EVANSVILLE, Ind. – In its final pair of non-conference matches, the University of Evansville volleyball team faces USI in a home-and-home series this weekend. On Thursday the Purple Aces welcome the Screaming Eagles to Meeks Family Fieldhouse for a 6 p.m. contest before the rematch takes place on Saturday at 4 p.m. inside Liberty Arena.
Recapping the Weekend
– Last weekend, Evansville hosted its home tournament going 1-2 with a victory against Western Illinois
– UE dropped a 5-set match to UAB in the tournament opener before falling by a 3-0 final in the final to Morehead State
– Sabrina Ripple was named to the All-Tournament Team after posting 1.85 kills and 0.92 blocks per set
Reaching a Milestone
– With 17 digs against UAB, Ainoah Cruz passed 1,000 for her career
– Her top effort of the weekend was a 27-dig performance in the win over Western Illinois where she added nine assists
– Cruz remains third in the MVC with her season average of 4.86 per set
– She was named the MVC Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 8 after averaging 4.59 digs per set
– At the GSU Invitational, Cruz finished the weekend with an average of 5.38 digs
All-Tournament Accolade
– Sabrina Ripple averaged 1.85 kills and 0.92 blocks on her way to All-Tournament honors at UE’s home tournament
– Ripple had the top offensive showing of her career, totaling 13 kills in the win over WIU
– Highlighted by seven total blocks against PFW and WIU, Ripple is 8th in the league with her average of 1.05 blocks per set
– She has multiple blocks in each of her matches this season
– Her .287 hitting tally is 14th in the MVC
Scouting the Opposition
– USI comes into the weekend with a 2-8 record with victories over Northern Kentucky and Miami Ohio
– They were victorious in both meetings last season
EVANSVILLE, Ind.– University of Southern Indiana Men’s Soccer closed out its five-game homestand with a 3-0 loss to Belmont University Wednesday evening at Strassweg Field. The Screaming Eagles conclude the homestand with a 1-4 record, with a 1-0 win over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology on August 26. USI scored three goals in the five games, one against Rose-Hulman and two in a loss to Indiana University Indianapolis on September 6. The Bruins’ potent offense was on display early, possessing the ball for the majority of the first half. USI held them off the board until the 30th minute, when they snuck a ball past junior goalkeeper Kael McGowan. At the half, USI trailed only 1-0 despite the relentless Belmont pressure. The Eagles trailed in total shots, 11-4, and shots on goal, 4-1. Sophomore forward David Davilaput up a team-high two shots in the first half, while freshman midfielder Nolan Stevens recorded the team’s only shot on goal. In his first start as an Eagle, McGowan tallied three saves through the first 45. Belmont came out of the break firing, scoring two goals at the 59:42 and 63:49 marks of the match. The Bruins continued to dominate the possession battle, allowing the Eagles only two second-half shots, neither on goal. For the game, the Eagles were outshot 18-6 from the field and 8-1 on goal. Davila led the Eagles with two shots, while Stevens recorded the only shot on goal. McGowan recorded three saves over his 68 minutes, getting replaced by freshman goalkeeper Jacob English, who held the Bruins scoreless over his 22 minutes with two saves. The Eagles hit the road for the first time since the season-opener, traveling north for a matchup with former Great Lakes Valley Conference foe Purdue Fort Wayne in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on September 23. Then, on September 27, USI travels to Lynchburg, Virginia, for the Ohio Valley Conference opener with Liberty University.
DAYTON, Ohio – The University of Evansville men’s soccer team earned a strong road result on Wednesday evening, playing the Dayton Flyers to a 1-1 draw.
Evansville posted their second shutout in a row, with goalkeeper Michal Mroz (Elk Grove, Ill./Elk Grove) making a season-high five saves, including two highlight-worthy stops in the final ten minutes to preserve his second clean sheet of the year.
Despite neither side being able to put together a goal in the first half of play, Evansville controlled the pace of the game for much of the first period. Mroz made the lone save of the half in the second minute, while the Aces’ defense prevented the Flyers from putting another shot on goal for the remainder of the half. Andres Escudero (San Sebastián de los Reyes/Spain IES Joan Miro) had Evansville’s only shot of the half in the fourth minute, but the Aces could not find a goal as the score went into halftime at 0-0.
Despite a lack of scoring chances in the first half, the second half saw a plethora of opportunities for both the Aces and Flyers. Dayton began the half on the attack, tallying seven shots in the first 20 minutes of the half, but the Evansville defense held strong.
In the 70th minute, Chase Ricker (Albuquerque, N.M. La Cueva) saw Evansville’s best chance of the night to that point, as he was able to get a foot on a loose ball in the box. However, a great save from Dayton keeper Gavin Krenecki denied UE of the night’s first goal.
Another great scoring chance for the Aces came in the 76th minute off a dangerous corner kick from Ricker, but a header by Pablo Calvete (Ponferrada, Spain UNIR) went just wide of the post and the match remained scoreless.
Mroz made the first of two fantastic late-game saves in the 81st minute, leaping to get a fingertip on a Dayton header and lift it over the post to deny the Flyers. Tancredi Fadda (Monza, Italy/University of Milan) had the next near scoring chance for Evansville a minute and a half later, but his shot went wide of the post as the Aces just missed the winner. In the 89th minute, Mroz made another game-saving stop, diving to his right to make his fifth save of the night and help the Aces secure a road result.
“It’s a tough place to play,” said Head Coach Robbe Tarver. “I thought in the first half, we kind of dictated the tempo a little bit, but in the second half, they came after us. We suffered a little bit, their pressure got to us, but to get a result on the road against a team that has been to two straight NCAA Tournaments, went to the Sweet Sixteen, hosted a Sweet Sixteen match here, I’m proud of the resiliency.”
“We had a couple chances of chances to snag a winner, so I’m proud of the effort that we put forth tonight and that we got a result on the road.”
With the tie, Evansville moves to 1-2-5 on the season. The Aces return to Arad McCutchan Stadium on Tuesday for their final tune-up before the start of conference play, hosting in-state rival Butler. Kick-off is set for 6 PM.
The state of Indiana wants Hoosier employers to train and promote current employees — and it’s willing to pay.
Leaders unveiled Power Up Indiana, an upskilling reimbursement initiative, at a Tuesday news conference.
“Growth doesn’t have to come from somewhere else. It’s already here, inside the businesses here in Indiana,” Commerce Secretary David Adams said. “Your next supervisor, your next innovator, that next leader — they’re probably already working in your business. What they need is a chance to be developed, trained and advanced.”
“That’s why we built Power Up Indiana,” he continued. “It’s not just another incentive program, but a long-term growth strategy for all Hoosiers.”
Businesses can earn reimbursement of $5,000 per employee trained — and up to $50,000 annually — if they meet training and pay requirements. Adams told reporters that $10 million was available for training incentives.
Eligible upskilling includes technical training resulting in industry-recognized credentials, cross-training or reskilling, leadership development, or registered apprenticeships, according to the program manual. Worker pay must rise by at least 25% once training is completed, and exceed the region’s median wages.
“Because we’re placing the emphasis on higher wages, this program will pay dividends throughout our economy,” Gov. Mike Braun said.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun talks to reporters on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muñiz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Firms of all types and sizes can join as long as they’re located in Indiana, are registered with the secretary of state’s office and have a current unemployment tax account. They can seek reimbursement for employees who’ve undergone training since the beginning of this year.
Businesses can submit an online interest form, then develop and submit a training plan with job descriptions and salary ranges.
Once the plan is approved, prospective participants sign grant and training agreements. They’ll track certain information and submit invoices.
The state will oversee and monitor the program, plus disburse funds to local workforce development boards, according to the manual. Those regional bodies will manage and implement the program, including deciding whether employees meet the requirements and qualify for reimbursement.
Indiana has other upskilling incentive efforts, like the Employer Training Grant program. That program is run out of the Commerce Office vertical, via the Department of Workforce Development, just like Power Up Indiana.
The previous program was limited to certain industries and required lower wages and raises. It’s unclear if or when it will be phased out.
“Everything we’ve tried in the past didn’t quite get there,” Braun told reporters. “This is a new approach.”
Brent Harvey, a member of Keystone Cooperative’s two-year rotation program, talks about his experience there during a news conference on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muñiz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Leaders highlighted a two-year rotation program at Keystone Cooperative, an Indianapolis-based agribusiness. It’s called Securing Experience and Employee Development, or SEED.
Twenty-year-old Brent Harvey was part of the company’s inaugural SEED class in 2024.
“I’ve had the opportunity to admit when I made a mistake, take credit when I’ve done something well, and work collaboratively with a team,” he said.
Though he began focused on agronomy, Harvey has since earned a commercial driver’s license and discovered unexpected interests in energy and sales. Soon, he’ll complete SEED and start an apprenticeship with the company.
He described having the space, “with my team, my mentors and leaders, to find a place for a career at Keystone close to home, and I’m excited to see what the next few months have in store.”
For the third year in a row, the University of Southern Indiana has reported an increase in first-time freshmen enrollment. The Fall 2025 entering class includes 1,367 first-time freshmen, a 3.5% increase over 2024, building on last year’s 3.0% rise and continuing a positive trend of growing and academically well-prepared incoming classes.
“We’re proud to celebrate a third consecutive year of growth, which reflects the continued strength of the University of Southern Indiana’s academic programs and the unwavering commitment of our faculty and staff,” said Rashad Smith, Assistant Vice President for Undergraduate Admissions.
USI has also seen encouraging improvements in student success metrics. Both four-year and six-year graduation rates have increased, with the four-year rate up 4.5% over last year’s record-setting figure. Retention from first to second year remains strong, and first-generation students continue to make up a significant portion of the freshman class—21% in 2025.
“Alongside this enrollment momentum, we are seeing positive gains in student success measures, including graduation rates. These achievements demonstrate that USI is not only attracting more students but also supporting them as they thrive and complete their degrees on time.” said Steven J. Bridges, USI President.
Nationally, undergraduate enrollment has remained largely flat, with many institutions continuing to face challenges. USI’s continued growth of incoming freshmen classes reflects its ability to attract academically talented students, provide pathways for first-generation collegegoers and deliver programs that prepare graduates for success.
Graduate enrollment remains strong with 1,866 students pursuing advanced degrees, continuing a trend of demand for flexible, affordable and high-impact programs. This fall, 2,161 students are enrolled in dual credit through the College Achievement Program (CAP) in 25 high schools across the state.
Overall enrollment, including undergraduate, graduate and dual credit students, totaled 9,399, a slight drop from Fall 2024 due in part to a small decrease in graduate studies first fall start date and dual credit participation. However, the number of credit hours taken by students is also up this fall, reflecting increased academic engagement.
USI’s student body represents 87 Indiana counties, 48 states and 40 countries. In-state students account for 75.5% of enrollment, with 24.5% coming from out-of-state and international enrollment.
Evansville Land Bank will hold an Executive Session on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in Room 301 of the Civic Center Complex at 1 N. W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
This Executive Session will be held for discussion of strategy with respect to the purchase, sale or lease of real property by the Evansville Land Bank Corporation pursuant to the Indiana Code 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(2)(D)
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has extended the forecast of an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) through Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025.
Ozone levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range (Orange) in the following areas:
Southeast Indiana, including the cities of: Brownstown, Corydon, Jeffersonville, Madison, New Albany, Salem, Versailles and all other cities within the area.
Southwest Indiana, including the cities of: Bedford, Bloomfield, Evansville, Huntingburg, Mount Vernon, Paoli, Princeton, Rockport, Tell City, Vincennes and all other cities within the area.
Central/East Central Indiana, including the cities of: Bloomington, Brookville, Columbus, Frankfort, Indianapolis, Greensburg, Kokomo, Lebanon, Martinsville, Muncie, Richmond and all other cities within the area.
Continued unseasonably warm temperatures combined with low humidity, sunny skies and light wildfire smoke are expected to contribute to elevated ozone levels that are forecast to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) range.
View air quality information for all Indiana counties, including a state map of affected counties;
Learn more about Air Quality Action Days and recommended actions;
Learn more about ozone and fine particulate matter; and
Sign up for air quality alerts.
Air Quality Action Days are in effect from midnight to 11:59 p.m. (24-hours) on the specified date. Some municipalities have additional open burning restrictions on AQADs. For more information, go to idem.IN.gov/openburning/laws-and-rules.
Note: IDEM forecasts are based, solely or in part, on data from air quality monitors located throughout the state. Air quality information for all Indiana counties can be found at SmogWatch.IN.gov.
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About IDEM: IDEM ( idem.IN.gov ) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment
Media contact: Barry Sneed Public Information Officer 317-232-8596 Media@idem.IN.gov
EVANSVILLE, IND. (09/17/2025) The University of Evansville (UE) is excited to announce a new interdisciplinary degree, the Bachelor of Science in Integrated Business & Engineering (IBE), set to launch in Fall 2026. This innovative program is a collaborative effort between the Schroeder Family School of Business Administration (SFSOBA) and the School of Engineering & Computer Science (SECS), designed to equip students with both technical and business expertise.
The IBE program integrates a business core, a foundational engineering core, and a series of specialized IBE courses to develop graduates who can “speak the language” of both domains while demonstrating applied problem-solving and project leadership capabilities. Students will complete 124 credit hours, including a 40-hour business core, 21-hour engineering core, and 18 hours of IBE courses such as Introduction to Six Sigma, Entrepreneurship, Project Management, Sustainability in Business and Engineering, New Product Design and Development, and an internship. The program culminates in a team-based, industry-facing capstone project, providing hands-on, experiential learning throughout the degree.
Students may enhance their business foundation through certificates in areas like Accounting, Logistics/Supply Chain, Sales, or Global Business, or pursue additional technical electives in engineering to strengthen discipline-specific expertise.
“Integrated programs like IBE prepare students to excel at the intersection of two critical fields,” said Dr. Suresh Immanuel, Schroeder Family Dean of the UE College of Business and Engineering. “Our graduates will not only understand complex technical systems but also how those systems fit into real-world business strategy. This program will graduate students who are business-minded with an engineering skillset – an increasingly powerful combination that employers across the region are eager to see.”
Unlike other similar degree programs that simply add engineering courses to a business degree, IBE fully integrates business and engineering coursework with its specialized course set. The program is housed in the AACSB-accredited Schroeder Family School of Business Administration, and is delivered in UE’s hallmark small, experiential learning environment. State-of-the-art classrooms and labs to support this hands-on, interdisciplinary approach.
Employers and community partners have expressed strong enthusiasm for graduates who combine business acumen with technical literacy. Career pathways include technical analyst, technical sales, technical project manager, organizational/technology consultant, and data analyst. Initially, courses will be taught by existing faculty and select adjuncts for engineering-specific courses, with a full-time faculty member dedicated to IBE courses expected to start in Fall 2029.
“The ability to bridge engineering and business is exactly the kind of skillset communities like Evansville need,” said Evansville City Engineer Mike Labitzke ’92. “When future professionals can understand both the technical details and the broader business impact of a project, they bring tremendous value not only to employers but also to the cities and neighborhoods they serve.”
The IBE program reflects UE’s mission and core values, preparing students to think critically, act bravely, serve responsibly, and live meaningfully in a changing world. By fostering interdisciplinary and experiential learning, the program strengthens UE’s innovation agenda and delivers tangible benefits to both students and the broader community.
FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
