Their vision was to provide individuals the opportunity to work together to provide educational, promotional, and social programs and activities. Over the years, Auxiliary members have created numerous programs to benefit the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA).

Programs such as Miss American Angus, All-American Certified Angus Beef Cook-off, scholarships, and silver pitchers and showmanship awards were all created in the name of the Auxiliary’s mission. 

In 1960 the prestigious Distinguished Woman award was created to recognize an Auxiliary member who has devoted her time as an officer and/or committee member or has shown exemplary commitment to the Angus Auxiliary. These women have placed the Auxiliary on solid footing to be the difference that we are able to make today. 

This esteemed award is not given out annually, but is awarded by committee nomination when a deserving woman is presented. The list of these 33 amazing women can be found on our American Angus Auxiliary website. 

Some of the distinguished women I have looked up to and have tried to model my own presidency after are Ardyce O’Neill, Nellie Meinders, Carol Bloom, Anne Patton Schubert, Anne Lampe, Nancy Thelen, Shally Rogen, Lois Foster and Jane Ebert, just to name a few. These women have laid the foundation for the American Angus Auxiliary and created a solid footing for future members to stand on. It goes without saying that I have big shoes to fill. 

I look forward to the remainder of my presidency, and I hope to emulate the ideals and fulfill the traditions of past members like the distinguished women who have done so much to improve and continue the legacy of the American Angus Auxiliary. The Distinguished Women, along with several of the other Auxiliary volunteers, step up every day to keep our Auxiliary on solid footing, and I am thankful and grateful for all they do.