The University of Evansville starts the 2018-19 academic year with an outstanding freshman class representing a 13 percent increase over last year. New Evansville Aces will join a full-time student body of 2,443.

Members of the freshman class represent 29 states and 26 countries, with an increase in domestic ethnic diversity of 16 percent—an all-time high for the university. Additionally, UE received more applications this year than at any other time in the school’s history with a 24 percent increase in applications over the previous year.

The number of graduate students at UE increased by 15 percent this year. The new, state-of-the-art Stone Family Center for Health Sciences in downtown Evansville is now home to two of UE’s graduate programs—the Doctorate of Physical Therapy and the Physician Assistant program and demonstrates a university commitment to health sciences and our Evansville community.

“The increased interest is a direct reflection of the tremendous academic and experiential opportunities at UE,” said President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. “Students want to be a part of the UE experience, and there is a long list of exciting new developments at UE adding to the momentum.” 

In May, UE was the first university in Indiana and the 47th in the world designated as an Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, which recognizes the school’s role as a leader in social innovation. The changemaker culture at UE empowers students to improve the world around them - starting right on campus. 

“Come see what the excitement is about,” said vice president of enrollment, Shane Davidson. “We tailor campus visits to the individual interest of our prospective students, and we’d love to create a personal visit experience for anyone interested in seeing how UE can transform their life at a cost that is affordable for all students.”

Those interested in scheduling a campus tour can contact the Office of Admission at admission@evansville.edu or online at www.evansville.edu/visit.

The Evansville Police Department will be conducting an unannounced Active Shooter Drill some time during the fall semester. All members of the campus community are expected to participate in the drill.

Note: No simulated gun-fire will be used. The drill will commence via Ace Alert and the Active Threat Siren notification system.

DURING THE DRILL, PLEASE DO NOT MOVE VEHICLES AND DO NOT CALL 911.

How is campus notified of an active shooter?

A special siren will sound if there is an active threat on the campus. Specific information will be relayed via Ace Alerts text messaging, email, and on-campus computer and phone stations.  

RUN, HIDE, FIGHT
Unless there are specific instructions to shelter in place, each individual should determine for themselves if they should Run, Hide, or Fight. This decision should be made after considering the information available at the time.

• RUN – If you believe you can safely run away from the danger, law enforcement believes this is the best option.

• HIDE – If you cannot run away from the danger, law enforcement encourages individuals to hide from the threat.  If a door can be locked, lock the door. If not, consider if there is another way to create a barricade.

• FIGHT – If running away or hiding is not an option and the threat is inevitable - don’t give up. Fight. Look for make-shift weapons. What can be thrown at the threat that can cause them to become disoriented and disarmed? 

View the “Run, Hide, Fight” video here: www.youtube.com/embed/5mzI_5aj4Vs 

The Best Preparation
The best preparation is to always consider what options are available given your current location. Where are the exits? 

Additional information can be obtained from the Safety and Security Website at www.evansville.edu/safety/emergencyProcedures.cfm.

Photography, graphic design, video production, filmmaking, and more! If any of these things interest you, come to the Aces Media Group callout meeting to learn about how you can get involved with multimedia production opportunities on campus!

We'll be meeting today - Wednesday, September 12 - at 5:00 p.m. in Room 273 in the Schroeder School of Business Building. If you cannot attend, but are interested in finding out more, please e-mail es260@evansville.edu, or find Aces Media Group on UEngage.

Submitted by Emily Schuster es260@evansville.edu

Ynys Barnard and Alex Watts are exchange students from the United Kingdom. Back home, Ynys is majoring in classics while Alex is majoring in mechanical engineering. They both love the campus and the international community at UE! They will be sharing more about themselves and their culture at I-House UK tonight - Wednesday, September 12 - at 7:00 p.m. on the second floor of Ridgway University Center. 

Submitted by Hussam Taj ht70@evansville.edu

"The Gospel of the Tenth Rate" continues tonight at 7:00 p.m., downstairs in Neu Chapel, with the classic rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar." Popcorn and candy will be provided and the discussion will be open to all.

Submitted by Jordan McQuiston jm707@evansville.edu 

Join us at the Newman House today - Wednesday, September 12 -  at 5:00 p.m. for Dinner and Discussion! The topic is "Leaning into Fear" and will be led by Fr. John Bamman! All are welcome!

Submitted by Michaela Kunkler mk305@evansville.edu

The first PT Club meeting of semester is today, September 12, at 5:30 p.m. in Graves 100.

Submitted by McKenzie Hayes mh481@evansville.edu

Interested in showcasing your talent? Join SAB today - Friday, September 14 - at 6:00 p.m. in Rademacher's Lounge in Ridgway University Center for Open Mic Night! All talents welcome. Please contact Aniekan Ekanem at ae129@evansville.edu to get signed up.

Submitted by Megan King mk225@evansville.edu

Carolyn Homer, a civil rights attorney with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), will be the guest speaker for this year’s Constitution Day lecture at the University of Evansville. The lecture is planned for tonight - Thursday, September 20 - at 7:00 p.m. in Smythe Lecture Hall (Room 170) in the Schroeder School of Business Building. Admission to the lecture, which is part of UE’s annual observance of Constitution Day, is free and open to the public.

The topic of Homer’s lecture will be “Dissent is Patriotic: How the Constitution Protects Our Civil Rights.” 

Homer’s work focuses on fighting discrimination against American Muslims. She is currently litigating constitutional challenges to the federal terrorist watch list, the presidential travel ban, and state attempts to silence advocacy on behalf of Palestine. CAIR also has a large docket of employment discrimination and prison discrimination cases. 

Prior to joining CAIR, Homer worked for five years at the leading international law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan on constitutional law and technology cases, on behalf of some of the largest Silicon Valley companies.

Homer is a graduate of Indiana University and George Washington University Law School. She is admitted to practice law in California, the District of Columbia, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Venturing Crew 365 has an incredible opportunity lined up for next summer: Philmont Scout Ranch!

This is a 12-day backpacking trip in the New Mexico Rocky Mountains. It lasts from June 13-25 (not counting days on either side for travel).

There are only five spots left, so please don't waste this opportunity.

We will be telling you all a little more about Philmont and what to expect, as well as discussing prices and fundraising opportunities!

If you are interested but cannot attend this meeting, please e-mail ef111@evansville.edu.

Submitted by Elizabeth Ferguson ef111@evansville.edu

Seniors - the first senior event of the year has come. You are invited to Wine Down to the Weekend today - Thursday, September 13 - at the Reitz Home Museum and Carriage House from 5:00-7:00 p.m. This event is for seniors only! You must be 21 and bring a valid ID.

There will be live music, an option of wine or beer, and complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Dress casually (jeans are acceptable) and make lasting memories with your senior class. Be sure to bring cash for any alcoholic beverages.

Click here to register or inquire about further details.

Submitted by Cherice Williams cw288@evansville.edu 

A Venturing Crew callout meeting is planned for 7:00 p.m. in Room 172 in the Schroeder School of Business Building. Come learn about the amazing trips that the group has planned and to pay the $25 membership fee!

Submitted by Elizabeth Ferguson ef111@evansville.edu

The campus community is invited to the Neu Chapel Forum tonight at 7:00 p.m. in the Class of 59 Gallery (Ridgway University Center). We will be discussing the ever-present need for reconciliation, forgiveness, liberation, and identity. This powerful conversation is especially poignant and necessary in a culture wrecked by divisiveness. All are welcome!

Submitted by Keith Turner kt160@evansville.edu

The Office of Religious Life will be hosting another game night in the Class of 59 Gallery in Ridgway University Center this evening at 6:00 p.m. There will be Twister, Giant Jenga, and more! Come prepare for the weekend with some great fun!

Submitted by Keith Turner kt160@evansville.edu 

IM Golf Scramble is planned for this Saturday, September 15, at Wesselman Par 3 Golf Course.

• Register at imleagues.com
• Tee time at 9:00 a.m.
• Cost is $5 and students, staff and faculty welcome!

Submitted by Lori Adams la87@evansville.edu 

Please join us on Friday, September 14 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in academic advising to celebrate the many years of service Frances Enzler has served the UE community and students. Clifford Memorial Library.

Submitted by Stacey Shanks ss581@evansville.edu

You're invited to go to Skyzone and participate in a FREE glow jump with the Newman Club on Friday, September 14 from 7:00-9:00 p.m.! All are welcome - you do not have to be a part of the Newman Club to join in.

Sign-ups are through UEngage and waivers are required. We will meet in front of Ridgway University Center at 6:45 that evening to take buses over!

Submitted by Sam Wallisch sw265@evansville.edu

Calling all pre-health students! Is your goal to go to medical, dental, pharmacy, or veterinary school after your time at UE? Come to a workshop to learn about how to get started on your path to becoming a health professional.

A workshop is planned for today - Thursday, September 13 - at 4:00 p.m. in Room 124, Koch Center for Engineering and Science

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

Submitted by Francie Renschler fr25@evansville.edu 

Kick off the year right with the UE Venturing Crew at its annual canoe trip and cookout at Bluegrass Fishing and Wildlife Area!

The event is FREE and includes food and transportation. All participants need to be a Venturing Crew member. That means you must complete a registration form and pay your annual dues ($25).

If you were unable to sign up for the crew at the open house, please contact the president of Venturing Crew at ef111@evansville.edu.

If you would like to sign up for this event or register for the crew, please visit the group’s table on the first floor of Ridgway University Center. They will be taking sign-ups from September 5-7, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. and 5:00-7:00 p.m.

If you cannot make it to these sign-ups, please contact ef111@evansville.edu.

Submitted by Elizabeth Ferguson ef111@evansville.edu

The Big Ten+ Graduate School Expo at Purdue University is September 30 and October 1.

Free transportation/registration fee and overnight stay. A refundable deposit of $20 is required. Restrictions apply - see CCD website. Over 110 programs attended in 2017, including Harvard, Stanford, University of Chicago, Vanderbilt, and Duke.

For more information about the fair and mandatory registration: www.purdue.edu/gradschool/gradexpo/student/about.html

To sign up for van, hotel and register with CCD: www.evansville.edu/careercenter/students/eventDetails.cfm?eventId=14662.

UE registration deadline is September 21.

Please contact the Center for Career Development with any questions. The office is located in the student life area in Ridgway University Center or you can reach them by calling 812 488 1083 or e-emailing career@evansville.edu.

Submitted by Alison Morris-McDonald am268@evansville.edu

The College of Engineering and Computer Science will host Webelos Engineering Pin Day on Saturday, October 27. Workshops with activity stations will provide some of the experience required for a Webelos Scout to qualify for an engineering pin. Registration is limited to 200 scouts. Registrations will be taken until the event is full or October 18.

Registration details are available at www.evansville.edu/WebelosEngineeringPinDay.

For further information, contact Kimberly Higgins at kh209@evansville.edu, telephone: 812-488-2651.

Submitted by Kimberly Higgins kh209@evansville.edu

There will be a Catholic Mass this Sunday, September 16, at 1:00 pm in Neu Chapel. Father Godfrey Mullen will be the celebrant. All are welcome! 

Submitted by Sam Wallisch sw265@evansville.edu

TONIGHT - Wednesday, September 12 - from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Schroeder School of Business Building, UE’s Center for Innovation & Change is hosting Drew Peyronnin, entrepreneur in residence at the award-winning Purdue Foundry and founder of Tech on Tap.

Drew will be talking about how to deliver a compelling pitch to investors, and sharing his experiences helping entrepreneurs monetize their ideas.

The talk is part of the training for this year’s High School Changemaker Challenge, but all students, staff and faculty are welcome. In addition to his remarks and Q&A, audience members will have time to work on any ideas they have and network with Drew a bit.

Submitted by Erin Lewis EL131@evansville.edu

UE’s Mark Valenzuela broke the world record for creating the tallest stack of tortillas on Friday, September 7 during #UEChangefest2018. He not only broke the record but then set a new record of 75 centimeters before his tower fell. This was his second attempt at the record.

#UEChangeFest 2018 was held to raise awareness for the positive change we're making in the community and the world. 

Come learn more about Harlaxton this Thursday and Friday from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in Ridgway University Center! The Harlaxton office staff will be joined by David Green of the British studies faculty at Harlaxton and some of the Harlaxton Ambassadors at the table. So if you would like to learn more about how to go to Harlaxton or how to stay involved with Harlaxton, or just would like to chat with David Green, visit our table in Ridgway University Center this week!

Submitted by Kaylynn Carver kc205@evansville.edu

This fall, the Harlaxton office has a lot going on! We would like to introduce these new weekly AceNotes updates to keep the UE community informed about what we are up to, where we are traveling to promote Harlaxton, and what is going on with our favorite British manor house, so look out each week to see what the US Harlaxton team is up to!

This week, we are excited to welcome David Green, senior lecturer in British studies at Harlaxton College, to Evansville! Green will be in the US for almost three weeks as part of his sabbatical this semester recruiting for Harlaxton, meeting with various people on campus, and getting to know UE better. There will be a reception for him in the Dunigan Lounge in the Schroeder School of Business Building on September 24 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. for everyone on campus to welcome and chat with him.

Green accompanied Holly Carter, director of Harlaxton College Programs, on a visit to Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond on September 11. EKU is a new Harlaxton partner school, and our first EKU Harlaxton student is at the manor this fall!

The other visit this week will be to Murray State University; Anna Beth Gillon, Harlaxton Programs intern, will be attending the Murray study abroad fair on September 13, along with professors William Stroube and Donald Rodd, to promote the Harlaxton summer session.

On campus, Harlaxton orientation classes started this week, and the whole office is excited to start preparing the Spring 2019 Harlaxton class! The deadline for students to apply for Harlaxton Spring 2019 will be this Friday, September 14. The deadline for returned Harlaxton students to be part of our Harlaxton Ambassador program will also be this Friday. Look out for more information on faculty applications and more partner school visits next week!

Submitted by Kaylynn Carver kc205@evansville.edu

Join Global Friends and Families to meet an international student for friendship, support, and cultural sharing. The program matches Evansville families with international students to help students learn more about typical American life and to give families the chance to learn and grow together.

For more information, attend an information session on Monday, September 17 at 4:30 p.m. in Ridgway University Center 219, Beck Conference Room in the Student Life Center. If you can't make it or have other questions, please contact Megan Sicard at ms331@evansville.edu or ext. 2280.

Submitted by Megan Sicard ms331@evansville.edu

The University of Evansville Leadership Academy (UELA) and Catalysts for Change are accepting applications until September 14! Go to UEngage to submit your application. Be sure to check out our Facebook page for more information.

Submitted by Becca Humphrey rh190@evansville.edu

Are you interested in volunteering for Family Weekend 2018? We would love to have you. Please go to doodle.com/poll/wywxdbaaiwm5ckex and sign up for a date and time(s) to volunteer. If you have any questions, please reach out to JC Campbell in Alumni and Parent Relations at jc603@evansville.edu.

Submitted by JC Campbell jc603@evansville.edu 

Interested in getting involved on campus? As an Admission Ambassador you have the opportunity to assist with Road Trip, Open House, weekly tours, and meeting many perspective students!

If you are interested, applications will be available from September 4-21 at apply2.evansville.edu/register/AAappfa18.

Feel free to e-mail Taylor Williams at tw169@evansville.edu with any question!

Submitted by Taylor Williams tw169@evansville.edu

College Mentors for Kids is a national organization that connects kids to college students through weekly on-campus activities that inspire growth, confidence, and brighter futures. The chapter here at UE brings kids to campus every week from Joshua Academy that range from 1st to 5th grade. Mentors are paired one-on-one with a student and will go through many activities with each other that focus on community, diversity, and higher education. Mentors participate each Wednesday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Classes that last until 3:50 p.m. or start at 5:00 p.m. can be worked around!

If you are interested in applying, then you can do so here: members.collegementors.org/application.

The deadline for applications is September 14 and interviews follow the next week! If you have any questions, then please reach out to Joe Cook (jc491@evansville.edu) or Paige Hignite (ph89@evansville.edu).

Submitted by Joe Cook jc491@evansville.edu

The University of Evansville Cheer Team will be holding its second tryout for the 2018-19 season on September 16 from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. in the small gym in Carson. For more information, contact bc165@evansville.edu.

Submitted by Kelsey Sapp ks477@evansville.edu

Earn HRA credits! Sign-up for your health screening today. Screenings will be held in the Employee Health Center on Sept. 11-14 from 7:00-11:00 am. Please fast for 8-12 hours. Sign-ups are posted on the main page of AceLink. Please do not schedule your screening through the health clinic. Please contact ac375@evansville.edu with questions.

Submitted by Ashley Chipps ac375@evansville.edu

Robert Dion, department chair for Law, Politics, and Society, recently participated in the preparation of a report on the status of voting rights in the state of Indiana. That report will be formally presented on Wednesday, September 12, at a meeting of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights in Washington, D.C. The work is the result of a series of fact-finding hearings held across the state by members of the Indiana State Advisory Committee (SAC) to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Professor Dion, who is the longtime chairperson of the local civil rights agency, the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Human Relations Commission, received a federal appointment to the Indiana State Advisory Committee in 2014. Those interested in reading the report and seeing its recommendations may read it here: www.usccr.gov/pubs/2018/07-25-IN-Voting-Rights.pdf.

Heidi Strobel, professor of art history and curator of the Peters-Margedant House, is guest essayist for the exhibition “Art Into Life: A Centenary Celebration of the Work of Nanene Queen Engle (1918-2007).” Engle received her bachelor’s degree in Art from the University of Evansville (then known as Evansville College) in 1955 and returned to teach art from 1960-61 and 1969-81 at UE. The exhibition is at the Evansville Museum of Art, History, and Science until September 30.

Rachel Tam posted 25 kills while Mildrelis Rodriguez notched 14 and Kerra Cornist finished with 12 to pace the University of Evansville volleyball team in a 3-2 win over Tennessee State on Tuesday evening inside Meeks Family Fieldhouse.

Tam added 12 digs and five blocks to her total.  Rodriguez led everyone with a career-high 24 digs and hit .303. Cornist hit .348 in the impressive effort as her 12 kills marked a career high. Allana McInnis also set her top UE (6-4) mark with 60 assists.

Tennessee State (2-8) was led by Johanna Kruize and Rachel Henderson who had 14 kills apiece.

Mildrelis Rodriguez notched five kills in the opening set to help the Aces take a 25-14 win. The teams battled in the early part of the set with UE holding a 12-10 lead. The course of the frame changed in a 6-1 stretch as Rodriguez posted a pair of kills to put UE up by seven – 18-11. Rachel Tam also added a service ace. With Evansville holding a 20-14 advantage, Elena Redmond did the serving as UE reeled off the final four points, capped off by an ace of her own.

With the second frame knotted up at 2-2, UE scored four in a row with Alondra Vazquez posting the first kill of her UE career. Olivia Goldstein also added an ace as UE took the lead. Tennessee State fought back within a point at 11-10 and remained in the hunt until a 5-0 run by UE would see them extend their lead to 20-15. A Rocio Fortuny ace and a Kerra Cornist kill highlighted the rally. UE would hold on for the 25-17 win.

Evansville made its first run, scoring three in a row with the game tied up at 3-3 as Olivia Goldstein had an ace before Tam registered a kill to give UE a 6-3 advantage. The Tigers marched back as an 8-1 rally gave them an 11-7 lead.  Kylie Hayes served well, posting an ace in their run.

Facing their largest deficit of the match, UE came right back. A double block by Fortuny and Patricia Joseph got the team within one at 14-13 before a Tam kill tied it up on the next point. The Aces went on to grab the lead at 17-16. After TSU grabbed a 20-19 lead, an Allana McInnis ace put the lead back on UE’s side at 21-20. Evansville pushed its lead back up to four at 24-20, but Tennessee State had one more run left. The Tigers reeled off four in a row to tie it up at 24-24. Rachel Tam had her biggest kill of the night to give UE match point, but TSU was able to pull off a 29-27 triumph.

After the Tigers opened game four on a 3-1 stretch, the Aces found their groove as the notched three to take a 4-3 lead. TSU roared back with five in a row to go up 8-4. The early stretch of runs continued with the Aces posting four in a row of their own to tie it right back up at 8-8. Tennessee State retook the lead and pulled away to a 21-15 lead before tying the match with a 25-23 win.

UE scored the first two points of the fifth set with Cornist and Tam recording kills before extending that lead to 8-1. Following a TSU point, Evansville continued to roll, going up 11-2 before taking the 15-4 win to clinch the match.

This weekend, the Aces wrap up their non-conference schedule in Dayton, Ohio where they will take on Ohio State, Tennessee and host Dayton.

Sophomore Allana McInnis earned a spot on the Dunn Hospitality Invitational All-Tournament Team as the University of Evansville volleyball team took on Austin Peay and Northern Kentucky on Saturday inside Meeks Family Fieldhouse.

UE (5-4) fell by a 3-0 final to Austin Peay (7-1) and another 3-0 contest against NKU (5-3). In the other match, the Norse picked up a 3-2 win over the Governors.

The nightcap saw the Aces give it all they had against Northern Kentucky before falling, 3-0. Rachel Tam led everyone with 19 kills while Mildrelis Rodriguez had 11. McInnis paced everyone with 23 assists and Olivia Goldstein had 11 digs.  Haley Libs led NKU with 12 kills.

Six ties led to a 6-6 score in game one before NKU took a 10-7 lead. They led by as many as six at 22-16. Evansville made a late rally as a kill from Elizabeth Giller capped off a 4-0 stretch that cut the deficit to a pair. NKU answered back as they finished with the 25-21 win to take a 1-0 lead.  Tam posted nine kills in the set.

NKU hit .440 in game two on their way to a 25-15 win. They took a 6-2 lead and quickly extended it to 11-3. Their lead reached 10 at 22-12 before they held that advantage for the final of 25-15.

Tam began game three with two early kills as the Aces took a 4-1 lead. The lead remained at three (8-5) when the Norse rallied to tie it up at 8-8.  Tam put the lead back in the hands of the Aces with a kill to give UE a 9-8 edge. The lead would grow to a pair for the Aces at 17-15, but Northern Kentucky rallied back. A pair of UE errors saw them take a 20-18 advantage. From there, they held on for a 25-21 win to clinch the tournament championship.

In the opener for the day, Austin Peay took control in game one, cruising to a 25-9 win. Mildrelis Rodriguez had three kills in the frame. UE quickly regrouped in the second set as a Joselyn Coronel service ace gave the Aces a 5-2 lead. Later, a pair of Governor errors set the Aces lead at 12-8. 

Austin Peay battled back, taking a 16-13 lead before freshman Cecilia Thon got the Aces back on track. Her serving helped UE tied it up at 17-17, but the Governors were too much as they pulled away for the 25-19 win.

Evansville put forth its best effort in game three. A Rodrigez kill tied it up at 4-4 before APSU took a 10-6 lead. That is when Rachel Tam accomplished a rare feat. Three service aces in a row, coupled with a kill, helped Evansville tie the game at 11-11 before Kerra Cornist followed with a point of her own to give the Aces a 13-12 lead.

Neither team relented down the stretch as eight more ties led to a 20-20 score. After the Governors posted two in a row, the Aces responded with three-straight points, capped off by a Thon kill. Austin Peay grabbed the momentum back as a Caroline Waite kill helped them record the final three points to take the set, 25-23, while clinching a 3-0 win in the match.

Tam posted 11 kills, tying for the top total in the match. Thon notched eight digs and 11 assists while Allana McInnis posted a team-best 12 helpers.

The University of Evansville Softball team is looking for part-time field crew members to help maintain our field and get it ready for game day! If you have experience or are interested in learning, we would love to hear from you!

We also are looking for someone to be a team manager that will assist with practice. If you have ever played baseball or softball and would be interested, please contact Coach Tarter.

E-mail Coach Tarter with interest in either position at ht73@evansville.edu.

Submitted by Heather Tarter ht73@evansville.edu

University of Evansville Department of Theatre alumnus Rami Malek ’03 was recently interviewed by the New York Times. The article, titled "Rami Malek, Catching Mercury," appeared in the September 10 issue. You can also read the entire article online.