Welcome back, USI!
Campus slowly came back to life as employees returned from Winter Recess after the new year. January 3 was a day to catch up on emails and prepare for the arrival of the students for the Spring 2022 semester.
First Snow of the Year
The first winter's snowfall. With baited breath, the campus community watched the forecast as temperatures plummeted and a forecast of snow swept across the Midwest. As always, the University's crack team of grounds workers swept in and began clearing sidewalks, lots and roadways as the flakes began to fall. One employee joked USI has the best roads in Evansville.
Welcoming Screagles back to campus
Campus came to life even more with the return of students. Visiting University Center West meant seeing lines at Chick-fil-A and Starbucks full of students greeting their favorite cashiers and baristas after the holidays. Hallways bustled with student life, and the Campus Store was a flurry of activity with students picking up their books and warm winter wear for the frigid temperatures.
An infusion of color to chase away the wintertime blues
The Kenneth P. McCutchan Art Center/Palmina F. and Stephen S. Pace Galleries opened the "Love is a Gift that is Surely Handmade" exhibit by Hannah Evelyn Jones at the beginning of the semester. Jones was awarded the 2021 Efroymson Bridge Year Fellowship, a competitive award that provides a highly motivated and talented studio art, photography or design graduate of the University of Southern Indiana’s Art and Design Department with the opportunity to develop a strong portfolio in preparation for graduate study.
Jones’ works can be described as dream-like, figurative and narrative paintings that incorporate mixed media, particularly embroidery, creating complex surfaces that are appreciable both formally and for their content. Her collection of more than 25 mixed media pieces are accompanied by poems.
The ongoing COVID-19 crisis, a series of tragedies in the Midwest and decreased holiday donations brought about a a dangerously low blood supply in area blood banks—the lowest in a decade. Blood donations were desperately needed and USI answered the call to help. A steady stream of employees and students kept the Versiti Blood Center workers busy on campus in the Recreation Fitness and Wellness Center's Quiet Room in January.
"This is my redemption song."
Interim Associate Director of Special Events Megan Doyle once saw her mother give blood. "I saw blood spurt out," she whispers. "That turned me off to giving blood. No way." When she finally got the courage up to donate, she blacked out. Didn't remember a thing. This year, she decided to give it another try. "Everyone was great. I feel like this is my redemption song."
"The snacks aren't too bad either."
Kevin Valadares is an old pro at giving blood. Every time there is a blood drive on campus, he's there to do his part. "These organizations make it so easy and at the end of the day, you're helping someone, and maybe your donation will inspire other people to donate." This time he is giving plasma. "Plus," he says with a smile. "The snacks afterwards aren't too bad either!"
Student Financial Assistance Counselor Cory Martin (top left) and Director of Alumni and Volunteer Services Janet Johnson (top right) were first-time givers at the blood drive. They both admitted to being a little nervous and surprised at how easy and painless the donation process was. When asked if they'd give blood again, they said they would. Student Financial Assistance Counselor Derek Welp (bottom right) and Donna Holm (bottom left) are frequent donators. The best advice they can give first timers is to close your eyes and relax. The phlebotomists are there to take care of you. They also advise to not look when they put the needle in. But Holm laughingly admits she always looks.
Yippe Pie Yay!
The sisters of Gamma Phi Beta braved the below-freezing temperatures to take a pie in the face for charity. For $2, Screagles got to pie a Gamma Phi member, with proceeds raised going towards their local philanthropy, Pirouette Project. They plan to be out in front of the UC again from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on February 1 with more pies for the Pirouette Project.
Started by Children's Center for Dance Education founder, Deena Laska-Lewis, 15 years ago, the Pirouette Project takes classical dance into underserved schools to teach girls self-esteem through dance. Gamma Phi Beta has been involved with Pirouette Project since its inception. For more information on how Gamma Phi Beta uses their time and resources with the Pirouette Project, read this story on organization.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION HANDS OUT MASKS
Members of SGA handed out KN95 masks to students and staff at USI. Each person received two masks, allowing them to rotate between masks. KN95 masks can be used more than one time as long as they are not soiled or damaged and still fit tightly to the face. You can also pick up masks, while supplies last, at University Division, each college dean's office, the Dean of Students Office, Rice Library and the Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center. For more information about USI's response to COVID-19, check out USI's COVID-19 web page.
Behind the Scenes at USI
Terri Bischoff, Director of Creative and Print Services, shows theatre students how she wants them to raise their arms for a marketing photoshoot.
Mary Scheller, the recipient of the 2021 Screagle Pride Award, and her co-workers had the distinct pleasure of eating cookies with her face on them at an awards reception. Click here to read about Mary's award.
Graphic Designer Beth Weigand of Creative and Print Services stands in for a student model while a photographer adjusts the light on her for a marketing photo shoot about adult learners.
Holly Delph, Senior Administrative Assistant in Athletics, playfully pokes one of the assistant basketball coaches in the head while he poses for a photo with her.
Go, Screagles!
University of Southern Indiana Women's Basketball rallied from a 13-point second-quarter deficit to defeat the University of Illinois Springfield, 88-80, on January 20 to hand Head Coach Rick Stein his 400th career victory.
Senior Emma DeHart received the game ball of the night after cracking 1,000 points at the January 17 game. The All GLVC and All-Academic GLVC player is an Elementary Education/Special Education major from Indianapolis.
Walking in a Winter Wonderland
The semester has just begun, but it has been a fun, if not cold, start. As we head into spring, don't be surprised if you see another blanket of snow on campus, or cold temperatures that linger around. Bundle up, Screagles! Before you know it, we'll be welcoming spring flowers!
Credits:
Barbara J. Goodwin