Catholic Mass will be held tonight in Neu Chapel with Adoration beginning at 7:00 p.m. and Mass from 8:00-8:30 p.m. All students are welcome to come relax and celebrate with us!

Submitted by Gabrielle VanBuskirk gv19@evansville.edu

BiSci Club is sponsoring a talk by Caitlyn Ricks, an alumn of the biology department here at UE. She will be coming to give a talk about genetic counseling today - Thursday, November 30 - from 7-8 p.m. in KC 101. Please consider coming to hear her talk about her program and what all it has to offer. If you plan on attending please RSVP through the link below. There will be pizza served. Then afterward if you would like you can stick around for the BiSci Christmas movie night.

Submitted by Kelly Nixon kn94@evansville.edu 

Interested in joining a sorority? Come join the women of Phi Mu today from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the Phi Mu Suite for a night full of sisterhood and philanthropy. We will be making holiday cards for the Children at Riley Hospital and spreading some holiday cheer. If you have any questions or cannot make it to the event, contact Katelyn Hedinger at kh327@evansville.edu.

Submitted by Katelyn Hedinger kh327@evansville.edu 

On Sunday, January 7, the University of Evansville softball team will hold various winter clinics on the UE campus.

Students in grades 7-12 are invited to three clinics on the 7th that including pitching/catching, hitting, or defense. A full schedule is on the brochure that is linked on GoPurpleAces.com.

The hitting and defensive session will cover proper hitting, bunting, throwing and fielding techniques. The catching clinic will work on fundamentals of catching, throwing and blocking. The pitching session will teach the fundamentals and drills used at the collegiate level. All pitchers are required to bring their own catcher.

These clinics begin at 9:00 a.m. and go through 2:30 p.m.

Later in the day, from 4:00-6:00 p.m., a youth clinic will be held for grades 2-8. This will focus on hitting, bunting, throwing, and fielding fundamentals.

All campers will need to bring tennis shoes, glove, helmet, bat, catchers gear, and a water bottle. Cost for each clinic is $75 and space is limited. 

For more information, please contact assistant coach Heather Tarter at ht73@evansville.edu or 812-746-1029.  

There is still time to make your reservation and participate in a 10-day study tour of Israel in January 2018. University chaplain Tamara Gieselman and conference superintendent Mitchell Gieselman will join Indiana bishop Julius Trimble for a life-changing experience in the Holy Land. We will explore historic sites like Manger Square in Bethlehem, the Galilee, and the Old City in Jerusalem bringing new depth of meaning to the Biblical narrative. For more information about this amazing pilgrimage opportunity please go to www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/HL18_51326_Gieselman.pdf or e-mail tg85@evansville.edu.

Submitted by Tammy Gieselman tg85@evansville.edu

Everyone is invited to join the Neu Chapel community for our last University Worship service for the fall semester this Sunday at 11:00 a.m. We will sing festive, seasonal music and give thanks for God's goodness shown to us over the course of this semester. We will also consider how our striving for peace involves inward change and growth. Join us for this exciting service, and as always, donuts, and coffee will be provided before and after the service.

Submitted by Keith Turner kt160@evansville.edu 

The University of Evansville women's basketball team will hold the Teddy Bear Toss on December 10 when the Purple Aces host Morehead State at 7:00 p.m. in Meeks Family Fieldhouse.

Benefiting the Arc of Evansville Child Life Center, fans are encouraged to bring a new and unused teddy bear or stuffed animal to toss during halftime of the contest. Each stuffed animal will be given to a child at the Child Life Center. The fan who tosses their teddy bear closest to center court will win a Purple Aces prize pack including vouchers to a future basketball game.

Fans who bring a teddy bear or stuffed animal to the game will receive $3 tickets to the game for everyone in their party.

The Child Life Center (CLC) provides high-quality programs in an inclusive environment for children ages six weeks to six years, both with and without disabilities, by nurturing their social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. The state-licensed facility is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and rated Level 4 on the Paths to Quality program. Last year, 59% of the children who exited the CLC and entered kindergarten reduced or eliminated their need for special education services.

Scholars for Syria is hosting a Giveback Night at Chipotle today - Monday, December 4 - from 5:00-9:00 p.m. Please tell the cashier that you are supporting our cause or show them this flyer to make sure that 50 percent of the proceeds are donated to Scholars for Syria. We hope to see you there!

Submitted by Kendra Mehling km349@evansville.edu

Celebrate the season at Christmas on Campus with photos with Purple Santa, Candlelight Vespers, and more. Learn more and register at www.evansvlle.edu/aceschristmas.

Events are FREE for students, just show your UE ID.

Faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, guests, community members and friends of the University are welcome to any and all events! Only $5 per family or $2 per person! Includes Photos with Santa, Reindeer Games, Trackless Train Rides, Carriage Rides, ticket for roasted nuts, cookies and hot chocolate. No charge for the Candlelight Advent Vespers service or Christmas Tree Lighting.

Fill out the online registration form to save time during the event.

Event Times:

5:00 p.m.
Check-in
Lobby, Olmsted Administration Hall or Information Desk, Ridgway University Center

5:00 - 6:45 p.m.
Photos with Purple Santa
Ridgway University Center

Christmas Crafts
Ridgway University Center

5:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Reindeer Games and Train Rides
East Terrace Lawn

Christmas Shopping at UE Bookstore
Stop in for giveaways and 15% off the original price of all clothing and gift items to all shoppers during the night!

7:00 p.m.
Candlelight Advent Vespers
Neu Chapel

8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Carriage Rides
Sesquicentennial Oval

Cookies and Hot Chocolate
Lobby, Olmsted Administration Hall

Roasted Nuts
East Terrace Lawn

8:05 p.m.
Lighting of the Christmas Tree and Caroling
Outside Graves Hall 

Mohammad K. Azarian will be the speaker for the Andiron Lecture on December 6. The lecture will begin at 4:00 p.m. in Eykamp Hall, Room 252, Ridgway University Center. Azarian, a UE professor of mathematics and 2007-08 Global Scholar, will be discussing “Star Power: Medieval Muslin Polymath Jamshid Kashani.”

Ghiyath al-Din Jamshid Masud Kashani was one of the most renowned mathematicians and astronomers in Iranian history, and one of the most fascinating medieval Muslim mathematicians in the world. He is called “Persia's Second Ptolemy.”

Azarian will briefly talk about Kashani’s many famous treatises and books, including Encyclopedia of Arithmetic, The Treatise on the Circumference, The Treatise on the Chord and Sine, and Stairways to Heaven. Azarian will also examine the influence of Kashani’s work, and its impact on 21st Century mathematics.

Azarian has been teaching at UE since 1985. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Tabriz University in Iran, his Master of Science from Southern Illinois University, and his PhD from Saint Louis University. Azarian is the recipient of the 2017 Mathematical Association of America-Indiana Distinguished Service Award.

He is a discipline peer reviewer for the Fulbright Scholar Program, and a reviewer for the American Mathematical Society’s Mathematical Reviews. He served on the Executive Board of the Indiana Section of Mathematical Association of America (2001-07), where he was responsible for the Indiana College Mathematics Competition. He is on the Editorial Board of Scientific Journals International and National Association of Mathematicians’ Newsletter. He serves as a referee for Houston Journal of Mathematics, International Journal of Mathematics and Mathematical Sciences, Missouri Journal of Mathematical Sciences, College Mathematics Journal, Ars Combinatoria, and Journal of Integer Sequences. He authored over 40 research papers, published over 70 problems, and made over 1,500 contributions to The On-line Encyclopedia of Integer Sequences.

For further information, call Annette Parks at 812-488-1070 or the William L. Ridgway College of Arts and Sciences at 812-488-2589.

The Diversity Resource Center, located at 436 Weinbach Avenue, will be open during finals week for special hours. The house will be open the following hours:

• Thursday, December 7 from noon-10:00 p.m.
• Friday, December 8 from 2:00-5:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 9 from noon-5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 10 from 2:00-10:00 p.m.
• Monday, December 11 from noon-10:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 12 from noon-10:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 13 from noon-10:00 p.m.

All students are welcome to stop by and study or reserve space to study during those times. The center will provide free coffee, hot chocolate, water, and snacks for students.

For more information contact lw161@evansville.edu.

Submitted by LaNeeca Williams lw161@evansville.edu 

Just a friendly reminder during the Christmas season - UE distribution services only receives and processes mail and packages that are UE business and student related. Distribution services does not accept personal packages and mail for UE employees from carriers. For liability reasons, employees should have personal mail and packages delivered to their home address.

Submitted by Kim Winsett kw83@evansville.edu

When sending certified mail using the return receipt form (green postcard form 3811), be sure to write your department name or your name on the back of the postcard. Indicating your department name or your name will help ensure that you receive the return receipt following delivery which includes the date the mail was delivered and the signature of the person who received it, if applicable.

For additional information on the certified mail process, visit the mail services website on AceLink called Certified Return/ Receipt/Restricted Mail Instructions.

Submitted by Kim Winsett kw83@evansville.edu 

Effective Monday, January 22, US postal rates are increasing. New rates include a one cent increase in the price of the first-class mail Forever stamp from 49 cents to 50 cents. Postcard stamps and metered letters will also have a one cent increase. 

The overall rate change will increase mailing service product prices approximately 1.9%, and most shipping services an average of 3.9% price increase.

The new shipping services product prices will increase priority mail by 3.9% and priority mail retail an average of 0.8%. Unlike other carriers, the postal service will not include any surcharges for fuel, residential delivery, or regular Saturday delivery.

Submitted by Kim Winsett kw83@evansville.edu 

Textbooks for the 2017 intersession course are now available for purchase in the UE Bookstore. There are new, used, rental, and eBook options available depending on the title. Be sure to purchase your textbook before you leave for the holidays!

Submitted by Doug Gustwiller dg57@evansville.edu 

The 2018 spring Pcard cardholder training session calendar is now available on the AceLink Pcard website under Training Materials/Dates to Remember. For questions or to reserve a training spot, contact the Office of Administrative Services at ext. 2941.

Submitted by Kim Winsett kw83@evansville.edu 

K.J. Riley recorded a career-best 13 points while junior Marty Hill made his season debut as the University of Evansville men’s basketball team fell to New Mexico by a final of 78-59 on Wednesday evening inside The Pit.

Riley did most of his scoring from the free throw line, hitting 7 out of 10 attempts. He also had three field goals for the Purple Aces (5-2). Joining him in double figures was Dru Smith, who had 10 points.  Blake Simmons hit a pair of triples on his way to a 9-point effort. Dainius Chatkevicius, making his first career start, grabbed a game-high eight rebounds as UE finished with a 39-30 advantage on the boards.

“Give New Mexico credit, they did a great job of running their press and forcing turnovers,” Aces head coach Marty Simmons said. “We had some good opportunities tonight, but a big key was our inability to take care of the basketball.”

Leading the Lobos (3-4) were Sam Logwood and Troy Simons, who had 14 points apiece. Chris McNeal (13), Makuach Maluach (10) and Anthony Mathis (10) also posted double digits.

Troy Simons started the evening off with a triple in the opening possession before the Aces rebounded with four in a row to take their first lead of the game on a layup by Chatkevicius. From there, New Mexico mustered up a 13-1 run to open up a 16-11 lead midway through the first half.

Evansville had a tough offensive stretch, going 2-for-14 to start the game, but with nine minutes remaining in the opening stanza, junior Marty Hill made his season debut. With the Aces facing a 9-point deficit, Hill scored on his first UE possession as the Aces would go on to score nine in a row. Noah Frederking and Duane Gibson each had buckets before Dalen Traore hit an and-one to get UE within a pair at 16-14.

Just as fast as UE rallied, the Lobos made a run of their own as another Simmons’ trey sparked a 5-0 stretch. Riley ended the stretch as he drew a foul with three seconds on the shot clock and hit both of the ensuing free throws to make it a 21-16 game with five minutes on the clock.

With one minutes remaining in the half, Chris McNeal was able to convert a 4-point play to give the Lobos their largest lead of the night at 35-25. On the other end, Frederking drew a foul on a nice shot fake and hit both free throws to cut the deficit to 35-27 at the break.

On UE’s first trip down the floor in the second half, Simmons nailed a 3-pointer before a 3-point play by Frederking saw the Aces cut the deficit to just two tallies at 35-33 less than three minutes into the half. Following a triple from New Mexico, another long ball from Simmons made it a one possession game once again at 40-37.

A 10-2 run by New Mexico changed the complexion of the contest. Simmons hit another one from long range as the Lobos took their biggest edge of the night. From there, they added to the advantage in the final minutes, going up by as many as 24 points at 78-54 before the Aces closed in the end to make it a 78-59 final.

Oakland City is the next opponent for the Purple Aces as the teams will square off at the Ford Center on Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

All UE faculty, staff and administrators may now begin claiming their two complimentary tickets to the men's basketball game at the Ford Center at 1:00 p.m. against Oakland City this Saturday, December 2. Valid UE ID is required. Go Aces!

Foreign language proficiency tests are planned for January 9 and 10 for students who did not take it in Fall 2017.

Please e-mail tj87@evansville.edu for more information and to sign up. Students intending to take the test MUST sign up with Tammy Johnson.

Submitted by Tammy Johnson tj87@evansville.edu 

If you are studying abroad in Spring 2018 and you would like to submit an application for an orientation leader (OL) position, please stop by Ridgway University Center, Room 230 (Dean of Students’ office) for an application packet now. Applications will be accepted until December 4. An interview will be conducted prior to your leaving the country. Questions can be referred to the dean's office at 812-488-2500 during business hours. Students who will not be studying abroad in the spring will apply during the normal application period which will be announced in AceNotes soon.

Submitted by Karen Martin km306@evansville.edu 

Residence hall students - do you need a place to stay this winter? The residence life office has limited winter housing available. Only students participating in official University functions or with approved reasons will be considered for winter housing.

Winter housing is located on the fourth floor of Morton Residence Hall. Students will not have access to their permanent rooms during winter break. Approvals are subject to room availability. Students are charged a flat fee of $400 for winter housing.

Students seeking winter housing must submit a Winter Housing Request Form by noon on Reading and Study Day, available through this link - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WinterHousing.

Students who live in Village housing can stay in their apartment or house at no additional cost but we do ask that you let us know when you will be on campus by filling out this form - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/villagewinterhousing.

Submitted by: Brian Conner bc32@evansville.edu

Catie Taylor, associate director in the Office of Admissions, has been named the December 2017 Employee of the Month.

During the largest visit months of the year, Catie is dedicated to the cause of growing the next class of the University of Evansville.  She uses her talent for coordinating schedules of very busy faculty and staff to meet with prospective students, ensuring each one has a memorable visit to the UE campus. During what can easily turn into a very chaotic and demanding time for the admission office, Catie stays focused with poise and grace while putting in a tremendous amount of time to assist in the management of visits and events. She is a team player and appreciated by all who work with her. Catie’s dedication to our future and current students is inspiring!

Submitted by Lori LeDuc ll138@evansville.edu 

Recently, senior Spanish Education major Jennifer Riedford served on a student panel at the Be a Teacher, Change the World event held at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. She was one of four education majors representing universities from across the state who shared thoughts on the education profession and college life. Nearly 400 high school juniors and seniors from across Indiana participated in the event. The School of Education was proud of and honored by Jennifer’s words of high esteem for the education profession.

University of Evansville student Maggie Phelps of Alexandria, Indiana, was one of 30 students from Indiana’s private, non-profit colleges and universities honored recently at the 28th annual Realizing the Dream Banquet. The event recognizes first-generation students attending Independent Colleges of Indiana campuses, along with their inspirational teachers and families. Realizing the Dream is made possible by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to the ICI.

The students honored at the event have realized the dream of being the first in their families to go to college, have been selected by their colleges for outstanding achievement in the freshman year, and are successfully advancing toward completing their bachelor’s degrees. Each student will receive a $2,500 check to help with college costs, and each student’s selected “most influential” teacher/mentor will receive a $1,000 professional development grant. Phelps’s most influential teacher is Deborah Selke, an instructor at Alexandria-Monroe High School in Alexandria.

“We are honored that Maggie has chosen to attend the University of Evansville,” said Angie Dawson, UE director of student retention. “Maggie, now a sophomore, completed her freshman year at UE in our rigorous athletic training program with a GPA of 3.467. She is active in several campus clubs, works part-time on campus, and is a resident assistant. We are grateful to ICI for this scholarship, which rewards and recognizes hard-working students like Maggie.”

One out of every three students on ICI campuses is first-generation. Generous financial aid provided by the institutions, combined with state and federal grants, makes a private college education possible for all students in Indiana.

“We are grateful to the Lilly Endowment for making this inspirational program possible,” says David W. Wantz, ICI president and CEO. “We are proud, too, that because of the higher graduation rates of our ICI colleges and universities, these students are significantly more likely to realize the dream of completing their degrees in four years.” 

Associate professor of archaeology Jennie Ebeling's co-edited book The Old Testament in Archaeology and History has just been published by Baylor University Press. In this undergraduate textbook, 18 archaeologists and biblical scholars combine the most significant archaeological findings of the last century with those of modern historical and literary analysis of the Bible to recount the history of ancient Israel and its neighboring nations and empires. 

The University of Evansville has received distinctions for being military student friendly by Military Times, MAE&T, Military Friendly Schools, and U.S. News and World Report.

Most recently, UE was recognized in the Military Times Best: Colleges 2018 rankings. Fewer than half of the 600 colleges that applied for this list were accepted. UE ranked at 139 on the list.

The Best College rankings, formerly known as Best for Vets, are based on the Military Times’s annual survey, the most comprehensive school-by-school assessment of veteran and military student services and rates of academic achievement. An editorially independent news project, Best Colleges evaluates factors that help make colleges and universities a good fit for service members, military veterans, and their families.

This survey is the most comprehensive school-by-school assessment of veteran and military student services and rates of academic achievement.

A record number of schools responded to this year’s survey. Sixty-seven percent of the responding schools were public, approximately 23 percent were private, and seven percent were for-profit. Eighty percent of the schools that made the list were public, 17 percent were private, and 3 percent were for-profit.

"Of the hundreds of schools that applied, only the best made the cut," said George Altman, Military Times editor in charge of the rankings. "For the past eight years, we've seen colleges and universities consistently increasing their resources, revising policies and improving academic outcomes for military and veteran students. The Military Times Best: Colleges rankings showcase the very best of these efforts."

Military Times’s annual Best Colleges survey asks universities to meticulously document a tremendous array of services, special rules, accommodations, and financial incentives offered to students with military ties; and to describe many aspects of veteran culture on a campus. Military Times factors in data from the Veterans Affairs and Defense departments and three Education Department sources: the IPEDS Data Center, College Scorecard data and the Cohort Default Rate Database.

In addition to this favorable ranking from Military Times, the University of Evansville was also recently ranked 8th for Best for Veterans Regional Universities Midwest by U.S. News & World Report, a Top School in the 2018 Military Advanced Education & Transition (MAE&T) Guide to College and Universities, and a 2018 Silver Award recipient by Military Friendly Schools.