THE
SHIELD
From California to Indiana, Page 4
T h u r s d a y, A u g u s t 1 8 , 2 0 1 6 | U s i s h i e l d . c o m | v o l . 4 7 i s s u e 1
LOCAL 5K BENEFITS FAR-AWAY CRISIS
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Riedford
A student studies at her school library which was paid for by Road to Mafraq. The donations which funded the project were largely from the Evansville community. Elizabeth Riedford, an organizer for “Run for Refugees,” said the girl told her her dream was to work hard to “become just like her teacher.”
by sarah loesch editor@usishield.com @seloesch
Elizabeth Riedford said realistically the Syrian refugee crisis cannot be solved in Evansville, Indiana. But she does believe the community can raise awareness and money that can help. That is part of the goal for the “Run for Refugees” which will take place Sept. 10 at the Hearts on Fire Course at USI. The 5k run and one mile walk will benefit Road
for Mafraq and the efforts to provide education to the children who were forced to relocate after fleeing Syria. Riedford, an adviser within the College of Nursing and Health Professions is one of the organizers for the race. She traveled to Jordan along with USI alumna Ellen Billard, the founder of Road to Mafraq, in March. Riedford said the experience was wonderful, but challenging because she saw the reality of the situation first hand. “For me personally I believe education is the foundation of how we solve almost all problems that we have in this world,” she said. “When we
find out there is a generation of kids that almost over half of them are out of school right now, that is just not okay with me.” According to statistics from Road to Mafraq, over 13 million children had their education disrupted by violence in the Middle East. Riedford said she was able to take all of her experiences from Jordan and bring them back to Evansville. She connected with locals who were also supportive of Road to Mafraq. That is when the idea for the 5k started to materialize. Riedford said the money raised during events like the 5k and others for Road to Mafraq have already done visible good in communities in Jordan.
run for refugees, PAGE 3
‘People-focused’ trustee backs importance of education by matthew Devault mrdevault@eagles.usi.edu
Ellis Redd believes education is an equalizer. “It doesn’t matter who you are, or where you come from, an education can level the playing field and help you achieve things that you probably otherwise wouldn’t achieve,” R e d d said. “I’m an example of that.” Redd, Redd the newest member of the USI Board of Trustees, is happy to find himself working in education again. He previously served on the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation Foundation board. The 52-year-old said he is “extremely honored to be named the new trustee.” Gov. Mike Pence, who decides on all board members, appointed Redd July 1. Redd was raised by a single mother in Martinsville, Virginia. He is the youngest of nine children and was the first in his family to attend a four-year university.
He paid his way through college and in nine years after graduation, he had paid off his student loans. “But if it wasn’t for (college) then I wouldn’t be in the position that I’m in,” Redd said. He graduated from North Carolina A&T State University in December 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. A year later, Redd was hired in Evansville at Mead Johnson as an engineer. He has been a resident of Evansville ever since. Redd eventually returned to school and earned a MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Redd has served on numerous committees, councils and boards. He is the current vice president of human resource and administration for Vectren Corporation and is the current chair of the Welborn Baptist Foundation. Serving on the Welborn Baptist Foundation board is when Redd first met the chairman of the board of trustees at USI, Jeffery Knight. Ron Romain and Harold Calloway are trustees who also serve on the Welborn Baptist Foundation Board.
redd, PAGE 3
Photo by The Shield
Students participate in a chant for their individual colleges during last years Welcome Week. Each college works to be the loudest as they walk into the Physical Activities Center.
Walking into Welcome Week New students introduced to college life by riley guerzini rguerzini@eagles.usi.edu
Moms and dads unloading vans packed with clothes, TV’s and minirefrigerators, faculty members guiding students around campus and an ice cream and movie night – these are just a few things to discover during this Welcome Week 2016. From Aug. 18 to 24, Welcome Week leaders aspire to guide firstyear students as well as get them familiar with professors and administrators. Students will also get a chance to explore the campus with their families and get a good handle on the lo-
cation of their classes. One of the largest events during Welcome Week is convocation. “For new students, convocation is the introduction to the university,” Carmen Stoen, director of Student Development Programs, said. “It is a welcoming given by the president of the university, administrators and top student leaders. It is meant to encourage incoming students to get involved and take every advantage of their college experience.” This formal introduction to the university will take place Friday afternoon with a 2020 class picture being taken directly after in the Quad. At convocation, first-year students will be introduced to the University
and sophomores will be recognized for some of their achievements from last year. Student leaders will be recognized and available to any students with questions they may have. The Student Government Association (SGA) president, Ashley Wright will conduct a pinning ceremony at convocation, where students will receive a pin with their entry year into the institution. Aside from the more formal welcoming sessions, several interactive evening activities are scheduled throughout the week ranging from an ice cream social to hypnotist Daniel James.
welcome week, PAGE 2