Join us for University Worship this Sunday at 10:30AM. The morning will include student led music, donuts and coffee, and as always, thoughtful conversation and fellowship. University Chaplain, Tamara Gieselman preaching, John 1: 43-51, “Called by Surprise.” Everyone is invited!

Mass will be held in Neu Chapel this Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Father Zach Etienne, pastor of Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Evansville, will be presiding. Anyone who would like to join the Newman Choir in leading the music for Mass is invited to rehearsal beforehand at 12:00 in the chapel. For more information, contact choir directors Melanie Bacaling (mb298) and Fatima Chan (tc116), or Newman Center director Mike Roesch (mr201).

Do you enjoy planning events? Do you like developing friendships with diverse groups of people? Are you looking for a leadership position that will help you grow and mature in ways that no other leadership role can? Consider applying to be an RA! Information sessions are Tuesday, January 17th and Wednesday, January 18th, both at 9pm in Eykamp 252. Stop by, learn the basics of the position, and pick up an application. And if you can’t come by but are still interested, pick up an application in the RA office during office hours, or in Residence Life 8am-5pm from Jan 19th-25th. If you have questions, please contact Mika Eubank at me63@evansville.edu.

The first Student Congress meeting of this semester will be held next Thursday, January 19, in Room 170 (Smythe Lecture Hall), Schroeder Family School of Business Administration Building. A reminder - each organization will need a representative, also note that we will be holding elections for secretary at this time.

On Wednesday, Jan. 25, the Society for Women Engineers (SWE), the College of Engineering and Computer Science, Office of Alumni and Parent Relations, and the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education are sponsoring the annual Engineering Career Forum. Representatives from several organizations, including Alcoa, Vectren, Sabic, Duke, Flanders Electric, and R.W. Armstrong & Associates will be in attendance to provide professional advice and to network with students. Engineering and Computer Science students should sign up in Tina Newman’s office by Friday, Jan. 20 at noon.
 

Everyone is invited to participate in the University of Evansville's day-long celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 16.

Martin Luther King's historic speeches will air throughout the day on the University of Evansville's radio station, WUEV 91.5 FM.

Schedule of events:

Living the Dream
11:30 a.m., Shanklin Theatre
Making history through music, art, and dance, this production celebrates the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Presented by the University of Evansville Black Student Union. Hot chocolate will be served.

Walk for Justice
1:00 p.m., Carson Center
Join us for the 24th annual re-enactment of the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington at the University of Evansville. We will begin in front of UE’s Carson Center on Walnut Avenue and conclude at Eykamp Hall, Ridgway University Center. This event is part of Evansville’s 200-day bicentennial celebration. Hot chocolate will
be served.

Talk for Peace
1:30 p.m., Eykamp Hall (Room 251), Ridgway University Center
This annual community program beginning immediately after the march. The third annual UE Martin Luther King Jr. Day Speech Contest finalists and community guests share in the celebration.

Social Responsibility in Action
6:30 p.m., Eykamp Hall (Room 251), Ridgway University Center
All are welcome to view UE students’ community service projects on display.

William G. and Rose M. Mays Martin Luther King Jr. Lectureship: Robiaun Charles
7:00 p.m., Eykamp Hall (Room 251), Ridgway University Center
Through the generosity of William G. and Rose M. Mays, this lectureship funds the annual keynote speaker during the University of Evansville’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. Robiaun Charles is the assistant vice president for development and external relations for the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement (DDCE) at the University of Texas at Austin. In this role, she provides strategic direction and leadership for the development, communications, special events, and community relations operations of the division.

Before joining UT Austin, Charles served as the special assistant to the president and director of diversity initiatives at the University of Evansville where she advised the president and senior administration on a range of diversity issues. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Charles is currently working on her doctorate in higher education leadership and policy at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.

A reception in the Class of 1959 Gallery and Lounge will immediately follow the lecture.

If you have questions about any of these events, please contact La Toya Smith at x2413 or ls103@evansville.edu. 

UE Women's Awareness is proud to announce the upcoming annual performance of the Vagina Monologues set for Saturday, February 11 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, February 12 at 2 p.m. in Eykamp Hall! Every year, this moving piece is performed as part of V-Day, a global campaign created by Eve Ensler to stop violence against women. Come be a part of the philanthropy and fun!  The call out meeting is this Saturday, January 14 from 10 a.m.-noon in Room 120, Hyde Hall. Come on out if you want to be involved in any way, be it as a performer, organizer, or supporter. Contact Anne Joy (aj95@evansville.edu), Kayla Listenberger (kl131@evansville.edu), or Laura Epperson (le39@evansville.edu) with questions.

The University of Evansville will present "Social Justice in 2012" on  Monday, January 16. All events are free and open to the general public. The University of Evansville Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee is inviting the entire campus community to participate in this day-long celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Hear Martin Luther King’s historic speeches throughout the day on the University of Evansville’s radio station, WUEV 91.5 FM.

Activities of the day include:

• 11:30 a.m. - Living the Dream

Making history through music, art, and dance, this production celebrates the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Presented by the University of Evansville Black Student Union.  Hot chocolate will be served.

Shanklin Theatre

• 1:00 p.m. - Walk for Justice 

Join us for the 24th annual re-enactment of the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington at the University of Evansville.  We will begin in front of UE’s Carson Center on Walnut Avenue and conclude at Eykamp Hall, Ridgway University Center. This event is part of Evansville’s 200-day bicentennial celebration. Hot chocolate will be served.

• 1:30 p.m. - Talk for Peace

You are invited to our annual community program beginning immediately after the march. We will have the third annual UE Martin Luther King Jr. Day Speech Contest Finals and community guests share in the celebration.

Eykamp 251, Ridgway University Center

• 6:30 p.m. - Social Responsibility in Action

We welcome you to view our UE students’ community service projects on display.  There will also be a collection of donations to support the Lucas Place II, which provides transitional housing for veterans with disabilities.

Eykamp 251, Ridgway University Center

• 7:00 p.m. - William G. and Rose M. Mays Martin Luther King Jr. Lectureship

Through the generosity of William G. and Rose M. Mays, this lectureship funds the annual keynote speaker during the University of Evansville’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration.

Eykamp 251, Ridgway University Center

Robiaun Charles
Robiaun Charles is the assistant vice president for development and external relations for the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement (DDCE) at the University of Texas at Austin.  In this role, she provides strategic direction and leadership for the development, communications, special events, and community relations operations of the division.  Before joining UT Austin, Charles served as the special assistant to the president and director of diversity initiatives at the University of Evansville where she advised the president and senior administration on a range of diversity issues.  A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Charles is currently working on her doctorate in higher education leadership and policy at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. She and her husband (Preston) have one daughter (Camille).

Reception in the Class of 1959 Gallery and Lounge immediately following the lecture.

All of the events are free of charge and open to the public.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact La Toya Smith at (812) 488-2413 or ls103@evansville.edu .
 

The Office of Annual Giving is looking to hire several highly motivated and enthusiastic students to be student callers for the 2012 Spring Phonathon. Student callers contact UE alumni and friends to raise money for student scholarships.  This is great experience and perfect for building a resume!

Spring Phonathon will be held Monday February 6th through Thursday March 1st in Hyde Hall 1. Calling sessions will be Monday through Thursday from 6-8 p.m.  A minimum of 2 sessions required per week.  Pay is $8.25 per hour, and additional cash incentives and giveaways may be earned.  There will be a training session held for new callers, an on-site coordinator always available to assist with calls and all the calls have lead-ins – no “cold calls”!

If you are interested in applying for a Phonathon position, please call Jennifer Jacobs at (812) 488-2021 or jj130@evansville.edu.  

This is a reminder that the United States Postal Service (U.S.P.S.) will be closed Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 16, 2012.  Please note due to ongoing USPS changes, UE will not be able to pick up mail from U.S.P.S. on Monday, since the Post Office will be completely closed.  Any mail picked up from UE areas by Mail Services on Monday, January 16, will be metered and mailed on the afternoon of Tuesday, January 17.  For mailing questions, contact Mail Services at extension 2197.
 

If you are on a meal plan and you would like to change it please do so here.

The deadline for changes is this Friday, January 13, at 5pm.

If you want to verify if you have a meal plan and what plan you have, log in to WebAdvisor and select “View Housing and Meal Plan Selections”.

This coming Monday is going to be a busy day on campus with Martin Luther King Jr. Day events, a lunchtime recital, and Open House. The campus community is kindly asked to park somewhere other than the front oval if possible in order for our visitors to more easily finding parking places. Thank you for your cooperation!

Friday, January 13, is the last day to add a class for the spring semester.  It is also the last day to drop a class without a ‘W’ grade appearing on your transcript.  If you want to change your schedule you will need to fill out a yellow add/drop card (available in the Registrar’s Office in Olmsted Hall) and return the card, complete with all required signatures, to the Registrar’s Office no later than 5 p.m. on Friday.

Students can change their meal plan for the spring semester until 5 p.m. on Friday, January 13.  To change your meal plan either click here or select the Change Your Meal Plan link on the right side of the Residence Life website. 

Contact the Office of Study Abroad with questions studyabroad@evansville.edu about the following deadlines OR for information on 2012 Summer UE faculty-led programs.

Friday, January 13: Applications for students who request approval to study abroad through an external provider (non-UE program) in either the Fall 2012 or Spring 2013 semester are due.

Friday, January 20: Applications and deposits for the Harlaxton 5-week summer program are due.

Monday, January 30: Deposits for Harlaxton Fall 2012 are due.

Friday, March 2: Applications for Harlaxton Spring 2013 are due Friday, March 2.
 

The University of Evansville, in pursuit of excellence in service, wishes to recognize monthly a non-faculty employee displaying records of achievement as a leader.  Leadership may be demonstrated in any of the following categories:

• Service to the University community
• Service to students
• Job performance and attitude towards fellow employees

One award will be presented each month.  To be eligible, an employee must be a full-time member of administration or staff.

Nominations for the February 2012 Employee Excellence Award are due no later than Wednesday, January 18.

To nominate someone, or to find out more information about the Employee Excellence Awards, go to http://acelink.evansville.edu/Tools/EmployeeAward/

A silver bracelent has been found on campus. If it is yours, please call Geneva in Safety and Security at 488-2051.

Orientation Leader (OL) applications are now available in the VP/Dean of Students Office located in Ridgway University Center in Room 230.  Application deadline is Friday, January 20. If you have any questions, please contact your Orientation Leader OR the VP/Dean of Students at ext. 2500.

The new year 2012 SDG2 Pcard Cycle Dates are now available. They are posted on the AceLink Pcard website under Training Materials PCard Montly Cycle Dates - 2012.  (Note: Cardholders should route Pcard Envelopes for signature to their Supervisors within 1-2 days of the Cycle Report Print Date.)

The University of Evansville men’s basketball team will look to put an end to a three-game slide when it plays host to Drake University on Friday evening at the Ford Center.

Evansville fell for the third-straight contest, coming out on the losing end of an 80-78 decision on Tuesday evening at Indiana State.  After facing a deficit of as many as 11 points with just over five minutes remaining, the Aces got back within just a point in the final ten seconds before a buzzer-beating three fell short.  Ned Cox led all players with 22 points.  Cox was one of four UE players in double figures.

Since beginning Missouri Valley play by winning its first two games, the Purple Aces have lost three-consecutive heartbreakers by a combined five points.  After a 1-points loss at home to Wichita State, Evansville led Illinois State with just under three seconds remaining before a three by Jackie Carmichael proved to be the winner.  Against Indiana State, UE cut into a late 11-point deficit before a potential game-winning shot fell short.  On the season, UE has lost six games by a combined 13 points.

Junior Troy Taylor has the ability to impact his team in several ways and that was shown by his performance at Indiana State.  The Anderson, Ind. native notched his second double-double of the season and fell just short of a triple double after posting 12 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.  Taylor is tied for the team lead with 44 assists and is third in steals and rebounds.

Colt Ryan has been an unstoppable force in MVC playing, leading all players through five games with 25.4 PPG.  The junior scored 25 points or more in each of the first four games before settling for 17 in the road contest at Indiana State.  Ryan has continued to climb the all-time UE scoring list and enters tonight’s game just 12 points behind current head coach Marty Simmons for 24th on the list.  Simmons scored 1,265 points in just two seasons with the Aces.

Drake improved its record to 9-7 and 2-3 in league play with an 82-74 home win over Bradley on Tuesday evening.  In November, Drake defeated in-state rival Iowa State at home by a 74-65 final.  Rayvonte Rice leads them in scoring with 18.1 points per game while Ben Simons has averaged 15.3.  In the win over Bradley, four players reached double figures, led by Simons, who scored 21.  Rice finished the night with 19.

In a pair of meetings last season, the home team won each time with Evansville taking a 67-51 win at Roberts Stadium before Drake picked up an 87-69 victory in Des Moines on February 23.  The UE win saw Ned Cox score a game-high 15 points while Kenneth Harris grabbed 13 rebounds, a total that is still tied for his career best.  Bulldog Ryan Wedel scored 29 points in the second meeting helping Drake to the win.  Colt Ryan countered with 24 of his own for the Aces.

Six of Evansville’s eight losses have come by an amazing 13 combined points.  The Aces fell to Wichita State by a point, lost four two-point games (Indiana State, Illinois State, Tennessee Tech and TCU) and fell at UIC by four points.  Four of those contests saw UE hold a lead in the final 1:30 of play.

The Aces won three games in a row to end the calendar year and begin 2012 before falling in its last three contests.  So what has been the difference when comparing the streaks?  In the three wins, UE was outscoring the opposition by 10.3 PPG while allowing the opponents to shoot 45.5% from the floor and 66.7% from the free throw line.  The three recent losses have seen the opposition shoot 54.2% from the field and 82.3% at the charity stripe while outscoring the Aces by 1.7 PPG.

On Sunday, UE will be back on the road in Springfield, Mo. to take on Missouri State at 2:05 p.m.

The University of Evansville women’s basketball team struggled to keep up with the hot shooting Creighton Bluejays Thursday night, who shot 45.6 percent from the field in the game and 51.9 percent in the second half alone, topping the Purple Aces, 65-33, at D.J. Sokol Arena. The loss drops Evansville’s record to 4-12 on the season and 1-4 in Valley play, while Creighton improves to 7-8 overall and 1-3 in the MVC.

Junior Samantha Heck led the Aces with 15 points and six rebounds, marking her 12th consecutive game reaching double figures and gives her the longest streak scoring over 10 points since the 2005-06 season. Classmate Taylor Ware scored six points for UE, while senior Briyana Blair grabbed a team-high seven boards and added two points, four assists, and four steals.

Scoring the first 10 points for the Aces, Heck gave Evansville a 5-2 lead at the first media timeout and held onto the advantage until the second timeout on the floor, 8-7. However, the Bluejays picked up the defensive pressure, scoring six unanswered points to take the lead for good.

Creighton steadily built its lead to 14 points, but Ware’s basket from the right block beat the buzzer, sending Evansville into halftime trailing by 12, 29-17. The Jays outscored the Aces, 14-7 in the final eight minutes of the period.

Out of the break, the Bluejays exploded with a 10-0 run to take a commanding 22-point lead, 39-17, with 14:16 to go. Jordan Lewis ended UE’s scoreless drought with two jumpers from the top of the key to make the score 43-21 at the 12:05 mark,

Creighton scored five more unanswered points before Katie Ellerson and Heck made back-to-back layups to cut the deficit to 23. Suffocating CU in the backcourt, Heck hit a jumper and Blair gave the Aces a quick spark with a steal and basket to get within 23 once again, 52-29, with 7:19 remaining. However, that would be as close as Evansville would get the rest of the way, as the Jays expanded the lead to a game-high 32 points, 65-33, with 57 seconds remaining.

Evansville shot 32.6 percent (14-43) in the game and 18.3 percent (2-11) from three, while the Jays knocked down six-of-20 (30%) from behind the arc.

Creighton won the battle of the boards, 39-23, scoring 17 of their points on second chances. They also forced UE into 22 turnovers on 13 steals and scored 29 points off the mishaps.

The Jays were led by Carli Tritz with 15 points, followed by Alexis Akin-Otiko with 11. Sarah Nelson pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds, also adding four points.

The Aces are back in action Saturday when they continue on the road to Drake University. Tipoff versus the Bulldogs is set for 2:05 p.m. CT.

Briyana Blair of the University of Evansville women’s basketball has been named the Prairie Farms/Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Week, Commissioner Doug Elgin announced today.  Receiving the honor for the third time this season, Blair was honored for her performance during the period of January 2-8.

Blair recorded her fourth double-double of the season on 19 points and 20 rebounds in UE’s 71-59 victory over Bradley that snapped BU’s eight-game road win streak and marked the Aces’ first Valley win of the season and first for Coach Oties Epps. Blair’s 20 rebounds not only represented a career-high, but also marked the first time an Ace has pulled down 20 or more boards in a game since 1998. In addition, Blair was just three assists shy of becoming the first Purple Aces in program history to earn a triple-double, as she had an all-around stellar game adding seven assists, three blocks, and three steals.

Against Northern Iowa, Blair logged nine points and 13 rebounds. On the week, the Orlando, Fla. native totaled 28 points, 33 rebounds, and 12 assists with a 4.00 assist-to-turnover ratio (12-3). Blair has recorded at least 13 boards in each of the last three MVC games, averaging a double-double with 11.3 point and 13.5 rebounds per game in the Valley season.

Blair graduated Cum Laude last May with a B.S. in Exercise Science and minor in Psychology. She is in her first year of the doctorate of physical therapy school at UE with a 3.62 GPA.

Now in its 13th year of existence, The Valley’s Scholar-Athlete program is sponsored by Prairie Farms, Roberts and Hiland Dairies.  On a weekly basis, the Conference honors its student-athletes for their athletic performance for a one-week period and academic success in the classroom.

To qualify for Prairie Farms/Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Week laurels, student-athletes must carry a cumulative grade-point average of 3.20, completed at least one academic year at a Valley institution and must be at least a sophomore in academic standing.  Redshirt freshmen and first-year junior college transfers are not eligible.  In addition to the academic qualifications, student-athletes will be evaluated on their athletic performance for a one-week period.