The Classical Guitar Concert Series continues in Wheeler Concert Hall this Friday evening, February 22, at 7:30 p.m. with the Society’s annual Guitar Fest.  The concert serves as a fundraiser for the Society and its efforts to provide quality classical guitar concerts for the community.  This year’s Fest will feature Department of Music alumnus Eric Lund, a former student of Assistant Professor of Guitar Renato Butturi, as well as the Society's Guitar Ensemble.  The Ensemble will open the concert with a rendition of the famous “Habanera” from Bizet’s Carmen and will play several other works.  Lund will then perform a number of solo works by composers such as Hector Villa-Lobos, Isaac Albeniz, and Federico Moreno Torroba.  Admission for the program is $15 for adults and $5 for students.  UE students will be admitted at no charge with a valid student ID.  This event is co-sponsored by the University of Evansville and the Classical Guitar Society of Evansville.

The Jazz Guest Artist Series continues its season in Wheeler Concert Hall on Sunday afternoon at 4:00 with a performance by the Monika Herzig Acoustic Project from Bloomington, Indiana.  Pianist Monika Herzig is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the fastest rising stars of the jazz world.  A native of Germany, Monika holds the Doctorate in Music Education and Jazz Studies from Indiana University, where she is now a faculty member.  As a touring artist, she has performed at many prestigious jazz clubs and festivals and has toured Germany, Italy, and Japan.  Recently, Herzig signed with the Owl Studios label and released the holiday CD Peace on Earth.  A CD/ DVD combo entitled Come With Me was released in 2011, and her book David Baker - A Legacy in Music was released in November 2011 by IU Press.  She received the 1994 Down Beat Magazine Award for her composition “Let's Fool One” and has had several big band arrangements published by the University of Northern Colorado Press.  In addition to Herzig, the ensemble includes saxophonist Tom Clark, bassist Peter Kienle, and drummer Kenny Phelps.  Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for Jazz Society Members and $5 for students with ID.  Tickets may be purchased at the door.  For more information, contact Dr. Edwin Lacy (el2@evansville.edu, ext. 2227).

Department of Music students will offer three recitals this Saturday, February 23.  Soprano Melanie Bacaling will present her Senior Recital at 1:00. Bacaling will be followed by soprano Joanna Calahan and guitarist Gabriel Kinser, who will present a joint Senior Recital at 2:30. Soprano Ellyn Washburne will conclude the afternoon’s activities with a Senior Lecture Recital on bluegrass music at 4:00.  All three events will occur in Wheeler Concert Hall and are free and open to the public.

Each month students from the Music Therapy Program participate in St. Mary’s Childbirth Education Classes in order to teach expectant parents the importance of singing lullabies to their infants.  The parents are given a brief lecture on the importance of singing lullabies to their babies and the positive effects lullaby singing can have on their children’s mental health.  This brief presentation is followed by teaching and singing lullabies, and the expectant parents are given a CD recording of several lullabies performed by Joanna Calahan, senior music therapy major.  This month, Elisabeth Bombell (junior), Grant Hales (sophomore), and Josie Brown (sophomore) will be leading the program.

The University of Evansville Department of Theatre presents the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning play The Heidi Chronicles, opening at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 15 in Shanklin Theatre.  Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 16, 21, 22, 23 and at 2:00 p.m. on Feb. 17 and 24. 

Winner of the 1989 Tony Award for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, this comedic and poignant play by Wendy Wasserstein is an unflinching portrayal of the Baby Boom generation's coming of age.  Following Heidi and her friends through 23 years, Wasserstein deftly explores the women's rights movement and its effects on a group of intelligent and well-educated women attempting to succeed in a male-dominated world.  Audiences will be left in awe by the huge strides made by women in their attempt to "have it all" and pondering the hurdles still remaining in today's society.

The Heidi Chronicles is directed by Professor of Theatre R. Scott Lank with scenic design by senior Katie Sullivan; costume design by senior Krista Weltner; lighting design by junior Hannah Cypress Staelin-Lefsky; sound design by junior Dylan Kind, and dramaturgy by junior Olivia Shadid.

The 12-member cast features seniors Jennifer Finch as Heidi; Myra Lamphier as Molly/Jill; Micheal Trzos as Peter; Jonathan Rouse as Scoop; juniors Julie Adamo as Susan; Lilli Hokama as Betsy/Fran/April; Alex Raby as Lisa; sophomore Vasiliy Kostromitin as Waiter/Steve/Mark; and freshmen TJ Baldassare as Dr. Ray/Chris; Erdin Schultz-Bever as Becky; Caitlin McCarthy as Denise; and Glyne Pease as Debbie.

Ticket prices are $14 for adults and $12 for senior adults, students and UE faculty.  UE students may obtain one free student rush ticket beginning at noon on the day of the performance they wish to attend.  Tickets may be purchased by calling (812) 488–2031, Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m.

The Panhellenic Association at University of Evansville is celebrating International Badge Day Tuesday, February 26.

All sorority women on campus, collegians and alumni, are invited to wear their badge on Tuesday in celebration of our collective sisterhood. 

International Badge Day was established in 1997 by the National Panhellenic Conference to set aside a day or an event for women across the nation to wear their sorority badges or Greek letters in a celebration of sisterhood.

This year’s theme is: “Wear Your Letters on Your Heart.” National and international sorority groups are also participating in this annual event scheduled for March 4, 2013.  Due to the University of Evansville spring break schedule, we have chosen to celebrate early!

The Panhellenic Association is comprised of four inter/national sororities, Alpha Omicron Pi, Chi Omega, Phi Mu and Zeta Tau Alpha, and one local sorority, Delta Omega Zeta.  The sorority community at UE is over 400 women strong; boasts an average GPA of 3.35 and continually donate time to local service agencies.

About the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC)
NPC, one of the nation’s largest organizations advocating for women, is the umbrella group for 26 national and international sororities present on more than 600 college campuses. For more information, including a complete list of NPC sororities, visit: www.npcwomen.org.

The second Physical Therapy Club meeting will be held Monday, February 25 at 12:00 p.m. in Graves 104. All undergraduates and physical therapy students are welcome to attend. Please contact the club's president, Jenna Fischer (jf146) if you have any questions.

Join the Venturing Crew on March 2-6 as we visit the eastern Cumberland Plateau at Fall Creek Falls State Park, one of the most scenic and spectacular outdoor recreation areas in America! Whilst we endeavor on this awesome trip, you will be sleeping in comfortable cabins and day hike to the area's most beautiful sites. You'll experience cascades, gorges, waterfalls, streams, and beautiful forests. You'll be able to hike to the base of 256-foot-tall Fall Creek Falls, the highest waterfall in the eastern US. You'll also see Piney and Cane Creek Falls and the Cane Creek Cascades -- featuring the remains of an old mill. More adventurous members can take a cable trail to the base of Cane Creek Falls. We will also spend a day mountain biking and rock climbing. The cost for this trip is $155. If you would like to partake in this awesome adventure be sure to pay Nicky in OH 217 no later than Friday, February 22. If you have any questions contact Kate Sherwood (ks389). You must be a Venturing Crew member to attend.

All May graduates should attend Commencement Central to finalize their graduation plans.  You can choose to either stop by Monday, Feb 25 from 4-7 p.m. upstairs in the Ridgway University Center OR Tuesday, Feb 26 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. just outside the UE Bookstore. It only takes a few minutes to complete your plans. During the event you will meet with the Registrar's Office, Alumni Office and Career Planning Office. You will also be able to purchase your cap and gown and/or graduation announcements if you so desire. The Jostens ring representative will be onsite Tuesday only and can discuss your class ring needs and any discounts she is offering during this event. This event is an easy process to make sure you are ready for graduation.  Participants will also be eligible for prizes on each day.

If you want to hear banjo, mandolin, double bass, and other instruments playing bluegrass music, come to Wheeler Concert Hall tomorrow, Feb. 23 at 4:00 p.m.! This is the senior recital of Ellyn Washburne and will feature both toe-tapping tunes and a walk through the history of bluegrass. After the recital, we’re sticking around for an open jam session, so bring your instrument if you want to try this music for yourself!

The Jostens representative will be at the UE Bookstore on Tuesday, February 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. near the entrance.  This will be the only visit during the year for the Jostens rep.  During this day Josten's will be offering up to 40% off on select college rings.  Women's rings start at $169 and men's at $189.  If you're looking to buy a college ring or just curious this is the perfect opportunity to place your order or get more information.  The offers are only good the day of the event.  If you have any questions please contact the UE Bookstore.

Pi Gamma Mu, the Honor Society for the Social Sciences, will be collecting new and used shoes for Soles4Souls, a charity dedicated to providing shoes to those in need around the world.  Shoes of all styles and sizes are welcome!  Collection boxes will be located in Ridgway University Center, Koch Center, Graves Hall, Carson Center, and the Department of Law, Politics, and Society in SoBA 50.  Collection will run from Monday, February 25 through Friday, March 22nd.  Our goal is to collect 200 pairs!  If you have any questions, contact Mari Plikuhn at mp168@evansville.edu.

The February Pcard Cycle started January 22 and ends on February 21. Cycle statements may be run and printed on February 23. The GL upload will occur on February 28. At the time of GL Upload, cardholders will no longer be able to modify transaction details for the February Cycle.
 

Planning to graduate in Spring 2013? Your name must be on the Registrar's list in order to graduate or walk at the Spring Commencement ceremony! Please come to Commencement Central on February 25 from 4-7 p.m. or February 26 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. to make sure you are on the list.

Students who have received a Direct Loan while attending UE and plan to graduate, withdraw from school, or transfer to another school, are mandated by federal regulations to attend an Exit Counseling Session.  The Office of Financial Aid will hold sessions in Hyde Hall, Room 126 on:
February 25  at 3:30 p.m.
April 11 at 4:00 p.m.
April 24 at 11:00 a.m.

You must arrive on time and bring the names, addresses and phone numbers of 2 people who you will remain in contact with after leaving UE, plus a next of kin at a different address than yours. Session will last approximately 30 minutes.

Looking for a pair of weekend wins, the Purple Aces women’s tennis team returns to Tri-State Athletic Club this weekend for a pair of matches this weekend.  Evansville will face SIU Edwardsville on Friday before taking on UT-Martin on Saturday with both slated for 7 p.m. starts.Earlier this week, Evansville picked up a 5-2 road victory at Murray State.  After falling in doubles play, the Aces rallied to take five out of six singles points to earn the win.

Sophomore Marketa Trousilova improved to a perfect 6-0 in singles action with a victory on Wednesday while Natasha James moved to 5-2.  Gaby Fifer is now 4-3 in the spring while Marina Moreno has won two straight following a 1-4 start to her freshman season at UE.

SIU Edwardsville makes the trek east on the heels of a four-match losing streak.  The Cougars opened the spring with 4-3 wins over IUPUI and South Dakota State, but have lost their last four, including a 7-0 defeat to Northern Illinois and a 4-0 loss to Saint Louis last time out.

Monique Krutak is 4-1 thus far while going a perfect 4-0 at No. 2 singles.  McKenzie Thomas has gone 2-2 in the sixth flight thus far.

The Skyhawks of UT-Martin have played just two matches this season, falling by 7-0 finals in each one.  On Jan. 16, UTM lost at Memphis before dropping a match at Chattanooga this past Sunday.

When the weekend concludes, Evansville will have some time off prior to taking on UNC Wilmington on March 5.  That match is set to be played in Indianapolis.

The University of Evansville women’s basketball team fell below .500 in Missouri Valley Conference play for the first time this season, after falling to Wichita State, 68-49, Thursday night at the Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kan.

Senior Samantha Heck led Evansville (8-16, 6-7 MVC) with 17 points, going 8-for-9 from the floor, and added five rebounds in her 100th-career start.  Freshman Laura Friday was the only other Aces’ player in double figures, scoring a career-high 12 points and recording a team-high two steals.

The Aces had the hot hand to start the game, as UE connected on six of its first eight shot attempts and led 14-7 with 12:06 remaining in the first half on a three-pointer by Friday from the left wing.

Sophomore Kat Taylor pushed Evansville’s advantage to double digits, sinking a pair of free throws at the 10:37 mark to make the score 18-7, but Wichita State slowly began to chip away at the Aces’ lead.

Alex Harden came up with a steal and converted a layup on the opposite end of the floor to cap an 8-2 Shocker run and later hit a jumper to pull WSU within one at 22-21 with 5:59 to play in the opening period.

Darice Fountaine tied the game at 24-24 when she drained a trey from the right corner and the Shockers took their first lead of the game just over two minutes later, after Michelle Price converted a three-point play to put WSU in front 29-26.

Over the final 4:06 of the half, Wichita State went on a10-0 run and made 12 of its final 17 first-half shots to grab a 34-26 halftime lead.

The Shockers shot 58.3 percent (14-for-24) in the opening 20 minutes, while UE hit 10 of its 23 attempts for a 43.5 percent clip.

WSU carried its momentum from the first half into the opening moments of the second stanza, going on an 8-2 run, capped by a Harden steal and layup,  and pushing its lead to 42-28 with 16;57 left to play.

Heck responded by scoring four-straight points for Evansville and cutting Wichita State’s advantage to 44-36 at the 13:56 mark, but the that is as close as UE would get, as the Shockers countered with a 14-7 spurt and extended their margin to  58-43, with 6:37 remaining in the contest.

WSU committed just two turnovers in the second half, while scoring 20 points off of 16 UE miscues.  Wichita State also outrebounded the Aces, 37-28, and tallied 30 points in the paint.

Harden led the Shockers with a career-high 23 points and came up one rebound short of a double-double.  Harden was the only WSU player in double figures, but nine other Wichita State players scored at least two points and pulled down a rebound.

Evansville return to action Saturday, Feb. 21, when it travels to Springfield, Mo., for a 7:05 p.m. contest with Missouri State.

The University of Evansville baseball team will face a tough early-season test this weekend when it travels to Fayetteville, Ark., for a three-game series at No. 3 Arkansas.  The Purple Aces return to the Natural State, as they went 1-2 last weekend in their season-opening series at Arkansas-Little Rock.  UE is slated to play the Razorbacks Friday at 3:05 p.m., Saturday at 1:05 p.m. and Sunday at 1:05 p.m.

Evansville (1-2) was involved in a trio of one-run decisions last weekend against UALR, winning the opener, 2-1, behind a strong start from sophomore Kyle Freeland, before falling, 8-7, in game two and , 6-5, in the series finale.

The Aces hit .298 as a team last weekend and had six players recorded four or more hits in the series.  Redshirt sophomore Kevin Kaczmarski led UE offensively by extending his on-base streak to 22 games and going 5-for-12 at the plate with three doubles, three runs scored and a pair of stolen bases.  Junior Jake Mahon also posted five hits, going 5-for-14 at the dish with a double and a solo home run.  Senior Jason Hockemeyer drove in a team-high four runs and scored twice, going 3-for-11 with a triple.

On the mound, Freeland earned Evansville’s only win by allowing just one run on five hits with eight strikeouts in 7.0 innings in the season opener.  Senior Kyle Lloyd also put together a solid start for the Aces, tossing 5.0 scoreless innings with a career-high 10 strikeouts and exited the game with a 5-0 lead, but did not factor in the decisions, as UE’s bullpen surrendered six runs over the final four frames.

Evansville’s bullpen struggled against the Trojans, allowing 10 runs, eight earned, in 9.0 innings last weekend against the Trojans.  Senior Jake Naumann earned the save in Friday’s opening, but suffered the loss in the series finale, allowing an unearned run.  Freshman Connor Strain was the only Aces reliever to recorded at least one out and not give up a run, as he tossed a scoreless frame in Sunday’s series finale, striking out two and walking two.

Arkansas (4-1) is ranked in the top three in all four major national polls and swept visiting New Orleans in a doubleheader on Tuesday, taking game one, 14-0, before posting a 3-0 win in the nightcap.  The Razorbacks’ lone loss came in their season-opening series against Western Illinois, as Arkansas won the first two games of the series, before the Leathernecks salvaged a win in the finale.

The Razorbacks are hitting .302 as a team and are led by Brian Anderson, who is hitting a team-best .467 with four RBI.  Jacob Mahan boasts a .462 average and has driven in five runs, while Tyler Spoon owns a .444 batting average with a home run and a team-leading six RBI.

The Arkansas pitching staff has been superb in its first five games and enters the series against the Aces with a 1.47 ERA.  Preseason All-American Ryne Stanek is slated to start the series opener for the Razorbacks, while Arkansas will turn to Barrett Astin for game two and Tyler Killian for the series finale.  Stanek is 1-0 on the season with a 2.25 ERA, four strikeouts and just one walk in 4.0 innings.  Astin is also 1-0 on the year with a 1.80 ERA, as he earned the victory in his first start this season by going 5.0 innings and allowing just one earned run on three hits, while striking out three and issuing a walk.  Killian is scheduled to make his first collegiate start Sunday, but has tossed 3.0 scoreless innings out of the bullpen with all of them coming in Arkansas’ season opener against Western Illinois.

The Razorbacks lead the all-time series with Evansville, 6-2, with all eight of the previous meetings taking place in Fayetteville.  The last meeting between the two sides was in 2001, when each team won a game of a two-game series.

Probable Pitching Matchups (Evansville listed first)
FRIDAY – LHP Kyle Freeland (1-0, 1.29 ERA) vs. RHP Ryne Stanek (1-0, 2.25 ERA)
SATURDAY – RHP Sam Johns (0-0, 9.00 ERA) vs. RHP Barrett Astin (1-0, 1.80 ERA)
SUNDAY – RHP Kyle Lloyd (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Trey Killian (0-0, 0.00 ERA)