The excitement was palpable at Vincennes University on Monday, August 11, as the University Community gathered in the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center for the annual Opening Meeting, which kicked off the 2025-2026 academic year.

Opening Day emphasized a new strategic plan, setting the tone for the year ahead. VU faculty and staff were also treated to inspiring videos celebrating the incredible achievements of alumni and showcasing the University's rich history like this video highlighting VU's origin story.

In his welcoming remarks, VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson said, “The late professor Leo Buscaglia said, “Change is a result of true learning.” Reality is we have been learning a lot this past year. It has been a busy summer and a busy year. I can’t think of a time in higher education where Vincennes University is bettered positioned to be successful. We have done a lot of great things. You have done a lot of great things to help put us in position where despite all of the challenges we can move forward and blaze new trails within higher education. Probably the most important thing we have to do is stay true to our mission. Something that we know is important to our communities, to the students we serve, and to the generations of VU students and alumni that will come after this. VU is built on a tradition of quality higher education that is accessible. It’s built on personal attention and it’s built on those kind of experiences that impact lives forever. We see this in the way our students interact with one other as alumni. We hear it from students when they are here on campus. We hear it when I go out and about to visit folks all over the state of Indiana and indeed all over the world. It is truly a global reach that we have, and you make that possible every day.”

Senior Director of External Relations Sarah Fortune and Director of Admissions Sarah McLin gave updates regarding marketing and student recruitment.

The outstanding contributions and dedication of faculty and staff were recognized through the announcement of 2025 winners of Peer Recognition Awards. The 2025 Peer Recognition winners are Sandra Friedman (Deputy Director, Workforce Development Services Region 8); Charla Gilbert (Director of Library Services); Hubie Holland (Industrial Maintenance Instructor); Kimberly Wright (Center for Applied Robotics and Automation Director); and Linda Yochum (Generations Office Coordinator). A reception will be held in their honor later this year.

Opening Day also featured a donation drive for Sandy's Pantry, a partnership between VU and St. John's United Church of Christ that supports VU students with free non-perishable food and additional products. As of Tuesday morning, VU faculty and staff had donated $1,797 and 644 food and hygiene items. The drive is continuing through Aug. 15 and donations are being accepted in the External Relations Suite of Governor's Hall located at 20 W. Indianapolis Ave.

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