For many University of Evansville students, the school’s financial aid and scholarship awards have made a college education possible. Currently, 93 percent of full-time students receive financial aid and scholarships, and the average aid package totals more than $19,000 each year. But all that money has to come from somewhere — and recently, the school launched a new fundraising initiative when the UE Alumni Association sponsored a cookbook, What’s Cooking at UE.
Last summer, through the university’s daily e-mail newsletter, UE staff called for students, alumni, faculty, employees, and friends of the university to submit their favorite recipes online. Nearly 300 responses poured in: appetizers, soups, salads, side dishes, entrees, breads, and desserts. The recipe collection was published in a sturdy three-ring binder, and the finished product arrived on campus late last fall.
On the cookbook’s cover is the unmistakable Ace Purple, UE’s mascot since the 1960s. When the grinning riverboat gambler isn’t cheering on the Aces, he evidently spends his free time in the kitchen: The cookbook includes recipes for purple punch, purple plum coffee cake, and even purple chicken, all submitted by Ace Purple.
What’s Cooking at UE also includes recipes from former university presidents James Vinson and Wallace Graves, plus a key lime pie recipe from current president Stephen Jennings, who retires in May. Cookbooks cost $20 each (all proceeds benefit student financial aid and scholarships) and are available for purchase at the University Bookstore (on the first floor of the Ridgway University Center) or online at www.uealumnionline.com/cookbook.
