15th Trine Scholarship Gala coming Feb. 10

ANGOLA (01/04/2018) Live music, gourmet food and wine tasting will once again join live and silent auctions to raise money for student scholarships at the 15th annual Trine University Scholarship Gala on Saturday, Feb. 10.

The black-tie event raised more than $780,000 last year, a record for the Gala. This academic year, Trine awarded more than $27 million in institutional aid.

"The Scholarship Gala has raised more than $3 million for scholarships in its 15-year history, making a difference in the lives of many Trine University students," said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine president. "We are grateful for the generosity of our supporters and look forward to an elegant evening that will not only be very enjoyable, but will have a positive impact on the future leaders of our area, state and nation."

The event begins at 6 p.m. in the Keith E. Busse/Steel Dynamics, Inc. Athletic Recreation Center, 1001 Thunder Drive. Wine tasting and silent auctions start the evening, followed by dinner and live auctions at 7 p.m. The Trine University Jazz Band under the direction of Brian Derek will perform live music.

Silent and live auctions will include autographed memorabilia, entertainment certificates, golf packages, original artwork, vacation packages and a variety of other options.

Also available for sale are Books and Beyond Scholarships for $500 each. As they have for the past few years, Trine board chair and alumnus Dr. Rick L. James and his wife, Dr. Vicki L. James, and The James Foundation, Inc., are offering a matching grant, this year in the amount of $125,000, for the scholarships. The unique Books and Beyond program was established to help financially disadvantaged students with book vouchers, personal computers, basic school supplies, special project needs and tuition gap assistance.

"Books and Beyond scholarships assist students in meeting needs that may not be covered by traditional financial aid programs. I'm honored to support this program to help students benefit from a Trine University education, as I did years ago," said Rick James.

To reserve tickets, donate an auction item or get sponsorship details, please visit trine.edu/gala or call (260) 665-4114. Tickets for the evening must be ordered by Feb. 3 and are $100 for individuals and $200 for couples.

Join the conversation, #TrineU.

Trine University, an internationally recognized, private, co-educational, residential institution, offers associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in the Allen School of Engineering & Technology, Ketner School of Business, College of Graduate and Professional Studies, Franks School of Education, Jannen School of Arts & Sciences and Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences. Trine is a member of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and offers 23 varsity sports. Its golf program includes the university-owned 18-hole championship Zollner Golf Course. Founded in 1884 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org), Trine operates a 450-acre main campus in Angola, Indiana, and education resource centers throughout Indiana and Michigan.

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