|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records
USI receives Collegiate Purple Star Award from Indiana Commission for Higher Education
The University of Southern Indiana has been designated a Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana institution by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. The designation signifies an institution-wide focus on translating the value of military learning toward higher education and ensuring the appropriate practices are in place for a military-affiliated student’s success.
The Tier 2 designation was earned by meeting 37 standards across eight key areas, including core requirements, marketing, admissions, financial aid, institutional support, student services, engagement and career and community engagement opportunities. USI effectively demonstrated a supportive environment for the United States military-affiliated student population, encompassing the entire journey from application through to graduation.
“I am very proud of our institution and many offices around campus whose commitment to our veterans and families is reflected in this award,” says Joel Matherly, Director of the USI Veteran, Military and Family Resource Center. “The University of Southern Indiana has always been a very proud supporter of our men and women in uniform and has extended that to military-connected families who seek an educational mission.”
The Veteran, Military and Family Resource Center recognizes military members and dependents who have special needs and concerns. The office seeks to ease the transition from military to civilian life and to assist students with applying for and utilizing Department of Veterans Affairs Education benefits.
“The Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs and Indiana Commission for Higher Education have developed this designation as a means of recognizing the importance and commitment of our student veterans across our state,” Matherly says. “We have, and will continue to have, a commitment to every student, whether on campus or through distance education. Our institution has a vested interest in the success of everyone with or without a designation. That is our commitment to our students and state.”
For more information about USI’s Veteran, Military and Family Resource Center, visit USI.edu/veterans.
Jasper Arts Unveils 50th Anniversary Season, A Celebration of Legacy and Live Performance
JASPER, IN — What began five decades ago as a bold vision to bring the arts to southern Indiana has blossomed into one of the region’s most cherished cultural institutions. In celebration of this remarkablemilestone, Jasper Arts proudly announces its 50th Anniversary Performance Season—a vibrant collection of concerts, dance, comedy, and intimate performances that honor the past, celebrate the present, and look boldly toward the future.
Beginning this fall at the Jasper Arts Center, audiences will be treated to a lineup as unique and inspiring asthe community that built and sustained this venue for fifty years.
The season opens on September 20 with the global phenomenon Walk off the Earth, whose inventive, high-energy performances have captivated millions online and on stages around the world. It’s a fitting start to aseason that embraces creativity without limits.
On October 3, the world-renowned Ailey II company brings the future of modern dance to Jasper, delivering athleticism, soul, and artistry in a performance that connects generations through movement.
Laughter takes center stage on November 2, when stand-up comedian and NPR favorite Tom Papa returnsto Indiana with his signature brand of smart, observational humor that has made him a beloved voice acrossradio, television, and stage.
The holiday season shines as LeAnn Rimes, one of the most celebrated voices in country and pop, brings her powerful vocals and heartfelt spirit to the Arts Center on December 13, performing a mix of holidayfavorites and career-spanning hits.
The new year kicks off with rhythm and intensity on January 31, when Step Afrika! arrives with The EvolutionTour, a kinetic journey through stepping, African dance traditions, and contemporary performance.
On March 14, soul and Motown reign supreme with Uptown, a tribute concert brimming with the infectious joyand classic grooves of legends like Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, and Aretha Franklin.
The season crescendos on April 11 with Broadway and television icon Mandy Patinkin in Being Alive, anintimate evening of song and storytelling that promises to be as moving as it is unforgettable.
USI events and updates for the week of 7/7/2025
Now through August 29
Artists Among Us exhibition now on display in the USI MAC/Pace Galleries
The Kenneth P. McCutchan Art Center/Palmina F. and Stephen S. Pace Galleries at the USI is proud to present its summer exhibition, Artists Among Us, now open to the public. The exhibition is on display now through Friday, August 29 and features the work of 27 USI employees across the University.
6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 9
USI to host virtual Adult Learner Expo
The USI will host an Adult Learner Expo, a virtual event taking place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, in addition to pre-recorded sessions. This event is open to anyone considering returning to college, and you do not have to be a current USI student or alum.
SAVE THE DATE
August 7-8
Mid-America Institute on Aging and Wellness returns to USI campus August 7-8
USI and SWIRCA and More, the local agency on aging, will present the 18th annual Mid-America Institute on Aging and Wellness (MAIA) on the USI campus Thursday and Friday, August 7-8.
November 15
Registration now open for 21st annual Norwegian Foot March
A USI is celebrating its 21st anniversary on Saturday, November 15. The 21st annual Norwegian Foot March, an intense mental and physical challenge, will take participants 18.6 miles (30 km) through the rolling hills of Evansville’s west side. Carrying a 25-pound rucksack, participants will begin and end on the USI campus, working to make it back to the finish line generally in under four and a half hours depending on age and gender.
University of Evansville Extends Contract for Athletic Director Dr. Ziggy Siegfried
EVANSVILLE, IND. (07/07/2025) University of Evansville President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz announced today that Dr. Kenneth “Ziggy” Siegfried, Director of Athletics, has signed a contract extension that will keep him in the role through 2030. Originally hired in the spring of 2022, Siegfried will now continue his leadership of Purple Aces Athletics under the new agreement.
“Dr. Siegfried’s leadership has transformed our athletics department and energized both our campus and the wider Evansville community,” said President Pietruszkiewicz. “I am confident in the direction he is leading us, one that prioritizes competitive excellence, elevates the student-athlete experience, and positions our Athletics programs for bold, strategic growth that reflects the spirit and ambition of our entire University.”
Since arriving at UE, Siegfried has led the development and execution of the Pathway to Excellence strategic plan, a comprehensive vision that has elevated the profile of Aces Athletics across the board.
Additionally, Siegfried oversaw what is believed to be the largest gift in UE Athletics history. In May 2024, UE alum Kyle and Ashley Freeland announced a $3 million gift that secured the future of the Freeland Clubhouse, a transformational facility that will significantly enhance the baseball program’s training and recruitment efforts. The Freeland’s philanthropy serves as a pivotal component of the Pathway to Excellence plan.
Under Siegfried’s leadership and guidance, UE student-athletes performed in the classroom, achieving the first and second highest cumulative GPAs in the history of the athletics department. In addition, the Aces have achieved notable success on the field and record-breaking engagement in the stands. Last summer, the baseball team delivered a season for the ages, capturing the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Championship and earning its first trip to the NCAA Tournament since 2006. Their momentum did not stop there, and the Aces went on to win their NCAA Regional and advanced to the Super Regional for the first time in program history. This championship run not only captivated fans across the country but also helped drive the highest ticket and group/gate revenue in program history.
Men’s soccer returned to prominence with a Missouri Valley Conference Tournament title and an NCAA Tournament berth for the first time since 1996. The program’s success reignited campus pride and demonstrated the strength of student-athletes on a national stage. Meanwhile, men’s basketball has seen a dramatic transformation under Head Coach David Ragland. In just his second year, the program more than tripled its win total from the prior season and secured its first postseason berth in nearly a decade. It stands as one of the most remarkable turnarounds in the country. This on-court progress, paired with Siegfried’s strategic leadership, has also contributed to record-breaking attendance and renewed excitement in the stands.
Across its seventeen Division I sports, UE recorded its highest total ticket revenue in the past decade. Over a three-year period, Siegfried has also successfully hired new head coaches in men’s basketball, volleyball, men’s soccer, track and field, swim and dive, and softball.
Driving this momentum is a bold vision for the future. Siegfried has also spearheaded development of a comprehensive Athletics Facilities Master Plan which has already completed or is in the process of completing $7.6 million in capital projects. These include a $4.5 million baseball clubhouse, a $1.1 million turf softball field, a $1.2 million intramural and soccer practice field complex, enhancements to the basketball practice facilities for both men’s and women’s programs, an expanded baseball press box, and Phase I of a new Sports Performance Center.
Philanthropic support has surged under Siegfried’s tenure, contributing to a more sustainable and competitive future for all athletic programs. His leadership has not only invigorated campus pride but also strengthened the University’s bond with alumni, fans, and supporters throughout the Tri-State.
“I’m incredibly thankful to President Pietruszkiewicz, our Board of Trustees, and the entire University of Evansville community for their continued belief in our vision,” said Siegfried. “It’s been an honor to work alongside such dedicated student-athletes, coaches, and staff. I’m excited to keep building on our momentum and creating an athletics program that reflects the values and excellence of this institution.”
The University’s decision to extend Siegfried’s contract ensures a strong, stable foundation as Purple Aces Athletics continues to grow its impact locally and nationally.
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.
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.
EVANSVILLE WELCOMES BACK USSSA GREAT LAKES NATIONALS
Evansville, IN – July 3, 2025 – Beginning Monday, July 7 through Saturday, July 12, Deaconess Sports Park, Deaconess Henderson Sportsplex in Henderson, KY, and Jack Fisher Park in Owensboro, KY will host the 2025 USSSA Great Lakes National Championships. This year’s tournament boasts 130 teams of fast-pitch softball players from around the country, ranging in ages from eight to 18, and will attract nearly 5,000 athletes and visitors to the area.
“We’re glad to be back in Evansville for the 2025 Great Lakes Nationals,” said Tim Foster, USSSA Tournament Director. “We’ve got 130 teams this year and we’re looking forward to putting on a great event. Thanks to the Evansville community for welcoming USSSA and being such a strong partner.”
Great Lakes National Championships is the largest tournament hosted at Deaconess Sports Park in 2025. The event is expected to generate over 1,500 hotel room nights and more than $2 million in economic impact for Evansville and the surrounding area.
An opening ceremony will be held Monday, July 7 from 11 AM – 2 PM at Deaconess Sports Park. Teams will gather to be welcomed by local vendors, enjoy hair braiding, inflatables, bracelet making, puppy playtime and much more. Athletes will celebrate the kick-off of the tournament with a parade starting at 10 AM.
For more information, visit the tournament website at: https://infastpitch.usssa.com/event/usssa-great-lakes-nationals-evansville/
What: USSSA Great Lakes Nationals
When: Monday, July 7 – Saturday, July 12, 2025
Where: Deaconess Sports Park (4300 Heckel Road, Evansville)
Deaconess Henderson Sportsplex (5845 Airline Road, Henderson, KY)
Jack C. Fisher Park (3900 W 5th Street, Owensboro)
Tickets: Day passes: $15/adults
Weekly passes: $45/adults and $30/seniors
Ages 10 and under are free
Indiana colleges cut hundreds of low-enrollment degree programs ahead of state mandate
The state’s higher education commission made the cuts official on Monday.
Public colleges across Indiana are phasing out or merging low-demand degree programs as part of a statewide higher education reform. (Getty Images)
Six of Indiana’s public colleges and universities are cutting or consolidating more than 400 academic degree programs ahead of a new state law that takes effect this week, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) announced Monday.
Officials said the “voluntary” changes target degree programs with low student participation. The cuts are intended to help students focus on more in-demand fields and to comply early with the new state budget, which now sets minimum enrollment and completion thresholds for all degree programs offered at public institutions.
Nearly one in five degree programs will be eliminated, suspended or merged across six institutions: Ball State University, Indiana State University, Indiana University, Ivy Tech Community College, Purdue University and the University of Southern Indiana.
Currently, the schools collectively offer about 3,400 academic programs, according to CHE. Of those, roughly 2,200 are degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral level. As of Monday, 408 degree programs are on the chopping block.
Story continues below.
Gov. Mike Braun praised the move as a way to modernize Indiana’s higher education system.
“In just the past month, our state institutions have taken bold, proactive steps to increase the value of higher education for both students and families,” Braun said in a Monday afternoon statement. “This will help students make more informed decisions about the degree they want to pursue and ensure there is a direct connection between the skills students are gaining through higher education and the skills they need most.”
Examples of impacted programs include:
-
Indiana University Bloomington: Several undergraduate and graduate degrees in foreign languages — such as French, German, and Russian — will be suspended or consolidated.
-
Purdue University West Lafayette: Low-enrollment master’s and Ph.D. programs in areas like literature, microbiology and mathematics were merged or will phase out.
-
Ball State University: Suspended programs include an English Ph.D. program and bachelor’s in international business. exercise psychology. Multiple undergraduate education programs are also on track for consolidation.
-
Indiana State University: Eliminated programs include the M.A. in history and M.S. in political science.
-
Ivy Tech: Impacted programs include associate degrees in public safety, nanotechnology and machine repair.
-
University of Southern Indiana: Among the affected programs were an associate’s degree in early childhood education, the M.A. in liberal studies and an undergraduate electronic business degree.
Programs were evaluated based on enrollment and completion data. According to CHE’s latest degree reduction report, 75 programs were eliminated outright, including 68 with zero students currently enrolled. Another 101 were suspended, and 232 were consolidated or merged into other academic offerings.
The bulk of the cuts were reported at Indiana University, where 249 degree programs will be affected. Purdue University followed with 83 programs. Ball State submitted 51 programs, and Indiana State reported 11. Ivy Tech, the state’s two-year community college system, is taking action on 10 programs. The University of Southern Indiana reported four.
Students currently enrolled in any of the eliminated or suspended programs will be allowed to finish their degrees through a teach-out process, officials said.
After July 1, colleges must seek commission approval to continue offering underperforming programs that fall below statutory benchmarks.
