Gala sets record

Raises $104,000 for students

Chemical engineering major Nicole Dixon made it clear in her speech at the sixth annual Trine University Scholarship Gala Saturday. Without help from the group listening to her in Ketner Sports Center, her engineering degree would have remained a dream.

“Because someone like you can make all the difference in the world, I was able to be a success story. It is no longer a dream for me because someone like you contributed to scholarships and made it a reality,” she told the group of university alumni, friends, and community partners gathered for the Valentine’s Day affair.

Donors responded from the heart, contributing over $104,000 in total support for Trine students, $13,000 more than last year’s $91,000. “The community support has been overwhelming,” said Julie Wert, Annual Fund director for the Office of Alumni & Development.

As part of the evening, Snow Lake resident George Dodd announced the creation of the future Ginger Dodd Endowed Memorial Scholarship, in honor of his late wife. Ginger Dodd served on the Scholarship Gala organizing committee for a number of years and was involved in various other community service projects, George Dodd said. The scholarship will aid a male or female student with a GPA of at least 3.0 or who ranks in the top quarter of the graduating class. The recipient will demonstrate strong leadership capabilities and commitment to and participation in community service.

Local and state officials joined community members in enjoyment of the black-and-white affair. Professional auctioneer Sen. Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn, called the live auction, while Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Lagrange, Rep. Richard Dodge, R-Pleasant Lake, and Angola Mayor Richard Hickman and their wives greeted constituents.

Dinner by Trine’s Bon Appétit, music by the Trine University Jazz Band, a wine tasting by Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano of Fort Wayne, and silent auctions for packages ranging from the spectacular to the quaint and charming were the evening’s events.