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USI honored award recipients at the annual Founders’ Day Luncheon

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USI honored award recipients at the annual Founders’ Day Luncheon

The University of Southern Indiana Alumni Council honored the founding figures of the institution and recognized its three highest award recipients at its annual Founders’ Day Luncheon on Wednesday, September 13 in Carter Hall on the USI campus.

“Fifty-eight years ago, the University of Southern Indiana emerged with determination and courage,” says Dr. Ronald S. Rochon, USI President. “Our persistence and intentional efforts have propelled USI to the forefront of higher education, boldly shaping the future and enriching the lives of our students. I am confident we will continue to positively impact our region, state, nation and globe.”

The event featured remarks from Rochon, a tribute to USI founders and reflection delivered by Taylor A. Barrett ’24, and the presentation of three major awards: the Alumni Service Award, the Honorary Alumni Award, and the Faculty Recognition Award.

Alumni Service Award 

The recipient of the 2023 Alumni Service Award is Ronald J. Boren ’81. After he graduated from USI with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Boren began his career as a Financial Advisor with Hilliard Lyons. His USI journey was not the standard one, though—it took him seven years to complete his degree. When he started at USI, he found a job at a local clothing store where he went on to become manager. His part-time status turned full-time, forcing him to attend USI part-time.

Today, he’s the Managing Director/Financial Advisor for the Boren Bernardin Schiff Group at Baird. Alongside his professional journey advancing over the years, Boren’s bond with the University deepened.

His commitment to his alma mater began with assisting a client in establishing a scholarship to benefit the University and its students. This dedication led Boren to becoming Director of the USI Foundation Board in 2007. As Treasurer (2012-13) and Secretary (2018-22), he actively contributed to USI’s growth and continues to do so today.

Boren’s passion for USI stems from his own experiences at the University. He has championed students’ aspirations through various initiatives, including supporting USI student-athletes as a long-time basketball season ticket holder and contributing to the USI Varsity Club and its various fundraising initiatives.

When the Screaming Eagles Complex opened in 2021, he provided funding for The Screaming Eagle, a 12.5-foot-tall, aluminum sculpture depicting USI’s Athletic logo. The sculpture provides a landmark for USI fans to gather before events in the Screaming Eagles Arena and as a backdrop for students and alumni to highlight their school spirit.

Boren and his wife, Terry, reside in Evansville and enjoy spending time with their three children and three grandchildren. He remains close to his USI Alpha Omega Psi fraternity brothers and is involved with the West Side Nut Club.

Honorary Alumni Award 

The recipient of the 2023 Honorary Alumni Award is Neal A. Franklin. Franklin grew up in upstate New York, studying political science and French at Vassar College. Franklin and her husband, Dr. Joseph “Jef” Franklin (1941-2022), moved to Evansville in 1975 after he accepted a position at the Welborn Clinic.

The Franklins’ connection with USI began in 1992 after Richard E.S. Diggs, former USI Varsity Club President, introduced the couple to Bruce Pearl, former USI Men’s Basketball Head Coach. After becoming avid USI Basketball supporters, they then became supporters of academics, especially the arts.

In March 2023, Franklin, a member of the USI Board of Directors and former Chair of the USI Society for Arts and Humanities, made a generous gift of $25,000 to underwrite the University’s Art Collection Digitization Project. The Project is digitizing USI’s expansive art collection, extending its reach beyond in-person visitors to a virtual, global audience. Franklin also has an estate gift in place to support USI Theatre.

In recognition of her leadership and dedication, Neal received the USI Foundation Suzanne A. Nicholson Leadership Award in 2019, an honor bestowed upon individuals who exemplify strong leadership in advancing the USI Foundation mission. Beyond her involvement with the University, Neal has been a prominent figure in the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra and its Guild, the Public Education Foundation and the Women’s Fund of the Vanderburgh County Community Foundation, among other organizations.

Faculty Recognition Award  

The recipient of the 2023 Faculty Recognition Award is Dr. Kent W. Scheller, Professor of Physics. Scheller joined the University community in 1999 as Assistant Professor of Physics and presently serves as Professor of Physics.

Over the last 24 years, he has played a pivotal role in the shaping and sustaining of physics curricula. From Physics 101 tailored to non-majors to upper-level physics offerings designed for majors, Scheller is known for his ability to not only teach intricate physics concepts, but also to convey them with enthusiasm, fostering strong connections and rapport with students.

Currently, Scheller is serving as Chair of USI’s Solarpalooza Eclipse Steering Committee, planning a wide variety of events, resources and activities in celebration of the Total Solar Eclipse, happening April 8, 2024, of which the University is in its path of totality.

From 2011-13, he served as a member on the 14-member Indiana Commission for Higher Education where he collectively represented the interests of faculty at public-supported Indiana higher education institutions. Scheller is also a recipient of the 2023 Dr. Jane Davis-Brezette Faculty Excellence Award, 2014 USI Distinguished Professor Award, 2012 Pott College Excellence in Service Award, among others.

He served as Vice-Chair for USI Faculty Senate, Chair for the University New Program Development, Chair for the University Faculty Affairs Committee, among other roles. In the community, he has served as President for the South Gibson School Board of Trustees and the Haubstadt Chamber of Commerce; Chair of the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church Finance Committee, School Board, and Parish Council; Co-Chair of the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church capital campaign, raising over four million dollars to enhance the parish campus; as well as coached multiple youth athletic teams.

Scheller earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Evansville in 1988, and a master’s degree in physics in 1991 and doctorate degree in nuclear physics in 1994, both from the University of Notre Dame.

USI Founders’ Day celebrates the founding of USI and those in the 1960s who had the vision for public higher education in southern Indiana. The annual event honors the pivotal role those early USI leaders played in the birth of the institution. The event also provides an opportunity to recognize the achievements of the many people who have helped build the University.

For more information about USI Alumni Engagement and Volunteer USI, visit USI.edu/alumni or contact Janet Johnson, Director of Alumni Engagement and Volunteer USI, at jljohnson@usi.edu.

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FOOTNOTE:  Founded in 1965, the University of Southern Indiana enrolls nearly 9,200 dual credit, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students in more than 130 areas of study. A public higher education institution, located on a beautiful 1,400-acre campus in Evansville, Indiana, USI offers programs through the College of Liberal Arts, Romain College of Business, College of Nursing and Health Professions and the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education. The University offers study-abroad opportunities in more than 60 countries and hosts international students from around the globe. USI is a Carnegie Foundation Community Engaged University and offers continuing education and special programs to more than 15,000 participants annually through Outreach and Engagement. USI is online at USI.edu. 

 

NRCS Makes $65 Million Available for Conservation Innovation Grants Program

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WASHINGTON, SEPT.15, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of $65 million through two funding opportunities for new tools, approaches, practices and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands through the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program. Of this funding, $25 million will be delivered through President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the largest clean energy and climate investment in history, which directed USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to prioritize CIG On-Farm Trials projects that use diet and feed management to reduce enteric methane emissions from ruminants, as well as other projects that have climate mitigation benefits.

“This year’s Conservation Innovation Grants competition is unique in that we’re able to increase available funds because of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which will fund projects that address climate change, with a particular focus on solutions to reduce enteric methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas,” said NRCS Chief Terry Cosby. “Science and innovation are the keys to helping farmers, ranchers and forest landowners succeed in the face of global challenges, like climate change. We’re eager to see what innovations come to fruition and can be integrated into our programs and tools, thanks to this influx of new funding.”

This announcement is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, a key pillar of Bidenomics, to grow the American economy from the middle out and bottom up, by rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, driving over $500 billion in private sector manufacturing investments to date, creating good-paying jobs, and building a clean energy economy to tackle the climate crisis and make our communities more resilient. The Inflation Reduction Act provided an additional $19.5 billion for NRCS conservation programs, including $25 million for this year’s CIG On-Farm Trials. NRCS is committed to supporting farmers, ranchers, private landowners and Tribal Nations, to build resilient agricultural operations, combat climate change, ensure equity, and support voluntary conservation on working lands.

Two separate CIG funding opportunities are now available on grants.gov: $50 million through CIG On-Farm Trials and $15 million is available through CIG Classic.

For CIG On-Farm Trials, this year’s funding priorities are:

  • Irrigation water management technologies
  • Nutrient management
  • Feeding management and enteric methane reduction
  • Grazing lands
  • Soil health demonstration trials

For CIG Classic, this year’s funding priorities are:

  • Forestry
  • Habitat conservation and restoration for wildlife and invertebrates
  • Managing agricultural lands to improve local water quality
  • Energy conservation
  • Economics
  • Strengthening conservation through indigenous knowledge

Strong consideration will be given to proposals that include Historically Underserved entities and individuals.

This opportunity is open to all domestic non-federal entities and individuals based in the United States for projects carried out in the U.S.

Applications are being accepted now through October 30, 2023.

About CIG  

CIG is a competitive grants program. Through creative problem-solving and innovation, CIG partners work to address our nation’s water quality, water quantity, air quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat challenges, all while improving agricultural operations. CIG contributes to USDA’s efforts to address climate change through climate-smart agriculture.

CIG On-Farm Trials projects feature collaboration between NRCS and partners to implement on-the-ground conservation activities and then evaluate their impact. Incentive payments are provided to producers to offset the risk of implementing innovative approaches.

The Soil Health Demonstration (SHD) Trial component of On-Farm Trials focuses exclusively on the implementation of conservation practices and systems that improve soil health.

A critical element of each On-Farm Trials project is the project evaluation. Partners must propose robust scientific approaches to their On-Farm Trials, resulting in data and analyses of the environmental, financial, and to the extent possible, social impacts of the trials.

NRCS will use the results of On-Farm Trials project evaluations and analyses to explore the development of new NRCS conservation assistance, guidance documents, technical tools, and conservation practice standards or modifications to existing ones.

Since 2004, CIG has invested $411.8 million to fund 842 innovative projects and 435 partners.

Eagles tie Roos to extend unbeaten streak

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Soccer extended its current unbeaten streak to three matches on Thursday night, recording a 1-1 tie on the road against the University of Kansas City.
 
The draw was USI’s first result away from home this season and pushed the Screaming Eagles’ record to 1-5-3 to conclude the non-conference slate. Thursday’s tie was Kansas City’s third straight 1-1 match, moving the Roos to 1-3-4 on the year.
 
The Roos jumped out from kickoff with pressuring offense, taking four shots within the first 10 minutes of the contest. One shot banged off the crossbar and bounced off the back of USI’s sophomore goalkeeper Anna Markland (Hoover, Alabama). Markland found a way to sandwich the ball between her and the goalpost and kept the ball from crossing over the goal line. The reigning Ohio Valley Conference co-Goalkeeper of the Week and the Eagles’ defense faced a good amount of shots in the first half and forced many of them off target.
 
Southern Indiana flipped field position later in the first half, as freshman midfielder Lydia Bordfeld (Evansville, Indiana) fired USI’s first shot of the game in the 29th minute. Fellow freshman Pilar Torres (Chula Vista, California) took two shots just minutes later. As both teams battled to grab hold of the momentum before halftime, USI struck a minute before the break. Following a series of midfield passes, senior defender Alexis Schone (Galena, Ohio) directed an over-the-top service from the center line to the attacking box for running sophomore forward Payton Seymour (Louisville, Kentucky). Seymour beat the defense and punched the ball past the goalkeeper for her first career goal, giving USI a 1-0 advantage at the intermission.
 
The Eagles came out of halftime with a pair of attempts, but each shot was blocked by Kansas City. The Roos resumed their relentless offensive pressure in the early minutes of the second half, but USI’s defense continued to challenge Kansas City’s shot attempts. Despite the strong effort from the defensive unit, Kansas City broke through to even the match at 1-1 in the 65th minute.
 
With both teams in search of the go-ahead goal, the pace ramped up. Kansas City kept Markland busy between the posts, but USI’s netminder stood tall by adding to her save total throughout the night. Down the stretch, Southern Indiana saw good opportunities from set pieces and in the field of play. The Eagles’ defense blocked three shots in the last five minutes while Markland made another crucial save. USI took the final chance of the match off a turnaround shot by junior midfielder Adriana Berruti (Berwyn, Illinois), but the shot on goal was saved by the Roos’ goalkeeper and kept the match level at 1-1.
 
The Screaming Eagles took 12 shots in the match, putting three on goal. USI’s defense faced a season-high 28 shots and 10 on target by Kansas City’s attack. Individually, Seymour scored her first career goal on her only shot attempt of the contest. Torres topped USI with three shots, placing one on goal. Senior midfielder Paige Vanek (St. Charles, Missouri) had two shot attempts. In net, Markland corralled a career-high nine saves on Thursday night.
 
Southern Indiana gets a little break before continuing the current road swing next Thursday with the Ohio Valley Conference opener at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

No. 19 VUVB Region 24 winning streak hits 30 with sweep over Lincoln Trail

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VINCENNES, Ind. – The No. 19-ranked Vincennes University Trailblazer volleyball team picked up another big Region 24 sweep Thursday night at the Student Recreation Center at VU, sweeping Lincoln Trail College 25-20, 25-21, 25-10.

The Blazers have now extended their winning streak to 10 matches and continue to build on an already impressive winning streak against Region 24 opponents, which now sits at 30.

Vincennes got off to a slow start Thursday night, with the two teams trading a series of 3-0 scoring runs before VU would grab their first lead of the night with a 6-0 scoring run to take a 12-8 lead.

Lincoln Trail immediately answered to even the score and later took the lead back at 17-15 before VU again responded with a 5-0 run to take a 20-17 lead.

The Statesmen would look to answer back again, cutting the deficit to one, before VU closed out the set on a 3-0 run by freshman Libby Mehringer (Jasper, Ind.) as Vincennes took set one 25-20.

Set two began as another back-and-forth battle before VU took the momentum by outscoring Lincoln Trail 10-1 and holding a 21-14 lead.

Lincoln Trail would again look to rally back late in the set but were unable to put together a big scoring run as VU closed out set two 25-21 and took a 2-0 match lead.

The Trailblazers completely took control of the match in the third set after a massive 12-0 scoring run by sophomore libero Morgan Netcott (Montague, Mich.) gave VU an early 12-1 lead.

Vincennes would continue to ride this momentum throughout the remainder of the set, using a 4-0 scoring run and closing out the match on a 3-0 scoring run to take set three and complete the sweep 25-10 over the Statesmen.

“Firstly, I just want to thank the Student Recreation Center staff, Michael Taylor, Earl Potter,” VUVB Head Coach Gary Sien said. “I also want to thank the VU Physical Plant and Brian Sewers for having the facility ready for us over this past weekend and tonight. They have done an exceptional job of getting the entire facility game ready, getting the sound system set up and it really almost felt like a regular home game at the P.E. Complex in there tonight.”

“10 wins in a row is pretty good, obviously,” Sien added. “Also having a chance to avenge, so to speak, our only loss so far this season, which you don’t always get that opportunity, so that was nice to be able to do that as well.”

“I don’t know how it was when other teams were winning championships in the Region, I believe John A. Logan won something like four in a row, I don’t know if they had a streak of any number of games in a row of winning within the Region during that,” Sien said. “But that is always going to be difficult, especially when it expands to more than a year. We are on our third year and every year it’s a different team, so it’s like we are on our third generation of team members and for them to continue to pick up where the previous two teams left off, that takes some doing.”

“I think that any time, at this level, when you try to continue a winning streak over multiple seasons it’s tougher because you have to educate the team every year and they have to know exactly what it means and the importance of it,” Sien added. “They have to come in knowing this is a Region game. We have to put our heart into it. We have to put our whole effort into it. We are not just doing this to continue the streak, but we are also out here playing for the teams and the players that came before.”

“It’s tough, Tuesday night we were coming off of being Nationally ranked and then we had to go into John A. Logan’s gym and not only win, but to continue the streak,” Sien said. “It’s something that we mention around here from time to time, but it’s not necessarily something that I emphasize. So credit to the team for taking it to heart and continuing to make it where that is so important to educate the newcomers every year.”

The VU offense was led by another double-double by sophomore Paige Parlanti (Las Vegas, Nev.), who finished her night with 12 kills, 10 digs and four blocks.

Sophomore Audrey Buis (Franklin, Ind.) and freshman Isadora Dias (Rio Grande de Norte, Brazil) each ended the match with seven kills, with Buis just missing a double-double with 11 digs, one block and one set assist, while Dias ended with three blocks.

Freshmen Laura Tavares (Meridia, Venezuela) and Elisa Dalla Pozza (Vincenza, Italy) really controlled the game at the net all match long, with Tavares ending with five kills, nine blocks and two digs, while Dalla Pozza ended with four kills, a staggering 13 blocks and two digs.

Sophomore Kennedy Sowell (Effingham, Ill.) rounds out the VU offense with a pair of kills to go along with one block and one dig.

The VU offense was set up by the setter duo of freshman Libby Mehringer and sophomore Maecy Johnson (Chrisman, Ill.).

Mehringer led the way tonight for the Blazers, finishing with a team-high 19 set assists and four digs, while Johnson finished her night with 16 set assists, one dig and one kill.

Sophomore libero Morgan Netcott had another big defensive night in the back row for the Blazers, leading VU with 22 digs, two set assists and two aces.

“I knew from recruiting everybody from top to bottom that we will have the ability to block,” Sien said after his team recorded 31 total blocks on the night. “That’s such a difficult skill to learn because you can do everything correctly textbook wise and still have a ball ricochet off your hands. That’s why it’s such a frustrating skill.”

“But we really wanted to control the net out there tonight,” Sien added. “We knew that both of their outsides really like to pound that cross-court shot, so we moved our block more in and one of two things happened, either it got blocked or we just funneled the ball to our left back. Morgan did such a great job and was pretty much spot on at getting to nearly every single ball. She took some shots out there, some of those were hit pretty hard and she was able to keep the ball up.”

“But that’s just the type of player that she is,” Sien said. “She is definitely one of the best liberos in the Region. I feel very comfortable having the blocks funnel all of the shots to her because it’s almost automatic. She’s such a tough kid. I love the way she plays and I really love her mentality. I love her mentality. That’s really something that everybody on the team can learn from.”

“When we have those two things going, both blocking and defense back row, it’s really hard to score on us and we really saw that in the third set tonight,” Sien added. “I think we weren’t as consistent at getting our blocks out there. It maybe took us about a set and a half to really get adjusted to it and when we did it really just went into what our system does.”

“Another part of tonight’s match was that I thought we serve received better,” Sien said. “We serve receive okay, I thought we did better today than we did on Tuesday. But there were still points where we were passing the ball straight up and you don’t really have the same offense when the pass is 10 to 15 feet off the net. Tonight, we were really able to pass the ball better, whether it was serve receiving or in transition and that really allowed us to run our offense tonight. Like I always say and I’m sure I’ve said it 10 times already this year, when we are in system, it’s really hard to stop us. You need more than three blockers out there to do so.”

The Trailblazers are idle this weekend and will return to the floor Tuesday, Sept. 19 when VU travels to Centralia, Ill. to take on another Region 24 opponent Kaskaskia College. This match is set to begin at 7 p.m. eastern.

Vincennes will then head down to Hanceville, Ala. to take part in the Wallace State Community College Fall Bash next weekend, Friday, Sept. 22 and Saturday, Sept. 23.

“We do need some time off, of course, just to get some rest,” Sien said. “As well as getting back into their academics here too. All of our players carry pretty heavy course loads, so this is definitely a good time for that. My thing that I have talked to the team about is that we have to keep everything in mind. We do have this really tough match coming up on Tuesday and another tough weekend coming up in Alabama. Let’s not lose what we just built and it’s almost like you don’t want to stop playing but I do understand that we need to have a break here.”

“I believe that the team will take it to heart,” Sien added. “They will be mindful of what’s at stake. Yesterday we had probably the best practice we’ve had all year. It was a near perfect practice and yes there were some ups and downs out there tonight, but imagine if hadn’t just had that practice, it could have been different out there.”

“I do really appreciate the team taking it to heart that this is a moment that doesn’t come around often,” Sien said. “The last time we were ranked was in 2017 and that was like a lifetime ago. I’ve said that I’m not going to take it for granted that this will happen again next year. I’m not concerned about that right now, I’m more concerned about right now at this very moment. We have to take this moment here now and take it to heart, be mindful of it and really appreciate it and the team responded with a near perfect practice out here yesterday. I really appreciate that part of this team.”

“I love the leadership we have right now,” Sien added. “The sophomores are really stepping up and sharing what they have and teaching from their experiences a year ago. I even liked how we handled ourselves out there on the floor tonight. There were moments where Lincoln Trail was really taking it to us and I thought we were really able to bounce back right away and not let it affect us. I thought we really held together out there. A couple of players made a mistake and they just turned around, had a big smile on their face and it was on to the next play. I really like that about this team that they are able to bounce back so quickly.”

BOX SCORE

Lincoln Trail – 20   21   10   x   x

VUVB (14-1, 6-0) – 25   25   25   x   x

VINCENNES STATS

Audrey Buis – 8 points, 7 kills, 1 solo block, 11 digs, 1 set assist

Morgan Netcott – 2 points, 2 aces, 22 digs, 2 set assists

Paige Parlanti – 14 points, 12 kills, 4 block assists, 10 digs

Isadora Dias – 8.5 points, 7 kills 3 block assists

Maecy Johnson – 1 point, 1 kill, 1 dig, 16 set assists

Kennedy Sowell – 2.5 points, 2 kills, 1 block assist, 1 dig

Elisa Dalla Pozza – 10.5 points, 4 kills, 13 block assists, 2 digs

Laura Tavares – 9.5 points, 5 kills, 9 block assists, 2 digs

Libby Mehringer – 4 digs, 19 set assists

USI honored award recipients at annual Founders’ Day Luncheon

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The University of Southern Indiana Alumni Council honored the founding figures of the institution and recognized its three highest award recipients at its annual Founders’ Day Luncheon on Wednesday, September 13 in Carter Hall on the USI campus.

“Fifty-eight years ago, the University of Southern Indiana emerged with determination and courage,” says Dr. Ronald S. Rochon, USI President. “Our persistence and intentional efforts have propelled USI to the forefront of higher education, boldly shaping the future and enriching the lives of our students. I am confident we will continue to positively impact our region, state, nation and globe.”

The event featured remarks from Rochon, a tribute to USI founders and reflection delivered by Taylor A. Barrett ’24, and the presentation of three major awards: the Alumni Service Award, the Honorary Alumni Award and the Faculty Recognition Award.

Alumni Service Award 

The recipient of the 2023 Alumni Service Award is Ronald J. Boren ’81. After he graduated from USI with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Boren began his career as a Financial Advisor with Hilliard Lyons. His USI journey was not the standard one, though—it took him seven years to complete his degree. When he started at USI, he found a job at a local clothing store where he went on to become manager. His part-time status turned full-time, forcing him to attend USI part-time.

Today, he’s the Managing Director/Financial Advisor for the Boren Bernardin Schiff Group at Baird. Alongside his professional journey advancing over the years, Boren’s bond with the University deepened.

His commitment to his alma mater began with assisting a client in establishing a scholarship to benefit the University and its students. This dedication led Boren to becoming Director of the USI Foundation Board in 2007. As Treasurer (2012-13) and Secretary (2018-22), he actively contributed to USI’s growth and continues to do so today.

Boren’s passion for USI stems from his own experiences at the University. He has championed students’ aspirations through various initiatives, including supporting USI student-athletes as a long-time basketball season ticket holder and contributing to the USI Varsity Club and its various fundraising initiatives.

When the Screaming Eagles Complex opened in 2021, he provided funding for The Screaming Eagle, a 12.5-foot-tall, aluminum sculpture depicting USI’s Athletic logo. The sculpture provides a landmark for USI fans to gather before events in the Screaming Eagles Arena and as a backdrop for students and alumni to highlight their school spirit.

Boren and his wife, Terry, reside in Evansville and enjoy spending time with their three children and three grandchildren. He remains close to his USI Alpha Omega Psi fraternity brothers and is involved with the West Side Nut Club.

Honorary Alumni Award 

The recipient of the 2023 Honorary Alumni Award is Neal A. Franklin. Franklin grew up in upstate New York, studying political science and French at Vassar College. Franklin and her husband, Dr. Joseph “Jef” Franklin (1941-2022), moved to Evansville in 1975 after he accepted a position at the Welborn Clinic.

The Franklins’ connection with USI began in 1992 after Richard E.S. Diggs, former USI Varsity Club President, introduced the couple to Bruce Pearl, former USI Men’s Basketball Head Coach. After becoming avid USI Basketball supporters, they then became supporters of academics, especially the arts.

In March 2023, Franklin, a member of the USI Board of Directors and former Chair of the USI Society for Arts and Humanities, made a generous gift of $25,000 to underwrite the University’s Art Collection Digitization Project. The Project is digitizing USI’s expansive art collection, extending its reach beyond in-person visitors to a virtual, global audience. Franklin also has an estate gift in place to support USI Theatre.

In recognition of her leadership and dedication, Neal received the USI Foundation Suzanne A. Nicholson Leadership Award in 2019, an honor bestowed upon individuals who exemplify strong leadership in advancing the USI Foundation mission. Beyond her involvement with the University, Neal has been a prominent figure in the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra and its Guild, the Public Education Foundation and the Women’s Fund of the Vanderburgh County Community Foundation, among other organizations.

Faculty Recognition Award  

The recipient of the 2023 Faculty Recognition Award is Dr. Kent W. Scheller, Professor of Physics. Scheller joined the University community in 1999 as Assistant Professor of Physics and presently serves as Professor of Physics.

Over the last 24 years, he has played a pivotal role in the shaping and sustaining of physics curricula. From Physics 101 tailored to non-majors to upper-level physics offerings designed for majors, Scheller is known for his ability to not only teach intricate physics concepts, but also to convey them with enthusiasm, fostering strong connections and rapport with students.

Currently, Scheller is serving as Chair of USI’s Solarpalooza Eclipse Steering Committee, planning a wide variety of events, resources and activities in celebration of the Total Solar Eclipse, happening April 8, 2024, of which the University is in its path of totality.

From 2011-13, he served as a member on the 14-member Indiana Commission for Higher Education where he collectively represented the interests of faculty at public-supported Indiana higher education institutions. Scheller is also a recipient of the 2023 Dr. Jane Davis-Brezette Faculty Excellence Award, 2014 USI Distinguished Professor Award, 2012 Pott College Excellence in Service Award, among others.

He served as Vice-Chair for USI Faculty Senate, Chair for the University New Program Development, Chair for the University Faculty Affairs Committee, among other roles. In the community, he has served as President for the South Gibson School Board of Trustees and the Haubstadt Chamber of Commerce; Chair of the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church Finance Committee, School Board, and Parish Council; Co-Chair of the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church capital campaign, raising over four million dollars to enhance the parish campus; as well as coached multiple youth athletic teams.

Scheller earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Evansville in 1988, and a master’s degree in physics in 1991 and doctorate degree in nuclear physics in 1994, both from the University of Notre Dame.

USI Founders’ Day celebrates the founding of USI and those in the 1960s who had the vision for public higher education in southern Indiana. The annual event honors the pivotal role those early USI leaders played in the birth of the institution. The event also provides an opportunity to recognize the achievements of the many people who have helped build the University.

THUNDERBOLTS RE-SIGN MATT DORSEY 

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Evansville, In.:  The Evansville Thunderbolts and Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes are pleased to announce the re-signing of forward Matt Dorsey for the 2023-24 season.  The Thunderbolts’ 2023-24 season will get underway on Saturday, October 21st at Ford Center as they host the Huntsville Havoc.

Dorsey returns to the Thunderbolts after debuting with Evansville late in the 2022-23 season, scoring one goal and 3 points in 7 regular season games, plus another goal in two playoff games.  The Wenatchee, Washington native had just completed his college career with the University of Windsor before joining Evansville, scoring 5 goals and 8 points in 28 games between 2021-2023.  Prior to college, Dorsey played four seasons of junior hockey, primarily with his hometown Wenatchee Wild of the BCHL, where he tallied 33 goals and 88 points in 104 games.  Dorsey also played 38 games of major junior hockey in the WHL, 4 with the Tri-City Americans and 34 with the Calgary Hitmen.  On his return to Evansville, here is what Dorsey had to say: “Every good team recognizes how important fan support and home ice atmosphere is to their group’s success, which is why I can’t wait to get back to Evansville and the electric Ford Center and play for the best fans in the SPHL.”

In reaction to re-signing Dorsey, Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes commented: “Matt came in and really adjusted to the pro game well.  He got a taste of what the game is like and put in the hard work this summer, and I’m looking forward to seeing Matt continue to progress this season.”

USI Volleyball will host Teacher Appreciation Night

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Volleyball has partnered with EVSC Foundation and Teacher Locker to host Teacher Appreciation Night at Screaming Eagles Arena on Friday, September 22. The Screaming Eagles will face Ohio Valley Conference foe, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, in the first home conference match of the 2023 campaign.
 
Come out and support USI Volleyball, professors, and local teachers for the first-ever Teacher Appreciation Night. USI will be hosting a teacher supply drive to support local EVSC teachers and Teacher Locker. All fans are asked to bring at least one item on the wish list to be donated to Teacher Locker for EVSC teachers. The Teacher Locker wish list can be found here.
 
Tools 4 Teaching has donated a “Teacher Gift Basket” that will be given out to one EVSC teacher in attendance. There will also be a teacher and professor recognition, giveaways, and a special video from USI Volleyball during the match. Admission to the match is free for all attendees, courtesy of Tri-State Orthopaedics.

UE Volleyball travels to Knoxville for Friday matches

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Aces face Chicago State and #15 Tennessee 

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Set for its final weekend non-conference trip, the University of Evansville volleyball team heads to Knoxville, Tennessee for a pair of matches on Friday.  The Purple Aces open at 10 a.m. CT against Chicago State before facing the 15th-ranked Volunteers at 5:30 p.m. CT.

Last Time Out

– Saturday was one of those matches where the final score was not indicative of how the team played as the Aces fell at DePaul by a final of 3-0

– All three sets came down to the wire including a 25-23 score in the first set and a 34-32 final in the second game

– Giulia Cardona and Melanie Feliciano finished the day with 23 and 22 kills, respectively

– Kora Ruff added 48 assists while Ainoah Cruz led the way with 15 digs

#1 in the NCAA

– With another spectacular weekend of action, Giulia Cardona is now the national leader in three major statistics

– She paces the NCAA in kills (5.63/set), points (6.67/set) and attacks (14.30/set) while ranking 5th nationally with 0.70 aces per set

– In the final two matches of the DePaul Invitational, Cardona averaged 6.7 kills per frame as she recorded 24 against Northern Illinois and 23 versus DePaul

– Cardona put together one of the most efficient performances you will ever see in the win over North Alabama, finishing with a career-high 32 kills while hitting 459 in the victory…she added 12 digs and 6 block assists

Top of the Valley

– Sophomore Kora Ruff is now the conference leader with a season average of 11.24 assists per set

– On the national level, Ruff’s assist average is 11th

– In the final two contests of the DePaul Invitational, Ruff averaged an unreal 14.57 assists including a season-high of 54 against Northern Illinois

– Additionally, Ruff is 5th in the MVC in service aces (0.48/set) and 19th in digs (2.72/set)

– On the defensive side, Ruff set a new career mark with 18 digs against UNA

Scouting the Opposition

– Friday’s opener pits the Aces against Chicago State in a unique series of meetings this season; it will be the first of three contests between the squads who will also meet in Evansville and in Chicago later in the season

– The Cougars have opened the year with a 6-2 record and have two wins over Northern Illinois and one over Southeast Missouri State

– Patrycja Lagida holds the team lead with 4.32 kills per set

– Tennessee opens the weekend ranked 15th in the nation and hold a 7-1 record

– Their only setback of 2023 was a 5-set loss to Wisconsin, who is currently the top ranked team in the nation

– On Tuesday, Morgahn Fingall was named the AVCA Division I National Player of the Week as she averaged 6.57 points and 5.71 kills per set while defeating #24 Marquette and Loyola

Building Blocks

– Evansville’s block leader is Brooke Springer as her average of 1.14 per set puts her third in the MVC

– Springer opened the DePaul Invite with a solo block and three block assists versus St. Thomas before adding five block assists in the triumph over NIU

– Springer’s eight solo blocks is tied for the second-highest tally in the league

– Her top offensive performance of 2023 came against USI where she tallied six kills

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