Auburn University, April 28, 2003 

Dr. Joyce Reynolds Ringer, a '59 graduate of the Auburn University College of Education, was presented with the 2002-2003 Distinguished Alumna Award at the 22^nd Annual Spring Awards Ceremony & Banquet.

"We are so honored and proud to have Joyce Ringer as one of our own," said Interim Dean Dr. Frances Kochan. "She is a wonderful example of what a great educator is. Her dedication has carried on throughout her many years of service and at a variety of levels from young children to young adults. Joyce is a beautiful person—inside and out."

Ringer's good nature and humble personality came shining through as she accepted her award at the ceremony. Her commitment to the College of Education has never wavered and for the past three years she has served as chair of the College's National Advisory Council.

"Being named the College of Education Distinguished Alum is such a fine and unexpected honor," she said. "I accept as chair of the Council on behalf of the great number of alums who are daily giving students excellent, innovative and caring learning experiences."

Some of Ringer's past experiences include teaching elementary education in Atlanta, Ga., and Mannheim, Germany; teaching a parent-infant program in early childhood special education in DeKalb County, Ga.; and teaching multi-handicapped preschool children in DeKalb County. She was a writer, editor and researcher for the Principals Center at Georgia State University and was an adjunct professor at Agnes-Scott University, Oglethorpe University and Emory University.

For Ringer, who also earned both a master's in early childhood special education and a doctorate in educational administration from Georgia State University, going into the field of education seemed like a natural and rewarding path to pursue.

"I went into education because I've always had a love of sharing ideas and a love of children. What could be better than getting paid to do what I love," she said. "Every level—from kindergarteners who needed to know colors and shapes; second and third graders who gained reading and math skills; parents and infants with disabilities wanting to make the best of their gifts; undergraduates who were learning how to teach students with disabilities; graduate students wanting to become competent school leaders—all brought joys and challenges.

"I'm thankful for all those opportunities to teach and learn from my students," Ringer said.

She recently retired as the executive director for the Georgia Advocacy Office, which works with and for those labeled as disabled or mentally ill on their behalf to ensure their rights as individuals.

Even as the years have passed and Ringer has gone on from her alma mater to accomplish great things, she still holds fond memories of times spent with the man who would become her husband, Ken, with one memory in particular standing out.

"My favorite memory as an undergrad is probably the night I got pinned to Ken," she said. "The fraternity brought a dozen roses, sang to me and then threw Ken into the pond."

It would be easy to think during that happy and carefree moment that it doesn't get any better than that. Little did Joyce Ringer know that she and Ken would one day attend the graduation ceremonies of two of their sons—John and Pat—from AU, and she would play an extra special role.

"My favorite memories as an alum were at the graduation ceremonies of our sons," she said. "I was the alum speaker at both graduations and Pat's graduation coincided with Bo Jackson's, so it was fun to be on the platform that day."

And as for the lessons learned as a student preparing to teach our nation's youth, Ringer is still grateful for the AU College of Education experience.

"The College of Education is a great unsung hero. The faculty and administration have shown real commitment to having their graduates leave AU with the knowledge and skills to teach students of all ages and abilities—they love learning and impart that passion amid some lean budget years and trying times in Alabama," she said. "I have been able to continue to use the lessons learned so many years ago, as well as continue to learn from them as an alumna."