Home Blog Page 1117

City Council Meeting Agenda For MAY 8, 2023

0
civic center

City Council Meeting Agenda For MAY 8, 2023 5:30 P.M.

AGENDA

I. INTRODUCTION

 

05-08-2023 Agenda Attachment:
II. APPROVAL OF MEETING MEMORANDUM

 

04-24-2023 Memo Attachment:
III. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

 

IV. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY

 

V. CONSENT AGENDA:  FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

 

A. ORDINANCE F-2023-07 An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Authorizing Transfers of Appropriations, Additional Appropriations and Repeal and Re-Appropriation of Funds for Various City Funds Sponsor(s): Beane Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Beane Discussion Date: 5/22/2023 Notify: Russ Lloyd, Jr., Controller
F-2023-07 Attachment:
B. ORDINANCE R-2023-14 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 808 SE Third St Owner: 808 Third Investments, LLC Requested Change: R4 to CO2 Ward: 4 Burton Representative: Chris Combs, CAC Development, LLC
R-2023-14 Attachment:
C. ORDINANCE R-2023-15 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 618 N Burkhardt Rd Owner:HIRA, Inc Requested Change: CO2 w/ UDC to C4 w/ UDC Ward: 1 Trockman Representative: Krista Lockyear, Stoll, Keenon, Ogden, PLLC
R-2023-15 Attachment:
D. ORDINANCE R-2023-16 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as “South of Vogel Rd” (Approximately 5801 Vogel Rd) Owner: Corressell, Alan R Etal & Leon L & T / C Requested Change: C4 w/ UDC to C2 w/ UDC Ward: 1 Trockman Representative: Todd Jensen, KCG Companies
R-2023-16 Attachment:
VI. COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

VII. REGULAR AGENDA:  SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

 

A. ORDINANCE G-2023-07 An Ordinance to Vacate a Public Right of Way in Evansville, IN that part of Hartig Avenue adjacent to Lot 30 in the Re-plat of Lots 60-87 inclusive in Shawnee Heights, an addition to the City of Evansville, as per plat thereof recorded in Plat Book “I”, page 97 in the Office of the Recorder of Vanderburgh County, IN Sponsor(s): Heronemus Discussion Led By: Public Works Chair Brinkmeyer Discussion Date: 5/8/2023 Notify: Don Gries, Easley Engineering
G-2023-07 Attachment:
VIII. RESOLUTION DOCKET

 

A. RESOLUTION C-2023-06 A Resolution Approving an Interlocal Agreement Between the City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County Regarding the Distribution of Funds Received From the 2022 Local Byrne Justice Grant Program Award Sponsor(s): Beane, Mosby, Moore Discussion Led By: President Heronemus Discussion Date: 5/8/2023 Notify: Marco DeLucio, ZSWS
C-2023-06 Attachment:
B. RESOLUTION C-2023-07 A Preliminary Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Declaring an Economic Revitalization Area for Property Tax Phase-In for the Rehabilitation of Real Property at 1501 W. Franklin St., Evansville, IN 47710 (Franklin St. Lofts LLC/Heritage Petroleum, LLC) Sponsor(s): Beane, Heronemus, Trockman Discussion Led By: President Heronemus Discussion Date: 5/8/2023 Notify: Jenna Richardt, Evansville Regional Economic Partnership
C-2023-07 Attachment:
C. RESOLUTION C-2023-08 A Confirming Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Declaring an Economic Revitalization Area for Property Tax Phase-In for the Rehabilitation of Real Property at 1501 W. Franklin St, Evansville, IN 47710 (Franklin St. Lofts/Heritage Petroleum, LLC) Sponsor(s): Beane, Heronemus, Trockman Discussion Led By: President Heronemus Discussion Date: 5/8/2023 Notify: Jenna Richardt, Evansville Regional Economic Partnership
C-2023-08 Attachment:
D. RESOLUTION C-2023-09 A Preliminary Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Declaring an Economic Revitalization Area for Property Tax Phase-In for the Rehabilitation of Real Property and Installation of New Equipment 5401 Highway 41 N, Evansville (Ultima Plastics, LLC) Sponsor(s): Beane, Heronemus, Trockman Discussion Led By: President Heronemus Discussion Date: 5/8/2023 Notify: Jenna Richardt, Evansville Regional Economic Partnership
C-2023-09 Attachment:
IX. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

 

A. THE NEXT MEETING of the Common Council will be Monday, May 22, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.
B. ADDITIONAL MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
X. COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

A. There will be an ASD Committee meeting on Thursday, May 18th at 9:30 a.m. in Room 301 to discuss Ordinance G-2023-06 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 3.35 (Housing Funds) of the Evansville Municipal Code.
XI. ADJOURNMENT

PROSECUTOR DIANA MOERS ANNOUNCES SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD FOUND GUILTY OF MURDER

0

Evansville, IN – Prosecutor Diana Moers announces that, on May 3–4, 2023, the
Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office successfully prosecuted Mateo Reymundo
Rodriguez for running over a victim—killing her—and fleeing the premises while stealing
a vehicle at a Conoco gas station.

On April 3, 2022, then 16-year-old Rodriguez entered a parked but still running
white Honda Civic with the intent to steal it. Upon reversing, Rodriguez struck another
parked car with the victim in the driver’s seat. The victim exited the car and ran to the
front of the Honda Civic. Rodriguez callously accelerated forward, resulting in the victim
falling underneath the Honda Civic and being run over while Rodriguez sped away. The
victim passed away due to her injuries.

Surveillance video showed the crime and a man that was wearing the same clothes
later found on Rodriguez and at his residence. While in jail, Rodriguez communicated
that if the victim wanted to play a superwoman, then she was gonna get hurt.
The jury found the now 17-year-old defendant guilty of felony murder; involuntary
manslaughter; robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, a Level 2 felony; leaving the
scene of an accident resulting in death or catastrophic injury, a Level 4 felony; failure to
remain at the scene of an accident resulting in death, a Level 4 felony; and auto theft of
an entire vehicle, a Level 6 felony.

“The Defendant’s thoughtless actions at the age of 16 have taken the life of a
completely innocent victim and have ruined his own life in turn. A convicted murderer at
the age of 17, he will now spend the majority of his life behind bars. We are prepared to
ask for an appropriate sentence that shows no mercy at sentencing since we believe his
statements since the crime show a complete lack of remorse for his actions. Vanderburgh
County will be safer without him on our streets” said Moers.

Prosecutor Moers thanked her deputy, Heath Tuley, and Evansville Police
Department Detective Michael Beitler for their hard work and dedication to this case.
Moers also sends condolences to the victims’ family and friends and thanks victim
advocate Robyn Mastison for her efforts in guiding the family through the legal process.

Sentencing is set for May 26, 2023 in front of Magistrate Judge Ryan C. Reed of
the Vanderburgh Circuit Court.

For House Democrat, finishing The First Session Was Realization Of A “Quiet Dream”

0

For House Democrats, finishing the first session was the realization of a ‘quiet dream’

By Ashlyn Myers, TheStatehouseFile.com

MAY 5, 2023

INDIANAPOLIS—Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn, D-Fishers, said being a lawmaker was always a “quiet dream.” 

She had the dream for a long time, never telling anyone because the idea of running as a Democrat in Hamilton County seemed almost impossible. In fact, Garcia Wilburn said many people told her it wouldn’t happen, so why even try? 

“Something I often heard from my opponent was that a Democrat couldn’t win in Hamilton County, and at the end of the day, I think that voters really wanted a choice,” Garcia Wilburn said, “a choice from somebody who thoughtfully addressed issues and had experience with timely topics over somebody who is playing into a partisan, hyper-partisan narrative. 

“So I worked very hard, and sometimes that hard work pays off.”

Garcia Wilburn’s Hamilton County, which includes Fishers, Noblesville, Carmel and Westfield, historically votes red—well, most of the time. In the last two presidential elections, Hamilton County voted in favor of Donald Trump.

In 2022, Garcia Wilburn fought against Republican Fred Glynn for her seat in the House of Representatives. Garcia Wilburn surpassed Glynn by a mere few hundred votes. Glynn was defeated once again in the mayoral election on May 2 against Republican Sue Finkam.

Hamilton County Democratic Party Chair Dayna Colbert knows the mountain Garcia Wilburn had to climb all too well. But Colbert noticed something different about Garcia Wilburn almost immediately—her desire to know her future constituents. 

“She was out talking to them. She is a very accessible representative. Before she was elected, she was out talking to voters, really listening to them and understanding their concerns,” Colbert said. 

Keeping this passion isn’t always easy in Hamilton County, Colbert said. 

“We have heard in the past that, you know, Democrats don’t win in Hamilton County. But I think that’s just because Democrats don’t know that we’re out here. Since 2018, we have been continuing to build our bench,” Colbert said. “We have offered voters more options for Democrats, and I think that’s really just a testament to people wanting to more proudly proclaim that they’re Democrats, and giving voters a choice really helps them feel that they’re not alone.”

For Garcia Wilburn, her story is something she wants to use to inspire others. 

“It’s just important for people to not count themselves out before trying,” Garcia Wilburn said. “And if there’s one thing that people can take away from our win and this session is that hard work gets results. Being able to author a bill and to see it signed by the governor on Monday, it’s just incredible.”

The bill was House Bill 1321, which increases the mental health education that first responders receive during their required training. As mentioned, HB 1321 was signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb on May 1. 

Outside Garcia Wilburn’s first political position as a representative, she’s an educator, a researcher, a wife and a mom. When not sitting in the House Chamber, Garcia Wilburn conducts funded research at the IU School of Health and Human Sciences.

The stained glass and limestone of the state capitol weren’t new to her, though, due to her history of lobbying for mental health and serving as the past president of the Indiana Occupational Therapy Association.  

Garcia Wilburn’s colleague in the House, Rep. Greg Porter, D-Indianapolis, said it’s been amazing to watch her drive and motivation to listen and learn. Whenever she didn’t know the answer to something in the beginning, Porter said she was never afraid to ask. 

“She’s been a breath of fresh air. She really represents her district, and she’s in touch with her district,” he said. 

Porter said she has a large community to represent, but she does it well. 

“She really does attempt to reflect her diverse community,” Porter said. “She has an ever-changing district. And I think that’s a great opportunity but yet still is challenging.”

What keeps Garcia Wilburn going? Her family, she says. 

“I have an amazing life partner. I think behind every strong, strong woman is a really humble man,” Garcia Wilburn said. “He’s been fantastic. He’s been filling up in areas where I can’t devote 110%. He always inspires me and encourages me to do my best and and to live out what I feel like is kind of like a calling. 

“You know, my whole life’s work has really felt like it’s led up to this point, and I take it as a privilege.”

She said her three children have also been gracious over the last few months, but they’re excited to have fun with their mom over the summer now that the 2023 legislative session has ended. 

“I think my kids have been really patient to this new lifestyle,” she said. “So I’m looking forward to plenty of times in the pool and long walks and giving extra attention and TLC to our pet dog.”

For those who have dreams on the horizon that they’re unsure about, Garcia Wilburn said it’s worth the try. 

“I think we should just never count ourselves out because we each have a unique contribution that we can use for the good of our state,” Garcia said. “I just want people to be inspired by the act of not [counting] themselves out before they even give themselves a chance.”

USI to hold five Commencement Ceremonies

0

USI to hold five Commencement Ceremonies to honor over 1,500 graduates of the Class of 202

MAY 5, 2023

Screenshot 2023-04-28 105203.jpg

Image copyright: USI Photography and Multimedia

The University of Southern Indiana will hold five Commencement Ceremonies over two days, Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6, in the Screaming Eagles Arena to recognize students from the Class of 2023.

One thousand, five hundred and forty-two students are eligible to participate in 2023 Spring Commencement Ceremonies. Members of the Class of 2023 will join more than 50,000 USI alumni across Indiana, the United States and the world.

Speakers at each Commencement Ceremony will be USI alumni who have excelled in their professional lives. A full schedule of speakers is below:

Friday, May 5

School of Graduate Studies – 5 p.m.

Matt Keener, 2005 Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and 2012 Master of Business Administration graduate, will deliver the Commencement address at the School of Graduate Studies Ceremony. Keener presently serves as President of Indiana-based Keener Marketing Solutions LLC, a company that provides marketing strategy, digital marketing support and content marketing services to a diverse range of clients.

Saturday, May 6

College of Liberal Arts – 9 a.m. 

Virgilio Paulino, 2018 Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy graduate, will deliver the Commencement address at the College of Liberal Arts Ceremony. After earning two undergraduate degrees from USI in 2018, he obtained a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2021. Paulino currently serves as Manager of Data Management, Sharing and Privacy at Capital One in Wilmington, Delaware.

Romain College of Business – Noon 

Jared McIntosh, 2011 Bachelor of Science in Business Administration graduate, will deliver the Commencement address at the Romain College of Business Ceremony. He presently serves as the Vice President, Business Banking Relationship Manager at Fifth Third Bank in Evansville.

College of Nursing and Health Professions – 3 p.m. 

Connie Winik, 2017 Doctor of Nursing Practice graduate, will deliver the Commencement address at the College of Nursing and Health Professions Ceremony. Prior to her degrees from USI, Winik earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University and a master’s degree in business organization management from the University of La Verne. Winik is the Chief Nurse for the 959th Medical Group, Brooks Army Medical Center, Joint Base San Antonio – Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education – 6 p.m. 

Breasha Pruitt, 2008 Bachelor of Science in Physical Education graduate, will deliver the Commencement address at the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education Ceremony. Pruitt is the founder, owner and Head Coach of Breasha Pruitt Elite Gymnastics in Evansville.

All Ceremonies will be held in-person. Tickets will not be required for guests. A livestream of each Ceremony will be available at USI.edu/watch-commencement.

Those planning to attend in person are strongly advised to review the Screaming Eagles Arena Prohibited Items and Security Policy at USI.edu/arena-security.

Follow Commencement on social media with the hashtag #USIGrad on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

For more information about Commencement, visit USI.edu/commencement.

###

Founded in 1965, the University of Southern Indiana enrolls nearly 9,200 dual credit, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students in more than 130 areas of study. A public higher education institution, located on a beautiful 1,400-acre campus in Evansville, Indiana, USI offers programs through the College of Liberal Arts, Romain College of Business, College of Nursing and Health Professions and the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education. The University offers study-abroad opportunities in more than 60 countries and hosts international students from around the globe. USI is a Carnegie Foundation Community Engaged University and offers continuing education and special programs to more than 15,000 participants annually through Outreach and Engagement. USI is online at USI.edu. 

 

165th University of Evansville Commencement Ceremony

0
ue building
ue building

165th University of Evansville Commencement Ceremony

MAY 2, 2023

EVANSVILLE, IN (05/01/2023)

WHO: President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, UE Faculty, Administration, Staff, and the graduating class of 2023.

WHEN: 1:30 p.m. CDT on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

WHERE: The Ford Center, 1 SE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Evansville, Indiana.

DETAILS: University of Evansville’s celebration of the class of 2023 will consist of various speeches and the announcement of the recipients of honorary degrees and the Presidential Medal of Honor.

LIVESTREAM: The ceremony will be live streamed at https://www.evansville.edu/live/

For more information on Commencement, please click here.

 

Vincennes University awards Honorary Degrees to distinguished legislators

0

VINCENNES, Ind., May 4, 2023 – Vincennes University has awarded former legislators Dr. Tim Brown and Luke Kenley honorary doctorates in recognition of their public service.

They received their honorary degrees during Spring Commencement at the Vincennes Campus on Saturday, April 29.

According to VU Board of Trustees Chair John Stachura, “It is truly an honor to recognize these two individuals. They have made outstanding contributions to Hoosiers and our communities. They are magnificent champions of the state of Indiana and are shining examples of generosity, selfless leadership, and dedication to serving others.”

The University confers honorary degrees to individuals who have made significant contributions to society through outstanding achievements.

Kenley represented District 20 and Hoosiers in Hamilton County from 1992 to 2017. He served as Chairman of Appropriation for nearly a decade and was a thought leader on several legislative committees, including Tax and Fiscal Policy, Education, and Career Development. He championed key investments in education, state student aid programs, and campus infrastructure. He recently served as co-chair of the Governor’s Public Health Commission.

Kenley earned a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School and a bachelor’s degree from Miami University. His professional experiences include practicing law, serving as a City Court Judge, owner of Kenley’s Supermarkets, and other commercial real estate in the Noblesville area. Kenley and his wife, Sally, have three children and split their time between Noblesville and his ranch in Texas.

Kenley said it was an honor to receive the notable accolade.

 

“As Indiana’s oldest university, Vincennes University, its leadership, faculty, and staff have constantly strived over these many years to keep track of the career needs of the world’s changing business needs, and has always worked to develop education programs relevant to those needs,” Kenley said. “Vincennes University is truly a leader for Indiana as a premier transfer institution and is a leader in innovative career programming for its students.”

Brown represented District 41 and Hoosiers in Montgomery, Boone, and Tippecanoe counties from 1994 to 2022. He served as Chairman of the Public Health Committee and the Statutory Committee on Ethics. In 2013, he assumed the role of the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. As chairman, he authored five state budget bills and traveled the state as a member of the Budget Committee. During his tenure, there were significant investments in career and technical education and workforce training.

Brown worked for many years as an emergency room doctor for St. Elizabeth Hospital in Crawfordsville. He earned an M.D. from the University of Illinois and a bachelor’s degree from Illinois Wesleyan University. He has won numerous awards for his contributions to public health and adults with disabilities. Brown resides in Crawfordsville with his wife, Jan, and has four daughters.

For Brown, it is an honor to be recognized by a higher education institution that is vital to the state’s economy and its employers.

“VU is vibrant and well-positioned to serve people and students,” Brown said. “The University responds quickly to the needs and desires of both students and businesses.”

BASEBALL ACES TRAVEL TO ILLINOIS STATE THIS WEEKEND FOR THREE-GAME SET

0

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – With only three weeks and nine conference games remaining before the 2023 Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, the University of Evansville baseball team will hit the road this weekend for an important Valley series against Illinois State in Normal, Illinois.

The series will begin on Friday night at 5 p.m. in a contest that can be seen live on ESPN+.  It will continue on Saturday and Sunday afternoons with 3 p.m. and 1 p.m. contests, respectively.  All three games of the series can be heard live in the Tri-State area on 107.1 FM-WJPS and the Old National Bank/Purple Aces Sports Network from Learfield.

Evansville will enter the weekend series at 26-18 overall and 9-9 in the MVC.  The Purple Aces are currently in fifth place in the Valley standings, just two games out of third place, but only four games up on last-place entering this weekend’s series.

Evansville knocked off Butler, 4-1, on Wednesday night behind strong pitching from senior Tyler Denu, grad student John MacCauley, freshman Max Hansmann and junior closer Nate Hardman.  Hardman is a Normal, Illinois native and attended University High School in the shadows of Illinois State.  Hardman earned his sixth save of the year on Wednesday night with a scoreless ninth inning, and he has not allowed an earned run in his last four appearances, while earning three saves for UE.  Overall, he ranks second in the Valley with the six saves, and in eight Valley appearances this year, Hardman is 1-0 with three saves and a 0.87 ERA spanning 10.1 innings of work.

Illinois State will enter this weekend’s series at 17-24 overall and 6-12 in the MVC.  Despite being in a three-team tie for seventh place in the league standings, the Redbirds have won each of the last two MVC series, including taking two out of three games at Southern Illinois last weekend.  Junior outfielder Auggie Rasmussen leads a balanced Illinois State attack with a .309 batting average, 12 doubles, nine home runs, and a league-best 19 stolen bases.  Overall, the Redbirds feature a lineup with seven regular starters hitting above .280 on the year, and they are tied for the MVC lead in stolen bases with 56 as a team.

The same two teams faced each other on the same weekend last year in Evansville, with the Purple Aces sweeping a three-game series at German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium.  Overall, Illinois State leads the all-time series, 67-56-1.

THE SING-ALONG FILM CONCERT” NATIONAL TOUR MAKES A STOP IN EVANSVILLE THIS FALL

0

“ENCANTO: THE SING-ALONG FILM CONCERT” NATIONAL TOUR MAKES A STOP IN EVANSVILLE THIS FALL

TICKETS GO ON SALE THIS FRIDAY

Evansville, IN – MAY 3, 2023 2023 – Disney Concerts announced “Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert,” will stop at Old National Events Plaza on September 29, 2023, while on a 45-city tour. Encantolovers of all ages will have the opportunity to sing along with their favorite GRAMMY® Award-winning songs performed by a live band while watching the full film.

Produced by AMP Worldwide, “Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert” will include all the chart-topping hits of the Academy Award®- winning film, including iconic songs like “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” and “Surface Pressure,” performed by a live band.

Fans are encouraged to dress up as Mirabel, Luisa, Isabela, or any of their favorite characters from the film and to use their voices to transform each venue into one big celebration of the Madrigal family. Live characters will not appear at this event.

For more information, fans can visit disneyconcerts.com and follow @DisneyConcerts on social media for exclusive tour content.

Ticket Information:

What:                   Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert

When:                  Friday, September 29, 2023 @ 6:00pm

Where:                 Old National Events Plaza | 715 Locust Street | Evansville, IN 47708

Tickets:                Tickets start at $28.00 plus applicable fees and tax. Each adult and child (age two and up) must have a ticket to attend.

Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or the Old National Events Plaza Box Office.

For more information about the Aiken Theatre, visit www.oldnationaleventsplaza.com.

About AMP Worldwide

AMP was founded by a highly respected, forward-thinking team of performing arts Agents, Managers & Producers.  Co-founders Alison Ahart Williams, Tim Fox, Georgina Ryder, and Alicia Horwitz, have conceptualized, created, managed, and produced live concert events for the major stages of the world, including the Hollywood Bowl, Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall, Tokyo Forum, Lincoln Center, Sydney Opera House, Philharmonie de Paris, and Wembley Arena. These star-studded, live-to-picture concert events have included such Disney classics as The Little Mermaid starring Sara Bareilles, Rebel Wilson, Harvey Fierstein, Lea Michele, and John Stamos; The Nightmare Before Christmas starring Danny Elfman, Catherine O’Hara, and Paul Reubens; and Beauty and the Beast starring Zooey Deschanel, Jane Krakowski, Kelsey Grammar, and Taye Diggs.

As a leader in the development of creative original content for stages of all sizes, AMP develops high-quality productions that engage musicians and audiences in captivating ways, alongside of representing and producing international touring productions, world-class conductors, instrumentalists, composers and soloists.

About Disney Concerts

Disney Concerts is the concert production and licensing division of Disney Music Group, the music arm of The Walt Disney Company.  Disney Concerts produces concerts and tours and licenses Disney music and visual content to symphony orchestras and presenters on a worldwide basis.  Disney Concerts’ concert packages include a variety of formats, such as “live to picture” film concerts and themed instrumental and vocal compilation concerts, and range from instrumental-only symphonic performances to multimedia productions featuring live vocalists and choir.   Follow @DisneyConcerts: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

About Old National Events Plaza

Old National Events Plaza, managed by ASM Global, is Evansville, Indiana’s premier convention center and largest live entertainment theatre. Housing a spacious 2,500-seat theatre, 38,000 square- feet of column-free exhibit space, a beautiful 14,000 square-foot ballroom, and 12,00 square feet of meeting space, Old National Events Plaza hosts a variety of events. The venue offers easy scheduling, one-stop-shop services, and in-house catering and audio-visual services. For more information and a complete schedule of events, please visit www.oldnationaleventsplaza.com.

New Vincennes University festival showcases students’ artistic creativity

0

VINCENNES, Ind., May 4, 2023 – The reVUe: Arts and Humanities Festival hosted by the Vincennes University College of Humanities celebrates creative expression through various forms of culture like fashion, poetry, music, and art.

The festival showcases the talents of VU students and artists while providing an opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. It is also an occasion to highlight the importance of humanities and how it can shape a student’s future.

The reVUe kicked off for the first time on Friday, April 28, at the Shircliff Humanities Center.

The Dean of the College of Humanities Joan Puckett stressed the significance of the inaugural event.

“Our Arts and Humanities Festival is a wonderful way for our students to showcase their talents and learn from one another,” she said. “We believe that the Humanities play a vital role in shaping our understanding of the world and of ourselves.”

VU offers students wide-ranging Humanities programs, including American Sign Language and Deaf Studies; Art and Design; English; English as an Additional Language; Family and Consumer Sciences; General Studies; Philosophy and Religious Studies; and World Language Cultures. 

One of the students participating in the festival, Megan Young ‘25, a transfer student majoring in Graphic Design, shared her thoughts on the event. She was excited yet nervous to read the poem she penned last year in front of a live audience, so she was joined on stage by her friend, Fashion major Manuella Bashir ’23.

“My favorite part of the reVUe Festival was the fact that so many people were able to share and experience each other’s art,” Young said. “Having arts-oriented events brings more attention to the programs offered as well as garners exposure for students attending VU.”

She received a joyous round of applause from the crowd after reading her poem titled “Doctors Note.”

“I was incredibly excited because my dream has always been to share my art in the hopes that people can understand and relate to it in the way that the art I have consumed throughout my life inspired me,” Young said. 

She added, “I was born and raised in Bloomington, Indiana, which gave me the ability to grow up around a large amount of artistic and musical influence. I was very nervous to share my writing, but it was a poem I wrote Spring Semester 2022 about the sadness and depression I was experiencing at the time. I felt very alone so I resorted to expressing my emotions through writing. I also enjoy writing songs and playing them on my guitar.”

Bashir, who is majoring in fashion design and is from Indianapolis, expressed her excitement about showcasing her collection.

“I’m really grateful that I was given the opportunity to show my work,” she said. “It is a great way to announce myself to the fashion industry.”

The stylish business vest Bashir designed and sewed for a fashion course last semester was on display in the Shircliff Center alongside other garments created by her classmates.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this festival,” Bashir said. ” It’s not every day that you get to display your work in front of so many people. It’s a great way to get my name out there, network, and prepare myself to present to future employers.”

A ceramics exhibit, where students displayed their works of art and demonstrated how to use a pottery wheel, was also a popular draw. Art and photography were also exhibited in the Shircliff Art Gallery inside the Humanities building.

The festival gives students an avenue to showcase their creativity and skills, which can lead to future opportunities in the field. The reVUe festival is not only about showcasing talents but also about expanding horizons and connecting people. Students meet and learn from people who share their interests.

Bashir said, “I enjoyed everything from the music to the food to poetry. I was able to meet and talk to people I have never met before who are in the College of Humanities. I really had fun.”

Puckett emphasized the importance of the Humanities and the career possibilities that it can lead to. 

“A degree in Humanities can lead to careers in fields such as the arts, publishing, journalism, design, advertising, public relations, education, and even legal fields,” she said. “Degrees within the Humanities develop critical and creative thinking, effective communication, ethical analysis, artistic creation and evaluation, all skills that are valued in any job market.”

The reVUe Arts and Humanities Festival at VU is a celebration of creativity, diversity, and the humanities. It’s an event that allows students to show off their talents, expand their horizons, and connect with others who share their passions. The College of Humanities Recruitment and Retention Committee organized the reVUe.

Jonathan Vila named Assistant Volleyball Coach at UE

0

Vila is a native of Puerto Rico

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Bringing 13 years of coaching experience at multiple levels, Jonathan Vila has been named the Assistant Volleyball Coach for the University of Evansville.

Vila has coached at the high school, club, college and professional levels in Puerto Rico.  He is considered to be one of the best coaches in Puerto Rico at developing players in high school and club squads.

“Jonathan brings an impressive experience for his age.  His impact in our program will be immediate as he knows how to develop players and teach and run game systems,” Purple Aces head volleyball coach Fernando Morales exclaimed.  “Me and Jonathan look at the game of volleyball very similar so us working together will be great to continue growing this program.  He will be a very important asset in the recruiting side as well since he’s been involved in club volleyball for 13 years.”

“We are looking forward to adding Jonathan to our staff and having a great 2023 season with him in our bench.”

In his work as an assistant coach at the collegiate level, he has won multiple national championship in Puerto Rico.  Most recently, his squad was victorious in the 2023 Men’s Professional League National Championship.  Over the last three years, Vila has worked in Puerto Rico’s women’s professional league.

1...1,1161,1171,118...7,194Page 1,117 of 7,194