Otters overcome six-run deficit, fall in extras
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The Evansville Otters (5-7) fell despite a strong comeback attempt to the Schaumburg Boomers (8-5) in the series finale, 12-8.
The Otters started well and hit the run column first. JJ Cruz drew a walk before a Graham Brown double put runners on second and third. LJ Jones then hit a sacrifice fly to left to drive in Cruz to make it 1-0. A second run came in when George Callil was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, giving Evansville a 2-0 advantage after one.
The score remained 2-0 throughout the first three innings, thanks to Jon Beymer retiring the first nine batters he faced to begin his outing.
In the fourth, Schaumburg struck for five, three of which came on a three-run home run. The Boomers then followed that up with three more runs in the fifth that came off another home run.
After five, Evansville trailed 8-2. The Otters fought back in the sixth frame however, plating three runs. Brown recorded his fourth hit of the day with an RBI single that sent home Ty Crittenberger. He was followed up by Pavin Parks, who came through with an RBI double. After the home half, Evansville had narrowed the Schaumburg advantage to 8-5.
The bullpen continued to shut down the Boomers offense as Evansville scored one run in each of the seventh and eighth innings. Heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, Evansville was down 8-7.
Alain Camou came off the bench to pinch hit and reached on an error. He reached third thanks to a wild pitch and sacrifice bunt. Keenan Taylor delivered in the clutch once again with a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 8-8.
In the top of the tenth, Schaumburg scored four, all with two outs. The Otters loaded the bases in the home half of the tenth, but were held off the board.
Brown finished his day reaching six times and going 4-for-4 with a pair of doubles, two singles, an RBI and two walks.
Evansville struck out 17 Boomer hitters, a new season-high. Beymer ended his day with 10 strikeouts and now leads the Frontier League with 23 on the season.
Mustafa tapped as USI Vice President for Student Affairs
Following a national search, Dr. Abeer Mustafa has been selected as Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Southern Indiana, effective Monday, June 23.
“Dr. Mustafa brings a wealth of knowledge to the University and will serve us well as Vice President for Student Affairs,” said USI President Steve Bridges. “Her extensive background in student affairs, combined with her genuine passion for supporting students and fostering divergent ideas, aligns perfectly with USI’s mission and values. I’m confident her leadership will make a lasting, positive impact on our students and the entire campus community.”
Most recently, Mustafa served as Senior Advisor to the Chancellor at the University of Tennessee Southern. She is a seasoned higher education leader with over two decades of experience advancing student success, enrollment management and strategic planning. She has served in senior leadership roles at institutions across the country where she collaborated closely with executive leadership to shape inclusive, data-informed strategies supporting student retention, wellness and engagement. Previously, she served as Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, and before that, Executive Director at California State University, Chico.
With a strong background in strategic planning, she has helped institutions align organizational priorities with measurable outcomes that drive institutional effectiveness and student success.
“I am deeply honored to be chosen to join USI and become part of this vibrant community committed to academic excellence and student engagement,” says Mustafa. “My vision is to develop the division’s organizational priorities to drive toward the measurable outcomes that propagate institutional effectiveness and the central goal of student success. My goal is to collaborate across campus to remove barriers, strengthen engagement, and ensure every student has the resources, encouragement and opportunities needed to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.”
As the University’s chief student affairs officer, Mustafa will provide intellectual and administrative leadership, guiding the University’s Student Affairs services and programs as well as University-wide initiatives. Also providing programmatic, assessment and financial leadership for Student Affairs departments, she will serve as an advocate for all students in the University community.
Student Affairs departments include Counseling and Psychological Services; Dean of Students Office; Housing and Residence Life; Multicultural Center; Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center; Religious Life; Center for Campus Life; and USI Deaconess Clinic. Mustafa will report to the President, is part of President’s Council and Provost’s Council, and will work closely with faculty, staff, students and community leaders on all matters affecting the student experience.
Outside of work, Mustafa enjoys traveling, cooking, cheering on Houston sports teams and spending time with family—including her twin boys, husband and loyal dog Max.
A veteran of the U.S. Army, Mustafa holds a doctorate degree in organizational leadership from Oakland City University; master’s degrees in legal studies and business administration from the University of Tennessee School of Law and Sam Houston State University, respectively; and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Houston-Downtown.
Attorney General Todd Rokita rallies Indy 500 fans to stay alert for signs of human trafficking
As the 109th Indianapolis 500, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, approaches on May 25, 2025, Attorney General Todd Rokita calls on Hoosiers and visitors to remain alert for signs of human trafficking. Large-scale events like the Indy 500, which draw hundreds of thousands of spectators, are known to create increased demand for trafficked individuals forced into manual labor, commercial sex acts, or other exploitative services.
“Spectator events of this magnitude are prime targets for human traffickers looking to exploit vulnerable individuals,” said Attorney General Rokita. “As we celebrate the thrill of the Indy 500, we must keep our eyes open for signs of human trafficking. By reporting suspicious actions to law enforcement, we can help stop these predators and rescue victims.”
Human trafficking, a modern form of slavery, occurs when individuals are coerced, deceived, or forced into providing labor or services. The U.S. State Department identifies key signs of trafficking, including individuals who:
- Appear submissive, fearful, or unable to speak freely
- Live in cramped or poor conditions, often with their employer
- Show signs of physical abuse, malnourishment, or restricted freedom
- Provide scripted or rehearsed answers when questioned
- Are minors engaged in commercial sex acts
Attorney General Rokita encourages immediate reporting of suspected trafficking to local law enforcement or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
“Human trafficking thrives in the shadows, but we’re shining a light on it,” said Rokita. “From protecting victims to equipping families and holding traffickers accountable, our office is committed to rooting out this evil enterprise.”
As the Indy 500 coincides with National Missing Children’s Day on May 25, Rokita encourages attendees to stay proactive.
Ivy Tech Community College Evansville Awarded Funding for ABE/ELL Programs
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Ivy Tech Community College Evansville has been awarded $7,200 from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to support Ivy+ Career Link’s Adult Basic Education and English Language Learners (ABE/ELL) Programs.
Nicholas Bragin, director of employer engagement for Ivy Tech, said the funding is designated for the college to provide free High School Equivalency (HSE) testing for students who are ready to take the exam. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development provides funding for much of the ABE/ELL program, but only a small portion of the funding is earmarked for testing. “Testing funding is rarely funded at a level that meets the needs of our students. This grant will allow us to provide testing for up to 50 additional students.”
According to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation website, the “Foundation helps individuals of all ages pursue their educational goals and achieve their dreams by investing in literacy programs that help students learn to read, prepare for the High School Equivalency test or learn English.”
Ivy Tech Evansville was one of 14 locations in Indiana awarded a grant for 2025.
The Ivy Tech ABE/ELL programs are currently offered in Vanderburgh, Spencer, Pike, and Gibson Counties. Now in the fifth year, the ABE/ELL program has served 461 students and expects to serve more than 250 in 2025. All students receive instruction in reading, English language and mathematics, while those pursuing an HSE certificate receive additional instruction in science and social studies.
The courses are designed to strengthen students’ foundational knowledge, refresh academic skills, and work toward earning an HSE certificate. When students reach the necessary competency in all subjects, those seeking to earn their HSE certificate are registered for the exam. In addition to the ABE courses, for non-native speakers not proficient in English, ELL classes help develop proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing through traditional instruction and engaging group and partner-based activities.
Trailblazer Teaching Academy elevates new Vincennes University faculty
VINCENNES, Ind., May 22, 2025 – At Vincennes University, student success starts with faculty excellence.
The Trailblazer Teaching Academy, developed in 2020 by VU Provost Dr. Laura Treanor continues to transform how first-year faculty begin their journey at the University.
The innovative, yearlong program offers new professors and instructors the tools, training, and confidence to make an immediate impact in the classroom.
“At VU, we invest in faculty because we know they shape the future of our students,” Treanor said. “The Trailblazer Teaching Academy is an additional way we ensure our students are learning from the very best.”
The 2024-25 academy cohort was honored for completing the program with certificates at a recognition luncheon attended by Treanor and VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson on Monday, May 12.
The most recent cohort included Keith Adkins (Education), Tim Buckner (Lafayette Advanced Internship in Manufacturing), Sara Burger (Nursing), Shane Chester (Indianapolis Aviation Technology Center Flight), Spencer Ebbinga (Art), Molly Engstrom (Nursing), Amanda Jerrel (Nursing), Brent Maguire (Homeland Security and Public Safety), Jennifer McNeece (Journalism), Nickole Meier (Nursing), Dawn Nelson (VU Jasper Nursing), and Jaret Roach (Advanced Manufacturing).
During the academy, the faculty is empowered by gaining insight into VU’s academic ecosystem and cutting-edge teaching practices, ensuring students are learning from educators who are supported, confident, and committed to teaching excellence.
Since 2020, more than 50 faculty have completed the program, directly enhancing student
retention, success, satisfaction, and academic outcomes.
Director of the VU Center for Advancement of Faculty Excellence (CAFE) Dr. Sarah Alderfer leads the academy.
Alderfer said, “This program offers more than just an orientation; it’s designed to foster a strong sense of community among faculty cohorts while equipping them with research-based best practices to ensure their success in the classroom.”
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UE women’s basketball announces three signees
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville head women’s basketball coach Robyn Scherr has announced the signing of three student-athletes to begin playing for the Purple Aces in the 2025-26 season.
Georgia Cox – 6-4 – Forward – Ballarat, Australia
After playing as a redshirt freshman at Eastern Illinois last season, Georgia Cox joins the Aces as a redshirt sophomore. Seeing action in 18 games off the bench last season, Cox averaged 2.3 points and 0.6 rebounds. Her top effort of the season came in a home Ohio Valley Conference win over Morehead State where she recorded 18 points while going a perfect 5-for-5 from long range.
Her first collegiate points came against No. 23 Illinois after redshirting at EIU in 2023-24. Prior to playing at the collegiate level in the United States, Cox played club basketball for Ballarat Rush in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. She helped lead the squad to country championships in all four of her seasons, something that had been done just three times on either the boys or girls side in the tournament, which dates back to the 1960’s.
In her last season, she finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, and four assists per game while shooting 90% from the free throw line and 51% from the field. Cox was part of the elite junior state development program from U12 to U18 and made the Victorian State Team in both 2020 and 2021. Her 2021 squad earned a bronze finish at nationals.
Coach Scherr on Cox: “Georgia is such an intriguing player with unlimited potential! With her length and shooting ability as a stretch forward, we will have the opportunity to create advantages all over the floor. She’ll be great in pick and pop and pick and roll scenarios. I believe she has the ability to be a great threat and facilitator from the high post. And I am confident we can help her grow her game around the rim. I’m thrilled she will be an Ace!”
Daniela Llavero Sanchez – 5-5 – Guard – Malaga, Spain
Bringing a wealth of experience from her time career in her native Spain, Daniela Llavero Sanchez played for multiple teams and levels as her career evolved. In 2019, she began playing Club Minibasket level with second place finishes in Malaga and Andalusia. Two years later in Infantil, Llavero’s squads were second in Malaga and fourth in Andalusia.
She played Cadet level in 2022 and 2023, earning three second-place league finishes including two in Malaga and another in Andalusia. She played at the Junior level beginning in 2023 and took second place in Malaga while finishing first in the Canary Islands in 2025.
Llavero has played for the National Team, taking first place in their group in 2023 and another #1 finish in 2025 at the Canary Islands. She will be a freshman at UE in the fall of 2025.
Coach Scherr on Llavero: “Daniela is a playmaker! She has the ability as a point guard to get out and run and push our transition game. She sees the floor well and creates a lot of offensive advantages. She has great court vision, shoots it well, and can score at the rim if needed. She compliments our guard group well in that she brings a different set of strengths that enables her to play well in any lineup. She’s got the heart and desire to succeed and I can’t wait to coach her!”
Jelena Savic – 5-11 – Guard/Forward – Melbourne, Australia
Another native of Australia – Jelena Savic makes the trek to Evansville as a freshman in the fall. Some of her top performances came in the most important moments. In the CBL semi-final, she tallied 26 points and 11 rebounds before totaling 12 points and 10 caroms in the championship game versus Ballarine.
Her club team – the Keilor Thunder – won the Victorian Youth League Championship in 2022. One year later, the Thunder won the Victorian Championship Reserve for Under 18 Juniors. Savis was the DMC Tournament MVP in 2024 while earning Bacchus March Lions Country Basketball Team MVP as well.
Coach Scherr on Savic: “Jelena is a guard/forward that can really shoot the ball and with range! She’s a blue collar worker – a great teammate who will do whatever the team needs. She has a knack for finding the ball. She’ll bring us some much-needed rebounding! I am excited to coach her. She has tremendous potential to keep growing her game. She brings us some length and the ability to guard bigger guards and forwards.”
O’Brien: Local students serve as pages at the Statehouse
STATEHOUSE – State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) welcomed area students who served as pages during the 2025 legislative session. Olivia Branch from Evansville, who attends Evansville Day school, andChris Sermersheim from Evansville, who attends Reitz Memorial High School, both paged during the legislative session.
The page program offers a unique hands-on opportunity for Hoosier students to gain a better understanding of the ins and outs of the legislative process while interacting with state leaders.
“The House page program is a great opportunity to experience state government firsthand and learn about the legislative process,” O’Brien said. “I enjoy engaging with students from my district and showing them around the Statehouse. All students interested in participating should apply next session.”
During their day as pages, Branch and Sermersheim interacted with and assisted lawmakers and staff, toured the Statehouse and joined O’Brien on the House floor to watch the legislative process in action.
Students ages 13 to 18 should consider serving as pages during the 2026 legislative session. Contact O’Brien’s Statehouse office at in.gov/h78 or 317-232-9759 for more information.
Color Our World Summer Reading Program | Programs Start June 4
Color Our World: Summer Reading 2025
Get ready to Color Our World with imagination, creativity, and a love of reading! Willard Public Library’s Summer Reading Program kicks off on Saturday, May 24, and it’s open to kids of all ages. Track your reading, earn fun prizes, and join us for exciting activities all summer long.
Don’t miss our Wednesday programs in June and July—from performers to crafts to hands-on fun, there’s something new every week at the library.
It’s free to join and easy to participate. Come celebrate a summer of stories with us!
To learn more or sign up, please visit: HERE
EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.