Vectren Foundation Commits $100,000 to UE’s Hyde Hall Renovation Project

The Vectren Foundation has committed to a gift of $100,000 for the University of Evansville’s Hyde Hall renovation project. The funds will be used to increase the building’s energy efficiency through such upgrades as new heating, ventilation, and cooling systems (HVAC) and new windows.

President of Vectren South Brad Ellsworth noted that energy efficiency and education are two of Vectren’s major areas of interest and that the Hyde Hall renovation project addresses them both.

“Vectren is proud to partner with UE in providing students with an optimal learning environment that is not only more energy efficient, but also quieter and more comfortable,” added Ellsworth. “Energy efficiency is a win for the bottom line of the University too, as a better controlled energy environment will help reduce energy costs as well.”

Hyde Hall is one of the school’s most used buildings. It houses Shanklin Theatre, home of UE’s nationally renowned undergraduate theatre program. The building also contains administrative offices for the William L. Ridgway College of Arts and Sciences and other faculty offices, classrooms, and core learning spaces. Construction is anticipated to begin in May 2018 with estimated completion in Fall 2019.

“This wonderful gift from the Vectren Foundation will beneficially impact the lives of UE students for years to come,’ said Abigail Werling, UE vice president of development and alumni relations. “Vectren has a long history of generosity to the community, including the University of Evansville.”

Vectren’s gifts to the University over the years include:

• A donation to University’s UEnvision campaign, which included upgrades to the Schroeder School of Business Building and construction of Ridgway University Center.
• Funds to help build a greenhouse on campus.
• The gift of a long-term lease of conservation land and a partnership with UE to open an outdoor classroom for environmental field study on the site. The area, located on 1,100 acres along the Wabash River, has been named the Vectren Conservation Park, University of Evansville Environmental Research Lab.