Evangel’s first lady surprised, honored with Distinguished Service Award

October 19, 2006
Contact: Paul K. Logsdon, Director of Public Relations and Publications, 865-2815 ext. 7292

Springfield, MO. — Anne Spence, wife of Evangel President Robert H. Spence, was honored and surprised with a Distinguished Service Award Friday, Oct. 13, during the Homecoming chapel service.

The Evangel Alumni Association presented the award in recognition of her many contributions to Evangel.

When her husband became president of Evangel in May 1974, Anne Spence was faced with a radical change in her life’s focus. After 18 years as a pastor’s wife—with involvement in music and various women’s ministries—she shifted from a focus on the local church to engagement with a broader collegiate community.

Anne has served as executive vice president of the Evangel Ladies Auxiliary, throughout the 32 years of her husband’s presidency. She has also been active with alumni activities and has been seen as, “the number one promoter and recruiter of students for Evangel,” according to Chuck Cox, director of Alumni Relations.

“Anne has traveled with Dr. Spence to churches, conferences and alumni functions from coast to coast. She has been there, talking with prospective students and their parents, and encouraging them to prayerfully consider Evangel,” said Cox.

According to President Spence, “From the beginning of my tenure, Anne has shared the vision of Evangel University and has worked diligently to help fulfill its goals and dreams.”

Approximately 25 years ago, Anne Spence organized a Tuesday prayer ministry that involves members of the Evangel Ladies Auxiliary, as well as others in the community. This group has met weekly throughout the years, praying for needs of the university, needs of individual students, and needs that have been shared from alumni, family and friends of Evangel.

When the Spences first arrived in Springfield in 1974, she helped sons Jon, 9, David, 4, and Steve, 2, adjust to a new home and life. Now, 32 years later, the family has grown to include the boys, their wives, five grandsons and three granddaughters.

"Her family also includes thousands of alumni whose lives she has influenced in very special ways,” concluded Cox.