ASU Blue & Gold Gala raises over $127,000 for student scholarships

ALBANY – An evening of elegance and fun, the Albany State University Foundation’s inaugural Blue & Gold Scholarship Gala raised more than $127,000 for ASU student scholarships.

Hundreds gathered Saturday, April 6 at the Hilton Garden Inn for the sold out event, which signaled the end of a grand Founder’s Day weeklong celebration for ASU. All proceeds will go toward need and merit-based scholarships.

“We appreciate every gift from our generous community and corporate supporters and every member of the ASU family, including our faculty, staff, students and alumni,” said ASU President Marion Fedrick. “Financial contributions help to ensure that we continue to provide top-quality experiences and resources to our student-body so that each student has the essential tools to be successful.”

Guests were treated to grand entertainment by the Essence Band and a gourmet dinner. The Saturday element to the traditional Founder’s Day festivities added extra pizazz to the already spirited celebration.

Those in attendance heard from student representatives about the impact of contributions toward scholarships provided through the Foundation. This academic year, 80 percent of 2018 freshmen students entering ASU had a financial need as determined by federal guidelines. The ASU Foundation has raised more than $996,000 since July 1 and is on track to reach its million-dollar goal by June 30.

“We have worked really hard this year to ensure we engage our donors in meaningful ways,” Fleming said. “We have been able to increase our support of student scholarships due to the contributions we have received."

“The Gala was a great opportunity to solicit donations and raise funds to benefit our students,” said Gregory Hylick, ASU Foundation chairman. “The event shows that we are committed to investing in our students, and there is no greater investment to make. Students are the lifeblood of any institution.” 

WALB News 10’s Cade Fowler and Karla Heath-Sands served as the master and mistress of ceremonies at the Gala. Live and silent auctions offered a variety of gifts for attendees to own, including deluxe travel packages, sports memorabilia and customized ASU souvenirs.

The ASU Department of Athletics also announced its new annual giving initiative, Scholarships Build Champions. The initiative aims to raise $250,000 in scholarship dollars to assist student-athletes as they strive for excellence academically and athletically.

"We will be soliciting private giving and volunteer leadership so we can sustain and grow the overall competitiveness of our teams," said Sherie Gordon, ASU Athletics director. "The generated revenue will guide and inspire young men and women to achieve their maximum potential in the classroom and in competition."

The ASU Foundation honored community partners, educators and committed Golden Rams with special award presentations. Ron Thompson with Clear Choice Engraving received the Community Business Partner Award; Albert W. “Smitty” Smith received the Philanthropy Award; T. Marshall Jones received the Champion of Education Award; and the 1960 undefeated and unscored upon Golden Rams football team received the Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Alumni Members of Chi Epsilon of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. presented Fedrick with a donation of $15,000.

“We give because ASU has done so much for the development of students that have come through ASU. Giving is an obligation,” said Glenn Singfield, a member of the Alumni Members of Chi Epsilon. “We’re going to always give, and it is our goal to increase our giving.”

To donate to the ASU Foundation, call 229-500-3286, visit www.asurams.edu, or text ASUGIVES to 71777.

 

 ###

Follow Albany State University on Twitter and Facebook @AlbanyStateUniv.