Black & White Scholarship Gala

Trine to host ninth annual gala

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ANGOLA — Trine University will host its ninth annual Black and White Scholarship Gala Saturday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. in Ketner Sports Center.

More than 350 people attended the elegant event in 2011 and helped raise a record-breaking quarter-million dollars for scholarships for students.

“That put us over $825,000 over the eight years of this event, and that’s all for student scholarships,” said Trine president Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D. “Over 95 percent of our students receive some form of institutional scholarship or financial aid assistance, and this year Trine allocated nearly $18 million in student financial assistance.”

Event organizers also are giving donors opportunities to purchase Books and Beyond Scholarships for students. The program was expanded after donors gave nearly $60,000 in textbook scholarships at last year’s gala. Contributions to the Books and Beyond Scholarship Program will assist deserving students who demonstrate financial need. Scholarships will go to students so they can purchase needed books, computers, school and lab supplies and meals. Funds will also help students pay modest account balances that will allow them to register for the next semester.

With appreciation to Metal Technologies, Inc., chairman and chief executive officer, university trustee and alumnus Rick James and his wife, Vicki, the MTI Foundation, Inc. generously offered a $30,000 matching challenge this year.

“With your assistance, we can meet or surpass the challenge before the gala,” Brooks said.

The gala also will feature a gourmet dinner, catered by Bon Appetit; a wine-tasting, hosted by Biaggi’s Restaurante Italiano; silent and live auctions; and entertainment by the Trine University Jazz Band. Featured auction items include a weeklong getaway at a Caribbean condominium in Roatan, Honduras; Lou Holtz Sports Memorabilia, London blue topaz jewelry embellished with diamonds; and aeronautic adventures.

Books and Beyond Scholarships are available for $500 each. To help a deserving student, contact the Trine University Office of Alumni and Development at (260) 665-4114 or visit www.trine.edu/gala.

All are welcome to attend. Tickets cost $75 each. Please RSVP by Feb. 3 by calling (260) 665-4114.

Watch Trine's "You Are" donor recognition video by clicking here.

To share your news, contact Trine University communication specialist Lindsay Winslow Brown at winslowbrownl@trine.edu.