The University of Evansville’s 167th Commencement Ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 10th to honor the Class of 2025. The ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. at Ford Center. No tickets are required. For those who cannot attend in-person, the ceremony will also be live streamed at evansville.edu/live/. This will also include closed captioning for those in need. Full information is available at the Commencement Central webpage at evansville.edu/Commencement.

Tuesday, April 29

7:30 p.m.

Wheeler Concert Hall

Join the UE Music Conservatory faculty and students for their final event of the 24/25 academic year in a program featuring outstanding student soloists.

Admission is free and open to the public.

The Purple Pancake Study Break is coming up on Reading/Study Day - May 1, 2025.

Join us for pancakes and more on Thursday, May 1, from 9:00-11:00 p.m. at The Eatery in Ridgway University Center. There will also be drawings for prizes - so don't miss out! Study hard and enjoy some pancakes, Aces! Remember to come wearing PURPLE!

Thursday, May 1, 2025
9:00 – 11:00 p.m.
The Eatery, Ridgway University Center

Wear PURPLE, Aces!

The Pancake Study Break is offered free of charge to UE students on Reading/Study Day. UE ID required.

Students and employees (faculty, administrators and staff) can bring the following personal, obsolete electronic equipment to be recycled at no cost:

• LCD displays, LCD TV’s and LCD monitors, computers, printers, fax machines, laptops, cell phones, PDAs, cables, circuit boards, connectors, electrical equipment, audio video equipment, DVD players, stereos, radios, calculators, speakers, VCRs.

The following items will NOT be accepted:

• CRT TV’s and CRT computer monitors

• Fluorescent light bulbs (including compact bulbs), refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, stoves, vacuum cleaners, dehumidifiers, leaking or enlarged batteries and any other items C&I deems unallowable

• Electronics owned by the University.

NOTE: The cost of processing CRT TV’s and CRT computer monitors has increased significantly, and the University is no longer able to cover these items.

Accepted items included: TVs, computers, monitors, printers, hard drives, laptops, fax/scanners, cell phones, DVD players, digital cameras, modems

Not Accepted: copy machines, microwaves, appliances

For more information or questions contact Amber Elkins at ae152 or 2697.

Need papers shredded? Bring them to the free Piranha Mobile Shredding Event on campus on Thursday, May 1^st  (Reading Study Day) between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. in the parking lot behind Koch Center.

 Remember: Paper that contains personal information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, etc. cannot be placed directly into a recycling bin or trash container. It should be properly disposed of by one of the following methods:

1)    Shredding the papers with personal information into a bag and then placing the bag of shredded paper in the recycling container.

 2)    Placing the papers with personal information in a secure (locked) Piranha shredding container in your area.

Thank you for recycling and helping us prevent identity theft by properly disposing of personal information!

 During the free shredding event, you can bring paper from home! The limit is 100 lbs. per visit. Visits are unlimited during the event.

The University of Evansville Leadership Awards celebrate the achievements of outstanding students who have dmeonstrated exceptional leadership on campus. Established in 1983, this annual event brings together multiple departments to honor students for thei dedication, service, amd impact in various areas of campus life. The awards highlight the diverse talents and contributions of UE students, fostering a sense of community and recognizing those who inspire others through their leadership.

The Leadership Awards will take place on April 30th in Eykamp Hall. Doors open at 5:30pm. Attire is business casual.

RSVP for the Leadership Awards here!

Come Celebrate the Senior Art Exhibition 2025!

The Department of Art is excited to invite you to this year's Senior Art Exhibition at the Melvin Peterson Gallery, featuring the work of Madison Adams, Wren Brooks, Mari Mueller, and Dezeree Shepherd.

Exhibition Dates:

April 21 - May 9

Opening Reception:

Wednesday, April 23 | 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.

Closing Reception:

Friday, May 9 | 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.

Come check out the amazing artwork and help us celebrate these talented students!

Garage to IPO: Startups and Stories from Silicon Valley

Monday, April 28^th

Event begins at 6pm

Doors open at 5:30pm

Schroeder School of Business; Room 170

David Siminoff is an entrepreneur and investor with a dynamic career spanning technology, media, and education.  He began by founding EastNet, a pioneering barter company in Eastern Europe, before joining Capital Research, where he played a key role in early investments in tech giants like Yahoo!, Amazon, eBay, and Netflix. He later served as CEO of Spark Networks and was a general partner at Venrock, the Rockefeller family's venture capital arm. In 2008, he co-founded Shmoop, an innovative edtech platform, where he continues to serve as Chief Creative Officer. His career reflects a passion for building and backing transformative ideas from the ground up.  A current resident of Wyoming, he remains active in the tech community, co-hosting the Wyoming Global Technology Summit and serving on the Astrophysics Board at Princeton University.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Mark Shifflet on his distinguished career and upcoming retirement after 27 years with the university. A reception in his honor will be held in the Dean’s Conference Room (Hyde Hall 206) on Wednesday, April 30 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Dr. Shifflet received his PhD in Communication from Rutgers University in 1995. He has served as Chair of the Department of Communication for eighteen years and served on the Faculty Senate as Chair. He was the recipient of the Dean’s Teaching Award for Arts & Sciences.

At UE, Dr. Shifflet has taught courses that have included multimedia design, intercultural communication, media law, health communication and world media systems. He became a Fulbright Scholar in 2010 studying characteristics of China’s media system and the development of its media law.

Join us for the National Day of Prayer on May 1, as we pray for unity across relationships, communities, and around the world.

Get ready for a treat! We're rolling out the red carpet (or should we say, the dessert table?) to welcome you with open arms and a spread that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

This is your chance to:

• Meet and mingle with fellow new hires and some friendly faces from across the organization.
• Enjoy a variety of scrumptious treats that will make your afternoon extra special.
• Learn more about the SAA community and feel right at home.

Keep an eye on your calendars! You'll be receiving an official invitation with all the details in the coming days.

Thank you to all who participated and gave to our annual Penny Wars.  The Golden Squirrel goes to SAA.

• The Staff and Adimistrators Association won with a total of 3513 points.
• The College of Education and Health Sciences came in second with -640 points.
• The College of Arts and Sciences came in third with -1884 points.
• The College of Business and Engineering came in fourth with -5876 points.

A total of $163.93 was raised and will go to the SAA scholarship fund.

The SANE lunch and learn for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, scheduled for Tuesday, April 29th, is being postponed to a later date. Keep an eye out for additional updates in the PurplePulse.

🎓 Graduation Cap Decorating Station

Celebrate your accomplishment with a touch of creativity! From May 1–May 9, stop by our DIY Graduation Cap Decorating Table located in Rademachers Lounge (across from Rademachers), in front of the UE Bookstore. The station will be open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, fully stocked with decorating supplies to help you personalize your cap and make it uniquely yours.

Swing by anytime—no registration needed!

Headline: 2025-26 Dr. Marvin E. Hartig Memorial Scholarship application deadline has been extended!

Start/End Date: Daily through May 5, 2025

Message: Family, friends and loved ones of the late Dr. Marvin E. Hartig are pleased to announce the application process for the Dr. Marvin E. Hartig Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is dedicated to the loving memory of Dr. Hartig, Dean of Evansville College’s Evening College in 1967, and administrator for the Center for Advanced Study, director of the Evansville chapter of the American Institute of Banking (AIB), and the international student advisor. In 1974, Dr. Hartig was appointed Dean of Academic Services. He retired in 1984 after serving his alma mater for thirty-five years and passed away in 2007.

This scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving sophomore student. Preference will be given to a student working while being enrolled as a full-time student. International students are encouraged to apply.

Eligible students for the 2025-2026 Hartig Memorial Scholarship will be sophomores in the 2025-2026 academic year.

Download the application.

Deadline: Please return all materials to the Office of Student Financial Services by May 5, 2025. The decision will be announced by May 27, 2025.

Questions: Amber Chandler, Administrative Assistant to the Office of Student Financial Services, at ac547@evansville.edu or 812-488-2364

Studying has never tasted this good. Grab your books & your brew — we’re open ‘til 8 on April 30th!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Pro Podcast Lab, a cutting-edge facility housed within Student Media. Jon Robertson (Creative Technologies) developed this lab as a professional environment for students and faculty to gain hands-on experience with industry-standard podcasting techniques, from recording to post-production.

Whether you're a faculty member exploring podcasting as a teaching tool or a student looking to tell compelling stories through audio, the Pro Podcast Lab offers the tools and training to bring your voice to life. All are welcome to use this resource.

The space supports up to four podcasters and one audio engineer, with full Pro Tools integration and high-quality microphones for professional production.

To schedule a training session or tour, contact Jon Robertson at jr462@evansville.edu or 812-488-1148.

This new facility underscores UE’s commitment to hands-on learning, professional competencies, and interdisciplinary teamwork. We are excited to see the innovative work it will inspire!

Head Coach Robbe Tarver has announced co-ed soccer camp dates this summer!

Day Camp May 27-30 & June 9-13

10% discount for children of faculty & staff. Email mm1059@evansville.edu

More info at tarversoccercamps.com

"Celebrating Hispanic Voices" Podcast: By Hispanic Students for Hispanic Students

Season 2 – Episode 4 is out!

In Episode 4, join Jocelyn as she learns about Santi's family (shout out little sis!), his faith, and his transition into UET. His onward-attitude is amazing! You don't want to miss the lovely stories and hilarious jokes in this episode!

Spotify: Season 2 Episode 4 – Santi's story - Celebrating Hispanic Voices Podcast

Apple Podcast: Season 2 Episode 4 – Santi's story - Celebrating Hispanic Voices Podcast

Huge THANKS to our production team, Sophia Reyes, Jocelyn Solano Sánchez, and Tommy Housman!

Due to preparations for the annual Bike Race, Lot H will be closed from Tuesday, April 22 through 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29. Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Our New Foundations Newsletter Is Out Now!
Read all about it — featuring major projects, milestones, employee recognitions, operations updates, shout-outs, and more!

Foundations Newsletter - April 2025 - Office of Facilities Management and Planning - University of Evansville

The Office of Residence Life is seeking a creative and motivated student to serve as our Marketing Assistant. This position supports the promotion of Residence Life programs and services through social media, newsletters, event marketing, and more. The role averages 10-15 hours per week. A housing scholarship is provided. 

Applicants must be in good standing with the University of Evansville, have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, demonstrate strong communication skills, attention to detail, and experience with social media, marketing, and design. 

To apply, submit an application, resume. and a sample advertisement by May 10, 2025. You can find the application on eRezLife.

For questions, contact the Office of Residence Life.

The University of Evansville’s current fiscal year, FY25, will end on May 31, 2025. The offices of Administrative Services and Accounting & Audit announce the following procedures related to the purchase of goods and services during the month of May:

Pcard Purchases:

• Pcard purchases posting for the month of May (cycle ending May 21) will be paid from the current fiscal year, FY25, unless the purchase is a prepaid item for the next fiscal year.
• All Pcard users should enter the allocation account numbers for May’s posted transactions in Chrome River by June 6, 2025. After that date, transactions will be posted to the Pcard user’s default budget account number.
• Pcard purchases that qualify as a prepaid expense for the next fiscal year should be noted as follows on reconciliation reports:
  • When adding your transaction to a reconciliation report, please use the “Miscellaneous” tile and then the “Prepaid Expense” tile
  • The allocation account number will be: 10-00-000000
  • In the Description field, add the details of this expense and the account number it should be charged to in Fiscal Year 2026

Purchase Orders:

• To enter a purchase order for the next fiscal year, FY26, please create the purchase order with an effective date of 6/1/2025 or later.
• Approved requisitions converted into purchase orders with delivery by May 31, 2025, will be paid from this fiscal year’s budget.

Blanket Purchase Orders:

• To enter a blanket purchase order for the next fiscal year, FY26, please create the order with an effective date of 6/1/2025 or later.
• All FY25 blanket orders expire on May 31, 2025.

Payment Requests:

• All invoices to be paid from FY25 must be submitted through Self Service by June 10, 2025.

On March 24, 2025, the Office of University Advancement added a new team member, Jason T. Kingsbury ’06.  Jason returns to his alma mater as a Major Gifts Officer.  He is originally from Elberfeld, IN and was a political science major at UE.

Following a successful tenure working as a political consultant and marketing strategist in Washington, DC, Jason has seen and experienced much of the country.  Now he is centered on deep and meaningful connections through family, people and relationship building – admitting that the University of Evansville was his first pick! “This is my home – where I’m from – only place I want to be.” 

Jason’s fundraising territory includes Texas, Arizona, Tennessee, Illinois, Ohio (minus Cincinnati), and Southern Indiana, and he will serve as the liaison for the humanities side within the Ridgway College of Arts and Sciences.

Please join us in welcoming Jason T. Kingsbury ’06 back to the University of Evansville, where he is ready to contribute to our mission of Changing Lives and Changing the World.

UE is in the process of hiring a new Assistant Director for Facilities Management and Planning, who will oversee grounds, moving and events.

As part of the process, the Office of Facilities Management and Planning will be hosting Open Forums for three candidates. University employees are welcome to attend and participate in these forums. All forums will take place in Library 209 – Robert Morris Conference Room.

Below is the schedule:

• Colton Barnes – April 21 at 1:00 PM

• Darrell Sanford – April 23 at 9:00 AM

• Trace Stevens – April 29 at 10:00 AM

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about sexual violence and supporting survivors. Sexual assault is a pervasive issue on college campuses, with 13% of all students experiencing rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation. Among undergraduate students, 26.4% of females and 6.8% of males experience these forms of sexual violence. Members of historically marginalized communities face even higher rates of sexual violence.

It's crucial that we come together to address this issue and promote a safe and respectful environment for everyone.

We have several events planned throughout the month to educate and engage our community:

• Healthy Relationships Program: Join us on April 10th from 5:50-6:45pm in SOBA 71 to learn about building and maintaining healthy relationships.
• Library Display: Visit the library to explore a curated display on sexual assault awareness and prevention.
• Interactive Exhibit: Engage with an interactive exhibit in the Multicultural Student Commons that highlights the impact of sexual violence and ways to support survivors.
• Lunch and Learn: Attend a session with Nursing professor Chantal Wood on Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners on April 29th from 12-1pm in the Multicultural Student Commons. This session will provide valuable insights into the role of these specialized nurses in supporting survivors and collecting evidence.

We encourage all community members to participate in these activities and to always ensure that they obtain clear and enthusiastic consent from their partners. Let's work together to create a campus culture where everyone feels safe and respected.

*Your exclusive Columbia Employee Store Invite has arrived. *

Columbia Employee Store Invitation Details:

• University of Evansville Alumni Association offer is valid April 18th - May 11th! 
• Shop our family of brands – Columbia, Mountain Hardwear, SOREL and prAna at 40% off retail pricing
• For store access, please provide your digital invite (printed or shown on your mobile device) + proof of affiliation
• Invitees can bring up to four additional guests with each visit
• This offer is for store access (not valid online)
  
  

Have a wonderful week!

Kentucky Employee Store Team| Columbia Sportswear Company

Store Location: 2480 US-41 N | Henderson, KY 42420

Store Phone: (270) 854-3265

Email: kentuckyemployeestore@columbia.com 

Columbia Sportswear | Mountain Hardwear | SOREL | prAna

SPAN 211 and SPAN 212 will be offered during Summer Session 1 and Summer Session 2, respectively. Foreign language courses through the 212 level are required for those seeking BA degrees. Both courses are online and asynchronous to accommodate busy schedules and diverse locations.

Questions?  Contact Dr. Cindy Crowe: cc109@evansville.edu

If you are interested in building bridges instead of walls, register for CHNG-310-S02: Latino Community Outreach for the fall semester. In this ChangeLab, students will explore ideas and work collaboratively with businesses and nonprofits to promote diversity and multicultural  harmony and to meet the needs of the local Latino community. Examples of outreach include working with healthcare providers; presenting research; translating documents; teaching basic Spanish and promoting Latino culture in after-school programs; tutoring English language learners in local schools; and offering English classes for adults. Students choose the project or projects that interest them.  Heritage speakers are encouraged to join!

If you want to learn more about our award-winning ChangeLab, contact Profe Cindy Crowe: cc109@evansville.edu

Would you like to help the tri-state’s growing Haitian population overcome challenges and successfully integrate into our community while maintaining their cultural identity? Then register for CHNG-310-S02: Haitian Community Outreach for the fall semester.  Students can earn up to 4 credit hours while supporting our Haitian community and developing projects to meet their needs. If you speak Haitian Creole, you are especially needed! However, speaking the language is not a requirement.

If you want to learn more about this ChangeLab, email Dr. Cindy Crowe: cc109@evansville.edu

UE students seeking financial aid or intending to use loan funds for summer courses at UE should complete a Summer Financial Aid Application and return it to the Office of Student Financial Services (Olmsted 105) however is most convenient by May 1, 2025. The application will allow our office to assess your financial aid and loan eligibility.

Work-Study:

On-campus jobs are available for continuing UE students during the summer. You do not need to be eligible for need-based Federal Work-Study during the academic year in order to apply. You may also apply regardless of your enrollment in summer courses. Applications will be available within the Student Employment area of Self-Service.

Family, friends and loved ones of the late Dr. Marvin E. Hartig are pleased to announce the application process for the Dr. Marvin E. Hartig Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is dedicated to the loving memory of Dr. Hartig, Dean of Evansville College’s Evening College in 1967, and administrator for the Center for Advanced Study, director of the Evansville chapter of the American Institute of Banking (AIB), and the international student advisor. In 1974, Dr. Hartig was appointed Dean of Academic Services. He retired in 1984 after serving his alma mater for thirty-five years and passed away in 2007.

This scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving sophomore student. Preference will be given to a student working while being enrolled as a full-time student. International students are encouraged to apply.

Eligible students for the 2025-2026 Hartig Memorial Scholarship will be sophomores in the 2025-2026 academic year.

Download the application.

Deadline: Please return all materials to the Office of Student Financial Services by April 28, 2025. The decision will be announced by May 27, 2025.

Questions: Amber Chandler, Administrative Assistant to the Office of Student Financial Services, at ac547@evansville.edu or 812-488-2364

Congratulations to Michael Hocker from Administrative Services for being named the SAA Employee of the Month for April 2025! Michael has worked at UE for a little over one year as the courier in our mail services department. If you see him on campus today, make sure to wish him congratulations!

Thanks for everything you do here at UE Michael!!

The Eykamp Center for Teaching Excellence (ECTE) offers certificates to faculty members who meet the requirement of engagement and participation in ECTE sponsored events.

Congratulations to the faculty who earned a certificate and/or award for the 2024-20235 academic year by demonstrating dedication to teaching and learning!

New Faculty Engagement Certificate:

·      Briana Alvey (Nursing)

·      Dr. Alexander Taylor (Economics)

·      Dr. Desiree Seponski (Psychology)

·      Dr. Héctor Will (Electrical Engineering)

·      Dr. John MacDonald (Electrical Engineering)

·      Dr. Logan pant (Marketing)

·      Dr. Rebekah McKay (Archeology)

·      Dr. Toufiq Nazrul (Accounting)

·      Dr. Ying Ying Seah (Computer Science)

·      Max Flowers (Libraries)

Teaching Development Certificate:

·      Dr. Jessica Snow (Health Sciences)

·      Dr. Kristina Hochwender (English))

·      Dr. Lisa Hale (Education)

·      Dr. Maxwell Omwenga (Computer Science)

·      Dr. Megan Voss-Warner (Civil Engineering)

·      Kristina Groves (English & FYS)

Leadership in Teaching Excellence Award:

·      Kristina Hochwender (English)

Outstanding New Faculty of the Year Award:

·      Toufiq Nazrul (Accounting)

Congratulations, Toufiq, for a terrific first year as a tenure-track faculty member at UE!

ECTE Team: Julie Merkle, Trenda Ridge, and Diana Rodríguez Quevedo

Three mechanical engineering students presented work at the American Society for Engineering Education Illinois-Indiana Sectional Conference, which was held at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology on April 12. Quinn Fossier, a ME junior, presented a peer-reviewed paper titled "Efficacy of Generative Design and Topology Optimization Compared to Traditional Design Processes Using the Case Study of a Cantilevered Beam". Christopher Martin, a ME sophomore, and Kevin Baehl, a ME junior, presented work titled "Adaptation of Existing Material Testing Equipment for Tensile Testing of Additive Manufactured Materials" with Dr. Jared Fulcher serving as faculty advisor.

PEORIA, Ill. – Three runs in both the second and third innings saw Bradley take the early lead before finishing with an 8-0 win over the University of Evansville softball team on Sunday at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex.

Jess Willsey opened the top of the second with a double, however, three strikeouts ended the threat.  It would turn out to be the lone hit of the game for the Purple Aces.  The Braves got on the board with three runs in the second before plating three runs in the third.  The big hit came off the bat Sydney Kennedy, who hit a 2-run double.

Keghan Pye reached on a walk in the third before stealing second but was stranded to complete the inning.  Eliza Piggott reached via a walk in the fourth.  In the fifth, Bradley put the finishing touches on the win, scoring twice to take the victory.

Grace Hollingsworth made the start and went two innings with six earned runs scoring.  Cassidy Gall threw the final 2 2/3 with two runs coming home.

Next weekend, the Aces wrap up the regular season home slate with a 3-game series against Southern Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – It was an eventful final conference game at Hammons Field for the University of Evansville baseball team as they picked up a 16-11 win over the Missouri State Bears.

The Purple Aces took an early lead at Hammons Field and were able to fight off Missouri State three separate times to get a 16-11 win to end the weekend. UE’s offense had a season-high 17 hits in the nine-inning slugfest on Saturday. Three separate batters led the way with three runs each in left field, Charlie Longmeier (Seymour, Ind. / Seymour HS), first baseman Jake McGhee (Fenton, Mo. / Christian Brothers Academy,) and right fielder Harrison Taubert (Casper, Wyo. / Northeast CC).

“It was a great team win today!” said Head Coach Wes Carroll after the game.  “Our offense showed fight throughout and never gave up.  We pieced it together on the mound as well to get the victory. I’m proud of the overall effort we had today against their special offense.”

The Aces got off to a fast start on Sunday afternoon as center fielder Ty Rumsey (Evansville, Ind. / North HS) led off the game with a solo home run past center. UE tacked on two more runs to take a 3-0 lead after an inning and a half with three hits, a fielder’s choice, and a walk in the top of the second. But Missouri State brought the game back within a run in the bottom of the second on a two-run homer from right fielder Zack Stewart.

Evansville had one of only three blank frames on offense in the top of the third. The Bears tied the game up for the first time in the bottom of the third on a sacrifice fly, but the Aces were able to answer back in the fourth. Taubert led off the inning with a hit by pitch and scored four at-bats later when Longmeier had his first hit of the game with a single through the right side. Longmeier’s single also scored Rumsey, who reached first in the at-bat prior on a fielding error for a 5-3 UE lead.

Missouri State responded with back-to-back solo home runs in the bottom frame of the fourth to tie the game at five runs apiece. Evansville’s offense went down in order in both the fifth and the sixth innings while the Bears took their only lead of the afternoon in the bottom of the sixth. Two hits, a sacrifice bunt, and a sacrifice fly scored two runs for Missouri State to put the Aces down by a pair of runs going into the final third of the game.

UE’s offense exploded in the final three innings, scoring 11 runs to take the game. Evansville’s offensive run began in the seventh with five straight hits after two flyouts. A double from pinch hitter Evan Waggoner (Bedford, Ind. / Bedford North Lawrence HS) scored the first of four runs in the seventh for the Aces. UE scored on the next two at-bats to retake the lead by two runs.

Evansville’s defense took down the Bears quickly in the bottom frame before adding two more runs in the top of the eighth. Longmeier added his fifth home run of the season and second of the weekend to lead off the inning. The Aces' next run came four at-bats later as infielder Cal McGinnis (Kimberly, Wis. / Bradley) came home on a failed pickoff attempt for an 11-7 game.

But for the third time on Sunday, Missouri State tied the game back up with a four-run inning. The Bears hit their fourth home run of the day to bring the game back within two runs and then added two more with four straight hits. UE’s defense was able to get out of the inning with a double play, but again needed its offense to deliver for a win.

And Evansville’s offense did just that as 10 batters went to the plate in the top of the ninth. With two walks, three hits, and a hit-by-pitch, the Aces added another five runs. A double from McGinnis began the scoring as UE loaded the bases on its next two at-bats. A pitch hit Waggoner to bring in a run while Taubert’s third hit of the afternoon scored two more runners.

Missouri State tried to come back in the bottom of the ninth with two singles to begin the frame. But the Evansville defense came through again with two putouts and a strikeout from closer Drew Fieger (Fort Mitchell, Ky. / Lincoln Trail CC) to seal the win. The Aces avoided a sweep in Springfield to win their final MVC game at Hammons Field.

UE returns to German American Bank Field on Tuesday evening. Evansville will complete the home portion of its home-and-home series with the Indiana Hoosiers on April 29. First pitch from Charles H. Braun Stadium on Tuesday night is set for 5 p.m.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The University of Evansville baseball team took an early lead on Saturday afternoon but ultimately fell to the Missouri State Bears 7-2.

The Purple Aces added their 19th and 20th home runs of the season in their second game against Missouri State. But the long balls from left fielder Charlie Longmeier (Seymour, Ind. / Seymour HS) and infielder Cal McGinnis (Kimberly, Wis. / Bradley) weren’t enough to push UE past the Bears. McGinnis, along with catcher Evan Waggoner (Bedford, Ind. / Bedford North Lawrence HS), led Evansville at the plate with two hits each while Waggoner and first baseman Jake McGhee (Fenton, Mo. / Christian Brothers Academy) had two walks.

"Our offense didn't have an answer for their two pitchers today," said Head Coach Wes Carroll following the loss. "It's tough to lose a series on a Saturday. But tomorrow is an important game in the big picture of the conference season."

The Aces got on base early Saturday afternoon as UE had a batter reach first in three straight innings. Evansville’s first hit didn’t come until the top of the second when shortstop Drew McConnell (Blue Springs, Mo. / Blue Springs HS) put a single into right center. But the Aces' defense kept Missouri State quiet early to give the offense time to bring in a run.

And bring in a run, UE did as Longmeier hit his fourth home run of the year to right field. The homer gave Evansville a 1-0 lead early, and the team soon got another run on the board. McGinnis took two pitches from Bears starter Jason Schaaf before hitting his own bomb past the right field fence.

McGinnis' third home run of the season gave the Aces a 2-0 lead after only two and a half innings on Saturday. Two more batters reached base for UE in the third as McGhee walked, and Waggoner added his fifth double of the year. But the two runners remain stranded as Evansville went into the bottom of the frame with its first lead of the series.

The Aces' defense took Missouri State down in order to close out the first third of the game on top. But UE’s offense struggled the next two innings, going down in order twice. While the Bears cut Evansville’s lead by a run in the bottom of the fourth with a lead-off solo home run. The Aces held onto their lead through the fourth with three straight outs after the lead-off run.

Missouri State was able to tie the game in the bottom of the fifth with another solo shot to begin the frame. The Bears quickly took over on offense in the inning as they put a fielder’s choice and four straight hits into the field to score three more runs. The game score remained 5-2 for the next two and a half innings.

UE added two more hits and loaded up the bases on two separate occasions through the sixth and the eighth. McGhee and Waggoner again went back-to-back on base in the top of the sixth with a single each. Evansville didn’t have another hit in the inning but did load the bases with a hit-by-pitch. But with two outs on the board already, the Aces stranded three with a strikeout.

The second loaded bases situation of the game for UE came in the top of the eighth inning. McGhee and Waggoner were walked by Missouri State reliever Max Knight to begin the eighth. A third walk to pinch hitter Brodie Peart (Markham, Ontario) after a strikeout put Evansville into another bases-loaded situation. But again, the Aces left all three runners stranded on base with a strikeout and a flyout.

The Bears added two more runs in the bottom of the eighth with their own back-to-back home runs. UE’s defense got the next three batters down in order, heading into its final chance at the plate. McGinnis got his second hit of the day in the top of the ninth with a one-out single to right center. But Evansville wasn’t able to bring McGinnis home, falling to Missouri State 7-2.

The Aces will try to steal a game from the Bears on Sunday in the series finale. The rubber match is currently set for a 1 p.m. first pitch on Sunday, April 27.

PEORIA, Ill. – A long day on the field that included a 12-inning marathon saw the University of Evansville softball team drop both games to Bradley at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex.

Game 1 – Bradley 10, UE 9 (12 innings)

In a back-and-forth contest that saw multiple rallies by each team, it was Bradley who had the final one as they took a 10-9 win in 12 innings to open the series.  Things remained scoreless through 5 ½ innings before the game took a turn in the bottom of the sixth.

Before that time, UE had multiple opportunities to get on the board.  The Purple Aces put two runners on in three of the first five innings while Miriah Powell had the first hit of the game for UE in the second.  Evansville pitcher Gracie Hollingsworth kept the Braves scoreless through the first five innings, but they broke through with three runs in the sixth.

Down to its final three outs, UE erupted for seven runs in the top of the 7^th to go up 7-3.  Taylor Howe and Morgan Adams each walked while Niki Bode added a hit to load the bases with no outs.  Howe and Bode would score when Eliza Piggott hit into a fielder’s choice that resulted in a Bradley error.  Jess Willsey came to the plate and delivered a 3-run home run that gave the Aces their first advantage of the game.

Evansville continued to apply the pressure in the inning as Howe added a 2-run single that extended the lead to 7-3.  In the bottom of the frame, Bradley staged a rally of its own, scoring four times to send the game into extra innings.  Cassidy Gall entered the contest in the 8^th and kept her team in the game as the teams battled to the 12^th inning.

Powell delivered an RBI single while Abby Bode hit a sac fly that gave the Aces a 9-7 lead.  Once again, Bradley would storm back.  The first four batters reached to cut the deficit to one.  Hollingsworth re-entered the game and picked up two quick outs, but an error and single would give the Braves the victory.

Niki Bode had three of UE’s 12 hits in the game while Howe and Powell recorded two apiece.  Willsey led the way with three RBI.

Game 2 – Bradley 10, UE 6

Evansville took a 4-0 lead into the bottom of the fifth before the Braves scored nine times on their way to a 10-6 win in game two.

Kynadee Warner led the top of the third off with a walk before stealing second.  She would cross the plate on Morgan Adams’ 2-out single.  Zoe Frossard added a sacrifice fly in the fourth that pushed lead to 2-0.

Jess Willsey continued her strong doubleheader with a 2-run double in the fifth.  Eliza Piggott and Adams scored on the play to double the lead at 4-0.  In the bottom of the inning, the Braves rallied with nine runs to take a 9-4 lead.

Despite the deficit, the Aces did not give up.  Two bases-loaded walks made it a 9-6 game in favor of the Braves heading into the bottom of the 6^th.  A solo home run pushed the BU lead to 10-6 and that would be the final.  UE had two hits in the game with Willsey and Adams picking those up.  The Aces accumulated 11 walks with Frossard and Bode registering two apiece.

Sunday’s series finale is set for a 12 p.m. first pitch.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The University of Evansville baseball team played a close game with the Missouri State Bears but ultimately fell in its first game of the weekend 6-4.

An explosive fifth inning and a career-high from two Purple Aces players weren’t enough to give UE a Friday night win at Hammons Field. Evansville’s offense had 12 hits to lead the game, bouncing back from a tough midweek matchup at Western Kentucky on Tuesday. Junior infielder Drew Howard (Ferdinand, Ind. / Forest Park HS) tied his career-high with three hits to lead the Aces at the plate on Friday night. While starting pitcher Kenton Deverman (Dardenne Prairie, Mo. / Fort Zumwalt West HS) set a new career-high in strikeouts, taking down 10 batters for the UE defense.

“That’s a tough one to lose to open up the weekend,” said Head Coach Wes Carroll following the game. “There were a couple of close plays that didn’t go our way, as we had great efforts on the mound from Deverman and [reliever Max] Hansmann. The effort and energy were there, but it was not enough to get the win.”

Evansville’s bats got going early at Hammons Field as infielder Cal McGinnis (Kimberly, Wis. / Bradley) had the first hit of the game. But the Aces weren’t able to bring runners home early on Friday night as they stranded five in the first three innings. Meanwhile, Missouri State took an early 3-0 lead with two hits and a run in the first inning and a two-run homer in the second.

Deverman locked in on the mound for UE, striking out at least two batters in three of the next four innings. Deverman’s performance on the mound helped Evansville blank the Bears for back-to-back innings in the third and fourth. The Aces offense then exploded in the top of the fifth, batting through the entire order to take their only lead of the night.

Howard began the inning with his second single of the game to be the first of four straight UE hits. Evansville broke the shutout on a two-RBI single through the right side from outfielder Charlie Longmeier in the third at-bat of the fifth. McGinnis also got aboard with the Aces' fourth hit in a row for his second hit of the game.

UE’s next two batters struck out, but Evansville was able to score with two outs on the board. Designated hitter Brodie Peart (Markham, Ontario) put a single into left, scoring Longmeier for the tying run. Peart’s single was followed by a double from first baseman Jake McGhee (Fenton, Mo. / Christian Brothers Academy) to give the Aces a 5-4 lead going into the bottom of the inning.

The lead didn’t last long for UE, as back-to-back singles to begin the fifth for Missouri State became a tying sacrifice fly. Evansville’s defense turned its 26th double play of the season to get out of the inning with the game knotted up at four runs apiece. Howard picked up his third single to open the sixth inning but was picked off at first in the next at-bat. The Aces weren’t able to get another runner aboard in either the sixth or the seventh innings.

Deverman had his best inning on the mound in the bottom of the sixth. He struck out the side, taking all three Bears batters down in order with only 14 pitches.  The final out of the sixth inning for Deverman was his 10th of the game, a new career-high for the sophomore lefty. Deverman is the first UE pitcher to record 10 strikeouts in a game since Tyler Denu in 2023, also at Missouri State.

The bottom of the seventh inning began with two straight outs to right fielder Harrison Taubert (Casper, Wyo. / Northeast CC), looking to be similar to the sixth. But a double to the right corner followed by a long single to right put the Bears back in front on a close play. Evansville almost got the out at home on the fifth run, but a video review determined the tag was just behind the runner’s hand touching home plate.

Missouri State was able to add one more run in the seventh with its third hit of the inning and an error at first base. The Aces were able to get out of the inning with an infield ground out, facing a two-run deficit with only two innings left. McGhee hit his second hit of the night in the top of the eighth to take first base. But he would be the last base runner for UE as Evansville didn’t have another hit in the 6-4 loss.

Four Aces had multiple hits on the night to give UE 12 total hits in the game. Howard had three hits for the first time since February, while Longmeier, McGinnis, and McGhee had two each. Longmeier was the only batter with two RBIs while catcher Matt Flaherty (Lake Zurich, Ill. / Bellarmine) led Evansville in the field with 12 putouts.

The Aces will look to even the series on Saturday afternoon in Hammons Field. First pitch for the second game of the weekend against Missouri State is set for 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 26.