Jacksonville College Celebrates Inaugural Scholarship Gala

By DAVID ERICKSON, PH.D.
President, Jacksonville College

Jacksonville College marked a milestone on April 11 with the launch of its first Scholarship Gala. It was an evening of fellowship, entertainment and generosity that raised more than $92,000 in pledges and donations to provide scholarships for deserving students.
 
The event was spearheaded by alumnus Phillip Dunn and made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Alumni Association and the college’s Development Office. As a reminder of the evening’s purpose and the real difference donors make in students’ lives, dinner was served by students who are themselves current scholarship recipients.
 
Entertainment was provided by the JC Singers, and featured remarks from Donny Parrish, who drew on memories of his own time at the college to deliver an inspiring message. Parrish spoke passionately about the value of a Christian education and urged those in attendance to invest in the college’s mission and its students.
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Encouraged by the evening’s success, Jacksonville College is already looking ahead to its second annual Gala. In the meantime, supporters are invited to mark their calendars for the Bennie and Carole Lybrand Scholarship Golf Tournament, scheduled for Oct. 3 — another great opportunity to contribute to deserving students.

JC President Dr. David Erickson speaks during the Gala

JC alumnus and current JC Music Director Holly Blaylock visits with JC alumnus Dwayne Orr, son of legendary JC music professor Gerald Orr

JC alumnus and current Jacksonville mayor Randy Gorham listens during the Gala

Lifeword Executive Director Donny Parrish addresses the crowd during the Gala

Current JC scholarship students preparing to serve dinner during the Gala

JC student Laurie Gentry speaks about her experiences at JC and how scholarships made her education possible

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