IN early October, the leaves were still green, the last of the flowers bloomed and it felt like summer across campus.
USI students took advantage of a variety of activities. Thanks to the Activities Programming Board, some got the chance to become parents of their very first cacti, and those participating in SustainAbility began their monthly beautification of campus, picking up trash on The Quad and at the Residence Halls.
Fall is also the season for a number of sports. Student athletes, coaches and fans shined on the field through the fall months.
Though the Fall Semester is the beginning of the academic year, it's never too early to assess future career paths and goals. In October, University Division hosted the annual Career Expo in the Screaming Eagles Arena. The fair provides opportunities for students to investigate curricular and career options.
Fall is also flu season. The University Health Center (UHC) opened its doors in October to students, faculty and stuff in need of flu shots for the year.
“While it is important for everyone 6 months of age and older to get a flu shot every year, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it is even more important,” said Julie St. Clair, Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing and co-leader of the University’s COVID-19 Safety Team. “Flu and COVID-19 will be circulating at the same time, and both respiratory infections can cause severe illness and hospitalization—even death.”
All students and employees who wish to receive a flu shot on campus are asked to schedule an appointment online or by calling the UHC at 812-465-1250, though online scheduling is preferred. Employees covered by any USI Anthem medical plan may receive a flu shot at no cost and should bring their University ID and Anthem medical card to their appointment.
As the Fall Semester began to wind down, the McCutchan Art Center/Pace Galleries welcomed two new exhibits—RHIZA: an installation of experimental works by Katherine Watts, and the 2021 Senior Seminar Exhibition.
October also brought an exciting Softball exhibition match against Indiana University at the Deaconess Sports Complex where the Screaming Eagles beat the Hoosiers with help from four seniors.
USI Softball Catcher Courtney Schoolcraft (Crest Hill, Illinois), who has fought an ongoing battle with Clear Cell Sarcoma cancer since 2019, was among the USI players. All ticket sales proceeds went to the Schoolcraft family to help with medical expenses. The team also asked that everyone attending wear yellow to honor Schoolcraft and spread cancer awareness.
UNIV 101 classes wrapped up the semester with a visit from some friendly dogs and rock climbing in the Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center.
Some big news was celebrated by the University of Southern Indiana Foundation and campus as a whole with the announcement of a $2 million leadership gift from award-winning composer and Posey County native Philip H. Hagemann.
This generous gift from Hagemann will be used to establish a fund to support and develop music programs at USI. In recognition of his contributions to the University and his long and far-reaching career, USI is naming its Performing Arts Department within the College of Liberal Arts the Philip H. Hagemann Performing Arts Department. Donations to the fund will be used for the development of courses and ensembles, music laboratories and classroom space and scholarships for music students.
Fall was an exciting time for the Romain College of Business as it participated in Women's Entrepreneurship Week, an initiative held across universities nationwide.
AS OCTOBER COMES TO A CLOSE, WE'RE FINALLY SEEING COLOR ON THE PERIMETER OF CAMPUS, WE'VE BROKEN OUT THE SWEATERS, FLANNELS AND BOOTS AND IT'S STARTING TO FEEL LIKE TIME FOR PUMPKIN SPICE, COLORED LEAVES AND THE OTHER JOYS OF FALL.
Credits:
Barbara J. Goodwin