The University of Evansville (UE) in partnership with the Evansville Police Department, Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office, along with other emergency personnel, is hosting a training drill on campus during the morning hours of Wednesday, May 13. The majority of the exercise will be completed by 12 noon.

Officers in full tactical gear (including uniforms, vests, and helmets) along with marked police vehicles, will participate in a realistic training scenario, responding as though it were an actual threat. No live ammunition or munitions will be used – but there will be noise from blanks.

This exercise is part of the University’s ongoing commitment to campus safety and preparedness, providing an opportunity for local agencies and University staff to coordinate response efforts and test emergency protocols.

FOR CAMPUS COMMUNITY: Please be advised that the Koch Center for Engineering and Science and Sesquicentennial Front Oval will be the main locations utilized during the exercise

“Emergency Drill in Progress” signs will be posted along the southeast corner of campus near the intersection of Weinbach and Lincoln Avenues, to alert pedestrians and drivers to ongoing activity.

Please contact publicsafety@evansville.edu with questions.

The Sesquicentennial Front Oval will be closed to parking beginning at 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, and will remain closed until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 9. This closure will provide time for students, families, and members of the campus community to take photos on the Oval without the distraction of cars ahead of Commencement.

The University of Evansville’s 168th Commencement Ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 9 to honor the Class of 2026. 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.

2026 Summer Hours

From Monday, May 11 through Friday, August 14, 2026, we’ll be shifting to a slightly sunnier schedule:

• Monday–Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Regular hours return Monday, August 17.

Juneteenth – Recognized as Federal Holiday for 2026

For the third year, all University offices will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.

July 4 Holiday

UE closed on Thursday, July 2 and Friday, July 3, in addition to the Fourth of July, which falls on a Saturday this year.

Join the SAA Book Club in reading, the Art Thief by Michael Finkel this month. The Art Theif is a true-crime book about Stephane Breitwieser, one of history's most prolific art thieves. He stole over 200 priceless artworks from multiple Eurpean museums between 1995 and 2005.

To accomodate for the Memorial Day holiday, the club will be meeting one week earlier on Wednesday May 20th. They will meet at Orange Leaf  from 12 -1pm (patio if weather permitting).  To RSVP or if you have any questions please contact Kathy Taylor at ks6@evansville.edu.

Join the University of Evansville community in supporting an inspiring student-led event created by Lillie Price, a B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science Pre-Professional major. Run with the Zebras is a 5K fundraiser benefiting the The Ehlers-Danlos Society and raising awareness for Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD).

This cause is deeply personal to Lillie, who has turned her own journey into a mission to educate others, support research, and build hope for those living with often unseen daily challenges such as chronic pain, fatigue, and joint instability.

Whether you choose to run, walk, volunteer, or simply attend, this event is a chance for the UE community to come together for a meaningful cause while enjoying a fun day on campus. The event will include youth races, a speaker presentation, the adult run/walk, prizes, music, and more.

Event Details
📍 University of Evansville
📅 Saturday, May 23
⏰ 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
🚗 Free parking available

Support one of our own and help make a difference through awareness, advocacy, and community action.

Sign up for Run with the Zebras.

Read all about it-featuring major projects, milestones, employee recongitions, operations updates, shout-outs and more!

https://www.evansville.edu/offices/facilities/foundations-2026-05.cfm

In Episode 7, Ainoah Cruz speaks with Irais Ibarra Kay, UE alumna and Marketing Coordinator, Evansville Promise Neighborhood at UE.

Celebrating Hispanic Voices – Spotify – Episode 7 – Season 3 – Irais Ibarra Kay

Celebrating Hispanic Voices – Apple Podcasts – Episode 7 – Season 3 – Irais Ibarra Kay

Thank you to our production team, Ale España and Tommy Housman!

The campus bookstore will begin its Summer hours on Monday, May 11th:

• Monday-Thursday: 10am-3pm
• Friday: 10am-2pm
• Saturday-Sunday: CLOSED

You can now view and apply for Summer 2026 Work-Study positions through Self-Service.

How to Apply:

1. Log in to Self-Service
2. Complete the 2026 Summer Work-Study Application
3. Scroll down to find Student Employment Position Listing
4. Submit applications for positions of interest by emailing your application to the listed supervisor

What You Need to Know:

• Summer Work-Study is open to returning students.
• You may work in multiple positions but cannot exceed 37.5 hours per week across all jobs.
• The Summer Work-Study period runs May 11^th – August 21^st.

If you are hired for a summer position, you will receive a Summer 2026 Offer of Employment, which must be completed before you begin working. If you have not worked on campus before, you will also be required to fill out all necessary payroll paperwork. Turn in all documents to the Office of Student Financial Services.

On the night of a 21st birthday, a family gathers for dinner in a home where tension quietly lives beneath the surface. As the evening unfolds, small moments begin to reveal the pressures each person is carrying, turning a familiar celebration into something far more fragile.

The Switch is a character-driven short film that explores family, responsibility, and the unseen weight of everyday life. Set in a single location and unfolding in real time, the film focuses on performance, atmosphere, and emotional authenticity to capture a moment that feels both intimate and universal.

Written and directed by Tommy J Housman, the film was created as part of a 16-week student collaboration with his Video Production class and Jon Robertson’s Sound Reinforcement and Recording Class at the University of Evansville. Shot in one room over the course of a single day, produced in one semester The Switch uses a minimalist approach and guided improvisation to build a natural, lived-in dynamic between its characters.

Still looking for your community at UE?

If you are a first-gen student, income-eligible, or have a documented disability, you qualify for FREE academic coaching, tutoring, and career prep designed to help you soar. College is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. TRIO Student Support Services is here to make sure you never have to "figure it out" alone.

The Perks of Membership (All 100% FREE):

·       A Personal Coach: Someone in your corner for every academic hurdle.

·       The Inside Scoop: Graduate school prep and career networking.

·       VIP Access: Tutoring, enrichment experiences and trips, and a private study community.

Your future self will thank you. Apply today! www.evansville.edu/trio

Questions? triosss@evansville.edu

Don’t leave your success to chance. Join a community invested in you.

The library is offering to keep student/faculty plants alive over the summer if they cannot take them home. Contact Meg Atwater-Singer at ma35 for more information.

Office of Alumni and Engagement – Student Worker Position

Student workers in the Office of Alumni and Engagement are part of the Development and Alumni Relations team. They contribute fresh ideas, take responsibility for their work, and gain valuable real-world professional experience. The department is committed to supporting student growth and skill development.

Primary Duties Include:

• Typing, filing, copying, and organizing materials

• Preparing mailings and event materials

• Maintaining alumni database information, including email addresses, phone numbers, and event attendance

• Assisting with social media posts

• Answering phones and providing general office support

• Preparing name tags, labels, table tents, and event supplies

• Assisting at alumni events as needed

Skills Required:

• Strong attention to detail

• Professional manners and a good understanding of written and spoken English

• Basic typing skills

• Familiarity with social media posting

• Experience with Microsoft Excel and Word

• Dependability and initiative

• Interest in gaining more than a basic work experience

Please submit application for employment to Dina Willming dw285@evansville.edu.

The Writing Center is currently accepting applications for writing consultant positions for Fall 2026. If you'd like to apply, please fill out the form linked here. Contact Kristina Groves at kg76@evansville.edu if you have any questions.

Employment/Job Application for the Writing Center – Fill out form

CT-101 is a relatively new course offering at UE. It is a great option for incoming freshman, or students looking for an elective in the creative and technology sector. This course is an overview of practices in Performing Arts, Live Entertainment, and Interactive Media. Contact Jon Robertson, jr462@evansville.edu with any questions.

Beginning Friday, May 1st, all official transcript requests will be held until final grades for the spring term have been verified. Unofficial transcripts will still be available through Self-Service.

Spring graduates should select “Hold for Degree" when ordering a transcript. Once final grades are verified and degrees are conferred, official transcript orders will be processed.

Summer session due dates:

Summer Session 1: May 1, 2026

Summer Session 2: June 1, 2026

Summer Session 3: July 1, 2026

Summer Session 4: May 1, 2026

For more information, please contact Student Financial Services at 812-488-2565

2026-27 MARGERY FLORENCE KAHN SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION NOW AVAILABLE

It was the desire of the donor, Margery Florence Kahn, that her scholarship be awarded to "dedicated and conscientious students who exhibit a true passion for their chosen fields of study, and who, in the opinion of the members of the University of Evansville faculty, are likely to bring the same enthusiasm into the performance of their jobs or the practice of the professions which they will pursue following graduation."

All University of Evansville full-time undergraduate students who will be juniors or seniors in the 2026-27 academic year may apply. An essay of about 300 words must accompany the application along with two to five faculty recommendation letters.

Download the application and faculty recommendation information.

Completed applications and recommendation letters should be returned to the Office of Student Financial Services by MAY 8, 2026.

Questions may be directed to the Office of Student Financial Services at 812-488-2364 or studentfinancialservices@evansville.edu.

Congratulations to the faculty members who have been selected by their Dean to receive a Dean’s Teaching Award for the 2025–2026 academic year.

These awards recognize outstanding dedication to student learning, mentorship, and academic support. The commitment these faculty members demonstrate through their teaching and engagement has a meaningful and lasting impact on our students and our academic community.

We are pleased to recognize the following faculty members:

William L. Ridgway College of Arts & Sciences

• Valerie Stein, Professor of Religious Studies 
• Matt Powless, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology

College of Education & Health Sciences

• Joanie Moyer, Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing
• Aleksander Nagornay, Assistant Professor of Nurse Anesthesia

College of Business and Engineering

• Logan Pant, Assistant Professor of Marketing
• Megan Voss-Warner, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering

Please join us in congratulating them on this well-deserved recognition and in thanking them for their exceptional contributions to teaching and student success.

Dr. Bruce Mabis, Dr. Amy McBride, Dr. Ken Steinsultz, Dr. Brian Swenty, and Dr. Ed Bujak were honored this past Sunday at the Faculty Retirement Tree Planting Ceremony and Reception.  The Paper Birch tree that was planted in their honor is located by the Koch Center front lawn closest to Clifford Memorial.  They each will leave with a great legacy of successful careers and excellent service to our institution.

Please join us in congratulating the winners of The Howard S. Rosenblatt “Dean of Students Leadership Awards.”  These awards were presented at the 33rd Annual Leadership Awards Reception on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 hosted by the Center for Student Engagement.

Awards from the Dean of Students Office are presented in the following categories:

• Student Organization Advisor of the Year: Keith Gehlhausen

• Student Organization of the Year: Student Nurses Association of Peers (SNAP)

• Student Leader of the Year: Mia Melendez

Our student organizations are successful because of the commitment of the student leaders and the advisors who give freely of their time and support.  The recipients of these awards are selected based on their commitment to the University of Evansville as well as the development and success of their efforts within their chosen student organization.

Congratulations to all of our winners, and thank you for your leadership at UE!

Students in this semester's Criminal Justice courses collected jars of peanut butter for the Tri-State Food Bank, "Peanut Butter Jam". The students collected over 70 jars for the local food bank. The efforts were initiated by Psychology major, Kiza Dillard (pictured).

If you would like to donate to the food bank, please go to: https://www.tristatefoodbank.org/

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Bringing a wealth of experience from the Division I and junior college levels, Makuei Riek has signed with the University of Evansville men’s basketball program.

A 6-foot-6 guard, Riek played for Salt Lake Community College last season where he averaged 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. An 87.5% free throw shooter, Riek was an efficient shooter from all areas of the floor finishing at 43.6% overall and 41.7% from long range.

“Makuei is a very talented guard that can score at all three levels. He has the ability to create shots for himself both off the bounce and from off-ball actions/cuts.  His strengths are perimeter shooting, driving undisciplined closeouts, keeping off-ball defenders honest and playing off his pivots,” UE Head Men’s Basketball Coach David Ragland exclaimed. “Riek can score with the best of them but also has a high basketball IQ and can create offensive opportunities for his teammates.  With his height and length, we expect him to defend multiple guard scorers of our opponents.”

Riek posted a season-high 26 points against Casper College where he converted 10 of his 16 field goal tries. Prior to joining SLCC, Riek played in 20 games as a freshman at Fairfield in 2024-25. He scored a season-high 13 points versus Yale and earned Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week honors.

“I chose Evansville because of the coaching staff and the culture, felt like a place where I can call home and continue to grow on and off the court,” Riek said.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Evansville native Luke Ellspermann is returning to his hometown to join the University of Evansville men’s basketball program. The Memorial High School graduate was a freshman at Wabash College last season.

“Luke is an extremely competitive individual that comes from an athletic family. Luke can score the ball at all 3 levels and has the ability to involve his teammates by putting them in great scoring situations,” Purple Aces head men’s basketball coach David Ragland said. “Luke scores and shoots the ball from the perimeter at an efficient rate.  His competitive spirit and hunger to win is infectious to his teammates and will allow him to step into a leadership role the moment he steps on campus. We are excited to bring Luke back home to continue his collegiate career.”

In his first collegiate season at Wabash, the 6-foot guard led the Little Giants with 15.9 points per game and a total of 66 assists. Playing just under 30 minutes per game, he chipped in an average of 4.9 caroms. He was a 46.8% shooter from the field while converting 39.6% of his outside attempts. Ellspermann’s top performance came against Berea where he recorded 28 points while hitting 7 of his 13 long range attempts.

“I chose Evansville for the great academic and athletic opportunities this institution has to offer,” Ellspermann explained. “Also, having the opportunity to wear the jersey of a team I admired growing up has always been a dream of mine.”

As a senior at Memorial in 2024-25, Ellspermann averaged 19.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per contest. He was named the Southern Indiana Athletic Conference Player of the Year along with All-State Honorable Mention accolades.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Terre Hautes native Bryce Renn has signed with the University of Evansville men’s basketball team. Renn, a 6-10 forward, played at Terre Haute North Vigo before spending last season at Link Academy.

“Bryce is a very skill and athletic player.  He can dribble, pass and shoot like a guard and has the height of a big man. Bryce comes from a basketball family and has been in really good programs (Terre Haute North and Link Year Prep) in which he has been coached to play the right way,” Evansville Head Men’s Basketball Coach David Ragland said. “Bryce's work ethic and basketball knowledge will allow him to soar to new heights as a player while he is here at UE.”

In his final season at Terre Haute North in 2024-25, Renn finished with an average of 8.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game. As a junior, he posted 6.5 points and 4.9 caroms. Individually, he was named a 1^st Team All-Conference player in 2025 while his team was conference, sectional, and regional champions.

“I chose Evansville because the coaches and staff were great people, and the campus was awesome,” Renn exclaimed. “I also chose Evansville because I feel like it is a great spot to develop my game.”

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Following a redshirt freshman campaign at Florida Atlantic last season, Max Langenfeld is set to join the University of Evansville men’s basketball program.

Langenfeld saw the floor in 16 games for the Owls last season while making one start. The 6-foot-6 guard scored a season-high 15 points against Saint Leo as he connected on six of his 11 field goal attempts. He had a strong outing against Memphis setting season highs in minutes, rebounds, assists, and steals.

“Max is an elite level shooter that can shoot on the move as well as stand-still catches. He has college level experience and is hungry to prove that he can play a major role on a winning team,” Purple Aces Head Men’s Basketball Coach David Ragland stated. “Max is a hard worker and a very good teammate that will give us positional size at the shooting guard spot. His size and length will also allow him to be an active defender, taking away from our opponents' offensive opportunities.”

Originally from Ulm, Germany, Langenfeld played in six games at FAU in the 2024-25 campaign. Prior to his arrival in the United States, he was named the 2024 Second Team Youngster of the Year and won the 2023 German Championship in the Firts League.

“I choose UE because I think that Coach the staff and me have the same mentality and goals to compete and win,” Langenfeld said.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – In its latest addition to the 2026-27 squad, the University of Evansville men’s basketball program has announced the signing of Gustav Winther. The 6-10 forward was a freshman at Northern Illinois in 2025-26.

Winther saw the floor in all 34 games for the Huskies while starting 21 contests. He wrapped up the season with an average of 8.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. His top performance came against ULM where he recorded 18 points. WInther set his rebounding mark with 11 versus Central Michigan.

“Gustav is a high IQ big that has a ton of on-court Division 1 experience in a competitive conference. Gus is a high-level competitor that is motivated to help our program win a conference championship,” Purple Aces Head Men’s Basketball Coach David Ragland said. “Gus is a team-first player that can defend the post, switch onto guards and keep them in front, score with his back to the basket and get us into dribble handoffs and dribble keeps within our offense.”

Originally from Roskilde, Denmark, Winther played for Basketball Club Copenhagen in the Danish BasketLigen in 2024-25 where he averaged 12.3 points and 5.7 rebounds. He was a 57% shooter from the field. Before that, he played with Holbaek-Senhus in Denmark avertaging 9.1 PPG and 6.5 RPG in 2023-24.

“I chose Evansville because I thought there was a great atmosphere here,” Winther said. “I really believe in the coaching staff and I think this is the spot where I can improve my abilities on the court the most.”

CARBONDALE, Ill. – Wednesday’s action at the 2026 Missouri Valley Conference Championship saw the University of Evansville softball team fight to the finish before dropping contests to Murray State and Northern Iowa at Charlotte West Stadium.

After dropping a 9-1 game to Murray State in Wednesday’s opener, the Purple Aces fell to UNI in the second game by a score of 11-7.

Game One – Murray State 9, UE 1 (5 innings)

Helped by a 5-run bottom of the fifth, Murray State took Wednesday’s opener by a final score of 9-1. After scoring a single run in the second, the Racers added three runs in the next inning.

Niki Bode hit a solo home run to cut into the deficit in the top half of the fourth and UE remained within three runs until the bottom of the fifth. MSU scored five times to complete the 9-1 victory.

Kate Ridgway threw the first 3 1/3 innings with four runs scoring. Alexis Tucker tossed 2/3 of an inning while Elle Jarrett recorded the final two outs. Bre Haislip tossed the full five innings for Murray State allowing one run on three hits.

Bode along with Morgan Adams and Angela Valentine had the hits for UE. The Racers tallied 11 hits with Kynadee Warner, Parker Holcombe, and Katy Huels posting two apiece.

Game Two – UNI 11, UE 7

After the Purple Aces scored four runs in the top of the first, UNI belted four home runs to defeat UE by a final of 11-7 on Wednesday evening. Brooke Voss led the way going 3-4 with a home run. Niki Bode added two hits.

Voss hit a leadoff home run to highlight a 4-run top of the first for the Purple Aces. The offense came out hitting on all cylinders as Keghan Pye and Niki Bode followed with singles before a walk by Morgan Adams loaded the bases for Maliyah Wilkins. Her fielder’s choice scored Pye while Bode crossed the plate on an error. Jess Willsey capped the scoring with an RBI infield single.

UNI quickly made it a 1-run game in the bottom of the second when Drew Hinrichs hit a 3-run home run down the left field line. Evansville got one of the runs back in the top of the third when Wilkins crossed the plate on a Taylor Howe single. The Panthers stormed right back in the bottom of the frame to take their first lead. Ava Smithson’s 2-run shot tied the game before a single from Hinrichs gave UNI a 6-5 lead. Another 2-run shot put the Panthers on top 8-5 at the end of the fourth.

UE never gave up as Emma McDonald brought her squad back within one run. After Angela Valentine was hit by a pitch to lead off the frame, McDonald launched a homer to right center to make it an 8-7 game. Just when it looked like the Aces secured the momentum, UNI came back with three in the bottom of the sixth to go in front 11-7 and they would take the victory by that score. Hinrichs was the top performer for the Panthers going 3-4 with four RBI.

Kate Ridgway suffered the loss allowing six runs in 2 2/3 innings. Alexis Tucker went three innings while Gracie Hollingsworth tossed 1/3 inning in relief.

 In a surprise announcement made Thursday during Toyota Indiana's 30th anniversary celebration in Princeton, the company announced $330,000 in grants supporting local organizations and community initiatives. Among the recipients was the University of Evansville (UE), which received a $50,000 gift to support the purchase of a dedicated vehicle for its role as Coordinating Partner in the Driving Possibilities initiative.

This investment will help staff at the Center for Innovation & Change and the School of Education's Design & Innovation Training Studio travel to students participating in STEM-related programming throughout the region, including in Evansville, Gibson County, and the Princeton area. The vehicle will allow the program to transport more staff to hands-on learning experiences, educational events, and visits to Toyota facilities and other industry sites across the region.

Toyota Indiana recognized the growing transportation needs associated with the program as participation and regional outreach continued to expand. The initiative's team members regularly travel throughout Southwest Indiana and often visit Toyota plants and partner organizations to learn best practices in increasing student access to advanced manufacturing and STEM career pathways.

Driving Possibilities is designed to inspire students to explore future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through real-world experiences and community partnerships.

"This investment from Toyota Indiana is much more than a vehicle, it's an investment in the future workforce of Southwest Indiana," said Erin Lewis, Executive Director of the Center for Innovation and Change. "Through Driving Possibilities, our team creates hands-on opportunities for young people to explore STEM careers and discover innovation in meaningful ways. This generous support once again shows that Toyota truly thinks in generations, and we are so grateful for their partnership."

The vehicle will support programming across the University's Driving Possibilities territory and strengthen partnerships between schools and industry leaders.

UE's Center for Innovation & Change and Toyota Indiana have maintained a longstanding partnership focused on educational access and preparing the next generation of leaders and Changemakers.

Toyota Indiana has sponsored UE's High School Changemaker Challenge since 2016, the Mobile Innovation Lab in 2019, the Toyota Trinity Stormwater Park in 2021, and in 2024, UE announced the new partnership with Toyota USA Foundation, Toyota Indiana, North Gibson School Corporation, and the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation to become the Coordinating Partner of the Indiana Driving Possibilities initiative. That initiative included a grant totaling approximately $2 million to the university.

The University of Evansville Esports Overwatch team is headed back to the national stage after defeating York University and Edinboro University this past Friday to secure a spot in the Division 8 National Championship.

The Aces will now look to repeat as national champions when they face Fresno Pacific University on Friday, May 8 at 6 p.m.

The University of Evansville (UE) Theatre Society's annual StudentndAwards Dinner was held Thursday, Apr. 30, at The Log Inn.

The nearly 120 guests included members of the Theatre Society's Board, UE Theatre faculty/staff, UE President Christopher Pietruszkiewicz, William L. Ridgway College of Arts and Sciences Dean Amanda Krause, and over 85 theatre majors. Department Chair and Managing Director Sharla Cowden served as emcee, and members of the theatre faculty presented the awards.

The Buddy Barnes Award for the Outstanding First-Year Student went to Rylee Carney, a design and technology major, from Overland Park, Kan. The Mary Lou Mooth Wooley Award for the Outstanding Sophomore Student went to Shelby Lomax, a theatre management student, from Sellersburg, Ind. The Mabel Dillingham Nenneker Award for the Outstanding Junior Student went to Mel Denison, a stage management major from Gainesville, Texas.

The John W. Streetman III Young Artist Award is given to the first-year, sophomore, or junior student who exhibits the spirit of collaboration, commitment, and courage in the classroom and production. The 2026 recipient is Matthew Manders, a performance major, from Houston, Texas.

The William A. Gumberts Award is given to a student for the single most outstanding artistic accomplishment of the year. The 2026 recipient is Alijah J. Roberson, for his work in the role of Macbeth, in MACBETH, by William Shakespeare. Roberson is a senior performance major, from Marietta, Ga. This production was part of the UE Theatre's ChangeLab initiative, the Rogue and Peasant Aces, a traveling troupe presenting free performances in non-theatre spaces. This year's production toured to the Evansville Public Library's Central Branch, the Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science, Reitz High School, and the Ridgway Center on the UE Campus.

The Jeanne Suhrheinrich Outstanding Senior Award is given to a student who has made the greatest overall contribution to the department over their four-year tenure. This year, there were two award-winners: Tomi Akinwande, a performance major, from Houston, Texas, and Jonathan Roth, a design and technology major, from Brookfield, Wis.

At the end of the evening, the 2026-27 theatre season was announced and will include HEDDA GABLER, by Henrik Ibsen, in a new version by Patrick Marber, directed by Assistant Professor of Acting Amelia McClain, in the May Studio Theatre. The first show in Shanklin Theatre will be MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by George Furth, based on the original play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. The musical will be directed by Assistant Professor of Directing Wes Grantom, musical direction by guest artist Tyler Simpson, and choreography by Bailey Crawford, a senior performance major, from Frisco, Texas.

There will be two student-directed productions in the May Studio Theatre whose titles will be announced later. The student directors are Owen White, a senior performance major, from Valley Center, Kan., and Marguerite Winzinger, a senior directing and dramaturgy major, from Bordentown, N.J. In addition, taking the helm of the Rogue and Peasant Aces touring production will be Mia Lacy, a senior directing and dramaturgy major, from Frisco, Texas.

The season finale will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the opening of Shanklin Theatre, in April of 2027, with a production of OUR TOWN, by Thornton Wilder, directed by Grantom.

For more information, please call 812.488.2744 or email theatre@evansville.edu.