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2019 Gala

2019 Thrive Gala

Marian University has chosen to thrive, and that calls for celebration! Join us on Friday, October 25 at our Thrive Gala to hear more about how our people and our programs help our students--and greater community--thrive.

More than 2,000 of Indianapolis and surrounding area leaders, new friends, long-time supporters, alumni, and students will come together to celebrate the thriving of Marian University. All proceeds from the Thrive Gala go to support the Forging Leaders initiative-our $250 million fundraising initiative to support to the university’s growth through 2025.

Presented by

Ascension St Vincent

Celebrating 

  • 27th Annual Mary McNulty Young '47 Opportunities for Excellence Scholarship Dinner
  • Dillon Family Distinguished Alumni Dinner
  • Progress of Forging Leaders: The Legacy We're Made For Initiative

Honorees

Mike Alley
John A. Purdie Innovator Award
Chairman, Patriot Investments, LLC

Mike Alley

“Marian University cares deeply about each of its students and ensures their success by inculcating within each of them the strong Franciscan values which our society so desperately needs.”

 

 

Christopher LaMothe
Franciscan Values Award
CEO, Elevate Ventures

Christopher LaMothe

“I deeply believe in the importance of faith and education and am excited about the amazing progress made and future ahead for Marian University in central Indiana.”

The Huntington Family
Dillon Family Distinguished Alumni Award
In memory of Mary Ann Busemeyer Huntington '57
Jim '17 and Jerilyn '87 Huntington
Christopher Huntington '15

Huntington Family

“We admire President Elsener and his predecessors for having the courage of their convictions to advance the vision of the Sisters of St. Francis. Now it's just exploded into the wonderful institution that it is today. We're so proud that Marian is a part of our Indianapolis community." -Mary Ann Busemeyer Huntington '57 (2017)

Emcee

Rafael Sánchez
WRTV-6 Anchor and Reporter
Rafael Sanchez

Rafael Sánchez is a Murrow and multiple Emmy award winning Investigative Reporter/Anchor at WRTV-6-ABC. This past June, he received another Emmy for reporting excellence. 

Every year, Sánchez enjoys participating in about 50 charitable events that raise money and awareness for organizations around Central Indiana. In June in 2017, he completed his 2016-2017 responsibilities as Community Engagement Co-Chair for United Way of Central Indiana and assisted in raising millions of dollars to improve education, financial stability, health and basic needs benefiting thousands of families across our region.

Sánchez came to the Hoosier State from the Bronx, New York to attend Franklin College of Indiana where he triple majored in Journalism, Political Science, and Spanish. As a college trustee of his alma mater, he values the importance that Indiana’s independent private colleges bring to workforce development and minimizing the “brain drain.”

Entertainment

After the dinner and program, the celebration continues with a cocktail lounge reception and dancing to the dynamic music of The Impalas.

JW Marriott Room reservations and parking

Make the most of your evening at Marian's Thrive Gala by taking advantage of a special room discount for gala attendees:

  • The discounted rate for standard rooms: $159 per night, plus taxes and fees.

Parking is available at the JW Marriott Indianapolis Washington Street Garage or the White River State Park Garage. Note parking in both garages may fill quickly. Please allow extra time for Friday rush-hour traffic, to find parking, and make your way into the hotel.

JWMarriottJW Marriott Indianapolis
10 South West Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204

  • Self-parking (no overnight):  $44 per vehicle
  • Valet parking (0-5 hours; no overnight): $49 per vehicle
  • Overnight parking: standard rates

Washington Street Garage
401 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204

  • Connected to JW Marriott via skywalk
  • $20 per vehicle for up to six (6) hours

White River State Park Garage
650 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204

  • $15 per vehicle for up to six (6) hours

Forging scholarships equals thriving students

Scholarships are pivotal in attracting talented students. Your support provides a transformational experience for our students—allowing them to thrive academically, spiritually, personally, and be prepared to lead in their field upon graduation.

Scholarships Infographic

Support annual scholarships or establish an endowed scholarships in one of the following areas:

  • Mike Alley Endowed Scholarship
  • Christopher LaMothe Endowed Scholarship
  • Huntington Family Endowed Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars
  • Bishop Simon Bruté Seminarians
  • Byrum School of Business
  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Hispanic-Latin@ Scholars
  • Helping Hand Fund
  • Fred S. Klipsch Educators College
  • Leighton School of Nursing
  • Performing Arts
  • Saint Joseph’s College of Marian University - Indianapolis, Two-Year College
  • San Damiano Scholars
  • Student-Athletes

Sponsorship opportunities

Reception sponsor: RJE Business Interiors

RJE Business Interiors Logo

Dessert sponsor

  • Recognition on the gala menu card
  • Social media recognition
  • Recognition in printed event program and on digital sponsorship display
  • One table of 10 at the gala with preferred table placement
  • $100,000

Entertainment sponsor: Fifth Third Bank

Fifth Third Bank Logo

Video sponsor: Estridge Foundation

Estridge Foundation Logo

Alumni Reception Sponsor: Al '62 and Sue Leighton

Endowed Scholarship sponsor

  • Social media recognition
  • Recognition in printed event program and on digital sponsorship display
  • One table of 10 at the gala
  • $50,000

Skywalk sponsor - The Buckingham Foundation

Buckingham Foundation Logo

Platinum Table sponsor

  • Recognition in printed event program and on digital sponsorship display
  • One table of 10 at the gala
  • $10,000

Gold Table sponsor

  • Recognition in printed event program
  • One table of 10 at the gala
  • $5,000

Gateway sponsor

Lift Academy LogoRepublic Airways

Printed Program sponsor

Community Health Network Logo

Individual ticket

  • $500

Pledges for sponsorships can be fulfilled over three to five years. All sponsorships at $50,000 or more are eligible to endow a scholarship in the donor/company's name.