Begle Family Gift Launches New Era of Aces Athletics with Sports Performance Center
Evansville, Ind. (04/17/2026) — The University of Evansville (UE) is proud to announce that its renovated athletics facility will be named the Begle Family Sports Performance Center in recognition of the leadership giving of Trustee Curt Begle '99 and his wife, Kelley Begle '00. The Board of Trustees approved the recognition unanimously during their February meeting and the Begle's along with University leaders officially cut the ribbon during a ceremony on Friday.
The Begle family's long-standing support has culminated in a major investment that will directly enhance the student-athlete experience. This project, funded entirely through private gifts, has already surpassed $800,000. The new facility will provide space for training, recovery, and development, serving all 300 student-athletes across UE's 17 NCAA Division I programs.
Further enhancements to the space will focus on the holistic well-being of student-athletes, with an emphasis on nutrition and opportunities for engagement that strengthen community and team connections.
"When I first arrived at UE, it was clear to me that the greatest facility need for our entire department was a new sports performance center that could serve all 300 of our student-athletes." said Director of Athletics Dr. Kenneth "Ziggy" Siegfried. "The Begle Family Sports Performance Center will transform the student-athlete experience at UE and provide our coaches with a first-class tool for recruiting the brightest and best. We are deeply grateful to the Begle family and to all of our supporters who stepped forward to make this vision a reality,"
"This project will give all student-athletes the resources they need to grow physically and mentally, supporting their overall well-being and helping them perform at their best in every aspect of their college experience," said Head Men's Basketball Coach David Ragland.
Curt Begle knows the impact this project will have firsthand. A forward on the Purple Aces men's basketball team, he was part of the 1999 squad, the last UE team to compete in the NCAA Tournament. Since graduating from UE, Begle has become Chief Executive Officer of Magnera Corporation. He has served as a member of the Board of Trustees since 2019, is co-chair of the 50th Anniversary Plane Crash Task Force and is a highly involved member of the Athletic Director's Council.
Kelley Meisler-Begle '00, a former member of the cheer team and Acettes, has also been devoted to UE. She has hosted University events, supported multiple sports, and attended games courtside for years with Curt and their son, Crue. Together, Curt and Kelley have encouraged other donors to support the project and provided input on its design to ensure it meets the needs of student-athletes.
"Kelley and I know the lessons athletics instill last a lifetime, including teamwork, perseverance, and resilience," said Begle. "UE made those lessons real for me, and it has been our privilege to give back. We are proud that this support will help every student-athlete pursue excellence here and step into the world ready to lead."
Curt and Kelley Begle have shown how generosity can shape lives and strengthen community. Their legacy reflects a strong future for the University of Evansville, where ideas are launched and meaningful change takes root.
The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university with a solid foundation in the arts and sciences and professional schools in business, engineering, education, and health sciences. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and dynamic campus community of #Changemakers.
Home of the Purple Aces, UE is located in the southwestern region of Indiana and offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University's very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.
MEDIA CONTACT
Noah Alatza, Chief Communications Officer
na122@evansville.edu
812-893-5319
Media Attachments
From L to R: Director of Athletics Dr. Kenneth “Ziggy” Siegfried, UE Trustee Curt Begle '99, Kelley Begle '00, Crue Begle, and UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz.
From L to R: Director of Athletics Dr. Kenneth “Ziggy” Siegfried, UE Trustee Curt Begle '99, Kelley Begle '00, Crue Begle, and UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz.
University of Evansville
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