The Vogels’ estate has left a $100,000 gift to create a fund to help undergraduate students in financial need complete their education.
The University of Evansville has received a $100,000 gift from the estate of two devoted alumni, James and Marianna Vogel. The gift will be used to establish the James and Marianna Vogel Endowed Scholarship, which will financially support undergraduate students who have demonstrated financial need.
According to an article on the University of Evansville’s website, Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, the university’s president, was quoted as saying of the Vogels, "Jim and Marianna Vogel truly embodied the spirit of compassion and leadership that defines the University of Evansville community. Their legacy is a powerful example of how generosity can open doors and inspire lasting change."
Both Jim and Marianna graduated from what was then Evansville College in 1952, with Jim earning a Marketing degree and Marianna earning a Music Education degree. Jim’s career began when he co-founded Dale Sales Co., a distribution business. He served on the boards of Deaconess Hospital and Permanent Federal Savings Bank. Marianna taught music and English at Lodge Elementary School and Glenwood Elementary School, both in Evansville.
Their time at Evansville College was marked by much campus involvement, including Jim playing on the varsity baseball team and being involved with the Pi Epsilon Phi fraternity. Marianna helped establish the Chi Omega sorority chapter. The Vogels were longtime members of the John Collins Moore Society, which recognizes donors who have been instrumental to the school’s mission. Both of the Vogels were vocal about the importance of education.
The Vogels were married for 72 years before Marianna passed in June of 2024. Jim passed in April of 2025.
Abigail Werling, the Vice President for University Advancement, said, "This scholarship reflects the Vogels' belief in the potential of every student. Their kindness and vision will lift up generations of Aces."
For more information about the University of Evansville, visit the school’s website.