We are excited to announce that our annual day of giving, Pep and Vim, will be on Friday, April 17, 2026.

This is a great time for departments and programs to raise funds for a specific project. If you are interested in funding a project, please contact Jaime Wilder jw663@evansville.edu with your project idea no later than February 2, 2026.

The University of Evansville Theatre is pleased to offer a special Chicago theatre experience featuring STEREOPHONIC—the most Tony Award–nominated play of all time and the most Tony Award–winning show of 2024.

The performance will take place on Saturday, January 31 at 2:00 p.m. in Chicago. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience one of the most celebrated productions in Broadway history while enjoying a weekend in the city.

Guests may register for an exclusive weekend package that includes a two-night stay at the historic Palmer House (Friday–Sunday), a ticket to the Saturday matinee performance, and a post-show reception with University of Evansville Theatre alumni. Hosted at the Palmer House, the alumni reception will bring together UE Theatre graduates, students, faculty, and supporters for an evening of connection, conversation, and community in the heart of Chicago’s theatre scene.

Pricing for the weekend package is $850 per couple or $675 per individual.

For those who would like to attend the performance without staying at the Palmer House, individual tickets are available for $135. Ticket holders are also welcome to attend the alumni reception.

This experience offers a unique blend of world-class theatre, community connection, and cultural engagement in one of the nation’s premier theatre cities.

For additional details or to reserve a package or ticket, please contact Wes Grantom at GG23@evansville.edu

The AI Committee’s Research and Innovation Subcommittee invites you to:

Discoveries

A Monthly Forum for AI Research and Innovation

This month’s Discoveries meeting will take place in SOBA 172 on Tuesday, January 20^th at 4:00. We are excited to announce that the presentation will be:

Tommy Housman, “What Social Impacts Are Emerging from Artificial Intelligence, Data Centers, and Humanoid Robotics?”

All administrators, faculty, staff, and students are welcome. Please bring your own laptop.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Join us for prayer, Bible study, and fellowship! This semester, the Abundant Life women's group will be reading about some of the great women in the Old and New Testaments. The group meets weekly from 4 to 5 pm on Fridays at the Newman house, but feel free to stop by as much or as little as you are able. All students are welcome, regardless of religious affiliation!

To ask questions or to join our GroupMe, please email Grace at gg126@evansville.edu

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – For the third consecutive year, the University of Evansville will celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day by hosting a free event for Tri-State area children kindergarten through eighth grade on Saturday, January 31, in association with Ascension St. Vincent.
 
The event is a free multi-sport clinic led by current UE student-athletes, coaches and staff. UE teams represented include golf, volleyball, softball, women's basketball, women's soccer, track & field, and spirit. At the clinic, participants will work on sport specific drills taught and ran by student-athletes. Doors will open at 8:30 AM, with the camp beginning at 9 AM. Pick up starts at 11:45 AM.
 
The event is open for children ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade. Campers will receive a free t-shirt and a voucher to attend any home women's regular season sporting event (must be redeemed by December 31, 2026).  Registration is now open and will close on January 27^th, 2026. No walk-ups will be allowed. Camps are open to any and all, limited only by number, age or grade.

To register, visit – gopurpleaces.com/ngwsd

The University of Evansville (UE) will host the 2026 William G. & Rose Mays MLK Day Lectureship on Monday, January 19, welcoming renowned journalist and scholar Dr. Jelani Cobb as the keynote speaker. The event will take place in Eykamp Hall within Ridgway University Center, with doors opening at 3:30 p.m. and the program beginning at 4:00 p.m.

This year’s Lectureship focuses on the theme “Servant. Strategist. Change Agent. The Anatomy of Transformative Leadership.” The event is designed to help the campus and community reflect on what strong, positive leadership looks like today. Each year, UE uses this Lectureship to bring important voices to campus who help expand conversations about civil rights, fairness, and how we can work together to create meaningful change. The Center for Inclusive Excellence leads this effort and supports the programming that surrounds it.

Dr. Cobb’s work on race, history, democracy, and social change has established him as one of the most respected voices in contemporary public discourse. His participation in the 2026 Lectureship offers the campus and greater Evansville community an opportunity to explore transformative leadership in both historical and modern contexts.

The Lectureship is open to the public, and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional details about the event and the full 2026 MLK Celebration schedule can be found here.

Do you play a band instrument? Come play in the UE Community Band. Rehearsals begin Thursday, January 15. The Band meets every Thursday in Krannert 110, 7:00-9:00pm, with a concert on April 23 in Wheeler Concert Hall.

Hope to see you there.

For more information, contact Dr. Kenneth Steinsultz (ks306).

If you are expecting a refund for the Spring 2026 term and would like to receive this as a direct deposit, please enter your bank information in Self-Service under "Bank Information- Refunds and Reimbursements".

Refunds will be processed begining this week, and continue into the coming weeks.  If you have any questions regarding your student account, please contact the Office of Student Financial Services.

RA Applications open on January 14th and close on January 30th. To apply, please visit evansville.erezlife.com. Any questions can be directed to Teddy DeCorrevont (kt194@evansville.edu)

The Office of Admisison is excitied to welcome over 45 families to Purple Visit Day taking place on Monday, January 19th.  To make the families arrival smooth, we will have a portion of the Front Oval (the area in front of Olmsted and Koch Center) blocked until 9:15 a.m. on Monday.  The families will also be dining in the Eatery.  If you see a visiting family Monday, please give them a friendly UE welcome!

The Admissions Ambassadors invite interested students to apply to join our organization.

Admissions Ambassadors play a key role in welcoming prospective students and families to campus. Ambassadors represent UE by leading campus tours, assisting with recruitment events, and sharing their experiences as Purple Aces.

Students selected for the program will receive training and work closely with the Office of Admission throughout the academic year. The role is ideal for students who enjoy meeting new people, speaking about their UE experience, and serving as representatives of the University.

Applications are open from January 12^th to January 23^rd- Apply here - https://apply2.evansville.edu/register/AmbassadorAppSpring26.

Email Maggie Gross mg415@evansville.edu with any questions!

Don't miss this chance to go on this short-term international experience in May! Join the Schroeder School of Business on this 10-day trip to Harlaxton, Leicester, Derby, Cambridge, Edinburgh, and London and earn academic credit while traveling and learning abroad. These trips are best if you are unable to travel to Harlaxton for the longer full semester trips.    For School of Engineering and Computer Science (SECS) students, this course may count as a free elective (note: not all SECS programs include free electives). Students outside the School of Business and SECS should consult their program advisor to confirm how this course can fit into their degree plan. Trip Details:

• Course: BUS 365 (3 credit hours)
• Dates: May 15–25, 2026
• Who Can Apply: Open to all UE students 
• February 2: Deadline for application (by email to yo21@evansville.edu)
• See attached flyer for more details.

This is a unique opportunity to gain global experience, earn credits, and explore Harlaxton in just 10 days. Apply now and be part of an unforgettable summer experience!   If interested, join us for an information session:

• January 29 at 12:15 pm in KC133 and
• January 30 at 12:15 pm in SB 250. 

Please promote this to your fellow students and friends. Hope you join this trip.

View the flyer.

The Office of Accounting/Payroll will be issuing W-2s for 2025 no later than January 31, 2026.  You may choose 1 of 2 options to receive your W-2:

• Electronic W-2 – If you provide your consent, you will be able to view/print in Self-Service as soon as they are ready.  Notification will be sent through Purple Pulse. 

• Paper W-2 – If you prefer, you can continue to receive your W-2 in the mail. 

An electronic W-2 will give you earlier access than a mailed copy.  It is IRS compliant and can be submitted with your tax return as usual. 

To give consent for the electronic W-2, log in to Self-Service https://selfservice.evansville.edu and go to “Tax Information”.  Select “Receive my W-2 only in electronic form” and save.

If you are eligible to participate in the university’s health plans, you may give consent to receive your 1095-C form electronically here also.  If you choose to withhold your consent to view/print your online W-2 and 1095-C, a paper copy will be mailed to your home address.  Please make sure that your current address is on file.

If you have questions, please contact Shannon Bray at payroll@evansville.edu.

The Honorary Degree Committee is seeking your recommendations for honorary degrees to be conferred at the May 2026 Commencement.

We need your help in selecting accomplished individuals to receive one of our university’s highest honors.  Nominations may be made on the basis of individual service to the University or individual achievement that exemplifies the University’s mission.  Recently selected persons have excelled in a variety of areas including law, medicine, education, business, literature, politics, and entertainment.

The committee will forward nominations to President Pietruszkiewicz so he can make his recommendations to the faculty for their approval later this semester.

Please send your suggestions to the committee chair (bj23@evansville.edu) by Thursday, January 22^nd.  It would help us if you could provide some biographical information, the rationale for your nomination, and contact information for the nominee.

Disability Services Checklist: Start Strong This Semester!

1. Renew your accommodations

Submit your accommodation renewal through the online form found on the Disability Services website as soon as possible.

2. Talk to your professors

Introduce yourself and discuss your accommodations to build a strong foundation.

3. Review your syllabi

Look for potential challenges (e.g., group work, timed exams) and plan ahead.

4. Check your tech

Ensure assistive technology is updated and compatible with course platforms like Black Board, Honor Lock, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom.

5. Explore campus resources

Visit the Writing Center, Counseling Services, Career Center, and other student support offices.

6. Plan for wellness

Make time for rest, mental health, and self-care.

7. Organize your schedule

Use planners, apps, or visual tools to track assignments and deadlines.

8. Connect with peers

Join student organizations or support groups to build community.

9. Save key contacts

Keep the disability services office email and phone number handy.

Got questions? Need accommodations? Just curious? Come say hi! We are located in Ridgway on the second floor in the Student Affairs Suite or call our office to make an appointment at 812-488-2663. We are open M-F from 8:00am – 5:00pm.

https://www.evansville.edu/counseling/disability/index.cfm

The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) awards scholarships to United Methodist college students in the United States. Applications are now open for scholarships to help fund the 2026-27 academic year. Please visit https://umhef.org/apply for more information and to access the application. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2026.

If you're passionate about helping new students make connections and find their way at UE, enhancing your leadership skills, and being a part of a close-knit team, apply to be an Orientation Leader for the 2025 school year! Deadline to apply is January 30th. 

Application Link: https://forms.office.com/r/GtRwcuHArb 

What is an Orientation Leader (OL)?   

An orientation leader is a student committed to serving the University by offering information and assistance to incoming and new students and their families. OLs wear many hats so they must possess a “we care” attitude as they support students during orientation, welcome week, and beyond. OLs are held to the highest standards of good conduct and must possess leadership skills that allow them to be good role models for other students.

The “We Care” Attitude 

OLs must be able to adapt and adjust quickly and easily to different situations and support a variety of differing needs and backgrounds of incoming students. A genuine interest in caring for people and an ability to spend long hours working with others are important. OLs are frequently asked to embody a spirit of team work and prioritize the needs of new students and family members above their own interests.

Qualifications 

• Understand and believe in the mission of the University of Evansville.  
• Support the University, including the regulations and policies as stated in the Student Handbook.  
• Must maintain a 2.5 G.P.A. and be a full-time student.  
• Must be in good disciplinary standing.  
• Must relate well with faculty, administrators, families, and new students.  
• Must be reliable, confident, sincere, flexible, and display a willingness to help others. 
• Must have good communication and time management skills. 
• Must have the character, academic success, and exemplary attitude that will serve as a good role model for others. 
• Must be able to meet all time commitments associated with the position. 

Do you have any questions? Contact co-chairs Cole Johnson (cj174@evansville.edu) or Elise Horton (eh341@evansville.edu).

Join us on Saturday, January 17 for MLK Day of Service. Honor the legacy of Dr. King by giving back to the Evansville community. You can sign up as a group or as an individual, and after you register our team will assign you to a site. Volunteers will receive a free t-shirt. The day begins at 7:30 AM in Eykamp. See you there!

MLK Day of Service Participant Registration 2026 – Fill out form

🚗 Be a Road Trip Host! 🤠

Hey Aces! Road Trip Rodeo is coming up, and we’re hyped to welcome admitted students to campus — but we need YOUR help to make it awesome.

Sign up to host a Road Tripper (or two) for the weekend! Don’t live in the dorms? No worries — commuters and fraternity members can move onto campus for the weekend.

As a host, you’ll get:
✨ A free Road Trip Rodeo T-shirt
🍽️ Friday night dinner
🎉 Access to all Road Trip events
🙌 The chance to show off how great UE life really is

Grab your roommates and sign up today — it’s gonna be a blast!
Questions? Hit us up at RoadTripHosting@evansville.edu

The Fall 2024 Dean's List is currently on display at the library. Congratulations!

The University extends our sincere sympathies to the family and loved ones of Henry Miner, who served the University of Evansville as a Professor of German from 1971 until his retirement in 2007. A passionate linguist and dedicated educator, Henry’s love of languages, global learning, and service left a lasting impact on our campus community. Our thoughts are with his family during this time. The full obituary can be found by clicking here.

The University extends our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of James Walter Talbert, Ph.D., who passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

Dr. Talbert served the University of Evansville with distinction for 35 years as a Professor of Spanish and for 12 years as Chair of the Department of Foreign Languages. During his tenure, Jim was a dedicated educator, trusted academic advisor, Spanish Club sponsor, and an active member of numerous university committees. He was honored as Chi Omega Professor of the Year and Chi Omega Parent of the Year, reflecting the profound impact he had on students both inside and outside the classroom.

A devoted Purple Aces supporter, Jim could often be found cheering on UE athletics at basketball, football, and soccer games for decades. Alongside Alicia and their family, he warmly welcomed international students into their home, offering hospitality, mentorship, and guidance that exemplified the spirit of our university.

Dr. Talbert’s legacy as an inspiring teacher, mentor, and community member will be remembered with gratitude and admiration. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. His obituary can be found by clicking here.

Harlaxton College is pleased to be accepting applications to teach at the Manor in Fall 2027, and Spring 2028.   These applications are online and can be found by clicking https://pursueharlaxton.evansville.edu/register/teach-with-harlaxton.

Applications for Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 are due on April 1, 2026.

Semester Applicants:
Semester benefits include room and board for family members at Harlaxton.   Faculty members who wish to bring children and enroll them in the local schools will be assisted in the visa process but will be required to pay any fees for the visa.  These fees are currently approx. $1500 per person, and visas are required for every person in the family.   Faculty and families will also be invoiced for health and transportation fees at the Manor for each member of the family and the faculty member.  These fees are approximately $400 per person.

Teaching at Harlaxton is a wonderful experience, and we welcome faculty members for a phenomenal summer or semester abroad.  If you have questions about teaching at Harlaxton and the experience overall, please feel free to email me at hc110@evansville.edu.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville track & field team opens their 2026 season on Friday, competing in the Bellarmine Open in Louisville. The first event of the day is the weight throw and long jump, scheduled for 10 AM ET, with the meet running throughout the day. Live results can be found here.

Competing Teams

Bellarmine
Louisville
Eastern Kentucky
Evansville
Southern Indiana
Marshall
Asbury
Campbellsville
Cumberlands (Ky.)
Hanover
Huntington (Ind.)
Lindsey Wilson
Midway
Shawnee State
Simmons College of Kentucky
Spalding
Transylvania
Vincennes

Meet Details
Meet Schedule
Heat Sheet
Meet Information

Last Time Out
Evansville enters the 2026 season looking to build off a 2025 campaign that saw the Aces post their best Outdoor Championships score in the MVC era.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville head volleyball coach Zach Weinberg has announced the addition of Savannah Gogel to the Purple Aces program.

The native of Santa Claus, Ind. was a freshman last season at Northern Illinois University where she saw action in 40 sets while accumulating a total of 53 kills during the season.

"We're thrilled to welcome Savannah back home to Southern Indiana! Savannah is uniquely familiar with Meeks Family Fieldhouse, having played on the same club team as our current team members Brooke, Kendall, and Hinsley,” Weinberg exclaimed. “She is a dynamic and physical middle blocker, who also can give us positional flexibility on the right side if needed. As a staff, we couldn't be more excited to bring the quality of volleyball player and human being that Savannah is into the program!"

Gogel made her collegiate debut in August against Lamar and finished with three kills and two block assists. She posted her top effort in non-conference action against IU Indy where she tallied eight kills and four block assists.

On Halloween, Gogel had her top match of the season registering 13 kills while hitting .370. She added five block assists, two digs, and two service aces in a 5-set Mid-American Conference victory over Buffalo.

She graduated from Heritage Hills HS where she set the single-match school record for kills with 33. As a senior, Gogel accumulated 292 kills, a .314 hitting percentage, 35 aces, 150 digs, and 14 assists. She was a 4-time First Team All-Conference player while garnering All-District accolades on three occasions.

In the classroom, Gogel was equally impressive finishing in the top 10% of her class in all four years and was an Indiana Academic All-State Gold honoree.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – On Friday, the University of Evansville women's basketball team returns to Meeks Family Fieldhouse for a key conference battle with the UIC Flames. Tip-off is set for 6 PM. The contest marks Pride Night at Meeks Family Fieldhouse, as the Aces will celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

Evansville vs. UIC | Friday, January 16 | 6 PM Site | Location Meeks Family Fieldhouse | Evansville, Ind. Links 6 PM CT:  Live Stats | TV:  ESPN+ Follow the Aces Women's Basketball Site  |  Twitter  |  Instagram | Game Notes

 
Series History   
- Friday marks the 20th meeting between Evansville and UIC
- Evansville leads the series 10-9, including a 6-3 advantage in the River City
- Since UIC joined the MVC ahead of the 2022-23 season, the Flames have taken six of seven meetings

Offensive Outburst
- Since entering MVC play, Evansville has upped their scoring from 60.4 to 71.8 ppg
- The last three games account for three of Evansville's four highest-scoring games this season
- The increased scoring output has come with a significant increase in assist numbers as well, as the Aces have improved from 12.3 assists per game in non-conference play to 16.2 assists per game against MVC foes

Weekly Honors
- Sydney Huber received her first MVC Freshman of the Week award on Monday after averaging 13 points, 2.5 assists and 3.5 rebounds across two games last week
- Huber has been one of the top freshmen in the Valley this season, ranking fifth in the conference in scoring among freshmen at 6.8 points per game
- The sharpshooter has also been one of the top three-point shooters in the league, ranking third in the MVC and top among qualified MVC freshmen with a 34.7% mark from distance
- In Valley play, Huber has been Evansville's number two scorer, scoring 9.6 ppg

Scouting the Opponent
- UIC comes into Friday's game with a 7-9 record and a 2-3 mark in MVC play
- The Flames are coming off a loss at Illinois State on Thursday by a score of 75-61
- Jessica Carrothers leads UIC and ranks third in the Valley in scoring at 18.2 ppg

Follow Along
Friday's game will be streamed live on ESPN+. Live stats are available at GoPurpleAces.com.

Dr. David Smith, former Superintendent of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC), has been named the inaugural Sustainability Coordinator for the Evansville Promise Neighborhood (EPN), the University of Evansville announced Wednesday. This new position represents a major milestone in ensuring the long-term success and impact of the Promise Neighborhood initiative well beyond the life of the federal grant.

Dr. Smith brings decades of leadership experience, deep local knowledge, and extensive national connections to the role. During his tenure as superintendent, EVSC became the lead education agency partner when UE was awarded the federal Promise Neighborhood grant in 2023. This required working closely with all partner organizations to develop innovative new data sharing agreements so that partners can better serve children and families in the neighborhood. His understanding of the EPN’s goals, partners, and community impact uniquely positions him to guide the next phase of the work.

“I wasn’t looking to stay busy in retirement, I was looking for something truly meaningful,” said Dr. Smith. “When this opportunity came up, I was truly excited. EPN represents the kind of collaborative, child-centered work that can change lives, and I’m honored to do what I can to ensure that the partners doing the work can continue for years to come.”

In his new role, Smith will focus on sustaining the collective work of EPN partners beyond the grant period, with a particular focus on strengthening organizational capacity, fostering collaboration across partners, and identifying structures and strategies that increase long-term collective impact. His work will help ensure that the systems built through EPN continue to serve children and families across the community.

“Dr. Smith brings a deep sense of purpose, a heart for service, and a lifelong commitment to children and families, qualities that align closely with the University of Evansville and Evansville Promise Neighborhood mission,” said Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, President of the University of Evansville. “His leadership will help advance the important work of Evansville Promise Neighborhood, strengthening it for the future. As an anchor institution, the University of Evansville has a responsibility to invest in the well-being of our community, and this appointment reflects that commitment. We are grateful to our partners whose support makes this work possible.”

Under the Promise Neighborhood Grant, federal funding cannot be used for sustainability and EPN is grateful to CenterPoint Energy Foundation, Welborn Baptist Foundation, United Way of Southwestern Indiana, Koch Enterprises, and Old National Bank for funding the Sustainability Coordinator position. The hiring followed an intentional search process led by an advisory committee tasked with identifying the right candidate to guide sustainability efforts. The committee was co-chaired by Pat Creech of Welborn Baptist Foundation and Pete Paradossi of the Evansville Regional Business Committee, whose leadership and guidance were instrumental in bringing the process to a successful conclusion. 

Smith will be an employee of the Center for Innovation and Change, which houses the EPN, so he will be able to work directly with that team in identifying opportunities for fundraising. This appointment marks a significant step forward in sustaining one of Evansville’s most ambitious and collaborative efforts to improve outcomes for children and families.

Organizations or individuals interested in sustaining the work of the EPN can contact epn@evansville.edu.

The University of Evansville (UE) is building on the rapid momentum of its Esports program with the appointment of Ethan Jaworski '24 as Head Esports Coach & Coordinator.

Jaworski officially joined the program in July 2025, just months after leading UE's Overwatch 2 team to the program's first-ever NECC Regional Championship and National Championship as a student-athlete.

A December 2024 graduate with a bachelor's degree in Sports Communication, Jaworski brings a unique perspective as both a recent alumnus and championship team captain. His return marks a full-circle moment for a program that has quickly emerged as a competitive force on the national collegiate esports stage.

"This program gave me opportunities I never imagined when I arrived at UE as a student," Jaworski said. "To return as head coach and help guide the next generation of Aces, both competitively and professionally, is incredibly meaningful. We've built a strong foundation, and now the focus is sustaining excellence, expanding opportunities for our players, and continuing to raise the national profile of UE Esports."

Under Jaworski's leadership and momentum from the 2024-25 season, UE Esports continues to demonstrate sustained success across multiple titles. During the fall 2025 semester, both the Overwatch 2 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate teams completed undefeated regular seasons. The Overwatch 2 team advanced to the Regional Championship finals, while Super Smash Bros. Ultimate reached the semifinal round of the Regional Playoffs.

The Overwatch 2 team also achieved a significant visibility milestone this fall, earning its first feature on the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) Twitch broadcast during its semifinal victory, an indicator of UE Esports' growing national recognition.

Beyond competition, UE Esports is investing in experiential learning and student development. The program recently launched its official Twitch streaming platform, featuring live commentary provided by players and coaches to create a more immersive and accessible viewing experience. Plans are underway to further professionalize broadcasts with upgraded equipment, a dedicated commentary booth, custom graphics and transitions, and a student stream producer role.

These enhancements will also create hands-on learning opportunities through partnerships with UE's Creative Technologies program, connecting classroom learning with real-world experience in broadcasting, production, and digital media.