An unforgettable evening at Golden Gala
The campus of MVNU was filled with people and excitement as the community came together to celebrate 50 years of ministry on Nov. 10.
The most anticipated event for most attendees on homecoming weekend was the Golden Gala which took place in the Donoho Recreation Center in the Prince Student Union. The recreation center was beautifully decorated and transformed into a spectacular meeting place with live music for the evening entertainment.
“We transformed our original competition gym into an elegant dinner space complete with live music provided by our jazz band,” said MVNU Director of Alumni Relations Travis Keller. “Our goal was to celebrate 50 years of MVNU history in one of our original spaces while envisioning the possibilities for the next 50 years.”
The old gym was filled with over 500 alumni and faculty, all there to come together and think on times of the past. Numerous awards were also presented to alumni who embody the vision of MVNU in the eyes of servanthood on campus and within the community. The alumni council decided to select one person from each decade, including one from the Pioneer Class, as award winners. The award was a globe lamp which signified lives that show God’s light in a dark world.
MVNU alumnus Jeremy Parsons served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening, giving many fond and humorous memories of MVNU before announcing numerous awards. Parsons is a television personality who has had multiple appearances as entertainment anchor on Los Angeles’ No. 1 morning show, the KTLA Morning News. He can also be seen as the co-host of People.com’s daily show, People Now.
Also addressing the crowd was MVNU President Dr. Henry Spaulding who presented the challenge to all of “Stacking Stones.” Spaulding referred to the story of Joshua in the Bible as he pursued God’s promise in walking across dry ground and occupying the Promised Land.
“We need to inspire every generation to remember that God has delivered,” said Spaulding. “In all we do, we need to leave a marker of God’s faithfulness . . . thus, we stack our stones.”
There was also a big announcement that took place during the gala. Keller announced that the athletic department is working to build a new sports complex for the soccer and lacrosse teams. The $2 million endeavor is well underway as a local community donor has committed to match every dollar up to $1 million. MVNU has already received over $300,000 in gifts and pledges toward the project.