May 27, 2022
The Shawnee State University Development Foundation’s annual President’s Gala has raised $34,500 for the Friends of Shawnee Scholarship fund. Held virtually for the second year in a row in place of the annual on-campus event, the Gala provided an opportunity to connect attending guests with student stories and updates on upcoming university programs and projects.
“The Friends of Shawnee Scholarship has never been more important to Shawnee State and our students,” Chris Moore, Executive Director of the SSU Development Foundation said. “The recently announced Free Tuition Program at SSU provides more access than ever, continuing the work done by the Friends of Shawnee.”
Attendees at this year’s Gala received a Gala Box made up of items made on campus by SSU students – showcasing the work and creativity of different programs and departments. In addition to the Gala Box, guests had the opportunity to buy in to the Split the Pot Raffle and bid in the online Gala Auction. The Gala also included President Jeff Bauer’s annual President’s Gala Address that featured several highlighted areas including Academic Affairs, Finance & Administration, scholarship recipients, athletic achievements, and much more.
“We had several people and departments on campus come together to help the Development Foundation staff provide a first-class event – Plastics, Natural Sciences, and SSU Catering just to name a few on campus,” said Moore. “We make every effort to put the best of Shawnee State on display, and with the help of our partners, I believe we succeeded.”
The Friends of Shawnee Scholarship fund was established in 2002 to provide additional tuition assistance to those students in need. Since its first year being awarded, the fund has awarded over $250,000 in scholarship aid to more than 280 students. In the 2021-2022 academic year over $30,000 in support was awarded to more than 30 students.
“A big thank you to all our sponsors and attendees,” said Moore. “Though this was our second Gala to be held virtually, our supporters continue to come out in full force to support the event and the Friends of Shawnee.”
To learn more about the SSU Development Foundation and its impact on Shawnee State University’s campus, visit givetossu.com or contact Chris Moore, Executive Director of the SSU Development Foundation at cmoore@shawnee.edu or by calling (740) 351-3082.