University of Evansville Named Evansville Regional Economic Partnership's 2023 Community Champion of the Year

Evansville, Ind. (09/29/2023) — The University of Evansville (UE) was named the 2023 Community Champion of the Year by the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP.) This recognition serves as a testament to the university's unwavering commitment to sustainability, education, and community engagement.

UE was recognized for this honor during E-REP's Third Annual Meeting and Dinner on September 28, which is one of the most significant business gatherings in the region, where local leaders are honored, and regional wins are celebrated. UE received the award due to its role in securing the $30 million Evansville Promise Neighborhood grant. The Evansville Promise Neighborhood initiative is a transformative program aimed at improving educational outcomes, community services, and economic opportunities. This $30 million grant, secured through the collaborative efforts led by UE, is poised to bring about substantial positive changes in the lives of the community's residents.

UE played a pivotal role in securing the grant by collaborating with community leaders, educational partners, and local organizations. Through innovative strategies and a shared vision, this partnership successfully secured the funds needed to drive essential programs, educational resources, and economic development initiatives within the Evansville Promise Neighborhood. With continued collaboration and partnerships in the community, twenty-three Evansville Promise Neighborhood partner agencies accounted for a match totaling over $32 million, for a total of more than $62 million to be invested in the community.

The Community Champion Award recognizes an organization that demonstrates how its work, and its "guiding principles" accelerate E-REP's success. E-REP's recognition of UE as Community Champion of the Year highlights the university's commitment to being a catalyst for positive change in the community and the region at large.

"UE led this initiative with the collaboration of many community partners and the support of our business community, and we deeply appreciate this recognition by E-REP," said UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. "Our university's mission extends beyond the classroom, and our involvement in the Evansville Promise Neighborhood and other community-based initiatives exemplify our dedication to making a significant impact on the lives of our neighbors and our broader community."

To learn more about the Evansville Promise Neighborhood, please visit evansville.edu/PromiseNeighborhood.