VINCENNES UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Wednesday, December 7, 2022 Updike Center for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics – Room #142 1251 N. Chestnut Street Vincennes, IN  47591

High school students put their skills to the test and demonstrated their knowledge of technology, innovation, and manufacturing to earn prizes in the Vincennes University Jasper CTIM Challenge. The event provides a fun, engaging, and interactive competition focused on cooperation. Approximately 144 high school students from 10 schools and one university partnership participated in the challenge at the Center for Technology, Innovation and Manufacturing on the VU Jasper Campus.

Alexandria “Alex” Kraftor ‘23 loves picturesque underwater ecosystems and wants to share them with anyone willing to soak in the beauty through the lens of her camera. The vivid colors and diverse organisms living in the water call the Vincennes University Photography major to connect the world with all there is to discover under the water. Kraftor, who is from Knox, Indiana, is building her portfolio and perfecting her photography to achieve her goal of a career in underwater photography.

Vincennes University and AmeriCrew have formed a new partnership that values the unique skills of those who have served in the military plus develops in-demand and innovative career pathways for veterans. AmeriCrew is one of the first national Veteran Workforce Development companies focused on 5G wireless, Fiber and Clean Energy infrastructure projects. AmeriCrew will host the National Infrastructure Technician Academy (NITA) at VU’s Vincennes Campus and additional VU sites statewide and military education facilities throughout the country. AmeriCrew will collaborate with VU to integrate training, certification, and apprenticeship into the work schedule as it develops careers and field leadership from our nation’s transitioning warriors.

Through the imaginations of Vincennes University Education majors and Education Professor Lisa Miller, a beautifully illustrated and touching children’s book will come to life next spring along the banks of the Wabash River. Miller and the future teachers are creating a "story walk" for elementary school students in Knox County and their families to enjoy. The impactful and unique project is supported by a grant from the Knox County Community Foundation.

WHAT: CTIM Challenge WHEN: 8:30 a.m. (ET), Wednesday, November 9, 2022 DETAILS: Students from 10 schools will put their skills to the test in the CTIM Challenge, competing in hands-on activities showcasing manufacturing skills and learning about the manufacturing industry. Students will compete in eight challenges sponsored by local companies. Monetary prizes will be awarded.

Adrianne Nyberg, ‘23, a business management major at VU Jasper, had a wild dream of creating a place that offers her community a way to make memories and develop close bonds with lively activities that allow families to experience fun through actions and movement. Her extraordinary idea gained momentum through a business course taught by VU faculty member Thomas King. The course gave her the knowledge and tools to open Jumping Jasper LLC, a children’s entertainment center in Jasper, Indiana, where kids and kids at heart frolic in bounce houses and enjoy the arcade while making memories that last a lifetime.

Vincennes University’s distinguished faculty and staff were in the spotlight at the recent Council on Accreditation for Two-Year Colleges (CATYC) Fall 2022 Conference. They highlighted the University’s efforts to enhance diversity and inclusion, drive student success, meet Indiana’s workforce needs, and engage students after COVID distancing at the three-day conference in downtown Indianapolis.

The Vincennes University Alumni Association will host an event on Saturday, Nov. 12, to honor Gazella Summitt and present her with the 2022 Walter A. Davis Memorial Citation for Service.

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can seem complicated and time-consuming, but Vincennes University and Vincennes University Jasper will provide prospective students and their families on Sunday, Nov. 6, free assistance in filling out the application in one afternoon. College Goal Sunday is a free event that provides hands-on help for students of all ages and families to complete and file the FAFSA form. The FAFSA is one of the most important steps in opening the door to financial aid. The Vincennes Campus College Goal Sunday starts at 2 p.m. (ET) in Room 132 of Updike Hall Center for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics in the SEM Learning Lab. The VUJ College Goal Sunday begins at 2 p.m. (ET) in the Jasper Campus Classroom Building computer labs.

Vincennes University will honor veterans in recognition of their service to our nation with a program at the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, Nov. 8, at 11 a.m. (ET).

A new Center for Applied Robotics and Automation, Additive Manufacturing and Reverse Engineering Center, and HURCO Advanced CNC Machining Technology Center embody Vincennes University’s commitment to innovation, state-of-the-art technologies, extraordinary educational experiences, and powerful industry partnerships. The first-class centers were unveiled during an open house in the College of Technology Center on the Vincennes Campus this month.

Vincennes University faculty and staff play an important role in helping the University achieve its mission, goals, and vision. The Peer Recognition Award celebrates VU staff and faculty for their distinguished work and outstanding contributions to the University.

Vincennes University Jasper PreVU Day is an excellent way for prospective students and their families to experience all VUJ offers. Future Trailblazers are invited to Jasper PreVU on Thursday, Nov. 3, 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (ET).

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education has awarded Vincennes University an additional $540,000 to train Certified Clinical Medical Assistants (CCMA) throughout Indiana with the University’s Business & Industry Training program.

Vincennes University will showcase its industrial maintenance and logistics training facilities with an open house and program showcase. Reporters, photographers, and camera crews are welcome to explore VU’s Logistics Training and Education Center (VULTEC), located within MADE@Plainfield. The centers further the University’s initiatives to provide training and education that support the next generation of logistics and maintenance technology to develop a skilled talent pipeline for industry partners.

Monday made for a busy day on campus for the Vincennes University Board of Trustees. The Board held its annual meeting in Updike Hall - Center for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics in the morning. In the afternoon, the Trustees attended the Technology Open House in the Technology Center.

Vincennes University is known for preparing students to enter the workforce from the moment they graduate and are ready to go into their chosen field of work. Before they ever set foot outside the classroom, VU students in Conservation Law Enforcement, Law Enforcement, and Homeland Security classes are learning how to safely and effectively operate an emergency vehicle with the help of a state-of-the-art simulator. They are gaining real-world experience while behind the virtual wheel of a new $142,000 law enforcement driving simulator. The students get training and experience what it is like to drive an emergency vehicle without actually driving a vehicle. 

VINCENNES UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES ANNUAL MEETING Monday, October 3, 2022 Updike Center for Science, Engineering and Mathematics Room #213

Monarchs are beautiful butterflies with brilliant colors and vibrant wing patterns. The majestic insects were center stage in Knox County on Saturday. Vincennes University annually sponsors a popular event that tags Monarch butterflies as they make their way to Mexico during the cold seasons. Community members of all ages participated in Monarch Madness at Fox Ridge Nature Park on September 24 during a warm fall day.

Vincennes University will celebrate the grand opening of three new state-of-the-art labs in the Technology Center with an Open House.

Media are invited to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Washington Junior High School Design and Innovation Studio. Vincennes University has provided funding for the Washington Junior High Design and Innovation Studio.

PreVU Day is the perfect event to start learning more about Vincennes University and experience a day in the life of a Trailblazer. VU will host three PreVU Days during the Fall 2022 semester. The open house events for prospective students and their families are Saturday, Sept. 17; Friday, Oct. 14; and Saturday, Nov. 12, on the Vincennes Campus in Jefferson Student Union, 1401 N. Chestnut St.

President Dr. Chuck Johnson welcomed a delegation of 19 agriculture officials and experts representing Hungary to Vincennes University on Thursday, Sept. 1. Parliament member Győrffy Balázs who serves in the National Assembly of Hungary, is president of the Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture, and is vice president of the Committee on Agriculture was among the delegates who visited the Vincennes Campus. The delegation’s first stop was at the 45,000-square foot state-of-the-art VU Agricultural Center on Highway 41. The stunning and modern facility opened in 2019 and is home to the University’s John Deere Tech, Agribusiness, Horticulture, and Agriculture programs, in addition to the Purdue Extension Food Safety Training Hub. 

The end of the summer is the last time to enjoy eating ice cream on a hot summer day or to take a dip in a pool for a refreshing swim. For FRIENDS, a club for adults 18 and older from Knox County who have developmental disabilities and exceptionalities, they celebrated with an End of Summer Dance hosted by the Vincennes University Education Club on Monday, August 29, at Green Activities Center.