Lunch with the Aces another big success for UE

Event held on campus on Friday

 A crowd of close to 400 people were in attendance at the 2017 version of Lunch with the Aces as the event returned to campus for the second year in a row.

Highlighting the event was keynote speaker Andy Elkins, who reminisced about his journey that started in high school in Evansville and continued as a member of the Purple Aces in the early 1990’s.  He spoke of his memories of playing at Roberts Stadium, the path his teammates took to the NCAA Tournament and NIT and how the University of Evansville prepared him for his future.

A special presentation was made at the beginning of the program by Purple Aces Club President Don Apple.  He gave out the first-ever Purple Aces Club Student-Athlete of the Year Award, which will now be given annually to a male and female student-athlete at UE.

The criteria include:

• The student/athlete, should maintain an accumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.

• Displays the true Spirit of the University of Evansville.

• Maintains a positive attitude and show flexibility at adapting to challenging situations.

• Displays a high level of integrity, by leading through example.

• Provides encouragement and support to other students (athlete & non-athlete; upperclassman & underclassman).

• Excels in community spirit and relations.

• Willing to give time to Community Service.

• Willing to give/spend time with the young Aces fan base.

Earning the awards were Whitney Biggs of women’s soccer and David Howard from the Aces men’s basketball team.

“I would like to thank all those who sent in nomination forms.  This award would not be possible, without the nomination from UE staff, faculty and administrators,” Apple said.  “On behalf of the PAC Board of Directors, we would like to congratulate Whitney and David.  They are both very deserving and set a high standard for all those that follow for years to come.”

Kyle Peach of UE’s ESPN3 crew was the emcee for the event while Marx BBQ provided the food.  A special thanks also go out to Lumaworx for their assistance.  At the completion of the event, a video presentation was shown to the fans, courtesy of Purple Aces Productions.