a fresh look for your next interview, internship, or upcoming career fairs? Stop by our Pop-Up Shop and browse a curated selection of professional attire — free of charge and open to all students!  Questions? Contact career@evansville.edu or SOBAcareers@evansville.edu.

I am writing to share the bittersweet news that Paula Heldt, Assistant President for Academic Affairs, will be retiring on August 29.  For twenty-five years, Paula has been a valued and deeply respected member of our college community. Her unwavering dedication, professionalism, and wealth of institutional knowledge have made a lasting impact on colleagues and students and the overall success of our institution. From beginning in what was the Continuing Education department to moving to Academic Affairs, to being a trusted resource and mentor to many, Paula has exemplified what it means to serve with excellence and heart.

While we are truly sad to see her go, we are grateful for the many years of service and the legacy she leaves behind.  Paula’s presence will be greatly missed, both professionally and personally.

Paula does not wish to be honored with a retirement celebration, so please stop by her office in Olmsted Hall 205G to congratulate her on a remarkable career and to wish her all the best in her new chapter. Please join me in expressing our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Paula.

Linda Tipton joined Academic Affairs on August 11^th as the Director of Operations: Academic Affairs. She was the former Registrar at Oakland City University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from USI in 1996. While you are congratulating Paula on her upcoming retirement, please take time to welcome Linda to the Aces family.

Whether you have taken the Clifton StrengthFinders Assessment or not, this session will give a overview of your results. Come with your results in hand to this workshop. It has been tailored with you in mind! You will be led to understand your results to enhance your work and study performance, develop your career and leadership skills, and reflect on your self awareness. You will leave with a better understanding of self, tactics for better performance and embracing how you show up everyday. Please RSVP on UEngage.

Ace CARE is seeking additional van drivers to help transport participants to and from our Tuesday evening sessions. This is a meaningful way to support our pro-bono physical therapy services and make a direct impact in the community.

Who Can Volunteer:

• Current UE faculty or staff
• Must consent to a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check by Risk Management

Training Provided:

• All drivers will complete a brief online training module via Vector

Schedule & Details:

• Tuesdays, 4:00–8:00 PM
• Transport participants to Ace+PT and ACErcise sessions
• A student will accompany you to assist with directions and ensure safe entry/exit for participants
• Remaining dates this semester:
  • September 16
  • September 30
  • October 21
  • November 4
  • November 25
• Even if you can only help on one Tuesday, your support is greatly appreciated!

Interested or Have Questions?
Contact Kristen Harvey at kh399@evansville.edu

Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve!

Read Harder Challenge

Were you raised on the library’s summer reading program and wish it had lasted all year? Ready to stretch your reading wings? The library has you covered!

The library is hosting a reading challenge, and there is a prize at the end of the school year!

Read one book a month for eight months and turn in your reading list by April 30 to be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card. Flyers, bookmarks, and reading suggestions are available in the IDEA space on the 2^nd floor of the library.

There are requirements: at least four books you read need to fit the requirements of the challenge. We want you to step a bit out of your comfort zone and read something new, or return to something comforting.

Anyone can participate in the challenge (faculty, staff, and students), but only current students are eligible for the drawing. We want to see what you read. And we want you to see what we have in our collection!

Danielle is more than happy to answer any questions (dw56).

UE Ace Mentors are changing lives, one mentor at a time. Mentoring transforms lives. UE Ace Mentors pairs Harper Elementary students with college student mentors for weekly on-campus activities that inspire growth, confidence, and brighter futures. Through games, reading, hands-on projects, and friendship, our little buddies gain role models who make a lasting difference—all at no cost to families. If you are interested in mentoring, it's a once-a-week time commitment, and we'd love to have you join our team. If you'd like more information or wish to become a mentor, please send an email to our president, Audrey Briles, at ab1002@evansville.edu.

View list of sessions

Welcome to a new semester full of possibilities! Ready for adventure beyond the ordinary? Venture Crew is your gateway to high-adventure activities, leadership development, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're into hiking, camping, rock climbing, community service, or building lifelong friendships, Venture Crew brings together people who are eager to explore, challenge themselves, and make a difference. Find us at the org fair tomorrow to learn more, and don't miss our callout meeting next week where we'll share exciting plans for the semester ahead. Adventure starts here – will you answer the call?

Featuring UE’s logo on both sides, this vibrant new gateway welcomes students, families, employees, and visitors while highlighting our strong connection to the city of Evansville.

A huge thank-you to City Council President Ben Trockman, the City of Evansville Engineer, and INDOT for their instrumental support in making this project possible.

The Center for Career Development is happy to announce that our Career Advocates are ready to help students with resumes, cover letters, and more! They are available on a walk-in basis during the hours listed on our website at www.evansville.edu/careercenter/students/careeradvocates.cfm. Come visit them upstairs in Ridgway in the Student Life Suite!

Lilly Roskind

Elliot Boutell

Emma Sowders

Owen Lawrence

Mackenzie Earney

Follow the UE Center for Career Development!

https://www.instagram.com/uecareers/

The Center for Career Development has a magazine display rack up for grabs. It is four sided and spins. You will need a cart or wagon to move it.

Anyone interested, can contact Amanda Wood (aw505).

Tuesdays @ 12 PM & 2:30 PM
Honeymoon Coffee Co.

Follow the QR Code to Sign Up

A weekly pause to breathe, rest, and return to what matters most. Guided practices—drawn from silence, breath, prayer, and mindfulness—invite you to reconnect with yourself, the Sacred, and the rhythms of life. No experience needed—just come as you are.

There are two tables of free textbooks in SOBA on the second floor outside the Marketing office.

Free to anyone.

Residence Life has extra brochure holders, approximately 50 available.  If you have brochures to display, stop by Residence Life on the 2nd floor of Ridgway to grab a few.

Three distinguished University of Evansville (UE) faculty members from the William L. Ridgway College of Arts and Sciences were honored Tuesday for their academic excellence during a formal Investiture Ceremony in Neu Chapel.

The event recognized the appointment of three faculty members to endowed chairs and professorships. It also honored the legacies of generous donors and families whose enduring investments continue to elevate the University's faculty and academic excellence.

Endowed faculty positions represent one of the highest honors a university can bestow, recognizing distinguished scholars and educators, while advancing innovation in teaching, scholarship and service.

At the ceremony, the following faculty members were honored:

Dr. Diane Brewer was invested as the John David Lutz Distinguished Professor of the Arts. Brewer, a dramaturg, director, and scholar, is recognized nationally for her work in theatre history and criticism. She has served as Coordinator of Dramaturgy and Research Programming for the Kennedy Center National College Theater Festival and directs UE's Honors Program. The Lutz Professorship was established in honor of John David Lutz by alumni and friends, including acclaimed television and film creators Matt Williams and David McFadzean, both former students of Professor Lutz, whose lives and careers were shaped by his mentorship and example. Over his five-decade tenure at UE, Professor Lutz directed more than 80 productions, served as Chair of the Department of Theatre, and led the program to national prominence. He was a beloved teacher and mentor who instilled in his students a deep respect for their craft and the courage to pursue bold artistic paths.

Dr. Dennis Malfatti was invested as the Oramay Cluthe Eades Distinguished Professor of Music. Malfatti is Director of Choral Activities and Co-Chair of the UE Music Conservatory. His ensembles have performed nationally and internationally, including acclaimed appearances at Carnegie Hall, most recently in 2025. The professorship honors Oramay Cluthe Eades, founder of the Cluthe School of Music, whose vision and leadership laid the foundation for the University's music conservatory. Her family, including David and Susan Eades, have continued her legacy of generosity and support.

Dr. Robert Baines was invested as the Melvin M. Peterson Endowed Chair in Literature. Baines specializes in twentieth-century British and Irish literature, particularly the works of James Joyce. His book, Philosophical Allusions in James Joyce's Finnegans Wake, was published by Oxford University Press. The endowed chair was established in 2016 by Dr. Melvin M. Peterson, a devoted friend of the University and longtime trustee, whose philanthropy also created the Peterson Gallery and other vital spaces for the arts and humanities on campus.

UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz highlighted the importance of endowed positions during the ceremony. "Endowed positions are more than a recognition of past accomplishments. They are an investment in the future, enabling faculty to explore new ideas, mentor students at the highest level, and contribute meaningfully to the world." he said.

In addition to the president's address, the ceremony featured remarks from Mary Kessler, Acting Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, and Amanda Krause, Dean of the Ridgway College of Arts and Sciences, who spoke about the significance of these endowed positions for the University's academic mission.

These faculty members exemplify the excellence, passion, and dedication that define the University of Evansville's academic community. Their achievements in teaching, research, and service continue to elevate the institution and inspire generations of students.

During Academic Convocation, UE proudly awards the Purple Tam, a symbol of distinction for faculty who achieve the rank of full professor—a mark of academic excellence, scholarship, and service to the University. These purple velvet tams, worn at official academic events, represent the highest level of professional commitment to higher education at UE.

This year, Dr. Jennie Ebeling, Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, was honored with this distinction. Dr. Ebeling holds a PhD in Near Eastern Studies from the University of Arizona and is an accomplished scholar specializing in the archaeology of ancient southwest Asia. Her work includes co-directing the Jezreel Expedition in Israel, authoring and editing six books, and earning prestigious fellowships such as the Fulbright and National Endowment for the Humanities. She has been recognized with UE’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award and the Dean's Teaching Award for her exceptional contributions in the classroom.

Congratulations, Dr. Ebeling!

The Spring 2025 Deans' List is currently on display at the library. Congratulations!

Did your semester at Harlaxton change your life? Do you find yourself telling stories about the manor, weekend travels, and friendships that will last a lifetime? Now’s your chance to share that magic with other UE students!

The University of Evansville is seeking passionate Harlaxton Ambassadors—students who have studied at Harlaxton College in Grantham, England—to help promote this life-changing study abroad experience. As an Ambassador, you’ll connect with current and prospective UE students, answer their questions, and inspire them with your own Harlaxton journey.

If you loved your time at the manor and want to help others discover the adventure of a lifetime, please join us as a Harlaxton Ambassador! Please email our president, Arwyn Horstman, at ah695@evansville.edu.