EventsGuest Bloggers

7th Annual UCA Night of Distinction

Since graduating in 1962, Sue Voegele has only missed two Homecoming games at the University of Central Arkansas – even though she lived out of state for many of those years.

This month, the Batesville, Ark., native who has resided in North Little Rock since 1998, will be honored for her commitment to her alma mater at UCA’s Seventh Annual Night of Distinction.

Voegele, who will receive the 2017 Alumni Service Award, will be recognized along with Charlie Strong and Herby Branscum Jr., who will be honored as Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.

Voegele and her husband, Bud, are life members of the UCA Alumni Association. She is currently on her second term on the Alumni Board of Directors, where she serves on the scholarship committee. She also served as chairman for the Class of 1962 Half-Century Club Induction, as well as part of the Alpha Sigma Tau Housing Committee.

“The board is the voice of the alumni,” she explains. “The board determines, develops and oversees the program, activities and budget of the Alumni Association to advance the interests of the group.”

As a scholarship recipient herself – for journalism, Voegele feels strongly about the need to give back.

“UCA prepared me for my teaching profession,” she says. “I learned various methods of teaching, as well as skills. The professors worked with me if I was having a difficult time with their subject. They treated students one on one and showed compassion and encouragement.”

After graduating from what was then Arkansas State Teachers College, Voegele worked as a teacher for 35 years. In the course of her career, she taught the subjects of health, physical education, U.S. history, world history, physical science, geography and economics. The majority of her teaching years were at a high school in Fort Worth, Texas, where she also coached volleyball and tennis.

The two years she missed Homecoming at UCA were due to the birth of her youngest daughter the week before, and her volleyball team competing in district playoffs.

In addition to her service to UCA’s Alumni Association, Voegele is also a member of the Women’s Giving Circle and Purple Circle. She is a member of the North Little Rock Women’s Club, P.E.O., the board of trustees for the First United Methodist Church in North Little Rock, and Beta Sigma Phi. She also volunteers with various community ministries.

“I am humbled and honored to receive the 2017 Alumni Service Award,” she says. “I never thought about receiving an award. One of my goals in life has always been to give back to others. I looked forward to seeing college friends, and besides – it was fun. I am also thrilled being honored with two great men who mean so much to me personally.”

The Night of Distinction – the annual awards gala hosted by UCA – will be held Saturday, April 29, in the newly renovated McCastlain Ballroom. The dinner and program honor past and present recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award and Alumni Service Award. Proceeds from Night of Distinction benefit student scholarships.

Inviting Arkansas

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