Who says money can’t buy love? Bring your wallet to benefit scholarships and your love life on Wednesday, Feb. 16.
The Student Government Association and the UA chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers will host the third annual Date Auction at 7 p.m. in the North End Zone of Bryant-Denny Stadium.
“Seventy-five percent of the Date Auction proceeds will go to the endowment fund and several $500 scholarships will be given away at the auction,” SGA Press Secretary Katie Breaseale said.
The other 25 percent will be awarded to students at the event, SGA Treasurer Mark David Kennedy said. Tickets to the event are $5 at the door.
In addition to auctioning of dates, dinner with President Witt and a tour of Bryant-Denny with Mal Moore will also be up for grabs.
“We have many giveaways at the event such as an iPad, four $50 dinners to Wintzels, $50 to Surin and Moe’s BBQ and $25 to Buffalo Wild Wings,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy said there will be around 20 auctionees this year, although that number is still a work in progress.
“For the ones we have now, it was a team effort by the SGA to contact different individuals around our campus.
Auctionee Nancy Hogan, a junior majoring in accounting and fashion retailing, is looking forward to helping raise money.
“Even though it’s a little embarrassing, it is for a great cause,” she said.
Hogan said the date auction is a positive event on our campus because the proceeds go to the Endowment Fund for student scholarships.
Currently the balance of the fund is $15,737 and is continually earning interest, Breaseale said.
The Endowment Fund gives priority consideration to students who have been enrolled the University for at least two years, have completed a minimum of 90 credit hours and have a GPA over 3.0 and have made significant contributions to the UA community, Breaseale said.
“The scholarship shall be awarded based on merit, with consideration of financial need, although not necessarily need as defined by federal guidelines,” Breaseale said.
Recipients will be chosen by a scholarship committee consisting the following: SGA president, SGA vice president for financial affairs, SGA treasurer, SGA chief of staff, SGA adviser, associate director of student financial aid and vice president for student affairs or his/her designee, Breaseale said.
“Decisions of the committee shall be made in accordance with University policies and procedures adopted from time to time, subject to the approval of the President of the University, and coordinated with the Office of Admissions or such University office designated by the President for coordination of such awards,” she said.
Kennedy said approximately 250 people attended the event last year, and he is hoping to top that number this year.
