ECSU’s Founders Day Scholarship Gala IX is March 12

It will be an evening of black ties and evening gowns when the community gathers at the K.E. White Center on the campus of Elizabeth City State University on March 12 for the 9th annual Founders Day Scholarship Gala.

The gala is a major fundraiser sponsored by the ECSU Foundation, and the 125th Anniversary Founders Day Sponsor, the National Alumni Association. The event is held annually in support of university scholarships. The gala happens Friday, March 12 at 7 p.m. The ticket price is $125 for the reception and black tie dinner.

The evening’s emcee will be Antonio Knox. Mr. Knox is a graduate of NC State University and the UNC School of Banking. He is the deputy administrator at the North Carolina Credit Union Division.

Entertainment this year will be provided by ECSU Jazz Ensemble led by Professor Douglas Jackson. The National Anthem will be performed by the ECSU Choir.

While the goal of this annual event is to raise scholarship funds, each year the Chancellor’s Legacy Award recognizes outstanding community members. This year the Legacy Award will honor former ECSU first ladies:

– Mrs. Lula G. Thorpe (1969-1983)

– Dr. Faleese Moore-Jenkins (1983-1995)

– Mrs. LaVera Levels Burnim (1995-2006)

– Mrs. Jacqueline Gilchrist (2007-2013)

– Mrs. Brenda Becton (2013-2014)

The ECSU Foundation has awarded scholarships to ECSU students for 45 years. Seventy percent of the funds raised through the gala go toward scholarships. Since 2009, $420,000 in scholarship funds has been raised through the ECSU Founders Day Scholarship Gala.

Scholarship Gala sponsorships are available at different levels of giving. Donors interested in being a sponsor are encouraged to go online at www.ecsu.edu/foundationgala for more information.

Tickets are available at the office of University Advancement in the Marion D. Thorpe Administration Building, Suite 318 on the campus of ECSU. For more information on sponsorships or to purchase tickets online, go to www.ecsu.edu/foundationgala