For the first time under the university's own sponsorship, Lincoln University's 17th President's Gala on Saturday night once again raised funds for LU students.
Lincoln announced earlier this month it would accomplish its fundraising activities directly through its Office of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations, instead of through the Lincoln University Foundation.
The dispute between the Foundation and LU that led to the separation concerns how money is controlled.
The money raised at the gala benefits students, 90 percent of whom enrolled this spring relied on some sort of financial aid.
Lincoln President Jerald Jones Woolfolk said 60 students were seated at tables at the gala purchased for them by donors.
Tickets were $125 per person, or tables could be purchased for $1,000. All the tables set out for guests inside The Linc looked to be completely full.
Sponsorships were also available starting at $1,500.
The four entertainment and vacation packages auctioned at the gala collectively went for $9,700.
Pledges made from the audience also totaled approximately $16,580, according to a preliminary count by the News Tribune.
There were seven $660 pledges, 11 $420 pledges, 24 $210 pledges, 18 $100 pledges, and 10 $50 pledges.
The $100 and $50 pledge levels were not in the program, and could cover student's incidental costs. One credit hour for a student costs $210.
LU also recognized individuals and organizations for their contributions to Lincoln and the community.
The recognitions included:
The President's Award, which honors an individual, organization or corporation. This year's recipients were the United Way of Central Missouri and the Blue Tiger Athletic Club.
The Corporate Award recognizes a corporation for achievements in its field, as well as its support of Lincoln University. The 2019 honoree was Capital Region Medical Center.
The Soldiers' Dream Award, which recognizes people for their history of serving the community, in an effort to help others achieve their own dreams. Al and Vicki Myers were this year's recipients.
Both have been active with LU, state government and the Jefferson City community, including through the Jefferson City school District, Boys & Girls Club, United Way and other organizations, ever since moving to Jefferson City in 1984. Al was instrumental in forming what became the Blue Tiger Athletic Club.
The Legacy Alumni Award goes to an alumnus who has made contributions above any traditional expectations. Joe Outlaw, a 1961 LU graduate, was this year's honoree. Outlaw played football as a Blue Tiger, retired from the U.S. Army as Colonel and has a career in business.
The "Professor Emeritus" honor is approved by LU's Board of Curators. Linda Bickel was the 2019 recipient. Bickel began her career in nursing instruction and administration at LU in 1979.
For the first time in the Gala's history, current Lincoln employees were also recognized for their service.
Michael Downey received the Outstanding Staff Award. Downey has been the general manager of LU's public radio station, KJLU, since 1996, among his other contributions to the community, including through the ABLE Learning Center for adult literacy, the Little Explorers Discovery Center and United Way.
David Heise received the Outstanding Faculty Award. Heise is an associate professor in LU's Department of Science, Technology and Mathematics. He joined the university in 2011. His main research interest is in computational analysis of music and audio, and he is a musician involved in several local ensembles.