Rosanne Thomas, administrative assistant in the department of stewardship and capital support, has been named the March 2015 IMPACT Employee of the Month. Rosanne relocated with her family to Evansville from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina devastated that city. Then in 2006, Rosanne began her career at UE, working in Annual Giving. 

Rosanne is well respected by not only her co-workers in Development, but also by everyone on campus.  She is always enthusiastic and positive, no matter what the circumstances, and her cheerful attitude inspires those around her. She is conscientious about her work, and committed to excellence in everything she does.

Congratulations, Rosanne! 

The President’s E-Newsletter sent out on Wednesday, February 25, announces the creation of the Innovation and Re-Investment Fund and describes in detail the process for requesting support for new initiatives and existing programs. In this edition of the e-newsletter, I'll focus exclusively on the beginning of an important new chapter in the life of the University. First, a brief bit of background.

Here’s the complete text of the announcement:

In this edition of the e-newsletter, I'll focus exclusively on the beginning of an important new chapter in the life of the University. First, a brief bit of background. In May 2014, I asked the Board of Trustees to approve a comprehensive plan for better aligning the mission of the University with our available resources. One element of that plan was a set of spending reductions in administrative and academic areas of the University. Those reductions began to be implemented this year and have played a critical role in strengthening UE's fiscal foundation.

A second component of the plan was to encourage and stimulate members of the campus community to think creatively about new programs or initiatives (or existing programs with additional support) that could make UE an even stronger institution. Such encouragement, the board recognized, must include financial support. To that end, the board approved the creation of an Innovation and Re-Investment Fund. It has now been established and will support awards over a two-year period that will likely total in excess of $1 million.

Programs Task Force -

To determine how resources from the Innovation and Re-Investment Fund will be allocated, a Programs Task Force (PTF) has been formed to solicit proposals and make recommendations for program support. The PTF, which is chaired by Vice President for Enrollment Services Shane Davidson, includes members from the faculty, staff, administration, and student body. Specifically, the PTF will determine whether proposed programs represent good investments of University financial resources.

Here's how the process will work:

Faculty, staff, or administrators proposing support of new or existing programs should complete an electronic application that can be found on AceLink at acelink.evansville.edu/areas/programstaskforce. The proposal must include (a) a description of, and rationale for, the program; (b) estimated resources needed (e.g., personnel, operations); (c) time frame for development and implementation of the program; (d) proposed budget for the program; (e) specification of ways to assess program effectiveness (e.g., metrics, results, and outcomes); and (f) plan for program sustainability beyond the period covered by funding from the Innovation and Re-investment Fund.

The PTF will review proposals and make one of the following recommendations: to fund at the level requested; to fund, but at a level higher or lower than requested; to revise and resubmit the proposal; or not to fund. The PTF will then forward its recommendations to me, at which point final decisions about program support will be made.

Some additional details regarding how the process will work are included in the box below. If you have questions about the Innovation and Re-Investment Fund, or how to proceed, please contact Shane Davidson at sd10@evansville.edu.
I began by noting that the creation of the Innovation and Re-Investment Fund is a critical step forward for UE. We must begin to think in terms of possibility – and this fund aims to provide the resources necessary to turn possibilities into realities.

Innovation and Re-Investment Fund: Time Frame, Deadlines, and Additional Information:

In its approval of a process for encouraging innovation and re-investment, the Board of Trustees stipulated that funding would be made available in two fiscal year allocations (FY 2015 and FY 2016). Accordingly, the Programs Task Force has established the following deadlines for consideration of proposals: 

Year One (January 2015 - December 2015):

Round One: April 1, 2015
Round Two: September 15, 2015

Year Two (January 2016 - December 2016):

Round One: March 1, 2016
Round Two: September 15, 2016

Additional Information:

1. The primary responsibility of the Programs Task Force (PTF) is not to create or manage programs; rather, it is to use information provided by those proposing new or strengthened programs to determine (1) which programs are most worthy of investment, and (2) how much of an investment is indicated.

2. With regard to new academic programs, such proposals would come to the PTF only if start-up funds were needed; the responsibility of assessing the academic quality or impact of a proposed new academic program rests with the Curriculum Committee of the faculty. Not all proposed programs need such funding, so they wouldn't be considered by the PTF. Academic departments, the Curriculum Committee, and the PTF can work together in a synergistic way for proposed new academic programs that might have great potential but lack funding. For example, if a department or school wanted to create a new academic program but needed start-up funding to make it possible, it could seek funding from the PTF that would strengthen its case before the Curriculum Committee should such funding be made available.

3. The intent of the Innovation and Re-Investment Fund is to encourage investments in new and existing programs that have the potential to benefit the University, not to restore lost program funding or positions (except in the instance in which such restorations create new opportunities for programmatic and revenue growth).

4. Those submitting proposals should indicate how the program will be sustained through revenues it generates rather than being absorbed into the operating budget of the University.

5. Faculty, staff, or administrators submitting proposals for new or existing programs should complete an electronic application that can be found on AceLink at acelink.evansville.edu/areas/programstaskforce.

Join us tonight at the Newman Center ministry house (corner of Lincoln & Frederick Avenues) at 5:30 pm for a homemade meal. If you have time to stay after dinner, you can take in Fr. Godfrey Mullen's presentation on being "Fully Alive"! For more info, text or call 812-760-8610. 

All May graduates should attended Commencement Central to finalize their graduation plans. On Monday, March 2, it will be located upstairs in the Ridgway Center from 4-6:30 p.m. On Tuesday, March 3, it will be outside the Bookstore from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Attend either session and it only takes a few minutes, although Monday's session is usually a little longer due to a larger turnout. You will meet with the Registrar, Alumni, and Career Planning offices as well as purchase your cap and gown and/or announcements if desired. The Josten's ring rep will also be present to discuss your class ring options too. Prizes and food will be offered as well. Mark your calendars today! 

Students who have received Federal Direct Loans while attending UE and plan to graduate, withdraw, or transfer are required to attend a Loan Repayment Counseling Session. The Office of Financial Aid will hold the first of three sessions this semester on March 2 from 6:00-6:30 p.m. in Ridgway University Center, Eykamp 251. Future sessions will be held on April 29 at 2:00 p.m. and May 8 at 11:30 a.m. in Eykamp 251. 

The Department of Music continues the First Tuesday Concert Series in Wheeler Concert Hall this Tuesday evening, March 3, at 7:30 p.m. with a performance by the UE Faculty Chamber Players, a chamber orchestra that includes various faculty members and consortium instructors. Assistant Professor and Director of Orchestral Activities Brian St. John will conduct the ensemble in performances of two twentieth-century chamber orchestra works. The concert will begin with Igor Stravinsky’s Concerto in E-Flat, which, as Stravinsky put it, is “in the style of [Bach’s] Brandenburg Concertos.” The work is also known as the “Dumbarton Oaks” Concerto, so named for its 1938 premiere location, the home of a wealthy Washington, D. C. couple who commissioned the work. After a brief pause, the chamber orchestra will conclude the concert with a performance of Jacques Ibert’s Divertissement (1930). The concert is free and open to the public. 

Join UE Newman Club members as they volunteer from 5-7:30 pm this Tuesday with the families and children at St. Vincent's. Dinner is provided. To be added to the list of volunteers, please text 812-760-8610. 

If you are currently involved in SAB, or would like to be, there is a big committee meeting Wednesday night, March 4. It will be held at 8 pm in Room 271, Schroeder School of Business Building. At this meeting we will be discussing applications/elections for new board members for the next school year and going over events for the rest of the semester. We will also discuss events for the following school year as well and we would love to get your input!

If you are interested but unable to attend, feel free to email the SAB President at dm196 and let her know. 

How do you build an argument in academic writing? Learn an approach for coming up with ideas, relating them to the thesis, and organizing them logically. We will also demonstrate the techniques of summary and paraphrasing to help effectively incorporate outside sources into your papers. Join us on Wednesday, March 4 at 5 p.m. in the Writing Center for this useful session. 

Students wishing to reside in one of the residence halls for 2015-16 should plan to attend one of the information sessions about the residence hall selection process. Meetings will be at 4:00 pm and 9:30 pm in Hyde 126 on Tuesday, March 3, and Thursday, March 5.

More information about the housing selection process can be found online at http://www.evansville.edu/residencelife/whereWillYouLive.cfm

In observance for the Lenten season, Café Court will be serving fish on Fridays at Grill 155. 

The UE Bookstore will begin returning unsold textbooks from the Spring term soon, starting with used books. If you still need a textbook please stop by the Bookstore and purchase your book as soon as possible. The Bookstore will be happy to hold a textbook for you if you are unable to purchase a book until later. Just ask the store staff. 

Returning students interested in living on-campus can log into WebAdvisor and submit a housing contract for 2015-16. Once logged into WebAdvisor, select “Housing and Meal Plan Registration” under the Housing and Meal Plan section. Housing contracts should be submitted by March 6th. More information on the returning student housing selection process can be found online at http://www.evansville.edu/residencelife/whereWillYouLive.cfm

All University of Evansville full-time undergraduate students who will be juniors or seniors in 2015-16 may apply. An essay of about 300 words must accompany the application, along with two to five faculty recommendation letters.

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."

Applications are available at the Office of Financial Aid (Olmsted Hall 116). Applications can also be found on the UE website - on the site map, go to the Tuition & Aid tab then to UE Students. On this screen, scroll to the bottom of the page and choose “Looking for Additional Scholarships?”

Completed applications should be returned to the Office of Financial Aid by April 1.

Questions may be directed to the Office of Financial Aid via email or by phone at (812) 488-2364 or, (800) 424-8634. 

Completed applications and recommendation letters should be returned to the Office of Financial Aid by April 1.

You may also request application materials by emailing financialaid@evansville.edu. 

Questions may be directed to the Office of Financial Aid via email or by phone at (812) 488-2364 or, (800) 424-8634.
 

The Josten's ring representative will be on campus Monday, March 2nd from 4-6:30pm upstairs in the Ridgway Center and also Tuesday, March 3rd from 11-2PM outside of the UE Bookstore. Stop by and browse the selections and get all your questions answered. There will also be special pricing on selected styles of rings. You don't have to be an upcoming graduate to take advantage of the offerings. 

Libraries will observe the following schedule of hours during the Spring Recess. Contact Library at 488.2462 with questions.

March 6  (F):      7:30 a.m.  -  5:00 p.m.
March 7  (S):     CLOSED
March 8  (S):     CLOSED
March 9  (M):     8:00 a.m.  -  5:00 p.m.
March 10  (T):    8:00 a.m.  -  5:00 p.m.
March 11  (W):   8:00 a.m.  -  5:00 p.m.
March 12  (T):    8:00 a.m.  -  5:00 p.m.
March 13  (F):    8:00 a.m.  -  5:00 p.m.
March 14  (S):    CLOSED
March 15  (S):    3:00 p.m.  -  Midnight
March 16  (M):    Resume Regular Hours

UE’s 18th Annual Engineering Banquet was Wednesday, February 25, in Eykamp Hall in Ridgway University Center. During the event, Dr. Jared Fulcher presented the James M. Hall Award to Lilia Mast, a UE student who is majoring in computer science. Each year, the James M. Hall Award honors an outstanding CECS student based on academics, activities, character and the potential for professional growth. 

Also honored at the event was Jaclyn Alstadt, a junior majoring in civil engineering. Alstadt received the PR Brown Engineering Spirit Award.  She is the first recipient of this award that was established in memory of Paul R. (P.R.) Brown.  The purpose of the award is to recognize and provide a financial reward for students who have created a spirit of camaraderie in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and have encouraged their fellow students by exhibiting a positive attitude that is inspiring to others. 

Margaret C. Stevenson, associate professor of psychology, published a peer-reviewed journal article in “Basic and Applied Social Psychology,” entitled “Ambivalent Sexism in Context: Hostile and Benevolent Sexism Moderate Bias Against Female Drivers.” In two studies, this research investigated whether ambivalent sexism predicts bias against female drivers in a simulated civil trial paradigm. Participants were randomly assigned to read a vignette of an automobile accident involving a male or female defendant. In a driving context designed to incite feelings of competitiveness toward women (Study 1), hostile sexism predicted greater responsibility attributed to the female defendant. In a context designed to elicit paternalistic attitudes toward women (Study 2), benevolent sexism predicted increased responsibility attributed to the female defendant. Findings show that hostile and benevolent sexism predict different patterns of discriminatory treatment depending on contextually triggered concepts of women. 

Atefeh Yazdanparast, assistant professor of marketing, had a paper accepted at the Academy of Marketing Science Annual Conference in Denver, Colorado. The paper titled “An Examination of the Role of Objective Self-Awareness on Cosmetic Surgery Motivations” follows an experimental method and examines the interplay of objective self-awareness (a situational factor commonly experienced in daily life) and body esteem (an individual attitudinal characteristic) on motivations to undergo cosmetic procedures. Motivated by the growing popularity of cosmetic surgery in the United States, the research draws on theories from social psychology and contributes to extant research on consumer cosmetic surgery decision making. 

Mark Davis, associate professor of biology and faculty athlete representative, has been appointed to the national NCAA research committee. The committee consisting of 10 members from across the country evaluates, supervises, and coordinates the NCAA’s research activities. Research areas include: mental health issues, physical well-being concerns, and best educational practices along with other association matters. They also make recommendations to the NCAA Executive Committee regarding expenditures of funds for research projects and propose research topics in intercollegiate athletics to the Managements Councils of the association. 

Thank you for making the Honors Program Nerd Wars a success! Attendees and spectators enjoyed the fun and food sponsored in part by funds from the Student Government Association. Prizes were awarded to the winning student team, Les Quizerables (Toby Kuhnke, Grace Bush, Joey Estes, Grace Hunter, Harrison Mann) and the winning faculty/administrator/staff team, Consilience (Dr. Ann Powell, Dr. John Stamm, Dr. Joyce Stamm, Dr. Daniel Byrne, Dr. Kristie Hochwender). The Nerd Wars trophy grand prize went to Consilience, the team with the most total points. $776.00 was generated from the event and given to Honors Ace Mentors (HAM). HAM is a UE student volunteer outreach program administered by the Honors Program/HAB to provide tutoring, cultural enrichment, and mentoring for grade school through high school students in the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation.

The University of Evansville women’s basketball team (11-16, 6-10) was defeated 71-53 at home against Indiana State on Friday night.

Sophomore guard Sara Dickey scored her 500th point this season, becoming only the second player in UE women’s basketball history with two, 500 point seasons (Shyla Puelston 1998-’99,’99-00). Dickey also led Evansville with a team-high 14 points.

In front of 1,006 fans at the Ford Center, UE began the game by scoring the first eight points of the night. Guard Khristian Hart had five of the points in the stretch as Evansville held the Sycamores scoreless over the first 4:05 of the game.

Indiana State would rally back by scoring the next seven points to trail just 8-7 with 14:47 left in the first half.

UE responded again by tallying nine of the next 12 points and building a 17-10 edge. Hart scored all nine of her first half points by that stage as the Aces went back ahead by seven.

Indiana State then surged ahead on a 19-2 run end the half, eliminating a deficit and create a 32-21 lead at the break. The Sycamores had nine players score in the opening half.

Out of the break, UE lowered the lead to single digits, 37-28, with four points from forward Sasha Robinson and a three by forward Mallory Ladd.

Indiana State widened the advantage with an 11-0 run to take the Sycamores largest lead of the game, 50-28.

UE brought the deficit to 13 with 6:21 remaining in the half but Indiana State would hold on for the victory.

Ladd finished the night with 11 points, five rebounds and four assists. Guard Kat Taylor tallied nine points and three rebounds off the bench for the Purple Aces.

Evansville created 12 steals in the game and also was 11-for-13 at the free throw line.

UE played just seven players in the contest.

Evansville is back at home on Thursday, March 5 to host the Wichita State Shockers. The tip is set for 7:00 p.m. at the Ford Center in Evansville, Ind.

Tickets can be purchased over the phone at 812-488-ACES (2237), in person at either the Carson Center or Ford Center ticket office, or online via Ticketmaster.com.
 

After scoring just four points in the first half, junior D.J. Balentine erupted for 18 in the second period and overtime, but three Illinois State players hit double digits as the Redbirds earned a 69-67 overtime win over the University of Evansville men's basketball team on Saturday afternoon at the Ford Center.

With today's results, the Aces (19-11, 9-9 MVC) and Redbirds (19-11, 11-7 MVC) will meet again on Friday at Arch Madness in St. Louis.

Balentine hit 9 of his 20 attempts to lead all players with his 22 tallies. Adam Wing knocked down 11 out of 12 free throws to register 15 points. Jaylon Brown hit four buckets to tally eight points. He also led UE with three assists.

Leading the Redbirds was DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell, who tallied 16 points while tying for the game high with nine rebounds. Reggie Lynch and Paris Lee posted 12 points apiece.

The defense of the Purple Aces played well in the early minutes, forcing the Redbirds into misses in its first four trips down the floor while also garnering a turnover. After its early struggles, Illinois State got its game rolling, hitting four of its next five shots to take its first lead at 9-8 on a Deontae Hawkins three.

With ISU up 13-10, they got five more from Paris Lee. Lee hit a triple before forcing a steal on the next trip for UE. He was fouled on his ensuing shot and hit both of the free throws.

Evansville was stuck in a field goal drought that was 0-for-7 and 1-12 before D.J. Balentine hit his first shot of the game with just over eight minutes left to bring UE back within five at 18-13. Blake Simmons was fouled on an over the back on ISU's next offensive possession and hit two free throws to make it a 3-point game.

A 9-2 stretch was capped off by Balentine as he hit his second shot of the game to make it a 20-19 game in favor of the Redbirds. ISU responded with a pair of buckets to push their lead back to five. The Aces held the Redbirds to just 1 of their final 6 from the field to cut the gap to four at the break. Both squads shot under 39% in the frame while the Redbirds finished with a 27-17 edge in rebounding in the opening stanza.

Illinois State hit four of its first six shots out of the break to match their largest lead of eight at 40-32 just over four minutes into the half. Their defense held the Aces in check as UE was 1-for-6 over that stretch. Evansville got its offense rolling, making four out of five shots, but Illinois State dominated the offensive glass and continued to lead by eight at 48-40 midway through the period.

The Redbirds continued to lead by eight with 7:57 remaining at 52-44. That is where the Aces made the game-changing run. They scored 11 in a row to go up 55-52. Balentine nailed a three and a pair of free throws before Egidijus Mockevicius hit a layup with five minutes left to give the Aces their first lead since the opening minutes at 53-52.

Reggie Lynch ended the rally with a layup before UE went up by three once again at 57-54. Daishon Knight knotted it up with a triple. Evansville would take two more leads, the latest being 59-57 in the final seconds as Adam Wing calmly knocked down a pair of free throws. Off an inbound, Purcell hit a layup to send the game to overtime with 1.8 seconds left.

In the overtime, UE had a miss and turnover in its first two possessions while the Redbirds hit a pair of free throws to go up 63-61. Wing hit a free throw to get UE within one at the 2 minute mark. Purcell struck again with a floater as the Redbirds extended their lead to three at 65-62.

With ISU still up three at 67-64 in the final minute, Mislav Brzoja tied it up with a three, giving the last shot to the Redbirds. Just as they did in regulation, ISU took advantage as Knight hit a jumper with 1.8 ticks left to give them the win.

Rebounding played a primary role in the game as ISU finished with a 49-31 edge on the glass. They also posted 21 offensive rebounds. Illinois State shot 42% on the day while the Aces finished at 40.4%.

From here, the Aces head to St. Louis for Arch Madness where they will match up once again versus the Redbirds. Game time is set for 2:30 p.m. at Scottrade Center on Friday afternoon.

The University of Evansville Women's Tennis team (5-2, 0-0 MVC) was back in action on Friday night when they took on Southern Illinois Edwardsville at Tri State Athletic Club. The Aces were able to walk away with a 4-3 victory. Mina Milovic withstood five match points at flight six singles to secure the victory. This is the third time in six weeks that Milovic was the deciding factor and came through for the Aces.

In doubles action, SIUE was able to get the point taking two out of the three matches. At flight one doubles Marketa Trousilova and Natasha James defeated Mia Frogner and Monique Krutak of the Cougars by a score of 6-3. In flight two action Sierra Halverson and Lexia Aranda of SIUE defeated Andjela Brguljan and Marina Moreno by a score of 6-1. Kennedy Craig and Mina Milovic of Evansville were defeated Haley Ilcewicz and Kali Donner 6-3 at flight three doubles.

At flight one singles Marketa Trousilova of Evansville was defeated by Lexi Aranda by a score of 6-2, 4-6, and 6-3. Natasha James was victorious at flight two doubles defeating Mia Frogner of SIUE by a score 6-4 and 6-4. Marina Moreno of Evansville was able to pick up a victory over Monique Krutak at flight three singles by a score of 3-6, 6-3, and 6-4. At flight four singles Kennedy Craig was defeated by Kali Donner by a score of 6-3, 5-7, and 6-2. The Aces Andjela Brguljan was able to get in the win column by defeating Sierra Halverson at flight five singles by a score of 6-3 and 6-3. Finally, at flight six single Milovic was able to secure the victory by defeating Haley Ilcewicz by a score 4-6, 7-5, and 7-6.

The tennis team was back in action for the second time twhen they headed down to Nashville to take on the Belmont Bruins. Evansville was able to get a 6-1 victory over Belmont. Marketa Trousilova had a come from behind win at flight one singles over Lindsey Whitehead of Belmont. Trousilova defeated Whitehead by a score of 2-6, 6-2, and 6-4.

In doubles action, Lindsey Whitehead and Kendall Warren of Belmont defeated Trousilova and Natasha James by a score of 6-3 at flight one doubles. At flight two doubles Andjela Brguljan and Kennedy Craig of Evansville defeated Laura Van Eeckhoudt and Abbie Mather of Belmont by a score of 6-4. Lastly, at flight three doubles Marina Moreno and Mina Milovic of Evansville defeated Suzanna Stapler and Ann Lauren Fiepke of Belmont by a score of 6-3.

Natasha James was victorious at flight two singles when she defeated Laura Van Eeckhoudt of Belmont by a score of 6-4 and 6-2. At flight three singles Marina Moreno of Evansville was able to pick up the victory over Kendall Warren with a score of 6-4 and 6-3. Kennedy Craig of Evansville also had a comeback win at flight four singles when she defeated Abbie Mather by a score of 4-6, 6-2, and 6-4. Andjela Brguljan of Evansville defeated Suzana Stapler 8-5 at flight five singles. Lastly, at flight six singles, Mina Milovic was down to Ann Lauren Fiepke of Belmont by a score of 2-3 when the match was retired.