Centennial Gala to fund student scholarships

Southern University continues to celebrate its Centennial with the upcoming “Celebrating 100 Years on the Bluff” Centennial Gala that will be held on April 17 at 7 p. m. at the L’Auberge Casino.
According to administrators, the Gala is a fundraising opportunity for the university. 
Dr. James Llorens, Chancellor of Southern University and A&M College said that the funds received from these events are intended for scholarships.
“The Gala is a fundraising objective, “said Llorens.
Margaret Ambrose, chair of the Centennial Steering Committee stated that helping students is pertinent and that the funds will go towards student scholarships.
“The funding will be going to student scholarships. We want to help our students especially those deserving of the help,” said Ambrose.
A scholarship available is the Chancellor’s Scholarship is a year round scholarship for current and future students at SU. The scholarship will help eligible students if they still have a balance after they have received their financial aid. The overall criterion is that a student must have a 2.0 grade point average and have good academic standing.
Students commented on how they felt about the Centennial Gala proceeds funding student scholarships. As of now, the Gala has approximately over $100,000 available for student scholarships. Llorens said that every year, these funds run out. However, he wants to have as much money as possible in the scholarship budget for future reference.
Kelsa Jackson, a freshman mass communications major from Plaquemine said that the fundraising for student scholarships is a good idea.
“It’s a positive thing to do with the money and more students will be drawn to the university because of the scholarships that are available,” Jackson said.
Nicholas L. Herring, junior history major from Monroe said at first he thought the prices were too high, but now understands the pricing of Gala tickets.
“The prices of the Gala tickets are pretty high and I was wondering what exactly will these funds from the Gala be going towards. I’m glad they’re going to scholarships. The Chancellor’s push for scholarships is a very good thing,” Herring said.
The Centennial Gala sponsorship and tickets are available at four levels of sponsorships, with varying pricing.
Those who give $10, 000 or more will be known as a Gold level sponsor at the Gala. A Gold level sponsor is known as a “Defender of the Gold and Blue.” 
Advantages of being a Gold level sponsor will receive promotions at the Gala and on the website, recognition, which are audio and visual. There will be two premier table settings available for 20 persons. There will be Centennial souvenir gifts for all guests.
Silver level sponsors are the next levels of sponsorship. These sponsors give 7,500 to 
Ambrose commented on what attendees should look forward to.
“It’s going to be a very elegant evening. It is a black tie event. The atmosphere is going to be exciting because we are celebrating 100 years on Scott’s Bluff,” Ambrose said.
Dr. Beverly Wade, former and retired dean of Delores Margaret Richard-Spikes Honors College spoke on behalf of the Gala committee. 
 “On the behalf of the Gala committee, I want the public to look forward to participating in the event. It is going to be a spectacular affair and well-worth the effort, “Wade said.