The University of Evansville’s 2017 graduating class has found success after graduation, with 94 percent currently employed or enrolled in graduate school—up from 93 percent last year. The median salary of those employed full-time is $47,750, also an increase from the previous year’s salary of $47,500.

The survey was a collaborative effort between UE’s Center for Career Development, the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations, the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, and academic departments.

“The active role we take in our students’ success and career development is strongly reflected in this survey,” said Dr. Thomas Kazee, UE president. “We offer a unique career planning process that begins before they even enroll here, and it continues well after they graduate.”

UE’s rate stands in contrast to the National Association of Colleges and Employers Career Services Benchmark Survey, which shows 81 percent placement rate nationally for 2016 graduates.

Employers for the 2017 class include Amazon, Rolls-Royce North America, USAA, Berry Global, Honda Motor Manufacturing, KMPG, and more than 230 other employers across the globe.

Other results reported in the survey included:
• 51 percent of employed graduates were working in Indiana.
• 57 percent of those in graduate school were studying in Indiana.
• 28 percent of those not currently enrolled in further education intend to pursue graduate school within three years.

“It’s important to note that we received a response from 97 percent of the class of 2017, said Gene Wells, senior director for UE’s Center for Career Development. “That participation rate is unheard of at most schools, who are lucky to receive a 65 percent response. This report truly is representative of virtually the entire 2017 graduating class.”

UE’s Center for Career Development provides comprehensive services to students throughout their collegiate journey and even before they enroll. Through the Career Advantage Program, prospective students have the opportunity to evaluate and test career options by taking a career assessment, meeting with a career advising professional, and developing a career action plan. Prospective students can begin this Career Advantage Program during their very first visit to UE—even before committing to attend the University.

Graduating seniors and new alumni can sign up for the UE Connect program, which is designed to assist students and alumni with career-related needs and connect them with engaged alumni who will support and champion their professional goals. All Center for Career Development services, ranging from resume and cover letter assistance, to mock interviews, to UE JobLink database access, are free to students and alumni. 

The University of Evansville will observe its 164th Founders Day on Sunday, February 18. The celebration, which is free and open to the public, includes a worship service and convocation and a Founders Day Luncheon.

Founders Day is observed each year at UE to mark the incorporation of Moores Hill College, the move to Evansville, the charter as Evansville College, and the University’s officially becoming the University of Evansville.

The worship service and convocation is at 11:00 a.m. in Neu Chapel. The service will feature the Edgar M. McKown Lecture. This year's speaker will be Rev. Mitchell Gieselman, UE graduate and superintendent of the southwest district, Indiana conference, United Methodist Church. His topic will be “Still Founding after all These Years.”

Immediately following the worship service and convocation, the celebration will conclude with the Founders Day Luncheon in Eykamp Hall of Ridgway University Center. Alumni Awards will be given to UE alumni who have achieved personal success and contributed exceptional services to their community and the University.

This year’s award recipients are: Jennifer and David Pollock, Distinguished Alumni Award; Angela Stocklin, Young Alumna Award; Sharon and Thomas Kazee, Samuel Orr Honorary Alumni Award; and Richard Werking, Edie Bates Volunteer Service Award.

For more information, contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at 812 488-2586 or alumni@evansville.edu. 

The UE Bookstore is offering 25% OFF all remaining Under Armour items in the store February 12-17. Discount is off the original price of the item. Items include tee shirt, shorts, quarter zips and more. Sale ends February 17.

Submitted by Doug Gustwiller dg57@evansville.edu 

Introducing #HarlaxtonHunt!

Now through February 14, the study abroad office will be hiding Harlaxton envelopes around the UE campus. Each morning we will post a clue on our social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) as to where that day’s envelope is, so make sure you’re keeping up with us! Every envelope has a specialty item inside, and whoever finds it first gets to keep it. And don’t worry - you don’t have to have been to Harlaxton to play along!

If you’re the lucky person who finds the envelope, make sure to post that you found it using the hashtag #HarlaxtonHunt so we know when it has been claimed.

Happy Hunting!

Submitted by Greta Becker gb91@evansville.edu

Join SAB for Monday Trivia Night in Cafe Court this evening at 5:30 p.m. Winning team gets free pizza!

Submitted by Megan King mk225@evansville.edu

Everyone is invited to celebrate Founder's Day and UE's birthday by having purple cake (while it lasts) with Student Alumni Ambassadors and the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations on Friday, February 16. The event will be from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. in the Ridgway University Center lobby, across from Rademacher's Cafe by the information desk.

Don't forget to wear your purple in support of Purple Fridays at UE!

Submitted by Nichole Coffey ns50@evansville.edu

Join us today at 5:00 p.m. for Mass with the bishop followed immediately by a spaghetti dinner downstairs in Grabill Lounge!

Submitted by Gabrielle VanBuskirk gv19@evansville.edu

The campus community is invited to join the Neu Chapel community for a new worship service during the season of Lent. Beginning next Sunday, February 18, University Vespers will be offered every Sunday at 9:00 p.m. while the university is in session. These brief 20-minute candlelight services will be filled with beautiful music, spoken prayers, readings, and time for silent reflection and prayer. What better way to prepare for the upcoming week than by praying together as a community? All are invited and welcome!

Submitted by Keith Turner kt160@evansville.edu

All are welcome to join this week's Fireside Chat as we discuss "God's Presence and the Peaceful Protest." We will revisit two familiar biblical stories, and consider how peaceful protesting and resistance are important components to spiritual formation and putting out faith into practice. Warm beverages and cookies are provided! The Fireside Chat will be held in Grabill Lounge (downstairs in Neu Chapel) on Thursday at 7:00 p.m.

Submitted by Keith Turner kt160@evansville.edu

The Neu Chapel community is continuing its monthly outreach efforts by partnering with Newman Catholic Campus Ministry in collecting plastic grocery/shopping bags so that they can be made into mats to give to persons in the Evansville community without homes.

These mats ensure body temperatures are kept at a safe level in the cold winter months and Neu Chapel is honored to partner with Newman Center in this important mission. If you would like to contribute to this outreach effort, baskets will be placed on the front steps of the Neu Chapel stage. Simply leave your contribution in the baskets.

For questions and more information, please email Keith Turner, John Wesley Minister and assistant chaplain, at kt160@evansville.edu.

Submitted by Keith Turner kt160@evansville.edu

The campus community is invited to Neu Chapel for our annual Ash Wednesday service today - Wednesday, February 14 - at 12:15 p.m.

There will also be "Ashes to Go" available Wednesday afternoon in Ridgway University Center and Carson Center for those unable to attend the service.

Submitted by Keith Turner kt160@evansville.edu 

Are you interested in support for developing an international project or class to help make an impact in the world? Come to an information session today - Wednesday, February 14 - from 12:00-1:00 p.m. in Room 203 in the Bower-Suhrheinrich Library to learn how the Global Scholars program, ChangeLab (formerly GAP), and other resources might help. We can also assist you in identifying other faculty/staff collaborators.  Brown bags are welcome

Submitted by Cindy Kelley ck116@evansville.edu

Please join us today - Valentine's Day - for a joint event with I-House and Ballroom Dance Club. The event will be in Eykamp Hall, Ridgway University Center, and will begin at 7:00 p.m. We will learn to dance the Tango and there will be snacks provided. We hope you can join us for a night of fun and international dancing!

Submitted by Alexis Whitacre aw339@evansville.edu 

The following student recitals are planned for Sunday, February 18, in Wheeler Concert Hall:

1:00 p.m. – Carina Wahlstrom (violin) and Griffin Honeycutt (saxophone)
2:30 p.m. – Elizabeth Lung (flute)
4:00 p.m. - Zach Reiff (bassoon)

Submitted by James Sullivan js820@evansville.edu 

Join UE Connect's Lunch and Learn with JoDee Curtis '85, SHRM-SCP, CPA, presenting: JoyPowered; Intentionally creating YOUR JoyPowered. The event is set for Thursday, February 15 from 12:15-1:15 p.m. in Eykamp Hall, Room 254, Ridgway University Center. Free boxed lunch for all students!

To register for the event, go to the UE Connect Lunch and Learn page. The registration deadline is February 13.

JoDee is the founder of Purple Ink and author of JoyPowered: Intentionally Creating an Inspired Workspace. JoyPowered helps organizations and individuals understand how to structure their relationships and environments to focus on their strengths, bringing out the best in others and themselves. Most people settle for a tolerable workplace, but JoDee challenges you to help make yourself and your workspace JoyPowered! It starts with you, and with understanding your strengths!

Prior to founding Purple Ink in 2010, JoDee spent 21 years in public accounting as a practicing CPA and as a director of HR. She also has experience as a CFO and controller thereby bringing a unique financial and overall business approach.

Submitted by Nichole Coffey ns50@evansville.edu

The University of Evansville will present a keynote conversation between former Indiana Senator Richard Lugar and UE President Thomas A. Kazee for the Spring 2018 Patricia H. Snyder Concert and Lecture Series on March 20 at 7:00 p.m.

The conversation, titled “State of our Union: Making Sense of Current Affairs,” will be held in Eykamp Hall within Ridgway University Center on the UE campus and doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public and guests will be seated on a first-come first-served basis. Reserve your seat online here. 

This event is presented in partnership with the University of Evansville Department of Law, Politics, and Society as part of an all-day series of current events and political science events and discussions, in honor of the retirement of Dr. Thomas Kazee and his academic career as a political scientist.

The Patricia H. Snyder Concert and Lecture Series was made possible in 1997 through an endowment from the late Patricia H. Snyder, trustee and longtime friend of University, to bring speakers or performers of renown to Evansville at no cost to the public.

Find this event on Facebook for updates and reminders. 

For event questions, please contact snyder@evansville.edu.

The Newman Club will be offering a 20-minute rosary prayer every Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in the Center for Academic Advising in the Clifford Memorial Library. Students and faculty are welcome. For more information, contact Olivia at ov4@evansville.edu.

Submitted by Carly Walker cw289@evansville.edu

Please join us to wish Emily Fiedler best wishes as she leaves UE for her new adventure. The Center for Career Development invites the UE community to stop by the Student Life lobby in Ridgway University Center (second floor), between 2:00-3:30 p.m. today - Thursday, February 15. Refreshments will be served.

Submitted by Donna Schmitt ds120@evansville.edu 

Join the PA Club for a panel of graduate students discussing their journey to the PA profession and how to navigate preparing for grad school. Bring your questions! Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in Graves 100 tonight.

Submitted by Haley Vos hv25@evansville.edu

Planning to apply to medical school this summer? Come to the health advising workshop, "Tips for Writing a Strong Personal Essay for Medical School," today - Wednesday, February 14. The workshop will begin at 2:30 p.m., in Room 203 (J. Henry Schroeder Boardroom) in the library. We will discuss how to get started, where to find accurate resources for assistance, and the best ways to use UE services to streamline this process.

Please contact the pre-professional health advisor Francie Renschler with any questions.

Submitted by Francie Renschler fr25@evansville.edu 

Spanish students of all levels are welcome to practice with Fulbright Spanish TA Ignacio Benítez. The next session will be this afternoon - February 13 - at 3:00 p.m., at Starbucks in Ridgway University Center. It’s a wonderful opportunity to interact informally in Spanish with a native speaker and to meet other students of Spanish. Please contact Ignacio at cl192@evansville.edu if you have any questions. ¡Nos vemos!

Submitted by Ignacio Benitez cl192@evansville.edu

Do you need help filing the FAFSA? If so, attend College Goal Sunday on February 25 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. The event will be at Ivy Tech Community College, located at 3501 N. First Avenue in Evansville. Bring your 2016 taxes and W-2’s for parent and student!

Submitted by Trisha Hawkes th187@evansville.edu

The 2018 Health and Fitness Fair will be held in the Fitness Center gym on Thursday, February 15, from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Win prizes, free giveaways and visit local businesses (Body Works Massage, Core Chiropractic, Ultimate Fit, etc.).

Submitted by Lori Adams la87@evansville.edu 

Enjoy FREE Papa John's pizza, popcorn, and drinks at Nerd Wars set for Tuesday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m.! Come and watch faculty, administrators, and students duke it out in a trivia-style competition.

Bring your cash! Spectators may also win prizes by entering in the ELFFAR game (this is NOT a raffle, it’s a game) for the chance to win gift cards to area restaurants, Bluetooth speakers, Bluetooth headsets, a Fitbit-flex 2, a streaming video DRONE, and more! ELFFAR tickets are 50 cents or three for $1.

Proceeds go to the Honors Program community service initiatives.

Questions can be e-mailed to Aditi at as783@evansville.edu.

Submitted by Cherie Leonhardt CL29@evansville.edu

The University of Evansville Department of Theatre presents its third production of the season, Kate Hamill’s Sense and Sensibility, based on the novel by Jane Austen. This production opened February 16, in Shanklin Theatre. Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m. tonight - February 23 - and February 24, and at 2:00 p.m. on February 25.

Reputation, redemption, and romance - this feisty new play is a fresh and witty take on the Jane Austen story audiences know and love. When the Dashwood sisters suddenly find themselves at the bottom of the social food chain, the quest to claw their way back to the top consumes them. High society and wicked gossip collide in a whirlwind of scandal and passion and betrayal. Oh, my!

Professor of theatre Diane Brewer directs Sense and Sensibility. Elizabeth Tredinnick, a senior from Madison, Wisconsin, serves as scenic designer; assistant professor of theatre Sarah J. Smith is the costume designer; Baxter Pitt, a senior from Dallas, Texas, is the lighting designer; Austin Kuhn, a sophomore from Evansville, serves as sound designer; Jesse Robkin, a senior from Duvall, Washington, is the dramaturg; Jalyn Kowalski, a junior from Lanesville, Indiana, is the stage manager; and assistant technical director Adam Rager serves as technical director.

The cast features junior Alexi Lewis, from Seattle, Washington, as Elinor Dashwood; junior Alexandra Curren, from McKinney, Texas, as Marianne Dashwood; freshman Emma Tolleson, from Temple, Texas, as Margaret Dashwood; freshman Jordan Williams, from Edmonds, Washington, as Mrs. Dashwood; freshman Luke Moran, from Mount Vernon, Iowa, as John Dashwood; junior Matthew McDonald, from Carmel, Indiana, as Edward Ferrars; junior Kathleen Finch, from College Station, Texas, as Fanny Dashwood; junior Marshall Hopkins, from Baldwin City, Kansas, as Colonel Brandon; freshman Jackson Burnham, from Houston, Texas, as John Willoughby; sophomore Luke Lowrance, from Arlington, Texas, as Sir John Middleton; junior Meredith Ham, from Castle Rock, Colorado, as Mrs. Jennings; sophomore Alexis Seay, from Louisville, Kentucky, as Lady Middleton; senior Paige Ward, from Round Rock, Texas, as Lucy Steele; freshman Grace Maddux, from Dubuque, Iowa, as Anne Steele; freshman Evan Lawson, from Arvada, Colorado, as Robert Ferrars; and junior Amanda Suggs, from Cedar Park, Texas, as Lead Gossip/Mrs. Ferrars.

Ticket prices are $18 for adults and $16 for senior adults, students, and UE faculty and staff.

UE students may obtain one free student rush ticket beginning at noon on the day of the performance they wish to attend.

Following Sense and Sensibility, the 2017-18 Shanklin Theatre Season closes with Frank Galati’s Grapes of Wrath, based on the novel by John Steinbeck, April 13-22, which concludes the 50th anniversary of Shanklin Theatre.

Tickets may be purchased by calling 812-488–2031, Monday through Friday, noon to 5:00 p.m.

If you are interested in giving back to communities affected by the natural disasters of 2017 and need an excuse to treat yourself, stop by Honeymoon Coffee today - February 13. Ten percent of the cost of your purchase will go to UMCOR’s disaster relief program. This give-back is sponsored by UE Disaster Relief, a student-led group dedicated to raising money for disaster relief around the world. Honeymoon carries coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and various sweet treats.

Submitted by Katie Brown kb362@evansville.edu

In celebration of Black History Month, the Black Student Union is hosting a trip to Cincinnati, Ohio, on Saturday, February 24 to visit the Underground Railroad Freedom Center and see the Black Panther movie which premieres February 16.

The trip is free for all UE students except for meals and keepsakes, with a $20 deposit returned the day of the trip. Campus members are invited to participate as well but only transportation is provided.

Seating is limited, so there is a deadline of February 16 to register for the event. Registration forms can be picked up at the Office of Diversity Initiatives in Olmsted room 234 or from any BSU executive member.

All interested students/campus members should stop by the Office of Diversity Initiatives in Room 234 in Olmsted Administration Hall, to register and pay the deposit.

Submitted by LaNeeca Williams lw161@evansville.edu 

Students who have used federal direct (sub/unsub) loans and plan to graduate in the spring or summer (or transfer after the spring semester) are required to attend a Loan Repayment Counseling Session.

The Office of Financial Aid will hold the first session of the semester on Wednesday, February 28 at 6:00 p.m. in Eykamp Hall, Room 252, Ridgway University Center.

Additional sessions will be held on April 26 at 2:00 p.m. and on May 4 at 11:30 a.m.

Submitted by Amy Sowders as560@evansville.edu 

Friday is the deadline to register for Collegiate Career Expo. A total of 130 employers are expected at this free career fair. The event is planned for Thursday, February 22 from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) at the Indianapolis Westin.
The University of Evansville will provide bus transportation. There is a $10 deposit required that will be refundable upon attendance. Reserve your seat now. 

Register for this event by Friday, February 16. Fair registration is through UE JobLink (evansville-csm.symplicity.com/). Click the Jobs Tab -> CSM Jobs -> Posting #722253.

Find a list of registered employers here: app.careerfairplus.com/cccc_in/fair/1377

Event sponsored by:

• Celadon
• FitzMark, Inc.
• Freedom Mortgage
• GEICO Insurance Company
• University of Southern Indiana - Graduate Studies

Submitted by Alison Morris-McDonald am268@evansville.edu

Give yourself a pre-Valentine's Day gift and attend Career Day tomorrow for access to over 100 employers. The event is set for tomorrow, February 13, from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. in Carson Center, Meeks Family Court. See registered employers in JobLink (evansville-csm.symplicity.com/).

Don't forget to download our new Career Fair Plus app to see the event layout and other helpful information - Search for Career Fair Plus on the App Store and Google Play Store.

Event sponsored by:

• Ciholas
• Embry Automation & Controls
• GE Appliances, A Haier Company
• Gibbs Die Casting
• Hoosier Wheel
• Red Spot

Submitted by Alison Morris-McDonald am268@evansville.edu

Chair of the nursing department and associate professor of nursing Jerrilee LaMar and junior nursing students Traci Burch, Bailey Rankin and Ally Reagan recently traveled to Jamaica on a one-week medical mission trip with an interprofessional team of health care providers. While there they provided medical care to people in four remote clinics. They helped meet the medical needs of over 250 patients who would have otherwise been untreated.

The nursing program partnered with Deaconess Health System to make this opportunity available.

Submitted by Theresa Price tp86@evansville.edu

Kallipolis is a conceptual model of a city/state in Plato's Republic that tests intuitions on the relationship between the individual and the state and develops strategies for transforming a social order from systemic injustice to one that promotes justice for all.

The Remodeling Kallipolis Project seeks to re-model portions of Plato's conceptual model in an agent-based computer system in order to explore the consistency and viability of Plato's ideas. While there are good reasons to think that Plato's idealized city cannot be modeled perfectly in a computer simulation, there is little doubt that the attempt to do so will help students 1) gain a better understanding of Plato's Republic, 2) appreciate the complexity of interacting social forces insofar as they affect both individual and collective life, and 3) become sensitive to some of the regulatory factors that govern social change.

The Cognitive Science Modeling Lab (CSML) at the University of Evansville is currently seeking six students to work as a team on the first phases of this project during this coming Fall (2018). While any UE student is eligible to apply, students in the following areas are particularly suited to work on this project: cognitive science, computer science, computer engineering, criminal justice, economics, education, ethics and social change, international studies, mathematics, neuroscience, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, and statistics and data science.

Work on this project will carry three hours of COGS 492 internship credit. While a computer programming background is not required, it is essential that at least three of the team members have some programming experience, preferably with NetLogo or another agent-based programming language. Familiarity with Plato's Republic is a plus.

Selection of team members will be made by way of an application process. If you are interested in working on this project, please send a cover letter outlining any particular qualifications and motivations you have, a resume or CV, and the name of two UE professors who can comment on the quality of your work to professor of philosophy Anthony Beavers at tb2@evansville.edu. The deadline for applications is March 16.

Submitted by Anthony Beavers tb2@evansville.edu

University of Evansville men's soccer's top goal scorer the past two seasons, Ian McGrath, signed with Nashville SC of the United Soccer League, it was announced Friday in a release by the club.

McGrath along with two others were added to Nashville, SC's roster ahead of the team's Saturday exhibition against MLS side Atlanta United of Major League Soccer.

"Signing my first pro contract with a great club like Nashville SC means a great deal to me," said McGrath. "It is something that I have dreamed of ever since I started playing soccer as a little kid."

In his senior year, McGrath tallied six goals and 30 points for the Purple Aces, both team highs. Three times McGrath racked up four point nights, against Anderson, Milwaukee and Bradley. However, his most impressive statistic was game-winning goals, of which he tallied six, earning him the nickname "McClutch". In all, the New Lenox, Ill. native scored 26 goals, the ninth-most in program history, assisting on 11 more goals, and recording 11 game-winning goals in 71 appearances for the Purple Aces.

"Having played at UE for such a historic program has prepared me tremendously for this opportunity," said McGrath. "I learned a lot about hard work and dedication while playing for UE. The University, coaching staff, and my teammates have all helped me to become a better player and person."

Over the final two years of his collegiate career, McGrath helped lead the Aces to back-to-back MVC Tournament semifinals appearances and back-to-back double-digit win seasons, the first time either feat had been accomplished since the 1995 and 1996 seasons. In 2017, McGrath was named first-team all-MVC and United Soccer Coaches all-West region for his efforts, his fourth all-MVC honor and second all-region recognition. McGrath also shined in the classroom where the midfielder was named twice to the MVC scholar-athlete team and earned NSCAA Scholar All-American honors in 2016.

In late December, Nashville was awarded an MLS franchise, speculated to begin for the 2020 season. The announcement came as part of a planned three-team expansion for the league.

Abigail Werling, vice president of development and alumni relations, announces the following personnel changes and congratulates Liz Riffert and Sylvia DeVault. Effective February 19, Sylvia DeVault ‘85, current direct of alumni and parent relations, will begin transitioning to the corporate and foundation relations officer position, formerly held by Jamie Purcell. Liz Riffert ’07, current assistant director of alumni and parent relations, is being promoted to director of alumni and parent relations.

Want to make an impact on environmental sustainability, but need funds to get your ideas off the ground? Submit a proposal for UE’s Environmental Sustainability Challenge to have your projects considered for funding from the Green Fund.

Submission Deadline: February 20, 2018

The Green Fund began with a $25,000 environmental sustainability grant from Siemens, and additional funds may be generated through fundraising or savings gained through successful Environmental Sustainability Challenge projects.

Learn more about the challenge and submit a proposal online here.

Submitted by: UE's Environmental Sustainability Committee

The last day to charge textbooks to your student account in the UE Bookstore is Tuesday, February 13. If you need something, please keep this date in mind. If you have questions, please contact the UE Bookstore.

Submitted by Doug Gustwiller dg57@evansville.edu 

UE faculty/staff/administration may now begin requesting their two complimentary tickets for the next men's basketball against Loyola. This game will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 18, at the Ford Center. Please bring your valid UE ID in order to claim your tickets.

Submitted by Scott Peace sp166@evansville.edu

Walayet Khan, professor of finance, was recently interviewed by Channel 14 about the recent volatility in the stock market. Khan told Channel 14 that good corporate earnings and global growth give the market a strong foundation. He is optimistic the market will rise again and that 2018 will be a good year. The entire interview can be seen on Channel 14’s website.

Applications for the H Kent Weldon Scholarship, awarded by the Independent Colleges of Indiana, are now available. The H. Kent Weldon Scholarship Program was created in memory of the late Kent Weldon by his family and with the support of his higher education colleagues at the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and ICI. To apply, students must be Indiana residents, have financial need, be in good academic standing, and either be a junior or senior during the 2018-19 academic year. The application can be found here.

Submitted by Cathleen Wright cw259@evansville.edu 

UE faculty and administrators as well as members of the Evansville community are invited to submit an abstract for papers on any aspect of their research or expertise for the 2018-19 Andiron Lectures in the Liberal Arts and Sciences. All disciplines and fields of study are welcome to submit proposals.

Please send the following by e-mail:

A 50-word abstract with name, academic affiliation/ occupation, paper title, and contact information to Annette Parks at ap3@evansville.edu (with a Cc to Cheryl Emmons at ce36@evansville.edu). Emmons will forward these to the Andiron Lecture Committee for consideration.

Nominations for off-campus speakers can be sent by e-mail to Parks at ap3@evansville.edu with a Cc to Emmons at ce36@evansville.edu; Emmons will forward them to the Andiron Lecture committee for consideration.

The University of Evansville men's and women's cross country teams were named all-academic teams by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

The award is given to teams who finish with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and both Purple Aces squads finished above that, led by the women, who compiled a 3.71 GPA, while the Aces' men recorded a 3.32 GPA.  Evansville is no stranger to academic success as the Aces have found themselves on this list on many previous occasions.

The honor marks the 16th-time the Aces' women have received the accolade and the 10th-time Evansville's men have earned the honor. UE's men were one of eight Missouri Valley Conference teams to be named to the list, while the Aces' women joined all nine other MVC teams on the list. The 3.71 GPA by Evansville's women was second among MVC squads.

Walayet A. Khan, professor of finance, has published three co-authored research papers all related to the emerging markets:

• “The Effect of US Stock Market Uncertainty on Emerging Market Returns.” Emerging Markets Finance and Trade.
• “Do Islamic Banks Optimally Balance the Trade-Off in Capital Structure Mix? A Comparison Approach.” Quarterly Journal of Finance and Accounting,
• “Dynamic Co-integration and Portfolio Diversification of Islamic and Conventional Indices: Global Evidence, Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance.

Freshman Lindsay Renneisen hit a grand slam to spark an 11-0 win for the University of Evansville softball team over Eastern Illinois on Sunday in the final game of the Mardi Gras Classic.

Renneisen’s slam came in a 10-run third inning that saw UE (2-1) take down the Panthers in five innings.

“I really like the way we started the season,” Purple Aces head coach Mat Mundell said. “Our offense showed the ability to score some runs, which was an area of focus. Our pitchers did a great job. If we continue to improve in the circle should be a fun year.”

Mackenzie Johnson got the Aces on the board in the bottom half of the second inning. With two outs, Johnson launched a home run to right-center to give Evansville a 1-0 lead.

The big inning for UE came in the bottom of the third as ten runs crossed the plate. Morgan Florey sent the first run of the frame home with a single to left. In the next at-bat, the Aces pulled off a double steal with Olivia Cheatham taking second while Eryn Gould swiped home to make it a 3-0 game.

Later, Bailee Bostic drew a bases loaded walk before Johnson notched an RBI knock to center for the next two runs. Jaime Nurrenbern brought two runs home with a single to left before Lindsay Renneisen hit a grand slam to plate Allison Daggett, Nurrenbern, and Johnson as the lead exploded to 11-0.

In the circle, Morgan Florey held her own, throwing all five innings while giving up just two Panther hits.

With the opening weekend of play in the books, the Aces set their sights on the Red & Black Showcase, which is being hosted by the University of Georgia next weekend. It will feature the Bulldogs, Winthrop, and Samford.

Despite hanging with the Panthers for most of the opening half, the University of Evansville women's basketball team saw UNI go on an 18-0 second-quarter run that gave the Panthers a double-digit lead for good in an 85-60 loss to UNI on Sunday afternoon inside Meeks Family Fieldhouse.

"We had a different gameplan coming in for their defense and I thought it worked really well and spread them out. At the beginning, we couldn't make the pass that we needed to make or the decision that we needed to make, but it was there," said Aces head coach Matt Ruffing. "I thought we did a good job of attacking and then we just weren't making that pass. I thought from a coaching standpoint and from a player standpoint, our kids did a good job of balancing out between their two defenses. Unfortunately, 23 of their 50 first-half points came off of turnovers and second-chance points. (Turnovers) are something as a coaching staff that we are going to have to address and whether its film or breakdowns in practice, that's something that we are going to have to get better at."

Junior guard Kerri Gasper continued her strong last few weeks of play with a team-high 16 points, chipping in five rebounds and three assists. Also finishing in double-figures for the Aces was redshirt sophomore guard Marley Miller who added 10 points, four rebounds, a pair of assists, and a steal. UNI was led by Nicole Kroeger's game-high 19 points, while Ellie Howell added 17 points and Megan Maahs and Rose Simon-Ressler each added 10 points.

In the early going, Evansville kept pace with the Panthers matching UNI nearly bucket-for-bucket. The opening period featured five ties, including an 18-18 tie on a layup by freshman guard Kayla Casteel with 53 seconds left in the quarter. In the closing seconds of the first frame, Kroeger hit a three-pointer to provide the Panthers with a 21-18 advantage at the end of the opening 10 minutes.

The second quarter began much like the first quarter as Casteel hit drained a three-pointer to once again knot the contest at 21 less than a minute into the period. Over the next five minutes, the game was tied twice and the lead switched hands once. UNI increased its lead to four with 6:06 left in the frame before junior Kelsi Scott hit a pair of free throws to bring the Aces back within two at 32-30 with 4:13 remaining on the clock. Following Scott's free throws, UNI rattled off an 18-0 run over the final 3:45 to take a 50-30 to the half.

Evansville looked to chip away at its deficit in the third quarter, but each time the Aces made up ground the Panthers seemed to have an answer. In the quarter, the Aces cut UNI's lead as low as 18 twice, but each time the Panthers responded with a basket to push their lead back to 20. With just 26 seconds left in the third frame, Scott scored in the paint to trim UNI's advantage back to 20 at 67-47 heading into the fourth quarter.

With 10 minutes left in regulation, the Aces mustered one final run at the Panthers. Trailing 69-52, Miller stepped to the charity stripe and split a pair for Evansville to push UE within 16 at 69-53 with 6:41. After the free throw, UNI increased its lead back to 23 just over two minutes later as the Panthers earned the 85-60 victory.

In the game, Evansville out-shot UNI, 44.7% (21-47) to 43.1% (31-72), but the Panthers capitalized on a 17-3 advantage on turnovers and scored 25 points on the Aces' giveaways.

The Aces take to the road for a two-game road swing when Evansville travels to face Bradley on Friday at 7:00 p.m. in Peoria, Illinois, before completing the Illinois road trip with a 1:00 p.m. contest on Sunday in Normal, Ill. against Illinois State.

Ryan Taylor continued his streak of reaching double figures in each game this season, posting 13, but four Missouri State players did the same as the Bears took a 72-55 win over the University of Evansville men’s basketball team on Saturday at JQH Arena.

Taylor hit 5 of his 10 shots, but was limited to just 18 minutes for UE (16-11, 6-8 MVC) after fouling out in the second half. Dru Smith returned to the lineup after missing three games and scored 12 points. He hit 5 of his 7 shot attempts. Blake Simmons paced the squad with seven rebounds.

“This has been a great group of guys but today, we were not ready to go,” UE head coach Marty Simmons said.  “We were not really disciplined on either side of the ball today. There really are not any excuses. We have to play harder and pay more attention to detail.”

J.T. Miller was the leading scorer in the game, registering 16 for the Bears (17-10, 7-7 MVC). Mustafa Lawrence had 12 while Alize Johnson and Jarrid Rhodes notched 11 apiece.  Johnson and Obediah Church hauled in 13 boards apiece as MSU finished with a 45-22 rebounding advantage.

Mustafa Lawrence helped Missouri State take the early 12-4 lead as he knocked down a pair of early triples. The Bears scored the opening five points of the day before Ryan Taylor got UE on the board two minutes in. MSU continued to shoot well, hitting four of its first six shots while also posting the first eight rebounds of the game.

After taking a 14-6 lead, the Bears got called for a technical foul and Taylor made them pay. He drained both free throws before Riley hit one on the ensuing possession to cut the gap to five. Making his return after missing the last three games, Dru Smith connected on a 3-pointer to get the Aces within a pair – 14-12 – with 11 minutes remaining in the half.

MSU utilized a 7-0 run to push its advantage to 21-12 as Lawrence drained his third long ball of the half. The tenacious Aces squad rallied to cut the gap to two once again. Freshmen Evan Kuhlman and Noah Frederking each recorded buckets to get UE back within a 26-24 score with four minutes left.

Over the final minutes of the period, the Bears took control as they reeled off the final 11 tallies on their way to a 37-24 halftime lead. Seven of those points came from Alize Johnson, who went a perfect 7-for-7 from the line in the final minutes.

The first basket of the second half belonged to the Bears on a J.T. Miller dunk, but on the next UE trip down the floor, Smith got the Aces on the board with his second trey of the game. MSU’s lead reached 16 points at 47-31 before the Aces scored four in a row, including a pair of Dainius Chatkevicius free throws.

Evansville continued to hang tough, but midway through the half, Taylor fouled out and Missouri State took advantage, adding to its lead. That lead reached as many as 23 points (72-49) in the final minutes before UE cut it to the final of 17 points – 72-55.

UE shot 37.3% for the game while MSU’s offense hit 45.8% of its attempts. The Aces did a nice job taking care of the ball, turning the ball over just nine times while forcing 13 on the Bears.

Road play continues for the Aces as they travel to Cedar Falls, Iowa, to play at UNI on Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m.