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.
Trine University’s annual Trine Day, a celebration of the university as well as an opportunity to support its mission, set records for number of donors and funds raised, bringing in more than $160,000 for scholarships, academic and athletic needs, and student organizations.
Trine University students learned about opportunities available with the Purdue Data Mine during a special presentation on April 10 in the Mark and Sarah Music/Ruoff Mortgage Esports Arena.
Trine University has received a lead gift from Dr. Rick L. James, alumnus and chair of the university’s Board of Trustees, and his wife, Dr. Vicki L. James, for a new building to house Trine’s business school.