On the cold and drizzly night of December 13, 1977, a chartered DC-3 crashed slightly after takeoff from Evansville’s Dress Regional Airport. Members of UE soon learned that this plane included men’s basketball Coach Bobby Watson, 14 players, 11 team friends, and a National Jet Service personnel of 5. For those who remember the crash, it’s remembered as “the night it rained tears."

This event was a shocking loss to the UE community. At the memorial service held a few days later, Dr. Philip Ott, then-professor of philosophy and religion, said “we do not choose to live. We do not choose to die. Life is a gift.”

President Wallace Graves reminded the community, “Out of the agony of this hour we will rise.” While this tragedy will always be remembered, the University of Evansville came together in strength and unity to move forward and carry on as a tribute to those who were lost.

44 years later, we remember each life that was taken much too early. Please join us for a memorial service on Monday, December 13, by the Peace Bell Memorial at noon. The service will include an invocation, message, special music, and the reading of names.

After a national search, Rachel Carpenter has been selected as the new vice president for student affairs and dean of students at the University of Evansville. She will begin her duties with an anticipated start date of June 1, 2022.

In her new role, Carpenter will serve the UE student body and help create a safe, welcoming, and supportive campus community. She will not only work one-on-one with students but also student organizations across campus.

“As someone who grew up in the military, I have rarely experienced the feeling of returning home," said Carpenter. “I am very excited to return to the UE campus, a place I once called home for several years, and work alongside talented faculty and staff. Together, I know we will move the University forward and prepare students to live meaningful lives in a changing world.”

Carpenter brings nearly two decades of experience in student affairs. Currently, she is the interim university dean for students at Pace University, which has two campuses in Pleasantville and New York City, New York. Prior to serving in this role, she was interim associate vice president for student affairs and dean for students, interim dean, and director of the Center for Student Development. While at Pace, she has been working toward her Doctor of Professional Studies in business and is expected to graduate this month.

Dean Carpenter will be familiar with our campus when she joins UE, as she is both an alumna and former administrator. In 2003, she graduated from UE with a Bachelor of Arts in international studies. Later, she earned her Master of Science in public service administration in 2009. She served in various roles at the University from 2003-10, including residential coordinator, dean of students at Harlaxton College, assistant dean of students, and director of the Center for Student Engagement. 

Carpenter will succeed Dean Clayton, who has been an exemplary leader for thousands of students who are making a difference in the world. Clayton is retiring in February 2022 after 32 years of service to the University. Until Carpenter’s arrival, Dr. Rob Shelby, chief diversity officer, will be the interim vice president for student affairs. Michael Tessier, assistant vice president of student affairs and director of residence life, will serve as the interim dean of students. 

The Coronavirus Task Force thanks the campus community for creating a successful fall semester with very few COVID-19 cases on our campus. Looking ahead at the Spring 2022 semester, UE will continue with the same requirements for students and employees that were in place this fall.

A negative COVID-19 test (either rapid or PCR) will be required for all full and part-time students and employees (including adjunct instructors) who have reason to be on the UE or Stone Center for Health Sciences campuses. Those who submit a negative COVID-19 test will be required to participate in the Random COVID-19 Testing program throughout the semester.

If you submitted proof of full vaccination for the fall semester, you are not required to submit a negative test, participate in the Random COVID-19 Testing Program, or re-upload your documentation.

Those who became fully vaccinated after the fall semester began will need to upload their documentation. Full vaccination is considered two doses of Pfizer or Moderna or one dose of Johnson & Johnson, plus a 14-day waiting period.

Students and faculty participating in study abroad programs, including Harlaxton College, will be provided specific information from the Study Abroad Office regarding testing and vaccine requirements for spring travel.

Please click on the links below for important information specific to requirements, submitting documents, and important deadlines: 

Required Testing for Students

Required Testing for Employees

The Department of Art is having an art sale this Thursday 12/09 and Friday 12/10 in the Ridgway University Center lobby. The sale will be 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM both days. There will be ceramics, drawings, prints, paintings, and more, for sale. Please come support our student artists and the Department of Art! Cash, check, or card accepted. Happy Holidays!

The School of Engineering and Computer Science would like to invite you to a retirement reception for Becky Buxton on Thursday, December 9 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. The reception will be held in the second floor lobby (near the concrete canoe, in front of KC 271). Becky is retiring at the end of this semester after 16 years of service to the University. Please come and celebrate with us, showing our appreciation for all she has contributed to the University.

Holiday Pops returns to Evansville this Tuesday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Old National Events Plaza in downtown Evansville. The concert features student and community performers from the University of Evansville Music Conservatory’s band, choir, and orchestra programs. The concert is free and open to the public. Join us as we wrap up the semester with Holiday cheer!

Also, this week, the newly formed University of Evansville Community Conservatory marks the end of its first semester with a student recital this Saturday, December 11 at 4:00 p.m. in Neu Chapel. The Community Conservatory is made up of young musicians from throughout the Tri-State region who come to UE weekly to study with Music Conservatory faculty. The program will showcase students ranging from 7th grade through high school on a variety of instruments including flute, oboe, violin, viola, piano, and guitar. The program will be available via live-stream at: https://www.youtube.com/c/UEDepartmentofMusic/videos

Have advising questions but don't need to make a full appointment?

Come to Ridgway to ask an Advisor question/s and get a packet of hot cocoa to go!

Where: First floor of Ridgway
When: December 9th - 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
December 10th - 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

The Office of Counseling Services is excited to announce the return of the Relaxation Station to Reading Study Day! To accommodate some of the ongoing campus restrictions, this event will continue to be open house style but will be a walk-through event with activities rather than the traditional sit-down format it has been in the past.

Relaxation Station is an event hosted each Reading Study Day to promote and encourage wellness for the whole person - body, mind, and spirit! This year, the event will feature giveaway goody bags, a selfie station, custom coloring pages, a photo scavenger hunt with prizes, and the return of RSA's Create-Your-Own Aromatherapy Spray booth and the ACES Dance Party. We look forward to seeing you next Thursday, December 9th, from 2-4 pm in Eykamp 253-55!

Free off-site paper shredding by Piranha Mobile Shredding will return to campus once again December 9 (Reading Study Day) from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00p.m. All UE students, faculty, staff, and alumni can take advantage of this free service by bringing paper to the Piranha truck in Koch Center for Engineering and Science parking lot. Paper will be shredded off-site. We will place bins along the parking lot to allow each person to empty their own material for a no contact approach.

So, if mounds of paper are taking over your office, home, or room, this is the time to gather those old files, receipts, cancelled checks, tax forms, etc. No need to take out the staples or paper clips. Avoid identity theft by having confidential information permanently destroyed.

Please - no telephone books, magazines, or newspapers. Also, please note that there is a 100-pound paper limit per visit (number of visits is not limited).

Dr. Derek Jones and his team on the Living Well Online ChangeLab was one of two inaugural recipients of the Student Changemaker Fund, and they've created a fun way to de-stress or experience a different environment. They've created "The Space Bar": a portable VR escape, and it will be doing its first test run outside the Center for Innovation & Change (2nd floor Ridgway, above the dining hall) on Wednesday, December 8th from 9:45am - 10:45am. Only 4 slots available to give time to experience it and sanitize the Occulus Headset in between users. Sign up at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4AA9A928A6F8C52-changelab. Questions? Contact Dr. Jones dj4@evansville.edu.

Saturday, December 11th at 2:30 pm & Sunday, December 12th at 2:30pm
Twelve directors will be presenting over twenty-one short plays about the climate crisis outside at various locations on UE Campus.

Please note that the Dean of Students office will not grant official excused absences during finals except for extreme circumstances (i.e.: death of an immediate family member, emergency surgery, etc.). Students who feel they are unable to take a scheduled final exam should work directly with their professors to discuss other possible options.

Department: Art http://crescent.evansville.edu
Supervisor Info: Primary
Name: Tommy Housman

Email applications to: th208@evansville.edu

Pay Rate: $9.75/hr Positions Available: 1 OF 1

Federal Work-Study? Y UE Work-Study? Y Non-Work-Study? Internship?

Employment Dates: 01/10/2022 TO 05/05/2022

Application Deadline: 01/10/2022

Position Title: Student Media Social Media Content Manager Spring 2022

Job Description: Work with Student Media and Manage the Crescent Magazines social media by creating engaging content. Interested students should be prepared to familiarize themselves with University of Evansville events, organizations, sports, and news. The social media content manager will be the Crescent Magazines in-field reporter keeping its followers informed and engaged. This Position will be responsible for creating content across all of our social media platforms and with the help of Student Media staff develop a social media marketing strategy to increase awareness and followers. To learn more contact Student Media Advisor Tommy J Housman

Skills Needed: Strong to advanced understanding of social media Smart phone and basic DSLR photography and video - Training available Beginner to advanced understanding of graphic design - Training available Strong writing skills Ability to work independently and with a team.

Required Major: Students with any major may apply

ALL freshmen, juniors, transfer, and 1st year graduate students are encouraged to complete the U Got This! online bystander intervention, consent, and sexual assault prevention training. Please check your student email for a personal link sent by ‘Catharsis Online Support Team.’ By using the link, the university will be notified once you have completed the training. A few minutes of your time makes our campus safer for everyone! The deadline for completion inDecember 31st.You will not have access to the training after this date.

We are aware that training such as this can be triggering for some. The university offers resources for students who may experience difficulty completing the bystander training. Please contact Annie Sills: cs175@evansville.edu, titleIX@evansville.edu, or 812-488-5261 if you need assistance.

The Office of Public Safety provides lost and found services for the campus. If you would like to turn in any items of value, please contact Public Safety at 488-2051. If you have lost any items of value, please contact the office to se if your property has been turned in. Lost and Found services are available 24/7.

If your office is having a Holiday party -- please notify housekeeping at ext. 2045 or by email at housekeeping@evansville.edu so that they can tend to the trash pick-up and removal.

Purple Patrol will continue into the Spring 2022 semester once we return from break, and we need volunteers! The first week of Purple Patrol will be Friday, January 14, marking the first week of classes.

Sign up on behalf of your team or coworkers here. Please sign up for one slot only so everyone has a chance to participate. Don't wait, as spots will fill up quickly!

When it’s your week to help, you will receive an email in advance with basic instructions. Purple goodies will be waiting for you on Friday morning in the Office of Marketing and Publications (top floor of the Schroeder Family School of Business Administration Building). There is no specific time or place to hand out these items; the only requirement is that the recipients are wearing purple!

If you have any questions about the sign-up or Purple Patrol, please contact Julie Bryant, university relations coordinator, at jb855.

The last day to request transcripts, for current students, is December 09, 2021 (Reading/Study Day). To submit a request please visit www.evansville.edu/transcripts.

Creative Writing grad Jenna Sumpter publishes the Winter 2021 issue of The Orchards Poetry Journal with Kelsay Books.

Amelia McClain, Assistant Professor of Theatre at the University of Evansville, has been announced as the recipient of the University Resident Theatre Association (URTA)’s 2021 Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Training in Acting. McClain is currently on leave from UE this year as a member of the Broadway cast in Aaron Sorkin’s TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, at the Shubert Theatre. McClain been on the faculty at UE since 2018.

She received her BFA from the University of Evansville and MFA from the graduate acting program at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. McClain is a member of the Actors Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild.

Before returning to her alma mater, she completed a year-long run on Broadway as Sandra in the smash-hit production of THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG. Also on Broadway, she worked on FOOL FOR LOVE, NOISES OFF, THE HEIDI CHRONICLES, THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES, and the Tony Award-winning VANYA & SONIA & MASHA & SPIKE. McClain has been in over 20 productions off-Broadway and in regional theatres across the country.

Madeline Easley, a 2019 alumna of UE, said “When I was a student at UE, Amelia encouraged us to take our insecurities as actors and reframe them as strengths. Her ability to perceive beyond the mask of stressed-out college students and cast us as professionals, fully capable of advocating for ourselves, our unique stories, and our natural talents, was the push I needed to pursue every opportunity to carve out a fulfilling and sustainable artistic career after graduation.”

Jack Russell, a 2021 UE alumnus, added this tribute, “Amelia McClain taught me and my peers with strength, heart, and specificity to each of our needs. Amelia impacted me so much as a student because she led by example. The tools that she was giving to us were the very tools that she uses to book jobs on Broadway. She taught us to be selfless, aware, and precise with our work. She didn’t care about creating actors with talent, she cared about creating actors that knew how to work hard and care about the process. Truly, Amelia gave me the education I’ve always dreamed of. I am eternally grateful for her impact on my life. Without it, I don’t think I could pursue this career path.”

Founded in 1969, the University Resident Theatre Association works to ensure the continued renewal of the American theatre by supporting excellence in the professional training of new artists. The “2021 Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Training” will be formally presented at the URTAs, an audition event in which more than 1,200 candidates pursuing graduate training in theatre take part each year in January.

CFIC KUDOS to Dr. Maria Weber, UE Physics Alumna and solar scientist for being featured by NASA in an interview on the topic of physics, astronomy and why public outreach in the sciences matters. Congratulations to this talented graduate and advocate for more access to science education. Dr. Weber is now a Physics Professor at Delta State University and director of the school's Wiley Planetarium.

https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2021/mississippi-solar-scientist-maria-weber-shares-wonders-physics-astronomy-sun

Associate Professor Eric Renschler recently served as the design consultant for a Brazilian production of the Broadway musical Chicago. The production at the Teatro Santander in Sao Paulo is set to open in early January. This marks the twenty first licensed production of Chicago for which he has been a member of the design team. Eric served as the Associate Scenic Designer when the current Broadway production opened in 1996, and Design Supervisor for 16 international productions from 1997-2008.

Harlaxton College sends condolences to the family of Peggy Louise Averill, former member of the Harlaxton advisory council and faithful friend of Harlaxton Manor. Many will remember Louise and her contributions to the college through the advisory council with her service from 1976 to 2013. She served on the executive committee as Honorary Secretary, the Student Life and Community Relations Committees. Current Chair of the Advisory Council, Mrs. Henrietta Chubb, has much appreciation for the work that Louise provided to the College. "Harlaxton and the many students who have passed through its doors have been incredibly fortunate to have benefited from Louise’s wisdom and advice. Louise and her late husband Charles cared deeply about Harlaxton Manor and we are truly grateful for their valuable involvement in the transformational experience for students which is Harlaxton. Louise will be deeply missed by her friends on Advisory Council, and we join in sending our heartfelt condolences to her family."

The announcement in the Telegraph tells us that Peggy Louise passed away on November 22nd, 2021, peacefully at the Dower House, Winchester aged 97 years. Adored wife of the late Charles, dearly loved mother, a devoted grandmother, great grandmother, and sister. Service at Chesil House, Winchester on Wednesday December 8th at 1 p.m. The funeral home is Richard Steele and Partners, and the family are asking for donations to be made to the British Red Cross.

Tributes are welcome via the funeral home website and the family has asked for donations to be made in her honor to the British Red Cross via this site as well. You can find this at Tribute to Peggy Louise Averill, 1924 - 2021 (muchloved.com).

A trip to Cape Girardeau, Mo. is on tap for the University of Evansville men’s basketball team, who will take on Southeast Missouri State on Wednesday evening in a 6:30 p.m. contest inside the Show Me Center.  ESPN+ and the Purple Aces Radio Network will have the coverage.

Last Time Out
- On Saturday, the Purple Aces were able to grind out a 59-51 win over Tennessee Tech at the Ford Center
- UE led by as many as 8 points in the second half before the Golden Eagles stormed back to get within one with 1:50 remaining
- Antoine Smith Jr. connected on a triple that put the UE lead back at four points before the Aces pulled away for the win
- Jawaun Newton and Shamar Givance led the Aces with 15 points and 7 rebounds apiece while Smith and Blake Sisley registered 12 points each

Player of the Week
- For the second time in his career, Shamar Givance was named the MVC Player of the Week on Monday following his efforts against SIU and Tennessee Tech
- Givance went off for 31 points versus the Salukis just three days after posting what was a career mark of 26 at EIU
- He followed that up with a 15-point, 7-rebound tally in the win over the Golden Eagles while adding 3 assists and 3 steals
- The senior is averaging 24 points per game over the last two outings and ranks 9th in the MVC in scoring
- The senior continues to pace the squad in assists and steals...his 3.6 assists/game ranks 7th in the MVC while his average of 1.6 steals is third in the league

Newcomer Award
- Antoine Smith Jr. earned MVC Newcomer of the Week recognition on Nov. 29 and has continued to play well since that time
- After opening the season going 1-for-8 from the field, Smith has converted 28 of his last 47 attempts - 59.6%
- From outside, Smith hit 3 of first 10 attempts but has drained 16 of his last 29
- Smith knocked down 4 out of 6 3-point tries against TTU to improve his season shooting mark to 48.7%, 4th in the MVC
- In four games leading to his Nov. 29 newcomer award, Smith averaged 13.5 points per game and reached double figures on three occasions

Biding his Time
- Freshman Blake Sisley is coming off of his top performance against Tennessee Tech where he knocked down 5 out of 6 attempts (2/3 from outside) on his way to 12 points
- In his first six appearance prior to that game, he scored a total of three points while going 1-for-9 from the field
- Sisley has earned more playing time over the last three games, playing at least 12 minutes on two occasions

Checking all the Boxes
- It has been an unbelievable stretch for Jawaun Newton who has averaged 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds over the last six contests
- He opened the Gulf Coast Showcase with a career-high of 30 points, marking the Aces first such effort since 2019
- It took until his 89th game to record the first double-double of his career, but #2 came just four days later...Newton registered 19 points and 10 boards on Nov. 24 versus Akron and followed that up with 13 points and 12 caroms at EIU

Scouting the Opponent
- Southeast Missouri State comes into Wednesday’s game with an even 4-4 mark after defeating Webster by a final of 76-64 on Saturday
- The win ended a 2-game skid following losses to Montana State and Portland in the Incarnate Word Tournament in San Antonio
- SEMO opened the season with a 99-94 road win at Missouri State
- Eric Reed Jr. leads the Redhawks with 16.3 points per game with Phillip Russell and Chris Harris also recording double figures with 12.1 and 11.1 PPG, respectively
- Nygal Russell has a team-best 6.1 caroms per contest

Join us in helping Local Children experience the Holiday’s and Magic of Christmas.

UE Student-Athletes will be partnering with Toys-For-Tots, with two opportunities for collections of New, Un-Wrapped toys for all ages.

These dates are the December 4th Men’s Basketball Game and the December 11th Women’s Basketball Game.

Every donation will receive an Aces goodie bag for your help and generosity.  We look forward to all the great donations and GO ACES!