UE women’s soccer alum Sophie Lindner joins TSG Hoffenheim
IN-MaC Design and Innovation Training Studio Opens on UE campus; Facility to Advance STEM Education
IN-MaC Design and Innovation Training Studio Opens on UE campus; Facility to Advance STEM Education
FEBRUARY 23, 2025
UNIVERSITY OF UNVERSITY
NOAH ALLATZA
EVANSVILLE, IND. (02/23/2025) The University of Evansville (UE) celebrated the grand opening of an IN-MaC Design and Innovation Training Studio on Friday during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Located within the Tapley Education Resource Center, this cutting-edge facility is one of only three in Indiana and was made possible through funding from Toyota USA Foundation’s Driving Possibilities initiative. The studio marks a significant step in expanding access to high-quality Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across the state and signifies UE’s ongoing commitment to educational innovation.
This new facility will serve as a central hub for STEM education professional development by supporting a growing network of Design and Innovation Studios in elementary and middle schools throughout Southwest Indiana through hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies, including robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.
There are currently 47 in-school studios, impacting more than 15,000 students and upskilling 150 teachers and future educators each year in the region, which encompasses Knox, Gibson, Vanderburgh, Dubois, and Perry counties.
Additionally, the training studio will be integrated into UE’s Department of Education programs, ensuring that future educators are well-versed in emerging technologies and can effectively prepare students for the evolving workforce. By equipping teachers with STEM-focused strategies, UE is playing a vital role in developing a new generation of highly skilled professionals.
“The University of Evansville is thrilled to open this center as another way to collaborate with industry leaders, higher education institutions, and K-12 educators to address the growing need for STEM education in Indiana,” said UE President Christopher Pietruszkiewicz. “This training studio will introduce students to in-demand careers and equip them with the skills they need to thrive in an Industry 4.0 economy. We are deeply grateful to Toyota USA Foundation for its support of this transformative initiative.”
In August, UE announced a new partnership with the Toyota USA Foundation, Toyota Indiana, North Gibson School Corporation, and the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation to serve as the Coordinating Partner of the Indiana Driving Possibilities initiative. The initiative includes a grant totaling approximately $2 million, with a portion allocated for the development of this new space.
“Toyota recognizes the importance of investing in STEM education across all levels,” said Tim Hollander, president of Toyota Indiana. “As an industry leader and employer, we appreciate UE’s efforts in addressing the demand for skilled professionals. As their partner in this work, we share the same vision of preparing students for the workforce of tomorrow.”
The technologies and curriculum for the studio are supported by key partners including Purdue University’s Indiana Next Generation Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC), STEM Education Works, and Toyota Indiana. (TMMI) and represent a $1 million investment in K-8, industry and post-secondary education.
Research shows that STEM-related careers are expected to grow at twice the rate of other occupations in the coming years. However, studies indicate that 92% of boys and 97% of girls lose interest in STEM subjects if they are not engaged before fifth grade. The UE Design and Innovation Training Studio aims to change this trajectory by equipping educators with the tools and resources needed to inspire young learners.
To learn more, please click here.
The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university with a solid foundation in the arts and sciences and professional schools in business, engineering, education, and health sciences. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and dynamic campus community of #Changemakers.
Home of the Purple Aces, UE is located in the southwestern region of Indiana and offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University’s very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.
MEDIA CONTACT
Noah Alatza, Chief Communications Officer
812-893-5319
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.
Jim Redwine Gavel Gamut: MAN’S ALMOST BEST FRIEND
GAVEL GAMUT
By Jim Redwine
www.jamesmredwine.com
(Week of 24 February 2025)
MAN’S ALMOST BEST FRIEND
You may already know that Peg and I live in an isolated cabin where our human
neighbors are not close, but often other species are. We enjoy the normal reverie of our own thoughts but occasionally have our space invaded by two and four-footed, uninvited interlopers.
We have had to deal with raccoons, opossums, field mice, voles, skunks, ocelots, possibly a rare mountain lion or two, crows, hawks, eagles, assorted squirrels, woodpeckers and songbirds and flocks of quail, among several others, including armadillos and curious coyotes.
During the recent snowstorms and related inclement weather, the armadillos were
ascendant with holes appearing almost everywhere. Now, some folks may find all wildlife
entertaining and equivalent but Peg and I carry no brief for armadillos who look like armored pigs and lack any furry cuddlesomeness. We do have a friend who hails from Central America where, I assume, armadillos migrated from. Recently he chided me for depopulating the armadillos who tried to take over our yard. Our friend told me armadillo meat tastes like “the sweetest of pork”; I assured him we would not find a way to make the comparison.
What we have noticed however is that several non-human carnivores also enjoy an
occasional repast of armadillos. Chief among those ravenous raptors are the vultures but they are in hot competition for “sweet pork” left-overs with our habitation of coyotes. Our experience has been that coyotes are not so adept at catching armadillos but they are quite efficient at eating the innards and interiors of the housing of the already dead armadillo.
We have also noted that we have a bevy of coyotes that regularly patrol our small ranch
for any hapless armadillo that should find itself dispatched by some other non-coyote cause; my 20 gauge for example. The most recent evidence of a symbiotic relationship between our rather almost dog-like coyote population and ourselves occurred during the recent ill weather.
I looked out a cabin window and saw a fat armadillo gamboling in our front yard with its
pterodactyl sized front claws. I grabbed my shotgun, checked it was loaded, clicked off thesafety, eased out the back door and quietly moved to within lethal range. Voila! One more mess of sweet pork made available.
As it was almost dark, I decided to leave the carcass till the next day. Well, the next day
the prize was gone. I rejoiced in the provenance of Mother Nature and gave the matter no more thought until two days later when Peg found a hollowed-out suit of meatless armadillo armor right outside our front door; there was no note. There was a rather neat display that to us was just like the remains of a Thanksgiving Day turkey as left by in-laws along with a bare pumpkin pie plate.
Okay, I get that some would think this a mere happenstance. But those people are not the
nature lover I am. I am convinced our quasi-canine coyotes were leaving us a two-fold message:
1. Thank you; and
2. Keep ’em coming!
For more Gavel Gamut articles go to www.jamesmredwine.com
Bill fostering juvenile justice collaboration moves to Senate
bill fostering juvenile justice collaboration moves to Senate
The Indiana House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 1403 that would require specific juvenile programs receiving grants to work with key stakeholders on how to invest the funding to better address the needs of at-risk youth.
“This bill encourages a collaborative effort to strengthen our juvenile legal system,” the bill’s sponsor, State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) said. “By bringing local and regional partners to the table, we can better allocate resources to best meet the needs of our youth.”
McNamara said her bill would also have the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute consider additional recommendations in adopting a funding formula for the Juvenile Diversion Grant Program, the Juvenile Community Alternatives Grant Program and Juvenile Behavioral Health Competitive Grant Program. She added that these changes would target funding where it is most needed, including Indiana’s rural communities.
House Bill 1403 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. To learn more about the bill and follow session, visit iga.in.gov.
USI Historic New Harmony Heritage Artisans Days returning April 23-25
USI Historic New Harmony Heritage Artisans Days returning April 23-25
The University of Southern Indiana is excited to announce Historic New Harmony’s annual Heritage Artisans Days, taking place Wednesday through Friday, April 23-25, in New Harmony, Indiana. This long-running event will feature artisans demonstrating 19th century trades and professions, offering a hands-on look at how craftspeople lived and worked in New Harmony during its early days.
Students from across the Tri-state area will have the unique opportunity to experience historical practices firsthand. Featured artisans will include a weaver, candle dipper, an 1800’s doctor, live oxen and more. Educational materials, including lesson plans and classroom activities, will also be provided to enrich the experience.
“Heritage Artisans Days is a deeply fulfilling event for our staff and volunteers. We take great pride in sharing New Harmony’s rich history and culture with students, teachers and families,” said Leslie Townsend, USI Director of Community Engagement and Historic New Harmony. “Many adults who visit us today share memories of attending this event as children, and it’s wonderful to see how lasting those experiences are.”
Please note that Historic New Harmony tours will not be available during these dates. This includes tram tours and the daily 1 p.m. tour. However, the public is encouraged to visit and enjoy the artisan demonstrations between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., with afternoons being the ideal time to explore.
For more information on Heritage Artisan Days, visit USI.edu/heritage.
Little Lambs Appreciation Breakfast Coming February 25
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Students, Potential College Students to get free FAFSA filing help at College Goal Sunday
Students, Potential College Students to get free FAFSA filing help
at College Goal Sunday
EVANSVILLE, IND. – Financial aid professionals from Ivy Tech, USI and UE will be on hand to help collegebound students and their families to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), at College Goal Sunday – Feb. 23, from 2-4 p.m. The event will take place in Carter Library on the Ivy Tech Evansville campus, 3501 N. First Avenue.
The FAFSA is required for students to be considered for federal and state grants, many scholarships, and even federal student loans at most colleges, universities, and vocational/technical schools nationwide. Filing must occur by the State of Indiana priority deadline of April 15th to guarantee state aid for those that qualify.
“Indiana was a nationwide leader last year in maintaining the FAFSA-filing rate from 2023 to 2024. That success is due in large part to the Commission’s partnerships with INvestEd and other community partners, philanthropy investment, and support from local leaders,” said Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Chris Lowery. “Though this is an encouraging statistic for Indiana, we must continue to aim higher. The FAFSA is a gateway to unlock potential career options, improved social and financial outcomes for individuals, strengthening Indiana’s talent pipeline, and enhancing our communities as a whole.”
Now in its 36th year, College Goal Sunday has helped more than 98,000 Indiana students and families complete the FAFSA properly and on time. College Goal Sunday is a charitable program of the Indiana Student Financial Aid Association (ISFAA).
“Financial aid remains as important to the college going process as ever. At College Goal Sunday events across the state, we aim to provide families with peace of mind about timelines and aid processing steps by surrounding them with a team of experts in the field,” said Caleb Fendrich, director of financial aid for the Ivy Tech Evansville campus. “The Indiana Student Financial Aid Association recognizes the value that this event can provide and is dedicated to helping Hoosier students ensure their financial aid applications are filed and complete in a timely manner, allowing for the most financial aid possible as students consider their education beyond high school.
“At the event, experts from our area colleges will be present to guide students and families through the FAFSA, helping turn any uncertainty about the financial aid process into certainty about the future of our students’ education.”
What students should bring
Students should attend College Goal Sunday with their parent(s) or guardian(s), and parent(s) should bring completed 2023 IRS 1040 tax returns, W-2 Forms and other 2023 income and benefits information. Students who worked should also bring their income information. Students 24 years of age or older may attend alone and bring their completed 2023 IRS 1040 tax return, W-2 Form or other 2023 income and benefits information. Students and parent(s) are encouraged to apply for their U.S. Department of Education FSA IDs at studentaid.gov before coming to the event.
Volunteers will be available to assist with the online form and answer all families’ individual questions during College Goal Sunday. All of the sites across the state offer FAFSA online capabilities and many have Spanish interpreters available. A complete list of sites is available at CollegeGoalSunday.org.
Attendees may win a scholarship from College Goal Sunday
Students may also win one of five $1,000 scholarships. Students who attend College Goal Sunday and submit a completed evaluation form will automatically be entered in a drawing for a $1,000 scholarship. The winners will be notified and scholarships will be sent directly to the higher education institution selected by the winning students.
21st Century Scholars benefit
21st Century Scholars are income-eligible students who sign a contract in the seventh or eighth grade promising they will graduate from high school, meet grade point requirements, fulfill a pledge of good citizenship, and apply for college financial aid. Upon high school completion, Scholars who have fulfilled the commitment and demonstrate financial need receive state funds to help cover their college tuition and fees for up to eight semesters at eligible Indiana public colleges or an equal dollar amount at eligible Indiana private colleges. To fulfill their pledge scholars must submit a completed FAFSA form on time.
For more information about College Goal Sunday visit CollegeGoalSunday.org.