University of Evansville

AceNotes Today

Thursday, January 26, 2017

What's Happening Today

* Venturing Crew winter campout signup deadline is today!

Join Venturing Crew for its annual winter campout on January 28-29! This will be a great weekend at the Garden of the Gods. The group will hike and have the usual campfire, and, of course, have amazing food. Plan to leave Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. and return on Sunday around 1:00 p.m. Since the group will be sleeping in tents, please keep in mind the weather and dress warmly. The cost of this trip is $20.

The deadline to sign up for this trip is TODAY, Thursday, January 26, by 4:00 p.m.

If you would like to sign up, bring $20 to the human resources office in room 118 in Olmsted Administration Hall from 1:00-4:00 p.m. TODAY. Space is limited on this trip, so be sure to sign up as soon as possible!

You must be a member to attend this trip. If you are not joined Venturing Crew and would like to join, please contact Michael Mannchen at mm650@evansville.edu or go to the HR office during today's office hours.
 

 

Upcoming Events

* Nerd Wars 2017: Honors Program hosts battle of the brains

The Honors Program is hosting Nerd Wars trivia night on Tuesday, February 28, at 7:00 p.m., in Eykamp Hall, Ridgway University Center. Teams of five, consisting of students, faculty, administrators, and staff, will battle in a competition of wits while enjoying pizza, popcorn, and soda.

There will be prizes awarded to the top teams.

You can register online.

Pay your $5 per person entry fee to Jayme Williams in Room 238, Koch Center for Engineering and Science. Those who are unable to compose a team of five may still register and will be matched to make a team. The deadline to enter is February 1.

Questions can be e-mailed to Paige at ph89@evansville.edu.

 
* Virtual networking with UE alumni - students invited

Work, live, play in Indianapolis … Learn more about opportunities in this great city during a UE Connect Virtual Networking Session on Tuesday, January 31 from 11:00 a.m.-noon (CST)! Connect online with UE alumni who work, live, and play in one of Forbes’ 2016 Best Places for Young Professionals.

The online session is text-based 1-on-1 chats. There is no video component, and conversations will automatically end after eight minutes. It is compatible with mobile devices. You can participate from any location with an internet connection. You can also participate for any length of time. Can’t make it for the entire hour? Feel free to enter and leave the event as your schedule permits!

Registration is easy, so don’t wait. Register online by January 30 to join.

Questions? Contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at 812-488-2586 or alumni@evansville.edu.

 
* Red Cross blood drive sponsored by UELA

On Tuesday, January 31, the University of Evansville Leadership Academy will sponsor a blood drive hosted by the Red Cross. The Blood Drive will take place in Eykamp Hall, Room 251, Ridgway University Center, from noon-5:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, though there may be a slight wait. If you have any questions, please contact Kendall Turner at kt131@evansville.edu. Let's help the Red Cross achieve their goal!

 
* Harlaxton update sessions for faculty and staff members

The Office of Study Abroad invites any faculty and staff member to a Harlaxton update session!

During this session we will be discussing some of the changes that have occurred with the Harlaxton program over the past few months. This would be a great opportunity to learn more about things like dates, pricing, and classes. There will be two sessions for faculty and staff members to attend: the first is today - January 31 - from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. The second session will be held on Thursday, February 2 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Both sessions will be held in the J Henry Schroeder Boardroom (Room 203) in the library.

If you have any questions, please e-mail Greta Becker at gb91@evansville.edu.

 

Info You Should Know

* UE Syrian student interviewed by Chronicle

UE Syrian student Hassan Taki Eddin was interviewed for an article in the Chronicle of Higher Education. Read the article today online to see his thoughts on a possible halt to the resettlement of Syrian refuges in America. He also discusses the positive experience he has had being a student at UE and living in Evansville.

 
* Get your tickets for Spotlight!

Tickets for UEMTA's philanthropy event Spotlight! will be sold during lunch and dinner today, and during lunch on Friday. Tickets are $5. Entry can also be purchased at the door for $5 starting at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. The event starts at 7:00 p.m., so get your ticket early to avoid any lines. There will be 15 students performing. Come support your friends and local music!

 
* IOL applications still open

The Office of Cultural Engagement and International Services is still accepting applications for international orientation leaders! Join the team that works to welcome new international students to campus each August and throughout the year.

Apply online.

Applications are due January 30!

 
* Resident Students Association has an opening

The Resident Students Association (RSA) has a vacancy on its executive board for Spring 2017. The position is vice president of area council programming, and it is a paid position. The main responsibilities of this position include maintaining communication with each hall council, attending programs, and serving on the executive board team. Requirements include serving on an area council or RSA's general assembly for at least one semester, having a 2.5 out of 4.0 GPA, and living on campus while serving on the executive board. Contact an127@evansville.edu for more information or if you are interested. Nominations for the position will be accepted until Monday, January 30, at noon.

 
* Drag show performers!

Saturday, April 1, is the date of this year’s annual drag show. The theme will be “Gays in Space!” The drag show raises money for local organizations such as Matt 25 and Aids Resource Group. If you would like to perform please contact uepride@gmail.com.

 
* Summer internship program in higher education

Students thinking about a career in higher education, student affairs, alumni relations, or advancement should take a look at the internship program through the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

The CASE 2017 Summer Internship Program is now accepting applications for interns. This eight-week summer internship program (June 5-July 28) seeks to increase and diversify the number of professionals in education advancement. The program is designed to attract students (undergraduate and graduate) who may or may not have previously considered a career in institutional advancement. For 2017, it is anticipated that 75-100 interns will be placed at host institutions throughout North America.

Selected students receive hand-on training in the advancement office of a host institution, attend a one and a half day training session in Washington, DC, have the opportunity to attend the CASE ASAP Network Convention (this year in Columbus, Ohio), participate in weekly e-learning assignments designed to educate them on all of the opportunities the advancement field offers, are assigned a mentor, and much more! Students receive a paid stipend, hourly wage, or course credit, which will be decided by the host institution. During the application process, students will be able to see what the institutions will be offering for their internship package. 

Students can apply online by Friday, February 12.

You can find more information on the program on CASE’s Career Central webpage.

Read the CASE blog to see what 2016 CASE Advancement Intern Phil Mendez said about his experience at Dartmouth College.

 
* Outstanding Teacher award

The UE Alumni Association recognizes an outstanding teacher for his or her exemplary instruction and student support at spring commencement. UE administrators, faculty, staff, students, and alumni may nominate a faculty member who exemplifies the award’s criteria for outstanding teaching effectiveness that inspires the intellectual development of students. The nomination form is located on the Office of Alumni’s Outstanding Teacher webpage.

Full-time faculty who have taught in the classroom at UE for two years or more and hold the rank of lecturer, instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, or professor are eligible for nomination.

Past award recipients are as follows:

  • Associate professor of anthropology James Berry 2011
  • Associate professor of sociology Mari Plikuhn 2012
  • Associate professor of mechanical and civil engineering Mark Valenzuela 2013
  • Associate professor of archaeology Jennie Ebeling 2014
  • Associate professor of psychology Margaret Stevenson 2015
  • Associate professor of sociology and criminal justice M. Kevin Gray 2016

The deadline to submit nominations is February 6, at 5:00 p.m. For questions, contact Tracey Folden at tf91@evansville.edu.

 
* Travel to Trinidad and Tobago this summer

Spend three weeks immersed in the culture of a rural community in Trinidad while receiving credit for EDUC 385.

The goal of this program is to provide an intensive cross-cultural immersion experience that will help students develop the multicultural competencies necessary to work effectively with individuals of different races, cultures, and ethnicities. To achieve this goal, students will stay with host families, participate in cultural activities, and work together with a Trinidadian mentor.

This summer study abroad program to Trinidad and Tobago is accepting applications now. For more information and cost of the program, go to the study abroad webpage. (Search for “Trinidad” under Programs.)

Questions? Contact Amara Stuehling at as760@evansville.edu.

 

Congratulations

* UE graduate participates in presidential inauguration

Major Michelle A. Rakers, a 1990 graduate of the University of Evansville school of music, took part in the 58th Inauguration of the President of the United States on January 20, as a member of The President's Own United States Marine Band.

Rakers joined The President's Own United States Marine Band in May 1998 as a trumpeter/cornetist. She was appointed assistant director and commissioned a first lieutenant in 2004 and promoted to captain by Commandant of the Marine Corps General Michael W. Hagee in 2006. She was promoted to major and appointed executive officer and senior assistant director in 2014. She is the first female assistant director and first female commissioned officer in the history of The President's Own.

With the Marine Band, Rakers has performed at the White House, in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, and across the country during the band's annual concert tour. An advocate for education outreach, she led the band's Music in the Schools, Music in the High Schools, and Concerto Competition programs from 2007-14.

Rakers earned her bachelor's degree in music management from the University of Evansville, and her master's degree in trumpet performance from Northwestern University. She received a doctorate from the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University where she studied with Harlan Parker. She studied conducting with Mallory Thompson of Northwestern University and Kate Tamarkin of The Catholic University in Washington, D.C.

Her trumpet instructors included James Bursen of UE, Vincent Cichowicz of Northwestern University, and Chris Gekker of the Aspen Music Festival in Colorado. Prior to joining "The President's Own," Rakers enjoyed a career as an orchestral trumpeter, performing with many national orchestras.

During her tenure as an assistant director with The President's Own, Rakers has been a guest conductor, clinician, and public speaker, working with all-state and honor festivals and offering workshops at the Sibelius Academy of Finland, and universities throughout the United States. Rakers has appeared as a guest conductor with bands and orchestras throughout the nation and internationally.

In 2009 she received the University of Evansville's Distinguished Alumni Award and was granted an honorary induction into Tau Beta Sigma, a national music sorority.   

The Marine Band provided music for the Inauguration swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, led the second division of the parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, and performed at the Salute to the Armed Forces Inaugural ball. The President's Own is the only musical unit to participate in all three events.

The Marine Band is America's oldest continuously active professional musical organization. Founded in 1798, the band has performed for every U.S. president since John Adams. Known as "The President's Own" since the days of Thomas Jefferson, the Marine Band's mission is to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

 
* Birth Announcement - Chase Daniel Cox

Amanda Cox, software support and training specialist for the Ofice of Technical Services, and her husband Greg are pleased to announce the arrival of Chase Daniel, born on Monday, January 23. He weighed seven pounds, 13 ounces, and is welcomed by his proud big sister Rylan

 

Athletics

* Aces rally but fall short on the road at UNI

Three University of Evansville Men’s Basketball players scored double figures, but the University of Northern Iowa was able to fend off a late rally to earn a 61-54 win over the Purple Aces on Wednesday evening at the McLeod Center.

Jaylon Brown led the way for UE (10-12, 1-8 MVC) with 13 points apiece while Ryan Taylor and David Howard scored 11 tallies apiece.  Brown went 5/6 from the free throw line while hitting three field goals.  Taylor knocked down four shots on the night while Howard was an efficient 5-of-7 from the floor.

“We were on our heels in the beginning of the game and dug a large hold in the first half, but I am proud of our effort in the second half,” UE head coach Marty Simmons said. “Solomon Hainna gave us some great minutes of the second half and gave us a real boost.”

A trio of UNI (9-11, 4-5 MVC) players hit double figures, led by a 17-point effort from Bennett Koch. Koch was 6-11 from the floor and 5-5 from the line. Luke McDonnell had 14 points and a game-high 12 rebounds while Klint Carlson had 10 points.

UNI had the hot hand early on as they connected on six of their first eight shots to take a 16-5 lead. Bennett Koch hit the opening two shots of the game to give the Panthers a 4-0 lead before Duane Gibson hit an and-one to get UE back within a point.

Jeremy Morgan countered with back-to-back triples as the Panthers extended their lead to as many as 18 points in the opening stanza at 33-15 inside of three minutes remaining. Evansville grabbed some momentum in the latter minutes of the period as a triple from freshman Dru Smith helped UE head to the half trailing by 13 at 35-22.

Evansville’s momentum from the first half continued into the second half as Jaylon Brown hit a triple, hit first bucket of the game, as the Aces cut the gap to six. What was a 16-4 run saw the Aces cut their deficit to 37-31 in the opening minutes of the second half. UE connected on six of their first nine attempts in the period while holding UNI to 2-of-8, as a Taylor bucket made it a 40-35 game inside of 14 minutes remaining. On the other end, Jordan Ashton drained a triple to give the Panthers a 43-35 lead.

Those were the first points of a 7-0 stretch as the Panthers pushed their lead back to double figures. They extended the lead to 51-37 with seven minutes remaining, but UE had another push left. With under three minutes left, Solomon Hainna hit a bucket to make it a 52-46 game. The Aces had an opportunity to get closer, but the UNI defense clamped down at the right time as they were able to earn the victory.

UE outshot the Panthers 37.7%-37.0% while UNI finished with a 34-32 edge on the glass.

Next up for the Aces is a visit to the Ford Center by MVC-leading Illinois State. The Aces and Redbirds tangle at 3:00 p.m.
 

 
* Aces chosen to finish in sixth place

On Wednesday, the Missouri Valley Conference released its 2017 Preseason Softball Poll.  With a solid nucleus of players returning from last year’s 24-win squad, the University of Evansville was picked to finish sixth in the league.

“Honestly, preseason polls and rankings are fun but do not mean much. We know as a team what we have to do and where we want to be,” Purple Aces head coach Mat Mundell said. “Now that the season is here, it is time to go to work. When it comes to polls and rankings, our focus is more on where we are at the end of the season.”

The MVC also released its preseason first team, which featured UE sophomore Morgan Florey. Florey, who is the defending MVC Freshman of the Year, finished third in the MVC with a 1.95 ERA and went 16-11 in the circle. She was also the top power hitter on the team, leading UE with eight home runs and 26 RBI.

Also coming back for the Aces is 2-time All-MVC First Teamer Chandra Parr. The senior was a strong hitter in 2016, batting .306 with 23 RBIs.

With six first-place votes, Drake was picked to win the league, just ahead of Wichita State, who received three of the top votes. Southern Illinois was chosen third with UNI and Illinois State rounding out the top five.

 

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