Mike Sievers and Rick Schach, pictured above.

October 08, 2024

VINCENNES, Ind. –  At the Vincennes University Board of Trustees meeting on Oct. 7, the retirement of long-serving Trustee Rick Schach was officially announced, marking the end of an era of dedicated service that began in 2005. The Board also unanimously reappointed Mike Sievers as Chairman, recognizing his continuing leadership.

Sievers said, "The Board extends its gratitude to Rick for his exceptional stewardship as a trustee and for his long-term contributions and tireless support of Vincennes University."

Schach, who also chairs the Board's Personnel and Nominating Committee, was recognized with a special presentation. On behalf of the University and the Board, VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson honored Schach with a resolution of appreciation.

Schach served in various leadership roles before retiring from Vectren (now Centerpoint Energy). Upon his retirement, Rick served as executive vice president and chief operating officer, a role in which he served for four years. His career at Vectren began in 1994, and during that time, Schach served as chief information officer, senior vice president of Energy Delivery, and senior vice president of Marketing and Sales. Before Vectren, he worked for the IBM Corporation.

Schach will remain on the Board until Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb appoints a new trustee.

The Board unanimously reelected Sievers as Chairman. Sievers has chaired the Board since October 2023, when he succeeded Trustee John Stachura. Sievers has served on the Board since 2006.

Johnson said, "Congratulations to Chairman Sievers. Vincennes University greatly appreciates his contributions. With his continued guidance and that of the Board, we are confident that our institution will continue to thrive in the coming years."

In other key business, the Board approved bids for a major addition to the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy on the Vincennes Campus..

In 2023, Lothian Skelton, the widow of world-famous comedian and Vincennes native Red Skelton, generously gave a $4 million gift to the VU Foundation for creation of the Lothian and Red Skelton Gallery of Fine Art. The 7,200-square-foot gallery will adjoin the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy adjacent to the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center. A ceremonial groundbreaking took place for the gallery in October 2023.

Wolfe Construction, Vincennes, received a general construction contract. H.G. Heinz, Inc., Vincennes, received a contract for mechanical construction. Weyer Electric, Vincennes, received a contract for electrical construction. The total cost of the museum addition is $4,148,544.

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