News > November 9, 2006

By Robyn Showers

Contributing writer

In honor of alumni contributors that constitute the University Gift Club, the University hosted the Magnolia Gala Dinner Nov. 3 as a part of the annually celebrated President’s Weekend.

The gala kicked off with a reception in the Green Room, followed by an ARAMARK-catered dinner in the Magnolia Room. 

Over 220 guests from the University Gift Club, comprised of approximately 2,500 alumni, friends and parents, attended the Gala, which is intended to express the university’s gratitude for the significant contributions of Gift Club members.

Donors can become Gift Club members based on the amount of their donations, said Betsy Chapman, Director of Alumni and Parent programs. 

Young alumni less than 10 years from their graduation can join the Presidents’ Associates for a minimum donation of $500 per year

Other alumni can join a range of Gift Club levels, from the President’s Club at $1,000 per year to the Society of 1834 at $25,000 per year.

At least half of the Gift Club pledges go to “unrestricted support”, which Chapman said “means the University can use the money where the need is greatest, for things like financial aid.” 

In fact, one of the other key events of President’s Weekend is the Stewardship Breakfast, held Saturday morning, which pairs up

scholarship recipients with their endowers.  Over 400 people attended the breakfast, which Chapman said “was a very moving program.”

Doug Bailey, alumnus and executive director of the Center for Urban Ministry, gave the invocation at dinner, and the Demon Divas, the University’s secular female a capella group, provided the entertainment for the evening.

Trustee Lanny Wadkins, alumnus and professional golfer, spoke about his time here as an undergraduate, as well as his experiences as a professional golfer.  Wadkins and his wife Penny both serve on the Parents’ Council, as they also have a son currently enrolled in the University.

The dinner had been originally planned as a post-game reception in Bridger Field House, but plans changed after the announcement of a night game. 

Coach Jim Grobe made an appearance at the pre-game reception to speak about the successful football season and give a preview of the Saturday night’s game against Boston College.  After such a spirited speech, the Deacons’ victory Saturday night really “capped off a great weekend,” according to Chapman.

“It takes a tremendous team effort to organize a special event of this magnitude,” Chapman said in summation. “It takes graphic designers for the invitations, web specialists to design the online registration, special events staff to plan the catering, decorations, and others to plan the program and line up the speakers, ARAMARK to cater, and more.  The fact that we had such a wonderful event is a testament to the hard work of many people on this campus who gave generously of their time and talents to make it a success.”