Clemson Student Affairs Gala raises more than $100,000

Published: October 27, 2011

By Mary Mattox

CLEMSON — The 13^th annual Student Affairs Gala raised more than $100,000 to support programs and initiatives at Clemson University.

The black-tie event Sept. 23 in Clemson University’s Fike Recreation Center drew about 300 people.

“The gala provides us the opportunity to get together with Student Affairs friends and family, and it allows us to highlight the successes that we are having in our work with students. The money we raise through the gala goes directly to programs that enhance the student experience,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Gail DiSabatino.

The money was raised in silent and live auctions. Over the years, funds from the gala have financed such safety enhancements on campus as security cameras, light poles and vans. The funds have also contributed to late night and weekend programming, leadership development programs for students and the CU Beach Program.

There were four speakers at the gala: Rusty Guill, associate dean of students; Kevin Dejonckheere, a senior mechanical engineering major; DiSabatino; and Jim and Lisa Smith, the parent chairmen for the gala. Each speaker highlighted how Student Affairs has impacted their personal life and the lives of people around them.

Nineteen Clemson students were featured for the outstanding work they have done in their student organizations, and many of their parents attended the event. This year was the first time the event was hosted on Parents’ Weekend.

“The entire evening was such a wonderful event, but my favorite part was the opportunity to meet and mingle with the very people that have helped make Aliza's Clemson experience so rich and rewarding,” said Lauren Darnell, parent of featured student Aliza Darnell, a senior communication studies major. “I shared with a friend how the gala was a touching reminder of how those who give of themselves, to something they are passionate about, get so much more in return.”

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