July 11, 2023
Jaylon Smith, Pro Bowl linebacker and NFL veteran, took to the air July 7 after winning a hot air balloon ride in the live auction portion of the Trine University Scholarship Gala in February.
The ride was part of the annual Angola Balloons Aloft hot air balloon festival held July 7-9 at Angola High School.
Event organizers donated the ride to help raise money for Trine University student scholarships.
Jaylon and his guest, Frederica Rogers, took to the air in “Oggy the Friendly Dragon,” a character balloon piloted by Jack Semler with Indy Hot Air. It was Jaylon’s first hot air balloon ride.
They enjoyed a beautiful scenic flight over the eastern part of the city of Angola.
The Trine University men’s wrestling team served as the crew for Oggy and passengers. The team assisted with unpacking, preparing, filling Oggy and ensuring a safe take-off.
John Shannon, Ph.D., Trine University president, and Cisco Ortiz, vice president for student affairs, accompanied Jaylon and Frederica to the festival. Dr. Shannon, Cisco, wrestling team members, the balloons owners and those attending the festival were able to talk with Jaylon before and after the flight.
Jaylon served as keynote speaker for the Scholarship Gala on Feb. 11, which raised more than $1.4 million for Trine University student scholarships.
Next year’s Gala will be held Feb. 10, 2024, and will offer more opportunities to bid on items and support student scholarships.
Whodunit? It’s a question board game players have asked for decades, and Trine Theatre patrons will have the opportunity to make their own deductions when “Clue” takes the Ryan Concert Hall stage of the T. Furth Center for Performing Arts.
Steuben County community members are invited to join Trine University students and alumni and local businesses for Breaking the Silence Together, the university's inaugural mental health walk, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26.
Andrew Ripp will bring his blend of pop, soul and his own faith journey to the Ryan Concert Hall stage inside Trine University’s T. Furth Center for Performing Arts on Saturday, Nov. 14.