DURANT, Okla. – Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s annual Gold and Blue Scholarship Gala and Auction will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, February 11, in the Visual and Performing Arts Center.

The first gala was held in 1998 at the Massey Building in downtown Durant. Since 2000, the event has contributed $143,066 to the Southeastern Alumni Scholarship Endowment Fund.

“Everyone is invited to have a wonderful evening as we raise money for scholarships to Southeastern,” said Mark Webb, president of the Southeastern Alumni Association.

Last year’s gala drew a crowd of 145 and provided a bit more than $13,000 to the scholarship fund. This year’s goal is to raise at least $20,000.

It’s a night of food, fun, casino games, dancing to the music of the Bob Baldwin Band, plus live and silent auctions of donated goods and services, all to raise funds to help students realize their dreams of a college education.

“The donated auction items for 2012 are exceptional,” said Mary Frank, chairman of the Gala Committee. “And if you enjoy dancing, food, fun and friends, then this is your evening. The Gala is a party with a purpose.”

This year’s theme is Denim and Diamonds and dress is denim casual. For the third year in a row, the premier sponsor of the gala will be the Choctaw Casino/Resort.

Tickets are $50 each and may be purchased at http://alumni.SE.edu, by calling 580-745-2288, sdavison@SE.edu, or by visiting the Welcome Center on the southeast corner of N. 5th Avenue and University Boulevard in Durant. 

The Southeastern Alumni Association invites you to “Get your Bling on” and attend the Gold and Blue Scholarship Gala and Auction. This annual event raises funds for scholarships through ticket sales and auctions. Gold and Blue Gala committee members are, front from left: Heather Burrage and Rob Piearcy. Back from left: Kyle Stafford, Mary Frank, Janie Umsted, Stephanie Davison and Courtney McGill.