EVANSVILLE, IND. (03/13/2024) In recognition of Disability Awareness Month, the University of Evansville (UE) is proud to host a Disability Awareness event titled “Behind the Masks We Wear: Living & Leading with Vulnerability & Purpose.” This event will take place on March 26 at 4:00 p.m. at Eykamp Hall in Ridgway University Center. The event is not open to the public, but students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to attend.

Counseling and Disability Services, along with the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (CDEI), are organizing the event featuring renowned speaker Joshua Rivedal, who will deliver an impactful address aimed at empowering college students to embrace vulnerability and purpose in their lives.

College life is often a journey filled with challenges and uncertainties, and it takes courage to navigate through education, career pursuits, and relationships. Rivedal’s presentation will delve into the theme of authenticity, urging attendees to challenge societal norms, overcome fears, and strive towards personal growth.

Attendees of “Behind the Masks We Wear” will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights that will enable them to confront obstacles, pursue their aspirations, and evolve into their best selves. Through engaging with Rivedal’s message, students will be encouraged to break free from societal expectations and embrace their unique identities.

UE is arranging further events, such as a panel discussion featuring students with disabilities from diverse backgrounds and identities sharing their experiences. Additionally, there’s a speed networking event in partnership with Vocational Rehabilitation, where 20 employers will be present on campus. With only 20 registered students participating, this setup offers a less overwhelming and more structured environment compared to conventional career events. Participants will have the chance to engage with each employer, receive interview feedback, and expand their professional network.

“We anticipate these events to profoundly impact every member of our community, cultivating a nurturing atmosphere conducive to personal development and empowerment,” expressed Debbie Brenton, Assistant Director of Disability Services. “We invite all college students to participate, as we dedicate this month and every day to seeking inspiration, introspection, and solidarity.”

Evansville, IN – In recognition of Women’s History Month, Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry will be the guest speaker at Ivy Tech Community College on March 27, at noon, in Vectren Auditorium (Room 147).

Terry will focus on women’s history, empowerment, and her journey to the position of mayor. The event is free and open to the public.

Terry was sworn in as Evansville’ s first African American and female mayor on January 1, 2024. She is a lifelong resident of the city.

For the past 12 years, Terry has served as executive director of the Louis J. Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville (cMoe). During her tenure she led a team dedicated to enriching the lives of children and their families. Under her leadership, the museum increased visitors and memberships; strengthened partnerships; raised and invested over $1 million in new capital projects; and was named the Southwest Indiana Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit of the Year in 2017.

In the same year she joined cMoe, she was appointed to fill a vacant seat on the Vanderburgh County Council and a few months later was elected to the position as the first African American woman to serve on the council. She was re-elected in 2014, 2018 and 2022.

In prior roles, Terry served as a  Public Health Administrator with the Indiana State Department of Health, worked in both personnel and financial capacities for Angel River Health & Rehabilitation, and worked as the first Deputy Director at Carver Community Organization for four years.

Outside of government, she has served the Evansville community on the board of directors of Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare, YWCA, Visiting Nurse Association, City of Evansville Board of Public Safety, E-REP, and Women’s Equality Day Committee. Additionally, she just completed a four-year term as the Indiana State Coordinator for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., overseeing 13 chapters across the state. Delta Sigma Theta is a private, not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to aid and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world.

Terry has received numerous awards over the years, including the 2020 Athena Non-profit Professional of the Year by the Southwest Indiana Chamber (now E-REP); the 2020 Soror of the Year by the Midwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; 2020 YWCA Woman on a Mission Award; and the 2021 William G. and Rose M. Mays Legacy Award from the University of Evansville.

Mayor Terry is a graduate of Evansville’s Bosse High School and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Kentucky State University. She also earned a Master of Science degree in health service administration from the University of Evansville.