On-campus event draws record support
  A record crowd of over 400 was in attendance as the University of Evansville Athletics Department held its annual Lunch with the Aces on Friday afternoon at the Carson Center.
For the first time, the event was held on the UE campus. Purple Aces fans and supporters had the opportunity to mingle with staff members, coaches and student-athletes at the event. Emceed by Don Apple, the program featured a video tribute to the athletic success over the last year and a speech from former men’s basketball player Colt Ryan.
“I want to thank everyone for the overwhelming support of our Lunch with the Aces event,†Director of Athletics Mark Spencer said. “It was great to be able to bring so many of our supporters back to campus. Our thanks also go out to Don Apple and Colt Ryan for speaking at the program.â€
Apple, who is the president of the Purple Aces Club, opened the event with a welcome to the crowd. The recipient of this year’s prestigious Heart of UE Award addressed the crowd before handing the mic over to Ryan. The #2 scorer in program history with 2,279 career points was excited to be back at his alma mater and enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with many of his fans.
“It is an honor to be back at the University of Evansville and to have the opportunity to speak at this event,†Ryan said. “The opportunities that UE has given me in my life are priceless. It is great to be back on campus and have the opportunity to support the program.â€
The event would not have been possible if not for the support of the corporate sponsors. The department wishes to thank T.R.U. Event Rental, Marx Barbecue and Catering, Skanska, Ford Center, Master Tire, Brackett Heating & Air, Lumaworx, German American Bank, Gibco Motor Express, Payne Wealth Partners, Old National Bank and Lochmueller Group.
