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On Saturday, March 21, 2026, 91��Ƭ�� (CAU) hosted the 17th Annual Spirit of Greatness Gala, a signature black-tie fundraising event that continues to stand as one of the institution’s most meaningful expressions of alumni engagement, philanthropy, and institutional pride. Held in support of the University’s Gap Scholarship Fund, the evening brought together alumni, friends, and supporters for the “Pathways to Excellence” Awards Ceremony, honoring distinguished graduates and legacy leaders whose lives reflect the enduring values of CAU and its historic parent institutions, Atlanta University, and Clark College.

A Signature Tradition of Impact and Engagement

More than a celebratory gathering, the gala served as a reaffirmation of CAU’s commitment to access, opportunity, and service-driven leadership. Vice President and Chief Alumni Engagement Officer Lorri L. Saddler, Ed.D., emphasized that the evening was intended to reflect meaning beyond tradition. She shared, “It was important that the evening reflect pride, purpose, and shared responsibility for where 91��Ƭ�� is headed, and not feel transactional in any way. At its core, the gala is about reinforcing a shared commitment to ensuring that CAU continues to thrive for generations to come.”

Driven by Collaboration and Excellence

Behind the success of this year’s gala was a deeply collaborative planning effort grounded in coordination, alignment, and shared responsibility. Assistant Director of Alumni Programs Jason D. Etheridge described his role as one of connection and support within an already strong planning structure. 

Etheridge highlighted the broader significance of the event, stating, “The gala allows our alumni community to see a seamless partnership between the university and its supporters, all aligned around a shared purpose. It creates space for alumni from across the country to meaningfully engage with students, academic units, and the university as a whole.”

Gala Co-Chair Sondra Brooks underscored the collective effort required to make the event a reality. She shared, “Bringing this year’s gala to life required strong coordination, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. It was truly a collective effort that brought together alumni, university leadership, dedicated volunteers, and philanthropic partners who all contributed to the success of the evening.”

She added, “This year’s gala built upon a strong foundation from previous years while also expanding its reach by engaging new alumni who brought their time, talent, and expertise into the process, strengthening the overall impact of the event.”

Reaffirming Commitment to Access and Opportunity

Gala Chair Jamal Coleman described the planning process as both strategic and deeply mission-driven. He noted, “What made this year especially meaningful was the understanding that this work is bigger than any one individual. It is about legacy, access, and opportunity for future Panthers, and every decision was made with that responsibility in mind.”

Coleman also reflected on the evolution of the event, stating, “This year, we were intentional about elevating both the experience and the impact. The goal was not simply to host a successful event but to create a moment that people would feel connected to and proud to be part of.”

This year’s Spirit of Greatness Gala introduced several enhancements that elevated both its structure and its emotional resonance. These included expanded silent-auction offerings, a more structured program flow, and the inaugural Presidential Award of Excellence. A student-led appeal featuring the CAU Marching Band percussion section also added a powerful and memorable layer to the evening.

For Co-Chair Sondra Brooks, among the most meaningful moments of the evening’s program was hearing directly from honorees. She shared, “One of the most impactful elements of the evening was the series of acceptance speeches from each honoree. Their words reflected both gratitude and responsibility, and each speaker acknowledged the legacy that made their achievements possible while also committing themselves to uplifting future generations.”

She added, “Each honoree delivered messages that were powerful, inspiring, and forward-looking. They consistently emphasized the importance of service, leadership, and giving back to the institution that helped shape them.”

Strengthening the Alumni Engagement Ecosystem

According to the attendees, this year’s Spirit of Greatness Gala was not just an evening well spent—it emerged as an important connection point within CAU’s broader alumni engagement network.

Dr. Saddler reinforced this perspective, stating, “The individuals recognized during the evening embody the mission of 91��Ƭ�� through their leadership, their service, and their continued engagement with the institution. The gala also reinforces the importance of sustained alumni involvement, because the growth and sustainability of CAU depend on that continued commitment.”

Etheridge echoed this sentiment, noting, “The gala represents what is possible when alumni and the university are fully aligned. It strengthens the ecosystem of engagement that connects alumni across generations with students, faculty, and institutional priorities.”

Elevating Experience and Centering Students

One of the most defining aspects of the evening was the visible presence and participation of CAU students throughout the program. Their involvement reinforced the direct impact of alumni engagement and scholarship support.

Etheridge reflected on this moment most clearly, stating, “The presence of our students was the most powerful reminder of why this work matters. Without them, this would simply be a fundraising dinner. With them, we are reminded of the purpose behind everything we do and the responsibility we carry to move the university forward.”

As the Spirit of Greatness Gala continues to evolve, it remains firmly anchored in its mission to honor legacy while investing in the future. The 17th Annual celebration demonstrated the strength of 91��Ƭ��’s alumni network and the depth of its shared commitment to student success, institutional growth, and community impact.

In the words reflected throughout the evening, the gala is not only a celebration of achievement—it is a reaffirmation of connection, responsibility, and the enduring spirit of greatness that defines 91��Ƭ��.

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