Engage Winter 2012

Division of Outreach and Engagement University of Southern Indiana

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Winter 2012 • Issue One Volume Three

Housed in USI’s Division of Outreach and Engagement, Historic New Harmony serves as an experiential learning campus, connecting students, faculty, and visitors from near and far to its utopian legacy. The mission of Historic New Harmony is to preserve this legacy, inspiring innovation and progressive thought through programs and collections.

Over the years, Historic New Harmony has offered a variety of occasions for student and faculty engagement through service learning, outreach and engagement faculty fellowships, funding of research through the Endowment for New Harmony Studies, internships, and student worker positions. Through further cultivation of a collaborative relationship with New Lanark World Heritage Site in New Lanark, Scotland, Historic New Harmony is creating opportunities for international internships, co-ops, and study abroad.

In October 2011, Historic New Harmony welcomed Jane Masters, heritage manager, and Anysley Gough, education and access officer, from New Lanark World Heritage Site. Located in Southern Scotland, New Lanark World Heritage Site is a restored 18th century cotton mill village and famous model industrial community.

During their visit, Masters and Gough met with USI faculty and students and New Harmony community members and shared ideas for collaboration. These encounters have helped build appreciation for the relationships between USI, Historic New Harmony, and New Lanark, as well as developing new points of engagement for students, faculty, and community members.

The visit from Masters and Gough provided an opportunity to explore ways to deepen the connection between New Harmony and New Lanark. This connection centers on the life and work of Robert Owen. Owen continued the innovative work he began in New Lanark in New Harmony by bringing progressive notions of community to the Southern Indiana town he purchased from George Rapp and the Harmonists in 1824.

Masters and Gough are currently working with Historic New Harmony to engage USI’s first intern in New Lanark this summer. This collaboration aligns with USI and Historic New Harmony’s strategic goal to enhance experiential learning opportunities through global communities and will provide a unique means to realize this goal. The competitive internship, coordinated through USI’s International Programs and Services, will include roundtrip airfare, room and board, USI credit, and program costs. A faculty mentor also will receive funding to conduct an onsite program evaluation/observation for up to two weeks. Work experience will be available across areas related to the operation and management of the world heritage site.

For photos and more information about Masters’ and Gough’s personal experience during their stay in New Harmony, visit www.NewLanarkBlog.org, tag “New Harmony”. More information on New Lanark World Heritage Site is available online at www.newlanark.org.

Historic New Harmony is a unified program of the University of Southern Indiana and the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites. Additional information about Historic New Harmony is available by calling 812/682-4488 or visiting www.usi.edu/hnh/index.php.

Historic New Harmony: Embracing connections abroad with New Lanark World Heritage SitePrepared by Cady Tabeling, intern with Historic New Harmony

The Historic New Harmony staff includes: back row, left to right: Amanda Bryden, collections manager; Christine Crews, administrative associate; Sara Rhoades, senior gallery associate; MeLissa Williams, visitor services coordinator; and Connie Weinzapfel, director. Front row, left to right: John Busch, lead maintenance mechanic; Missy Parkison, community engagement manager; Patrick Munchel; grounds maintenance; and Heather Baldus, assistant collections manager.

Our hopes for collaboration with Historic New Harmony are that we can develop an ongoing intern and exchange program that is of mutual benefit to New Lanark, Historic New Harmony, and the University of Southern Indiana. We also plan to work together and share knowledge of our combined heritage and collections.”

— Jane Masters Heritage Manager New Lanark World Heritage Site

USI is a fantastic campus with excellent facilities and opportunities for students. The staff is extremely friendly and interested in collaborative working. The partnership it holds with Historic New Harmony is quite unique and something that appears to be well valued.”

— Anysley Gough Education and Access Officer New Lanark World Heritage Site

3A Carnegie Foundation Engaged University 2

Division of Outreach and Engagement • University of Southern Indiana

Division of Outreach and EngagementOffice 812/464-1989Fax 812/465-7061

Associate Provost of Outreach and Engagement Dr. Mark C. Bernhard 812/464-1829

USI-Crane Partnership Manager Andy Moad 812/228-5153

Marketing Coordinator/engage Editor Brandi Schwartz 812/464-1854

Academic Programs Coordinator/AdvisorLee Ann Shafer 812/464-1879

DepartmentsCenter for Applied Research Elissa Bakke 812/461-5407

Center for Education Services and Partnerships Ginger Ramsden 812/228-5022

Center for Human Resource Development Charmaine McDowell 812/465-1629

Center for Continuing Education Linda Cleek 812/464-1829

Historic Southern Indiana Leslie Townsend 812/465-7013

Historic New Harmony Connie Weinzapfel 812/682-4488

USI @ Innovation Pointe Gene Recker 812/492-4394

Service Learning Dr. Anne Statham 812/465-1203

Southern Indiana Japanese School Keietsu Nishimura 812/471-1210

U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Captain Joel Matherly 812/461-5302

As I write this letter on January 2, 2012, I look back with fond memories on my first four months at USI. I can say that I am positively fired up about the next several months and the upcoming Outreach and Engagement opportunities. Recent activities that I’d like to highlight include:

• USI’s Center for Applied Research and the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane (NSWC Crane) continue to identify potential disclosures on novel discoveries that may result in patents through an intellectual property (IP) mining program called the Innovation Discovery Process. The easy-to-implement process enriches the full IP potential and commercialization possibilities of technology created for the Warfighter. Once patented, these inventions become licensable to businesses and entrepreneurs leading to new business start-ups and commercialization. To date, 40 NSWC Crane employees have presented a total of 23 projects to an expert panel, resulting in 104 potential inventions and 345 potential commercialization concepts.

• USI’s College Achievement Program (CAP) in the Center for Educational Services and Partnerships experienced an astounding enrollment growth from Fall 2010 to Fall 2011. Fall enrollment statistics included 1,507 individual enrollments and 2,494 duplicated enrollments. Duplicated enrollments increased by 57 percent and generated credit hours increased by 60 percent. A total of $54,000 in tuition was waived for 236 individuals eligible for free/reduced lunch, 7,557 total credit hours were generated, and 103 active high school instructors at 22 high schools in Evansville, Indianapolis, and Gary metro areas, as well as Kokomo, participated in CAP.

• The Basic Orientation Plus, a program of the Tri-State Industrial Safety Council in partnership with USI’s Outreach and Engagement, continues to serve a major workforce need for companies in the Tri-state area. Over the past year, nearly

8,000 individuals have enrolled in these programs, and over a five-year period, that number exceeds 41,000 enrollments.

• For the sixth consecutive year, the Japan Overseas Educational Services, a subsidiary of the Japanese government’s Ministry of Education and Science, has awarded the School Award in Writing to the Southern Indiana Japanese School. Nearly 200 Japanese schools worldwide were eligible for the award, only 20 were selected to receive it.

Several USI faculty members received Outreach and Engagement Fellowships in 2011. The Center for Applied Research awarded two $4,000 Faculty Outreach and Engagement fellowships that will be used this summer. Dr. David Cousert, associate professor of social work, received a fellowship for his proposal, “Evaluation of Co-Parenting Education Classes Through The Parent Time Center;” and Dr. Melissa Stacer, assistant professor of criminal justice studies, and Dr. Melinda York, assistant professor of criminal justice, received a fellowship for their proposal, “Offender Reentry: A Program Evaluation.” Historic New Harmony awarded fellowships to three USI faculty members. Dr. Eric McCloud, associate professor of biology, for “Development of a Modern Collection of Thomas Say’s Insects at New Harmony;” Dr. Leigh Anne Howard, associate professor of communication studies, for “New Harmony-New Lanark Field School;” and Dr. Vaughn DeCoster, associate profess of social work, for “The Use of Photography to Express Post-Combat Readjustment of New Harmony Veterans and Families.”

USI’s Division of Outreach and Engagement will build more partnerships and achieve more accomplishments in 2012. I encourage you to contact me, or any of our talented staff, to learn more about expanding your engagement activities.

Best wishes for a successful new year!

Letter from the Associate Provost

Dr. Mark C. Bernhard Associate Provost for Outreach and Engagement

Bernhard

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en•gage (en’gaj) verb 1. to establish a meaningful contact or connection 2. to occupy, attract, or involve 3. to actively commit3

USI’s Division of Outreach and Engagement is currently accepting applications for the 2012-2013 Adult Learner Scholarship. Aimed at USI’s adult learners, the scholarship provides financial assistance to students who are working on their first undergraduate degree.

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be a current USI student, have a minimum grade point average of 3.0, be in “satisfactory academic progress” status with USI’s Office of Student Financial Assistance, and be at least 25 years of age.

Students interested in applying for the scholarship must download and complete the Adult Learner Scholarship application at www.usi.edu/extserv/AdultScholarship.asp, compose a 300-500 word essay that describes their career and educational goals, provide a letter of

recommendation from a USI faculty or staff member, and complete an electronic FAFSA and USI Financial Aid Data form.

Scholarship recipients will receive up to $2,000 for tuition, fees, books, and other USI expenses. Awards will be divided equally between the fall and spring terms.

A committee will select winners based on academic success, the strength of support of the recommendation letter, the quality of their essay, and financial need.

Questions about this scholarship opportunity can be directed to Lee Ann Shafer, academic program manager in the Division of Outreach and Engagement, at 812/464-1879 or [email protected].

Applications due April 16 for Adult Learner Scholarship

Since launching just 18 months ago, Snail’s Pace, a new venture from the monks at Abbey Press Printing in Saint Meinrad, Indiana, has significantly contributed to the conservation of the environment. In fact, according to the company’s environmental calculator, the business has preserved 385 trees, taken an equivalent of four cars off the road for one year, and prevented 35,603 pounds of net greenhouse gases through eco-friendly printing procedures.

Snail’s Pace is the brainchild of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in an effort to revitalize their business. In February 2010, John Wilson, general manager of Abbey Press, asked for some marketing insight from Dr. Sue Ellspermann, former director of USI’s Center for Applied Research. Ellspermann enlisted the assistance of Michael Mayers, USI adjunct professor of marketing, who conducted several focus groups to determine the appeal and likely success of a new line of quality printed items as fundraisers among Catholic parishes.

“Because Snail’s Pace calls Saint Meinrad Archabbey its home, our company’s primary objectives are reflected in the principles and traditions practiced by monks, particularly the commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Wilson.

The Snail’s Pace production process values both social and ecological conservancy of natural resources. Snail’s Pace products, featuring designs that celebrate the artistry of God’s creations, use 100 percent U.S. materials and are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, a nonprofit organization that promotes the responsible management of the world’s forests.

Snail’s Pace is always looking for expansion and enhancement opportunities to benefit the consumer experience. One growing component of Snail’s Pace is the fundraising program.

“The Snail’s Pace fundraising program is a healthy alternative to the multitude of candy and cookie dough fundraisers in the market. Our program allows groups the opportunity to raise funds selling products they can truly be proud of,” said Wilson. “Since many schools already support and participate in ‘green’ activities, choosing Snail’s Pace is an appropriate way to strengthen their eco commitments, while stressing to children the importance of the need to protect the health of the planet and the people on it.”

In an effort to build the fundraising customer base, the Snail’s Pace team is working hard to find the best audience. Company representatives travel to various Parent Teacher Organizations, Parent Teacher Associations, and school and church conferences throughout the country to promote products, network with other industry members, meet potential buyers, and better understand their clientele.

At retail shows, the Snail’s Pace booth displays an outstanding presentation of products, program information, and free samples.

“When potential customers can see and feel the products firsthand, it makes a much more lasting impression,” said Greg Tate, director of marketing services at Abbey Press.

Snail’s Pace: The Rest of the Story Prepared by Sara Bealor, communications intern in the Center for Applied Research

Snail’s Pace products

Snail’s Pace continued on p.4



Snail’s Pace continued from p.3

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Under the auspices of the Center for Applied Research, a multidisciplinary team of six USI faculty and staff members conducted a nationwide study to research the impact of homeownership on families living in homes built by Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) Women Build. The HFHI Women Build program empowers women to learn new construction skills, make connections with other women in the community, build self-esteem, and help other women in need.

Members of the team included Dr. Katherine Draughon, executive director of the Office of Planning, Research, and Assessment; Dr. Matt Hanka, assistant professor of political science and director of the Master of Public Administration Program; Dr. Mohammed Khayum, dean of the College of Business; Dr. Marie Opatrny, associate professor of social work; Dr. Iris Phillips, associate professor of social work; and Dr. Ronda Priest, chair of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice Studies.

The team developed and implemented a research plan that gathered perceptions of HFHI Women Build homeowners across the United States. The research examined the perceived social and psychological impact of homeownership, satisfaction with the HFHI experience, and perceived social capital impact. Questions about the affiliates’ experiences with the program were also addressed.

“The survey questionnaire allowed Habitat homeowners to share different aspects of their experience, both during and after the homeownership process,” said Dr. Opatrny. “In addition, the inclusion of open-ended questions gave homeowners an opportunity to share their experiences and voice suggestions to Habitat and future homeowners.”

HFHI Women Build was most interested in how the study results could be used to bring positive changes to the nonprofit housing program.

“This national study revealed that the perceived quality of the neighborhood is a strong indicator of family improvement and self-esteem,” said Dr. Priest. “Our recommendation to cluster build will improve the quality of life of the Habitat homeowner and work to improve and stabilize neighborhoods and communities across the country. We have already seen these changes start to take affect locally.”

Faculty conducts study on homeownershipPrepared by Sara Bealor, communications intern in the Center for Applied Research

Twenty-three people have been selected to participate in USI’s Connect with Southern Indiana Program. An annual regional leadership program, Connect with Southern Indiana was established through a grant from the Lilly Endowment in 2006 and is currently sponsored by USI’s Center for Human Resource Development. The intent of the program is to boost Indiana’s retention of intellectual capital by helping participants strengthen their skills and opportunities for involvement in community and regional projects, meet business and civic leaders, and gain greater awareness of community and regional needs.

The 2012 class includes Anu Asthana, financial advisor, New York Life; Jessica Beck, sales and marketing manager, Dubois County Visitors Center; Lori Blackford, sales and customer service, WineStyles; Brad Brown, supervisor, OFS Brands; Jerry Clark, president and CEO, Evacus Technologies, LLC; Candy Cooper, community relations coordinator, Boston’s Restaurant; Brian Dale, people department representative, Jasper Engines and Transmissions; Jessica DeLorenzo, director of student services, Vincennes University, Jasper campus; John Foster, executive director, Wesselman Nature Society; Carey Franks, assistant to the provost, University of Southern Indiana; Sabrina Harpenau, student worker in News and Information Services, University of Southern Indiana; Richard Martin, president/registered patent lawyer, Martin and Martin Attorneys at Law; Kacheyta McClellan, assistant director in the Multicultural Center, University of Southern Indiana; Ashley Murray, auctions/events manager, WNIN; Sara Rhoades, senior gallery associate,

New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art;

Patrick Rich, agent, State Farm Insurance; Andy Robling, financial advisor, German American Investments; WG

Bud Schaaf, city letter carrier, US Postal Service;

Carol Schaefer, executive director, Historic Newburgh,

Inc.; Jill Jahn Schenetzki, production planner, Leed Selling Tools; Hans Schmitz, extension educator, Purdue Extension, Gibson County; Arnold Tempel, facilities project manager, Kimball International; and Matt Zoccola, economic development analyst, Warrick County Department of Economic Development.

Program participants will attend ten full-day sessions over a six-month period and will develop a collaborative project that will be presented at the end of the program.

Topics for this years class include community overviews, critical thinking, personality profiles, opportunity identification, project management, public skills, presentation planning, and government relations. USI faculty and staff and Southern Indiana community leaders will facilitate each program.

Connect with Southern Indiana is open to Indiana residents living in Dubois, Gibson, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, or Warrick counties who would like to improve the quality of life in their communities.

Applications to participate in the 2013 Connect with Southern Indiana class will be available this summer at www.usi.edu/extserv/outreach/connect.asp.

New Connect with Southern Indiana class announced

Snail’s Pace was first exposed to the retail market during an Atlanta gift show in which the line gained interest from multiple vendors, including the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Yosemite National Park, and Chicago Zoo. Since then, the Snail’s Pace team continues to penetrate retail markets ranging from nursery, wildlife and garden centers, fresh grocery markets, paper stores, and all-natural product retailers.

“It is no surprise that Snail’s Pace has already shown success in the originally planned channel as a parish fundraiser, but has also indicated even greater potential with specialty retailers and other environmentally friendly venues,” said Mayers. “I believe the Snail’s Pace team has only scratched the surface of the company’s full potential.”



In 1995, Evansville resident Terry Priest enrolled in his first course at the University of Southern Indiana. This past December, he participated in the University’s fall 2011 C o m m e n c e m e n t ceremony where he earned his Bachelor of General Studies

(BGS) degree. With more than 550 students eligible to participate in the ceremony, Priest was one of three to graduate summa cum laude (a perfect 4.0 grade point average).

“I tried college when I was younger, but dropped out because I wasn’t mature enough to select a single course of study and stick with it,” said Priest, who is now a senior designer at George Koch Sons, Inc. in Evansville. “That decision really upset my father.”

Twenty-two years later, Priest began chiseling away at a USI bachelor’s degree one course at a time. He completed courses in calculus and computer programming with an initial plan to earn an engineering degree. However, after discussing his options with William Henderson, assistant professor emeritus of computer information systems, he opted for the BGS program.

“Since I hadn’t selected a degree path, I spoke with Mr. Henderson to find out what it would take to complete a degree,” said Priest. “Up to that point, I had only been taking courses that suited my interests. Mr. Henderson indicated that the BGS degree would be a good fit for me and that most of the courses I had already completed satisfied some of the programs requirements.”

A full-time employee and father to four sons, Priest had to make some sacrifices during his journey to degree completion.

“My oldest son played junior varsity football for North Posey High School. Missing most of the games due to my class schedule, I remember him telling me about an important game against their main rival, Heritage Hills High School. After the game, he excitedly told me that he intercepted a pass, scored a touchdown, and their team won the game 21-14. It wasn’t until later that I discovered that the quarterback for Heritage Hills that year was Jay Cutler, who is now the quarterback for the Chicago Bears!”

Priest would advise anyone considering a return to college to do it sooner than later.

“Start out by taking courses you want to take, not ones you have to take,” said Priest. “Go to the campus bookstore and skim through the books for a particular course. Are

they something you want to spend a lot of time with?”

Although he is now a college graduate, Priest doesn’t plan on ducking out of the college scene just yet. With an interest in photography, Priest intends on enrolling in photography and 3D computer-aided design (CAD) courses.

“I have discovered a photography technique that captures fireflies in flight,” said Priest. “One of my photos using this process was used by UHaul on nearly 2,000 of their trucks. I would like to learn more about photography and increase my skill level.”

Thirty-eight years have passed since Priest dropped out of college. Today, he thanks his parents for his success.

“My mother attended the Commencement ceremony and couldn’t be happier with my achievement. I thank both my parents for their constant support and dedicate this achievement to them.”

For more information on USI’s BGS program, contact Lee Ann Shafer, academic program manager/BGS advisor in the Division of Outreach and Engagement, at 812/464-1879 or [email protected]. Information is also available at www.usi.edu/extserv/academic/bgs.asp.

BGS graduate Terry Priest: Achieving the achievable

Cadets from the Wabash Battalion, Eagle Detachment Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) program and surrounding area, participated in USI’s 10th annual Norwegian Road March in October. The 18.6-mile road march required participants to march on a trail covering a variety of terrain while dressed in military attire and carrying a 25-pound rucksack.

Priest



USI’s Service Learning Program, a program designed to enhance student learning while providing valuable services to the community, completed four trail projects in Evansville during the fall 2011 semester. Projects were completed along the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage, Burdette Park, and Howell Wetlands and engaged more than 100 individuals.

Funded through a grant from Youth Service America, community partners, veterans, and student groups came together to cleanup and refurbish an Adopt-a-Spot area along the Shirley James Gateway Plaza, which is located along the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage. Members of the Evansville Master Gardeners trained and assisted participants in basic landscaping. Mulch was laid, litter was picked-up, and over 200 coneflowers were planted. Additional bulbs were planted during a second trail project with assistance from Evansville Master Gardeners and Media Ministries Dream Center.

Members from USI’s AmeriCorps group, Students and Elderly Linking Around Relationships (STELLAR), and Phi Delta Theta teamed up with Media Ministries Dream Center and the YMCA Caldwell Center to host a work party at Burdette Park. Participants mentored children and planted several trees along a memorial trail for veterans. Other activities, including face painting and games, also took place.

In honor of Veterans Day, USI students from Phi Delta Theta, AmeriCorps, and the

theatre department, completed trail cleanup, mulching, and various cleanup jobs at Howell Wetlands. Neal Bogan, program naturalist at Wesselman Nature Society, attended the event and discussed the importance of environmental friendliness. Also participating in the project were students from the Carver Community Program, Media Ministries Dream Center, and the YMCA Caldwell Center.

“These events gave participants a chance to get outside and enjoy nature and provided an opportunity for people with similar interests

to connect with one another,” said Dr. Anne Statham, director of the Service Learning Program. “Service learning projects empower students to make a difference and improve their community while giving them time to socialize.”

Organizations and individuals who would like to get involved in future service learning projects should contact the Service Learning Program at [email protected] or 812/465-1203.

Service Learning Program completes series of trail projects

Students plant trees along a memorial trail for veterans during a work party at Burdette Park.

USI’s Center for Education Services and P a r t n e r s h i p s has received a Women’s Fund of Posey County Grant from the Posey County

Community Foundation, a member of the Community Foundation Alliance, to conduct a Girls Only (GO) Robotics! project. The grant, totaling $1,716, will be used to provide instruction on programming, designing, building, and troubleshooting robots.

Sixteen girls in grades six through eight in Posey County will participate in two, one-half day workshops at USI where they will learn

about and use LEGO robotic kits. In addition, four pairs of female teachers from Posey County schools will be selected to participate in the workshops and receive robotic kits for classroom use.

Each year, USI’s student chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) hosts a robotics competition. Participating teachers will commit to sponsoring a girls team in the competition and ASME students will support those who participate in the project.

“We have worked closely with many Posey County educators through the College Achievement Program, USI’s dual credit program, and the summer STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) educator

workshops offered by USI’s SwISTEM Resource Center,” said Ginger Ramsden, director of the Center for Education Services and Partnerships. “This grant award offers girls and teachers an opportunity to apply engineering and technology skills by working with robots, continuing to strengthen STEM education in Posey County.”

Founded in 1992, the Posey County Community Foundation is a charitable organization formed to strengthen the community by awarding grants to local nonprofits, by bringing individuals together to address community needs, and by offering personalized charitable gift planning services to local donors. The Foundation is like a bridge, connecting the needs of the community with the convictions of the heart.

USI receives grant for Girls Only Robotics! project



Notes

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Facebook for all the latest news and events. You can find us at www.facebook.com/usioutreach.

Ramsden and Dumond present at national conference

Ginger Ramsden, director of the Center for Education Services and Partnerships, and Jaclyn Dumond, manager of school partnerships, recently attended the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) national conference in Mystic, Connecticut. NACEP is the sole accrediting body for concurrent or dual enrollment programs and works to ensure that college courses offered in high schools are as rigorous as courses offered on the sponsoring college campus. Ramsden and Dumond serve on the fifteen-member NACEP National Board and presented workshops at the conference. USI’s concurrent credit program, the College Achievement Program, overseen by Ramsden and Dumond, is NACEP accredited and boasted a fall enrollment of 2,496.

Heritage Artisans WeekHistoric New Harmony’s 27th annual

Heritage Artisans Week will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 18-20. Demonstrations on tinsmithing, soap making, hat making, beekeeping, woodcarving, and more will take place. For more information, including details on admission, contact MeLissa Williams, visitor services coordinator, 812/682-4474 or [email protected].

Monthly emails on continuing education opportunities

Would you like to know about upcoming noncredit continuing education opportunities? Register your email address at www.usi.edu/extserv/continuingeducation.asp and receive monthly messages on courses in arts and leisure, personal finance, professional development, computers, college readiness, fitness, and more.

For the sixth consecutive year, the Japan Overseas Educational Services, a subsidiary of the Japanese government’s Ministry of Education and Science, has awarded the School Award in Writing to the Southern Indiana Japanese School (SIJS).

Nearly 200 Japanese schools worldwide were eligible for the award; only 20 were selected to receive it.

Additional writing prizes were awarded to SIJS students is various categories, including Shunnya Asami, 5th grade; Mizuki Kamihira, 8th grade; Riki Kobayashi, 2nd grade; Emily Okada, 3rd grade; and Kana Ueta, 6th grade.

SIJS opened in 1997 at the request of and with the financial support of Tri-state regional companies to help prepare students for a smooth transition into Japanese school life when they return home. Currently, the school has 55 students and 11 teachers who provide instruction in Japanese language, culture, and other selected disciplines on Saturdays and after the regular school day.

The SIJS is an outreach program of the University of Southern Indiana. Additional information about the school can be found at www.usi.edu/extserv/outreach/japaneseschool.asp.asp.

Southern Indiana Japanese School receives sixth School Award in Writing

Historic Southern Indiana celebrated its 25th anniversary with a two-day bus tour in October. The tour explored Southeastern Indiana and included a trip to the Busching Bridge in Versailles State Park.


Division of Outreach and Engagement

www.usi.edu/outreachRead engage online at www.usi.edu/engage/

Noncredit Course SamplerArts and LeisureFebruary 18Jewelry Photography, learn how to get the perfect shot using the macro feature on a DSLR or point/shoot digital camera and how to use and set up a basic light box.

March 5–19Beginning Origami, from simple and traditional, to modern and complex, learn the many styles of Origami. Meets three Tuesdays.

April 7–28Introduction to Homebrewing Beer, learn all aspects of homebrewing with hands-on extract and all-grain brewing demos. Meets four Saturdays.

ComputersFebruary 16Getting Started with Access 2007, a quick start on the Microsoft Access database system covering tables, queries, forms, and reports.

February 26–March 18Fundamentals of Adobe Photoshop, learn the basics of Adobe Photoshop to make corrections to photographs, add type, and learn more about techniques to improve new images as well as restore old ones. Meets four Saturdays.

April 4–25Using Excel 2007, topics include copying and moving data, file management, graphics, and formulas using built–in functions. Meets four Wednesdays.

Fitness/Aquatics/RecreationMarch 22–May 10Water Aerobics, high–intensity but low–impact water exercises will be used to raise your heart rate and improve your cardiovascular condition. Meets eight Thursdays.

April 2–May 7Beginning Golf, professional instruction on golf equipment, terminology, rules, and etiquette. Meets six Mondays.

April 22Eating Indiana, explore the woods around the University of Southern Indiana and learn how to identify edible plants, collect them, and cook them.

LanguagesFebruary 27–April 2Beginning Conversational German, emphasis will be on basic conversational skills and phrases. Meets six Mondays.

March 1–April 5Beginning Conversational Russian, learn basic conversational Russian to feel more at ease when you travel. Meets six Thursdays.

Professional DevelopmentFebruary 8, March 28, or April 25Management Diagnostic Center, USI’s award–winning MDC is a well- recognized and accepted center methodology to develop comprehensive training needs profiles for supervisors, managers, and future managers.

April 12–13Essentials of Human Resource Management, sanctioned by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), this course will provide participants with a broad overview of the human resource function.

Visit usi.edu/outreach for more information and additional courses. Registration information: 812/464-1989 or 800/467-8600

10001-01030 P11-101190

Division of Outreach and Engagement8600 University BoulevardEvansville, Indiana 47712

Documents

Engage Winter 2012