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.

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 UE Music Community Conservatory will conclude its first semester with a recital on Friday December 17 at 7:00 p.m. in Neu Chapel featuring the new Junior Horn Ensemble made up of 6th-11th graders from the Tri-State area. The program will also feature private horn students of Professor Rebecca Salo. The concert is free and open to the public.

Do you remember earlier in the semester when we announced on-campus filming for our very own episode of The College Tour? This 30-minute video allows anyone in the world to get an in-depth look into our campus, programs, student life, and athletics. If the pandemic or finances get in the way of traveling to the UE campus, our episode helps high school students feel like they’re right here in Evansville!

So without further ado, before you head home for the holidays, mark your calendar for The College Tour Watch Party on Wednesday, January 12, 2022!

The event will be held in Eykamp Hall that evening. Pre-show entertainment will begin at 8:30 p.m. with free snacks in Café Court, giveaways, music, and even a purple carpet! At 9:00 p.m., the episode will premiere. Make sure to get there early to secure your seat!

Whether you’re a student, employee, alum, or a prospective student, we want to see you there. Those who attend the watch party will be the very first audience to see the final cut! We’re so excited to share the completed episode with you. 

Come support UE Ethics & Social Change Major Robert Lopez, as he joins the Mayor, PrezP and several community partners for a major announcement about his ChangeLab project, Trinity Stormwater Park. Location: approximately 3rd and Court Street, grassy lot. Street parking available. Monday, 12/13 at 1pm. We hope you'll come support your fellow student and be a part of this great moment!

Distribution Services will be temporarily closed for a staff holiday luncheon from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 15. Please plan accordingly and thank you for your understanding.

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.

Students can adjust meal plans for the Spring semester until Friday, January 14, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

Adjust your meal plan online.

It's not too late to register for a Winter Intersession course. Classes are held December 17, 2021, through January 7, 2022. Students may take one course.

For registration, payment deadlines, and additional information visit https://www.evansville.edu/registrar/winterSessions.cfm.

Winter Intersession Course List

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