University of Southern Indiana

USI Alumni Association

Issue 13: March 2005
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Hoops receives Rotary Club Civic Award

President H. Ray Hoops received the 2004 Rotary Club Civic Award, one of the city's most prestigious recognitions of public service, on February 22. In the citation for the award from the Rotary Club of Evansville, Hoops was praised for having "led a decade of dramatic growth in enrollment, in new degree programs, and in new classroom buildings and student housing. "Under Dr. Hoops' leadership, the University of Southern Indiana has been transformed into a nationally recognized institution of higher learning that has made significant academic, as well as economic, impacts in Southern Indiana and the region."		Hoops
The Evansville Courier and Press reported that in accepting the award, Hoops said, "This is an award for the entire University. I will treasure it all my life. It's a reflection of the way the community has taken the institution to its heart." The citation notes that during Hoops' 10-year tenure the University: . Has grown to more than 10,000 in enrollment. . Has expanded into a University offering 90 undergraduate majors and 10 master's programs. . Has become one of the region's largest employers and added more than $150 million in investments in the region. Today, the citation notes, nearly three of four Evansville area high school graduates enroll in post-graduate education. Twenty years ago, only one in three did. The citation added that Hoops "has shepherded the growth of academic programs that have not only made the University of Southern Indiana the envy of most educational institutions, but has addressed the work force and professional needs of Evansville and Southwestern Indiana. "But this is best exemplified by his success in overcoming formidable obstacles to establish the new baccalaureate degree in engineering program. This engineering program serves not only the needs of the University but also the employment demands of our region." The citation also noted Hoops' community involvement. "Currently, he is chairman of public radio and television stations, WNIN, and is on the boards of Deaconess Hospital, Integra Bank, the Metropolitan Evansville Chamber of Commerce, the I-69 Advisory Committee and American Association of Colleges and Universities, to name just a few of his leadership and volunteer roles in the community."

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