Pitt State honors three for service

August and Helen Rua and Jack Overman are the recipients of the Pittsburg State University Alumni Association’s 2006 Ralf J. Thomas Distinguished Service Award. The award will be presented at the annual Apple Day Convocation at 3 p.m. on March 2, in PSU’s McCray Recital Hall.

August, who died earlier this year, and Helen Rua are long-time benefactors to the university. August received both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from PSU. The Ruas have been members of the PSU Centennial Society, were original members of the President’s Society and are charter members of the Heritage Society. They established the August and Helen Rua Athletic Scholarship Fund, supported KRPS radio and were benefactors of the August and Helen Rua Press Box at Carnie Smith Stadium.

Additionally, August served as a member of the PSU Foundation Board of Trustees, a member of the Athletic Advisory Board and was a Gorilla Ambassador. He was the 1969 PSU Alumni Association president and was a recipient of the PSU Meritorious Achievement Award. August was a PSU Half-Century Club inductee and was a Community Campaign volunteer.

Jack Overman received both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from PSU and returned to join the staff in 1940. After a long career at the university, Overman retired, but continued to support PSU as a volunteer.

His volunteer service has included playing a pivotal role in the site selection, planning and dedication of the Wilkinson Alumni Center. He has served as chairman of the Annual Fund and president of the PSU Alumni Association. A life member of the Alumni Association, Overman has served on the Phonathon Committee and is a member of the PSU Foundation and the President’s Club. He is a recipient of the PSU Meritorious Achievement Award and is a member of the Alumni Centennial Society. Overman is also a recipient of the Kaye Lynne Webb Spirit Award.

Overman is a familiar face at a wide variety of university events. He has an almost unbroken attendance record for PSU football championship games and frequently attends other sporting, music and theater events.

The Ralf J. Thomas award, presented by the Pittsburg State University Alumni Association, was established in 1991 to honor persons who have rendered significant volunteer service to Pittsburg State University. The candidate’s record of volunteer service to PSU may include but is not limited to the PSU Alumni Association, PSU Foundation, PSU Athletics, academic departments and student service programs. In 2001, the award was renamed in honor of the late Dr. Ralf Thomas, who served as an Alumni Association volunteer from his retirement in 1979 until his death in 2000.

---Pitt State---