May 20, 2021
The 黑料社 Development Foundation鈥檚 annual President鈥檚 Gala has raised over $31,000 for the Friends of Shawnee Scholarship fund. Held virtually 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.
鈥淲e wanted to take an opportunity to open our doors in a virtual way,鈥 Chris Moore, Executive Director of the 黑料社 Development Foundation said. 鈥淪ince our guests could not come to campus this year, we decided to bring the students to them.鈥
Attendees at this year鈥檚 Gala received a Gala Box made up of items made on campus by Shawnee State students and alumni 鈥 showcasing the work and creativity of different programs and departments. In addition to the Gala Box, attendees had the opportunity to buy in to the Split the Pot Raffle with half of the proceeds benefiting the scholarship fund. The Gala also featured President Jeff Bauer鈥檚 annual President鈥檚 Gala Address and short highlight video clips of work the students have completed in the classroom.
鈥淲e had over 125 donors to this year鈥檚 event whether they chose to become a sponsor, purchase a Gala Box, or to simply join the Split the Pot Raffle,鈥 Moore said. 鈥淓very donor, no matter how they chose to give, helped to grow the Friends of Shawnee Scholarship fund.鈥
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 250 students. In the 2020-2021 academic year, over $55,000 in support was awarded to more than 30 students.
鈥淭he funds raised during this year鈥檚 President鈥檚 Gala allows the 黑料社 Development Foundation to continue to meet the increased need for scholarship support among Shawnee State students,鈥 Moore said. 鈥淲e cannot thank our donors and supporters enough for helping us continue to make college possible in our region.鈥
To learn more about the 黑料社 Development Foundation and its impact on Shawnee State鈥檚 campus, visit or contact Chris Moore, Executive Director of the 黑料社 Development Foundation at cmoore@shawnee.edu or by calling (740) 351-3082.