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2025 Best Ever Gala

Logo for the BestEver Marian University Gala, featuring the event details and date.Join us on November 14  for the 2025 Best Ever Marian University Gala! It'll be an unforgettable evening celebrating our mission, progress, and community. This annual black-tie‑optional event brings together 2000+ alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and local leaders for an elegant reception, inspiring program and dinner.

— 2025 DISTINGUISHED HONOREES —

 

Franciscan Values Honoree

Victor Smith

 

Victor Smith

Principal and Partner at Bose McKinney & Evans

Prior to joining Bose Public Affairs Group and Bose McKinney & Evans, Smith served as Indiana’s Secretary of Commerce under former Vice President and then-Governor Mike Pence during his entire four-year gubernatorial term. He was a member of the cabinet, simultaneously operating as CEO of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and managed Indiana’s domestic and international economic development strategies and operations. Victor has been chosen to Chair Governor-Elect Braun’s Transition Team.

 

Dillon Family Distinguished Alumni

Denise Feser

Denise Brennan Feser ’77

Currently serving on the Marian Board of Trustees

Denise was elected the first lay woman Board Chair in Marian’s history, serving in that position from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2024. Denise spent most of her career in higher education, as both an admission counselor and director of alumni relations at Marian before moving to USA Funds. She retired as senior vice president at USA Funds, which provides financial support to students seeking post-secondary education. With her family, she has established the Brennan-Feser Family Scholarship.

John A. Purdie Innovator and Mentor of the Year

Tag and Marta Rainero-Birge

Tag and Marta Rainero-Birge

Taggart Birge, CEO of Cornerstone Companies and Birge & Held

Taggart Birge serves as CEO of Cornerstone Companies and Birge & Held. Tag and Marta Birge have played a pivotal role as corporate and civic leaders throughout
Central Indiana. They are committed to advocating for regional growth and
economic development for disadvantaged communities throughout Indiana. The
Birge’s have been especially active in promoting equitable healthcare and
investment in the Latino community, which closely aligns with Marian University’s
strategic plan and core values.

Our Journey to 2030: Always Forward effort is in response to Marian’s 2030 strategic plan. This bold vision for 2030 will require investments of $750 million by 2030. These investments will provide much-needed scholarships, program, and facilities improvements that allow Marian to attract and retain diverse students. Our graduates integrate faith in their profession and are taught the value of lifelong service to their communities.

Gala Committee Chairs: Loraine Brown ’86 and Denny Sponsel

— GALA COMMITTEE —

Gabriel Alejandro

Mike Alley

Patti Curran

Bill C. Drew

Christopher Gibson ’96

Daryl Graham

Kimmie Hamilton

Shelly Lagona

Christopher LaMothe

Tom Morales

Joe Moser ’00

Pete Munson

Kirk Reis

Eddie Rivers

Andreas Sashegyi

April Sasso

Greg Stephens

Bob Welch

Maria Wiley

Scott Young ’98

Raul Zavaleta

PRESENTING SPONSORS

Ascension logo featuring an interwoven design of colorful leaves and the word "Ascension" in a bold, blue font.
Logo of the Tom and Julie Wood Family Foundation.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Reception Sponsor

  • Signage in the foyer and on bars
  • Recognition in program & digital signage
  • marian.edu/gala website recognition
  • One table with preferred placement
  • $100,000

Dessert Sponsor

  • Recognition on menu page in event program
  • Recognition on digital signage
  • marian.edu/gala website recognition
  • One table of 10 with preferred placement
  • $100,000

Entertainment Sponsor

  • Recognition on stage during band performance
  • Recognition in program & digital signage
  • marian.edu/gala website recognition
  • One table of 10 with preferred placement
  • $100,000

Video SponsorLogo of the Bowen Family Foundation, Inc. supporting students in Indiana.

Printed Program SponsorCareSource logo featuring a stylized heart in purple and blue colors.

Skywalk SponsorHendricks Regional Health logo featuring a green square with a stylized 'H' and the text in bold, green font.

Giveaway SponsorLogo for First Financial Foundation, featuring bold black and blue text with a yellow accent.

Platinum Table Sponsor

  • Recognition in printed event program and on digital signage at event
  • One table of 10
  • $10,000

Gold Table Sponsor

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

Individual Pricing

  • Individuals: $500
  • Marian staff and faculty: $250
  • Marian alumni: $250

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.

To secure your sponsorship, contact John Finke: 317.955.6202 or email jfinke@marian.edu

Marian University Gala

#MUGala2025