The Vincennes University Board of Trustees this week accepted the retirement of long-time trustee Rick Schach, marking an end to service that began in 2005, and unanimously reappointed Mike Sievers as chair.
Schach, who also chairs the board’s Personnel and Nominating Committee, was recognized with a special presentation during the meeting on Monday. On behalf of the university and the board, VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson honored him with a resolution of appreciation.
“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,” Sievers said in a press released by the university on Tuesday.
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 Gov. Eric Holcomb appoints a new trustee.
Sievers has chaired the board since October 2023, when he succeeded trustee John Stachura, the release states. He 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 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, donated $4 million to the VU Foundation to build 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, and Weyer Electric, Vincennes, received a contract for electrical construction.
The total cost of the museum addition is $4,148,544, the release states.
