The award, given by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), will be presented to Dr. Pigge for her leadership demonstrated as a faculty athletics representative and numerous positions held at the institution, conference and national level. The NAIA will present the award to Dr. Pigge on Sunday, April 11, at the NAIA Awards Banquet, held in conjunction with the NAIA National Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Wally Schwartz Award, initiated by the Faculty Athletic Representatives Association (FARA), honors past NAIA Vice President of Legislative Services Wally Schwartz and annually recognizes Conference, Regional and National Faculty Athletic Representatives (FAR) of the Year. Award winners exemplify the loyalty, enthusiasm and honesty that Mr. Schwartz displayed during and beyond his time at the NAIA.

"Joyce truly sets the standard for this important position in intercollegiate athletics," remarks Dr. Edward F. Leonard III, President at Bethany College. "She is a champion of the student-athlete and especially a champion for equity in athletics."

In nominating Dr. Pigge, Dr. Scott Crawford, Commissioner for the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference, notes: "Joyce has the respect and admiration from her peers inside and outside the conference for her efforts in determining eligibility, considering important academic issues, and in supporting the continued effort to balance athletics and academics as part of the whole student-athlete experience."

Dr. Pigge was appointed faculty athletics representative at Bethany in 1979 and throughout her tenure she has set the standard for the role of FAR on college campuses throughout the country. In addition to her FAR responsibilities, Dr. Pigge has served as treasurer of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) and was a member of the NAIA District 10 executive committee. Currently, Dr. Pigge serves as the eligibility chair for the KCAC and the Midlands Collegiate Athletics Conference.

Dr. Pigge's interest in academic and athletic excellence is reflected by her service not only on at the institution and conference by also at the national level. Dr. Pigge was a member of the NAIA National Executive Committee, the NAIA Ad Hoc Committee on Transfer Rules and chaired the NAIA Ad Hoc Committee on NAIA Standards for FARs. She currently serves as the Chair of the Council of FARs and the NAIA Ad Hoc Committee on Competitive Experience / Eligibility Oversight Committee.

Throughout her tenure Dr. Pigge's body of work and service has had a lasting impact on thousands of student-athletes at Bethany College and beyond. Her work is reflective of the NAIA spirit and has demonstrated a standard of integrity and loyalty to the association.

Dr. Pigge's contribution to the field of intercollegiate athletics has earned her a place on the distinguished list of Wally Schwartz Award recipients.

Dr. Pigge also was a vital part of laying the foundation for competitive women's sports at Bethany College, including volleyball and basketball.