UE Magazine Summer 2013 by University of Evansville

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MAGAZINE

$5.00

SUMMER 2013 VOL. 108 NO. 3

Inside: Oh, The Places They’ll Go! • Bill Ridgway’s IMPACT • 2013 Commencement

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2013 SPRING COMMENCEMENT

Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away! – Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

T s e h c e a y l ’ P l l e h t , Oh Commencement photos can be found on page 29.

Guthrie May Outstanding Senior Service Award Brock Reneer

Mabel Dillingham Nenneker Outstanding Senior Service Award

presented by the UE Alumni Association

Melanie Bacaling

Mark Valenzuela

Finance and economics major Princeton, Indiana

Vocal performance and psychology major Gurnee, Illinois

Associate professor, mechanical and civil engineering

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CONTENTS Senior Keynote Speaker Mellinda Hensley ’13 Communication and writing major Linton, Indiana

UE MAGAZINE SUMMER 2013

VOL. 108 NO. 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURES Excerpts from Mindy’s speech: …I would like to make the case that though the beginning and the end are useful things to commemorate, the time between the two is the most precious time of all. It’s almost as if the beginning and end are the decorative clasps of our memories; it is only when we unhinge them and unfurl the scroll of our past that we can begin to appreciate who we have become today. It is the moments of metamorphosis that I am most interested in, moments where the shell around us is shedding – not when it has already been kicked aside.

Go!

I always return to a mantra that my writing professor, Dr. William Baer, has asked me every time I write a story. When I first entered his class, I was terrified. I had just dropped my religion major and picked up my writing major, and I had heard many things about Dr. Baer. Things like: “No one gets out of workshop alive.” “His grading alphabet begins with the letter B.” “He’s from the Bronx!” Once someone just looked at me, and ran away. Needless to say, I expected no mercy. But Dr. Baer would review my story, readjust the thick, almost mason jar-esque glasses on the edge of his nose, squint at me, and say: “What of it?” I look at the room before me and I can assuredly say that these are the faces who have devoted countless hours to the pursuit of something larger than themselves, who have realized that although we have been told from birth that we are all unique snowflakes, sometimes being a part of something bigger than ourselves can make us feel at once both thankful and awestricken. I charge you now to evaluate your time here at UE and ask yourself, “What of it?” Do what makes you come alive – whether it’s writing code or writing a novel, because honestly, our moments on Earth are limited, so don’t hold yourselves back.

Oh, the Places They’ll Go

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Underwater Adventures Music Lessons The Formula for Success Building for the Future

BILL RIDGWAY’S IMPACT FROM ENGLAND TO EVANSVILLE

DEPARTMENTS

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CAMPUS CONNECTIONS WHERE ARE THEY NOW? ELIZABETH AND MICK LYON: For Better or Worse, In Sickness and Health ACES IN ACTION ALUMNI CONNECTIONS 16 | Class Notes 24 | UE and You 27 | In Memoriam 28 | Get Connected, Stay Connected

ON THE COVER: The Aces’ all-time leading scorer, Colt Ryan, is congratulated by teammates after he surpasses the previous record held by Larry Humes since 1966. He broke the record by scoring his 2,237th point during a postseason win over Canisius College in Buffalo, New York. Showplace Cinemas hosted a watch party so Aces fans could watch on the big screen. Ryan’s impact was felt in the classroom as well as on the court – he was twice named the Missouri Valley Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year. He is scheduled to begin his professional career with Brussels Basketball of the 10-team Ethias League, considered Belgium’s top-level basketball association. Their season begins in October. At press time, Ryan was working out with NBA teams as well.

UE Magazine

is distributed to alumni and friends through the Office of University Relations, University of Evansville, 1800 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, Indiana 47722. Change of address notification should be sent to the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at the same address. The University of Evansville operates under a nondiscriminatory policy with regard to race, color, creed or religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

Editor Lucy Himstedt lh133@evansville.edu Associate Editor Andrew Carter ’07 Student Editor Rachel Wyatt Designer Susan Heathcott ’78, M’80

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KRISTEN LUND ’08 and BRENNAN GIRDLER ’13

CONNECTIONS

CAMPUS CONNECTIONS

National Honor, Local Impact

Meaningful Make a difference. Volunteer your time.

For the third time, the University of Evansville has received national recognition for its dedication to community service. In March, UE was named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the US Department of Education. The 2013 Honor Roll reflects community service logged between July 1, 2011, and June 30, 2012, a period when 2,077 UE students performed 19,167 hours of community service. “Social responsibility is a core goal in the University of Evansville’s strategic plan, so we’re very proud to once again receive national recognition for our commitment to community service,” said UE president Thomas A. Kazee. “We applaud our students for giving their time and energy to make the community a better place.” UE’s major community service activities each year include the Freshman Service Project (in which freshmen fan out across the community to volunteer with approximately 20 nonprofit organizations), National Make a Difference Day (a half-day community service initiative across the nation), and UE Gives Back (a springtime program where students and student organizations are matched with local service agencies and community projects). UE also was honored in the 2011 and 2009 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for students performing more than 21,000 hours of service in the 2010-11 and 2008-09 academic years. ■

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Spring Break, Lifetime Lessons For seven University of Evansville students, a spring break trip to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Brazil, was equal parts business, fun, and personal and professional development. Katie Ciccarelli, director of program development for the Institute for Global Enterprise, says, “It is one thing for students to learn about the world’s seventh largest economy in the classroom, and another when students make the world their classroom.” They learned firsthand what challenges and opportunities companies are currently facing abroad while developing their global mindset as they became fascinated by the local customs, culture, and successful business practices. The course, “Contemporary Business Issues in Brazil,” included a mix of business and communications majors. Kate Schlarf ’13, a global business and Spanish major, was able to meet with the very people she had been corresponding with through her commercial development internship at Berry Plastics. “The trip taught us to look at things from a different angle and to consider cultural influences when working with different countries,” she says. The group also met with UE alumna Julia Khokhlova ’08, sales manager at Cummins Brasil, another Indiana-based company.

Shawn Robey ’13, a business management major, sat down with the president of Boeing Brasil. Robey says the program allowed him to experience opportunity outside of Evansville and gain confidence. “This program allowed me to see that there is so much adventure and so many new things to be discovered. I’ve had a few job interviews before,” he says. “But after meeting with the president of Boeing Brazil, I was able to be myself and not let nerves get me.” Partly funded through UE’s Lilly Endowment, the Institute for Global Enterprise offers students the chance to become global citizens and connect to the world of business. “I would never have been able to grow as much as I have personally and professionally,” Robey says. “It was eye-opening.” ■

Making the world a classroom.

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Home, Sweet Townhouse

Artist’s rendering supplied by Hafer Associates

Construction is under way on new townhouse apartments that will provide attractive on-campus housing options for approximately 150 upperclassmen. Wet weather moved the March 18 groundbreaking ceremony indoors where the kickoff for the $8.5 million project took place at a news conference in the Class of 1959 Gallery and Lounge in the Ridgway University Center. “We look forward to offering our students a sophisticated, convenient living experience while enhancing the neighborhood around our campus,” said UE president Thomas A. Kazee. Two townhouse buildings will comprise the “Frederick Commons” (between Frederick Street and Weinbach Avenue) and four buildings will make up the “Walnut Commons” (on the north side of Walnut Street and Rotherwood Avenue). Half of the townhouses will be complete and available for move-in this August with others following in October and in January 2014. The new townhouses are part of UE’s facilities master plan, announced in March 2012, which will guide the University’s building projects and renovations over the next decade. After an assessment of needs, which

included interview and focus group sessions with UE students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni, student housing emerged as one of four priority areas. Each two-story townhouse apartment will house four students and includes amenities such as new furniture and appliances (including a washer and dryer in each unit), granite countertops, and a 37˝ digital flatscreen TV. Students signed up to live in townhouses during the housing application process in February and March. All townhouses have been filled for the 2013-14 academic year. UE contracted with Buckingham Companies, an Indianapolis-based developer, to coordinate the construction and design phases of the project. “We are thrilled to be a part of the University of Evansville’s team in its efforts to provide an enhanced environment for learning, living, and community,” said Brad Chambers, president and CEO of Buckingham Companies. “Our focus for this project is to assist the University of Evansville in fulfillment of its current and long-term vision for campus growth and innovation and to make the University of Evansville a firstchoice educational option.” ■

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BRIEFS

UE NEWS

Focusing on Nutrition With growing attention to nutrition and other preventative health issues, the University has approved a measure to ensure that our students are ready to meet that need. Students interested in studying public health at UE now have the opportunity to specialize in nutrition. The nutrition emphasis was approved this spring by UE’s curriculum committee and involves the creation of two new courses in the existing public health program: Public Health Nutrition and Food Science. “With the ongoing cultural shift toward preventive care and wellness, the University of Evansville has seen a significant increase in the number of students interested in studying nutrition,” said Payal Patel-Dovlatabadi, assistant professor and director of the public health program. “Nutrition is a key part of public health, and the need for trained professionals in this field has never been greater. We’re excited to be at the forefront of this effort and to prepare students for careers that make a significant impact on individual and community needs.” A Bachelor of Science in public health with an emphasis in nutrition will prepare students for diverse employment opportunities with state and local health departments, health and school systems, government agencies, universities and research institutions, wellness centers, and consulting firms, to name a few. The program will also prepare students who wish to pursue advanced degrees in fields including physical therapy, public health, health services administration, dietetics, and health education. For more information on the public health program and the new nutrition emphasis, visit www.evansville.edu/majors/publichealth.

Jim Schaefer Wins Statewide CPA Award Jim Schaefer, professor of accounting, received the Outstanding Educator Award for 2012 from the Indiana CPA Society. The award recognizes a college accounting professor who is

distinguished for excellence in classroom teaching and for active involvement in the CPA profession. Schaefer joined the University of Evansville in 1990 after completing his Doctor of Business Administration in accounting from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He has been awarded the University of Evansville’s Dean’s Teaching Award twice as well as the Delta Sigma Pi Professor of the Year award twice. His involvement in the Indiana CPA Society includes service on the board of directors, ethics committee, and as discussion leader on the topics of accounting and audit and ethics.

Ray Lutgring Named Arts and Sciences Dean Ray Lutgring, professor of chemistry, accepted the position of dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in February. He had served as interim dean of the college since April 2012. Lutgring fills the position last held by Susan Calovini, who in 2011 became vice president for academic and student affairs and dean of Salem College in North Carolina. “Dr. Lutgring brings to the position a deep commitment to the University and great knowledge of the institution,” said John A. Mosbo, senior vice president for academic affairs.

Young Kim Invested as Igleheart Chair Young Kim, associate professor of political science and director of the International Studies Program, was invested as the Igleheart Chair in Political Science on April 11 in Neu Chapel. At UE, Kim teaches world politics, Asian politics, politics in the Middle East, and Latin American politics. His work has appeared in publications such as Comparative Political Studies, The Korean Journal of Area Studies, Journal of East and West Studies, Comparative Democratic Studies, Indiana Journal of Political Science, and Journal of Third World Studies. Kim is a recent Global Scholar of UE’s Institute for Global Enterprise and has taught courses at Harlaxton College in England as well as at Ewha Womans University and Hansung University in Seoul, Korea. The chair was established by the Igleheart family. Diane Igleheart represented the family at the investiture. ■

Concrete Canoe Floats to Victory The University of Evansville’s Concrete Canoe team won the Innovation Award and earned 10th place overall in the 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers National Concrete Canoe Competition, June 20 - 22 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – cracking the top 10 for only the second time in team history.

UE won the Innovation Award for the strategic use of a dimpled texture to reduce drag on their canoe, Palus, which was inspired by an episode of MythBusters that investigated whether a car with a dimpled texture like a golf ball could obtain better gas mileage. UE’s 13-member team also finished sixth in the technical paper category, their highest finish ever. This photo of team members Luc Heidenreich and Chris Kuester racing the canoe was featured in The New York Times’ coverage of the competition. See the story online at http://hub.am/10N2vcl.

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KRISTEN LUND ’08

T s e h c e a y l ’ P l l G e o h ! t , Oh

“You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed. You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead. Wherever you fly, you'll be best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.” – Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

According to Dr. Seuss Enterprises, Dr. Seuss was a big advocate of education and that since its publication in 1990 Oh, The Places You’ll Go! has been embraced enthusiastically for its wonderfully wise outlook on life and for encouraging the potential that lies within us all. This remarkable book has since sold over 10 million copies and become the quintessential gift for graduates of all ages.

University of Evansville graduates epitomize that line from one of the world’s most beloved authors, the late Theodor Seuss Geisel, best known as Dr. Seuss. The most recent proof of this comes from a new survey of last year’s graduating class. Amid the national dialogue about the challenging job market for recent college graduates, the University of Evansville recently announced results of an encouraging survey that revealed that 92 percent of the Class of 2012 are employed or in graduate school. “At a time when there is much talk about the challenging job market for recent college graduates, as well as students’ preparedness to enter the work force, our survey of the Class of 2012 paints a remarkably positive picture,” said UE president Thomas A. Kazee. “This is our first effort to launch an extensive, collaborative survey among several campus offices and national clearinghouses to gather data on our 2012 graduates, and we’re thrilled to find such encouraging results.” The survey, a collaborative effort between UE’s Center for Career Development, Office of Alumni and Parent Relations, and academic departments, produced career information on 87 percent of the 583 members of the Class of 2012. The survey’s findings also showed that the median salary of graduates employed full-time was $42,500 (above the national average) and that approximately one in three graduates not currently in graduate school indicated plans to pursue graduate school within the next three years. “The outcomes of this survey are a testament to the academic excellence and professionalism of students who graduate from the University of Evansville,” Kazee said, “as well as the efforts of faculty and employees to prepare students for future success.” In this UE Magazine feature story, we’ll introduce you to several recent UE graduates who are already going places.

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Underwater Adventures As a University of Evansville freshman, Megan Anderson ’12 noticed a photo in her Introduction to Archaeology textbook of a scuba-diving archaeologist retrieving artifacts from a shipwreck. Today, that archaeologist is one of her professors in Texas A&M University’s Nautical Archaeology Program – a prestigious graduate program that accepted just four students last year, including Anderson. “I get to study and interact with the legends of my field,” said Anderson, a native of West Salem, Ohio. “As weird as it is that a landlocked campus is the best of the best when it comes to nautical archaeology, it’s true.” Of the four students admitted last year, Anderson arrived with the most field experience, thanks to her time at UE. “I knew I wanted an undergraduate archaeology program that was focused not only on time spent in class, but also encouraged students to engage in real-world opportunities to gain hands-on experience,” she said. “The archaeology faculty members at UE make extraordinary efforts to avail students of opportunities – both at home and abroad – and the University makes it easy to pursue these experiences while staying on track for graduation.” The summer before her junior year, Anderson participated in the PAST Foundation’s survey of the Slobodna, a 170-foot ship that was built in 1884 and ran aground a reef near Key Largo, Florida, three years later. By the end of the

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” – Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

project, despite run-ins with barracuda and fire coral, Anderson was hooked on nautical archaeology. “Working underwater is a nearly indescribable experience and requires an almost surreal connection with your teammates,” Anderson said. “Participating in that project gave me a distinct advantage when coming into the Nautical Archaeology Program here at Texas A&M.” As a UE student, Anderson also spent a summer at the Rio Bravo Archaeological Survey Project in Belize (where she helped create a topographic map of a classicperiod Maya site), traveled to Israel with the Jezreel Expedition, participated in the on-campus Tin City dig, and completed an internship at the Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science. “Each experience helped me gain skills that put me ahead of the game, from learning how to use GIS software to battling GPS units into submission,” Anderson said. “UE and the archaeology department prepared me not just to succeed in the archaeological world, but to excel.” Anderson plans to complete her master’s degree in Spring 2014, then stay at Texas A&M to pursue a PhD. “I am going to my dream school,” she said, “pursuing a degree in an exciting field.” ■

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Music Lessons Kaitlin Gress ’12 arrived at the University of Evansville with plans to major in physics. Before long, the percussionist and music enthusiast realized she was spending more time in the music department, talking with faculty members and learning about the music degrees available at UE. “I realized very quickly that a music management degree was perfect for me,” Gress said. “I loved that it could lead me down any path of employment: arts administration, artist management, music publishing, or the recording industry. It also prepared me to pursue any number of master’s degrees if I chose to do so.” – Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! The native of Huntingburg, Indiana, now works as the ArtsVibe teen program coordinator with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. ArtsVibe’s goal is to engage Atlanta-area teens in the arts through events at four cultural institutions: the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Alliance Theatre, High Museum of Art, and Young Audiences. With guidance from UE faculty members, Gress honed her professional skills as an undergraduate by completing internships with the National Symphony Orchestra, Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, and Evansville Symphonic Band. “I tell anyone who will listen to work as many internships as you can,” said Gress. “Each performing arts organization I’ve worked with has shaped my career path. You learn what sort of jobs you may enjoy and make important connections in your field.” Gress credits a three-month internship at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, with sparking her passion for the work she does today. “That summer taught me all of the work that happens behind the scenes of a large symphony orchestra, from raising the funds every year to the music heard from the stage,” Gress said. “I walked into senior year knowing I wanted to be in orchestra administration when it came time to graduate in May.” Today, as the ArtsVibe teen program coordinator, “I juggle a lot of different responsibilities and face new challenges every week,” Gress said. “UE taught me how to solve problems in creative and effective ways. A huge part of being a music major was learning to work within a team, and I still use those communication and interpersonal skills every day.” ■

“And when things start to happen, don’t worry. Don’t stew. Just go right along. You’ll start happening too.”

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The Formula for Success This spring, when many seniors were busy applying for jobs or nervously awaiting graduate school decision letters, Matthew Mahan ’13 had one fewer worry: Months prior, he had secured a job with one of the world’s top accounting firms. This month, Mahan – a native of Washington, Indiana – will start work in the audit department of Ernst & Young’s Indianapolis office, performing audits on financial statements for large corporate clients. Ernst & Young, known as one of the “Big Four” accounting firms, is headquartered in London and employs 167,000 people worldwide. Forbes magazine currently ranks it the eighth largest private company in the United States. Mahan’s journey to his first job began in the University of Evansville’s Schroeder School of Business, which he credits for teaching him not only the skills he needed to become an accountant, but also giving him an insight into corporate decision-making and leadership. Although Mahan doesn’t intend to become an entrepreneur, he praised the two-semester entrepreneurship program required of all business students. “It gives you a good overview of business operations that you don’t get just from looking at financial statements in a textbook,” he said.

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“And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)” – Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

During his time at UE, Mahan was a frequent visitor to the Center for Career Development, where he sought assistance from assistant director Linda Wulf ’06. “Her advice was instrumental in me getting an accounting internship at Vectren the summer before my senior year,” Mahan said. “I had never done a job interview for a professional position, so we did a mock interview, which helped me understand what employers are looking for and what kinds of questions to expect.” Mahan’s supervisor at Vectren was a former Ernst & Young accountant and encouraged Mahan to apply to the firm, believing the company’s culture would be a great fit for him. After completing several job interviews during the fall semester of his senior year, Mahan agreed – and in October, he accepted a position with Ernst & Young. “It was a relief to wrap up the job search so early in my senior year,” Mahan said, “and I’m happy to be starting my professional accounting career with such a respected company.” ■

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Building for the Future What inspired Gulzat Atymtayeva ’12 to major in civil engineering at UE was the ability to serve the public and make a positive impact on her community. Today, she’s taking that desire a step further by pursuing a master’s degree in structural engineering – with a focus in earthquake engineering – at the University of California, Davis. Atymtayeva’s interest in structural engineering began when she took an architectural tour of Chicago one summer as a UE undergraduate. The highrise buildings left a memorable impression on the Kazakhstan native: “Having grown up in a former Soviet Union country, I was not exposed to such grand architecture,” she said. “I was attracted to the profession of structural engineering because it’s challenging and enticing at the same time – it requires a lot of creativity in addition to excellent math skills.” The summer before her senior year at UE, Atymtayeva was one of only 11 undergraduate students selected nationwide for a prestigious internship at the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center (PEER). The internship allowed her to work with graduate students and the structural engineering faculty at the University of Washington to investigate the use of concrete-filled steel columns for earthquake resiliency. Along with her research team, she presented her findings in a technical report and poster at the PEER annual meeting in Berkeley, California. Atymtayeva credits the UE engineering faculty for teaching her valuable project management and communication skills in addition to technical knowledge. “Writing lab reports and project reports has proven to be one of the most valuable experiences I had as an undergraduate,” she said. “Communication is the key in our profession, as the ability to communicate the ideas to other people in a concise manner is crucial.” While Atymtayeva was accepted to all three of the graduate schools to which she applied, she chose UC Davis for the opportunity to study under a two-year fellowship in one of the nation’s top earthquake research centers. She plans to complete her master’s degree in 2014 and work in the field of earthquake engineering, but she hasn’t ruled out a PhD in the future. “In the field of earthquake engineering, research conducted by engineers can be applied in creating tools that help prevent the disastrous outcomes of natural forces, as well as assist society in making a quick recovery if such an event takes place,” Atymtayeva said. “After witnessing the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes in Haiti and Japan, I feel that by being a part of a research team, I can help make a difference in the prevention of catastrophic outcomes.” ■

“You’ll be on your way up! You’ll be seeing great sights! You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.”

– Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

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CYNTHIA SIMMONS ’82

Where Are They Now? Elizabeth and Mick Lyon:

For Better or Worse, In Sickness and in Health On April 13 the University of Evansville women’s soccer team alumni honored former head coach Mick Lyon ’89 and his wife, Elizabeth ’97, at an event at Evansville Country Club. A large crowd turned out to celebrate the Lyons’s contributions to UE and soccer. While playing for UE, Mick earned Most Valuable Player honors and was named Midwestern Collegiate Conference Player of the Year and All-American. In 1993, he became the University’s first head women’s soccer coach, taking his team to four MVC regular-season titles and five MVC Tournament championships. In 2003, he was inducted into the UE Hall of Fame. The celebration also marked Mick’s retirement as Indiana University’s women’s soccer coach and served as a muscular dystrophy fund-raiser, a cause important to Mick and Elizabeth – both of whom have been diagnosed with the disease. “I’m humbled by the outpouring of support – but not surprised,” said Mick. “It’s just how things are here.” UE has been part of Mick’s and Elizabeth’s life for almost 30 years. They met at the University and both worked and earned degrees there. “To this day,” said Elizabeth, “when we talk about home or our closest friends, we think about the University.” So it is understandable that it was hard for them to leave when Mick accepted an offer to coach women’s soccer at IU. At the time Elizabeth was part of UE’s recruitment and admission strategy team. “It was my dream job,” she recalled. Luckily, she said, she found another. Elizabeth is now coordinator of international student services at Ivy Tech Community College in Bloomington.

Retirement has given Mick time to spend with his goddaughter Audrey Vonderahe and her family. He coaches a youth soccer league team. He also works with PALS (People and Animal Learning Services), which provides equestrian therapy for children with emotional, psychological, and physical challenges. Mick is trained to be a guide and assist clients during walking therapy sessions. In 2005, Elizabeth was selected to be a National Ambassador on the MS front. “I speak to MS patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, offering hope and inspiration. I’ve done video and TV work.” The Lyons love their busy life in Bloomington, where they live with their English bulldogs Vivian and Tallulah, but they emphasize they still feel part of the UE family. Working at and graduating from UE, said Elizabeth, changed their lives. They will “bleed purple forever.” In fact, Elizabeth said she is excited that a colleague of hers is sending his daughter to UE this fall to study either physical therapy or athletic training – due in part to Elizabeth’s praise of the University. As she said, it’s as if she never quit working for UE admissions. If you would like to get in touch with Mick and Elizabeth or find out more about the service work they do for MS and for PALS, they’d love to hear from you. You can e-mail them at: elruns@ comcast.net or 44micklyon@gmail.com. ■

To see another story about the positive way the Lyons are facing this challenge head-on, go to

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BOB PRISTASH

Scoring Meaningful Careers

ACES IN ACTION

There are a variety of things that make the college experience special – learning in the classroom, workplace experience through internships and jobs, and involvement as a student-athlete. Few students, however, have the time and determination to experience all three, but a pair of Purple Aces basketball players have done just that, and now have bright careers ahead as a result. While women’s basketball player Taylor Ware ’13 and men’s player Andy Chinn ’13 both have basketball in common, they also agree they each have received a great education at UE, which includes real-life work experience. Ware is a mechanical engineering major, and Chinn earned his degree in elementary education. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Ware began assisting her sophomore year with an engineering camp called OPTIONS for Middle School Girls. From there, she spent the summer of 2012 as an intern at Berry Plastics. “My experience at Berry was great,” Ware said. “There were several areas where I was able to get experience in organizing patents, testing new types of plastics, and other group work and presentations.” It is challenging for a student-athlete to be able to juggle the rigors of his or her sport with the responsibilities of a major as demanding as mechanical engineering, and Ware is proud to have been able to accomplish it. “It has been tough, especially during the season,” Ware said. “I had to work on my organization and time management in order to make things work, and it has really been a success. I was determined to be successful at everything from the start.” Her ability to succeed is shown in her prowess on the court as well as in class. Ware played in all 30 games as a senior for the Purple Aces while posting an average of 5.1 points per game.

UE Sports Briefs Dig This: New Volleyball Coach Manolo Concepción has returned to UE as the head volleyball coach. He first came to Evansville in early 2008, when he became an assistant, helping lead the Aces to their last Missouri Valley Conference Tournament appearance. He most recently worked in several capacities in volleyball in Puerto Rico. Since 2011, Concepción served as the president of Sports Consultants Network LLC, a company he co-founded that works with athletes in several sports and is regarded as the top consulting agency of its kind in Puerto Rico. Their services have helped get athletes over $5.5 million in scholarships. Along with that work, Concepción served as the assistant coach and defensive coordinator with the Guaynabo Mets of the Superior League in Puerto Rico, regarded as one of the top 10 leagues in the world. Before that, he was the head coach at Western Carolina for two seasons. Concepción played collegiate and professional volleyball. He holds a BA and MBA from Ashford University in San Diego, California.

A Place to Call Home The new Charlie Braun Family Golf Facility, located inside of the Armory on the northwest side of campus, was dedicated in mid-April. “Today is a great day for our golf program,” head coach Jim Hamilton said. “It is the first time we have had a home on campus … Many people worked so hard to make it a great facility and their generosity provided us with the funding for the project.” The facility is fully equipped with everything the student-athletes need in order to practice on a yearround basis, including indoor putting greens that are the same used by many of the top professional teaching centers in the country. It also contains a hi-tech computer that gives golfers a full swing analysis and locker rooms for both the men’s and women’s teams. Aces Participate in NCAA National Student-Athlete Day Four student-athletes participated in the fifth annual NCAA Membership and Student-Athlete Affairs Community and National Student-Athlete Day Celebration in Indianapolis. UE was represented by Jackie Carlson (women’s cross country), Khristian Hart

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Sometimes it takes a great deal of time and thought to figure out your calling in life. Other times it is in your blood. The latter is true for new alumnus Andy Chinn. A fan favorite of Aces basketball fans, Chinn is also a favorite in the classroom. The Tell City, Indiana, native comes from a family full of professional educators. “My father is the assistant superintendent in Tell City, my twin sisters both teach there, one brother-in-law teaches high school, while another is an assistant principal,” Chinn said. “With that said, I knew teaching was what I wanted to do.” Chinn has turned that desire into a career as he has worked during the spring semester as a student-teacher for a third grade class in Boonville. He had a little help from another family member: his cousin is the athletic director at Boonville High School and helped him get that opportunity. Chinn also keeps in touch with another teacher and assistant basketball coach Tim Long ’02, a fellow UE alumnus. “We have a lot in common,” Chinn said when asked about his friendship with Long. “Tim and I spend time talking about the expectations to succeed in school and athletics, and we have conversations comparing his experience with Coach Crews and mine with Coach Simmons.”

Following Christmas break, Chinn taught for up to four hours per day. At the completion of that time each day, he hustled back to campus for practice in order to honor his commitments to the UE basketball team. After the season ended, he began teaching full days. When he completed high school, Chinn had opportunities to attend other colleges where he could get more playing time, but when it came down to it, Chinn chose to walk on at UE. “I always had it in the back of my mind as a kid that I wanted to be a Purple Ace,” Chinn said. “This has been the best deci-

sion I have ever made – from the campus to the classes and the professors.” Chinn’s long-term goal is to be a basketball coach, and he hopes to get his foot in the door as soon as possible. He is looking at graduate school next year, while possibly helping out with UE basketball. Chinn says he is keeping all doors open and will make the decision that will most help him in the future. With student-athletes like Ware and Chinn finding ways to make such an impact on their teams, in the classroom, and in the community, it is easy to see how the experiences at UE are as individual as the students themselves. ■

Oh, the Places They’ll Go! (women’s basketball), David Howard (men’s basketball), and Rick Voyvodic (men’s golf ). The purpose of the day is to recognize the accomplishments of student-athletes in Indiana who have excelled academically, athletically, and in the community. Focusing on sportsmanship and teamwork, college student-athletes worked with Indianapolis area high school students on a community service effort called Project Linus, named for the Peanuts comic strip character known for carrying around a blanket. Project Linus donates blankets to children in need. The student-athletes also attended workshops to enhance personal and professional growth. Purple Aces Are Seeing Green The Purple Aces are practicing in a “green” building. The Fifth Third Bank Basketball Practice Facility has been awarded a LEED Silver certification. The 24,620 square foot addition includes coaches’ offices, reception areas, players’ lounges, and practice gyms. The project was designed by PCI Skanska to pursue a LEED Silver certification. This is the third LEED-certified building on campus. The

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Schroeder Family School of Business Administration Building and the Ridgway University Center were the first two LEED certified buildings in the area. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. For the newest certified building, PCI Skanska worked closely with the University to obtain many environmentally friendly features that resulted in such things as achieving a 77.6 percent water reduction and a 30 percent energy savings above the current Indiana Energy Code. Industrial Contractors Skanska built the facility, and during construction, 97 percent of the construction waste was diverted from the landfill. Materials made containing recycled materials totaled 31 percent of the cost. Regional mat erials from within 500 miles of the site equaled 49 percent of the cost. PCI Skanska also researched and secured utility rebates totaling over $20,000 from Vectren and Energizing Indiana. The rebates included energy efficient lighting (interior and exterior), lighting controls (occupancy sensors), energy efficient HVAC equipment, and a white “cool” roof. ■

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Dr. William L. Ridgway 1920-2013

Photo courtesy of Tucker Publishing

Before his death in March at the age of 92, Bill Ridgway had made a remarkable impact on the lives of thousands of students – from Evansville to England and back again – through generous gifts that gave the University of Evansville Ridgway University Center, Harlaxton College, and so much more. The impact he made after his death was even more stunning – leaving the University an unquestionably transformational gift of 39 million dollars, the largest single gift ever made to UE from an individual or corporation. The lifetime trustee and retired ophthalmologist now is the largest donor in UE’s 159-year history, with a total of $52.6 million given to the University. UE president Thomas A. Kazee shared the news of his final gift in front of Ridgway University Center one month after his March 8 death. “During his lifetime, he redefined the UE experience for students by supporting facilities such as the Ridgway University Center and Harlaxton College, and by making a UE education accessible and affordable for talented students,” said Kazee. “His vision and generosity were limitless, and through this remarkable gift, he will continue to make a profound impact on the University for generations to come.” “Dr. Ridgway’s gift is a terrific vote of confidence,” Kazee said. “This magnificent act of generosity tangibly reflects Dr. Ridgway’s commitment to UE and to our vision for the future. He knew that his substantial investment could lay the foundation for making an outstanding university an even more powerful force for transforming the lives of its students.” Ridgway’s lasting gift also takes UE’s endowment over $100 million. “This is a benchmark number for small, private universities,” said Jack Barner, UE vice president for development. “Dr. Ridgway understood that this gift puts us in a league that clearly demonstrates to the world UE’s quality and reputation.” The bulk of the gift, approximately $34 million, will be administered through a trust at Old National Bank that will provide an annual distribution of at least 5 percent of the funds. The University received an initial gift of $5 million that is being used in part to create the Ridgway Endowment for Faculty Excellence to support the efforts of UE’s talented teachers and scholars by providing funds for travel, research, curricular innovation, and more.

…

Bill Ridgway was born September 24, 1920 in Evansville. A Central High School graduate, he enjoyed a distinguished, 40-year career as an ophthalmologist in San Francisco, including active duty service with the US Navy, before retiring and returning to his native Evansville in 1989. Despite earning his degrees from Indiana University, Dr. Ridgway, who had attended then Evansville College, treated this university as his alma mater, making it his mission to ensure that all UE students receive the outstanding education that prepares them for success after graduation.

“Thanks to his generosity and leadership, students at the University of Evansville – the future leaders of our community – will reap the benefits of Dr. Ridgway’s work for generations to come.” – Thomas A. Kazee, University of Evansville president

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Bill Ridgway’s Impact from England to Evansville

y Alice Braybrook (center) with President Kazee and Mel Peterson at the press conference announcing Ridgway’s gift.

Entry in the Legacy Guest Book at Harlaxton College by Harlaxton principal Gordon Kingsley: All of us in the Harlaxton College Family pause on this winter/spring day to celebrate Dr. Ridgway, whose greatness of spirit and modesty of demeanor continue to teach us, to inspire us. He gave Harlaxton to Evansville, Evansville to Harlaxton, changing thousands of young lives for good. Excerpt from memories sent by Sarah Ormrod Wilson

(now Lady Sigurdsson Hardradi), Ridgway Scholar 1982-83

Among his many contributions is the William L. Ridgway Award – a financial award for Vanderburgh County students. In creating this award, Dr. Ridgway also ensured that these students would take time to give back to the community − each recipient must perform at least 10 hours of community service per semester. The two most visible impacts of his generosity are Ridgway University Center opened in November 2008, offering UE students a “campus living room” where they can gather, eat, study, and enjoy the student life component of their University experience. Dr. Ridgway joined the students for their first dinner in the new facility. The other is, of course, Harlaxton College in England. Thanks to Dr. Ridgway’s leadership, the University of Evansville now has one of the nation’s top study abroad programs. “His vision for international education led to the opportunity for students to live and study in a grand English manor house – a life-changing experience that is a core part of the University of Evansville’s identity,” said Gordon Kingsley, principal of Harlaxton College. Over the years, Dr. Ridgway consistently illustrated his belief in higher education as the pathway to a greater tomorrow. And, through his boundless generosity and his tireless work as a life member of the UE Board of Trustees, he inspired others to that vision. His direct involvement in UE’s Facing the Future, Widening the Circle, and U•E NVISION 2010 campaigns were integral in those projects’ success. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors of UE’s Harlaxton Society, received the University’s Medal of Honor, and was named an Honorary Alumnus. Dr. Ridgway is survived by longtime friend Melvin Peterson. His memorial service was held at Neu Chapel on March 18. ■

Just over 30 years ago, I came to Evansville as the first Ridgway Scholar. I had no idea what to expect of the University or my year. I found myself at 23 with speaking engagements to rooms full of students and rooms full of adults, including speaking one morning in Neu Chapel. I talked mostly about how much difference there was between being a student in England and being a student in Evansville, but it was a learning experience just to stand up and talk. I spent an amazing year, taking classes from brilliant teachers including Virginia Grabill, Les Miley, William Brown, Bruce Paternoster, John Haegert, Dudley Thomas, Sam Longmire, Mike Carson. I travelled around to schools and colleges in the area, and was adopted as a surrogate daughter by Suzy Lantz, with whom I have kept in close contact. I was spoilt by Isabella Fine, and pretty much the whole circle of trustees. And at the end of my year I travelled ten-and-a-half thousand miles on Amtrak out to the West coast, then out to the East coast, to Florida and Rhode Island. The highlight of my travels was my visit to stay with Bill Ridgway and Mel Peterson in Sonoma, California. These two wonderful people gave me the holiday of a lifetime, travelling around the wine country, walking around San Francisco, driving down to Monterey and Carmel.

…

His decision to set up the Ridgway Scholarship, to make the flow of students between Evansville and Lincolnshire a two-way journey, has had a life-changing effect on me and, I suspect, on the generations who came after me. Comments by Alice Braybrook

Ridgway Scholar 2012-13, at the news conference to announce Dr. Ridgway’s gift: I am from the town of Spalding about 30 minutes away from UE’s Harlaxton College in Grantham, England. I can personally tell you that Dr. Ridgway’s influence and generosity has had an impact on the lives of students for many years and from many parts of the globe. I am proud to be here today to say thank you on behalf of those many, many people. E-mail from Matthew Burnett

Ridgway Scholar 2008-09: I would like to send my condolences for the loss of Dr. Ridgway and extend my thanks for the effect he has had on my life. Dr. Ridgway’s generous gift gave me the opportunity to study an amazing breadth of subjects and make some life-long friends I very much cherish today.

Thanks, Bill!

me.”

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CLASS NOTES

CONNECTIONS

ALUMNI CONNECTIONS 1950s

firm with offices in Evansville, Ind., and Indianapolis, Ind.

1956

Lt. Gen. John B. Conaway ’56 served as the chief of the National Guard Bureau in the early ’90s, but since that time, he has undertaken a project that has turned around the lives of thousands of at-risk youth across the country. While he was at the National Guard Bureau, he helped initiate the Youth ChalleNGe Program – a second chance program for high school dropouts. This program started in 1993 as a pilot program. Since then, it has grown to 34 programs that have helped nearly 115,000 troubled teens find a way back to graduation. For the past 20 years, Conaway has worked with state officials to expand the program to serve more youth in need of a second chance. He has truly been a leading visionary for this program. He also helped form the nonprofit arm of the ChalleNGe Program – the National Guard Youth Foundation – to raise scholarship funds for ChalleNGe graduates. Photo: Conaway and Youth ChalleNGe Program cadets at 2011 gala.

Robert Walker ’76 works for IPC The Hospitalist Company. His role is practice group leader at Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol, Tenn. He and wife Martha (Mumford) ’82 have a son, William Paul (28), and a daughter, Meredith Allison (25), who gave the Walkers their first grandchild, Layla Belle Denton, on December 1, 2012. 1977

1970s 1971

Pamela (Lindsey) Ruster ’71 was appointed secretary and treasurer for the board of directors by the Employee Assistance Professionals Association at the 2012 World EAP Conference in Baltimore, Md. She is president and CEO of Supportive Systems LLC in Indianapolis, Ind. 1974

Parvin Price ’74 presented “Changes for Your Water Utility – Like It or Not” at the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water’s spring conference held

in Bloomington in March. Before joining Bose McKinney & Evans, Parvin served as Indiana’s utility consumer counselor (1981-1985) and as a deputy attorney general (1977-1981). He currently chairs the firm’s Utility Group and is a member of the Governmental Services Group. He regularly represents investor owned, cooperatively owned, or municipally owned utilities, as well as industrial or wholesale customers before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, trial courts, and appellate courts. He also advises organizing groups on the creation of new operating entities interested in providing utility services in Indiana. Since focusing his practice on utility related issues, Parvin has received the Bud Dale Award, Sagamore of

the Wabash, recognition in The Best Lawyers in America® 2007-2013, and a concurrent resolution of the Indiana General Assembly. 1976

Cheryl (Essary) Kerzan ’76 has retired as a buyer for the City of Indianapolis. She and her husband Steve have relocated to her hometown of Mount Vernon, Ind. Steve Martin ’76 has been elected vice president of the Indiana Commercial Board of Realtors for 2013. Steve serves as president and CEO of The Martin Group, a development and management firm; and Sperry Van Ness/Martin Commercial Group, a commercial brokerage

Charles Ayers ’77 recently earned a Doctor of Education from Argosy University in Atlanta. He retired from the United States Air Force in 1998 as a Lt. Colonel and has been an AFJROTC instructor at Burns High School in Lawndale, N.C., for five years. He and his wife Janey reside in Charlotte, N.C.

Save the Date BE PROUD AND WEAR PURPLE HOMECOMING 2013 REUNION WEEKEND

November 1-3 UE

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ALUMNI PROFILE

Carol Diane (Hooper) ’69 and Stephen ’69 Thompson Majors at UE: Diane – Nursing; Steve – Business Hometown: Evansville, Indiana Current Residence: Plano, Texas Current Occupation: Diane – Nurse auditor for Adreima Steve – Chair, Center for Global Ministries; CEO, Willowbend Corporation Career Highlights: For the last 27 years, Steve has been running his own software development and data licensing company. Diane has moved from clinical nursing practice to working as a nurse auditor for a major medical records auditing corporation. Our free time is spent travelling internationally for the Center for Global Ministries, a non-profit organization that works with local pastors and Christian workers to establish home Bible study groups in countries around the world. Over 12,000 people are involved in these home groups in Israel, China, India, and the Philippines. Family/UE Connections: Steve’s father, Garland, attended Evansville College in 1942. Steve’s brother, Michael, graduated from Evansville College in 1964. UE Alumni Activities: Steve − Past Alumni Board member; Steve and Diane − LEAGUE volunteers at high school college nights Favorite UE Memory: Basketball games, of course!

Tim Swindle ’77 was named director of the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory (LPL) at the University of Arizona (UA). UA is ranked first among the world’s universities in publications about planetary exploration in the last decade, and LPL is currently building an $800 million NASA mission to return a sample of an asteroid. 1978

David M. Pollock ’78 is the president-elect of the American Physiological Society (APS), the nation’s premier organization for fostering scientific research, dissemination, and education about physiology.

David is professor and chief of the Section of Experimental Medicine in the Department of Medicine at Georgia Regents University. He assumed his new duties at the APS Annual Meeting in Boston in April. David is a renal physiologist whose work focuses on the interplay between the kidney and high blood pressure. He describes the impact of this work in a video at bit.ly/yH5wTK.

Chris previously served as founder, president, and CEO of Performance Matters Associates of Dallas, Tex., a wholly owned subsidiary of CNO Financial, formerly Conseco Inc., and also as the president of the business marketing division of Capitol American Life Insurance Company of Cleveland, Ohio.

Chris Weaver ’78 will direct and lead operations as founder, president, and CEO at the recently formed Charleston, S.C., based company Queen Street America LLC (QSA).

1980

1980s Ed Brown ’80 of West Des Moines, Iowa, was recognized as the recipient of the American Heart Association Judy Willis Volunteerism Award for

2013. This is given to a community leader who has made significant contribution of his time and talents to support the education, prevention, and research of heart disease and stroke. He and fellow alumnus, Brad Piland ’85, have been awarded the Conservationists of the Year by the Southern Illinois Soil and Water Conservation District. The award was given in recognition of their terracing and tiling on their family farm near Coralville, Ill., and its positive environmental impact. Ed has served on UE’s Alumni Board of Directors for four years and will be joining the Board of Trustees this fall.

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Save the Date July 26 - August 2

Harlaxton Alumni Trip

July 30

Indianapolis Indians Alumni Outing

1981

Joe Fiorentino ’81 received the 2013 Ellis Island Medal of Honor on May 11 on historic Ellis Island. Each year the award is given to celebrate the achievements of individuals who truly inspire and touch the lives of people worldwide. Approximately 100 are honored each year. Among past medalists are six US presidents; Nobel Prize winners; and leaders of industry, the arts, educators, sports, and government. For more information, go to youtu.be/zN4NUW_mm4.

John David ’64 and Kathy ’76, M’79 Lutz, along with UE president emeritus Steve Jennings H’07 and his wife Sally visit backstage at Lucky Guy with cast members Tom Hanks and Deirdre Lovejoy ’84. The Lutzes and Jennings were in the audience May 11 for the TONY AWARD® nominated show.

a retired police sergeant from the Evansville Police Department. He also served with the US Air Force in a military police unit in Germany during the Cold War. He and his wife Mary live in Wadesville, Ind. Timothy would love to hear from former classmates and friends at copsforchrist@gmail.com.

1983

Leslie (Oman) Oberhausen ’83 has been working as a professional stage manager in the Louisville area since earning her BS in theatre at UE, including Actors Theatre of Louisville, Stage One, Music Theatre of Louisville, the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, and Derby Dinner Playhouse. Currently, she is in her seventh season as the stage manager for the Louisville Ballet. For the past five years, she has also taught stage management classes at the University of Louisville. She and Joe Oberhausen have been married 26 years with one son, Andrew, who is at Vincennes University majoring in conservation law.

practice. Kay co-founded the Parenting Time Center in Evansville along with alumna Kathryn L. KornblumZelle ’96. Kay accepted a position with Legal Aid of Northwest Texas as managing attorney for the Amarillo office. Kay has supported Harlaxton College for many years and has served on the Harlaxton Society Board of Directors.

Wynona Bice-Stephens ’83 is currently serving as the Regional Telehealth Clinical Advisor for the Pacific Regional Medical Command in Honolulu, Hawaii. 1985

Kay Pechin ’85 earned her law degree in 1994 and began her career as staff attorney for Legal Action of Wisconsin. Kay has practiced primarily family law for the last several years in public service and in private

Backstage on Broadway

Timothy Reed M’85 has a new book Wings Held Up by Hope: An Odyssey of the Heart available online and at all major book outlets. He is

Carrie taught together on the same 6th grade middle school team, collaborating and sharing students for many years. Currently, Carrie teaches 6th grade English/language arts and outdoor school at Parkway Northeast Middle School. Shannon is library media specialist at Parkway Southwest Middle School. In 2012, both were awarded the Teacher of the Year at their respective middle schools in the Parkway School District. 1986

Carrie (Gray) Shaughnessy ’85 (R) and Shannon (Cook) Burger ’90 (L) were former colleagues, teaching together at Parkway Central Middle School (Chesterfield, Mo.) from 1999 to 2006. Upon meeting they were not aware of their UE connection, but quickly realized in initial conversations they were both Purple Aces and Alpha Omicron Pi sorority sisters! Although their time at UE did not overlap, many of their friends and experiences did. Shannon and

Kari Huseth ’86 is a physical therapist at Fysio Forum, Kungsbaca, Sweden. She is a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg. Gail (Groening) Lowry ’86 is now the vice president of development and alumni relations at Franklin College. She served over 22 years as US senator Richard G. Lugar’s executive director, campaign manager, and fund-raising director. She also served as finance director during senator Dan Coats’s 1992 campaign and taught high school social studies

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in Virginia. Gail is a board member with the Catholic Youth Organization and Camp Rancho Framasa. She played volleyball in college and previously served as volleyball coordinator and coach for the Immaculate Heart of Mary CYO. 1988

Scott Haffner ’88 was inducted into the Indiana High School Basketball Hall of Fame in March 2013. Scott led Noblesville to an undefeated regular season in 1984 while averaging 28 points per game, set a University of Evansville single-game record with 65 points, and was drafted into the NBA.

director for the past several years. Previously, he worked for Democratic senators Barbara Boxer of California, and Dick Durbin of Illinois and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (DIllinois) before moving in 2007 to Pelosi’s office. He has played a critical role in shaping the Democrats’ message, since the party lost the majority. He led the office in developing its social media strategy, and he sees technology as a crucial part of staying ahead of the messaging curve. Nadeam’s path to overseeing the office of one of the highest-ranking Democrats in the country is not typical. He learned everything on the job. He followed his future wife Stacey ’91 to Washington after the two graduated from the UE. With little experience, he found it difficult to get a full-time position on the Hill, so he spent a year and a half sorting and delivering letters while simultaneously interning for his hometown congressman, former Democratic Rep. Bob Clement of Nashville, Tenn. After sending out dozens of résumés with no luck, Boxer gave him his first full-time job in an office, working in her mailroom. Read more: politi.co/12cX8SC.

1990s 1991

1992

Pamela Clark ’92 has accepted the position of director of student services and admissions at Indiana University School of Philanthropy. 1994

Andrew Reinhard ’94 participated in the “100 Miles of Wild: North Dakota Badlands Transect” expedition from April 22-May 3. He was part of a scientific team that explored western North Dakota to gauge environmental impact on the wilderness in light of the current oil boom. Andrew double-majored in archaeology and writing at UE and currently works as director of publications at the American School of Classical Studies at Athens. 1995

Nadeam Elshami ’91 started working on Capitol Hill 21 years ago in the Senate mailroom. Now, he is the chief of staff to House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of California after serving as her communications

Lt. Col. Michael E. Schutte USMC ’91 will assume duties as commanding officer, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion Marine Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., in July. He will command one of three battalions at Parris Island responsible for training all new male Marine Corps recruits east of the Mississippi River. He and Kristen (Loge) Schutte ’91 will transfer to Parris Island this month.

Nazarene University in Nashville, Tenn. She is the director of TRiO Student Support Services at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn. She and her husband Jerry have two children: Matthew (14) and Alaina (8).

Starla West ’95 was honored during the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Indy Awards Luncheon and exhibition with the Avatar of the Year Award that “honors one dynamic, up-andcoming NAWBO-Indianapolis member who has demonstrated creativity and innovation, with a positive, inspiring avatar (definition of avatar: an embodiment or personification, as of a principle, attitude, or view of life).” This photo shows her with the presenter and with then Lt. Governor Becky Skillman. Starla encouraged UE to participate in the exhibition. The Indianapolis, Ind., chapter of NAWBO (a voice for more than 10 million womenowned businesses nationally) is the second largest in the country. UE was the only university to have an exhibit at the event. Thanks to Starla for promoting UE at her own awards ceremony. 1997

Marissa (Arboe) Chandler ’95 earned a doctorate in educational leadership and professional practice in May 2012 from Trevecca

David Cunningham ’97, assistant professor of art at Franklin College, was one of the featured artists at the

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Save the Date August 22

Evansville Otters Alumni Outing

September 21

President’s Club Block Party

September 27 - 29

2000s 2000

Family Weekend

Head Agent

Hoosier Salon’s “Exploring the Natural” exhibit, March 8 through April 27, at the Broad Ripple Gallery in Indianapolis, Ind. Cunningham had 10 paintings in the exhibit. One painting, “Meditation on the Infinite,” features an assortment of stones, displaying beauty in supposedly ordinary objects. David says painting has become a very spiritual experience for him, and he enjoys creating pieces that show a connection between color, texture, and shape. He earned his master’s degree in fine arts from Indiana University. His work has been featured in galleries in Indiana, Kentucky, and New York. He now teaches classes about drawing, painting, ceramics, and color and design.

Buffalo News

Stephen Hawkes

steps of Western New York. Footsteps has raised more than $20,000 to help pay for devices, equipment, and therapy for those with cerebral palsy so they might gain or regain mobility. Read more from the Buffalo News: tinyurl.com/ogztxts. 1998

Selena (Trapp) Nolan ’00 and her husband Rory welcomed their first child in August 2012, Ryker Leland Nolan.

Chiyona Bourne ’00 was appointed to Memorial United Methodist Church in Terre Haute, Ind., to serve as associate pastor. Christopher Cecil ’00 received a graduate certificate in computer forensics from the University of Central Florida in December 2012. Anna Selby ’00 was named partner at Armstrong Teasdale, St. Louis, Mo. A member of the firm’s litiga-

Kim Gentry ’97 and brother Chad Gentry ’03 won the Best Group/Duo in the 9th Annual International Acoustic Music Awards www.inacoustic.com/winners.html. IAMA honors singer-songwriters, bands, groups, musicians, not just songwriters. Entrants are judged based on music performance, songwriting/composition, music productions, and originality. Kim and Chad’s group is Berteal and the song that won was “How I Wanna Be.” Marty Gregoire ’97 runs nearly one 5K per month with the proceeds going to a person with cerebral palsy. He not only works in social media and marketing for Orville’s Appliances, but also, with help of friends and family members, incorporated a non-profit organization named Foot-

Len Devaisher ’98, his wife Laura, and their children have returned to Evansville after living in Africa since 2010. Len was serving as Young Life’s chief operating officer in Africa. He has accepted the position of senior vice president, business partner at Old National Bank in Evansville.

Beth Wahler ’98 graduated in May 2012 with her PhD in social work from the University of Kentucky. She recently located to Granger, Ind., where she is an assistant professor in the Indiana School of Social Work on the South Bend campus of Indiana University.

Benjamin Vogt ’99 recently had his poetry collection, Afterimage, published. His essays have appeared in Creative Nonfiction, ISLE, Prime Number, and The Sun. He is a board member for a regional prairie conservation society, and speaks on native wildlife throughout the Plains. His native plant garden has been featured in Fine Gardening (tinyurl.com/vogt garden)and was a best of 2012 choice by Apartment Therapy. Visit him at bevogt.com.

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ALUMNUS PROFILE

Matt Amick ’00 Major at UE: Business Administration Hometown: Scottsburg, Indiana Current Residence: Orlando, Florida Current Occupation: Operations Manager, Experience Development, Walt Disney World Career Highlights: I am currently responsible for leading teams in Florida (Walt Disney World) and California (Disneyland) that are responsible for ensuring timely and accurate information in “My Disney Experience” (Disney’s new mobile application developed to assist guests with managing all aspects of their vacation − from planning their vacation to navigating our parks and resorts). I was awarded a Walt Disney Company Legacy Award, which is the highest honor bestowed to a Disney cast member. I began my career with Disney as an intern (while at UE) on the Walt Disney College Program and over the years have moved into progressive leadership roles in park operations across our four parks and experience development. Family/UE Connections: Married to Kim Amick (also works at Disney) with a one-year-old daughter, Abby. UE Alumni Activities: I am currently mentoring multiple students who are also looking to work for Disney. Favorite UE Memory: Becoming a member of SigEp and being “passed over” on Bid Night. Also being selected to be an Orientation Leader and having the opportunity to be part of such an amazing group of individuals was truly a once in a lifetime experience.

tion practice group, she advises and defends health care providers in high profile matters involving complex medical malpractice allegations and multimillion dollar claims. She also handles cases involving alleged HIPAA violations. Admitted to practice in Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, and the District of Columbia, she earned her JD and Health Law Certificate from Saint Louis University School of Law. 2001

2002

Clay Havill ’02 and wife Brooke welcomed Camille Anne Havill on October 4, 2012, at 2:28 p.m. weighing 7 pounds 1 ounce and measuring 20 inches long. Cohen and Norah are the big brother and big sister.

Elizabeth Gross ’01 and her husband, Nick Graham, are happy to announce the birth of their son, Jackson Eli, born October 9, 2011. Michelle Keefe ’01 earned a Master of Science in organizational performance from Bellevue University.

Charles ’02 and Natalie (Heldt) ’04 Hedde are the proud parents of Charles Clark Hedde III. He was born on Monday, November 19 at

9:54 p.m. weighing 8 pounds and 14 ounces, and 22 ¼ inches long. Paula Heldt ’08, M’10, academic services coordinator at UE, is excited about the birth of her first grandchild. With Chuck a varsity basketball player and Natalie a varsity softball player, little Clark is sure to be a future Purple Ace! Bettye Poole ’02, M’04, homeless liaison with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, has accepted the assignment as the board of directors national conference co-chair with the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY). Prior to this assignment, Bettye served on the board of directors as an at-large member, representing the state of Indiana. Her assignment this year will be to job shadow the retiring NAEHCY conference chair in Atlanta, Ga. She will officially take the reins in 2014 for the conference, which will be held in Kansas City, Mo. She was also nominated for Leadership Evansville’s 18th annual Celebration of Leadership Award in the individual division in the Health/Social Service category. The event recognizes servant leaders in the region.

2003

Susan (Pettit) ’03 and Bart ’04 Miller are happy to announce the birth of their third child Leo Vianney born October 26, 2012. 2006

Samantha (Goldsmith) ’06 married Justin Bandy on August 31, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nev. They recently celebrated the birth of their son Avery Scott on January 28, 2013, in Indianapolis, Ind.

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ALUMNA PROFILE

Jodi Reesman ’01 Major at UE: Mass Communication Hometown: Fort Wayne, Indiana Current Residence: Denver, Colorado Current Occupation: International Educator, currently holding dual roles: Manager of Degree Programs, GlobaLinks Learning Abroad ■ Director of Scholarships, the Foundation for Global Scholars ■

Career Highlights: Daily I write to and speak with students across the US and Canada, as well as collaborate and negotiate with overseas university personnel. I find creating and cultivating these individual relationships most fulfilling in my work. I have led groups of students through the first-of-its-kind program introduction in Australia, witnessing students’ responses to snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef and cuddling a koala. In 2010 I was handpicked to participate in and contribute to a week-long intensive leadership program at the University of Melbourne where I conducted an abbreviated case study, concluding in a formal recommendation and presentation to staff and faculty. The following year, I conducted a meeting of potential university partners at international education’s annual national conference, NAFSA. There I received the confirmation of commitment by all present institutions to become the inaugural UK degrees overseas partners of GlobaLinks Learning Abroad. At the core of each of these special projects and professional development opportunities has been deliberate, fitting, and proactive communication and relationship building. UE Activities: Last year, I was flattered to engage with future Purple Aces. I met with and interviewed local Colorado high school students. I spoke about what makes the UE community special and the UE difference. I listened to the dreams of these young people, learning what they hoped their college experience would be like. I was especially delighted to hear many speak of an overseas opportunity. They noted that this was a top reason for choosing UE. This too was one of my top reasons for selecting UE when I was making the college decision years ago. And it made all the difference! Favorite UE Memory: It was an easy decision, relatively speaking, to choose a small Indiana university close to home. It was a comfortable decision anyway. Choosing to study abroad, particularly via a provider and at a destination that was not Harlaxton College, however was not. This was outside my comfort zone, but I was highly encouraged and supported by Suzy Lantz within the international office. I further knew this uncomfortable step was necessary to maximize my overseas education experience. After all, I had studied with fellow classmates in Germany while still a high school student. I was not a novice when it came to international travel, but still had my doubts. And it certainly was not easy. Upon arrival in Australia, I learned that my host university had not approved any of my pre-selected classes. Rectifying the roadblock could have been a nightmare. It was not. Through e-mail correspondence – a comparatively new means of instant communication at the time – Suzy assured me that whatever classes I deemed appropriate and for which I could enroll, would transfer back to UE. She and the registrar would ensure this. This was the moment that affirmed for me that not only was UE the easy and comfortable choice, but that it was the right choice. I anticipated a career as a copywriter, but this memory became a catalyst, along with other serendipitous events, for the career I have forged as an international educator.

human tissues and study molecular toxicology of various chemical agents.

Drew Landry ’06 was hired by South Plains College (Levelland, Tex.) as a full-time (tenure track position) instructor of government in August 2012. Crystal (Harmon) Randall ’06 finished her master’s degree at the University of Illinois. In April of 2012, she and her husband Jason welcomed twins, a boy and a girl named William and Claire. She defended her dissertation in

December 2012 and moved to Baltimore to start her postdoctorate in June. She will be working as a National Research Council post doctorate fellow at the Edgewood Chemical and Biological Center. It is a US Army research lab that is part of the Aberdeen Proving Ground military installation. The lab uses human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to generate

on top of a small mountain with Kyrgyzstan’s famous lake Issyk-Kul in the background. His next career (ad)venture is as a job program manager for an education nonprofit in Washington, DC.

S Denis Illige-Saucier ’06 recently returned from Peace Corp service in Kyrgystan. Denis is pictured above

Elissa Shetler ’06 has joined Rudolph, Fine, Porter & Johnson LLP as an associate attorney in the

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Thank you,UE Volunteers

Connected Relationships that last a lifetime.

A big thank you to those who volunteer to assist with University of Evansville programs and events.

corporate department and also a title examiner of the firm’s wholly owned subsidiary, Lockyear Title LLC. She previously served as an administrative law judge with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. Elissa was admitted to practice law in Indiana in 2009 after earning her Juris Doctor from Indiana University − Indianapolis. Her areas of practice for the law firm include real estate law, title insurance, corporate law, probate, and estate planning. For Lockyear Title, she performs title work, escrow, and closing services. 2007

Ashley (Lippert) ’07 and husband Frank Vincent Casano welcomed their son Frank Vincent on November 1, 2012, at 7:15 a.m. Patti Lippert ’05, M’08, UE’s assistant to the president for external affairs is a proud grandmother.

www.evansville.edu/alumni/stayingInTouch.cfm.

summer), she will be able to apply for full licensure in the state of Missouri and become an licensed professional counselor (LPC). She hopes to be accepted in a clinical psychology doctoral program in the St. Louis area.

Sherry (Voyles) ’07 married Ryan Closterman on November 19, 2011, in Mission, Kans. Andrew Lukas was born on August 24, 2012. He weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces, and was 19½ inches long. Jessica Mathews ’07 earned three master’s degrees simultaneously at Lipscomb University in December 2010. Her degrees include: MA in conflict management, MS in psychology, and MS in professional counseling. Currently, she is a selfemployed contracted employee. Her contracts and referrals come from Midwest Counseling and Consulting LLC. She does in-home counseling for foster and adopted children and their families (both biological and foster/adoptive). Almost all of her clients come from the Children’s Division. She is a provisionally licensed professional counselor (PLPC) which means that after she finishes her required client hours (estimated completion this

Stay Connected

through Class Notes

dents about careers in costuming in television, on February 16, 2013. Joshua is the assistant costume designer on HBO’s hit show Girls, along with Steven Manuel ’09 who serves as costume coordinator. Drea worked for two seasons as a draper/ tailor on HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, and she is now joining the costume department of Girls.

Chris Berneking Photography

For the page listing volunteers, go to the online version of UE Magazine at

Liz (Lewis) Riffert ’07 and husband Charles welcomed the birth of their first child on July 5, 2012. James Paul entered the world at 6:18 a.m. and was 9 pounds, 10 ounces, and 21½ inches long. Brent ’07 and Jaclyn (Foote) ’08 Schmitt were married on November 3, 2012, in Evansville. They live in Evansville and both work in Vincennes for the Indiana Department of Transportation. Brent serves as the District Testing Engineer, while Jaclyn serves as the Consultant Services Engineer and as a Project Manager. Two other UE graduates were in the wedding party: Lilly (Alsman) Roettgen ’08 and Emily Budd ’08. Drea Tartaglia ’07 and Joshua Marsh ’08 spoke to UE theatre stu-

Submit information: Online at www.evansville.edu/alumni/keepingintouch E-mail to alumni@evansville.edu Postal mail to University of Evansville • Office of Alumni and Parent Relations

1800 Lincoln Avenue • Evansville, Indiana 47722

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Save the Date October 10, 12, 13 November 1 - 3

Gregory Gregory Days in Evansville, Indianapolis, and Chicago

November 27, 2012. Pictured is big brother Theron holding his new baby brother.

Homecoming 2013 Reunion Weekend

2008

infrastructure, and his wife, Courtney, announce the birth of a son, Noah Robert. Noah was born on March 6 at 1:29 p.m. and weighed 8 pounds, 14 ounces, and was 21 inches long.

Rob Birkle ’08, UE’s Office of Technology Services manager of

Victor Gomez ’08 is an accountant for Lafise, an international bank. He completed an MBA at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Fla.

UE and YOU

Jessica (Major) Lawrence ’08 and her husband Alex welcomed their first child, Eowyn Jean, on December 19, 2011. Jessica continues to teach kindergarten students with autism for the Longview School District and earned National Board Certification as an Exceptional Needs Specialist in 2010.

Kirsten Pickering ’09 graduated from University of Mississippi School of Law in May. While in law school, she had the opportunity to work in the Child Advocacy Clinic and at the DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office. She will be taking the Georgia bar at the end of July and will move there in the fall. She hopes to find a job in either bankruptcy law or criminal law.

2009

Abigail (Miley) Werling M’09 and husband, Robert, are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Grant Robert, born December 5 at 10:41 p.m. Grant weighed 9 pounds and 1.6 ounces and was 21 inches long.

2010s Digging School Spirit Michael Koletsos spent a summer in the Archaeological Field School at Nemea, Greece, with the University of California, Berkeley. Here he is sporting his UE archaeology shirt at the Roman period amphitheatre on the southwest slope of the Acropolis in Athens. After graduation in May 2012, Michael joined the Jezreel Expedition, UE’s co-sponsored project in Israel with the Zinman Institute of Archaeology, to prepare for future excavations at the site. This summer he is participating in the excavations at Jezreel and will then move to Tucson, Arizona, to begin his MA in classical archaeology.

Ryan ’09 and Lauren (Feldmann) ’10 Berg were married September 29, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo. Ryan is a Lead Business Analyst for an IT/ logistics company and Lauren is a tutoring coach for Nurturing Wisdom Tutoring. The couple resides in Itasca, Ill.

We want to see where you have been showing off your Purple Pride. E-mail a photo of you in your UE gear, and you could find yourself on the pages of UE Magazine or online. Send photos to uemagazine@evansville.edu.

Joanna Hill ’09 and husband Jon are proud to announce the birth of their second son, Calloway, born

2011

Ava Schwalb ’11 graduated from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business with a master’s degree in accounting in May 2012.

Brooke Robinson ’11, director of ticketing at UE, became engaged to Ryan Mickens on February 9, 2013, and will be married on September 21, 2013.

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ALUMNA PROFILE Tajee Wathen ’11 accepted the position of revenue recovery manager with Health Management Associates Inc. The company has more than 70 facilities in 15 states. Her team services all 70+ facilities.

Bettye Poindexter Poole ’02, M’04 Major at UE: Bachelor of Liberal Studies and Master of Science in public service administration Hometown: Hopkinsville, Kentucky Current Residence: Evansville, Indiana Current Occupation: Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation Homeless Liaison Career Highlights: Retired from Bristol Myers Squibb in 2007, then took a job with EVSC in 2008; Served as president of the Black Women’s Task Force Organization of Evansville, and vice president of Dollars for Scholars – Scholarship America Organization; Serving on the Board of Directors for Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare Inc.; Serving on the board of the annual Family Day in the Park event.

Aaron Paul Wilson ’11 moved to China one week after graduation to encourage further development of the Chinese culture. Since then, he was appointed director at a children’s foreign language school, Best Learning English in Shenyang, China. He is over two schools and in charge of all academics and foreign teachers that come to the centers. He plans to continue his work until the end of 2013 and then consider getting his master’s. Currently, his spoken Mandarin is quite good, and he hopes to become fluent. 2012

Currently serving as: Executive board member for the UE African American Alumni Association; Regional Coordinator for the UE African American Alumni Association; President of the Board of Directors for Boom Squad Inc.; Board of Directors for the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY); Chair for the Homeless Prevention Coalition Childcare Committee; Committee member of the Homeless Services Council of Southwestern Indiana; Committee member of the Commission on Homelessness – Mayor’s Office; Member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Family/UE Connections: I am a dedicated wife, mom, and nana. I am married to Ewell Poole and have three daughters − Stephanie Shamell, Toyia Robinson, and Chelse’ Poole. I have seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. UE Activities: I have been elected vice president of the University of Evansville African American Alumni Association. I am quite active in UEAAA events including homecoming celebration, annual Zerah Priestly Carter Scholarship Luncheon, Founders Day luncheon, incoming students welcome reception, and UE Black Student Union support. Favorite UE Memory: While earning my master’s, I met some dynamic classmates. During our school travels, we experienced some very interesting and fun-filled times. We now continue to keep in touch, quite often reminiscing about our life at UE. It was great!

Music and Medicine’s newest book, Music and Medicine: Integrative Models in the Treatment of Pain. This summer, Fatima will sit for the national examination administrated by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) and in the fall will continue her education at the University of Kansas for a master’s degree in music education with an emphasis in music therapy.

Tsz-Hei Fatima Chan ’12 completed a music therapy internship at Beth Israel Medical Center for the Louis & Lucille Armstrong Music Therapy Program, Manhattan, N.Y. In addition to clinical training, she assisted the clinical director/editor with preparation for publication of the Louis Armstrong Center for

Erika ’12 and Ryan ’13 Creswell welcomed Everleigh Anne into the world on November 26, 2012, at 1:34 p.m. She was born weighing 7 pounds, 2 ounces, and measuring 21 inches. Everleigh is bright and alert, and Erika can tell that she will definitely be a Purple Ace someday just like her mom and dad!

Michael Crowe ’12 accepted the position of community resource specialist for Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare in July 2012. He works for Youth Day Treatment where he works with children with emotional and behavioral problems. Michael is pictured above with Chastity (Bailey) Robinson ’11, community resource specialist for Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare.

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Cincinnati Alliance for Healthcare Marketing before being named planning and marketing analyst at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Cincinnati. Most recently, Holly was a senior account executive at Ten Adams in Evansville.

Gabriel Kinser ’13 will begin a music therapy internship in January in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., after which he will be eligible to sit for the board certification exam and begin practicing.

Kerri Kappler ’12 was accepted to Shenandoah Conservatory at Shenandoah University in Virginia as a candidate for the Master of Music Performance (Instrumental). Chris McLaughlin ’12 is artist assistant for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. In this position, he is the point of contact for all guest artists, conductors, and composers who perform with the Atlanta Symphony and organizes their itineraries and schedules. Nick Seibert ’12 is an event technology specialist with PSAV Presentation Services in Orlando, Fla. PSAV is the leading provider of audiovisual and event technology support to hotels, associations, producers, and meeting planners worldwide.

Jesse Squires ’12 released his second iPhone app, Hemoglobe, in April. It is available as a free download in the App Store. Hemoglobe helps people with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders form social connections and stay in touch with others in the bleeding disorder community. Jesse released his first app, iPaint uPaint, in 2012 while studying computer science at UE.

Braden Pretzsch ’13 will be attending SIU-Carbondale in the fall to work on his master’s degree and will be a graduate assistant in the athletics department in video services.

2013

Makenzi Alsip ’13 plans to obtain a master’s in kinesiology with emphasis in sports psychology and motor behavior from the University of Tennessee while working as a graduate assistant athletic trainer.

Olivia Robinson ’13 has been accepted to Valparaiso University Law School and will begin classes this fall. Ashley Rojan ’13, an athletic training major from Seattle, Wash., will be attending the University of Puget Sound for physical therapy.

Holly Smith M’12 was named director of market research and planning for St. Mary’s Health System in Evansville. She will direct the long-range planning of St. Mary’s Health and its subsidiaries. Holly is returning to St. Mary’s, where she began her healthcare career as a technology assistant. She then worked for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, first as marketing coordinator, and then as planning and market analyst. She went on to become president of the

honor as he led UE in rebounding for the second year in a row. He registered just the second tripledouble in program history with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists at Creighton. The Anderson, Ind., native registered 19 rebounds against Missouri State on his way to an average of seven per game over the course of the season.

Melanie Bacaling ’13 was accepted to the Boston Conservatory as a candidate for the Master of Music degree in vocal pedagogy performance. Melanie was presented the Mabel Dillingham Nenneker award for outstanding senior woman at commencement. Amber Hesson ’13 accepted a position as an exercise physiologist at Owensboro Medical Health System’s HealthPark.

Colt Ryan ’13, for the second year in a row, was named to the AllMissouri Valley Conference First Team. He is just the second Evansville player to do so, as Marcus Wilson ’99 was named to the team in 1998 and 1999. Colt, a Batesville, Ind., native was the second leading scorer in the Valley this season, posting 20 per game. He entered the MVC Tournament with 2,173 points and broke Larry Humes’ all-time UE record of 2,236 by 32 points. Troy Taylor ’13 earned a berth on the MVC All-Defensive Team for the second year in a row. Troy picked up his second All-Defensive Team

Taylor Ware ’13 was one of 10 student-athletes honored with the MVC Leadership and Service Award for the 2012-13 winter season. The Missouri Valley Conference created the MVC Leadership and Service Award (formerly the Good Neighbor Award) to honor the achievements of exceptional studentathletes. Taylor was a forward/guard for the Purple Aces women’s basketball team and played in all 27 games this season, making 19 starts. She averaged 4.6 points per game. She has been extremely active in the community, participating in 16 charitable events. She had a 3.725 GPA in mechanical engineering, made Dean’s List five consecutive terms, she was on the Missouri Valley Honor Roll in 2009-10 and 2010-11, was a 2011-12 member of the UE Student Launch Initiative Rocket Team, received the James M. Hall Jr. Outstanding Engineering Student Scholarship Award, and received the 2012 MVC Women’s Basketball Scholar Athlete (Second Team).

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Clyde Courtice ’35x Monticello, Indiana Bernice Bruner ’34 Evansville, Indiana Gladys (Bruner) Nuebling ’37 Evansville, Indiana Lillian Capel ’38 Scottsdale, Arizona Virginia (Johnson) Lankford ’39x Jasper, Indiana Frank E. Russell ’42 Indianapolis, Indiana Thomas G. Scheitlin ’42x Evansville, Indiana Edgar G. Williams ’44 Bloomington, Indiana Virginia Mattingley ’45 Rockport, Indiana Irma Jean Rodgers ’47 Evansville, Indiana Mary (Whitehead) Steinkamp ’47x Evansville, Indiana William C. Fisher ’48 Evansville, Indiana Kenneth B. Ayer ’49 Chrisney, Indiana Thomas Conway ’49 Evansville, Indiana Alfred G. Delker ’49x Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland Keren (Warweg) Grimm ’49 Newburgh, Indiana Gilbert A. Korb Jr. ’49 Evansville, Indiana Wilbur Spangler ’49 Indianapolis, Indiana Mary Etta (Van Horn) Theuerkauf ’49 Evansville, Indiana Earl Wilson ’49 Evansville, Indiana Robert B. Ahrens ’50 Evansville, Indiana Austin Butke ’50 Jasper, Indiana George Kyle ’50 Corydon, Kentucky Richard L. Alexander ’50 Carrollton, Georgia Irene (Woods) Bailey ’50 Sarasota, Florida Ottis Matthews ’50 Columbia, South Carolina Werner Alvin Purtzer ’51 Evansville, Indiana

IN MEMORIAM Patricia S. (Rampy) Watson ’51 Muncie, Indiana Claudine H. (Heim) Ashby ’52 Evansville, Indiana Raymond J. Gardner ’52 Golden Valley, Minnesota James M. Hall Jr. ’52 Kokomo, Indiana Dorothy Ann (Atkinson) McClure ’53 Franklin, Indiana Ralph H. Weber ’54 Evansville, Indiana Donald E. Halter ’55 Denver, Colorado Jack Q. Reynolds ’55 Carmel, California Carolyn Grace (Bosse) Watkin ’56x Evansville, Indiana Curran Cotton ’57 Newton, Iowa Versa M. Gwaltney ’57 Carmi, Illinois Maxine Lowe Ryan ’57 Evansville, Indiana Ronald G. Byers ’59 Greenwood, Indiana Linda (Graf ) Meyer ’59, M’74 Evansville, Indiana Mary Elizabeth Roethemeier ’59 M ’77 Owensboro, Kentucky Sharon (Little) Storey ’59 McCleansboro, Illinois Jerome Ubelhor ’59 Lexington, Kentucky Thomas Marachand ’61 Evansville, Indiana Michael B. Spence ’61 Fort Myers, Florida John H. Schultz ’62 Evansville, Indiana Robert F. Will ’62 Haubstadt, Indiana Bettye J. (Snow) Roberts ’63 Kaukauna, Wisconsin Wayne A. Simpson ’63 Evansville, Indiana Robert D. Bonds ’64 Ashburn, Virginia Thomas Han ’64 Alma, Arkansas William D. Harris ’64x Louisville, Kentucky

Nancy Parrish ’64 Fruitland Park, Florida William Powers ’64, M’75 Boonville, Indiana John Malen Horrom ’65 Evansville, Indiana Joan N. Huebschmann ’65 Madison, Wisconsin Virginia (Stocking) Simmons ’65 Evansville, Indiana James Crawford ’66, M’71 Newburgh, Indiana Ronald O. Eberhard ’66 Mishawaka, Indiana S. Michael Groomer ’66 Bloomington, Indiana Thomas E. Stamps ’66 Evansville, Indiana Jane (Robards) Hammond ’67 Henderson, Kentucky Vickie (Combs) Baskett ’68 Newburgh, Indiana William Odell George ’68 Evansville, Indiana Bernice M. (Waldhier) Sensmeier ’68 Evansville, Indiana Donn Lee Walters ’68 Little Rock, Arkansas Gregory R. Barrett ’69 Lenoir, North Carolina Frances (Monaghan) Bustion ’69 Seattle, Washington Ernestine R. (Morris) Lewis M’69 Evansville, Indiana Vickie (Combs) Baskett ’69 Newburgh, Indiana William Odell George ’69x Evansville, Indiana Mike Owens ’70 Santa Monica, California Betty L. Hamilton ’71 Evansville, Indiana Laurabeall P. Tombaugh ’71 Evansville, Indiana Carl Richard Hofmann ’72 Evansville, Indiana Candace M. Schenk ’72, M’79 Evansville, Indiana Doris (Cronan) Tangerman M’73 Martinez, Georgia Susan R. (Mattingly) Hubster M’74 Holland, Indiana

Interested in helping your class stay connected?

Joel A. Schaefer ’66, M’75 Newburgh, Indiana Samuel G. Adams ’75 San Francisco, California Philip Williams ’76 Evansville, Indiana James Ensor ’77x North Hutchinson Island, Florida Katrina S. (Gibbs) Hays ’77 Evansville, Indiana LaVerne Scheller M’77 Ferdinand, Indiana Dorothy E. (Ray) Hamlin M’78 Leawood, Kansas Rosemary Maier ’79 Fort Branch, Indiana Janice R. (Steltenpohl ) Merder ’79 Jasper, Indiana Rebecca A. (Baumgart) Schnur ’79 Newburgh, Indiana Rebecca (Chaney) Broussard ’80 Whitefish, Montana Brian D. Harper ’80 Boynton Beach, Florida Evon J. (Logan) Echols ’83 Jasper, Indiana Bernice A. (Nunnelly) Knight ’83 Henderson, Kentucky Janet D. Michelini ’83 Evansville, Indiana Mark David Sloan ’84 Princeton, Indiana John “Jack” Ellis Thompson ’86 Newburgh, Indiana Julie A. (Elpers) Otis ’05 Baldwinsville, New York Olivia Grant ’06 Roanoke, Virginia Elena M. (Kuhn) Lindsay M’07 Salt Lake City, Utah FRIENDS OF UE Audrey Wilson (formerly UE Housekeeping) Evansville, Indiana John “Jack” E. Thompson ’86x (formerly director of UE Physical Plant) Newburgh, Indiana EMERITI FACULTY David A. Gugin Evansville, Indiana James D. Westfall New Harmony, Indiana

Become a Class

Agent!

E-mail Liz Riffert ’07 to find out how: el37@evansville.edu.

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GET CONNECTED

•

STAY CONNECTED Institute Speaker Series presents

Ken Schmidt, former director of communications for Harley-Davidson Motor Company Rotary Club of Indianapolis • The Centre, Evansville Bud’s Harley-Davidson, Evansville • March 14

Delta Sigma Pi Business Awards Honoring Business Leader of the Year G. Michael Schopmeyer ’80 and Business of the Year Berry Plastics Corporation represented by Randy Hobson ’88, executive vice president, commercial development Ridgway University Center, UE Campus • February 8

Pre-Game Reception Home of Evansville mayor Lloyd Winnecke ’82 and First Lady Carol McClintock January 13

Virginia Schroeder H ’92 Donates Carpe Diem by artist Katie Waters In honor of President Tom and Dr. Sharon Kazee Olmsted Administration Hall, UE Campus • March 21

William G. and Rose M. Mays Martin Luther King Jr. Lectureship Featuring the Honorable Timothy C. Evans Ridgway University Center, UE Campus • January 21

UE vs. Canisius CollegeInsider.com Tournament Viewing Party Showplace Cinemas East, Evansville • March 26

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COMMENCEMENT 2013

Transformational

s for

ville 4

T s e h c e a y l ’ P l l G e o h ! t , Oh w w w. e v a n s v i l l e . e d u

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Connected

Thank you,UE Volunteers

Relationships that last a lifetime.

A big thank you to the volunteers listed below for their assistance with University of Evansville programs and events. Alumni Representatives at College Inaugurations Charles Wheeler ’56 – College of Redlands Steve Harkness ’70 – University of Indianapolis Alumni Speakers on Campus Bettye Poole ’02, M’04 Greg Bertles ’93 Doug McPherson ’93 Eloho Okeze ’08 Neil Stowe ’02

Martha “Marty” Cecil John Chidester Kevin and Rhonda Cook Richard “Rich” Dierkes Barry Dubuque ’70 Diane and Craig Freeman Barbara Hancock Royce Haws Joe Herrud Rebecca “Becky” Joest ’83 Christie L. Jones Mark Jones ’90 Melynda and Richard Ludwick ’86 Debra and Mark Martin Mary Kay McCubbin Jim and Carol Miller Bradford Morrow ’77 Tracy Pease Teri Pugh Cathlyn Samuel Leslie Schluter Joseph (Jay) and Stephanie Schroeder Larry and Nancy Teppen Marta Menendez-Voss and Jerry Voss Mary “Kate” Wallace Julia Walsh Jerrold and Monique Ware Terry ’75 and Zenda ’80 White Donald Jr. and Lisa Willis Paula and Greg Wing

Kristy Davidson ’89 David Diaz ’81 Scott Fenneman ’74 Bart Gilliatt ’93 Tabitha Givens ’08 Ronnie Goodman ’07 Trevor Gregory ’10 Ron Hagy Norma Hamilton ’55 Alicia Harris ’02 Joy Haynes ’94 Kara Hillstead Bo Johnson ’01 Cari Kauffman ’07 Earsier Kelly Edwin Kuhn ’91 Sally Rideout Lambert ’91 Walter Lambert ’93 Darin Lander ’03 Beth Lively ’77 Martha Lumley ’09 Rachel Mayes Ben McElwee ’09 Dete Meserve ’84 Linda Negro Cliff Nurrenbern ’03 Alyssia Oshodi Jeff Parker ’94 Safiya Payne ’10 Kay Pechin ’85 Watez Phelps ’01, M’04 Barbara Price ’66 Anita Horn Rizek ’89 Bruce Roberts ’92 Dan Rogers ’91 Kirk Sakel ’05 Janet Schultheis Chuck Singer ’78 Derrick Stewart Elizabeth Sturgeon Brian Sullivan Katherine Scott Taylor ’97 Gene Van Stone ’65 Melissa Wagler ’04 Ken Wahl Ella Johnson-Watson ’82 Gene Weisheit ’78 Debbie Williams ’85 Jeff Workman Kathy Kornblum-Zelle ’96

Connected

UEAAA Annual Luncheon Planning Committee Patricia Fisher ’82 Patricia Outlaw ’86 Bettye Poole ’02, M’04 UEAAA Executive Board Election Committee Rose Mays ’67 Watez Phelps ’01, M’04 Michael Woodard ’70 Zerah Priestly Carter Scholarship Selection Committee Rita Lawrence ’68 Watez Phelps ’01, M’04 Ellen Sayles ’71 Michael D. Woodard ’70, PhD UEAAA Basketball Mentors Davies Bellamy ’82, M’84 Earsier Kelley Darin Lander ’03 Rachel Mayes Alyssia Oshodi Safiya Payne ’10 Watez Phelps ’01, M’04 Derrick Stewart Parent-to-Parent Calls Parent Partners Chair: Janet Heldt Baas Matthew and Nancy Andrew Ellen and Greg Bagwell Cynthia “Cindy” Bartlett Mekedes “Weny“ Boulew Shannon Calahan

Mentor Speaker Series Alissa Fricke ’12 Kristen Lund ’08 Pat Meehan Peter Rosen Alumni Scholarship Days Nashville

Caitlyn Brown ’10 Emily Fronheiser ’02 Bruce Weisman ’07 Emily Wheeler ’10 Chicago

Austin Bell ’07 Steven Drake ’77 Michael McGovern ’94 Kimberly Metcalfe ’11 Cincinnati

Don Hotz ’68 Judy Hotz ’68 St. Louis

Jill Esser ’75 Katie Henke ’03 Jessica Mathews ’07 Jenna Stratman ’11

Mitch Gieselman ’78 David Goldenberg ’12 Anna Hargis ’08 Diane Hayden ’78, M’84 Debbie Kassenbrock ’98, M’02 Mark Logel ’83, M’91 Jo Frohbieter-Mueller ’56 Glenda Ralph ’79 Brooke Robinson ’11 Cheryl Schmitt ’03 Ella Shelton ’52 Ann Motycka-Skvara ’80, M’95 Tom Stein ’62 Stepheney Studer ’12 Gene Van Stone ’65 Infinite Scholars College Fair – 100 Black Men, Indianapolis Stephen McNeal ’82 Institute Speaker Series, Ken Schmidt – Indianapolis Megan Ferris ’03 Holly Marks ’95

Hands-on relationships that last a lifetime.

Alumni Mentors Alysen Abel ’99 Matt Amick ’00 Brad Anslinger ’02 Bruce Baldwin ’95 Carolyn Barnett ’57 Gabe Bauer ’06 Davies Bellamy ’82, M’84 Bob Boxell Ed Brown ’80 Chris Bugg ’04 Denise Shane Cheaney ’01 Brad Coomer ’93 Sheila Corcoran ’72 Ali Cotton ’97

Indianapolis

Bradley Coomer ’93 Elaine Fetta ’81 Rhonda Hinkle ’98 Beth Hochgesang ’11 Betsy Knott ’99 Ashley Kurtz Claudia Mays ’12 Mark Pillar ’71 Alexandra Warrick ’11 Jeffrey Werner ’99 Louisville

Stephanie Bell ’94 Bonnia Fouts ’74 Sarah Johannigmeier ’09 Rick Smith ’71

Athletic Donor Reception Lloyd Winnecke ’82 and Carol McClintock

Institute Speaker Series Calvin Klein – Indianapolis Wes Bishop ’11 Ashley Henke ’07 Beth Hochgesang ’11 Washington, DC Volunteers/Hosts John Conaway ’56 Anita Horn Rizek ’89 Naples, Florida Reception Ted ’85 and Marilyn Todd

Evansville

Pat Anslinger ’73, M’82 Juli Bafunno ’84 Andrea Barnard ’01 Steve Bugg ’86 Shauna Cavins ’89 Joan Finch ’57 UE

M AG A Z INE / S U M M E R

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