Chancellor’s Gala at TSU

By MICHELLE J. WILSON

Staff Writers

Troy State University supporters will have an opportunity to dance the night away and raise money for the school’s band uniforms next month.

Plans are underway for the Chancellor’s Gala, an evening of dancing and music, on Feb. 12 at the Ralph Wyatt Adams Armory from 8:30-11:30 p.m.

Tickets to gala are a $100 tax-deductible donation per couple and can be purchased from Chancellor’s Gala Committee members.

"The event serves the dual purpose of honoring Dr. and Mrs. Hawkins and subscribing funds to support the Troy State University band uniform acquisition," said Committee Chairman Johnny Long, retired Troy State University band director. "We are honoring the Hawkins for more than 10 years of service to the university and city."

Long credits Hawkins with continuing the tradition of excellence that has made a name for Troy State among a growing group of the school’s enthusiasts and supporters.

"The university continues to excel in all areas through Dr. Hawkins’ hard work and watchful eye," Long said.

Ray Smith and his 19-piece jazz orchestra will provide music from the great bands of the ’40s and ’50s, including arrangements of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James and others. One of Dorsey’s former bandmates, Jay Bennette, will be featured in the band along with the trumpet of Shane Porter, who plays with the Temptations Revue, one of the last bands featuring original members of The Temptations.

Additionally, hors d’oeuvres will be served at the gala, and party-goers are encouraged to bring their favorite beverages. Accommodations for beverages will be available at the event.

Attire for the evening is semi-formal, with participants encouraged to dress in casual or formalwear.

Event organizers say casual looks, from slacks and a jacket to formalwear are fine for the event.

The purpose of the gala is to honor the contributions of Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., and to help raise money to complete the purchase of band uniforms for the Sound of the South Marching Band under the direction of Robert Smith. Although most of the pieces of the band’s uniforms are new, some additional accessories are required to complete the uniforms.

Long said invitations have been sent to past university supporters, and the committee extended an invitation to everyone in the community at its meeting Wednesday. Long asked that patrons respond by Feb. 1. After that date, reservations will continue to be taken as space permits.

Chancellor’s Gala Committee members bought their tickets Wednesday at a meeting at the TSU Hawkins-Adams-Long Hall of Honor.

Committee members are Chairman Johnny Long, Mike Amos, Joyce Austin, Alan Boothe, George Corradino, Debbie Davis, Cheryl DiChiara, Sara Lee Dunbar, Martha Lynn Ellis, Marsha Gaylard, Sandi Gouge, Bill Hopper, Mary Lynn Long, Jim Roling, William Sanford, John Schmidt, Ray Smith, Ruth Walker, Faith Ward, Tony Whetstone, Ann Williams and Mary Ida Williams.