Congratulations to Mari Plikuhn, assistant professor of sociology, who was named Outstanding Teacher of the Year by the UE Alumni Association at Saturday's Commencement ceremony. 

Plikuhn, who just completed her second academic year as a UE faculty member, received the award after receiving high marks from students and colleagues. One nominator called her “a beyond wonderful professor” who “puts her heart into her lectures and is willing to help students in any way possible.”

Plikuhn arrived at UE in 2010 after earning a PhD in sociology with a graduate minor in gerontology from Purdue University. She also holds a Master of Science in sociology from Purdue, a Master of Science in child development and family studies from Purdue University Calumet, and a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and clinical psychology from Purdue University Calumet. 

Congratulations to 2012 graduates Alissa Fricke and Kyle Coulson, who received the Mabel Dillingham Nenneker and Guthrie May Outstanding Senior Service Awards during Saturday's Commencement ceremony. These are the highest honors the University presents to one female and one male senior. A University committee chose the two recipients based on academic performance, a commitment to service, outstanding leadership, and diverse involvement in campus activities.

Alissa earned a Bachelor of Science in communication with emphases in public relations, advertising, and multimedia production, and a minor in legal studies. She will begin her career as the business development manager for Weaver, Dalton & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice in Henderson, Kentucky.

Kyle graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree. He will work in the marketing department of Hoosier Energy, where he previously completed an internship, and pursue a Master of Science in public service administration this fall at UE. 

Dan Avery, OTS Support Technician, received the Administrative Excellence Award at the Closing Reception held at the May House on Saturday, May 5.

Called “hard working” and “self-motivated” by his colleagues, Dan was nominated by various departments throughout the UE community, each noting that Dan goes above and beyond in his service to the university on a daily basis.

One of those nominating him said that that Dan “embodies what UE is all about – a strong commitment to students while creating a campus community of dedicated employees."

Dan is known on campus  to always be in “perpetual motion,” always ready to serve the needs of the University and to ensure that classroom technology and general audio visual equipment function as expected.  His exceptional work ethic and outstanding people skills make him an asset to everyone he encounters at the University – including the students.
 

It is time to renew “PAADS” (Pre-Approval Authorization for Distribution Services) forms for the new Fiscal Year 2012-13 period of June 1, 2012 through May 31, 2013.

The renewal process is simple.
1. Print the PAADS form which is located on the Copy Services or Central Receiving website on AceLink Areas under Forms & Instructions at
• Copy Services website at  http://acelink/Areas/CopyServices/
• Central Receiving website at http://acelink/Areas/CentralReceiving/

2. Complete the PAADS form by indicating the services requested, a dollar limit, the account number, and the account name to be used by the requestor.
3. Obtain the required authorized signature.
4. Submit the form via campus mail to Doris Cook/Distribution Services/GS.

For questions, contact Doris Cook at extension 1067 or email dc47@evansville.edu

Come join TEAM UE as we attempt to defend our gold bracket title in the Midwest Dragon Boat Race on June 2. This is a fun, exciting event that anyone can participate in (students, faculty, or staff). To sign up or for more information please contact Angie Stauber at ext 2622 or email as547@evansville.edu to be a team member.

Congratulations to all who graduated on Saturday! To recognize this achievement, news releases were sent Monday afternoon to your hometown newspapers and posted online at readabout.me. 

You should have received an e-mail notification with a link to view your story online and share your achievement with friends and family through e-mail, Facebook, and Twitter. You can also to log in to readabout.me via Facebook to customize your profile by adding a photo, leadership positions, activities, and professional experience.

Your online reputation is important – most employers Google an applicant's name during the hiring process for jobs and internships. UE is dedicated to helping students create a positive online profile by providing readabout.me as a free service. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of University Relations at x2241. 

Purple Aces senior golfer Andrew Luo placed third in a qualifier for the 2012 US Open on Monday afternoon.

Luo, who finished second in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament last week, tallied a 3-under 69 to place third in the regional qualifier at Woodland Country Club in Carmel, Indiana. He finished third out of 90 participants.

“We are very proud of Andrew’s effort today,” Aces head coach Jim Hamilton said.  “He had a great round and we hope he continues that success.”

The Taiwan native will now have the opportunity to play in a sectional qualifier.  Last year, 13 sectionals were played with 11 of them being in the United States.  If he finishes high enough in the sectional qualifier, Luo will have the chance to play in the US Open.

Information regarding Luo’s sectional information will be announced as soon as it is available.  The number of golfers who advance from each sectional to the US Open is dependent upon how many golfers are in each field.

As a side note to Luo’s round on Monday, his caddie was fellow Ace Quinn Vilneff.