RESTAURANT REPORT
RESTURANT REPORT
Board of School Trustees of the EVSC Meeting
The Board of School Trustees of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation will meet for the regularly scheduled Board meeting Monday, September 23, 2024 at 5:30 PM in the Board Room of the EVSC Administration Building located at 951 Walnut Street, Evansville, IN. Board meetings can also be observed by tuning to EVSC’s radio station, 90.7 WPSR or live streamed online at https://www.wpsrhd.com/. During this meeting the Board will hold a Public Hearing to take public testimony from Vanderburgh County residents regarding the Additional Appropriation for 2024B General Obligation Bonds.
Prior to the regularly scheduled Board meeting, three members of the Board, along with district administrators, will hold a Town Hall beginning at 5:00 PM. This Town Hall is for Vanderburgh County residents to speak directly with Board members in attendance about issues involving EVSC schools. The Town Hall will be held in the Technology and Innovation Center located at 951 Walnut Street, Evansville, IN. Members of the public who would like to attend the Town Hall should register by completing the Town Hall Registration Form located on our website at district.evscschools.com
Vincennes University launches two new scholarships to empower Latinx/Hispanic students
VINCENNES, Ind. September 19, 2024 – Latinx/Hispanic students represent one of the fastest-growing demographics in higher education, but they often face unique challenges in accessing higher education resources and succeeding in college. According to the Pew Research Center, Latinx college enrollment has surged in the past decade, yet gaps in college completion persist.
In a bold effort to close this gap, Vincennes University is proud to announce two new scholarships tailored to support Latinx students and their families. These scholarships are a key part of VU’s commitment to making higher education accessible for underrepresented groups and fostering a campus where all students feel welcomed and supported.
Dedicated Support for Latinx Students
“At Vincennes University, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to fulfill their education and career dreams, regardless of their background,” said VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson. “These scholarships, combined with mentorship, academic support, and partnerships, are designed to break down barriers for Latinx students and support student achievement and success.”
Among the two newly launched scholarships, a total of six students will be selected each year. The first scholarship available for Latinx students, the VU Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship, is available through the Vincennes University Foundation and has an application deadline of Nov. 1, 2024. The second scholarship, set to debut in the 2025-26 academic year, is part of the Vincennes University/ILI Promise Scholarship initiative in collaboration with the Indiana Latino Institute (ILI). Both scholarships are designed to assist with financial costs while paving the way for Latinx students to pursue higher education.
For more information, please contact admit@vinu.edu.
Partnerships with the Indiana Latino Institute and ALASI
VU has further solidified its support for the Latinx community through strong partnerships with local organizations such as the Indiana Latino Institute and ALASI (Alliance of Latin Americans of Southern Indiana). These collaborations not only help expand access to scholarships but also provide students with a wealth of resources, from mentorship programs to career guidance, that support their academic and personal success.
“We are proud to partner with organizations like the Indiana Latino Institute and ALASI,” said April Yap-Hennig, Senior Latinx/Hispanic Recruitment Strategist at Vincennes University. “These partnerships ensure that Latinx students have the resources they need to thrive, both academically and professionally. Scholarships like the Vincennes University/ILI Promise Scholarship represent more than financial aid—they are a bridge to students’ dreams.”
“¡Te Estamos Esperando!” – New Spanish-Language Campaign
Recognizing the need to create meaningful connections with Spanish-speaking students and their families, Vincennes University has launched a new Spanish-language campaign: “¡Te Estamos Esperando!” (We Are Waiting for You!). This campaign emphasizes VU’s deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by Latinx students and demonstrates the University’s commitment to delivering marketing materials and outreach programs that truly resonate with Spanish-speaking families.
The “¡Te Estamos Esperando!” campaign includes a range of bilingual resources, such as brochures and digital content, designed to communicate VU’s educational opportunities and financial assistance programs directly to Latinx families in a culturally relevant way.
“We know how important it is to meet families where they are, in a language they understand,” added Yap-Hennig. “This campaign is about ensuring that families feel supported from the moment they consider admission to Vincennes University.”
Comprehensive Support and Resources for Latinx Families
VU’s efforts go beyond financial aid. The University has created a dedicated webpage at vinu.edu/LatinX. This Spanish-language website provides essential information and resources in both Spanish and English, including details on scholarships, financial aid, and academic programs. The webpage can also be translated into any language, ensuring accessibility for all families.
In addition, VU has hired bilingual Student Ambassadors and current members of the VU Latino Alliance, to assist Latinx students and their families. The University has also launched a Spanish language voicemail (812-888-4343) and email address (admisiones@vinu.edu), where parents and students can communicate directly with staff in Spanish or English. For those looking to visit the campus, Spanish-language tours are now available to help families feel more comfortable and informed about their future at VU.
Conveniently Located, Strong Community Ties
With campuses in Jasper and Vincennes, VU is committed to making education accessible to Latinx families in Indiana. By providing educational opportunities close to home, students can stay connected to their communities and families while pursuing degrees in high-demand fields. In addition to offering affordable programs, VU has established partnerships with local industries like Toyota, Amazon, and John Deere, providing students with practical, hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for successful careers.
A Commitment to Affordability and Seamless Transfers
VU is committed to providing affordable pathways to higher education. Students can complete their first two years at Vincennes University at a fraction of the cost of traditional universities and then seamlessly transfer to top institutions like Purdue University, Indiana University, or the University of Evansville.
Vincennes University ensures that Latinx students and their families have the resources and opportunities to succeed with these new scholarships, the “¡Te Estamos Esperando!” campaign, and comprehensive support initiatives. VU’s partnerships with local organizations like ILI and ALASI further underscore the university’s dedication to strengthening community ties and welcoming a diverse student body.
A NEW DAWN
GAVEL GAMUT
By Jim Redwine
www.jamesmredwine.com
(Week of 23 September 2024)
A NEW DAWN
Instead of turning on the morning news at 6:00 a.m. today I took my coffee out on the veranda and watched Mother Nature paint her sunrise. There was an opening of a rose and grey curtain upon a magical mist across the meadow. At 6:30 there was a series of white puffs of clouds in a vee shape reminiscent of a flight of geese heading southeast.
Two hummingbirds appeared at one of Peg’s feeders about 6:45 then a covey of quail marched across the yard raising dust as they pecked for their breakfast. No other humans could be seen or heard as I anticipated Peg joining me. It was good to hear nothing but birds and see nothing but waving grass and the occasional tree standing sentinel surrounded by the glistening golden dew that coated the tall bluestem.
My thoughts turned to what a peaceful home we enjoy and how fortunate we are to be in a place where strangers wave to you on the road and speak to you on the street. I savored the knowledge that Americans are generally good and America is a special place where strangers volunteer to help other strangers and us. The reverie the sunrise brought was belied when I opened the news app on my cell phone and was assaulted by the cable news reports.
Two assassination attempts in two months. Each of the four people seeking to lead us for the next four years spouting vile invective about the other side. The TV anchors choosing their favorite victim to attack and amplifying their aspersions with innuendo and an attitude of pious indignation. Reports of terrorism in the Middle East, much of it enabled and abetted by our country’s military might and political power. The terrorism involving Israel did not begin with October 7, 2023. The origins harken back to 1948 when much of the world’s sympathy for Jewish victims of the Nazis led to Arabic victims from Zionism. The Palestinian victims in Gaza whose woes began in 1967 are now joined with what the national media appears to admire as a clever Zionist incursion into Lebanon with boobytrapped pagers and walkie-talkies provided to Hezbollah members.
Indiscriminate bombing of militants and civilians has been the Zionist approach in Gaza and in its most recent detonation of explosive pagers and walkie-talkies without regard to the innocent Lebanese bystanders. Many Israelis disagree with their government’s prosecution of its destruction of Gaza and attacks in Syria and Lebanon. This is also true of many Americans who observe helplessly as our government aids and abets the Zionist regime’s military aggression.
Young Americans on several college campuses and in several cities are putting their futures at risk by raising their voices against our government’s myopic vision of what is justice in the Middle East. Perhaps this new generation will accomplish what college students in the 1960’s and ’70’s did; finally help bring peace to foreign lands.
A major strategic error Israel’s government may have made was the failure to consider the long-term effect its actions in Lebanon would have on the highly motivated and energetic youth of America. When I returned to the campus of Indiana University in 1966, my oldest brother and I already had our honorable discharges and did not need to fear the draft. However, my middle brother was still in the army and some of my classmates were always concerned.
But about all we had was folk songs and protests rallies. There were no cell phones to be constantly stuck to our ears and communicate calls for peace. However, with today’s under 30 crowd the constitutional right to a cell phone is like the 11th Amendment to the Bill of Rights. If our government does not take action to assure America’s youth can have the confidence to use their cell phones, I pity the politicians. Our incursions into the Middle East may soon fade away just as the beautiful sunrise did. Of course, just like the next war, tomorrow will bring another dawn.
For more Gavel Gamut articles go to www.jamesmredwine.com
OLD NATIONAL EVENTS PLAZA HONORS THE LEGACY OF SCOTT GUZZO WITH ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE AW
Evansville, IN – September 18, 2024 – The Old National Events Plaza announces an annual service award in honor and memory of Scott Guzzo, a beloved team member who inspired our staff, and many others throughout the community. Beginning this year, the venue will recognize an employee who demonstrates a commitment to excellence and the highest levels of guest service.
Scott Guzzo began as a volunteer usher for the Events Plaza more than a decade ago and continued to serve guests as a part-time team member until his passing on June 19, 2023. Scott’s dedication to his role was characterized by consistent positivity and enjoyment in serving others. Guzzo was enthusiastic about assisting our guests with wayfinding, helping resolve challenges and ensuring all voices were heard and valued.
Old National Events Plaza General Manager, Nick Wallace said, “We were all saddened to hear of Scott’s passing last year. He played an integral part on our events team. We wanted to honor his memory and his impact on each of us. With the help of the Guzzo family, we created the annual Scott Guzzo Memorial Service Award. The award will honor staff members who embody admirable qualities in their service, ensuring that Scott’s legacy lives on for future generations.”
The inaugural Scott Guzzo Memorial Service Award celebrates the service of Joe Miles, our long-time welcome desk representative. The Old National Events Plaza is pleased to recognize Miles for his exceptional service and dedication, illustrating the values that Scott Guzzo personified.
Joe is often the first member of our team to connect with guests at our welcome desk. He is kind, respectful and always helpful in directing traffic, answering event questions, and helping visitors find their way around downtown Evansville. Miles consistently offers his best and continues to be an example of the values we aim to achieve as a team.
“Joe is an excellent example of how every role matters. His work at our welcome desk keeps our guests happy, the team operational, and our workflow efficient. His smile represents our organization in the community, and we are proud to recognize his service and commitment to helping others,” said Wallace.
The Scott Guzzo Memorial Service Award was presented to Miles on Sunday, September 15th, in the Aiken Theatre at Old National Events Plaza. The ceremony included members of the venue’s event staff and Scott’s parents.
Regarding the memorial service award, Guzzo’s parents stated, “Scott would be so pleased and in awe of this award being presented in his honor and memory. He always looked forward to volunteering and working at Old National Events Plaza’s events. His favorite part was greeting the guests. Since Scott’s passing, we’ve been told by many patrons that they miss seeing him. Scott’s contribution to the Evansville community was greater than we knew.”
For media inquiries or comment from any person mentioned, please contact Ginger Harper at 812.893.8732 orGharper@oldnationaleventsplaza.com.
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.
MVC releases league schedule for 2024-25 men’s basketball season
20-game slate opens on December 3
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The Missouri Valley Conference released the league slate for the 2024-25 men’s basketball season on Friday. Start times will be released in the coming weeks.
Since the 2022-23 season, the MVC has utilized a 20-game schedule as the conference expanded to 12 teams. As has been the norm since that time, schools will open the league portion of the schedule in December with regular-season action wrapping up on the first weekend of March.
On Tuesday, December 3, the University of Evansville travels to Murray State for its league opener. Last season, the Racers were 9-11 in the Valley, finishing in a tie for 7th. Non-conference games resume until the final weekend of December when MVC play resumes. The Purple Aces welcome Missouri State to the Ford Center on Dec. 29 in what will be the final home meeting against the Bears as members of the league. Following the upcoming school year, MSU will join Conference USA.
Evansville travels to Southern Illinois to open the New Year. The January 1 game will see the Aces take on a Saluki team that is coming off a 19-13 campaign that saw them win 11 league games. UE’s following two games will be at home as the Aces play host to Indiana State on the 4th and Illinois State on the 8th. Last year, the Sycamores won 32 games on their way to the MVC regular-season championship. Former UE assistant coach Matthew Graves is in his first season at the helm of the program. The Redbirds picked up 15 wins last year while their 9-11 mark in the Valley tied them for 7th. Evansville was victorious in two out of three games against ISU last season including a 59-53 win at Arch Madness.
Back-to-back games in Iowa are up next with UE facing Drake on the 11th and UNI on the 14th. The Bulldogs were 28-7 and 16-4 in the league in 2023-24 and won the conference championship while receiving the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Panthers tied for 4th in the league after going 19-14 overall and 12-8 against league foes.
UE returns to the Ford Center for its next two games starting on Jan. 18 when Belmont comes to town. The Bruins tied for 4th in the MVC last year after going 20-13 while picking up 12 Valley wins. Four days later, the Aces host UIC. After a road game at Valparaiso on the 25th, Evansville wraps up the month with a home game against Murray State.
February begins with a road trip to Belmont on the 2nd with a pair of home games to follow. UE welcomes SIU on the 5th and Bradley on the 8th. On Feb. 12, the Aces trek to Missouri State before returning home for a Feb. 16 game against Valpo. Three of the final four games will take place on the road starting on the 19th when the Aces travel to Terre Haute to face the Sycamores. The Aces remain on the road to face UIC on the 22nd.
In its final home game, Evansville hosts Drake on Feb. 26 with the regular-season finale at Illinois State set for Sunday, March 2. Arch Madness will take place at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis from March 6-9.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan Announces Members of Inaugural HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan Announces Members of Inaugural HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council
WASHINGTON (September 16, 2024) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the members of the inaugural Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions (HBCU-MSI) Federal Advisory Council. This council marks a significant milestone in EPA’s commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within environmental policymaking and workforce development.
The HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council will provide independent advice and recommendations to EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan on strategies to help diversify the agency’s workforce, support the professional development of environmental leaders, and ensure that HBCUs and MSIs receive the resources and support they need to thrive. The council’s insights will be crucial in guiding the EPA’s efforts to address environmental justice issues and enhance community engagement.
“We are honored to have such a distinguished group of leaders join the first-ever HBCU-MSI Advisory Council,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Each member brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and a deep commitment to advancing environmental justice and helping to diversify contributions to environmental policies. Their unique perspectives will be invaluable as we continue to ensure that all communities have a voice in our shared work to protect public health and the environment, to empower the next generation of environmental leaders, and to support these vital institutions for generations to come.”
“Including the voices of HBCUs in the EPA’s new Federal Advisory Council reflect EPA’s commitment to achieving real results that empower students and support the communities that HBCUs serve, and deliver on the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government investment efforts in HBCUs. These actions ensure those who have firsthand experience with environmental justice issues like asthma and lead service line replacement will have a say in how we clean up the nation’s air and water, and will help build a clean energy economy that benefits everyone.” Said Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12)
“Communities of color across the country have long felt the impact of environmental transgressions, and no one understands those communities and impacts better than historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority Serving Institutions. It makes good sense to turn to them for counsel as the Environmental Protection Agency seeks to make a greater difference than ever in environmental justice,” said council Chair and former Board of Trustees chair for the nation’s largest HBCU, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Hilda Pinnix-Ragland. “Administrator Regan is taking a significant and historically important step in establishing the EPA’s first-ever HBCU and MSI Federal Advisory Council, and I am deeply honored to have been selected to be part of the council. I look forward to joining with my fellow council members in making a difference for our universities and the communities they serve.”
“It is with great humility and enthusiasm that I accept the appointment as Vice Chair of the newly created HBCU and Minority-Serving Institutions Federal Advisory Council at the U.S. EPA,” said council Vice Chair and Founder and Executive Director of the Deep South Center for Environmental justice, Dr. Beverly Wright. “As a proud graduate of Grambling University, I know the power of these institutions, the sense of duty and excellence that they instill in their students, and the way that they buttress their communities. I am thrilled to be part of bringing that unique voice and knowledge to the EPA. I believe it will lend itself to inspired solutions to some of our biggest challenges and help us chart the course to an environmentally just future.
“We are at a time when the environmental workforce, and especially the water workforce, is facing significant challenges on all fronts – including the ability to secure workers at all levels of the sector and to obtain and maintain a more diverse employee base,” said council Vice Chair and Director of the University of New Mexico’s Southwest Environmental Finance Center, Heather Himmelberger. “One amazing opportunity available to EPA is the rich, talented group of individuals attending HBCUs and MSIs across the country. Tapping into this creative force can open up new avenues for growth for everyone – the EPA, the universities, the students, and the general public, who ultimately reap the benefits of a cleaner, healthier environment. This board is chance to explore ways in which EPA can help HBCUs and MSIs and how these institutions can in turn help EPA. I am so honored to have this opportunity to participate in this new advisory committee in a leadership role and to share with others our successes as an MSI working with EPA and our challenges. I bring a unique perspective having worked at an MSI for 30 years, worked with all 10 EPA regions, travelled and worked across all 50 states and U.S. territories, that I hope will offer insights during the work of this board. I am excited to meet all the other board members and work collaboratively with them to offer advice to the agency on increased HBCU/MSI participation.”
“I am deeply honored to represent Fresno State and serve as Vice Chair of the EPA’s inaugural HBCU and Minority-Serving Institutions Federal Advisory Council,” said council Vice Chair and President of California State University – Fresno, Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval. “I’m excited that this diverse council will provide feedback and advice on monumentally important issues regarding the environment and education. Our Minority Serving Institutions are key to the vibrant future of our country, in part through opportunities like this one.
The HBCU-MSI FAC is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader efforts to promote equity in economic and educational opportunities, protect public health, and preserve the environment. Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), which include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANHPISIs), play a critical role in educating and preparing diverse leaders.
The establishment of the HBCU-MSI FAC supports President Biden’s Executive Order 14035, which seeks to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) within the federal workforce. This Executive Order underscores the importance of a federal workforce that reflects the full diversity of the American people. The HBCU-MSI FAC aligns with this vision, ensuring that diverse voices contribute to shaping the EPA’s policies and practices.
The following individuals have been appointed to the HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council to serve two-year terms:
- Chair: Hilda Pinnix-Ragland, Managing Partner, AHK Global Resources
- Vice Chair: Dr. Beverly Wright, Founder and Executive Director, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice
- Vice Chair: Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, President, California State University – Fresno
- Vice Chair: Heather Himmelberger, Director, University of New Mexico Southwest Environmental Finance Center
- Abre’ Conner, esq., Director, Center for Environmental and Climate Justice, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
- Dr. Andrew Kozich, Environmental Science Department Chair, Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College
- Angelina Adams, Counselor – Career Services, Haskell Indian Nations University
- Dr. Darryl Ann Lai Fang, Assistant Vice President of Transformation Support, Institute for Capacity Building, United Negro College Fund
- Dr. Eric O’Rear, Senior Research Analyst, Rhodium Group
- C. Gail Bassette, Director of Economic Development/Strategic Engagement, Bowie State University
- Phil Weilerstein, President and CEO, VentureWell
- Dr. Jerryl Briggs, President, Mississippi Valley State University
- Dr. Lena T. Rodriguez, Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
- Dr. Mark Brown, President and CEO, Tuskegee University
- Dr. Melva Wallace, President and CEO, Huston-Tillotson University
- Michael Johnson, Chief of Staff, PROPEL Center
- Dr. Mike Hoa Nguyen, Member, Board of Directors, Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education & Assistant Professor of Education, New York University
- Ray Shackelford, Vice President for Equitable Justice and Strategic Initiatives, National Urban League
- Dr. Sharon Jones, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, University of Washington – Bothell
- Dr. Vann Newkirk, President, Wilberforce University
USI Engineers in Action chapter to discuss largest pedestrian footbridge build in South Africa
USI Engineers in Action chapter to discuss largest pedestrian footbridge build in South Africa
WHO: Four students—Melanie Cedano ’24, Miguel Pinto ’25, Josiah Hollis ’25 and Jonas Hollis ’27—from the University’s Engineers in Action (EIA) chapter, and Dr. Susan Ely, Assistant Professor of Engineering
WHAT: Students and faculty will discuss their experience from their summer 2024 EIA bridge build in the Lubombo region of eSwatini in southern Africa—the longest bridge built to date at more than 106 feet. The pedestrian footbridge connects two isolated communities to shops, schools, clinics, co-ops, churches and more. The bridge, completed in a little less than two months, benefits over 4,000 residents, including over 1,800 children. The previous bridge was in a state of disrepair after seasonal flooding. The new bridge ensures a year-round safe passage for members of the communities.
In addition to USI as a lead University, the project included students from Eastern Mennonite University and the University of Iowa.
This is USI’s ffith bridge project with previous builds in Bolivia, Virginia and Africa.
WHEN: The media event will be held at 8 a.m. Tuesday, September 24. It will begin at 8 a.m. promptly, so please arrive early to set up.
WHERE: The event will be held in the Business and Engineering Center (BEC), room 0030. A map of the USI campus, featuring the BEC, can be found at USI.edu/map.
*A select number of media parking spots will be reserved in Lot J. You can view Lot J at USI.edu/map by toggling to “Parking” on the left “Map Layers” sidebar.
Video and audio recording is encouraged during the media event, and we will make video clips and photos of the construction and finished bridge available following the event. A full press release will also be available.
HOT JOBS
|
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
|
