Parents Association Today eNewsletter

March 2010

In this edition:
● Gift of Scholarship Dinner
● Thank You Parents Council!
● A Message from President Jennings
● Sprint to the Finish (of the Campaign)
● New! UE Bragging Points
● The Sodexo Minute
● Friends of Steve and Sally Jennings Scholarship
● US Census Information
● UE Athletes Take Part in Read Across America
● UE Among Top Community Service Universities in USA
● Donate to the Parents' Fund Today
● It's Not too Late to Order Graduation Announcements!
● Your New Grad's Health Insurance May End Sooner Than You Think!

Gift of Scholarship Dinner

Parents! Encourage your scholarship recipient to attend the annual Gift of Scholarship Dinner on Tuesday, March 30 at 6:00 p.m. in Eykamp Hall. The dinner is a great opportunity for students to meet and THANK their scholarship donor!

Thank You Parents Council!

Special thanks to those Parents Council Members, who’s sons or daughters are graduating in May, for all there hard work with Parents Council:

Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Kito-Hong, Dr. Jeffrey Klingman and Dr. Deborah Sedberry, Mr. Scott Nelson and Mrs. Gretchen Nordleaf-Nelson, and Mr. and Mrs. Roger Rooney.

Announcing the current list of Parents Council Members:

Jim'78 and Deborah'79 Metcalfe - Parents Council Co-Chairs, John Epperson and Mairi Winslow - Parents Council Co-Vice Chairs, Judy Seitzinger'83 - Admission Support Chair, Gary and Cheryl Gorrell, Kymberlee Brown, Nancy and Rick Bond - Carer Services Co-Chairs, Debra Durrance, Jerrold and Monique Ware, Tammey Thomas, J. Cory Mills (Annelle) - Parents Fund Chair, Debra Armstrong, Susan Flater, Daniel and Rita Kohn, Janine and Stan Blythe, Doug'85 and Debra'81 Kanet - Parents Communications Co-Chairs, Harry and JoAnn Switzer, and Steve and Anita Klein.

If you are interested in being a member of Parents Council, contact Angela Williams, Assistant Director of Alumni and Parent Relations, at 812-488-2900 or aw162@evansville.edu.

A Message from President Jennings

To the Campus Community,

I am pleased to announce an arrest has been made with respect to the recent bomb threats experienced on the University of Evansville campus. On March 19, 2010, Mehran Mirgheshmi, a former UE student, was charged by complaint in federal court with making bomb threats to the University between October 2009 and March 2010. This arrest is the result of cooperative efforts among the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Evansville Police Department, and University of Evansville’s office of Safety and Security. If convicted, Mirgheshmi faces a maximum possible prison sentence of 10 years. Mr. Mirgheshmi is scheduled for an initial hearing today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.

The University of Evansville is extremely grateful for the diligence of the FBI, Evansville Police Department and the office of Safety and Security in leading this investigation. Furthermore, the University community is to be commended for its patience during these troubling events.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Thank you.

Stephen G. Jennings
President University of Evansville

Sprint to the Finish (of the Campaign)

The U-Envision 2010 Campaign will soon be closing, and all gifts received in our office by May 31, will count toward the campaign total! This is a great time to remind all Class Agents to make their annual gift to UE if they have not yet done so. We currently have 118 Class Agents; at this time, 79 have made a gift to UE (thanks!) which means that 66.9% of our Class Agents have given. Every year, this board competes with other boards such as the Alumni Board, and the Parents Council to get 100% giving participation from their respective boards. While other boards have met this challenge, the Class Agents (whose primary task is fundraising) have yet to do so. This is the year to make it happen!

There are so many giving options available at this time. I always encourage Class Agents to make a gift to the Alumni Scholarship Fund--which is the unrestricted Annual Fund that benefits all students; many people are also making gifts to the Friends of Steve and Sally Jennings Scholarship; giving to the Harlaxton Annual Fund is always a favorite; and there are countless other endowed scholarships, teams, departments, buildings and organizations that would love to receive a gift from you! Just take your pick, they most likely have a fund available.

If you are interested in making a leadership gift, I would encourage you to join the President's Club. This requires a gift (to any fund) of $1,000 or more. This is a great time to join--you'll be able to celebrate Dr. Jennings' retirement and welcome the new President at UE functions. Many of our donors, including some Class Agents, enjoy having a more direct relationship with a UE student. A gift of $2,000 to the Alumni Scholarship Fund, the Harlaxton Annual Fund, or the Purple Aces Club will allow you to "Sponsor-A-Student". Sponsor-A-Student donors receive information about their sponsored student(s) in the fall and are invited to attend an annual dinner in the spring with their sponsored student(s), all in an effort to let the donors and students get to know one another.

Two other options that you might not be aware of: ~you can make a multi-year pledge to UE (in any amount, to any fund), and the entire amount pledged counts toward the campaign total . ..we can even set payments to start up to one year in the future;

~if you are planning to include UE in your will or estate plans, this amount may be counted toward the campaign total. We are required to document your wishes, so please get in touch with me as soon as possible.

If you have any questions feel free to contact Robin Greenlee at rg43@evansville.edu or call at 812-488-2273. If you don't have any questions and would like to make your gift online, just click here. Thanks for all you do for UE!

New! UE Bragging Points

What's Happening on Campus?
Follow the 2010 Presidential search at UE at http://www.evansville.edu/presidentsearch/news.cfm

Treasures & Traditions
Did you know that...
Olmsted Administration Hall was completed in 1922, and for several years was known simply as Administration Hall. It was renamed in 1981 in honor of Ralph Olmsted, who was retiring as the University's business manager. Over the years Olmsted had served the University in many roles - he had been assistant to the president, superintendent of buildings and grounds, alumni secretary, admission director, instructor in journalism and University archivist. Upon retirement, he was given the honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities. At the ceremony, then UE President Melvin Hyde said that Olmsted "like Administration Hall, has served our institution with great effectiveness, both in good and troubled times, for over half a century. Today they are joined as one, now and for all time to come."

UE Salutes...
Clark Kimberling's Research Paper Published in Journal
Winners in Art Competition Announced
Psychology Students and Professor Make Presentations at Conference

The Sodexo Minute

Lots of changes are coming to campus dining! Sodexo wants to keep you informed to all the news and changes with a new monthly newsletter and calender. Below is a tidbit of what Sodexo has to offer.

Students running low on flex dollars may add money to their account by coming to the Sodexo office, Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm. Parents may also add flex dollars by calling (812) 488-2951. Debit Cards, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover Cards are accepted. Receipts will be mailed.

To view the whole Sodexo newsletter and calendar for March, please visit our website at http://www.uedining.com/index.html. To check out April's calender, click here.

Friends of Steve and Sally Jennings Scholarship

The Friends of Steve and Sally Jennings Scholarship has been established to honor the Jennings legacy at the University of Evansville. Dr. Jennings has served as president since 2001. Dr. and Mrs. Jennings have served not only the University, but also the local community and national network of organizations that support higher education.

A key legacy of the Jennings administration was the connection made by President Jennings with the wide variety of stakeholders: students, faculty, administrators, staff, trustees, community leaders, sports fans, the media, and many others. He never met a stranger. Throughout his tenure as president, Steve was joined by Sally in any activity that might benefit the University. The Jennings’ warmth and true gift of friendship made them beloved by all.

The Friends of Steve and Sally Jennings Scholarship will be awarded to a student or students who embodies the University’s Civic Mission ideal, and who demonstrates interest and skills in bringing people together to work toward a shared goal. The scholarship will recognize a student or students who builds positive relationships with others while making the community stronger. The scholarship winner will be selected by the Jennings or their designee.

If you are interested in making a gift to the Friends of Steve and Sally Jennings Scholarship, please click here.

US Census Information

The 2010 Census is fast approaching! Census questionnaires will be administered to students in on-campus housing on April 5-7.

According to the Census Bureau, college students living away from home should not be counted on parent questionnaires. People should be counted where they live and sleep most of the year, so students living in on-campus housing will receive their questionnaires here.

Visit the Official Census site to learn more about this year’s Census: Go to 2010 Census website.

UE Athletes Take Part in Read Across America

Earlier this month, the University of Evansville’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee participated in the National Education Association’s Read Across America by traveling to local elementary schools and helping children celebrate reading.

Performed annually near Dr. Suess’ birthday, this year featured student-athletes going to Evansville Christian School, Lodge Elementary, Hebron Elementary, St. Benedict’s, Holy Spirit and Delaware Elementary. SAAC coordinates the event every year with approximately 30 Purple Aces from men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, women’s soccer, tennis and volleyball participating this year. Women’s cross country runner Shelby Cron coordinated the festivity.

Read Across America began in 1998 and was created to motivate children to read everyday of the year through events, partnerships and reading resources. Over 45 million people celebrate Read Across America in the week-long celebration.

UE Among Top Community Service Universities In USA

The University of Evansville again received national recognition when the Corporation for National and Community Service announced its 2009 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.

The recognition – which reflects community service performed between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009 – is given each year to colleges and universities for the breadth and quality of their service initiatives. This is the first time the University of Evansville has applied to the Corporation for National and Community Service, and thus the first time it has earned the distinction of an Honor Roll university .

More information on the award can be found at http://www.learnandserve.gov/about/programs/higher_ed_honorroll.asp.

And to read the whole article, visit UE News.

Donate to the Parents' Fund Today

The Parents’ Fund, under the banner of Caring, Giving & Reaching, has already made great strides towards its goal of $40,000 for the academic year. To date, over 500 parents have given during this fiscal year, with a little over $16,000 given to the Parents’ Fund. We’d like to see at least that many more parents donate between now and the end of May.

How much should you give? That’s totally up to you. A gift of $10, $25, $50 or more would certainly help! Remember, your gifts to the Parents’ Fund are tax deductible, and help to provide scholarships to students who might not be able to enjoy the same quality education your son or daughter is already receiving.

To make a gift to UE, simply visit www.evansville.edu/give today. Thank you!

It's Not Too Late to Order Graduation Announcements!

Parents if your son or daughter still needs graduation announcements for May graduation you should contact the UE Bookstore as soon as possible to get your order in time for mailing. The announcement order form is downloadable at www.evansville.bkstr.com and then can be faxed to the Bookstore at 812-488-6411. Please allow 3-5 days for processing an announcement order. Also Cap and Gowns are available for purchase in the Bookstore. Bachelor cap and gowns are $26.75 including the tax, but they should be purchased ASAP to insure that the gown size is in stock.

You can also view our website at the above mentioned address for graduation gifts, including our selection of 6 graduation frames available for shipment. If you have any questions in regard to this information please contact the UE Bookstore at 812-488-2678.

For more information regarding Commencement 2010, including a schedule for the day, please visit http://www.evansville.edu/commencement/.

Your New Grad's Health Insurance May End Sooner Than You Think!

The Alumni Association offers health insurance to fill the needs of many students who will be without coverage after graduation. Parental policies often end as early as the day before graduation. Most products are available to family members as well —even if they didn’t attend University of Evansville. Don’t risk going without health insurance, especially when affordable options are available. Watch the mail for more information or visit www.meyerandassoc.com/ma/UE.

U●Envision Campaign Reaches Over $78.1 Million

The University has raised over $78.1 million toward the goal of $80 million in the U●Envision campaign. The campaign made possible the opening of the Schroeder Family School of Business Administration Building and the newly completed Dr. William L. Ridgway University Center.

To learn more about the U●Envision 2010 Campaign, visit uenvision2010.evansville.edu.