Questions or Concerns Regarding this Work:

Mike Averett: Assistant Vice President for Facilities Management and Campus Operations, 812-488-2050, ma479@evansville.edu

Affected Dates:

Now through June 21, 2026.

Description of Work:

A contractor will remove older/unused equipment, install new pumps, new chillers, and new cooling towers

Impact for Campus:

• There will be construction traffic (i.e., cranes and contractor trucks), dust, and noise.

• Between March 9-13 there will be a large crane on campus removing cooling towers and chillers.

• There will be buildings that will be warmer and colder throughout the construction timeframe.  Shutdowns of existing chiller and boilers are required as work is completed.

Action(s) Required:

• Please follow posted signage, caution tape and cones

• Please do not park near the Central Plant, or in Ridgway Drive

• Use caution near equipment and construction activity.

• If your building becomes too hot (i.e., 80+ degrees) or to cold (62 or lower), please notify campus Facilities Maintenance.

Thank you for your patience as we build and maintain our beautiful campus.

To report a facilities emergency, call (812) 488-2775.

• If a vehicle is registered with the University, Public Safety will attempt to contact the owner and allow up to two hours for the vehicle to be moved.
• If the vehicle is not moved within two hours (even if Public Safety is unable to reach the owner), it will be towed at the owner’s expense.
• Vehicles not registered with the University may be towed immediately at the owner’s expense.
• Vehicles registered with the University that have more than two parking violations within a year may be towed without prior notification if parked in a dumpster access area.

Join us for the 2026 Fiancial Literacy Fair!  

March 25th 11:30-1:30. Ridgway

Learn- "Ask the Experts" all of your financial questions and meet professionals in banking, investments, insurance, HR, finacial aid, Indiana Secratary of State's Office, and more!

Earn - Ask quesions to earn raffle tickets for some amazing prizes!  Over 30 door prizes to be given away including a TV, bluetooth speaker, mini-projector, gift certificates, UE swag, and much much more!!

UE Faculty and Staff,

Get your photos ready for the upcoming Hanns Pieper UE Employee Photo Exhibition!

The exhibit will run April 18 - August 16, and we're excited to showcase the creative talents of our campus community.

Photo drop-off will take place on April 13.  Additional submission details and guidelines will be shared in the next couple of weeks.

Join us to learn how to better our noodle game through our Pho Teaching Kitchen on March 4, from 3-4 pm, with Chef Nick at The Eatery!

UE Emily M. Young Mental Health Center is running several mental health groups right now, including an adult DBT groups! DBT, or Dialectical Behavior Therapy, is an evidenced-based treatment that teaches skills to reduce emotional suffering and improve relationships we have with ourselves and others including mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. The adult group is set to start March 17 and will run Tuesday's at 6pm. Please contact (812)488-5640 to sign up!

Photographer Kylie Padgett will be on campus Monday, March 9, at 1:30 p.m. for headshots. University employees in need of a new or updated headshot can email Julie Beer (jb855), Marketing Coordinator, to be added to the list.

Headshots will be taken outdoors near the southwest corner of the front oval lawn. In the event of rain or high winds, headshots will be moved indoors to the SOBA atrium.

Spiritual Formation & Development will be hosting a Ramadan Iftar on March 17th at 6:00 PM in Ridgway 252.

Whether you observe Ramadan or are simply curious to learn more, all are welcome. Regardless of your religious background, come as a learner and bring your questions. Iftar is a time of reflection, community, and shared table fellowship, and it’s a meaningful opportunity to deepen our engagement with one another.

What might it look like for us to continue building relationships across differences, growing in understanding and connection? We hope this evening will be one small but important step in that direction.

The University of Evansville is honored to launch the UE Health Sciences Lecture Series with its inaugural lecture, “From Discovery to Cure: The American Journey of Medical Progress,” presented by Dr. Jay Moskowitz on Thursday, March 19, at 5:00 p.m. at the Stone Family Center for Health Sciences.

This inaugural lecture will explore the American journey of medical innovation—from George Washington’s early embrace of inoculation to the rise of biomedical research and transformative technologies such as pacemakers and cochlear implants, leading to today’s molecular and digital breakthroughs.

The lecture will highlight how progress occurs where science, courage, and human need intersect, and will examine how medicine has evolved into an era of precision, prevention, and personalization while maintaining its core purpose of improving and extending human life.

A reception with light refreshments will follow the lecture.

Guests are asked to RSVP by March 12 at evansville.edu/HSLecture.

For more information, please contact Billie Chandler at bc185@evansville.edu.

View additional information about the lecture and guest speaker.

The Staff and Administrators Assembly (SAA) is excited to host the Second Annual Employee Services Fair designed to highlight the many campus services that support our employees, both professionally and personally.

Employees - Ascension St. Vincent is providing mobile mammography services for the University of Evansville. The mobile mammography bus will be located in the Health Clinic Parking Lot on March 26th from 8:00AM - 2:00PM. Please call the Ascension St. Vincent Breast Center at 812-485-4437 to schedule your mammogram screening. See the flyer for additional scheduling details!

The reproductive rights changelab is seeking out performers who are passionate about reproductive health, live performance, and social action to join us in our storytelling journey as they aim to produce another performance of Monologue A in the greater Evansville community. This is where you come in!

Monologue A is a short monologue based performance directly inspired by the stories of students on the UE campus and those close to them. All stories center around the necessity of accessible reproductive care, and the nuances of navigating a world where such care may not be possible.

Auditions will be held on March 18th at 4 P.M. in Hyde Hall with specific information provided at a later date. These auditions are open to ANY AND ALL UE STUDENTS! Love performing? Love reproductive health? Want to learn more about the stories of your peers? Interested in activism within your community? Come give it a try! Auditions will require NO memorization, and can be done both in person or virtually via self tape. Come as you are, no resume required. 

Please note all who audition and who intend to perform for Monologe A MUST be available on April 14th from 4-5 PM. 

We would love to see you there! If interested please fill out the google form below. If you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to reach out to monologuea6@gmail.com.We will be happy to answer any and all inquiries!

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS AUDITION FORM

Thank you very much, we hope to see you there!

The February 2026 issue of Crescent Magazine is out and ready for you to read it! Paper copies of the magazine are available around campus and the digital issue can be found at https://crescent.evansville.edu/. 

A team of over 15 student writers, editors, and designers took part in creating this issue. Reach out to Student Media advisor Tommy Housman if you are interesting in contributing to a future issue!

Titles in this magazine include: 

The Coffin of Media Literacy & the Death of Fandoms (Mia Gallagher)

Secular Perspectives on the Seven Sins (Devon Matthews)

Help, Healing, & Hope at the Trotter House of Evansville (Grace Gleisner)

America's Winter Has Come (Devon Matthews)

From Page to Stage: Finding Inspiration in Relatability (Rachel Hoke)

Are Your Roads Covered in I.C.E? (Lola Sills)

The House Force Built, Where Terror Returns Still (Tommy Housman)

4 Favorites from 2025 (Heidi McCombs)

The Danger of Believing (Gabriel Long)

A Conversation About Acceptance (Anonymous)

Academic Affairs is pleased to announce the call for nominations for the 2026 Lee and Ann S. Cooper Outstanding Teacher Award. The University bestows this award annually to a faculty member for exemplary teaching and student service. The goal of the award is to encourage both outstanding teaching and the inclusion of students in as many facets of academic life as possible. Any full-time faculty member who is a classroom teacher, has taught at least two years at UE and holds the rank of instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, professor, clinical assistant, or clinical associate, is eligible. Students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni may make nominations.

 Outstanding Teacher Award Criteria:

• A record of outstanding teaching effectiveness both within and outside the classroom.
• The ability to inspire, promote and sustain the intellectual development of students.
• A pedagogical approach that is innovative, intellectually rigorous, creative, and engaging.
• Demonstrated scholarly contributions and their integration into the classroom.
• Advising/mentoring of students and student organizations.
• Involvement in the University and/or greater community.

The following Outstanding Teacher Award winners from the past five years are not eligible:

2021 – Dr. Julie Merkle

2022 – Dr. Katie Whetstone

2023 – Dr. James Ware

2024 – Dr. Diana Rodriquez Quevedo

2025 – Dr. Mike Slade

Access the link below to submit a nomination. https://www.evansville.edu/offices/academicaffairs/outstanding-teacher-form.cfm

Forward supplemental documentation if needed to: Linda Tipton lt155@evansville.edu. Please include the faculty member name and OTA 2026 in the subject line.

The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, March 6, 2026.

Register for TIAA webinars for expert financial information.

March is Disability Awareness Month, and we’re excited to share some of the ways we’re recognizing and celebrating it:

1.      We are partnering with Career Development for a Speed Networking Event on Wednesday, March 4 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm in Eykamp/Ridgway University Center.  You don’t want to miss this unique networking experience! Meet with employers, share your resume, and sharpen your interview skills.  This is a great opportunity to build confidence and make professional connections.

2.      On Wednesday, March 18, we will be in Ridgway from 11:00am – 1:00pm.  Stop by our table to test your knowledge with DS-related questions and win fun prizes. Come say hello and learn more about the resources available to you.

3.      We will have a display case in the Library March 30 – April 10.  Visit the library and see our featured exhibit!

Did you know:

1.      Orlando Bloom, Steven Spielberg, and Whoopi Goldberg have dyslexia.

2.      Michael Phelps has ADHD.

3.      Daniel Radcliff has dyspraxia (a common neurological disorder that affects motor skill development).

4.      Justin Timberlake has ADD and OCD.

5.      Johnny Depp is blind in one eye.

6.      Leonardo DiCaprio has OCD and Tourette’s Syndrome.

7.      Dan Aykroyd, Daryl Hannah, and Albert Einstein all have or had Autism Spectrum Disorder.

8.      Lady Gaga has Fibromyalgia.

These individuals remind us that disabilities are part of human diversity—and that talent, creativity, and success come in many forms.

The Margaret E. Schriefer Liberal Arts Scholarship has been established for the University of Evansville in loving memory of Margaret E. Schriefer. This scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving student, covering full tuition, books, supplies, materials, and laboratory fees. To be considered for this scholarship, students must meet the following qualifications:

• Must be enrolled at the University of Evansville and have a major of study in Literature, English, Music or Theatre.
• Must be a natural-born citizen of the United States of America with no prior criminal record, other than minor traffic violations.
• Must be a free and accepted Mason in good standing in a local lodge under the authority of the Grand Lodge of its state, or be the descendant, sibling, or nephew/niece of a Master Mason in good standing in his respective lodge under the authority of the Grand Lodge of its respective state. If the related Mason shall not be living at the time of the student’s consideration for this scholarship, a letter shall be obtained from the Lodge of the related Mason to the effect that the related Mason was in good standing at the time of his death.

Must have and maintain a “C” average.

*Previously awarded students are eligible to re-apply for this opportunity.

If you meet the requirements for this scholarship, please complete the scholarship application and return to the Office of Student Financial Services by April 17, 2026.

Questions may be directed to Carly Cox, Office of Student Financial Services, by email at cc477@evansville.edu or by phone at 812-488-2364.

Nominations are now being accepted for consideration of The Howard S. Rosenblatt “Dean of Students Leadership Awards.”  These awards will be presented at the 33rd Annual Leadership Awards Reception scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, 2026.  Invitations will be prepared by the Center for Student Engagement.  

Awards from the Dean of Students Office are presented in the following categories:

• Student Organization Advisor of the Year

• Student Organization of the Year

• Student Leader of the Year

Our student organizations are successful because of the commitment of the student leaders and the advisors who give freely of their time and support.  The recipients of these awards are selected based on their commitment to the University of Evansville as well as the development and success of their efforts within their chosen student organization.

The deadline for nominations is March 20, 2026.  Click on this link to submit your nomination: 

https://forms.office.com/r/5WhHUF7J6i 

If you have any questions, please contact the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students office at 812-488-2500 or by e-mail via deanofstudents@evansville.edu 

Thank you in advance for celebrating our student leaders’ achievements!

Do you know a senior deserving of the highest award given by UE? Ten finalists will be selected, and one student will be presented this award at Commencement. Selection is based on academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and community and campus engagement. 

 
The Guthrie May and Mabel Dillingham Nenneker Outstanding Senior Service Award nominations will be accepted February 18 – March 6, 2026. Students nominated must accept their nomination by 5:00 p.m. on March 20th, 2026. 

 
You can nominate deserving seniors by completing the form below. Once you submit a nomination, students will receive an automatic email giving them the opportunity to accept the award.  

https://form.jotform.com/220724520906046 

Please contact Shelby Bartholome, Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students Office (sg293@evansville.edu) with any questions.

Commencement Central is an event where students planning to graduate Spring or Summer of 2026 will check their diploma name and degree programs and touch base with the University Bookstore, Alumni Relations, and the Center for Career Development.

This event will be held in Eykamp Hall at the following dates/times:

March 2, 2026 : 11am-1pm

March 3, 2026 : 11am-1pm and 4pm-6pm

If you plan on graduating Spring or Summer of 2026, please use this link to sign up for a 20 minute time slot: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4DABA822A3FCCF8-62003536-2026

Even if you do not plan to attend the Commencement Ceremony, you should attend this event as this is the time when you ensure your degree and diploma information is correct.

Additional information about Commencement Central can be found at this web address:

https://www.evansville.edu/commencement/central.cfm 

**Note: Students at Harlaxton and graduate students out of state on clinical rotation, please reach out to Hannah Girten at hg64@evansville.edu**

The UE Purple Aces Investment Research Team competed in the 2025–2026 CFA Institute Research Challenge in Nashville, TN, on Wednesday, February 25. The subject company was Harrow. Team members Kristen Eykamp, Katlyn Hall, and Moe El Osman traveled to Nashville to present the team’s investment recommendation - Sell - reflecting rigorous research, valuation analysis, and preparation by the entire team. Professor Walayet Khan served as faculty mentor.

The CFA Research Challenge is a prestigious global competition that immerses students in real-world equity analysis. Participants conduct in-depth company research, prepare a professional equity report, and defend their recommendation before industry judges. The experience sharpens analytical skills, builds confidence, and gives students a meaningful competitive edge in the job market. Past participants have repeatedly shared that their involvement in the Challenge was instrumental in securing interviews and advancing their careers.

Please join us in celebrating Ashley Nels, University Registrar and Head of Academic Advising and Retention on Thursday, March 5 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm in Room 116, Olmsted Hall.

Ashley earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Evansville in 2013 and Master’s in Leadership in 2021. Ashley began her career at UE as an admissions counselor in 2016 and moved to Academic Services in 2017 and was appointed University Registrar and Head of Academic Advising and Retention in 2024.

Ashley has accepted a Registrar position at a university outside of Denver, Colorado. Please stop by to thank Ashley for her years of dedicated service to UE and to wish her all the best in her new role.

ST. LOUIS – University of Evansville senior AJ Casey earned a spot on the All-Missouri Valley Conference Third Team on Wednesday when the league announced its postseason awards.

In his first season with the Purple Aces, Casey averaged 13.2 points per game but excelled in conference games, raising his average to 16.1 PPG. He was named the MVC Player of the Week on Monday in a week highlighted by a career-high 37 points against Valparaiso where he hit the game-winning triple at the buzzer.

His previous career game was a 28-point effort in the win over Illinois State. Entering Arch Madness, Casey has scored seven or more points in 21 out of 23 games.

He has posted two double-doubles on the season with 17 points and 11 boards at UNI before his 37-point, 11-rebound effort against the Beacons. Casey ranks in the top ten in the Valley in rebounds, field goal percentage, steals, and offensive rebounds.

ST. LOUIS – In a week highlighted by a 37-point game and buzzer-beater against Valparaiso, University of Evansville senior AJ Casey has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week.

Casey averaged 24.7 points per game in the Purple Aces’ three games last week while adding an average of 8.7 rebounds and 35.9 minutes. He shot 61.4% from the field and 80.0% from the free throw line while adding a total of eight assists and four blocked shots.

Highlighting the week was his career game against the Beacons where he set highs in points (37), field goals (12), and free throws (10) while tying his high with 11 rebounds. He banked in the game-winning triple at the buzzer to give the Aces an 80-79 victory.

Converting 10 of his 16 attempts in the road game at Belmont last Wednesday, Casey scored 21 points while adding seven boards and five assists. He completed the week with 16 points and eight caroms in the home contest versus Southern Illinois.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville baseball team looks to build off their first series win of the season on Tuesday, traveling to Cape Girardeau to take on SEMO. First pitch is set for 3 PM.

Evansville at SEMO | Tuesday, March 3 | 3 PM CT Site | Location Capaha Field | Cape Girardeau, Mo. Links Tuesday, March 3, 3:00 PM:  Live Stats  | TV:  ESPN+

            Expected Pitching Match-Up:  UE LHP Jack Willhite (0-0, 54.00 ERA) vs. SEMO LHP Ben Snider (0-1, 11.79 ERA) Follow the Aces  Baseball Site | Twitter  | Game Notes

Series History
- Evansville leads the all-time series, 8-4, including a 4-2 edge in Cape Girardeau
- The two sides split a pair of midweek meetings last season, with each team winning at home
- The Aces and Redhawks have played two midweek games each season since 2023, with the Aces holding a 4-2 advantage

Fantastic Freshman 
- Tanner Graham has been outstanding in his first taste of college baseball, posting a 1.93 ERA across three appearances
- Graham was named MVC Freshman of the Week on February 24 after picked up his first career save against #18 Kentucky. Graham fired three shutout innings to close the game, allowing just one hit
- This past weekend against Milwaukee, Graham picked up another three-inning save, shutting out Milwaukee over the final three frames to help the Aces take a 2-1 win

That's More Like It
- After struggling over the first two weeks of the season, redshirt sophomore slugger Charlie Longmeier hit his stride last week
- In four games, Longmeier went 6-for-15 at the plate for a .400 batting average
- Against Vanderbilt on Tuesday, Longmeier collected three hits for his first multi-hit contest of the year
- On Saturday against Milwaukee, Longmeier launched a no-doubt two-run home run to right field, powering the Aces to a 2-1 win
- With the series on the line on Sunday, Longmeier drove in two of the Aces' four runs as Evansville took the series with a 4-2 victory

Relief Ace
- Senior reliever Owen Byberg has been one of the top bullpen arms in the MVC to begin the season 
- Entering Tuesday, Byberg ranks second among qualified MVC pitchers with a 1.32 ERA
- On Sunday against Milwaukee, Byberg worked four scoreless frames to close out the series win
- Byberg has not allowed a run over his last 8.2 innings of work

INDIANAPOLIS – The University of Evansville track & field team completed the indoor portion of their 2026 schedule on Monday at the second and final day of the MVC Indoor Championships. The day was highlighted by three Aces competing in the final of their events and strong showings from both 4x400 relay teams.
 
Sprints and Hurdles
Women
Evansville's 4x400 meter relay team of Josie Seehafer (Inver Grove Heights, Minn./Eagan), Kyleigh Wolf (Columbus, Ind./Columbus North), Taylor Johnson (Evansville, Reitz), Chase Hayes (Noblesville, Ind./Western) clocked the second best time in program history, coming in at 4:02.41. 

Men
UE's men's 4x400 meter relay team of Josiah Hoehn (Hazel Crest, Ill. Homewood-Flossmoor), Connor Shin (Bloomington, Ind. Bloomington North), Myles Terry (Evansville, Ind./North) and Jose Ocampo (Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico) also secured the second best time in program history, placing eighth at 3:20.45. 

Distance and Mid-Distance
Women
In the 3000 meter final, Avery Stephens (Newburgh, Ind./Castle) secured a personal best of 10:11.53 to place 19th. 

Men
In the mile, Tommaso Losma (Lombardia, Italy/Liceo Scientifico David Maria Turoldo, Zogno (Bg) placed tenth in the final with a time of 4:30.41.
 
Throws
Women
In the shot put, Jillian Miller (Boonville, Ind./Boonville) placed 17th with a mark of 9.53.

 Fireside Aces Radio, the digital broadcasting arm of University of Evansville (UE) Student Media, has officially launched its mobile app on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, expanding access to student-produced radio, podcasts, music programming, and community storytelling.

The app allows listeners to stream live and prerecorded programming and access the Crescent Magazine from any mobile device. Fireside Aces Radio is also available online at fireside.evansville.edu and via Alexa-enabled devices through the Fireside Aces Radio skill.

Fireside Aces Radio operates within UE Department of Communications through Student Media, a collaborative media organization that brings together students, faculty, academic departments, and local nonprofits to create public-facing content focused on journalism, sports, entertainment, and social impact storytelling.

Student Media platforms collectively reach thousands each month:

• Crescent Magazine website: Approximately 6,000 monthly visitors
• Fireside Aces Radio website: Nearly comparable monthly traffic
• Podcast downloads: Approximately 1,000 downloads per season per show on average, with higher-performing programs exceeding that number
• Print publication: Crescent Magazine publishes three issues per semester, print and digital distribution

Businesses, organizations, and community partners may support Student Media through podcast sponsorships, streaming radio underwriting, print advertising in Crescent Magazine, Digital advertising on crescent.evansville.edu and fireside.evansville.edu.

Sponsorship and advertising inquiries can be directed to Tommy J. Housman, Instructor of Communications & Student Media Advisor, at th208@evansville.edu.

Direct donations to support student programming and equipment may be made at: fireside.evansville.edu/donate.

Fueled by unprecedented generosity of donors, the University of Evansville (UE) is proud to announce that FORWARD the Campaign for the University of Evansville has surpassed its $125 million goal with a total of $130,470,925.

University officials believe FORWARD represents the largest comprehensive fundraising campaign in Southwestern Indiana history.

More than 15,000 alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations supported more than 500 initiatives throughout the campaign—expanding access to education through scholarships, strengthening experiential learning opportunities, supporting inspirational faculty, and advancing transformative capital projects.

“This campaign is a powerful expression of belief in our students and in the role the University of Evansville plays in this region and beyond,” said University of Evansville President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. “Exceeding our goal is an extraordinary achievement, but even more meaningful is what it represents: thousands of individuals coming together to open doors, create opportunity, and ensure our students have what they need to lead, serve, and make an impact.”

The seven-year campaign began with a leadership phase in 2019 and launched publicly in 2022, marking UE’s first institution-wide fundraising campaign since 2010. The FORWARD campaign focused on three guiding priorities: powering a transformative and accessible education, bringing academics to life, and fueling faculty who discover, teach, and mentor.

Gifts made during the campaign established multiple endowed chairs and professorships, expanded Harlaxton College and study abroad opportunities, increased faculty and research support, and provided more than $20 million in scholarships for students. Together, these investments reflect the broad and lasting impact of FORWARD across the University.

That impact is also visible in major campus and community projects supported through the campaign, including the UE Emily M. Young Mental Health Clinic, the creation of the Koch Family Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, the renovation of Wheeler Concert Hall, and the creation of the John David Lutz Theatre Lab. FORWARD also strengthened Aces athletics through the Freeland Clubhouse, German American Bank Field at the Charles H. Braun Stadium, Tri-State Orthopedics Field at James and Dorothy Cooper Stadium, and the soon-to-be-dedicated Begle Sports Performance Center for student-athletes. Corporate and foundation partners played a vital role in our success, including support from Lilly Endowment Inc. for youth programs on UE’s campus and the Toyota USA Foundation’s Indiana Driving Possibilities initiative, which advanced STEM education through the IN-MaC Design and Innovation Studio, along with other grants supporting the arts.

“FORWARD reflects what is possible when a community believes deeply in education and works together with a shared sense of purpose,” said Randy Alsman, co-chair of the FORWARD Campaign. “The impact of this campaign will be felt for generations, not only in the lives of our students, but across the region and beyond.”

Paul Jones ’71, co-chair of the FORWARD Campaign, emphasized that the close of the campaign is also a beginning. “This milestone represents tremendous generosity, but it also sets the stage for what comes next,” Jones said. “The momentum created through FORWARD positions the University to continue strengthening student success, supporting faculty, and advancing its mission well into the future.”

The University of Evansville extends its sincere appreciation to every individual, organization, and partner whose generosity made the FORWARD Campaign possible and affirmed UE’s role as a catalyst for transformative impact on our campus and in our community.

Leaving a powerful legacy of excellence and opportunity at the University of Evansville (UE), Evansville native Barbara J. Kolb Price has documented a $2 million bequest intention to establish an endowed faculty chair in the University's Robert and Judy Decker Wargel Department of Chemistry.

Funded through a planned estate gift, the $2 million endowment will support the retention of distinguished faculty, encourage innovation in the classroom, and elevate student success and achievement within the department. The endowment will provide sustained support for faculty-led student research initiatives in chemistry, innovative curricular experiences, and the enhancement of laboratory instrumentation and resources. This gift helps honor UE's commitment to scientific inquiry and student success by connecting chemistry to real-world challenges in health, industry and the environment.

Price graduated from Mater Dei High School and then Evansville College (UE) in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Guided by a strong foundation in Evansville, she then earned a Master of Arts in Chemistry Education from the University of Chicago and a Master of Science in Management from Purdue University.

Price enjoyed a distinguished professional career at Phillips Petroleum Company, where she served as Vice President of Health, Environment, and Safety. In that role, she provided national leadership on complex scientific, environmental, and regulatory issues, serving on industry committees and task forces with the American Petroleum Institute, the Natural Gas Supply Association, and the Environmental Protection Agency, and remaining active in professional engineering organizations.

Her decades of service to the University of Evansville include serving on the Board of Trustees since 1995 and being recognized with both the UE Medal of Honor and the Alumni Association's Edie Bates Volunteer Service Award.

Price's gift reflects a deep belief in the power of higher education to transform lives and strengthen communities, and her loyalty and commitment to Evansville and to her beloved alma mater. Her legacy will continue to shape the University of Evansville and the discipline of chemistry, empowering students with the courage and drive to change lives and change the world.

"Barbara Price's extraordinary generosity has had a meaningful impact on the department's faculty and students for many years. This incredible legacy gift and her friendship is a powerful expression of her belief in what we do in the Department of Chemistry and how we do it. We are deeply thankful for her enduring commitment to the success of our faculty and to the student experience." shared Dr. Kristy Miller, Associate Provost for Student Success and Academic Excellence & Professor and Chair, Robert and Judy Decker Wargel Department of Chemistry.

UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz emphasized the significance of the gift to the University's mission and momentum. "Barbara Price embodies what it means to lead with courage and purpose," he said. "Her remarkable investment positions our Chemistry program to shape discovery, innovation, and student success well into the future by learning from outstanding faculty who are pushing the boundaries of discovery while mentoring students as they prepare for scientific careers, research, and leadership."

From an advancement and alumni perspective, the endowed chair represents legacy, loyalty, and commitment to educational excellence. This gift is a powerful testament to what philanthropic partnership can do at the University of Evansville. Abigail Werling M'09, Vice President for University Advancement, said "Barbara Price's generosity is a beautiful reflection of the spirit of service that has defined her life and her passion for teaching and learning," said Werling. "We cannot thank Barbara enough for her vision and for her choice to lead and give so selflessly."

On February 17, at the invitation of Deaconess Hospital Midtown, Dr. Cindy Crowe, Assistant Professor of Spanish, along with Latino Community Outreach students Saray Rodriguez Hernandez and Chloe Ruffin presented research on the barriers and disparities in Latino mental healthcare and culturally sensitive approaches to mitigate these deterrents.

Dr. Jennifer Braun, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychology and Director of the UE Emily M. Young Clinic, discussed practical approaches to increasing access to mental health care for Latino communities and shared how the UE Emily M. Young Mental Health Clinic is addressing language and financial barriers to ensure high-quality, affordable services are available to all.

The University of Evansville (UE) has launched a new TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program, a federally funded initiative through the U.S. Department of Education designed to increase college retention and graduation rates for first-generation students, income-eligible students, and students with disabilities.

UE's initiative grant total for TRIO is approximately $1 million.

TRIO Student Support Services is part of the nationally recognized TRIO portfolio of programs, established under the Higher Education Act of 1965 to promote educational access for students who face systemic barriers to higher education. UE's TRIO SSS program will provide comprehensive, personalized support to help students persist, thrive, and graduate.

"TRIO Student Support Services represents a powerful investment in our students and in the University of Evansville's mission to support access, opportunity, and success," said Mary Kessler, UE Acting Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. "This program strengthens our ability to meet students where they are and provide the tools and guidance they need to reach their full potential."

Supporting Student Success at UE

The University of Evansville's TRIO SSS Program is designed to serve 140 undergraduate students annually, focusing on students who meet federal TRIO eligibility criteria. The program responds to documented challenges faced by this population, including academic preparedness gaps, financial barriers, and the complexities of navigating college systems.

The program has established ambitious, student-focused goals, including:

• 80% year-to-year persistence for participating students
• 95% of participants maintaining good academic standing
• 70% graduation rate within six years

To achieve these outcomes, UE's TRIO Student Support Services Program will provide a comprehensive suite of evidence-based supports, including individualized Academic Success Plans with ongoing coaching and progress reviews; academic tutoring; financial aid advising and financial literacy education; career readiness and graduate school preparation; and cultural enrichment experiences. These enrichment opportunities, such as visits to museums, historical sites, arts events, and community organizations, are designed to broaden students' worldviews and connect academic learning to real-world experiences.

Leadership Appointment

The University of Evansville is pleased to announce the appointment of Tracy Gerth as Project Director of the TRIO Student Support Services Program. Gerth has been with the University since 2022, most recently serving as Assistant Director of the Center for Career Development.

"We are especially excited to welcome an internal leader into this role," said Kessler. "Tracy brings deep knowledge of our students, a strong commitment to student success, and a proven dedication to the University of Evansville community. She is exceptionally well-positioned to build and lead this program with vision, compassion, and excellence."

As Project Director, Gerth will oversee program implementation, student services, compliance with federal requirements, and campus collaboration to ensure the program's long-term impact.

For more information about the TRIO Student Support Services Program at the University of Evansville, visit https://www.evansville.edu/trio/index.cfm.

The University of Evansville (UE) is proud to host the first-ever Evansville Civics Bee, in partnership with the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP) and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, marking the inaugural Civics Bee in Southern Indiana.

This live event, part of the 2026 National Civics Bee, will take place on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Hyde Hall, Shanklin Theatre.

The National Civics Bee is a nonpartisan, nationwide competition designed to engage middle school students in civics, critical thinking, and community involvement. Students in grades 6-8 are invited to submit a four-paragraph essay proposing a solution to improve their community. Top finalists will advance to a live quiz competition, with prizes including a $5,000 donation to the winning student's school, as well as recognition at the state and national levels. This initiative strengthens civic knowledge while developing writing, public speaking, and problem-solving skills.

"Changing lives and changing the world starts with engaged, informed citizens," said Christopher Pietruszkiewicz, President of the University of Evansville. "By hosting the first-ever Civics Bee in Southern Indiana, we are empowering young learners to recognize the difference they can make in their communities while building the skills and confidence to be engaged, active participants in democracy."

"Hosting the first-ever Civics Bee in Southern Indiana is exactly the kind of unique opportunity that strengthens a region," said Kara Yates, Executive Director of Workforce & Education at E-REP. "When students learn how their communities work, they're more prepared to lead, serve, and improve the place they call home.

"As we approach America's 250th anniversary, we have a powerful opportunity - and responsibility - to reignite civic learning across the country," said Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation. "Our hope is that the National Civics Bee inspires more schools to prioritize civics education, equipping young people with a deeper understanding of how our government and democracy work - and the essential role they play in strengthening their communities and our nation."

Students and families interested can learn more at https://civics.uschamberfoundation.org/national-civics-bee/.