July 11, 2023
Jaylon Smith, Pro Bowl linebacker and NFL veteran, took to the air July 7 after winning a hot air balloon ride in the live auction portion of the Trine University Scholarship Gala in February.
The ride was part of the annual Angola Balloons Aloft hot air balloon festival held July 7-9 at Angola High School.
Event organizers donated the ride to help raise money for Trine University student scholarships.
Jaylon and his guest, Frederica Rogers, took to the air in “Oggy the Friendly Dragon,” a character balloon piloted by Jack Semler with Indy Hot Air. It was Jaylon’s first hot air balloon ride.
They enjoyed a beautiful scenic flight over the eastern part of the city of Angola.
The Trine University men’s wrestling team served as the crew for Oggy and passengers. The team assisted with unpacking, preparing, filling Oggy and ensuring a safe take-off.
John Shannon, Ph.D., Trine University president, and Cisco Ortiz, vice president for student affairs, accompanied Jaylon and Frederica to the festival. Dr. Shannon, Cisco, wrestling team members, the balloons owners and those attending the festival were able to talk with Jaylon before and after the flight.
Jaylon served as keynote speaker for the Scholarship Gala on Feb. 11, which raised more than $1.4 million for Trine University student scholarships.
Next year’s Gala will be held Feb. 10, 2024, and will offer more opportunities to bid on items and support student scholarships.
The Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) has selected Kim Bennett, vice president for enrollment management at Trine University, to be part of the fifth cohort of its ICI Leadership Academy.
Two students from Trine University’s Ketner School of Business finished in the top 16 at the annual National Collegiate Sports Sales Championship (NCSSC) competition, held Jan. 21 and 22 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
An Indianapolis Colts preseason package, gourmet meals and collectibles autographed by famous names such as Taylor Swift, Patrick Mahomes and Ronald Reagan will be among the many items auctioned to support Trine University student scholarships during the university’s 21st Annual Scholarship Gala.