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.

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.