30th Anniversary University Gala

The 30^th annual University Gala will be held on Friday, Oct. 11 from 6 p.m.-midnight in the R/A Facility on the campus of Southwest Minnesota State University.

This year’s decorating theme is Emerald, to mark the emerald anniversary of the event.

The University Gala has been a major fundraiser since its inception in 1989. Proceeds from the event fund scholarships for SMSU students. To date, $900,000 has been raised, and 1,450 scholarships awarded.

The evening will include a full-course dinner by Chartwells, live entertainment, socializing, a live auction and deejay dance.

An online-only silent auction will open for bids starting Oct. 7. Items for bid can be found here: https://SMSUGala2019.givesmart.com. Online bidding will stop at 8:45 p.m. on Oct. 11.

Anyone can bid on auction items; you don’t have to attend the Gala.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet SMSU President Kumara Jayasuriya, 10^th permanent president of SMSU who began his duties July 1, along with Minnesota State Chancellor Devinder Malhotra.

Tyler Bowen and Krista Bjella will serve as masters of ceremonies, and entertainment will be provided by the SMSU Jazz Band and Chorale. The dance begins at 10 p.m.

The meal options include:

• Meat: Beef Tenderloin with Monkfish Filet and Julienne Duck Breast. Accompanied by Green Beans and Beet Root Orzo. Lightly Drizzled with Lemon Basil Pistachio Butter.
• Vegetarian: Aubergine Burrata (Marinated Eggplant) with Brussel Sprouts, Kale and Red Cabbage over Spaghetti Squash. Accompanied by Red Curry Glaze.

For more details about this unique evening, or to register, visit www.smsufoundation.org/gala2019.