Spirit of Ruth Award
Recognize a Fellow Alumna – Spirit of Ruth Award
The Spirit of Ruth Award was created to recognize Sigma Alpha Alumnae who
embody the spirit of Ruth through active involvement, leadership, and commitment
to the field of agriculture.
Recipients of this award demonstrate the ideals of Sigma Alpha by living the four
pillars: Scholarship, Leadership, Fellowship, and Service in their personal and/or
professional lives.
Nomination Information
Nomination Open
Nomination Close
Number of Awards
March 16, 2026
September 30, 2026
Two (one per Ignite Conference)
Requirements
- Must be able to attend one Ignite Conference (travel, accommodations and registration will be provided)
- Sigma Alpha Alumna in good standing
- Must demonstrate the four pillars in personal and/or professional life
- Preference will be given to alumnae aged 30 years old or older to promote the lifelong bonds of sisterhood
- Active in the agriculture industry, personally or professionally
2026 Recipients:
Laurie Hueneke, Delta
Gena Perry, Alpha Omicron
2025 Recipients:
Avery LeFils, Beta Gamma
Shelby Cross, Beta Theta
Nancy Bormann, Delta
2023 Recipients:
Linsey Liebig Carter, Kappa
Jessica Kiesling, Delta
Kelly Lawler, Alpha Iota
Charlotte “Charley” Maxwell, Pi
2022 Recipients:
Shannon Boswell, Chi
April Burg Vollherbst, Alpha Kappa
Sydney White, Chi
2021 Recipients:
Lisa McCutcheon, Chi
Casey Hushon, Pi
Lisa Campion Sullivan, Gamma
2020 Recipients:
Kim Stassen Neumann, Upsilon
Rachel Hickerson, Alpha Iota
Caitlin Cox, Beta Kappa
Monica Pase Maxwell, Chi
2019 Recipients:
Jennifer Chandler Gish, Alpha Upsilon
Michelle Wall, Upsilon
Michaele Wiegert, Beta
Elizabeth Pugh Farrell, Alpha Theta
2018 Recipients:
Jessica Smith Campbell, Alpha
Mary Masch Martineau, Alpha Pi
Melea Reicks Licht, Delta
Shelley Armour, Beta Alpha
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I love Sigma Alpha because it’s given me opportunities I didn’t know existed and has been a key player in shaping me into the professional I am today!
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Sigma Alpha changed my life the day I became a member because it was then that I knew wherever life took me, I could always count on finding sisterhood there.
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I love Sigma Alpha because every one is so supportive and passionate. There is nothing better than seeing other sisters making a difference and striving to be their best
