Celebrating Generosity at VU

Last Thursday, President Michael J. Beals hosted dinner in honor of Vanguard’s Endowment and scholarship supporters. Up to 100 guests attended, including staff, scholarship-recipient students, and their donors for a catered dinner and live music in the Scott Courtyard.

There were over 64 different scholarships that were awarded to the students invited to join Thursday’s celebratory dinner, totaling over 150,000 dollars (all of which goes directly to the students).

Although the buzz around campus in regards to tuition is generally about how students do not want to cop out $40,000 dollars a year, when looking at the facts, this price is not what the average student hands over. According to the admissions department, roughly 97% of Vanguard students receive some sort of financial aid or scholarships.

These scholarships are  generally granted based off of academics, athletics, or music, but in addition to these, there are a multitude of other facets of funding that are provided by alumni and other supporters.

As the dinner took place, Vanguard University Vice President, Justin McIntee, hosted the night.

There was live music played by current VU students over the course of the dinner catered by Bon Apetite, as well as a special performance by the improv team known as “Popular Demand” led by current Junior Kate Framton.

After these events concluded, President Michael J. Beals made his way to the podium, expressing his sheer gratitude towards not only the donors who have drastically shaped and impacted the lives of so many vanguard students, but he also put special attention on the students, themselves, letting them know how proud he is to be heading a university with such exceptional students.

As the night came to a close, the donors and students began saying their goodbyes, expressing their gratitude for the last time, and exchanging information.

A dessert food truck by Orange County’s “Longboards Ice Cream” arrived with ice cream pops and frozen bananas to bring an end to a night full of gratitude, appreciation, laughter, and community.

This night could not have happened without the help of  President Beals, as well as the advancement, alumni, and marketing departments who all planned, hosted, and held this event.