Tickets are still available for Saturday's Lincoln University President's Gala - the annual "black tie" event in Jefferson City created to raise funds to benefit LU students.
The evening begins with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by a dinner and program starting at 7 p.m.
The program includes a recognition of nine individuals and organizations, being honored "for their contributions to the University and the community," the university said in a news release.
The recognitions include:
- The President's Award, which honors an individual, organization or corporation. This year's recipients are 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 is 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 are this year's recipients.
- The Legacy Alumni Award goes to an alumnus who has made contributions above any traditional expectations. Joe Outlaw, a 1961 LU graduate, is this year's honoree.
- The "Professor Emeritus" honor is approved by LU's Board of Curators. Linda Bickel is the 2019 recipient.
For the first time in the Gala's history, current LU employees will be recognized for their service.
- Michael Downey will receive the Outstanding Staff Award.
- David Heise will receive the Outstanding Faculty Award.
Tickets are $125 per person, or tables may be purchased for $1,000.
Sponsorships are also available, beginning at $1,500.
To register to attend the 17th annual President's Gala or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, visit WeAreLU.givesmart.com or call the Office of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations at 573-681-6070.
Although this year's event is the 17th annual Gala, it is the first to be sponsored by the university and not the LU Foundation.
LU administrators announced earlier this year they were moving "in a new direction in higher education fundraising to assure the most effective and efficient use of donated funds."
The foundation was created in 1970 as a separate, legal entity to raise funds to help students attend Lincoln, primarily through scholarships.
The current dispute apparently involves how that money is controlled.
In a news release last week, Hardy Dorsey, of Atlanta - a 1969 LU graduate and president of the foundation, which is being reorganized as "the 62nd/65th Regiments Legacy Foundation Inc." - said the foundation's board "is not supporting this 2019 Gala."
He noted: "Proceeds from this Gala will not go to the Foundation."