Gala raises over $250K for students

Alumni, donors and friends of Trine University gathered for the
school's eighth annual Black and White Scholarship Gala Saturday, Feb. 12, in Ketner Sports Complex.

Record-breaking gala raises over $250,000 for student scholarships

ANGOLA, Ind. — Trine University raised more than a quarter-million dollars —exceeding last year’s numbers by nearly $100,000 — at its eighth annual Black and White Scholarship Gala Saturday night in the university’s Ketner Sports Center.

“This puts us over $825,000 over the eight years of this event, and that’s all for student scholarships,” Trine president Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., told the nearly 350 gala attendees. “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.”

Tyson Kaase, a junior social studies education major, told the audience that he has directly benefited from Trine scholarships. While at Trine, Kaase has maintained a 3.7 grade-point average while playing football, working and helping to form the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

“I have learned so much in the short three years that I have attended Trine, but I would not be here tonight without the help of scholarships from people such as you,” Kaase said. “None of this would have been possible without the financial assistance that I have received because of the generosity of others.”

Kaase said he spoke on behalf of all students. He said one of his teammates, Cody Nash-Kniffen, told him that “Education is one of the most important investments that I will ever make. … Scholarships provide encouragement to the education process knowing that someone is there helping you along the way.”  

After his speech, Kaase mingled with alumni and university supporters who were bidding on the nearly 200 silent auction items, which included things such as jewelry, designer handbags, art, fine wines, gift certificates and more.  While perusing auction items, people could also sample wine from Biaggi’s or taste hor d’ouerves that were delicately arranged around stunning ice sculptures. The Trine University Jazz Band, under the direction of Mark Kays, and jazz vocalist Colleen McNabb entertained the crowd with upbeat songs.

State Sen. Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn) served as the auctioneer for the live auction. He warmed up bidders by asking them to purchase textbook scholarships. This year, the Metal Technologies Foundation generously offered a $25,000 challenge grant to match, dollar-for-dollar, up to 50 scholarships valued at $500 each. Metal Technologies chief executive officer Rick James and his wife, Vicki, spearheaded the initiative.

“Donors purchased a total of 69 textbook scholarships, which means that $59,500 will go directly to students who need assistance,” Brooks said. “I am so encouraged by the support our alumni and local community offer our students.”

Some of the highlights during the live auction included alumnus Mitch Rhoads of Angola winning a weeklong stay at a Wyoming ranch for up to six couples for $11,000. University supporters Ralph and Sheri Trine of Angola also won naming rights to a private suite in the Fred Zollner Athletic Stadium for $29,000.

“We broke so many records this year,” Brooks said. “In addition to our textbook scholarship success, we had raised $15,000 more in sponsorships and received more auction items than ever before. We are looking forward to next year’s event and can’t wait to see what records we will break next year.”

Next year’s gala will be Saturday, Feb. 11. Those who are interested in attending, sponsoring the event, donating auction items or purchasing textbook scholarships should contact the alumni and development office at (260) 665-4114.