Commentary: They Who Help Also Serve

By John Krull
TheStatehouseFile.com 

FOREST PARK, Illinois – The warriors trade jokes over the lunch table.

I’m at the Blind Rehabilitation Center on the Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Administration Hospital campus. About 35 veterans ranging in age from 23 to 96, all with limited or no vision, take their mid-day meals here in the dining room.

John Krull, publisher, TheStatehouseFile.com

The conversation is loud and lively. At the table where I sit, jokes fly about former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who’s serving a 14-year prison sentence on bribery and corruption charges. President Donald Trump has been making noises about pardoning Blagojevich.

The guys at the table are less concerned about the possible pardon than they are about the sheer idiocy of the former governor’s offense – trying to sell a U.S. Senate seat over a phone line he knew was likely to be tapped.

“Ought to be a special prison for someone that stupid,” a Desert Storm vet named Dave says.

Dave and the other vets in the dining room are here for stays that can last between a month and two months. They learn how to cope as their sight fails them.

“It’s amazing the things they teach you here,” Dave says.

I learn that firsthand by sampling some of the instruction.

A young woman who specializes in teaching strategies and techniques to maintain mobility has me put on a blindfold. Then she shows me how to guide a “traveler” – a person with limited or no sight – on a walk.

The guide touches the traveler on the back of the hand, then allows the traveler to reach up and grip the guide just above the elbow. As the young woman walks me through the center, she explains what the guide should do to make the journey easier for the traveler: talk about what’s going on around them, but do it in a matter-of-fact, low-key way. Then she shows me how to form a single file in a crowded space by stretching her arm behind her and allowing me, the traveler, to slide my grip down to her wrist and step behind her.

All the while, she explains, with seemingly infinite patience, why we’re doing what we’re doing.

As she guides me, blindfolded, through this strange place, I think how unnerving it must be for these vets not to be able to see what’s around them.

And how reassuring it must be to have someone show them how they can continue to move through the world.

At another point, a young man leads me, blindfolded again, through a memory and dexterity drill. As I try to make out the shapes my fingers touch, he, too, talks to me about how vets with impaired or no vision can figure out different ways to cope.

Like the young woman, he, too, teaches with a soft voice and an easy manner. When I get something wrong, he just tells me that practice will make it better and will make me feel more confident.

We Americans talk a lot about all the ways the government can fail us.

Evidence of those failures is all around us. But that is the case with any institution or enterprise made up of human beings – which is to say, all of them.

The VA has drawn its share of criticism in recent years. Much of that criticism has been valid.

But those failures shouldn’t obscure the larger story. The people here work hard to make life a little more manageable for other human beings who devoted a portion of their lives to defend us and our nation.

The staff members here don’t make massive salaries. They do the work because they care about people and want to help them.

Near the end of the day, another staffer stops to say goodbye to a vet who is checking out and going home. She tells the vet she’s enjoyed working with him and then gives him a hug.

“Thank you for your service to our country,” she says as they embrace.

And I think Same to you.

FOOTNOTE: John Krull is the director of Franklin College’s Pulliam School of Journalism and publisher of TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

University Saves Hundreds Of Thousands With Energy-Efficient Upgrades To Campus

Vectren Energy Delivery (Vectren), a CenterPoint Energy Company, presented the University of Evansville with a rebate check for more than $280,000, to account for the energy savings the university incurred from participating in the company’s energy efficiency electric business incentive programs, resulting in energy-efficient upgrades to campus facilities in 2018 and 2019.

UE upgraded the lighting throughout the campus from some mixture of incandescent, T8 fluorescent and high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting to Energy Star^® and DesignLights Consortium^® approved LED lighting. The upgrades resulted in a 33% reduction from building energy code requirements. Furthermore, it improved the control of their HVAC system by implementing energy efficiency measures including, but not limited to, scheduling the air handling units to operate less during times when space is not occupied, improving the free-cooling capabilities of the air handling units and installing a high-performance laboratory exhaust system.

“We appreciate Vectren’s commitment to ensuring its customers have the opportunity to take advantage of energy-efficient, cost-saving incentives that also decrease our overall energy usage,” said Chad Miller, executive director of facilities management and planning at the University of Evansville. “The energy savings from these upgrades not only affects our bottom line, but also the size of our carbon footprint.”

Examples of eligible electric projects include refrigeration upgrades, outside air control, changes in air distribution/zoning, exterior lighting controls, custom lighting projects, advanced interior lighting controls, and electric heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) projects.

Vectren offers a variety of energy efficiency options for eligible residential and commercial customers. For more information, visit www.vectren.com/saveenergy.

 

The University of Southern Indiana welcomes the class of 2023 top merit scholarship recipients. Fifty-five incoming freshmen received Presidential, Baccalaureate/Doctor of Medicine, Deans, Provost and Harolyn Torain Multicultural Leadership Scholarships. These students represent some of the brightest students from across the country as well as a wide cross-section of backgrounds and interests.

Photo gallery of merit scholarship recipients.

Presidential Scholars

Presidential Scholarships are awarded annually to 10 Indiana valedictorians and salutatorians of senior high school classes, who are chosen after a competitive interview process. Applicants must attend an accredited high school and earn an SAT score of 1290 or an ACT composite score of 27. The program began in 1988 as an initiative to bring outstanding Indiana students to USI. The full-tuition scholarships are funded by private donors to the USI Foundation.

Liam Collins, of Lowell, Indiana, is the recipient of the David S. Deering Endowed Presidential Scholarship. A graduate of Lowell Senior High School, Collins plans to study nursing in USI’s College of Nursing and Health Professions.

Charles Davis, of Normal, Illinois, is the recipient of the Robert A. and Carole D. Rust Endowed Presidential Scholarship. A graduate of Normal Community West High School, Davis plans to study mechanical engineering in USI’s Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education.

Alex Edwin, of Henderson, Kentucky, is the recipient of the Ruth Gray Yates Endowed Presidential Scholarship. A graduate of Henderson County High School, Edwin plans to study Biochemistry in USI’s Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education.

Spence Farmer, of Evansville, is the recipient of the Southern Indiana Higher Education Endowed Presidential Scholarship. A graduate of F. J. Reitz High School, Farmer plans to study visual arts teaching in USI’s College of Liberal Arts.

Vonya Girgis, of Bedford, Indiana, is the recipient of the Robert M. Kent Family Endowed Presidential Scholarship. A graduate of Bedford-North Lawrence High School, Girgis plans to study mechanical engineering in USI’s Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education.

Alexander Hardy, of Newburgh, Indiana, is the recipient of the Susan R. Enlow Endowed Presidential Scholarship. A graduate of Signature School, Hardy plans to study biology in USI’s Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education.

Molly Holsopple, of Montgomery, Indiana, is the recipient of the Marian Baker Boelson Endowed Presidential Scholarship. A graduate of Barr-Reeve Junior-Senior High School, Holsopple plans to study chemistry in USI’s Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education.

Bethanne Lawson, of Lafayette, Indiana, is the recipient of the James J. Giancola and Sally H. Roty Endowed Presidential Scholarship. A graduate of Faith Christian School, Lawson plans to study elementary education in USI’s Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education.

Lydia Moesner, of Boonville, Indiana, is the recipient of the Janet L. and Daniel M. Fuquay Endowed Presidential Scholarship. A graduate of Boonville High School, Moesner plans to study nursing in USI’s College of Nursing and Health Professions.

Summer Skelton, of Gentryville, Indiana, is the recipient of the Robert L. and Mary L. Koch Endowed Presidential Scholarship. A graduate of Heritage Hills High School, Skelton plans to study biochemistry in USI’s Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education.

Provost Scholars

The University of Southern Indiana Provost Scholarship is a scholarship program intended to promote academic excellence. For selected scholars, the University provides awards that waive full tuition. These awards are coordinated with other tuition-specific aid (if applicable) to ensure that the total of tuition-specific assistance does not exceed total tuition charges. Students who meet all requirements for the USI Presidential Scholarship will be considered as candidates for this award in the event they are not selected to receive the Presidential Scholarship.

Kinley Day, of Mitchell, Indiana, is a graduate of Mitchell High School and plans to study biology in USI’s Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education.

Corrie Grubb, of McLeansboro, Illinois, is a graduate of Hamilton County High School and plans to study engineering in USI’s Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education.

Carolyn Kobe, of Newburgh, Indiana, is a graduate of Castle High School with plans to study biology in USI’s Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education.

Alysa Lasley, of Princeton, Indiana, is a graduate of Princeton Community High School with plans to study early childhood education in USI’s Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education.

Katie Lewis, of Waynetown, Indiana, is a graduate of North Montgomery High School with plans to study radiologic and imaging services in USI’s College of Nursing and Health Professions.

Ryan Memmer, of Elberfeld, Indiana, is a graduate of Wood Memorial High School with plans to study accounting and professional services in USI’s Romain College of Business.

Kali Taber, of Chandler, Indiana, is a graduate of Boonville High School with plans to study marketing in USI’s Romain College of Business.

Sarah Titzer, of Mill Shoals, Illinois, is a graduate of Fairfield Community High School with plans to study nursing in USI’s College of Nursing and Health Professions.

Karlena Wagler, of Loogootee, Indiana, is a graduate of Barr-Reeve Junior-Senior High School with plans to study nursing in USI’s College of Nursing and Health Professions.

Lucas Zoglmann, of Philpot, Kentucky, is a graduate of Daviess County High School with plans to study computer science in USI’s Romain College of Business.

Baccalaureate/Doctor of Medicine Scholars

Baccalaureate/Doctor of Medicine (B/MD) Scholarships are awarded to exceptional Indiana high school students annually, who meet similar academic requirements to those of Presidential Scholars. The B/MD Scholarship program, which offers a provisional seat in the Indiana University School of Medicine to each recipient, is sponsored jointly by USI and the Evansville Center for Medical Education, Indiana University School of Medicine. The full-tuition scholarships are funded by private donors to the USI Foundation.

Aylisadat Anvaripour, of Newburgh, Indiana, is the recipient of the Ethel Reed Endowed B/MD Scholarship. A graduate of Castle High School, Anvaripour plans to study biochemistry in USI’s Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education.

Arya Bolla, of Carmel, Indiana, is the recipient of the Thomas E. Topper Endowed B/MD Scholarship. A graduate of Park-Tudor School, Bolla plans to study biology in USI’s Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education.

Alexandria Etienne, of Leopold, Indiana, is the recipient of the Dr. William C. H. Grimm, Jr. and Phyllis R. Grimm Endowed B/MD Scholarship. A graduate of Perry Central Junior-Senior High School, Etienne plans to study biology in USI’s Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education.

Taylor Evans, of Boonville, Indiana, is the recipient of the Victor V. Schriefer, Jr. Endowed B/MD Scholarship. A graduate of Boonville High School, Evans plans to study biochemistry in USI’s Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education.

Machella Mohit, of Carmel, Indiana, is the recipient of the Ethel Reed Endowed B/MD Scholarship. A graduate of Carmel High School, Mohit plans to study biochemistry in USI’s Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education.

Grace Murrell, of Evansville, is the recipient of the Delores DeWitt and Charles H. Browning and Jennifer and Mark Browning Endowed B/MD Scholarship. A graduate of Reitz Memorial High School, Murrell plans to study biology in USI’s Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education.

Deans Scholars

Deans Scholarships are awarded annually to 10 exceptional students from across the country who rank at or near the top of their high school classes. Applicants meet similar academic requirements to those of B/MD scholars. Recipients of Deans Scholarships receive an award of $2,000 each year, funded by private donors to the USI Foundation. Most Deans Scholars receive additional scholarship funding through their academic departments.

Hanna Clark, of Sellersburg, Indiana, is the recipient of an Olive Carruthers Cliffy Endowed Deans Scholarship. A graduate of Silver Creek High School, Clark plans to study political science in USI’s College of Liberal Arts.

Elizabeth Crites, of Olney, Illinois, is the recipient of an Aline Nunn Renner Endowed Deans Scholarship. A graduate of Richland County High School, Crites plans to study marketing in USI’s Romain College of Business.

Jaden Bryce Diaz, of Evansville, is the recipient of the Bess C. and Elmer W. Halwes Memorial Endowed Deans Scholarship. A graduate of Signature School, Diaz plans to study nursing in USI’s College of Nursing and Health Professions.

Cameron Hough, of Olney, Illinois, is the recipient of an Arthur G. and Elsie D. Kanzler Endowed Deans Scholarship. A graduate of Richland County High School, Hough plans to study accounting and professional services in USI’s Romain College of Business.

Kaleigh Mann, of Worthington, Indiana, is a recipient of an Olive Carruthers Clifft Endowed Deans Scholarship. A graduate of Owen Valley Community High School, Mann plans to study psychology in USI’s College of Liberal Arts.

Erica Michels, of Albion, Illinois, is the recipient of an Arthur G. and Elsie D. Kanzler Endowed Deans Scholarship. A graduate of Edwards County High School, Michels plans to study accounting and professional services in USI’s Romain College of Business.

Carli Morris, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, is the recipient of the Melvin Paul and Emma G. Gorby Endowed Deans Scholarship. A graduate of Mount Carmel High School, Morris plans to study biology in USI’s Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education.

Ashtynn Powell, of Linton, Indiana, is the recipient of the Henry J. and Hazel D. Bennighof Endowed Deans Scholarship. A graduate of Linton-Stockton High School, Powell plans to study engineering in USI’s Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education.

Savannah Staples, of Mulkeytown, Illinois, is the recipient of an Aline Nunn Renner Endowed Deans Scholarship. A graduate of Sesser-Valier High School, Staples has yet to determine a major.

Ian Zweifel, of Mooresville, Indiana, is the recipient of the Paul and Madeline Fletchall Endowed Deans Scholarship. A graduate of Covenant Christian High School, Zweifel plans to study biochemistry in USI’s Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education.

Harolyn Torain Multicultural Leadership Scholars

The Harolyn Torain Multicultural Leadership Scholarship is designed to provide comprehensive support to students who demonstrate academic achievement and leadership in diverse organizations, environments, and leadership capacity for civic engagement and within the 21st century workplace. The program offers a $5,000 academic year award ($2,500 for fall semester and $2,500 for spring semester). Additionally, recipients will participate in an Inclusive Excellence Program that includes various leadership, community service and cultural experiences throughout the academic year. The award is named to honor Torain ’71, the first USI alumni to serve as chair of the USI Board of Trustees.

Sophie Bittner, of Evansville, is a graduate of North High School who plans to study social work in USI’s College of Liberal Arts.

Joseph Bohlen, of Evansville, is a home-schooled student who plans to study engineering in USI’s Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education.

Reagin Branaman, of Columbus, Indiana, is a graduate of Columbus East High School who plans to study nursing in USI’s College of Nursing and Health Professions.

Jazmin Campos, of Humble, Texas, is a graduate of Quest High School who plans to study nursing in USI’s College of Nursing and Health Professions.

Jackson Cieslack, of Chandler, Indiana, is a graduate of Castle High School who plans to study biology in USI’s Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education.

Kaleb Conklin, of Haubstadt, Indiana, is a graduate of North High School who plans to study exercise science in USI’s Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education.

Savannah Freeman, of Indianapolis, is a graduate of Pike High School who plans to study food and nutrition in USI’s College of Nursing and Health Professions.

Sarah Fruit, of Evansville, is a graduate of Reitz Memorial High School who plans to study food and nutrition in USI’s College of Nursing and Health Professions.

Zion Gibson Riley, of Owensboro, Kentucky, is a graduate of Owensboro Senior High School who plans to study art in USI’s College of Liberal Arts.

Breanna Harper, of Jeffersonville, Indiana, is a graduate of Jeffersonville High School who plans to study nursing in USI’s College of Nursing and Health Professions.

Judaea Hopson, of Springfield, Illinois, is a graduate of Springfield Southeast High School who plans to study nursing in USI’s College of Nursing and Health Professions.

Noah Lonaker, of Noblesville, Indiana, is a graduate of Noblesville High School who plans to study political science in USI’s College of Liberal Arts.

Viktoriia Mayatska, of Evansville, is a graduate of Harrison High School who plans to study art in USI’s College of Liberal Arts.

Lee Moore, Jr., of Matteson, Illinois, is a graduate of Chicago Christian who plans to study psychology in USI’s College of Liberal Arts.

Madison Risley, of Evansville, is a graduate of Signature School who plans to study business administration in USI’s Romain College of Business.

Payton Stewart, of Evansville, is a graduate of the EVSC New Tech Institute who plans to study psychology in USI’s College of Liberal Arts.

Mackenzie Swartzentruber, of Montgomery, Indiana, is a graduate of Barr-Reeve Junior-Senior High School who plans to study nursing in USI’s College of Nursing and Health Professions.

Elijah Toavs, of Sandys, Bahamas, is a home-schooled student who has yet to determine a major.

Caroline Turner, of Crawfordsville, Indiana, is a graduate of North Montgomery High School who plans to study nursing in USI’s College of Nursing and Health Professions.

Merit Scholars must maintain full-time continuous enrollment in each regular semester, with a minimum of 30 semester hours successfully completed each academic year.