Indiana University Southeast announces 2026 Chancellor’s Medallion recipients: Linda Speed and Jim Epperson 

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New Albany, Ind. — Indiana University Southeast is proud to announce two recipients of the 2026 Chancellor’s Medallion Award. 

Linda Speed, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Indiana, and Jim Epperson, Executive Director of SoIN Tourism, will be honored April 11, 2026, at the Chancellor’s Medallion Dinner at Huber’s Orchard and Winery in Borden. 

The Chancellor’s Medallion is the highest honor presented by the chancellor of IU Southeast. It is given to individuals who have rendered distinguished service to the university and to the community; have given their talents in the promotion of human welfare and community well-being; and who, through their integrity, sensitivity, and commitment, serve as models for students and alumni of IU Southeast. To date, 63 of these awards have been presented. 

Linda Speed 
Linda Speed exemplifies the importance of a life of service in her role as the President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana. She has spent nearly 25 years in the community foundation field and has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector. She has served as the Vice President of Development & Stewardship for the Community Foundation of Louisville, Vice President of Gift and Trust Administration for the Presbyterian Church (USA) Foundation in Jeffersonville, and Director of the Samuel L. Greenebaum Public Service Program at the Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville.  She is a former litigation attorney with the Louisville law firm of Frost Brown Todd.  

During her 15-year tenure with the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana, Speed has seen the Foundation’s assets grow from $16 million to over $160 million. Her work with individual donors and their professional advisors has led to the creation of hundreds of charitable funds that support the interests of those donors here in our region and elsewhere. The Foundation’s grantmaking – over $6 million each year from all funds – supports local nonprofit organizations and also important local and regional projects and causes. Under her leadership, the Foundation has become a trusted community leader for projects and initiatives that improve the quality of life for all residents of Clark and Floyd counties. 

Speed has extensive community leadership experience that includes serving on the Louisville Zoo Foundation Board and the Governing Board of Align Southern Indiana. She is a member and serves on the executive committees of the Estate Planning Council of Metro Louisville and the Southern Indiana Estate Planning Council, where she is the past president. She is a member and Past President of the Charitable Gift Planners of Kentuckiana, and she is the Past Chair of the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance board of directors. In 2021, she received the Duke Energy Kevin Hammersmith Community Leader Award presented by One Southern Indiana’s ONCE Awards. In 2024, she was a recipient of the Louisville Business First Enterprising Women Awards. 

Speed received her B.S. in Agronomy from the University of Kentucky and her J.D. from the Vanderbilt University School of Law. She lives in Jeffersonville with her husband Tom. They are the parents of Savannah and Marc (Araceli) and proud grandparents of Declan, Cayden and Sofia.  

Jim Epperson 
Jim Epperson has dedicated himself to serving the southern Indiana community through his support of local tourism. As Executive Director of SoIN Tourism, Epperson has made a strong contribution to the economic and social culture of the Kentuckiana region. 

Epperson started his tourism career in 1988 as marketing manager at an Ohio (USA) ski resort where he managed marketing and promotional efforts and served as founding president of the Ohio Ski Industries Association, a cooperative marketing organization of Ohio ski areas and ski shops. In 1994, Epperson moved to the Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism where he served for four years as marketing manager, becoming State Tourism Director from 1998 until 2002.  

Upon his departure from Ohio, Epperson worked briefly as VP Marketing for the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau in Rhode Island.  Later in 2002, he returned to his native Southern Indiana to continue his career in destination marketing and management and became the Executive Director of the Harrison County Convention & Visitors Bureau in Corydon, Indiana.  In 2013, he moved next door to the neighboring SoIN Tourism as its Executive Director.  

During his career, Epperson’s leadership experience includes service as Vice President-Recreation Division of National Collegiate Ski Association, on the Marketing Committee, National Ski Areas Association and Joint Marketing Committee, NSAA/Ski Industries America, and as the Founding President of Ohio Ski Industries Association. He also spent time as the Marketing Chair and Board Chair, Great Lakes of North America international marketing consortium, and as a board member of the Travel Industry Association of America and CenStates Travel and Tourism Research Association.  

Epperson has served the community on the Research Committee for Destination Marketing Association International, as a Visiting Professor at Purdue University Dept. of Hospitality & Tourism Management, on the Advocacy Committee, Destinations International, as the Advocacy Chair & President, Indiana Tourism Association, as the Advocacy Chair, One Southern Indiana, and as the Event Chair, Rotary Toast & Benefit Banquet, New Albany Rotary Club. He lives in Floyds Knobs with his wife, Sandy. One daughter, Cassie, lives in Greenfield, IN, with her husband and children. Daughter Alysa and her husband live in Indianapolis.   

The Chancellor’s Medallion Dinner will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at Huber’s Orchard and Winery in Borden, IN. Proceeds from the Chancellor’s Medallion Dinner benefit the Chancellor’s Medallion Scholarship program. 

For ticket information and sponsorship opportunities, contact the IU Southeast Office of Development at 812-941-2464.

Indiana University Southeast
Contact:  Nancy Jo Trafton
812-9412676
ntrafton@ius.edu

Dierks Bentley and ROW 94 Whiskey LaunchGroundbreaking Hologram Experience in Partnership with Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport

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Louisville, KY (September 8, 2025) – ROW 94 Whiskey, founded by country music
superstar Dierks Bentley, is proud to team up with Louisville Muhammad Ali
International Airport (SDF) this September and October to offer fans and bourbon
lovers a one-of-a-kind surprise. Beginning Friday, September 12, a life-sized Dierks
hologram will welcome travelers to Louisville, share the story of ROW 94 and point
them towards exclusive signed bottles and limited offerings of ROW 94’s Broken
Branches Bourbon at the airport’s Distillery District Marketplace. Distillery District
Marketplace is located in the post-security rotunda area, near the entrances to
Concourses A and B.


“We welcome ROW 94 and this unique Dierks Bentley experience to SDF,” said Dan
Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, owner and
operator of the airport. “The addition of ROW 94, including the exclusive selection
available in the terminal, is the perfect way for thousands of bourbon enthusiasts
from around the globe and Dierks Bentley fans to start or end their visit by enjoying
our state’s signature spirit. SDF is proud to be the gateway to Bourbon Country and
provide opportunities like this, showcasing why our airport offers a best-in-class
experience to passengers.”


A press event to kick off the hologram experience will take place on Friday,
September 12 at 10 a.m. EST. Beaming in live from his home in Nashville, Dierks will
answer media questions and even chat with travelers passing through the airport.
September is not only Bourbon Heritage Month, it also marks one year since ROW 94
launched, becoming one of the industry’s more talked-about new bourbons. For any
media who wish to attend, please see below for event access information*. If you
have questions about the event location, please contact Natalie Chaudoin at (502)
475-8084 or Natalie.Chaudoin@FlyLouisville.com.
In addition to the live Dierks beam, there will be a signed guitar giveaway at
10:30 a.m. EST (entrants must be present to win) and ROW 94 tastings in the
rotunda. Bourbon tastings will continue at select times throughout September and
October.


*Event Access Information
All media should arrive no later than 9:30 a.m. EST to the Louisville Regional Airport
Authority Administrative Offices at 700 Administration Drive, Louisville, KY 40209.
This is on airport property, but not at the terminal. (Click here for a map with
directions if needed.) Please proceed to the lobby where transportation will be
provided to the post-security area of the terminal. Contact Natalie Chaudoin at (502)
475-8084 with questions or for directions.

About ROW 94 Whiskey
ROW 94 is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, launched in September 2024 by country music
superstar Dierks Bentley and crafted with pride at the historic Green River Distilling Co. in
Owensboro, Kentucky. ROW 94 uses Three Ingredients and The Truth, reflecting Dierks’ dream to
create a bourbon that he and his fans can enjoy on the big nights and everyday gatherings,
amplifying the country in us all. Subsequent bottlings include Broken Branches Bourbon, a limited
release. Learn more about ROW 94 at ROW94whiskey.com.


About Dierks Bentley
Released on June 13, 2025, Dierks Bentley’s acclaimed 11th studio album, Broken Branches, is
rooted in raw honesty and storytelling, embracing life’s outliers and underdogs with songs about
resilience, change, and connection. Praised for its “distinctive and daring sound” (Esquire), the 11-
track collection features a cross-generational lineup of collaborators—including John Anderson,
Riley Green, Miranda Lambert and Stephen Wilson Jr.—and is a bold reaffirmation of Bentley’s
heartfelt grit paired with standout musicianship. After more than 20 years on country’s family
tree, the multi-Platinum superstar’s current Top 30 “She Hates Me” is quickly climbing the charts
following eight Number One albums, 22 Number One songs and over 9.5 billion global streams,
plus 15 Grammy nominations and membership in the historic Grand Ole Opry. Praised for
delivering a live show that “blends hits, a genuine onstage ebullience that easily outpaces many
of today’s newcomers, and intentional audience engagement” (Billboard), Bentley recently took
his 30-city Broken Branches tour to amphitheaters across the country, including a stop at the
iconic Madison Square Garden. He also recently launched the Broken Branches Fund, a multi-year
initiative in partnership with Music Health Alliance to provide mental health support for the music
industry’s creative and touring professionals. Continuing the path built from the ground up, as an
entrepreneur, he has four locations of the gastropub and live music venue “Dierks Bentley’s
Whiskey Row” and has a Flag & Anthem lifestyle collection “Desert Son.” For more information on
new music and upcoming tour dates, visit Dierks.com.


About Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)
Owned and operated by the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, the Louisville Muhammad Ali
International Airport (SDF) is the state’s premier airport, serving more Kentuckians annually than
any other airport in the Commonwealth. Eight commercial passenger airlines offer nonstop
service to more than 35 nonstop destinations from Louisville. SDF is home to UPS Worldport,
moving millions of tons of product each year, making it the 3rd busiest cargo airport in North
America and 5th in the world. Aviation is an economic powerhouse for the region that generates
$12.8 billion in economic impact every year. One in 8 jobs is generated by SDF and Bowman Field
and their aviation partners. Visit www.FlyLouisville.com to learn more.

Media Inquiries
ROW 94 Whiskey Jen Neugeboren – jen@neugeborenpr.com
Debbie Rizzo – debbie@drinkpr.com
Dierks Bentley Tyne Parrish – tynep@thegreenroompr.com
Sarah Bennett – sarah@thegreenroompr.com


Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)
Natalie Chaudoin – (502) 475-8084,
natalie.chaudoin@flylouisville.com

The Lamiflex Group chooses Borden, IN as first U.S. Production Facility

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Borden, IN. (September 04, 2025) The Lamiflex Group, a global leader in industrial packaging solutions, has announced plans to establish its first U.S. production facility in Borden, Indiana. The company will operate out of the Borden Business Park, where it will manufacture and warehouse a variety of plastic components. This new location is expected to create 62 net new full-time jobs by 2027, offering wages above the county average and contributing to the economic growth of the region.

Headquartered in Sweden, The Lamiflex Group has a global presence through subsidiaries and partnerships. They are a world-leading supplier of transport packaging solutions mainly in the steel, aluminum and cable industries. Lamiflex’s global presence now includes Indiana as they selected Borden, Indiana as their first U.S. manufacturing location. They have a rich, global history of supporting local communities where they are present. Historically, they have sponsored and funded activities in schools and neighborhoods.

Further, Lamiflex is committed to training initiatives related to its upcoming manufacturing activities. This investment will support comprehensive employee development across multiple functional areas. A key focus of the training will be to introduce and support the integration of new robotic machinery, ensuring that staff are well-prepared to operate and maintain advanced automation systems. The training program aims to enhance operational efficiency and equip employees with the necessary skills to meet future production demands.

Phil Yu, an active Board Member of Lamiflex, shares, “We are excited to locate Lamiflex’s operations to Southern Indiana—a region that offers both strategic advantages and a strong sense of community. While our decision has been guided by technical and financial considerations, we’re equally committed to making a meaningful, long-term impact. We look forward to investing in the region, creating quality jobs, and becoming an engaged partner in the community’s continued growth.”

Based on the company’s Indiana job creation plans, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation committed an investment in Lamiflex up to $750,000 in the form of incentive-based tax credits. These tax credits are performance based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired.

“The town of Borden welcomes Lamiflex and the opportunity for engagement and employment in Southern Indiana,” said Borden Town Council President Steve Williams. “We look forward to the work they will provide to our community with a total of 62 added full-time positions. In all, we are proud to demonstrate Borden’s attractiveness and how we support local manufacturing in our region.”

“Lamiflex’s investment is demonstrated through their selection of Borden, IN as their first U.S. production facility,” says Lance Allison, President and CEO of One Southern Indiana Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development. “Not only will this greatly benefit the community through full-time work at competitive wages, but it will also be a benefit to Lamiflex’s growing international presence. We look forward to supporting their continued success as they pursue this opportunity.”

About Lamiflex
The Lamiflex Group is a global supply leader in transport packaging solutions for the steel, aluminum, cable and oil & gas industries. Our product line includes materials, machines, services and calculated methods for an optimal packaging solution. The Lamiflex Group is headquartered in Nyköping, Sweden with offices and subsidiaries across the globe.

About One Southern Indiana
One Southern Indiana (1si) was formed in July of 2006 as the economic development organization and chamber of commerce serving Clark and Floyd counties. 1si’s mission is to help businesses innovate and thrive in the southern Indiana / Louisville metro area via the three pillars of Business Resources, Economic Development, and Advocacy. For more information on One Southern Indiana, visit www.1si.org.

 

SoIN Tourism Announces New Hire & Promotion

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Southern Indiana (August 27, 2025) – SoIN Tourism, the destination marketing agency for Clark and Floyd counties in Southern Indiana, has hired a new team member and promoted another to support the organization’s efforts to attract visitors.

“The growth and development of our communities, as well as the ever-changing marketing environment, require that we continue to grow and develop our talent,” said SoIN Tourism Executive Director Jim Epperson. “Both roles help SoIN Tourism build community relations and support our tourism partners, while helping us maintain a competitive edge in the industry.”

Janelle Wilhelm Hired as CRM & Website Specialist
Janelle Wilhelm was hired as SoIN Tourism’s CRM and Website Specialist. In this role, she will oversee the organization’s content and relationship management systems (CRM and CMS). She will also work with tourism industry partners to promote SoIN businesses through the GoSoIN.com website and other digital channels. Wilhelm has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Campbellsville University. She served as an AmeriCorps VISTA and developed a background in nonprofit database management and website optimization at Olmsted Parks Conservancy and the Louisville Nature Center.

“Janelle has hit the ground running and is already exceeding expectations in her role,” said Research and Data Manager Kia Black. “Her expertise and proactive approach are making a big impact, and we’re lucky to have her on the team.”

Marissa Murphy Promoted to Marketing Specialist
Marissa Murphy was promoted to Marketing Specialist, supporting SoIN Tourism’s marketing, communications and sales services through content creation, copywriting, partner outreach and more. In her new role, she will take the lead on planning, strategy and creation for some of SoIN’s social media channels, which are critical to reaching potential visitors in a fragmented media landscape.

“Marissa has quickly become an invaluable part of our team,” said Senior Marketing Manager Katerina Koehler. “Her creativity, attention to detail, and ability to adapt have strengthened SoIN’s marketing efforts, and we’re excited to see her continue to grow in her new role as Marketing Specialist.”

Murphy first joined SoIN Tourism as an intern and started full-time in 2023. She completed her degree in Strategic Communication at IU Southeast where she received the 2024 Indiana University Southeast Outstanding Student in Strategic Communication Award. Since joining the team, Murphy obtained her Professional in Destination Management (PDM) certificate from Destinations International and is a Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate.

To learn more about SoIN Tourism or to schedule an interview with a SoIN representative, please contact Communications Manager Anna Rosales-Crone at Anna@GoSoIN.com.

SoIN Tourism is the official destination marketing organization for Clark and Floyd Counties in Southern Indiana, just north of Louisville, Ky. Offering authentic experiences in the Kentuckiana region, SoIN includes historic downtowns in Jeffersonville and New Albany, Clarksville’s retail corridor, as well as the communities of Charlestown, Floyds Knobs, Henryville, Memphis, New Washington, Sellersburg, and Starlight. Visitors who would like more information can visit the destination’s website, GoSoIN.com.

YOUTH LINK SOUTHERN INDIANA RECEIVES $20,800 COMMUNITY GRANT FROM TACO BELL FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT LOCAL YOUTH  

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

August 4, 2025 

YOUTH LINK SOUTHERN INDIANA RECEIVES $20,800 COMMUNITY GRANT FROM TACO BELL FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT LOCAL YOUTH  

The Taco Bell Foundation is awarding a record-breaking $28 million in Community Grants in 2025 – marking the first year that Youth Link Southern Indiana has been selected as a grant recipient.  

JEFFERSONVILLE, IN, (August 4, 2025) – Youth Link Southern Indiana is proud to announce it has been selected as a recipient of a 2025 Community Grant from the Taco Bell Foundation. The funding will support career exploration, leadership development, and mentorship activities, helping youth in Southern Indiana access essential resources to achieve their goals 

“This grant opens doors for students who are ready to step into their potential,” said Tricia Wall, Executive Director of Youth Link Southern Indiana. “We’re so thankful to the Taco Bell Foundation and C&M Smith Restaurants, Inc. for fueling our mission and helping local youth gain the tools they need to lead, grow, and thrive.” 

The Taco Bell Foundation awarded a record-breaking $28 million in Community Grants this year to nearly 500 nonprofit organizations nationwide. The Community Grants program uplifts youth in the communities that matter most to Taco Bell – those of its fans and Team Members. True to the brand’s spirit, the Taco Bell Foundation supports nonprofits that think differently and take bold approaches to creating new opportunities for young people.  

Youth Link Southern Indiana was nominated for the grant by local Taco Bell franchisee Chris Smith at C&M Smith Restaurants, Inc, whose continued commitment to uplifting youth has helped expand access to education, mentorship, and career readiness programs across the community.  

“We believe that empowering young people is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the future,” said Lisa Lane Cardin, Executive Director of the Taco Bell Foundation. “This record investment is a testament to the power of community-driven change and the limitless potential that exists when we remove barriers and open doors.”  

Through this grant, Youth Link Southern Indiana will launch the Real-World Readiness program, a new leadership initiative at Jeffersonville High School that will serve a group of  teacher-referred students. The program integrates hands-on learning, mentorship, and career exploration to build confidence, leadership skills, and future planning. Students will participate in workshops, meet local professionals, and end the year with a trip to Kings Island and Great Wolf Lodge in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

To learn more about Youth Link Southern Indiana, please visit youthlinksi.org. To learn more about the Taco Bell Foundation and the Community Grants program, please visit https://www.tacobellfoundation.org/who-we-support/.  

About Youth Link Southern Indiana 
Youth Link Southern Indiana is a nonprofit organization dedicated to removing barriers to student success across Clark and Floyd Counties. Through in-school services, after-school programs, and community partnerships, Youth Link supports students academically, emotionally, and physically. From basic needs assistance to mentoring and mental health services, Youth Link ensures that every child has the resources and support they need to thrive. 

About Taco Bell Foundation 
Taco Bell Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity that empowers the next generation to pursue their passions by breaking down barriers to education and providing resources to help young people chase their boldest ambitions. Since 1992, the Taco Bell Foundation has reached nearly 9 million young people across the country and has awarded more than $203 million in grants and scholarships, focused on education and career readiness. For more information about the Taco Bell Foundation, visit www.tacobellfoundation.org.  

Media Contact 

Christina Gutowski – Development and Marketing Manager, Youth Link Southern Indiana 
cgutowski@youthlinksi.org 
812-280-0028 

Stites & Harbison Welcomes Cyrus Gilmore Dutton IV to the Louisville Office

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 14, 2025)—Stites & Harbison, PLLC welcomes attorney Cyrus Gilmore Dutton IV to the firm’s Louisville, Ky., office. He joins the Torts & Insurance Practice Group.

Dutton’s practice focuses primarily on complex commercial litigation. He also represents companies with a vast array of needs from business litigation to corporate compliance.

Prior to joining Stites & Harbison, Dutton was an associate with a large national law firm. In law school, he clerked for the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs where he participated in financial services reform. He earned his J.D. from The George Washington University Law School in 2022, with a concentration in International Business Law.

Outside of the firm, Dutton is active in a variety of professional and community organizations. He is a member of the 53rd Judicial District, Kentucky, Indiana, and Louisville Bar Associations. He serves as the Shelby County Area Chair of Ducks Unlimited. Additionally, he is a member of the Board of Directors of the Epsilon Alumni Association of Beta Theta Pi. Dutton is admitted to practice in Kentucky and Indiana.

About Stites & Harbison

Stites & Harbison, PLLC is a nationally recognized, full-service law firm. With 12 offices across seven states — Kentucky, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia — the firm represents clients across the United States and internationally. Tracing its origins to 1832, Stites & Harbison is known as a preeminent firm managing sophisticated transactions, challenging litigation and complex regulatory matters on a daily basis. For more information, visit www.stites.com.

The Glassworks Event Space Offers a New Kind of Event Experience in Downtown Louisville

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Live Glassblowing Demos Add Artistic Edge to Weddings, Celebrations, and Corporate Events

 

LOUISVILLE, KY — The Loft at Glassworks, located in the historic Glassworks building in
downtown Louisville, is redefining what an event space can be. With over 11,000 square
feet of exposed brick, tall windows, and a flexible layout, the venue has become a sought-after
location for weddings, private celebrations, brand activations, and community gatherings.
What makes The Loft stand out isn’t just its industrial character — it’s the integration of live
art into the guest experience. Event hosts have the option to include live glassblowing
demonstrations. Guests can watch artists transform molten glass into one-of-a-kind pieces
in real time, creating a memorable and immersive element unique to the venue.
In recent years, The Loft has hosted nonprofit galas, styled shoots, micro-weddings, and
creative pop-ups — all benefiting from the venue’s open vendor policy and adaptable
design.

“The energy of the space changes depending on what’s happening inside it,” said Nicole
Thomas of Weyland Ventures. “It’s rare to find a venue where you can hold a beautiful
reception and also offer guests a truly hands-on, artistic experience.”
The Loft at Glassworks is currently booking events through 2026.

For booking inquiries or to schedule a site visit, contact:
Nicole Thomas
nicole@weylandventures.com

Go West, Young Silverback!

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Louisville Zoo and San Francisco Zoo Announce Exciting New Chapter for Gorilla Cecil

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 3, 2025) – The Louisville Zoo and the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens are proud to announce the upcoming move of 27-year-old male western lowland gorilla Cecil to California. Louisville Zoo staff are very excited to see Cecil have an opportunity to begin a new social chapter and lead his own gorilla group at the San Francisco Zoo.

Cecil was born on Nov. 3, 1998, at the Cincinnati Zoo. Since arriving at the Louisville Zoo in January 2004, Cecil has been a part of a young bachelor group comprised of Bengati, Kicho and Jelani. A common and enriching arrangement modeled after wild gorilla behavior, these groups allow maturing silverbacks to develop socially, physically and hormonally.

Recently, Cecil was identified by the Gorilla Species Survival Plan (SSP) as a promising candidate for the eventual leadership of his own family group. His lineage offers a strong match for the female gorillas at San Francisco Zoo, although no breeding will be recommended until after his phased social introductions.

Special Celebration

Louisville Zoo guests can visit with Cecil at a special celebration on Saturday, July 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Gorilla Forest. There will be special keeper talks, docent interpretation with biofacts and children and families can sign a card to wish Cecil well on his new adventure in San Francisco.

“Moving a gorilla isn’t just about logistics — it’s about heart, science and timing,” said Louisville Zoo General Curator, Ron Evans, who will personally accompany Cecil during transport in August. “We’ve observed Cecil distancing from his bachelor companion Kicho, which aligns perfectly with this next stage of his life.”

Cecil’s new home will be The Jones Family Gorilla Preserve at San Francisco Zoo, a lush, nearly one-acre habitat. With both outdoor and specialized indoor facilities, the space has supported generations of gorillas since 1980 as part of San Francisco Zoo’s longstanding and successful breeding program.

“We are excited to welcome Cecil to lead our gorilla troop,” said Eric Krussman, San Francisco Zoo’s Executive Vice President of Animal Care. “Cecil will enjoy a peaceful, serene grassy habitat with rocky structures and a cypress tree to climb and, of course, a new family group. We thank Louisville Zoo for giving Cecil a rousing send-off, as we know he is a fan favorite there.”

The female gorillas at San Francisco Zoo, Kimani, Monifa and Bawang — who are affectionately called the “three bachelorettes”— will be gradually introduced to Cecil over several months to allow social bonds to form before any consideration is given to breeding. Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoos emphasize patience and stability during transitions like these to ensure the animals’ wellbeing.

About Gorilla Management in Zoos

Through managed breeding and deep understanding of natural behavior, the Gorilla SSP aims to maintain a genetically healthy gorilla population for the next century — while raising public awareness about gorilla conservation and the threats faced by wild populations.

Bachelor groups mimic the way young silverbacks naturally leave their natal troops in the wild and bond with peers. Some gorillas eventually lead families; others remain lifelong bachelors — both are valid and enriching life paths.

About San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

Established in 1929, San Francisco Zoo & Gardens connects all people with wildlife, inspires caring for nature and advances conservation action. The 100-acre park is home to over 1,500 exotic, endangered and rescued animals representing nearly 200 species, and seven distinct gardens full of native and unusual plants. The Jones Family Gorilla Preserve, opened in 1980, continues the Zoo’s decades-long legacy of gorilla care and breeding excellence. Visit www.sfzoo.org for more information.

The Louisville Zoo, the State Zoo of Kentucky, is the top, non-profit, paid attraction in the state. The Zoo is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), a global alliance of zoos and aquariums.

Posters, Passports and Play: Earn Prizes & Enter to Win at SoIN’s Summer Passport Party on July 1

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Southern Indiana (June 26, 2025) – Enjoy free family-friendly activities, a poster reveal, artist meet and greet and more at the SoIN Summer Passport Party from 3 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1 at Recbar 812, 336 Pearl Street, New Albany, IN. During the party, SoIN Tourism is unveiling three new poster designs for their year-round passport programs. Each print was created by local artist Carrie Johns as an exclusive prize for passholders.

Celebrate the poster reveal with family-friendly fun at Recbar 812!

  • Free face painting by Bohemian Monkey
  • Free balloon animals by Fossi Lou Balloons
  • Ticket giveaways for Holiday World and New Albany Wicked Walk
  • Self-guided mural walking tour

Summer Passport Party Limited Time Offer

The year-round Scenic SoIN, Inspired SoIN and Stranger Things of SoIN passports allow visitors, and residents, to explore Southern Indiana’s best sights, creative scenes and peculiar spots with ease.  During the party, passholders can check in at just three locations on any of the year-round passports to claim one of Johns’ new posters! Offer is only available during the SoIN Summer Passport Party. Poster must be claimed by 7 p.m. on July 1, 2025, at Recbar 812.

Games & Grub at Recbar 812

Kids 12 and under eat free every Tuesday at Recbar 812 with the purchase of an adult entrée! The restaurant’s kid-friendly menu features chicken tenders, burgers, mac and cheese, and Totchos – tater tots loaded with a variety of toppings. Stick around to enjoy Recbar’s 100+ arcade games and 70+ pinball machines. Attendees can claim 10 free tokens when they sign up for the SoIN Fun Trail, Southern Indiana’s summertime guide to the best family-friendly experiences in SoIN. SoIN Fun Trail prizes will also be available for pick up at Recbar 812 during the SoIN Summer Passport Party.

Signing Up for Passports

Sign up for one or more of SoIN Tourism’s free passports at GoSoIN.com/Passports. Once registered, participants receive an email and text prompting them to add the passport to their smartphone home screen for convenient access. Passholders can use the passports to check in and earn points for prizes. Points can also be used for entries into grand prize drawings.

If you are planning to attend, or if you would like to set up an interview in advance, please contact Communications Manager Anna Rosales-Crone at Anna@GoSoIN.com or 812-282-6692.

About Carrie Johns

Carrie Johns is an accomplished professional artist who has been painting murals throughout the region for 25 years. She has worked with clients such as Kroger, Rabbit Hole Distillery, Falls City Beer and the City of New Albany. In addition to fine art and signage, Johns has painted several colorful murals throughout Southern Indiana and Louisville, including six featured on the Inspired SoIN digital passport.

About SoIN Tourism

SoIN Tourism is the official destination marketing organization for Clark and Floyd Counties in Southern Indiana, just north of Louisville, Ky. Offering authentic experiences in the Kentuckiana region, SoIN includes historic downtowns in Jeffersonville and New Albany, Clarksville’s retail corridor, as well as the communities of Charlestown, Floyds Knobs, Henryville, Memphis, New Washington, Sellersburg, and Starlight. Visitors who would like more information can visit the destination’s website, GoSoIN.com.

 

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Recent IU Southeast grads attain record outcomes and increased income levels in the first year post-graduation

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NEW ALBANY, Ind. (June 26, 2025) – A new Indiana University survey of graduate outcomes shows that IU Southeast once again leads all IU campuses in graduates’ full-time job placement and graduates employed in their field of study. Additionally, graduates of IU Southeast, on average, saw a 17 percent increase in first-year salaries as compared to the study completed in 2022-23.

The IU First Destination Survey explores the outcomes of IU undergraduate students in their first year following graduation. The survey focuses on the outcome of IU graduates who earned undergraduate degrees during the 2023-2024 academic year.

The survey, conducted by Indiana University’s Office of Student Success in collaboration with campus career services and Institutional Analytics, drew data from over 78 percent of IU Southeast graduates. Data collected from primary and secondary sources, including student questionnaires, departmental reports, and social media profiles, were used to assemble the outcomes profile.

Of these graduates, 97 percent were either employed (86.5%) or enrolled in an educational program such as graduate or professional school (10.6%). There were no reported outcomes of graduates entering military service. The survey identified less than three percent of graduates who were still seeking employment (2.7%).

Of nearly 87 percent who had accepted offers of employment, 98 percent were working full-time with an average salary of $58,311, an increase of 17 percent from the class of 2022-23.

Impressively, nearly 97 percent of working graduates reported that their employment was directly related to their field of study, with top employers including Norton Healthcare, UPS, Humana, Baptist Health, Greater Clark County Schools, and New Albany Floyd County Schools. Additionally, 95 percent of employed graduates reported working in Indiana or Kentucky, reinforcing the university’s critical role in educating regional talent.

Chancellor Debbie Ford praised the results as a testament to the university’s mission:

“At IU Southeast, student success is not just a goal—it’s a promise we deliver on year after year. Our graduates are entering the workforce prepared, confident, and career-ready, and they’re finding well-paying careers in their chosen fields right here in our region,” said Chancellor Ford. “These outcomes speak to the power of hands-on learning, strong faculty mentorship, and our deep connection with local employers. We remain committed to fueling both opportunity for our students and growth for our community.”

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About IU Southeast: IU Southeast is one of nine campuses of Indiana University. Offering top-quality and nationally accredited programs in education, nursing, business, social sciences, natural sciences, arts and humanities, the scenic 180-acre campus is located less than 15 minutes from downtown Louisville, Kentucky. It currently has over 3,750 students and employs over 360 faculty members. About 400 students live on campus in five fully furnished, lodge-style residence halls. Through an agreement with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Indiana University Southeast offers in-state tuition to students enrolled from ten counties in the Louisville region, including Bullitt, Hardin, Henry, Jefferson, Meade, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby, Trimble, and Spencer counties and discounted tuition for remaining Kentucky residents through the Indiana Partner Program. For more information, visit . IU Southeast is a tobacco-free campus.