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Ivy Tech Community College Launches $285 million First Statewide Campaign; Evansville Campus Kicks Off its Local Campaign

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Evansville, IN – Today marks the beginning of the public phase of Ivy Tech Community College’s first-ever statewide campaign. Ivy Tech Evansville announced its $12.1 million Invest IN Ivy Tech Capital Campaign, at a public event on the Ivy Tech campus, as a part of the Ivy Tech overall goal of raising $285 million. The live-streamed and in-person event was made simultaneously with all 19 campuses statewide.

Announced recently was a Community Economic Impact Report for the college and each campus. According to the report, Ivy Tech Community College’s impact is felt all across Indiana. When the College’s students succeed, communities and local businesses thrive, the state attracts new industries and entrepreneurs, and futures are bolder and brighter.  A recent study revealed Ivy Tech has a $3.9 billion cumulative annual impact to the state, the report states.

“Ivy Tech, Indiana’s community college, plays an outsized role in upskilling Indiana’s workforce and increasing Hoosier prosperity,” said Sue Ellspermann, President of Ivy Tech Community College. “This campaign is largely a ‘human capital’ campaign ensuring we reach, educate, and serve all Hoosiers from first generation high school graduates to single parents and displaced workers allowing them to launch successful careers in high wage, high demand fields that will drive Indiana’s future economy.”

Shawn McCoy, chair of the Evansville Region campaign, CEO of Deaconess Health System, and secretary of the Ivy Tech Campus Board of Trustees said, “Ivy Tech’s healthcare-field graduates come to our organization—and other health systems, hospitals and clinics—well-prepared and trained to provide quality patient care. He added that Investing in Ivy Tech’s education programs allows individuals and organizations to “invest in their future employees who will care for our patients, families and community.” McCoy today announced that Deaconess Health Systems is contributing $250,000 to the campaign.

Evansville Chancellor Daniela Vidal agreed about the need and desire of employees and the public to support Ivy Tech students. “One thing you discover quickly when you talk to an Ivy Tech employee is their strong passion for our mission and our students,” she said. “This is because we experience daily the life, and even generational changes our students achieve through Ivy Tech. We also quickly realize the size of the need. Without the help and support of our community and donors we would not be able to support our students to the degree we do, not just academically but also with any other challenge that gets in the way of their success.”

Invest IN Ivy Tech provides greater opportunity for each of the college’s 19 campuses to educate, train, and support its students. The funds raised through the campaign will benefit all of the campuses serving the 92 counties across Indiana. It reflects the College’s strategic plan and each campus’ strategic priorities, and will make a substantial difference for students, communities and the state.

Silvia Barreto, a medical assistant and an Ivy Tech nursing student since August of 2020, said the support she has been provided at Ivy Tech means the difference of being able to continue, or not, and finish her Associate Degree. “I was working with a clinic providing COVID-19 testing to patients while attending school. Recently, my contract ended abruptly due to the decline in the number of patients being seen daily. I did find another job; however, it took a while for the hiring process to take its course,” Barreto said. “During that time, I fell into some financial hardships. I was just about to begin the current semester that I’m in, and everything began to accumulate as far as payments and school expenses. Ivy Tech has given me the opportunity to not only have free books this year, frozen tuition, but also, the Lamkin Center and it’s incredible donors have given me something I cannot begin to describe. They have given me hope-the positive reinforcement that I needed.” Barreto said that support led her to being able to successfully complete her first two nursing courses.

“I have been able to make it without the overwhelming feeling of my financial burdens keeping me from pursing my educational goals and dreams,” Barreto said.

The campaign is being co-chaired by Glick Art Owner & Chairwoman of the Eugene & Marilyn Glick Family Foundation Marianne Glick and Old National Bank Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bob Jones.  Ontario Systems Co-Founder and former Chief Executive Officer Ron Fauquher is serving as the Chief Operating Officer for the campaign.

“I believe that an investment in Ivy Tech is the most impactful on the future of our citizens, our communities, and our State.  I am honored to co-chair this campaign and help tell the Ivy Tech story,” stated Glick.

“I have seen first-hand the role of Ivy Tech graduates in our communities.  They graduate ready to work and to contribute to the quality of life in their hometowns,” said Jones.

Ivy Tech’s impact supports the equivalent of 56,697 jobs. For perspective, the activities of Ivy Tech and its students support one out of every 70 jobs in Indiana.  A recent economic impact study showed that students invested $502.8 million in time and money that will generate a cumulative return of $2.2 billion in higher future earnings over their working careers.

“Ivy Tech’s impact goes well beyond the benefits students derive from their education,” said Ellspermann. “When the College’s students enter the workforce, whether right out of Ivy Tech or after continuing on to earn a bachelor’s degree, they bring with them valuable skills acquired through their education, resulting in increased productivity for their employers. That has a lasting impact on our state and the dozens of communities where our students live and work.”

To unite the past with the future, Invest IN Ivy Tech will be completed in 2023, the 60th anniversary of Ivy Tech.  Learn more at www.InvestINIvytech.org.

 

 

Ivy Tech Community College Launches $285 million First Statewide Campaign

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Ivy Tech Community College Launches $285 million First Statewide Campaign; Evansville Campus Kicks Off its Local Campaign

Evansville, IN – Today marks the beginning of the public phase of Ivy Tech Community College’s first-ever statewide campaign. Ivy Tech Evansville announced its $12.1 million Invest IN Ivy Tech Capital Campaign, at a public event on the Ivy Tech campus, as a part of the Ivy Tech overall goal of raising $285 million. The live-streamed and in-person events were made simultaneously with all 19 campuses statewide.

Announced recently was a Community Economic Impact Report for the college and each campus. According to the report, Ivy Tech Community College’s impact is felt all across Indiana. When the College’s students succeed, communities and local businesses thrive, the state attracts new industries and entrepreneurs, and futures are bolder and brighter.  A recent study revealed Ivy Tech has a $3.9 billion cumulative annual impact to the state, the report states.

“Ivy Tech, Indiana’s community college, plays an outsized role in upskilling Indiana’s workforce and increasing Hoosier prosperity,” said Sue Ellspermann, President of Ivy Tech Community College. “This campaign is largely a ‘human capital’ campaign ensuring we reach, educate, and serve all Hoosiers from first-generation high school graduates to single parents and displaced workers allowing them to launch successful careers in high wage, high demand fields that will drive Indiana’s future economy.”

Shawn McCoy, chair of the Evansville Region campaign, CEO of Deaconess Health System, and secretary of the Ivy Tech Campus Board of Trustees said, “Ivy Tech’s healthcare-field graduates come to our organization—and other health systems, hospitals, and clinics—well-prepared and trained to provide quality patient care. He added that Investing in Ivy Tech’s education programs allows individuals and organizations to “invest in their future employees who will care for our patients, families, and community.” McCoy today announced that Deaconess Health Systems is contributing $250,000 to the campaign.

Evansville Chancellor Daniela Vidal agreed about the need and desire of employees and the public to support Ivy Tech students. “One thing you discover quickly when you talk to an Ivy Tech employee is their strong passion for our mission and our students,” she said. “This is because we experience daily the life, and even generational changes our students achieve through Ivy Tech. We also quickly realize the size of the need. Without the help and support of our community and donors we would not be able to support our students to the degree we do, not just academically but also with any other challenge that gets in the way of their success.”

Invest IN Ivy Tech provides greater opportunity for each of the college’s 19 campuses to educate, train, and support its students. The funds raised through the campaign will benefit all of the campuses serving the 92 counties across Indiana. It reflects the College’s strategic plan and each campus’ strategic priorities and will make a substantial difference for students, communities and the state.

Silvia Barreto, a medical assistant and an Ivy Tech nursing student since August of 2020, said the support she has been provided at Ivy Tech means the difference of being able to continue, or not, and finish her Associate Degree. “I was working with a clinic providing COVID-19 testing to patients while attending school. Recently, my contract ended abruptly due to the decline in the number of patients being seen daily. I did find another job; however, it took a while for the hiring process to take its course,” Barreto said. “During that time, I fell into some financial hardships. I was just about to begin the current semester that I’m in, and everything began to accumulate as far as payments and school expenses. Ivy Tech has given me the opportunity to not only have free books this year, frozen tuition, but also, the Lamkin Center and its incredible donors have given me something I cannot begin to describe. They have given me hope-the positive reinforcement that I needed.” Barreto said that support led her to be able to successfully complete her first two nursing courses.

“I have been able to make it without the overwhelming feeling of my financial burdens keeping me from pursuing my educational goals and dreams,” Barreto said.

The campaign is being co-chaired by Glick Art Owner & Chairwoman of the Eugene & Marilyn Glick Family Foundation Marianne Glick and Old National Bank Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bob Jones.  Ontario Systems Co-Founder and former Chief Executive Officer Ron Fauquher is serving as the Chief Operating Officer for the campaign.

“I believe that an investment in Ivy Tech is the most impactful on the future of our citizens, our communities, and our State.  I am honored to co-chair this campaign and help tell the Ivy Tech story,” stated Glick.

“I have seen first-hand the role of Ivy Tech graduates in our communities.  They graduate ready to work and to contribute to the quality of life in their hometowns,” said Jones.

Ivy Tech’s impact supports the equivalent of 56,697 jobs. For perspective, the activities of Ivy Tech and its students support one out of every 70 jobs in Indiana.  A recent economic impact study showed that students invested $502.8 million in time and money that will generate a cumulative return of $2.2 billion in higher future earnings over their working careers.

“Ivy Tech’s impact goes well beyond the benefits students derive from their education,” said Ellspermann. “When the College’s students enter the workforce, whether right out of Ivy Tech or after continuing on to earn a bachelor’s degree, they bring with them valuable skills acquired through their education, resulting in increased productivity for their employers. That has a lasting impact on our state and the dozens of communities where our students live and work.”

To unite the past with the future, Invest IN Ivy Tech will be completed in 2023, the 60th anniversary of Ivy Tech.  Learn more at www.InvestINIvytech.org.

 

Louisville And Southern Indiana Emergency Officials To Conduct Large-Scale Counter Terrorism Exercise

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Louisville And Southern Indiana Emergency Officials To Conduct Large-Scale Counter-Terrorism Exercise

LOUISVILLE, KY (September 28, 2021) – Emergency officials from Louisville and Southern Indiana will conduct a large-scale counter-terrorism training exercise on Friday, October 1, 2021, with sites on both sides of the Ohio River, starting at 9 a.m.

In Louisville, the “Operation Thunderstruck” exercise will be conducted at Cardinal Stadium, 2800 S. Floyd St. In Southern Indiana, it will be conducted at the Clark County Fairgrounds, 9608 IN-62; the Jeffersonville Riverstage, W. Riverside Dr.; Jeffersonville Police Department, 2218 E. 10th St.; and the Hobby Lobby parking lot, 750 E. Lewis and Clark Pkwy.

More than 350 first responders and officials will participate in the exercise, including representatives of federal, state, and local governments, as well as non-governmental organizations and the private sector.

It will not be open to the public, although each site will include a media staging area. Credentialed media planning to attend must RSVP to jessica.wethington@louisvilleky.gov by 3 p.m. Thursday, September 30, 2021, and will need to be at their site of choice no later than 8:15 a.m. on Friday for screening.

Local and state officials will participate in a press conference to discuss learnings and observations from the training exercise at noon Friday at Cardinal Stadium.

“Operation Thunderstruck” is made possible through a $2.3 million Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attack (CCTA) grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The objective is to build and sustain capabilities of local, state, tribal, and territorial jurisdictions and enhance preparedness for any potential complex coordinated terrorist attacks.

Specific goals include training personnel and educating the community about plans and processes designed to respond to such an incident, while also identifying capability gaps so they can be immediately addressed and resolved.

“Operation Thunderstruck” is sponsored by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Kentucky Division of Emergency Management, Kentucky Office of Homeland Security, and Louisville Metro Emergency Services.

Quotes from local officials:

“A lot of hard work and planning has gone into this event in the past few years to make this terrorist exercise a reality,” said Steve Cox, Executive Director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS). “This has allowed decisions makers from both states an opportunity to work directly to plan a response, address gaps and focus on ways to protect life and property should this part of the country ever experience a terror attack.”

“The safety and security of our residents and employees is the No. 1 priority for Louisville Metro Government, and it’s critical we provide our first responders and officials with the training and tools necessary to ensure they’re prepared and well-trained,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. “Thank you to the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management, Kentucky Office of Homeland Security, and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security for their partnership and cooperation as we work to ensure our region is prepared for a seamless, coordinated response to any major incident.”

“Hosted in the Commonwealth’s largest city, the CCTA full-scale exercise, is the culmination of recent years of training focused on prevention and response to organized acts of violence, in collaboration with our local, state and federal partners”, said Michael Dossett, Director of the Kentucky Emergency Management. “The event will highlight the efforts of our first responders in actions taken in the protection of our citizens, to enhance the safety and resilience of our whole community. Thank you to Mayor Greg Fischer, Louisville Metro EMA, Kentucky Office of Homeland Security, Indiana Department of Homeland Security and our extended state participants for embracing this exceptional opportunity in partnerships.”

Senator Braun’s No Budget, No Pay To Receive Vote    

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Senator Braun’s No Budget, No Pay To Receive Vote 

WASHINGTON – This morning, the U.S. Senate is considering H.R.5305, Continuing Resolution (“clean CR” funding the government to December 3rd).

Senator Braun will receive a vote on his “No Budget, No Pay” amendment today in the U.S. Senate.

The vote will be one of only six amendments considered. It is expected to occur in the 11:00 am hour.

Senator Braun’s press office will provide clips of the Senate floor and Senator Braun’s speech.

No Budget, No Pay” was the first bill Senator Braun introduced on his first day in the U.S. Senate.

Under No Budget, No Pay, if Congress fails to pass their required spending bills by October 1st, they will not get paid until they do.

“Families, small businesses, and local governments do a budget because if they didn’t they’d go broke. Congress doesn’t, and going broke is exactly what we’re getting. The American people demand accountability, and No Budget, No Pay will finally hold D.C’s feet to the fire.” – Senator Braun

Arts Commission And The Indiana Small Business Development Center Improves Economic Resilience

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Aldridge Announced As USI Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball announced the hiring of Jon Aldridge as an assistant coach. Aldridge replaces Kevin Gant, who accepted the head coaching position at North Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana.

“USI is grateful for all that Jon does for our program,” said USI Head Coach Stan Gouard. “Jon’s been incredibly impactful and has worn many hats throughout the years that goes unnoticed, yet are critical to the success of our program.

“We couldn’t be happier to see him rewarded for his efforts over the past four years as my graduate assistant,” continued Gouard.  “I’ve watched Jon as a student, a graduate assistant, and he always had a tremendous work ethic.”

Aldridge came to USI in 2020-21 after serving on Gouard’s staff at the University of Indianapolis as a graduate assistant in 2019-20 and after a two-year stint as an assistant coach at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa.

Aldridge’s first year at USI saw the Eagles would conclude the year with a 12-5 season and an appearance in the NCAA II Midwest Regional that was hosted at the Ford Center and included a first round win over Lewis University. USI also placed third seed in the GLVC point standings after producing an 11-4  league mark.

During his time at the University of Indianapolis, Aldridge assisted the UIndy Greyhounds to a 24-6 overall record; a second-place finish in the GLVC Point Ratings; a third place showing in the GLVC standings with a 15-5 league mark; and a number one seeding in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional. Aldridge and UIndy were set to host the 2020 NCAA II Midwest Regional until it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As an assistant coach at Loras, Aldridge and the Duhawks posted a combined record of 42-14 with two postseason appearances including an NCAA National Tournament run to the Sweet Sixteen during the 2018-19 season. The Duhawks ranked as high as 16th in the NCAA Division III national rankings and earned victories over the number one, three, and 15 nationally ranked teams.

In 2018, Aldridge was one of 30 college coaches from Division I-III selected to participate in the inaugural NCAA College Coaches Academy. The academy aims to grow proficiency in all areas of becoming a collegiate head coach.

Prior to Loras, Aldridge served three seasons as an assistant coach at Park Tudor High School in Indianapolis. Aldridge helped the Panthers to a 62-14 record and a 23-1 conference record over his time at Park Tudor. The Panthers were ranked top 10 in the state each season, while securing three conference titles and the program’s second pair of back-to-back Indiana 2A State Championships.

A graduate from the University of Indianapolis with a bachelor’s of science in exercise science, Aldridge completed his undergraduate degree with an internship at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Aldridge will be completing his master’s degree in the sports management program during his time as the graduate assistant coach.

Road swing continues for Aces volleyball

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UE faces Loyola and Valpo this weekend

 EVANSVILLE, Ind. –  A 3-match road swing to open Missouri Valley Conference play continues this weekend with the University of Evansville volleyball team traveling to Loyola and Valparaiso.  UE will be in Chicago on Friday to face the Ramblers before facing Valpo on Saturday with both matches beginning at 6 p.m.

Last Time Out

– For the second season in a row, the Purple Aces opened the MVC slate in Terre Haute, facing the Sycamores

– Despite a quick start to the first set for UE, it was Indiana State battling back to take a 3-0 sweep

– Alondra Vazquez and Melanie Feliciano finished with 12 kills apiece while Giulia Cardona added 10 kills and a team-best 13 digs

 

Scouting the Opposition

– Loyola enters the weekend with a 9-5 mark while sitting at 2-0 in the Valley after sweeping Missouri State and Southern Illinois by 3-1 finals last weekend

– Offensively, the Ramblers are led by 3.4 kills per set from Addie Barnes while Taylor Venuto is hitting .354 on the season, second in the league

– Pacing the defense is Grace Hinchman, whose 4.7 digs per game is second in the MVC

– Valparaiso sits at 10-3 overall after splitting their conference opening weekend versus SIU and MSU

– One of the top defenses in the league, the Beacons hold the opposition to an MVC low .162 hitting percentage; Rylee Cookerly paces the conference with 5.1 digs per set with Valpo ranking second in the league in that statistic

 

In a Groove

– Recording at least seven kills and seven digs in 10 out of 12 matches, Melanie Feliciano continues to be one of Evansville’s most consistent performers

– Her season average of 3.14 kills is third for UE and 8th in the MVC while she is second on the squad and 19th in the conference with an average of 2.68 digs

– She has averaged 4.0 digs over last five matches (14 sets)

 

Top 10 Freshmen

– Since her arrival in Evansville, Giulia Cardona has established herself as an offensive force, ranking second in the MVC behind teammate Alondra Vazquez in kills (3.71) and points (4.37)

– Her kill average is 10th-best among all freshmen in the NCAA and she has recorded 8 or more kills in each of the last seven contests

– Cardona is tied with Vazquez for the #2 spot in the Valley with 0.47 service aces per set

– Equally impressive has been her efficiency as she has completed 7 of the last 10 matches hitting .226 or better; that came after she hit under .140 in the first two contests

 

Breeding Season For Deer Means Greater Risk Of Car Collisions

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Breeding Season For Deer Means Greater Risk Of Car Collisions

White-tailed deer begin their breeding season, also called the rut, during October. During this time, deer (especially bucks) will be moving across roadways more frequently as they search for mates.

Staying aware and keeping the following information in mind can help motorists reduce their chances of becoming another deer-vehicle collision statistic:

  • Deer are most active at dawn and dusk.
  • Deer often travel in groups. If you see one deer, another is likely nearby.
  • Be especially careful in areas where you have seen deer before.
  • Use high beams when there is no oncoming traffic. Scan for deer’s illuminated eyes or dark silhouettes along the side of the road.
  • If you see a deer, slow your speed drastically, even if it’s far away.
  • Exercise extreme caution along wooded edges, on hills, and during blind turns.
  • Never swerve to avoid hitting a deer. Most serious crashes occur when drivers try to miss a deer and hit something else.

Upcoming Changes To SNAP For October

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We wanted to pass along some important information about two upcoming changes the U.S. Food and Nutrition Services Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Together these changes may impact the benefits received by Hoosier SNAP participants.

  • On Sept. 30, 2021, the 15% increase in SNAP benefits provided as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 will end.
  • Starting in October 2021, benefits will increase due to the recent re-evaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan.

The result of these two updates occurring at the same time is that in October most SNAP participants will see a slight increase to their monthly benefit.

SNAP households may have heard that because of the updated Thrifty Food Plan their benefits are increasing. However, they may not understand that this increase is to the pre-pandemic benefit amounts—before the 15% increase. As a result, some participants may be expecting their benefits to increase substantially over their current level.

With these changes happening around the same time, SNAP participants, stakeholders, and others may become confused. Here is a Q and A from FNS that could help.