Join the Great Spring Step-Off Team Challenge!

Challenge Dates: March 30th - May 10th, 2026

It’s time to get moving, get motivated, and step into Spring! As the days grow longer and the flowers start to bloom, it’s the perfect time to shake off the winter blues and spring into action. Join your colleagues in this team-based step challenge and see which team can rack up the most average steps by the end of the challenge. The winning team takes home bragging rights—and prizes!

How it works:

• Create your own teams of up to 4 participants - choose a team leader & team name.

• Track your daily steps using any step-tracking device (Monday-Sunday).

• Steps are logged weekly by the team leader via Google Form link provided at the start.

• A team leaderboard will be shared weekly on Tuesdays!

To keep the challenge fair for teams of different sizes, final rankings and prizes will be based on average steps per team member.

Earn a one-time $150 HRA credit for participating!

Grab your team and sign-up here: https://forms.gle/8MnDjjTUGzqjcUt89

Send questions to taylor.kollak@ascension.org.

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.

The Center for Professional and Continuing Education invites you to our upcoming Lunch and Learn workshop, Navigating Organizational Change, on Wednesday, March 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Eykamp Hall, Room 252.   In this interactive session, Dr. Tad Dickel will share practical tools to help leaders navigate change more effectively, communicate with clarity, and keep teams engaged during times of transition.   During this session, you will learn how to:

• Understand common reactions to change
• Lead teams through change with practical frameworks
• Communicate change with confidence and clarity
• Support and engage employees throughout the change process

Lunch will be provided.   Cost: $15 per participant Registration Deadline: Friday, March 13   REGISTER HERE   We hope you will join us for this engaging session.

The YMCA will be holding their Summer Day Camp on campus this summer for kids ages 5-9 and 10-12. Camp will be held from May 28 to July 31. The YMCA is offering the first 10 UE employees who register a discount of $25 off per week. Spots are filling quickly. REGISTER TODAY at Summer Day Camp – YMCA of Southwestern Indiana!   Once you register, please notify the Office of Youth Programs at youthprograms@evansville.edu so your account can be adjusted by the YMCA to reflect the discount!

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.

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.

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.

2026-27 MARGERY FLORENCE KAHN SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION NOW AVAILABLE

It was the desire of the donor, Margery Florence Kahn, that her scholarship be awarded to "dedicated and conscientious students who exhibit a true passion for their chosen fields of study, and who, in the opinion of the members of the University of Evansville faculty, are likely to bring the same enthusiasm into the performance of their jobs or the practice of the professions which they will pursue following graduation."

All University of Evansville full-time undergraduate students who will be juniors or seniors in the 2026-27 academic year may apply. An essay of about 300 words must accompany the application along with two to five faculty recommendation letters.

Download the application and faculty recommendation information.

Completed applications and recommendation letters should be returned to the Office of Student Financial Services by MAY 8, 2026.

Questions may be directed to the Office of Student Financial Services at 812-488-2364 or studentfinancialservices@evansville.edu.

The bookstore will have reduced hours for Spring Break, which are as follows:

• Saturday, March 7th: 10am-2pm
• Sunday, March 8th: CLOSED
• Monday, March 9th-Friday, March 13th: 10am-3pm
• Saturday, March 14th-Sunday, March 15th: CLOSED

We will resume standard hours on Monday, March 16th.

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)

Summer session courses can be added to your monthly payment plan now with no additional set-up fee. If you are enrolling in summer courses, anticipated summer charges can be included in the spring semester payment plan and the plan extended through May (for Summer 1 charges) or June (Summer 2 charges). The undergraduate tuition rate for Summer 2026 is $620 per credit hour. Fees per summer term include a $55 registration fee and a $46 technology fee. Payment arrangements are due prior to the start of the summer term.

Students should contact the Office of Student Financial Services no later than Reading/Study Day, April 30, 2026, to determine if financial aid is available for their summer courses.

To modify your current payment plan to include summer, contact the cashiers in the Office of Student Financial Services at 812-488-2565.

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.

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.

All graduating seniors in good standing at UE are eligible to be considered for the Senior Keynote. We encourage you to consider applying at https://www.evansville.edu/commencement/keynote.cfm by Friday, March 27, 2026.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Rania Mousa’s latest paper has been accepted for publication in EDPACS: The EDP Audit, Control, and Security Newsletter (Taylor & Francis). Hear from Dr. Mousa in her own words:

“I’m excited to share that my paper, ‘Audit Cyber-Resilience as a Governance Capability: Evidence from U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) Performance Audits,’ has been accepted for publication in EDPACS: The EDP Audit, Control, and Security Newsletter, published by Taylor & Francis.

EDPACS is the world’s longest-running IT audit newsletter and is known for providing highly regarded guidance across audit, control, and security.

In this paper, I develop a performance-audit framework for evaluating cyber-resilience as a governance capability—that is, whether governance arrangements enable organizations to anticipate, absorb, adapt to, and learn from cyber disruption.

Drawing on a directed documentary content analysis of 10 cybersecurity-related performance audits issued by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) (2018–2025), I translate recurring cross-report patterns into practical audit design guidance across key governance pillars. I also distinguish two complementary assurance pathways: informational assurance (credible, triangulated evidence) and normative assurance (how recommendations and follow-up expectations function as governance levers).

The central contribution is an actionable, audit-ready logic for scoping, criteria anchoring, evidence triangulation, and recommendation framing—one that supports capability-focused assurance without implying technical certification.

This paper will be most relevant to performance auditors, internal auditors, and assurance providers, as well as risk leaders, cybersecurity governance teams, regulators and oversight bodies, and public-sector accountability professionals interested in evaluating resilience as a governance capability.”

Dr. Rania Mousa has been a valued professor within the Schroeder School of Business for many years. We are proud of her outstanding contributions as an educator and her continued commitment to impactful scholarly research in the business and cybersecurity governance fields.

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.

ST. LOUIS – AJ Casey recorded his third double-double of the season to pace the University of Evansville men’s basketball team in a 68-59 setback to sixth-seeded Northern Iowa in Thursday’s Arch Madness match-up at the Enterprise Center.

“It was a hard-fought game. UNI did a good job of setting the tone and punching us in the mouth, but our guys responded the right way and took the lead at halftime,” UE head men’s basketball coach David Ragland said. “With 12 minutes to go, I felt like we were in a good spot with how we were getting into the paint and getting fouled. Credit UNI – they knocked down some huge shots. I am proud of our fight but it was just not enough this evening.”

Casey recorded 23 points and 10 rebounds in the contest while adding three assists. Leif Moeller finished the night with 15 points while Trent Hundley tallied 14. Leading the way for UNI was Trey Campbell who matched Casey for the top scoring mark in the game at 23.

UNI opened the night with a 3-0 lead while Leif Moeller tied it up on a triple. The Panthers countered with nine in a row to open a 12-3 advantage as Trey Campbell finished the run with a 3-pointer. The Panthers hit five of their opening eight attempts while the Aces started the game 1-of-5 from the floor.

Trent Hundley knocked down a trey while Moeller followed with a basket to get UE back within four. As the half approached its midway point, the Panthers completed an 8-0 stretch to open a 20-8 lead as they converted three field goals in a row. With UNI up 23-11 with 9:20 remaining in the period the Aces made a run with a 7-1 stretch. Hundley added his second triple of the night during the rally.

Trailing 26-18 with 7:10 on the clock, Evansville used the next two minutes to make it a 1-possession game. Following a basket by AJ Casey, Hundley converted a 4-point play to make it a 26-24 game. Will Hornseth got UNI back on track with a 3-point play before Alex Hemenway got things going. He hauled in an offensive board and turned that into a triple with 4:13 remaining before his field goal with the shot clock winding down tied the game at 29-29 with 2:16 left.

After a quick 4-0 spurt by Northern Iowa, Casey converted four free throws to knot the score inside the final minute. UE regained possession with 0.6 remaining with Hundley inbounding the ball. He found AJ Casey who drained a triple at the buzzer to give UE its first lead heading into the break at 36-35.

Out of the break, UNI converted three of its opening four attempts to regain a 41-36 lead. Buckets from Josh Hughes and Moeller made it a 1-point game four minutes in, but a Trey Campbell triple put UNI back up by four. Over the ensuing stretch, the Panthers held the Aces to 1-of-7 from the floor as they went back up by six points at 55-49. Hundley’s fourth trey of the contest cut the deficit in half as the Panthers entered the final eight minutes with a 55-52 lead.

With 2:53 remaining, Casey’s turnaround jumper cut the gap to three at 59-56. That is when the defensive of UNI took over. The Panthers finished the game on a 9-3 run to take the victory.  The defensive battle saw UNI shoot 38.3% with UE finishing the night at 37.3%; UNI had a slight 37-36 rebounding advantage.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville (UE) has secured the most significant apparel partnership in the history of Purple Aces Athletics, announcing a renewed and expanded multi-year agreement with NIKE and BSN SPORTS.

The comprehensive agreement represents a dramatic increase in overall support to UE Athletics and positions the Purple Aces for sustained competitive growth in the evolving landscape of Division I athletics.

NIKE, the global leader in athletic apparel, footwear, and equipment, will continue as the exclusive outfitter for all 17 Purple Aces athletics programs and the University’s spirit squads. BSN SPORTS will remain the department’s exclusive supplier of NIKE uniforms, apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories.

“This is more than a renewal. It is a transformational investment in the future of Evansville Athletics,” said UE Director of Athletics Dr. Kenneth “Ziggy” Siegfried. “The expanded partnership dramatically increases the level of support to our entire athletics department, making it the most significant apparel partnership in the history of Evansville Athletics. It reflects confidence in the direction of UE Athletics and aligns directly with our commitment to excellence in the Missouri Valley Conference.”

The new agreement enhances resources available to student-athletes and coaches across all programs while elevating the Purple Aces brand both regionally and nationally. In addition to increased apparel support, NIKE and BSN SPORTS will invest in expanded facility branding and visual enhancements, strengthening the identity and visibility of UE Athletics across campus venues.

As college athletics continues to evolve, strategic corporate partnerships play a critical role in sustaining competitive success and enhancing the student-athlete experience. This agreement reinforces the University’s Pathway to Excellence strategic plan and underscores a shared commitment to innovation, brand growth, and long-term success.

“Ziggy and the entire team have one of the strongest visions and plans I’ve seen to continue elevating their athletic program,” said Todd Northrop, Sr. Vice President of BSN SPORTS Collegiate Select Division. “We appreciate the trust and investment behind this expanded partnership and look forward to helping all Purple Aces athletes, coaches and supporters show up in the best apparel while opening new opportunities for visibility and promotion.”

The Purple Aces will continue to wear NIKE competition and sideline apparel at all games, practices, and official team events.

In addition, the partnership creates new opportunities through BSN SPORTS’ My Team Shop platform, providing new pathways for Purple Aces student-athletes to benefit. For the first time, fans will have consistent, sport-specific NIKE purchasing opportunities throughout the year, creating new ways to support Purple Aces student-athletes.

ABOUT BSN SPORTS
BSN SPORTS is a leading distributor and manufacturer of sporting goods apparel and equipment that serves more than 1,100 collegiate partners nationwide. With a focus on game-changing partnerships, one of the widest selections of private and leading brands, and a one-stop-shop model, BSN SPORTS has helped elevate team sports participation for more than 150,000 teams and organizations nationally at all levels of competition since 1972. For more information, visit BSNSPORTS.com.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville baseball team will take on their third SEC opponent of the season this weekend, traveling to Oxford, Miss. to take on Ole Miss. 

Due to inclement weather in the forecast for this weekend, Evansville and Ole Miss will play a doubleheader on Friday, March 6. First pitch for game one is set for 3 p.m. and game two will begin approximately 45 minutes following the conclusion of game one.

Scheduling plans for the series finale continue to be evaluated as the teams monitor the weather forecast for Saturday and Sunday. An update will be announced as soon as it is finalized.

Evansville at Ole Miss | Friday, March 6 - March 8 | 3 PM, 6:05 PM, 1:30 PM CT Site | Location Swayze Field | Oxford, Miss. Links Friday G1, 3 PM:  Live Stats  | TV: SECN+

            Expected Pitching Match-Up:  UE LHP Kenton Deverman (0-2, 11.12 ERA) vs. Ole Miss LHP Hunter Elliott (1-0, 3.68 ERA) 

Friday G2, 6:05 PM:  Live Stats  | TV: SECN+

            Expected Pitching Match-Up:  UE RHP Max Hansmann (1-0, 2.12 ERA) vs. Ole Miss RHP Cade Townsend (1-0, 0.66 ERA)      
          
Sunday, 1:30 PM:  Live Stats  | TV: SECN+

            Expected Pitching Match-Up:  UE LHP Kevin Reed (2-1, 5.68 ERA) vs. Ole Miss LHP Wil Libbert (1-1, 4.91 ERA)                    Follow the Aces  Baseball Site | Twitter  | Game Notes

Series History
- Ole Miss leads the all-time series, 5-2
- All 7 games have taken place in Oxford
- The Aces and Rebels last played in 2007, with Ole Miss taking two of three games

Two-Way Talent
- Freshman Wyatt Pennington earned national recognition on Wednesday, landing on the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Watch List
- Pennington is one of 49 players, 14 freshmen and two MVC players to be selected for the watch list
- Pennington, who was named the Preseason MVC Freshman of the Year by D1Baseball and Perfect Game, has started all 11 games in the infield to start his career. In 41 at-bats, Pennington has hit .244 with a .706 OPS, including two doubles and a home run
- In Tuesday's contest at SEMO, the right-hander made his debut on the mound, tossing two innings. He allowed two unearned runs on one hit while striking out one.

Non-Conference Gauntlet
- Evansville is in the midst of one of the most challenging non-conference slates in the MVC 
- Nine of the Aces' non-conference opponents finished last season inside the top 100 in RPI, including five that finished in the top 50
- Evansville will play their next five games against teams who qualified for the 2025 NCAA Tournament 

Run Prevention
- Evansville won their first series of the season last weekend against Milwaukee, powered by strong performances on the mound on Saturday and Sunday
- After falling 12-9 in game one, Aces pitchers allowed only three runs across the final two games of the series
- In three wins this season, Evansville has allowed one run per game. In eight losses, the Aces have allowed 11 runs per game.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – For the first time this season, the University of Evansville softball team will be at Tri-State Orthopaedics Field at Cooper Stadium. The Purple Aces welcome Illinois State this weekend for a Friday doubleheader before a single game on Saturday.

Last weekend, UE dropped three games at North Alabama to fall to 6-10 on the season. Brooke Voss batted .500 with two home runs and three RBI in Evansville’s 3-game series at North Alabama. Voss went 4-for-8 on the weekend while scoring two runs.  Voss leads the offense with a .354 batting average. She has two home runs and 14 RBI.

Jess Willsey is batting .320 while Taylor Howe checks in at .296. Howe leads the team with 17 runs scored. She batted .375 in last weekend’s series against the Lions. Maliyah Wilkins holds the team lead with three home runs and 15 RBI.

Niki Bode is coming off a solid series at UNA. She registered three hits in six at-bats with two of those hits being doubles. She added a run, RBI, and walk in the series.

Illinois State enters the Missouri Valley Conference opener with a record of 10-6. The Redbirds went 4-1 at last weekend’s Make It Happen Games in Maderia Beach, Fla. They defeated Bowling Green, Albany, Siena, and UMass.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville women's basketball team begins the final week of regular season play on Thursday, taking on Bradley in Peoria. Tip-off for Thursday's game is set for 6 PM.

Evansville at Bradley | Thursday, March 5 | 6 PM Site | Location Renaissance Coliseum | Peoria, Ill. Links 6 PM CT:  Live Stats | TV:  ESPN+ Follow the Aces  Women's Basketball Site  |  Twitter  |  Instagram | Game Notes

Series History   
- Thursday's matchup marks the 64th all-time meeting between Evansville and Bradley
- The Braves lead the all-time series, 42-21
- Bradley won the first meeting between the two teams this season, a 79-68 win in Evansville on February 13

MVC Player of the Week
- Camryn Runner earned her first career MVC Player of the Week honor on Tuesday
- In two games last week, Runner averaged 29 points, six rebounds and six assists while shooting 65.3% from the field, 66.7% from three and 88.9% from the free throw line
- Entering the final week of regular season play, Runner ranks third in the Valley in scoring (18.2 ppg), second in assists (5.4), and first in free throws made (182) and attempts (216)
- As of Wednesday, Runner is on pace to become just the second player in the nation since the 2021-22 season to average 18.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 0.5 blocks per game, joining Iowa legend Caitlin Clark

Stepping Up
- Kylee Norkus had her two best games of the season last week, scoring an average of 17 points per game
- Against Drake on Thursday, Norkus put up 15 points on 6-for-8 shooting from the field while grabbing a season-high six rebounds
- Norkus notched a career-best scoring day on Saturday against Murray State, contributing 19 points while going a perfect 6-for-6 at the free throw line

Tournament Implications  
- Entering the final two games of the regular season, Evansville sits in ninth place in the MVC standings at 5-13
- The Aces are a half game ahead of Indiana State and a half game behind Southern Illinois, who Evansville will take on this Sunday in the regular season finale
- The Aces could earn anywhere from the 8-10 seed in next week's MVC Tournament 

Scouting the Opponent
- Bradley enters Thursday's game with a 19-10 record and a 12-6 mark in MVC play
- The Braves are tied with Illinois State for third place in the Valley standings
- Bradley is coming off a 66-53 loss at UIC last Thursday
- Offensively, the Braves are led by Kaylen Nelson, who ranks fifth in the MVC in scoring at 17.5 ppg

Follow Along
Thursday's game will be streamed live on ESPN+. Live stats are available at GoPurpleAces.com.

ST. LOUIS – For the second week in a row, University of Evansville pitcher Tanner Graham (Rocheport, Mo./Hickman) has been named the MVC Freshman of the Week, respectively, the league office announced on Tuesday.

Graham picked up his second save of the season Saturday, helping the Aces to a series win over Milwaukee. Graham worked the final three innings, striking out two while allowing just one hit to secure a 2-1 win.

In three appearances this season, Graham holds an ERA of 1.93, the second-best mark of all Aces with nine innings pitched or more. The right-hander has limited opponents to a .216 batting average and has allowed only one extra base hit in 9.1 innings.

Graham and Aces are back in action this afternoon for a midweek contest at SEMO. First pitch is set for 3 PM.

ST. LOUIS – University of Evansville sophomore Camryn Runner (Cicero, Ind./Hamilton Heights) has been named Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week for the first time in her career, the league office announced on Tuesday morning. Runner earns the award after a record-setting week that saw the sophomore break the program record for the most points in a regulation game with 36 and eclipse the 1,000-point plateau for her career.

In two games this week, Runner averaged 29 points, six rebounds and six assists while shooting 65.3% from the field, 66.7% from three and 88.9% from the free throw line.

On Thursday night against Drake, Runner put together one of the finest single game performances in UE history, scoring 36 points with nine assists and eight rebounds without committing a turnover. She is only player the country since 2002 to score 36 points with 9 assists, 8 rebounds and no turnovers in a single game. Against the Bulldogs, Runner also passed the 1,000-point plateau for her career, becoming the 22nd player in program history and the second fastest player in Aces history to reach the 1,000-point mark.

On Saturday at Murray State, Runner scored 22 points to lead the Aces, marking the third time in the last four games that she has scored 20-plus points. Runner is one of five Valley players with 10 games scoring 20-plus points this year and is one of four Aces since 2009-10 to have 10 20-point performances in a single season.

After being named MVC Freshman of the Year last season, Runner has taken another jump to establish herself as one of the top mid-major guards in the country. Entering the final week of regular season play, Runner ranks third in the Valley in scoring (18.2 ppg), second in assists (5.4), and first in free throws made (182) and attempts (216). Runner is one of four players in the country and the only mid-major player to average 18 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game this season.  

Runner and the Aces return to the floor on Thursday for a road contest against Bradley before returning home for the regular season finale on Sunday against Southern Illinois.

The University of Evansville (UE) has expanded its ChangeLab program to the high school level for the first time, marking a significant milestone in youth-led innovation and community change. Lucy Howe is the first high school student ever to earn class credit for a changemaking project prior to graduation through UE's nationally recognized ChangeLab program.

Through a partnership between Memorial High School and the Center for Innovation & Change (CIC), UE created bridge credit and approved internship time for Memorial students to gain hands-on experience. Howe spent an entire semester walking to the CIC three times a week, where she developed and advanced a community-focused project designed to make a meaningful impact before she graduates. Howe also placed second in the recent annual High School Changemaker Challenge.

Her selected project focuses on launching a flag football program for children in the Evansville Promise Neighborhood. Flag football was intentionally chosen for its many benefits: it is affordable and accessible, provides excellent physical exercise, emphasizes safety, and is inclusive and co-ed, allowing kids of all genders and abilities to participate together.

"ChangeLab has meant the world to me. Being able to walk onto campus and work on a project that I'm passionate about and that will help the community is really powerful. Everyone at the CIC supports me in the biggest ways. You will never come across a more encouraging and genuine team of leaders that truly want to help you make a difference," said Lucy Howe, Memorial High School senior and ChangeLab participant. "I'm incredibly grateful to be given this opportunity to do real work in the community as a high school student, and even get class credit for it. This program has given me a new sense of purpose and confidence. Just because you're young doesn't mean you can't make a difference."

ChangeLab is the UE's flagship changemaking program, designed to support students as they turn ideas into action and address real-world challenges. With this expansion, motivated high school students can now earn college credit while still in high school by working on community-based changemaking projects.

"Lucy's work demonstrates what's possible when schools invest in students as creative problem solvers," said Erin Lewis, Executive Director of the Center for Innovation & Change. "For young people who want to make a difference, this is the best place in the nation. We hope other schools will explore this affordable way for young people to distinguish themselves and earn college credit early."

UE holds the distinction of being Indiana's only Ashoka Changemaker Campus, a global designation recognizing institutions committed to social innovation and changemaking. Through the Center for Innovation & Change, students collaborate with experienced coaches and community partners to drive meaningful impact.

"Partnering with the University of Evansville has brought new experiences to our students and better prepared them for college and beyond," said Aaron Schmitt, Principal of Reitz Memorial High School. "Being on campus for courses has helped to show our students the expectations and opportunities that a university has for them when they leave Memorial. Changelab, in particular, has allowed our students to pursue a passion that will affect change in the wider community. As a Holy Cross Catholic school, this fits directly in line with the mission that has been given to our staff and students - the competence to see, and the courage to act."

This first-of-its-kind partnership with Memorial High School creates a new pathway for high school students to engage in college-level, impact-driven learning all while strengthening the Evansville community.

 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."

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.