Albany State University News October 8, 2018 ASU's inaugural Blue & Gold Scholarship Gala to be a grand night of elegance and entertainment Officially, it is the Blue & Gold Scholarship Gala. Unofficially, it is the premier formal event in Southwest Georgia. The Blue & Gold Scholarship Gala, which will be held Friday, Oct. 19, signals the beginning of a grand Homecoming weekend celebration for Albany State University. The formal event serves as an opportunity to raise scholarship funds to support ASU students. All proceeds will go toward need and merit-based scholarships. "The Gala offers an opportunity to provide financial support to ASU students in a major way," said A.L. Fleming, vice president of Institutional Advancement and executive director of the ASU Foundation. "Our Homecoming theme this year is, "Greatest Homecoming Of All Time," and the Blue & Gold Scholarship Gala will be an event that ensures that theme rings true." The event is hosted by the Albany State University Foundation. The University offers a component of elegance and fun with the addition of the Gala to the weekend festivities, according to Fleming. This Friday element to the traditional ASU Homecoming adds extra pizzazz to the already spirited celebration that precedes the Saturday. Alumni, community members and all ASU supporters are encouraged to attend. The evening will feature live music by the Essence Band, dancing, fine dining and more. Guests will also have an opportunity to bid on coveted prices during a silent auction. "The Gala gives us a great opportunity to solicit donations and raise funds that will benefit our students," said Gregory Hylick, ASU Foundation chairman. "The event shows that we are committed to investing in our students, and there is no greater investment to make. Students are the lifeblood of any institution." This academic year, 80 percent of 2018 freshmen students entering ASU have a financial need as determined by federal guidelines. ASU hopes to raise $150,000 from Gala proceeds. "The Blue & Gold Scholarship Gala is an opportunity to ensure that current and future Golden Rams are placed in the best financial situation possible to attain an education" said ASU President Marion Fedrick. "The generous financial investments from individuals, businesses and organizations allow the University to continue elevating and empowering ASU students and the Albany community." As Hylick reflects on his college experience, he hopes all alumni will consider financially investing in ASU students and their future success. "I love my school because it gave me an opportunity to be successful," Hylick said. Without the training, the education, and the experience that I received during my four years at Albany State College, I probably would not have enjoyed the modicum of success that I've enjoyed since graduating." The inaugural Blue and Gold Scholarship Gala will be held Friday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Albany. Tickets are $150 per person and can be purchased on the ASU Foundation website<https://app.mobilecause.com/form/hNuJBQ?vid=p7e>. SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. The 8th HBCU Library Alliance Membership Meeting is scheduled at the Atlanta University Center Woodruff Library (GA) on Sunday through Tuesday, October 7-9. Click here<http://www.hbculibraries.org/meeting-2018-info.html> for registration and session details. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/