News

Civil Engineering Graduates complete the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam

In the fall of 2022, six University of Evansville (UE) Civil Engineering graduates completed the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. Of those six, five passed with an 83 percent passing rate.

UE Civil Engineering graduates typically take the PE exam four years following graduation. The exam has five subject areas: structures, water resources, geotechnical, transportation, and construction. The weighted national PE exam passing rate for the five areas was 61 percent. Of the total 9,142 first-time PE exam takers, 60.2 percent were civil engineers. From 2018-2022, the UE PE exam pass rate has been 14 percent higher than the national average.

Congratulations to the Civil Engineering graduates who participated in the PE exam in the fall of 2022. The University and School of Engineering and Computer Science are incredibly proud of these professionals and their accomplishments.

Two Civil Engineering Seniors receive ASCE Indiana Section Award

Two University of Evansville (UE) Civil Engineering seniors, Sarah Lambright and Weston Miller, were presented awards at the American Society of Civil Engineers Indiana Section meeting in Carmel, Indiana. On April 18, 2023, the ASCE Indiana Section presented the awards: For demonstrating exemplary performance and potential in Civil Engineering.

The School of Engineering and Computer Science would like to congratulate Sarah and Weston on this achievement.

Sarah Lambright and Weston Miller holding their awards

UE's College of Business & Engineering Lecture Series to Highlight Positive Community Impacts

The University of Evansville's (UE) College of Business & Engineering is proud to continue its Lecture Series which will highlight how institutional research and class engagement are making a positive impact on society. The upcoming Lecture Series is set to take place on April 11.

Associate Professor of Accounting and Mead Johnson Nutrition Endowed Chair in Business Dr. Rania Mousa will discuss what financial inclusion means in a post COVID-19 world during her presentation Reimagining Financial Inclusion in the Post COVID-19 World: The Case for Grameen America. Dr. Mousa identified and analyzed the key initiatives implemented by Grameen America in alleviating the financial hardships of its underserved female members, thereby contributing to the attainment of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Her paper has been published in the International Journal of Ethics and Systems. Dr. Mousa is also a recipient of the UE 2022-2023 Global Scholar Award and has presented her research at the Sustainable and Socially Responsible Finance Conference held at the Yunus Social Business Center at the University of Bologna in Italy.

Following Dr. Mousa's presentation, Dr. Beverly Brockman, Schroeder Family Dean, College of Business & Engineering and Dr. Chris Brockman, Professor of Finance, and Director of the Institute for Banking & Finance will present on the unique barriers confronting entrepreneurs in low-income communities. Their presentation A Managerial Perspective on Underbanked Entrepreneurs: Barriers to Lending and Community Partnership Solutions will highlight how the process of acquiring debt capital in the United States remains challenging, especially for low-income entrepreneurs. The authors will identify barriers to financial lending and present community-based partnership solutions to improve access to capital for underbanked entrepreneurs. Their research was published in the Journal of Economics and Finance Education.

Dr. Chris Brockman will then follow up with his presentation on Loan Opportunities through the UE Microloan Program. The UE Microloan Program is an experiential student-run program administered by the Institute for Banking and Finance in UE's Schroeder School of Business. Advisors for the Southwest Indiana Small Business Development Center serve as executive mentors for microloan participants, with funding for the program provided by Old National Bank.

The School of Business' dedication to promoting continuous learning will be further reinforced through these presentations. The Speaker Series is provided to highlight essential and emerging issues in business and engineering. It serves as outreach to the community and alumni as a form of engagement. Previously in the 2022-2023 academic year, the College of Business and Engineering hosted three Speaker Series Events.

Both in person and zoom options will be provided. For additional information on the event and how to register, please click here.

UE, VU Offer Guaranteed Admission Agreement in Engineering

A direct admit transfer agreement is now in place guaranteeing Vincennes University (VU) graduates a spot in the University of Evansville’s School of Engineering and Computer Science with a scholarship worth at least $18,000. 

The agreement applies to the civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering programs at UE. VU students need to earn their associate's degree in one of these concentrations and maintain a 2.5 GPA. After graduating from VU, they can transfer to UE to earn a bachelor’s degree with an academic scholarship award of at least $18,000 per year. 

“We at VU look forward to expanding our relationship with UE. I also extend my gratitude to UE leadership and faculty for their exceptional work and for this partnership creating even more opportunities for the students we mutually serve,” says Curt Coffman, VU dean of science, engineering and mathematics. “With VU’s in-state tuition scholarship, the entire tri-state area could save thousands of dollars on a VU/UE engineering education,” Coffman added. 

Students will graduate from VU confident that they are well prepared to continue their academic journey and are sought after by top employers and top Universities. “We strive to ensure our students are set up for success. Direct admission agreements like this are one way VU offers our students pathways to high-quality educational experiences that aligns with their true goals and passion,” says Chuck Johnson, president of VU. “We expect to see many students taking advantage of the guaranteed admission to UE.” 

“We are thrilled to partner with VU and extend this opportunity to those pursuing a future in engineering,” says Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, President of UE. “Students who transfer to UE will receive a high-quality education in our School of Engineering and Computer Science from a talented and experienced faculty. The rigorous curriculum, senior design teams, and internships with local organizations will provide them with the skills and experience for a successful career many years after graduating.” 

VU’s affordable tuition rates allow students to save enough in their first two years to pay for a full year at a four-year college. The guaranteed transfer agreements and surefire scholarships make a VU degree highly attractive to those interested in engineering fields. 

“The students we have been getting from VU for our engineering programs are very well prepared and a perfect fit for our hands on, project-based curriculum.” says Suresh Immanuel, PhD, Associate Dean for the UE School of Engineering and Computer Science. “They are able to transition quickly and play an integral role in all our team-based projects. We look forward to having many more VU students through the guaranteed admission agreement.”  

Visit the School of Engineering and Computer Science to learn more and apply for any of the engineering or computer science programs.

UE Named a 2022-2023 College of Distinction

The University of Evansville has been recognized for its commitment to helping undergraduate students learn, grow, and succeed by Colleges of Distinction, a unique guide for college-bound students. UE has been named a 2022-2023 College of Distinction and an Indiana College of Distinction, and it also received recognition for a multitude of academic programs and campus departments. 

Colleges of Distinction uses a selection process not only of in-depth research but also detailed interviews with the schools, accepting only those that adhere to the “Four Distinctions.” This includes criteria of engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community, and successful outcomes. Combined, these principles ensure that students have a fulfilling and individualized college experience both inside and outside the classroom. 

“At our university, we are deeply committed to providing a well-rounded, transformative education that has a lasting impact on our students for years to come,” said Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, president of UE. “This recognition from Colleges of Distinction speaks to our mission and the individual experiences of each of our students.” 

Aside from overall undergraduate recognitions, Colleges of Distinction also awards recognition in individual areas. UE earned recognition in the academic areas of business, education, engineering, and nursing. Colleges of Distinction also recognized the University’s career development, equity and inclusion, and military support

“The success of our academic programs and campus departments speaks to the endless efforts of our staff, faculty, and administration,” said Michael Austin, PhD, provost and executive vice president of academic affairs. “We are proud to deliver high-quality courses for our students while also providing academic quality, personal support, and career counseling  throughout their journey at this university.” 

About Colleges of Distinction 

Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to honoring schools throughout the U.S. for true excellence in higher education. The member schools within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their dedicated focus on the undergraduate experience. Its website provides dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information, and to learn how to become a College of Distinction, visit CollegesofDistinction.com

Three Civil Engineering Alums, Student Awarded Scholarships by APAI

The Asphalt Pavement Association of Indiana (APAI) has named Alex Marie Dodson '21, Seth Mendel '21, and Samantha Weldon as 2021 APAI Scholars. The Civil Engineering graduates and student were recognized as award winners during the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Scholarship Awards Banquet, held in conjunction with the 2021 APAI Winter Conference and Expo on December 16th, 2021 at the Marriott East Hotel in Indianapolis.

Scholarships are awarded by the APAI Scholarship Committee to students studying construction management, civil engineering, and construction engineering and management at six nationally accredited Indiana universities, including the University of Evansville. Students must complete an in-person interview with members of the Scholarship Committee to receive an award. The total amount of scholarships awarded in 2021 by the association totaled $50,000 to deserving scholars, in anticipation that many recipients will remain in Indiana and seek employment opportunities with APAI's member contractors.

Two University of Evansville Civil Engineering Students Awarded Scholarships by the Asphalt Pavement Association of Indiana

The Asphalt Pavement Association of Indiana (APAI) has named Dalton Selvidge (BSCE ’21) and Holli Buretta (BSCE ’21) as 2019 APAI Scholars. The two Civil Engineering students were awarded with scholarships at the APAI Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Scholarship Awards Banquet on Dec. 12th, 2019 in Indianapolis.

Scholarships are awarded by the APAI Scholarship Committee to students studying construction management, civil engineering, and construction engineering and management at six nationally accredited Indiana universities, including University of Evansville. Students must complete an in-person interview with members of the Scholarship Committee to receive an award. The total amount of scholarships awarded in 2019 by the association totaled more than $52,000 to deserving scholars, in anticipation that many recipients will remain in Indiana and seek employment opportunities with APAI's member contractors.

award winners

David Unger publishes open access paper on fracture mechanics

David Unger, professor of mechanical and civil engineering, published the article "Visualizing the Crack Driving Force through Fluid Analogy" in the Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Materials 2019; 28:89–94. A PDF of the article can be accessed online for free.

UE Offers Review Course for Fundamentals of Engineering Exam

The University of Evansville College of Engineering and Computer Science has announced 2019-20 dates for the annual review and preparation course for those planning to take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam.

All classes will be held Thursday evenings beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Koch Center for Engineering and Science on the UE campus. Classes are divided into relevance per discipline. Fees are adjusted accordingly.

  • Candidates for civil engineering will attend from October 3 - January 23.
  • Candidates for mechanical engineering and other disciplines will attend from October 3 - November 21.
  • Electrical and computer engineering candidates will attend October 31-November 21.

Registration forms and payment must be returned by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2019. Contact Kimberly Higgins at kh209@evansville.edu or at 812-488-2651 for more information on registration. Early registration is encouraged as space as limited.

UE to Offer UExplore Engineering Program

The College of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Evansville is offering a UExplore Engineering Program for high school students. The program is designed to give participants a better understanding of the fields of civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering and computer science through activities, hands-on projects, and tours of local industry.

The sessions in the program are October 14, November 4, November 25, January 20, February 10, March 2, March 30, and April 20.  All sessions will be from 6:00-7:15 p.m. in the Koch Center for Engineering and Science on UE’s campus.

James Allen, UE associate professor of mechanical and civil engineering, is the advisor for the program. A registered professional engineer in the states of Indiana and Ohio, Allen has extensive work experience in industry. Allen will be assisted with the program by UE engineering students.

The registration fee for the program is $50.

Register online or contact Kimberly Higgins for more information at 812-488-2661 or kh209@evansville.edu.

UE Signs Collaboration Agreements with Chinese Universities

Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Michael Austin, Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science Ying Shang, and Dean of the William L. Ridgway College of Arts and Sciences Ray Lutgring have been working with the Northeast Electric Power University in Jilin, China, on a cooperative educational program in civil engineering and have signed a formal agreement to begin allowing civil engineering students from NEU to receive a dual degree from both universities through a 3+1 agreement.

Students in the cohort will take courses from UE in China over two summers and will then come to UE's campus for their senior year. Students may also come to UE for two years and receive a degree from us, or come for three years and transfer back credit to NEU and receive a degree from them.

The goal is to bring between 15-20 students in each year’s cohort and expand a successful agreement to other majors. 

Austin, Shang, and Lutgring also traveled to Changchun, the capital of Jilin Province, where and met with the president and students of the Northeast Normal University, a teacher preparation college. They will also visit Shenyang, the capital of the Liaoning province on the Northeastern Coast, to meet with officials from Shenyang Jianzhu University. The purpose of these meetings is to begin discussions about collaboration agreements, as well as to sign an articulation agreement with SJZU.

Austin at Northeast Normal University

This agreement permits Master's of Engineering students to transfer 9 credits from SJZU into that program as part of a dual master's degree. Students will complete the degree at UE and receive a master's degree from both institutions. 

Mike Austin signs contact with representatives of Northeast Electric Power University representatives

UE Engineers Week Features Student Inductions and Awards

The University of Evansville’s College of Engineering and Computer Science recently held its annual celebration for Engineers Week. Several engineering students were announced as new inductees in the Tau Delta Kappa engineering honor society by Jared Fulcher, UE assistant professor of mechanical engineering. Other engineering students were recognized by the college and the Office of Development.

UE civil engineering student Marcus Gahagen received the Paul “PR” Brown Spirit Award. This award is presented annually to an engineering major who has been nominated by the faculty and has completed at least four semesters in good academic standing, who is an encouragement and help to his/her fellow students, and who demonstrates leadership in fostering cooperation and camaraderie among the engineering students.

UE computer science student Justin Banks received the James M. Hall, Jr. Memorial Award. This award is presented annually to a student of the junior engineering class who is considered by the faculty to be the most outstanding based on scholastic achievement, extra-curricular activities, character, responsibility, attitude, and potential for professional growth.

The Engineers Week Reception was hosted by the UE student chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Engineering and Computer Science. It was sponsored in part by the Evansville-Owensboro Section of IEEE, the College Career Center Consortium, and the UE Center for Career Development.

UE Ranked Number 7 Best College in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report

The University of Evansville has been named seventh best college in the Midwest in U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Colleges rankings. UE has risen two spots in this year’s overall ranking, and was again named as one of the top 10 value colleges in the Midwest.

The University was also recognized as one of the Most Innovative Schools in the Midwest for the first time. Top college officials from across the country made nominations for this list, selecting institutions known for making the most innovative improvements in curriculum, faculty, campus life, technology, or facilities.

In May 2018, UE was designated as a Changemaker Campus by Ashoka U for its role as a leader in social innovation and changemaking in higher education. UE is the first Changemaker Campus in Indiana.

The University was listed on several other U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges lists this year. UE’s Schroeder School of Business was named the number three best undergraduate business school in the nation among small private colleges, with its accounting and finance programs coming in at number one and number two respectively.

The College of Engineering and Computer Science was named the number 25 best undergraduate engineering school in the nation among small private colleges with no doctorate.  

The University was also recognized as the number six Best College for Veterans in the Midwest and a Top Midwest School for International Students and remains a Top 10 Best Value college.

Infographic. Details of graphic appear as text in the news article.

“To be recognized nationally on so many levels speaks volumes about the great programs, great people, and great qualities of this University,” said Shane Davidson, vice president for enrollment and marketing at UE. “We are especially proud of making the most innovative list—innovation and changemaking are at the heart of the UE experience.”

The U.S. News & World Report rankings are designed to help prospective students and their families evaluate college choices. The Best Colleges rankings are available online at www.usnews.com/colleges and will be published in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2019 guidebook, on newsstands later this month.

UE Offers Review Course for Fundamentals of Engineering Exam

The University of Evansville College of Engineering and Computer Science has announced dates for the annual review and preparation course for those planning to take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam.

All classes will be held Thursday evenings beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Koch Center for Engineering and Science on the UE campus. Classes are divided into relevance per discipline. Fees are adjusted accordingly.

Candidates for civil engineering will attend from September 27-January 24. 
Candidates for mechanical engineering and other disciplines will attend from September 27-November 15. 
Electrical and computer engineering candidates will attend October 25-November 15.

Registration forms and payment must be returned by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 26. Contact Kimberly Higgins at kh209@evansville.edu or at 812-488-2651 for more information on registration. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited. 

David Unger publishes journal article

David J. Unger, University of Evansville professor of mechanical and civil engineering, recently published the technical article “Free Streamline Hydrodynamic Analogy for a Linear Elastic Antiplane Slot Problem with Perfectly Plastic Ligaments at its Ends,” in the Journal of Elasticity, Volume 132, pages 261-270 (2018).

Mary Dial Kerstein receives ACEC 2018 Young Engineer of the Year Award

UE alumna Mary (Dial) Kerstein recently received the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Indiana 2018 Young Engineer of the Year Award.

 ACEC Indiana annually recognizes several individuals for their contributions to the consulting engineering professions. Kerstein received the award for her well-rounded involvement that parallels ACEC Indiana’s mission and objectives.

Kerstein is an active member of Women’s Transportation Seminar of Greater Indianapolis for four years and currently serves as vice president. Her passion for encouraging young women to go into STEM related fields is why she is a very active member of a number of young professional/education committees in professional and industry organizations, including the Young Professionals Committee for Aviation Indiana and the Education Committees of ACEC Indiana.

Selvaraj selected as an ASCE 2017 Outstanding Reviewer

The Journal of Transportation Engineering, published by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), recently selected Immanuel Selvaraj, associate professor of civil engineering, as an ASCE 2017 Outstanding Reviewer.

The journal contains technical and professional articles on the planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of air, highway, rail, and urban transportation, as well as pipeline facilities for water, oil, and gas.

Public Invited to UE Engineering Excellence Day

The University of Evansville’s annual Engineering Excellence Day is set for Saturday, March 24, from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on the first floor of the Ridgway University Center This event is free and open to the public.

Projects designed and built by teams of UE engineering student will be on display outside Ridgway University Center. The students will be on hand to explain how their projects were designed and created.

The students will also be presenting “Real Talk” from 1:30-2:00 p.m. in Vectren Lecture Hall, Room 100, in the Koch Center for Engineering and Science. During this activity, prospective students, parents, and anyone with an interest in engineering can find out what it is like to be an engineering student at UE.

For more information, contact UE’s College of Engineering and Science at 812-488-2651 or kh209@evansville.edu.

David Unger publishes fracture mechanics paper

David J. Unger, professor of mechanical and civil engineering, recently published a journal article titled, "A theoretical resistance-curve based on nonproportional plastic strain," in the International Journal of Fracture, Volume 210, pp. 207-211, (2018).

Registration for UE Engineering Summer Camps Now Open

The College of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Evansville announces open registration for its annual engineering summer camps.

The Engineering OPTIONS for Middle School Boys summer career exploration program is a week-long day camp opportunity for middle school boys currently in grades 6, 7, or 8 and elementary school boys currently in grade 5. It will be held daily at UE from Monday, June 18-Friday, June 22. Registration deadline is April 1.

The Engineering OPTIONS for Middle School Girls summer career exploration program is a 3 ½ day residential opportunity at UE for middle school girls currently in grades 6, 7, or 8. The program begins on Sunday, June 10 and concludes Wednesday, June 13.  Registration deadline is April 1.

The Engineering OPTIONS for High School Girls Harlaxton Experience 2018 will be a 10-day program in London and nearby Harlaxton College, UE’s living learning center in Grantham, England. The program is for high school girls currently in grades 9, 10, or 11 who have completed geometry. The program begins Thursday, June 28, and concludes on Saturday, July 7. Registration deadline is February 12.

Participants in UE’s Engineering OPTIONS programs will have a better understanding of what types of opportunities are available in fields most closely related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). 

Learn more and register on the UE Engineering OPTIONS webpage

UE Ranked Third Best Midwest Value University by U.S. News & World Report, Among Other Honors

Among other honors, the University of Evansville has been named a Best Midwest Value school in the annual Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News & World Report. UE was ranked third, up 10 spots from last year. This ranking is based on the school’s academic quality and net cost of attendance for a student receiving the average need-based financial aid.

UE was also a top-ten institution in the region -- ranked ninth among 165 institutions in the Best Regional Universities: Midwest category -- based on measures of academic excellence, faculty resources, student selectivity, and class sizes.

The University was listed in other Best Colleges U.S. News & World Report rankings, as follows:

UE’s Schroeder School of Business was ranked as the number four Small Private Business School in the nation, moving up from the number 10 spot in last year’s list. Additionally, the Schroeder School of Business is the fastest mover among all business schools, moving up 35 places to number 183 nationally.

In addition, UE was ranked at number 24 on the list of small private universities with the Best Undergraduate Engineering programs accredited by ABET. This ranking was based solely on the judgments of deans and senior faculty at peer institutions. The engineering program ranked 103 overall.

“Ranking as we did in these categories is just one of the many indicators confirming our success in maintaining the highest academic quality at the University of Evansville,” said UE President Thomas A. Kazee.

The University of Evansville was also ranked seventh on the Nation’s Most Military Friendly Schools list and as a Top Midwest School for International Students.

Additionally, UE was named one of the Best Schools for Study Abroad. To be considered, the study abroad program had to involve substantial academic work - a year or a semester, or an intensive experience equal to a course - and considerable interaction between the student and the culture. College presidents, chief academic officers, deans of students, and deans of admissions from more than 1,500 schools nominated up to 10 institutions with stellar examples of study abroad programs. The colleges and universities that were mentioned most often made the Best School for Study Abroad list.

“Study abroad is engrained in our culture here at the University of Evansville,” said Kazee. “From our intensive program at Harlaxton College in Grantham, England, to the many service trips we consistently take to places like Guatemala and China, UE students have ample opportunities to contribute on a global level.”

The U.S. News & World Report rankings are designed to help prospective students and their families evaluate college choices. The Best Colleges rankings are available online at www.usnews.com/colleges and will be published in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2018 guidebook, on newsstands later this month.

Rankings infographic. Details appar in new article.

UE professor accepts birdhouse construction challenge

The Office of Study Abroad at the University of Evansville has issued a unique construction challenge to UE civil engineering professor Mark Valenzuela. Build a birdhouse in one hour with no plans and no materials – except for whatever wood, instructions, and tools can be “won” for him by participants in a trivia contest

Both the challenge and the trivia contest are part of an event planned for Thursday, February 23, noon-1:00 p.m., in the North Lobby of the Koch Center for Engineering and Science.

The activities are designed to bring awareness to a study abroad program that will enable students to travel to Nicaragua to work with Habitat for Humanity on building a home for a family in need. 

The public is invited to attend this free event and help Valenzuela build the birdhouse by answering trivia questions. For each question answered correctly, he will receive a crucial tool or piece of information to finish the birdhouse. Attendees will also be encouraged to bet on how long it will take Valenzuela to complete construction, and the person with the closest time will receive the birdhouse.

UE Mourns the Passing of Dean of Engineering and Computer Science, Philip Gerhart, PhD, PE.

Philip Gerhart, PhD, PE, of Evansville passed away Friday, January 27, at Deaconess Hospital, at the age of 70. He was dean of engineering and computer science and professor of mechanical and civil engineering at the University of Evansville.

Philip was born August 5, 1946, in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of the late Otis Gerhart and Edith Gerhart Marquand.

He earned his BSME degree from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in 1968 and his MS and PhD. degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1969 and 1971. Before becoming chair of mechanical and civil engineering at the University of Evansville, he was on the mechanical engineering faculty at the University of Akron from 1971 to 1984. He also served as interim vice president of academic affairs at UE from 2001-2002.

Gerhart taught a variety of courses in thermo-fluid sciences. He has consulted widely in the power generation and process industries and has authored or coauthored three books on fluid mechanics and fluid machinery.

Since 1975, he was deeply involved in the development of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Performance Test Codes. He served as ASME vice president for performance test codes, and was a member and vice-chair of the Committee on Fans, chair of the Committee on Fired Steam Generators, and a member of the Standing Committee on Performance Test Codes.

Gerhart was a Life Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. His honors and awards include the Outstanding Teacher Award from the Faculty Senate of the United Methodist Church, the ASME Dedicated Service Award, the ASME Performance Test Codes Gold Medal, ASME Student Section Outstanding Teacher, the Cummins Engine Co. Award, and Hemmingway Gold Medal from Rose-Hulman Institute.

He served in many volunteer leadership roles, including teacher and elder at Northwest Avenue Church of Christ in Tallmadge, Ohio, and Cullen Avenue/Crossroads Christian Church. Gerhart served in the Boy Scouts as scoutmaster, as well as a variety of other roles. He was elected to the Buffalo Trace Council Executive Board in 2005. Eighty-six scouts earned Eagle under his leadership. In 2001, he was awarded the Silver Beaver, recognizing exceptional character for distinguished service. He was an avid reader, and enjoyed spending time with his family and dogs.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Mary Lou (Huffer) Gerhart of Evansville; daughter, Ann Bauer (John) of Florissant, Missouri; son, Andy Gerhart (Amy) of Farmington, Michigan; grandchildren, Bryan and Mark Bauer of Florissant, Isabelle, Eli, and Adrianna Gerhart of Farmington; brother-in-law, Dale Huffer (JoAnn); nieces, Suzi Huffer and Karen Roberson.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, January 31, at Crossroads Christian Church, located at 10800 Lincoln Avenue, Newburgh, Indiana. Pastor Jack Arney and Mark Whited will officiate. Burial will be in Burlington Cemetery, Burlington, Indiana.

Friends may visit from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, January 30, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel-A Family Tradition Funeral Home, located at 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, and again from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday at Crossroads Christian Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to University of Evansville College of Engineering and Computer Science in memory of Phil Gerhart, 1800 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN 47714.

Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net.

Philip Gerhart sitting at desk

David Unger Publishes Paper on Fracture Mechanics

David J. Unger, professor of mechanical and civil engineering, has published an article titled "Path-dependent J-integral evaluations around an elliptical hole for large deformation theory in the Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Materials," vol. 25, 77-81 (2016).

UE College of Engineering and Computer Science Receives Gift of $1 Million

The University of Evansville’s College of Engineering and Computer Science will soon purchase some new equipment thanks to a recent gift of $1 million. The generous donation comes from Paul and Patricia Jones, longtime supporters of UE.  

The Joneses have a strong connection to the University of Evansville, and as a couple have contributed immensely to the institution’s success.

They met as students at the University and later married in the school’s Neu Chapel. Patricia pursued a major in medical technology, while Paul earned his degree in engineering. Paul is currently a member of the University’s Board of Trustees, and is the retired chair and CEO of A.O. Smith Corporation.

“We truly appreciate the Jones’s generosity to our engineering programs,” said UE president Thomas A. Kazee. “Their support has been instrumental in transforming much of campus. This particular gift represents the perfect marriage of our shared vision for how state-of-the art engineering education – grounded on the solid foundation of the liberal arts and sciences - can help the region build the workforce of the future.” 

Items that will be bought with the Jones’s gift have long been on the wish lists of UE’s engineering programs. Equipment to be purchased includes a 3D scanner, multiple 3D printers, thermal imaging scanner, a 5-axis milling machine, and a project realization laboratory.

 

Philip Gerhart, dean of UE’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, noted that “equipment and facilities obtained with Paul and Pat Jones’s magnificent gift will play a key role in continuing the University’s commitment to excellence through both rigorous academics and hands-on experiences.”

UE’s engineering programs are designed to meet local, national and global needs. Students have the opportunity to study civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science. UE also offers a biomedical option in both electrical and mechanical engineering and a certificate program in energy engineering that prepares current students and graduate engineers for opportunities in alternative and traditional energy technologies; an area believed to be key to developing the economy of the region.

UE Recognized a Best Regional University by U.S. News & World Report

The University of Evansville has again been named one of the Best Regional Universities: Midwest in the annual Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News & World Report. UE was eighth in this year’s ranking, which is based on measures of academic excellence such as student graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, and class sizes. The list includes approximately 200 schools, and rankings are designed to help prospective students and their families evaluate college choices.

UE was also named on the Best Value – Regional Universities (Midwest) list. This ranking is based on the school’s academic quality and the net cost of attendance for a student receiving the average need-based financial aid.

UE was listed in other Best Colleges U.S. News & World Report rankings as well, including: Best Colleges for Veterans, a top 10 Best Undergraduate Business Program among small private colleges, and a Best Undergraduate Engineering Program.

“We are pleased to again be recognized as a Best Value in the Midwest and as one of the Midwest’s top universities,” said UE president Thomas A. Kazee. “The recognitions in this report reflect our continued commitment to providing students with a high quality, affordable education.”

The Best Colleges rankings are available online at www.usnews.com/colleges and will be published in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2017 guidebook on newsstands later this month.

Infographic. Details appear in the news article.

UE Professor Mark Valenzuela Receives Eykamp Prize

University of Evansville associate professor of civil engineering Mark Valenzuela has been awarded the University’s Eykamp Prize. This is the first year for the award, which was presented during UE’s Fall Conference on Tuesday, August 16.

The Eykamp Prize was established by Richard and Rita Eykamp to recognize extraordinary contributions made by UE faculty to the University. The Eykamps are long-time supporters of UE with a strong connection to the institution. Rita Eykamp is a graduate of UE and a life trustee of the University.

Valenzuela earned his bachelor of engineering degree in civil and environmental engineering from Vanderbilt University, and his doctorate from Cornell University. He joined UE’s faculty in 1999.

During his time at the University, he has been dedicated to serving UE and its students

Under his leadership, UE entered its first regional concrete canoe competition in 2001. By 2005, the team was competing at the national level. UE has hosted the regional competition twice on campus; and is distinguished as the smallest university to ever host the national competition. 

Well-respected and much loved by his students, Valenzuela serves not only as an advisor in academic matters but also offers them guidance in career planning and personal development.

The Alumni Association recognized him with the Outstanding Teacher Award in 2003 and 2013. He is the only member of the faculty to receive this honor twice. 

Recently Valenzuela led the campus-wide effort to gain re-accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. This major commitment of time and energy was recognized when UE received an important confirmation from the commission that the University operates in an arena of excellence with a commitment to continuous improvement.

When presenting the prize, Richard Eykamp noted that, in addition to his impressive academic accomplishments, “Valenzuela is a role model who lives by a code of respect and service to others. He is a man of curiosity, personal discovery, and the highest ethical values. The University is honored by his accomplishments, his leadership, and his character.”

UE Civil Engineering Students Compete at ASCE Conference

Nineteen University of Evansville civil engineering students represented UE’s chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) at the annual Great Lakes Student Conference held recently in Chicago, Illinois. The event was hosted by the Illinois Institute of Technology. Mark Valenzuela, UE professor of engineering and the concrete canoe faculty advisor, accompanied the UE students to the conference.

Over 300 students from 19 civil engineering programs in Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin attended the event. They participated in professional ethics presentations, academic competitions, and networking events. 

UE’s Aces concrete canoe team won second place at the regional level behind the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  In the overall conference competitions, UE placed fifth, ahead of such schools as Purdue, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Rose-Hulman,      University of Southern Indiana, Bradley, and Valparaiso. 

The concrete canoe team consisted of the following UE students: Erich Hopf (project manager), Manuel Jara Perez (team manager), Alexis Sorrell (team manager), Samantha Shuler (team manager), Meredith Secrest (team manager), Shannon Gates (team manager), Trent Vowell, Jacob Slick, Samuel Brinegar, and Ryan Freeman.

UE students competed in other categories at the conference including:

Surveying: UE students Stuart Watson, Donald Hubbard, and Trent Vowell determined the height of a tower on the IIT campus.

Materials: UE students John East, Hannah Kirk, and Hashem Hatahet tested a pervious concrete slab that was designed by their junior-level construction materials class to allow water to flow through the concrete to prevent ponding on streets and parking lots.

Environmental: UE students John East, Hannah Kirk, Meredith Secrest, and Ryan Freeman analyzed building data for environmental problems and design errors.

Mystery Design: UE students Abdullah Alzakari, Chukiat Kanphian, Elyse Massey, and Elizabeth Theriac took on a timed challenge of designing and constructing the tallest tower that could hold a golf-ball using common household items obtained by answering Chicago-based trivia.

Quiz Bowl: UE students John East, Hannah Kirk, and Hashem Hatahet answered technical questions based on civil engineering course-work in three elimination rounds.

Technical Paper: UE student Stuart Watson presented his paper on the ethical issues surrounding working with different design standards around the world. 

The ASCE is the oldest professional engineering organization in the United States.  Its Great Lakes Conference comprises the following schools: University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Marquette University, Bradley University, University of Illinois-Chicago, Illinois Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Purdue University at West Lafayette, Purdue University-Calumet, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, Indiana State University, University of Southern Indiana,  Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, University of Notre Dame, Trine University, Valparaiso University, and UE. 

UE Student Receives Ernie Jones Memorial Civil Engineering Scholarship

University of Evansville student Forrest J. Plumlee has been named the first recipient of the Ernie Jones Memorial Civil Engineering Scholarship. This $2,500 scholarship will be awarded annually to a junior or senior civil engineering student at UE’s College of Engineering and Computer Science. Plumlee, a resident of Columbus, Indiana, received the scholarship during the University’s 19th annual Engineers Week Banquet hosted by the UE College of Engineering and Computer Science on February 24.

The National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE) and the Tower Family Foundation recently announced the establishment of the scholarship during the annual NATE UNITE 2016 conference.

Jim Coleman, a member of the Tower Family Foundation board of directors and former NATE chairman, said that NATE and the Tower Family Foundation were honored to recognize Jones’s legacy through the establishment of the scholarship at UE.

“Ernie was one of the most prominent structural engineers in the United States, and his contributions to NATE and the entire industry made an indelible impact on safety,” said Coleman

Jones died tragically in 2015 while inspecting a tower. A structural engineer who worked in the broadcast tower industry for 30 years, Jones served as a professional engineer and president of Consolidated Engineering, Inc., and as vice president of structural engineering at Electronics Research, Inc. He was a member of the TR-14.7 Committee of the Telecommunications Industry Association and Electronics Industry Association, assisting with writing and approving the ANSI-TIA/EIA 222 standard, the American National Standard for steel Antenna Towers and Antenna Supporting Structures.

“The University of Evansville’s College of Engineering is excited to begin offering this scholarship to a deserving student,” stated Brian Swenty, chair of UE’s Mechanical and Civil Engineering Department. “The faculty and staff in the College of Engineering are committed to honoring Ernie Jones through this program and educating the next generation of civil and structural engineers.”

Kathy Jones, widow of Ernie Jones, expressed her appreciation for the establishment of the scholarship.

“On behalf of our entire family, we are humbled by this scholarship that has been created in Ernie’s name. I am excited that Ernie’s contributions to the industry will continue through the Ernie Jones Memorial Civil Engineering Scholarship at the University of Evansville.”

 

UE’s 46th Annual Balsawood Bridge Competition Set for February 27

The University of Evansville student section of the American Society of Civil Engineers will conduct UE’s annual balsawood bridge competition on Saturday, February 27. This annual event has been an integral part of ASCE’s community involvement for 46 years. Kindergarten through high school aged children will participate in the competition, which will take place at the Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Preparations for the competition began a few months ago when participants were given balsawood and design specifications with which to build their bridges. The completed bridges will be brought to the competition where UE civil engineering students will inspect them for compliance with the rules and test their strength. The bridge that holds the most weight but uses the least amount of balsawood wins in different age group categories. The high school junior who places in the top three in the high school category will be offered a scholarship to UE.

UE civil engineering student Justin Trevino is the competition’s project manager.

 

Civil Engineers Receive PE Exam Results

The College of Engineering and Computer Science received Professional Engineer exam results from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. The PE exam passing rate for UE civil engineering alumni was 90 percent (9/10) on the October 2015 PE exam, while the national average was 66 percent.

Over the past ten years, UE civil engineering alumni have exceeded the national passing rate on the PE exam by about 20 percent.

Passing the PE exam is a requirement for professional licensure as an engineer in all 50 states. Professional licensure protects the public by enforcing standards that restrict practice to qualified individuals who have met specific qualifications in education, work experience, and exams. In the United States, licensure for the engineering profession is regulated by state law.

Gerhart Publishes textbook on Fluid Mechanics

Philip Gerhart, Professor of Mechanical and Civil Engineering and Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, has co-authored the eighth edition of Munson, Young and Okiishi’s Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

This text was co-authored by Andrew L. Gerhart, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Lawrence Technological University (Dr. Gerhart’s son and UE alumnus) and John I. Hochstein, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Memphis.

Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics is intended to help undergraduate engineering students learn the fundamentals of fluid mechanics. It was developed for use in a first course on fluid mechanics, either one or two semesters/terms.

With the eighth edition, the new team of authors continue the distinguished tradition of this text. As it has throughout the past seven editions, the original core prepared by Munson, Young and Okiishi remains. The authors have augmented this fine text, drawing on their many years of teaching experience and based on experience and suggestions from colleagues and students.

UE Civil Engineering Concrete Canoe Team Competes at Nationals

The University of Evansville’s civil engineering Concrete Canoe team earned 16th place overall in the 2015 American Society of Civil Engineers National Concrete Canoe Competition. Teams from some of the top engineering schools in the United States and Canada competed at the event, which was held at Clemson University on June 20-22. The UE team represented the smallest school at the competition.

The teams were judged on the design and construction of each canoe and the students’ ability to explain their innovative features in a design report and an oral presentation that included questioning by a panel of civil engineering professionals. In addition, the canoes were put to the test in a series of sprint, endurance, and slalom races.

For the first time in UE history, the paddling team placed in the top ten in the Women’s Endurance and Slalom and in the co-ed race. One of the event’s highlights was an exciting finish by the Aces co-ed team in the petit final race when they were narrowly edged out by the University of California at Berkeley.

UE associate professor of civil engineering and team advisor Mark Valenzuela traveled with the team to the competition at Clemson University He praised the UE team’s efforts, both for their work preparing for the competition and in their performance at the event.

“I’m so very proud of the team and what they’ve accomplished throughout the year,” said Valenzuela. “I was touched that they named their canoe “Julie,” after Julie Elpers Otis who led UE to her first Nationals ten years ago. She lost her battle with breast cancer just recently. These students should be proud of giving it their all to get to Nationals and competing toe-to-toe with some of the best schools in the country. Julie would most certainly be proud.”

2015 UE Civil Engineering Graduate Places First in National ASCE Student Competition

Chris Unzicker, 2015 graduate from the University of Evansville’s civil engineering program, finished first in the nation with his submission to the Daniel W. Mead Student Contest sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Unzicker was presented with the national award at a ceremony held Wednesday, May 27, on UE’s campus. ASCE judges performed a blind review of the submissions and gave awards for the top five papers in this national competition.

Universities from across the country submitted just one paper to represent their institution on the topic Should the Engineer of Record (who has a sealed set of plans) be held responsible, to any degree, for injury or death to builders or bystanders that occurs during the construction of his/her design?

Entries came from some of the top civil engineering programs in the nation.

“The competition was fierce,” says Dr. Brian Swenty, chair of the mechanical and civil engineering department at UE.

“To place in the top five is an honor, but Chris placed first in the nation! This speaks well of both Chris and the civil engineering program at UE,” he says.

All 15 of UE’s civil engineering 2015 seniors wrote submissions to the contest during the two-semester long senior capstone design sequence. Students submitted draft papers during the fall semester, which were graded and handed back. Students then revised the papers and resubmitted them early in the spring semester. From there, a panel of three judges performed a blind review and selected the best paper to represent UE. As the author of the best paper, Unzicker was given approximately two weeks to take the judges’ comments into consideration and make final edits to his paper before the submission deadline of March 1.

“This award is recognized as an individual achievement, but it’s really far from that,” says Unzicker. “I would not have won this award without the outstanding education I received at UE, and more importantly, it wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication the civil engineering professors showed my classmates and me throughout these four years.”

Chris Unzicker shaking hands and holding winning check

UE 2015 Aces Concrete Canoe Team Qualifies for National Competition

The University of Evansville 2015 Aces Concrete Canoe team has qualified for the National Concrete Canoe Competition. The team secured their spot by coming in second overall in the regional concrete canoe competition at the American Society of Civil Engineers Great Lakes Student Conference. That conference was April 16-19 at the University of Notre Dame. Out of the more than 250 civil engineering programs in the United States, only 25 schools qualify for competition at the national level.

The team’s 190-lb, 19.9-ft long canoe Julie, is named in honor of UE civil engineering alumna Julie (Elpers) Otis, who led Aces Concrete Canoe to its first Nationals Competition in 2005. Otis lost her battle with breast cancer in 2013, and the team found inspiration in her fight and in her strength.

The canoe will be on display at UE’s annual Engineering Excellence Day on Friday, April 24, 1:00-5:30 p.m., East Terrace lawn next to Ridgway University Center. This event is free and open to the public

In all four areas of the competition, design paper, product display, oral presentation, and races, the team came in second behind only the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which has won the National Competition five times. 

Aces Concrete Canoe placed second ahead of the University of Illinois at Chicago, in design paper, where the technical and project management aspects of the year-long project are discussed. 

On Friday, April 17, the Aces Concrete Canoe team used their product display to highlight the construction quality, aesthetics, and durability of their canoe, and to honor its namesake’s fight against breast cancer. In product display, the team placed second ahead of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. 

The presentation team delivered a summary on Saturday, April 18, of their year-long work to a panel of civil engineering judges, answering questions based on their presentation and design paper, and coming in second, ahead of third-place Northwestern University.

Race day was Friday, consisting of the two-man 600 meter slalom and endurance race, the two-woman slalom and endurance, the two-woman 200 meter sprint race, the two-man 200 meter sprint race, and two-man/two-woman co-ed 400-m sprint race. Except for one race, the paddling team came in second beating out third-place finishers that included Notre Dame (women’s sprint), Marquette (men’s sprint), University of Southern Indiana (co-ed sprint), and Northwestern University (men’s endurance). 

But in the women’s slalom and endurance, the paddling team beat out the University of Wisconsin-Madison team by nearly a minute to take first place, the only time in 15 years that any school has ever beaten the women’s team from Madison.

All 18 schools in the Great Lakes Region fielded canoes this year and included, in addition to the above: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Purdue, Valparaiso, Trine, Purdue University-Calumet, University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign, Bradley, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee School of Engineering, and Illinois Institute of Technology.

UE Engineering Students Invite All to Engineering Excellence Day

The University of Evansville is hosting its annual Engineering Excellence Day on April 24, from 1:00-5:30 p.m., with engineering projects on display on the East Terrace lawn next to Ridgway University Center. This event is free and open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to stop by and view the projects on display. Projects on display will include the Formula car, Baja Buggy, Firefighting Robots, Steel Bridge, Concrete Canoe, and many more. Engineering students will be on site to explain the projects and answer questions. Tours will also be offered of the Koch Center for Engineering and Science. For more information, please call 812-488-2236 or 812-661-0125.

UE Receives 2014 NCEES Engineering Award

The University of Evansville was presented with a 2014 NCEES Engineering Award for Connecting Professional Practice and Education during a ceremony on UE’s campus on Tuesday, September 9. The event took place in the Bernhardt Atrium of the Schroeder Family School of Business Administration Building. 

The University was only one of only six colleges receiving this award from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES.) UE’s Civil Engineering Program in the College of Engineering and Computer Science will receive $7,500 as a winner of the competition.

For their entry, UE’s civil engineering senior design team worked with faculty, residents of Fairfield, Illinois, and licensed professional engineers on the Fairfield Reservoir and Dam project in Fairfield. Lakeside Park, in Fairfield, included a 100-year-old lake constructed on a 454 acre watershed. The lake was used for recreational purposes by local residents, but the deteriorating earth dam was declared unsafe in 2007 and ordered breached by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Successful collaboration between a ten-member student team, five licensed engineers, four faculty members, the Fairfield Park District, and the Fairfield Mayor’s office resulted in a design for constructing a new dam and spillway, reestablishing a 12-acre lake, and providing flood protection for residents of the city of Fairfield. Find more information about the project at http://cdn1.ncees.co/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Univ-Evansville.pdf

“It is quite an honor to receive this prestigious award,” said UE President Thomas A. Kazee. “We are extremely proud of our civil engineering student team.”

The student team members were: Chris Kuester and James Gabe, project managers, Matt Blythe, Jamie Johnson, Alex Loehrlein, Hieronymus Mitchell, Zach Neukam, Heather Passey, Alex Schwingerhamer and Kilian Sweet.

“These students did an outstanding job, and their design meets state and federal dam safety requirements,” said Brian Swenty, chair of UE’s Mechanical and Civil Engineering Department.

The NCEES Engineering Award recognizes engineering programs that encourage collaboration between students and professional engineers. EAC-ABET-accredited programs from all engineering disciplines were invited to submit projects that integrate professional practice and education. The winners were selected by a jury of NCEES members and representatives from academic institutions and professional engineering organizations.

Philip Gerhart, dean of UE’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, said competitions such as this one are invaluable to students.

“This competition added a degree of realism and significance to the students’ projects that is not present in ‘textbook’ assignments,” explained Gerhart. “We are grateful for NCEES providing this opportunity and for selecting our students’ project for an award.”

The grand prize winner of the competition was Seattle University. Other winners were The Citadel, North Carolina State University, and University of Notre Dame. Profiles of the winning submissions are available online at http://ncees.org/award.

University of Evansville Civil Engineering Students Win 2014 NCEES Engineering Award for Fairfield Reservoir and Dam Project

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) has named the University of Evansville as one of only six colleges nationally to receive a 2014 NCEES Engineering Award for Connecting Professional Practice and Education. UE’s Civil Engineering Program in the College of Engineering and Computer Science will receive $7,500 as a winner of the competition.

For their entry, UE’s civil engineering senior design team worked with faculty, residents of Fairfield, and licensed professional engineers on the Fairfield Reservoir and Dam project in Fairfield, Illinois. Lakeside Park, in Fairfield included a 100-year-old lake constructed in the late nineteenth century on a 454 acre watershed. The lake was used for recreational purposes by local residents, but the deteriorating earth dam was declared unsafe in 2007 and ordered breached by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Successful collaboration between a ten-member student team, five licensed engineers, four faculty, the Fairfield Park District, and the Fairfield Mayor’s office resulted in a design for constructing a new dam and spillway, reestablishing a 12-acre lake, and providing flood protection for residents of the city of Fairfield. Find more information about the project at http://cdn1.ncees.co/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Univ-Evansville.pdf

“The civil engineering students worked eight months on this project and collaborated with a number of stakeholders.  They did an outstanding job and their design meets state and federal dam safety requirements,” said Brian Swenty, Chair of the Mechanical and Civil Engineering Department at UE. The ten civil engineering students who worked on the project were Chris Kuester and James Gabe, project managers, Matt Blythe, Jamie Johnson, Alex Loehrlein, Hieronymus Mitchell, Zach Neukam, Heather Passey, Alex Schwingerhamer and Kilian Sweet..

The NCEES Engineering Award recognizes engineering programs that encourage collaboration between students and professional engineers. EAC-ABET-accredited programs from all engineering disciplines were invited to submit projects that integrate professional practice and education. The winners were selected by a jury of NCEES members and representatives from academic institutions and professional engineering organizations.

“Competitions like this are extremely valuable in educating engineering professionals,” explains Philip Gerhart, UE Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science. “The competitions add a degree of realism and significance to the student’s projects that is not present in mere ‘textbook’ assignments. We are grateful for NCEES providing this opportunity and for selecting our students’ project for an award.”

The grand prize winner of the competition was Seattle University. Other winners were The Citadel; North Carolina State University; Seattle University, and University of Notre Dame. Profiles of the winning submissions are available online at http://ncees.org/award.

UE College of Engineering and Computer Science students have garnered numerous awards and recognition in 2014 including the following:

Civil Engineering

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Great Lakes Regional Conference

Concrete Canoe –2nd Place • Quiz Bowl – 1st Place • Mead Paper (Technical Paper) – 3rd Place

Other Achievements

ASCE Indiana Section Design Presentation Competition – 1stPlace

ASCE Student Chapter – Certificate of Commendation, top 15% in U.S.

Mechanical Engineering

SAE Formula Car International Competition

39th Place; 107 teams competing (25th Place among U.S. teams)

SAE Baja Vehicle Competition

44th Place; 91 teams competing (38th Place among U.S. teams)

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Williston Student Paper Award

2nd (eight 1st or 2nd place winners in the past 12 years)

Computer Science

ACM Programming Contest

Team 1st Place at site and 19th Place regionally

Electrical and Computer Engineering

IEEE SoutheastCon Regional Competition

2nd Place; 42 team robotics competition

For more information contact about the University of Evansville College of Engineering and Computer Science visit http://www.evansville.edu or email uerelations@evansville.edu.

UE Places First in Quiz Bowl at ASCE Conference

University of Evansville civil engineering students placed first in the quiz bowl portion of the American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE) Great Lakes Regional Conference on April 11-12. At the event, hosted by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, UE’s quiz bowl team came in ahead of such competitors as the University of Notre Dame, Northwestern University, Purdue University-Calumet, and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

The objective of the quiz bowl challenge was to test the knowledge of civil engineering students in several categories including:

• Statics/Dynamics
• Water Resources Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Transportation Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Fluid Mechanics/Hydraulic Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Engineering Economics
• Engineering Ethics
• Engineering Materials
• Surveying
• Construction Engineering/Management

In the first round, each team answered 40 different questions. The top five teams after the first round then advanced to the last round where they were asked 10 more questions. The final standing was based on teams’ total number of points.

Members of UE’s quiz bowl team were: Jamie Johnson, James Gabe, Chris Kuester and Heather Passey.

UE placed second overall at the conference which, in addition to the quiz bowl, consisted of concrete canoe, steel bridge, professional ethics paper and presentation, environmental design, surveying, concrete materials, and mystery design.

UE student Jamie Johnson won third place in the professional ethics paper and presentation with her paper: “The Engineer’s Role in Natural Disasters.”

The concrete canoe team with project managers Christina Bernauer and Shannon Osiecki won second place with the canoe “Dark Knight.”  Category awards in the concrete canoe competition included third place in races (led by captain Hannah Okray and paddlers Jaclyn Altstadt, Aubin Fowler, Silas Bohlen, George Carroll, Forrest Plumlee and Levi Leffert), second place in design paper (led by academics captain Abby Browder), second place in presentation (with Alejandro Mojica Cadario, Carroll, Bernauer and Osiecki), and second place in final product.

The steel bridge team, led by Abby Browder and Alex Schwinghamer, improved the bridge design so that they constructed their bridge 30% faster than last year with the help of team members Hieronymus Mitchell, Noble Rassam, Hannah Kirk, and Forrest Plumlee.

Other students who were involved included: Danilo Bortoletto, Helena Leon, David Lopes, and Monica Pinto.  UE faculty advisors who traveled with the students were: Associate Professors of Civil Engineering James Allen and Mark Valenzuela and Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering Immanuel Selvaraj.

44th Annual Balsawood Bridge Competition Set for Saturday, February 15

The University of Evansville student section of the American Society of Civil Engineers will conduct the 44th annual balsawood bridge competition on Saturday, February 15. Approximately 200 kindergarten through high school aged children will participate in the event which will take place in Eykamp Hall in Ridgway University Center on UE’s campus from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The top junior winner will be awarded a scholarship to study engineering at UE.

UE Associate Professor of Mechanical and Civil Engineering Mark Valenzuela, co-advisor for the competition, says the event was created to be a “fun activity that gets kids excited about engineering, math and science.”

He explains that preparations for the event began a few months ago when participants were given balsawood kits to build their bridges.

The completed bridges will be brought to UE for the competition where, says Valenzuela, “our civil engineering students will inspect them for compliance with the rules and test their strength by seeing how much lead shot each bridge can carry in a bucket. The bridge that holds the most shot but uses the least amount of balsawood wins in different age groups.”

UE civil engineering student Christina Bernauer is the competition’s project manager. Valenzuela notes that Christina was herself a contestant in one of the annual balsawood competitions when she was in grade school.

UE Students Win Innovative Design Competition

For the second year in a row, an interdisciplinary team of five UE students brought home first-place honors in the Lawrence Technological University Innovation Encounter competition, held October 18-19 in Southfield, Michigan. The UE team included students from engineering, business, and physical therapy.

Students representing UE were Vaughn Ahlf (mechanical engineering), Laura Best (mechanical engineering), Andrey Biryuchinskiy (finance and economics), Jawad AlDhalemi (computer engineering), and Annie Wooten (physical therapy). Immanuel Selvaraj, UE assistant professor of civil engineering, coached the team.

The competition challenged teams to create a business-level solution for a real-world client’s (Reverie) problem statement in a two-day event. The event engaged students from eight universities in both competition and the appreciation of the skills learned during their academic careers. The competition included educational components, networking opportunities, and valuable feedback. The LTU “Innovation Encounter” provided students the opportunity to work on a real-world problem that required teamwork, business planning, critical thinking, and innovation.

In addition to UE, the universities that competed were Gonzaga University, Ohio Northern University, Lawrence Technological University, Villanova University, Saint Louis University, Kettering University, and Widener University.

UE Students holding award at the Lawrence Technological University Innovation Encounter

UE to Host Webelos Scouts Engineering Pin Day

The University of Evansville's College of Engineering and Computer Science will host an engineering pin day for local Webelos Scouts and their leaders. From 7:45 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Saturday, October 26, Webelos Scouts will rotate through hands-on activity stations led by UE engineering and computer science students. The activities can be applied toward earning the Webelos Scout engineering pin.

Advance registration with payment of $6 per scout is required. Webelos Scout leaders may obtain forms and information from Tina Newman in UE's College of Engineering and Computer Science, 812-488-2651, or Jennifer Whitaker with the Boy Scouts of America Buffalo Trace Council, 812-423-5246.

UE to Offer Review Course for Fundamentals of Engineering Exam

This fall, the University of Evansville’s College of Engineering and Computer Science will offer a review course for students and community members preparing to take the 2014 Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.

The eight-hour FE exam, which will be offered at computer testing centers nationwide beginning in January, is designed for students who are close to finishing an undergraduate engineering degree. It is typically the first step in the process to becoming a licensed professional engineer.

The review class is taught by University of Evansville faculty members and offered only once a year. Classes will take place on Thursday nights from 6:30-9 p.m. in UE’s Koch Center for Engineering and Science.

This year, classes will be divided based on specific majors: civil engineering (classes run September 26-January 23), electrical and computer engineering (classes run October 31-November 21), and mechanical engineering and other disciplines (September 26-December 5). 

The deadline to register for the review course is September 25. For more information or to register, please contact the College of Engineering and Computer Science at 812-488-2651.

UE Students to Help Nonprofit Organization Launch Medical Facility in Dominican Republic

As part of an intensive summer course in applied process development – and an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a developing country – 15 University of Evansville students will spend the next two weeks in the Dominican Republic.

From July 23-August 6, UE business, communication, engineering, and nursing students will work with the nonprofit organization G.O. Ministries to develop plans for the organization’s new medical facility, currently under construction in Santiago, Dominican Republic.

UE’s interdisciplinary, faculty-led team is tasked with creating process developments (such as determining efficient patient flow, how to secure medications and archive patient medical records, and more), business plans, and equipment and supply recommendations consistent with accepted United States practices.

The two-week course, for which students will receive three hours of academic credit, includes a classroom portion taught by UE professors, as well as fieldwork and observation at the existing G.O. Ministries medical clinic and other relevant sites in the Dominican Republic. The students will receive instruction in health administration, process development, and business plan development.

At the conclusion of the course, students will present their findings to G.O. Ministries for implementation in the new medical facility, scheduled for completion in Summer 2014.

“I think I’ll grow as a result of this opportunity through the application of what I’ve learned in class, but I’ll also have my eyes opened to another culture,” said Jacquelyn Ballard, a business administration and international studies student from St. Louis, Missouri, United States. “I hope that this changes my perspective in how I view the world and my own values. On a professional level, I believe this will expose me to many different aspects of business in a very hands-on way, helping me understand exactly where I would like to focus or specialize.”

“Working with a multidisciplinary team provides me with new thought processes and chances to see the world through the eyes of other people,” said Brenna Siscoe, a nursing student from Dugger, Indiana, United States. “With new ways to view the world and all we have, I am able to be a more well-rounded worker and human being.”

"I decided to take part in this opportunity because I felt that I had a lot to offer this organization and that it would be a life-changing experience for me personally," said Vaughn Ahlf, a mechanical engineering major from Evansville. "Through the University, I participated on a team that took first place at the Lawerence Tech Innovation Encounter competition, where I learned problem-solving techniques and gained experience working with a multidisciplinary team. I also feel that my experience working as a mechanical engineering intern at the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center would help me with the medical aspect of this project."

UE faculty members accompanying the group are Amy Hall, White Family Endowed Professor and chair of the Dunigan Family Department of Nursing and Health Sciences; Richard Deer, director of UE’s Center for Intensive Experiential Education; and Jill Griffin, director of the Global Assistance Program in UE’s Institute for Global Enterprise. John Layer, associate professor of mechanical engineering, will deliver online course components.

Layer facilitated the relationship between UE and G.O. Ministries after he traveled to Haiti and the Dominican Republic with the organization. He saw opportunities for UE students to be involved in the design and planning phase of the organization’s projects.

Since then, University of Evansville students have assisted G.O. Ministries on projects in the Dominican Republic (assessing a 40-acre potential building site and designing a three-story building in 2008 and developing a solar water heater in 2010) and Mongolia (designing two new buildings and creating business plans for craft businesses in 2012).

“Over the last five years, the relationship with G.O. Ministries has led to transformational experiences for many of our students,” said Layer. “When students travel to developing countries, they often return home with a new sense of purpose and desire to make an impact. In addition, they benefit from working with an interdisciplinary team to address real-world problems and create solutions.” 

UE students traveling to the Dominican Republic are Vaughn Ahlf, Jacquelyn Ballard, Ryan Bassemier, Laura Best, Brandi Blosl, Abby Browder, Mathew Brown, Heather Browning, Renee Croce, Gaby Fifer, Rachel Mendoza-Santiago, Shannon Osiecki, Breianna Simpson, Brenna Siscoe, and Brynne Thompson.

The University of Evansville wishes to thank the Institute for Global Enterprise, the Center for Intensive Experiential Education, and the Lilly Endowment for their generous support of this educational experience.

Concrete Canoe Team Wins Innovation Award, Places 10th at Nationals

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 — cracking the top 10 for only the second time in team history.

The 26th annual competition took place June 20-22 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Twenty-three teams from some of the top engineering schools in the United States and Canada competed and were judged on the design, construction, innovative features, and racing ability of each concrete canoe.

UE’s 13-member team finished sixth in the technical paper category (the team’s highest finish in history), 10th in product design, 11th in oral presentation, 13th in the races, and 10th overall. UE was the smallest school and the only private American university to finish in the top 10.

UE also won the competition’s Innovation Award for the strategic use of a dimpled texture to reduce drag on their canoe, “Palus” (an astronomical term to describe a surface feature on the moon). The canoe, which measures 19.9 feet long and weighs 216 pounds, 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.

A photo of team members Chris Kuester and Luc Heidenreich racing "Palus" was featured prominently in The New York Times' coverage of the National Concrete Canoe Competition.

“I’m incredibly proud of our students’ work over the course of the academic year, which culminated in an outstanding overall finish at the national competition, as well as a special award recognizing their creativity and willingness to take a risk,” said Mark Valenzuela, associate professor of civil engineering and the team’s faculty advisor. “They put in long hours without receiving class credit, all for the love of a challenge, the satisfaction of a job well done, and the pride in carrying on the winning tradition of UE’s Concrete Canoe team.”

The UE Concrete Canoe team was led by Jamie Johnson (project manager), James Gabe, Chris Kuester, and Heather Passey. Members included Jaclyn Altstadt, Christina Bernauer, Abby Browder, George Carroll, Ryan Hayes, Luc Heidenreich, Hieronymus Mitchell, Hannah Okray, and Shannon Osiecki.

In 2011, UE hosted the National Concrete Canoe Competition and was the smallest school ever invited to do so. This year marks the fourth time in the past five years that UE has qualified for nationals.

For more information on the 26th Annual ASCE National Concrete Canoe Competition, please visit http://www.asce.org/concretecanoe.

2013 UE Concrete Canoe Team with their canoe

Past OPTIONS Participant to Serve as Mentor-in-Residence for High School Girls

Kelsey Smith, a 2006 OPTIONS for High School Girls summer camp participant, will serve as mentor-in-residence for girls attending this year’s OPTIONS experience, which explores the vast career possibilities in engineering and computer science.

Smith, a resident of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, will provide guidance and advice to this year’s OPTIONS for High School Girls attendees as well as teaching.

Smith, a Montana native, learned about OPTIONS through the Internet and attended the program before her junior year of high school. She credits the experience for deepening her understanding and interest in the diverse career opportunities in engineering.

“OPTIONS gave me incredible exposure to the different fields of engineering and the roles that women play in them. Being in an all-girls camp gave me the confidence to ask questions and explore more about the ‘how,’” Smith said. “There were so many opportunities offered – we were able to visit a wide range of plants and factories, and really see the in-depth functioning of different systems. In addition, I met some amazing women mentors.”

Smith graduated from high school in Bigfork, Montana, in 2008. There, she received varsity letters in soccer, track, and cheerleading; held leadership positions as speech and debate team captain, student council vice president, and newspaper editor-in-chief; and played first-chair flute.

Smith graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 2012, where she majored in behavioral science with minors in Arabic and Spanish. Upon graduation from the Academy, Smith was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. She currently attends the Air Force Institute of Technology and is studying engineering management – human factors engineering. After graduation in 2014, Smith plans to work as a researcher in the Air Force.

Openings are still available in both OPTIONS for High School Girls, June 9-14, and OPTIONS for Middle School Girls, June 16-20. Thanks to the Alcoa Foundation, a limited number of scholarships are available for girls from Vanderburgh and Warrick counties. Attendees are welcome from all states and counties.

For more information, please contact Tina Newman, OPTIONS program coordinator in the University of Evansville’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, at 812-488-2651.

Kelsey Smith headshot

Mark Valenzuela Named UE's Outstanding Teacher of the Year

Mark Valenzuela, associate professor of civil engineering, has been named the University of Evansville’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year for 2012-13. He is the first UE faculty member to win this prestigious honor two times.

The award, presented annually by the UE Alumni Association, was announced today at the Ford Center during the University’s 155th Commencement ceremony.

Valenzuela, known as “Dr. Mark” by his students, first received the Outstanding Teacher of the Year award in 2003. A decade later, thanks to high marks from his students and colleagues, he has earned the award once again.

“Dr. Mark uses a very detailed and interactive teaching style in the classroom by coming to class prepared with real-life examples, hands-on activities, and ideas on how to involve his students,” wrote one student nominator. “Outside of the classroom, Dr. Mark’s door is always open. He is willing to take as much time as necessary to help students understand class material, and it shows when it is time to take exams. Students feel as if they have truly learned the material, not just memorized.”

“Dr. Mark’s influence on students is impressive,” one student said. “He ensures that his students make ethical decisions and treat one another with respect. I have witnessed many situations in which students are having trouble cooperating in groups, and he helps them overcome differences and complete projects.”

“Mark Valenzuela is without a doubt one of the best professors as well as one of the best human beings I have hired,” said Phil Gerhart, dean of UE’s College of Engineering and Computer Science. “For the past 29 years, I have had the great blessing of working with and leading an extremely talented, collegial, and principled group of faculty. Dr. Mark Valenzuela is outstanding among them.”

In addition to his teaching duties, Valenzuela serves as the faculty advisor for Chi Epsilon, the national civil engineering honor society; the student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE); and the Concrete Canoe team, which has qualified for nationals four times in the last five years. Under his leadership, in 2011, UE became the smallest school ever to host the ASCE National Concrete Canoe Competition. Valenzuela is also the vice president of the Southwest Indiana branch of ASCE and a registered professional engineer in the state of Indiana.

In addition to the Outstanding Teacher of the Year award, his previous teaching awards include the Dean’s Teaching Award for the College of Engineering and Computer Science (2003 and 2013), a UE Global Scholar award (2008), and the ExCEED New Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers (2002).

Valenzuela holds a PhD and Master of Science in structural engineering from Cornell University and a Bachelor of Engineering in civil and environmental engineering from Vanderbilt University. He came to UE in 1999 and received tenure and promotion to associate professor in 2005.

UE Concrete Canoe Headed to Nationals

For the fourth time in the past five years, the University of Evansville’s Concrete Canoe team has qualified for the American Society of Civil Engineers National Concrete Canoe Competition, held this year from June 20-22 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

UE’s team of civil engineering students earned a bid to nationals by winning the Concrete Canoe competition at the ASCE Great Lakes Student Conference, held April 18-20 at Trine University in Angola, Indiana. UE placed first out of 17 Concrete Canoe teams, besting the perennial powerhouse team from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (which has won regionals 17 of the last 19 years), as well as teams from Purdue University, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of Notre Dame, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and others.

“I’m incredibly proud of this year’s team for earning a first-place finish at the regional competition. The team has logged over 1,000 hours since the fall semester to design and build their canoe, and unlike other teams in the competition, they do not receive academic credit to participate in Concrete Canoe. They compete simply because they love a challenge, take pride in doing an excellent job, and want to carry on a winning tradition,” said Mark Valenzuela, associate professor of civil engineering and the team’s faculty advisor. “After enduring hours-long road trips, late nights, and freezing wind and rain, we sometimes wonder, ‘Is it worth it?’ And win or lose, each year the answer has always been ‘Yes!’”

The Concrete Canoe competition consists of four categories: races, oral presentation, final product, and design paper, with each counting equally toward the final score. Because of severe weather during the ASCE Great Lakes Student Conference, the races were canceled, shifting the fight to the academic portion of the competition.

“Civil engineering students on the Concrete Canoe team compete both as athletes and scholars.  At the ASCE Great Lakes Student Conference, they must demonstrate outstanding presentation, writing, and academic skills to qualify for nationals,” said Brian Swenty, chair of the Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering. “This year, our students once again proved that they can rise to the top in a highly competitive field of civil engineering students from the region’s best public and private universities. We’re very proud of our students’ work and look forward to another great showing at nationals this summer.”

This year’s canoe, “Palus” (an astronomical term to describe a surface feature on the moon), is 19.9 feet long and weighs 216 pounds. Inspired by an episode of “MythBusters” that investigated whether a car with a dimpled texture like a golf ball could obtain better gas mileage, the canoe features dimples to help reduce drag in the water.

UE Concrete Canoe team members are Jamie Johnson (project manager), Jaclyn Altstadt, Christina Bernauer, Abby Browder, George Carroll, Aubin Fowler, James Gabe, Ryan Hayes, Luc Heidenreich, Amanda Hopf, Chris Kuester, Hieronymus Mitchell, Alejandro Mojica Cadario, Zach Neukam, Hannah Okray, Shannon Osiecki, Heather Passey, Alex Schwinghamer, Katelyn Spainhour, Kilian Sweet, and Bekah Taylor.

2013 UE Concrete Canoe team with their canoe

UE Civil Engineering Freshmen Test Balsawood Bridges

The annual civil engineering freshman balsawood bridge competition was conducted during the week of November 26-30, 2012.  Students made presentations and bridges were tested in UE’s Bowen Engineering Laboratory.  The winning team built a bridge with an efficiency rating of 2.41 pounds of load per gram of bridge weight.  The winning bridge, pictured, weighed 158 grams or just over 1/3 of a pound, and was able to support a load of 381 pounds as measured on the program’s 50-kip Material Testing Systems (MTS) machine.

In their Engineering 101 course, civil engineering freshmen learn about basic mechanics principles, trusses, and different types of bridges.  Based on these principles, they are divided into teams and assigned a project to design and construct  an efficient bridge from  light-weight balsawood and glue.  Students are trained to use STAADPro software to assist them in completing their design.  The students built their bridges and displayed them at the monthly ASCE meeting on Wednesday, November 28 where they also made presentations to faculty and students about their bridge designs.

The next evening,  the bridges were tested to failure in the  Bowen Engineering Laboratory materials testing lab with the top bridge being the one whose efficiency rating (applied load to self-weight ratio) was the highest.

Members of the winning team, pictured, include Alejandro Mojica-Cadario, Hieronymus Mitchell, and Peter Sadler.

Alejandro Mojica-Cadario, Hieronymus Mitchell, and Peter Sadler holding bridge

UE VETS Wins Top Honors Among Indiana Student Veteran Organizations

Against stiff competition from student veteran organizations around Indiana, UE VETS from the University of Evansville today was named the winner of the SVO Hall of Fame Competition, held October 27 in Indianapolis and sponsored by the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University (MFRI).

The event, which was open to the public, showcased the talents and achievements of the top student veteran organizations in Indiana. The University of Evansville was the only private college or university selected to compete. Other participants were Ball State University, Indiana University Southeast (second place), Ivy Tech Bloomington, Ivy Tech Sellersburg, Ivy Tech Wabash Valley, and Purdue University (third place).

The event was the culmination of previously held grant competitions sponsored by Operation Diploma, MFRI’s post-secondary education initiative. All organizations presented to a panel of judges before a live audience at the NCAA Hall of Champions.

Army veteran Jariah Besing, a civil engineering major from Francisco, Indiana, and Army Reserve member and Iraq veteran Hayli Cingle, a criminal justice and sociology major from Landisville, Pennsylvania, presented on behalf of UE VETS, discussing how the organization provides support and outreach to veterans, current service members, and their families as they transition from the military to college and beyond to the workforce. They received high praise from all of the judges.

“The University of Evansville is an example of what an SVO should be,” said Michael Dakduk, a competition judge and executive director of Student Veterans of America. “Not just in Indiana; they are a national example of what SVOs can aspire to be.”

UE VETS has successfully competed for Operation Diploma grants every year since 2009, and has been named a military-friendly school by G.I. Jobs for four consecutive years. The University’s 2009 partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to serve as a Yellow Ribbon school has led to a 383 percent increase in student veteran enrollment since 2009.

The SVO has put on a number of collaborative events, including a Veterans Day 5K Walk, Run, and Roll race, a veterans’ fair, and a citywide book read aimed at increasing understanding of readjustment issues after military deployments. These events engaged a number of different constituencies, including UE alumni veterans, the UE campus, and student veteran organizations at the University of Southern Indiana and Ivy Tech Community College Southwest.

During opening remarks at the competition, MFRI Director Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth emphasized that all organizations in attendance earned their way there through exemplary work.

“There’s a reason why you have been chosen to participate today,” she said. “By providing important avenues of connection and support, you are crucial to your peers’ success, and you are also helping to educate your faculty and administrators about how much student service members and veterans bring to Indiana campuses. Thank you for making a difference on your campuses, in your communities, and beyond.”

UE Veterans Jariah Besing and Hayli Cingle

OPTIONS Program Receives $30,000 Grant from Alcoa Foundation

The University of Evansville is proud to announce that it has received a $30,000 grant from the Alcoa Foundation in support of OPTIONS, a summer program that introduces middle and high school students to the vast career possibilities in engineering and computer science.

The grant will provide scholarships for middle and high school girls to attend OPTIONS in 2013 and 2014, opening up STEM opportunities (science, technology, engineering, and math) to a population that is underrepresented in these career fields. Scholarships will also be available to OPTIONS graduates who enroll in a four-year degree program at UE.

During OPTIONS programs, students stay on UE’s campus in a residence hall, complete hands-on projects, take classes taught by UE faculty members, and meet local professional women in the engineering and computer science fields.

“We started OPTIONS for High School Girls in 1992 — and OPTIONS for Middle School Girls in 2004 — as residential summer programs to help young women with an aptitude for math and science learn about the exciting career opportunities in engineering and computer science,” said Phil Gerhart, dean of UE’s College of Engineering and Computer Science. “Today, we’re very grateful to the Alcoa Foundation for providing scholarship support to this program, which will allow a greater number of talented, motivated young women to experience OPTIONS.”

“Alcoa Warrick Operations is excited to be able to help support this program through the plant’s annual allocation from the Alcoa Foundation,” said Royce Haws, the location manager for the Primary Metals Division at Warrick Operations. “Most of our community investments from the Foundation are focused on education, recognizing that changes in the economy require upgraded skills that will help keep Warrick Operations globally competitive — investments in science, technology, engineering, and math are a key community and business need.”

The University of Evansville wishes to thank the Alcoa Foundation for its generous support of OPTIONS, in addition to other programs and projects at UE. Past Alcoa Foundation grants to the University of Evansville have supported the development of the LEED-certified Ridgway University Center, development of TWICE (the Tri-State Women in Computing and Engineering professional network), student scholarships, and the community-wide RecycleMania initiative.

For more information on OPTIONS, please visit options.evansville.edu or contact the College of Engineering and Computer Science at 812-488-2651.

Concrete Canoe Team Earns Record Finish at Nationals

Despite unexpected challenges, such as a canoe that cracked in half, the University of Evansville’s Concrete Canoe team earned 12th place overall in the American Society of Civil Engineers National Concrete Canoe Competition — the team’s second highest finish in its 12-year history.

The 25th annual competition took place June 14-16 at the University of Nevada, Reno. Twenty-two teams from some of the top engineering schools in the United States and Canada competed and were judged on the design, construction, innovative features, and racing ability of each concrete canoe.

UE’s 17-member team finished seventh in the technical paper category, 10th in oral presentation, 13th in the races, and 12th overall. UE was the smallest school and the only private American university that qualified for the competition.

One harrowing moment came before the last race on Saturday, when UE’s purple and gray canoe, Tempest (measuring 20 feet long and weighing 250 pounds) cracked in half as team members climbed in.

Thanks to help from several other universities’ Concrete Canoe teams and plenty of duct tape, Tempest was patched up in time for the Aces to complete their final race.

“This year, our students not only proved that they can excel in the academic and athletic portions of the competition, but also that they can think and act quickly to solve problems,” said Mark Valenzuela, UE associate professor of civil engineering and the team’s faculty advisor. “I’m so proud of their hard work and dedication, and know this experience will serve them well in their future careers as civil engineers.”

Last year, UE hosted the National Concrete Canoe Competition and was the smallest school ever invited to do so. This year marks the third time in the past four years that UE has qualified for nationals.

For more information on the 25th Annual ASCE National Concrete Canoe Competition, please visit www.asce.org/concretecanoe

Concrete Canoe Team Departs for Nationals

This Sunday, 17 UE civil engineering majors will hit the road to Reno, Nevada, where they will compete in the 25th Annual American Society of Civil Engineers National Concrete Canoe Competition. The competition will take place June 14-16 at the University of Nevada, Reno.

The competition provides civil engineering students with a practical, hands-on application of the principles they learn in the classroom, along with leadership and project management skills.

The 22 teams that qualified for this year’s National Concrete Canoe Competition, representing some of the top engineering schools in the United States and Canada, will be judged on the design, construction, innovative features, and racing ability of each concrete canoe. UE’s purple and gray canoe, “Tempest,” measures 20 feet long and weighs 250 pounds.

UE earned a bid to nationals by placing second in the Concrete Canoe competition at the ASCE Great Lakes Student Conference, held April 19-21 at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. Out of 14 Concrete Canoe teams, UE finished second behind the University of Wisconsin-Madison, narrowly edging out perennial powerhouse the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to advance to nationals.

Last year, UE hosted the National Concrete Canoe Competition and was the smallest school ever invited to do so. This year marks the third time in the past four years that UE has qualified for nationals.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our students’ continuing success in the Concrete Canoe competition,” said Mark Valenzuela, UE associate professor of civil engineering and the team’s faculty advisor. “This year’s team has logged over a thousand person hours designing and building their canoe, ‘Tempest,’ and it was a thrill to watch them outperform some of the nation’s top engineering schools at regionals. They certainly earned the chance to showcase their work on a national level this summer.”

For more information on the 25th annual ASCE National Concrete Canoe Competition, please visit www.asce.org/concretecanoe