USI to offer Solarpalooza livestream programming April 8

04/05/2024

f you can’t join us in person, experience the rare total solar eclipse with the University of Southern Indiana as we broadcast live from 12:30 to 2:15 p.m. Monday, April 8 on The Quad on campus during Solarpalooza. The livestream will be available at USI.edu/solarpalooza/livestream and is free to view.

The broadcast, facilitated by students from the Radio and Television Program housed within USI’s College of Liberal Arts, will feature special guest appearances, educational segments and videos, live feeds of the eclipse from our high-powered telescope on The Quad and much more. In case of cloudy weather, a live feed of the eclipse event from NASA will be included during our livestream. In the event of rain, USI will broadcast live events happening in the Screaming Eagles Arena and will include the NASA live feed of the eclipse.

USI will host Solarpalooza Sunday and Monday, April 7-8, beginning with a talk by trailblazing electrical engineer and retired NASA astronaut Joan Higginbotham, at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 7 in the Screaming Eagles Arena, followed by a full day of experiential learning and engagement on Monday, April 8, the day of the eclipse.

Meet the livestream hosts

Seb Fulkerson has worked for 95.7 The Spin, student run radio station, as the Program Director since December 2022. He is also a current DJ for 95.7 The Spin from 2-3 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. Fulkerson grew up in Owensboro, Kentucky, and is the oldest of nine siblings. He is a senior at USI and will graduate this May as a communications studies major.

Sean Keegan Vogt is a first semester junior at USI and has been the Local Music Director for 95.7 The Spin since March 2023. He is Host of “The Local Show” every Wednesday afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m. where he features local alternative rock music artists from a 200-mile radius of Evansville. Since March 2024, he is also co-host of “The Morning Show” on 95.7 The Spin with Maddie and “The Irish”. He previously served as a morning DJ for the station. Vogt is working toward a bachelor’s degree in radio and television with a minor in digital video and theatre.

NEW HARMONY GAZETTE APRIL ISSUE

04/05/2024

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NEW HARMONY GAZETTE APRIL ISSUE

New Harmony Gazette April 2024

Vincennes University announces historic faculty endowment gift from Ro and Shorty Whittington to support agricultural education

04/05/2024

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VINCENNES, Ind., April 3, 2024 – Ro and Charles “Shorty” Whittington of Columbus, Indiana, have announced a first-of-its-kind and groundbreaking gift to Vincennes University. The landmark gift will create a faculty endowment fund made possible by the tremendous generosity of the couple.

The Whittington Endowed Faculty Fund represents VU’s first-ever faculty fund endowment, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to academic excellence and advancement. The $750,000 gift will bolster faculty support and foster agricultural innovation.

“My wife and I have a real desire to build up kids to get them where they need to be,” Shorty Whittington said. “Our objective is to invest in Vincennes University faculty and help them make things better.”

Ro and Shorty Whittington are long-time philanthropists and have supported 4-H youth through scholarships for several decades. Their recent gift continues their legacy of giving.

Shorty Whittington said, “We want to make things available for young people to help them grow and help get them jump-started. I farmed for a long time, and if you plant a seed and you take care of that seed it grows.”

The transformative gift from the Whittingtons’ Landmark Farm Foundation, Inc. represents one of the largest individual donor gifts in recent years, underscoring the profound impact of philanthropy on VU’s continued success and growth.

VU Provost Dr. Laura Treanor said, “This historic endowment underscores our unwavering dedication to academic excellence and innovation. Faculty are the lifeblood of what we do, working directly with our students to produce skills and experiences that lead to life-changing outcomes. I and Vincennes University are immensely grateful to Ro and Shorty Whittington for their visionary philanthropy, which will have a profound and lasting impact on our faculty, University community, and beyond.”

The faculty fund will address critical challenges in talent recruitment and retention within highly competitive fields of study, particularly agriculture. With an initial focus on supporting faculty positions in the College of Technology and College of Business and Public Service, the fund will allocate stipends to five positions, enabling VU to attract and retain top-tier talent in these crucial areas.

Ro and Shorty Whittington hope to inspire others to join them in nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators by following them in their giving spirit. Shorty Whittington founded Grammer Industries, an Indiana-based trucking company, and was also the CEO.

Shorty Whittington said, “I have two things in my life that I go by, and the No. 1 thing is “If you give you get.”

In addition to providing immediate support for faculty positions, a significant portion of their gift will be allocated towards establishing a named endowed fund, ensuring sustained support for faculty in perpetuity.

This enduring commitment to agricultural education underscores the University’s role as a leader in addressing the evolving needs of the agriculture sector.

Executive Director of VU Foundation and Senior Director of Institutional Advancement Kristi Deetz said, “We extend our deepest gratitude to Ro and Shorty Whittington for their outstanding generosity. It is an honor for VU and the Foundation to be a part of their passion and vision for making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Their commitment to youth and education is truly inspiring.”

Add A NEW ANNUAL INDULGENCE EVANSVILLE ICE CREAM FEST IS KICKING OFF THIS JUNE

04/05/2024

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NATIONAL ICE-SKATING CHAMPIONSHIP WELCOMED BY NEW ICE CREAM FEST

Evansville, IN – April 3, 2024 – Old National Events Plaza, in partnership with Explore Evansville, announces theEvansville Ice Cream Fest! This delectable celebration of all things ice cream and entertainment is set to take place on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in the heart of downtown Evansville.

Evansville Ice Cream Fest promises to be a sweet treat for all ages, offering ice cream of every kind, along with guest experiences that will bring the best of summer to the city. From classic favorites to creative flavors, attendees will indulge in a diverse selection of ice creams from local and national vendors, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every craving.

But that’s not all – this frozen extravaganza will feature an exciting lineup of activities and fun for the whole family to enjoy. Highlights include:

Food trucks offering a variety of savory selections to complement the frozen delights.
Build Your Own Ice Cream Bar, for guests to get creative with an assortment of toppings and sauces.
Boozy Ice Cream Bar and Beer Garden, for adults looking to cool off with refreshing beverages and alcohol infused ice cream varieties.
Life-size games and supersized activities for the big kids.
Children’s activities include bounce houses, a kid-size train, and interactive games.
Live DJs and music performances to keep the atmosphere lively throughout the event.
Assorted vendors showcasing unique products and crafts.

Adding to the excitement, Theater on Ice, the national ice-skating competition, will commence downtown the same morning. A parade welcoming competitors down main street will take place that afternoon before culminating in celebration at the Evansville Ice Cream Fest.

“We are excited to partner with Explore Evansville to launch Evansville Ice Cream Fest during the Theater on Ice parade day,” said Nick Wallace, General Manager of Old National Events Plaza. “Welcoming thousands of visitors will bring this annual festival to life within our community.”

Explore Evansville President and CEO, Alexis Berggren, added, “Evansville Ice Cream Fest is a fantastic opportunity for the community to welcome Theatre on Ice competitors to our destination. This event perfectly captures the spirit of our city and highlights the vibrant culinary scene and family-friendly attractions that Evansville has to offer. We encourage everyone to come downtown and enjoy the festivities on June 26.” Evansville Ice Cream Fest promises to be a sweet sensation you won’t want to miss! Mark your calendars and join us for a day of frozen fun and delicious delights.

For more information, visit www.oldnationaleventsplaza.com.

Event Information:

What: Evansville Ice Cream Fest

When: Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Where: Old National Events Plaza I 715 Locust Street, Evansville, IN 47708

Admission: $5.00 Entry Fee for all guests ages 4 and up

Wristbands will be available for purchase on guest arrival

Event Schedule:

2:00 PM – 6:00 PM DJs with all indoor and outdoor activities

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Theatre on Ice parade window

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Live music in Exhibition Hall with all indoor and outdoor activities

About Old National Events Plaza

Old National Events Plaza, managed by ASM Global, is Evansville, Indiana’s premier convention center and largest live entertainment theatre. Housing a spacious 2,500-seat theatre, 38,000 square- feet of column free exhibit space, a beautiful 14,000 square-foot ballroom, and 12,00 square-feet of meeting space, Old National Events Plaza hosts a variety of events. The venue offers easy scheduling, one-stop-shop services, and in-house catering and audio-visual services. For more information and a complete schedule of events, please visit www.oldnationaleventsplaza.com.

Remembering the Life and Legacy of Dr. Melvin M. “Mel” Peterson: A Cherished Friend to UE, Evansville Community

04/05/2024

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EVANSVILLE, IND. (04/04/2024) Dr. Melvin M. “Mel” Peterson H’91, H’14, a remarkable individual who left a lasting mark on the University of Evansville (UE) community, has passed away at age 101. Dr. Peterson was a dear friend and benefactor, whose generosity and service extended to UE’s cherished Harlaxton campus in Grantham, England. Through his unwavering commitment, he transformed lives, uplifted spirits, and empowered everyone at UE.

Dr. Peterson’s journey with UE began during a transformative visit to Harlaxton in 1975. This experience deeply impacted him, leading to his continuous return to Harlaxton Manor over the years. During these visits, he formed connections with the UE community and made a pledge to ensure the welfare of the institution for generations to come.

Dr. Peterson’s profound commitment led to transformative philanthropy that has shaped UE in extraordinary ways. His generous gifts, including one endowed chair, an art gallery, interactive learning areas, renovations, and support for the arts, have greatly advanced UE’s mission. Dr. Peterson went beyond financial contributions, actively embodying service, and care for UE. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees since 1999 and held influential roles as President on various boards. In 1991, he received the Samuel Orr Honorary Alumnus Award, and in 2014, he was granted an honorary doctorate of humane letters.

With a deep involvement in the community, Dr. Peterson served as an honorary board member for the EVSC Foundation, as well as holding positions on the board of Habitat Evansville and the Evansville Museum. With a passion for education and the arts, Mel dedicated two decades as a docent at the Evansville Museum. Additionally, Mel was honored to be a part of the Honorary Cabinet of the Koch Family Children’s Museum. In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Mel was awarded the Mayor’s Art Award in 2012.

“In the wake of Dr. Melvin M. Peterson’s passing, we gather with heavy hearts to honor a titan of generosity and compassion. His profound commitment to the University of Evansville, exemplified by his transformative philanthropy and unwavering dedication, leaves an enduring legacy that transcends generations,” said UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. “Dr. Peterson’s imprint on UE and Harlaxton Manor is not merely financial; it’s woven into the very fabric of our community, inspiring all who follow in his footsteps. As we bid farewell to a dear friend and benefactor, we cherish his memory and pledge to uphold the spirit of service and excellence that defined his remarkable life.”

Before his notable contributions to UE, Dr. Peterson served in the U.S. Navy for four years and pursued higher education, earning degrees in Business Administration, English Literature, and History. He concluded his professional career as a Financial Advisor for Chevron Oil Corporation before retiring.

Funeral arrangements are currently pending and will be provided later.

BASEBALL ACES BATTLE BELMONT THIS WEEKEND IN NASHVILLE

04/05/2024

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Two surging Missouri Valley Conference baseball teams will square off this weekend in Nashville, Tennessee, as the University of Evansville Purple Aces will do battle with the Belmont Bruins at E.S. Rose Park in Nashville. The series begins on Friday afternoon at 4 p.m. in a game that can be heard live in the Tri-State area on 107.1 FM-WJPS and seen live on ESPN+.

Evansville will bring a 12-16 overall record into the series after knocking off Austin Peay, 13-6, on Tuesday. The Purple Aces have won three out of the last four games, after winning a Valley series against Southern Illinois and knocking off Austin Peay. Graduate outfielder Mark Shallenberger continues to lead the UE offensive attack with a .388 batting average. He enters the weekend ranked 15th nationally in on-base percentage at .549, while also ranking second in NCAA Division I baseball with 17 hit-by-pitches. Shallenberger enters the weekend needing just two more hit-by-pitches to tie Troy Beilsmith’s UE career record of 51.

Junior outfielder Harrison Taubert and graduate third baseman Brent Widder rank second and third on the team in hitting with .330 and .322 averages respectively. Taubert currently leads the MVC in hitting in league play with a .524 Valley average, while Widder leads the MVC with 12 doubles. In fact, Shallenberger, Taubert, Widder and graduate catcher Brendan Hord all rank in the MVC’s top five in doubles this year.

Belmont will bring a 16-13 overall record and 4-2 MVC mark into this weekend’s series after winning its fourth-straight game on Wednesday over Lipscomb. The Bruins swept Murray State in a three-game Valley series last weekend, led by current MVC Player of the Week Mason Landers. Landers hit .462 and launched three home runs in the three-game sweep of Murray State. Overall, Landers ranks second on the team in hitting at .342, while launching a team-best 11 home runs. Senior outfielder Sam Slaughter leads Belmont in hitting overall with a .379 average on the season.

Belmont leads the all-time series over UE, 18-4, including sweeping a three-game series in Evansville last season. Evansville played that series short-handed though, as UE played without Shallenberger, 2023 first-team all-MVC second baseman Kip Fougerousse, and 2023 honorable mention all-conference starting pitcher Nick Smith last season.

Freshman left-hander Kenton Deverman (2-1, 4.68) is expected to get the start in Friday’s series opener for UE. He is expected to be opposed by Belmont’s Will Pryor (3-1, 4.14 ERA).

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

04/05/2024

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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.

Aces track and field returns to full competition at Jim Vargo Invitational

04/05/2024

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The Purple Aces will participate in the one-day meet for the third straight season

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – After a week of split competition, the entire University of Evansville track and field team will compete this weekend at the Jim Vargo Invitational hosted by the Bellarmine Knights.

The Purple Aces will make the short trip southeast to Louisville for the Jim Vargo Invitational on Friday, April 5. UE’s full team will compete this week after a select handful of runners competed in the Raleigh Relays and the WashU Distance Carnival the week prior. Twenty-one teams are expected to compete on Friday including hosts Bellarmine, Berea, Butler, Campbellsville, Cedarville, Georgetown (KY), Illinois Springfield, IUPUI, Louisville, Miami (OH), Morehead State, Ohio, Pikeville, Southern Indiana, Spalding, Transylvania, Trevecca Nazarene, UIndy, Vincennes, and Wright State.

The Aces day will begin at 11 a.m. CT on Friday with the men’s hammer throw. Running events at the Jim Vargo Invitational start at noon CT and will continue until 6:15 p.m. The invitational is named for Bellarmine coach emeritus Jim Vargo who led the Knights to cross country NCAA Championship berths three times in the 2010s.

Last time out, Evansville had a small group of runners compete at both the Raleigh Relays and the WashU Distance Carnival. Freshman runner Nicole Prauchner (Neuhofen an der Ybbs, Austria) set two program records in her only events in Raleigh, running the 400-meter race in 58.97 seconds and the 800-meter race in 2:11.35. Distance runner Samuel Lea (Worchester, England) also set a program record at the WashU Distance Carnival in the 5K race with a time of 15:07.85.

Schedule updated as softball travels to Drake

04/05/2024

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Aces travel to Des Moines this weekend

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – With inclement weather on the forecast in Des Moines on Sunday, the University of Evansville softball team will face Drake in a 2 p.m. doubleheader on Friday with the series finale slated for Saturday at 2 p.m. ESPN+ will have the live coverage of all three games.

Last Time Out

– After dropping the first two games of the series against UIC, the Purple Aces rallied to take the finale in walk-off fashion, earning a 3-2 win

– Trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the 7th, Zoe Frossard and Taylor Howe both reached on walks before Jess Willsey forced a Flames error that scored Frossard to tie the game

– Alexa Davis re-entered the game for Howe and scored the winning run on a wild pitch

– Sydney Weatherford tossed another complete game on the way to her third win of the season

In a Zone

– Sydney Weatherford’s strong pitching continued against UIC as she allowed just two earned runs in 14 innings of work while picking up win #3 of 2024

– In her last six appearances, she has given up just five earned runs in 37 frames, good for an ERA of 1.02

– Her MVC earned run average is 1.37 while her season ERA is just 1.99

– Weatherford was at her best in the series against Valparaiso as she allowed one unearned run in 12 innings of work on her way to a pair of victories

Locked In

– Evansville’s top offensive performer has been Zoe Frossard, who leads the team in batting average (.344), on-base percentage (.474) and walks (21)

– Over the last 15 games, Frossard is batting .500 with 21 hits in 42 at-bats

– Her on-base tally is third in the MVC while her 21 walks is second and 19 runs is tied for 9th in the Valley

– She has started all 34 games for the Aces and has scored 16 runs in the last 15 games

Raising Her Average

– Batting .333 (14-for-42) in her last 14 games, Brooke Voss has seen her average rise from .146 to .244

– Over that time, Voss has accumulated 12 runs and six RBI

– Voss went 3-for-7 with two runs scored in the final two games of the UIC series

Indiana Dominates Big Ten Postseason Awards

04/04/2024

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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – For the second-straight season, Indiana swimming and diving swept the men’s Big Ten postseason awards as part of its five-award haul, the conference office announced on Thursday (April 4).

Indiana has captured 10 of the last 12 men’s postseason awards going back to 2022, as the Hoosier men have captured three consecutive Big Ten Championships and top-five finishes at the NCAA Championships.

The Hoosiers won the conference championship double, winning both the men’s and women’s titles for the first time since 2019. IU is one of two Big Ten programs to win both championships within the same season. Indiana’s men finished fourth at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships, and the women placed seventh, representing the Big Ten’s top national finishers at each competition.

Big Ten Men’s Swimming Coach of the Year: Ray Looze

Big Ten Women’s Swimming Coach of the Year: Ray Looze

Indiana head swimming coach Ray Looze is the only Big Ten head coach to win both the men’s and women’s coach of the year award in the same season, completing the feat for a third time this season. He was previously awarded both in back-to-back seasons: 2016 and 2017. Looze is now a 14-time Big Ten Coach of the Year, winning his eighth men’s award and sixth women’s award. He’s won the men’s award each of the last three seasons and seven times in the last nine years.

The Indiana women tied their program-record seventh-place national finish for a second-straight season and have placed top 10 in the NCAA team standings at seven of the last eight national meets. Junior swimmers Anna Peplowski and Ching Hwee Gan combined for three medals. Four relays reached the podium for the first time in program history, and all five scored for the first time since 2004.

IU’s men earned their fifth top-five national finish in six years. Fourteen Hoosiers combined for 43 All-America honors, both totals are Indiana’s most since 19 athletes from the 1974 squad totaled 50 honors in a second-place team finish.

Big Ten Men’s Diving Coach of the Year: Drew Johansen

Indiana head diving Drew Johansen repeats as the Big Ten Diving Coach of the Year, his third straight conference coaching award after also winning the women’s honor in 2022. Johansen is now a six-time winner, earning his fourth men’s coach of the year award.

Johansen led his squad to a dominant performance at the 2024 NCAA Men’s Swimming and Diving and Championships and was named the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Men’s Diving Coach the Year earlier this week. Hoosier divers scored 121 points, better than all but 10 combined swimming and diving programs, and 66 points better than the next-best diving program (Ohio State divers totaled 55 points). IU has eclipsed 100 diving points at back-to-back NCAA meets, earning 104 points in 2023.

At the NCAA Championships, the trio of juniors Carson Tyler and Quinn Henninger and sophomore Maxwell Weinrich combined for a program-record six medals from the three diving events – two gold, two silver, two bronze – and eight All-America finishes.

Big Ten Men’s Swimmer of the Year: Brendan Burns

Senior Brendan Burns caps his career with his third-straight Big Ten Swimmer of the Year award after perhaps his most challenging NCAA Championships yet.

On the third day of the meet, Burns repeated as NCAA Champion in the 100-yard backstroke in 43.86 despite swimming from lane one. Burns is a three-time national champion, also winning the 200-yard butterfly in 2022.

On the last day, Burns took on the daunting 200-yard backstroke, 200-yard butterfly double for the first time in his career and reached the podium in each event. Burns reached the podium in all six events he swam, including three relays.

Big Ten Men’s Diver of the Year: Carson Tyler

Junior Carson Tyler secured Indiana’s fifth Big Ten Diver of the Year award in six years after former teammate Andrew Capobianco won four between 2019-2023. Tyler was also named the CSCAA Men’s Diver of the Year and Big Ten Diver of the Championships.

Tyler won two NCAA Championships, repeating as platform champion after earning his first-career 3-meter title one day before, which was won by Capobianco last season. Combining the championships and a bronze-medal finish on 1-meter, Tyler totaled 56 points over the week – a total that outscored every other diving program.

Tyler won on platform with a score of 515.75, IU’s best-ever mark at an NCAA Championships.