University of Evansville Athletics

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, April 17, 2026.

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.

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.

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.