This Proud University’s Black-Tie Gala Raises Nearly a Million Dollars

TV Stars, a Marching Band, a Redskins VP and More Show

By Shelby Hodge // Jul 9, 2017

Photography Earlie Hudnall, Vicky Pink

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Texas Southern University president Austin Lane & Loren Lane with honorees Alaina Benford, Tony Wyllie

What: Texas Southern University‘s inaugural “Maroon & Gray Affair”

Where: The Marriott Marquis Houston

PC Moment: Talk about pent-up desire for a major gala. That would be the case when Texas Southern University joined the city’s successful fundraising engine of black-tie galas. The turnout surpassed 1,100 TSU alumni, friends, and stakeholders and raised more than $800,000 for student scholarships — a major success for a first-time event. So it was only fitting that the evening started with a bang thanks to the university’s Ocean of Soul marching band’s signature thunderous performance.

Two tiers of honorees were recognized. Students taking bows for their academic and civic accomplishments were Brianna Batiste, Anthony Collier, Ashtyn Duncan, and Kaleb Taylor. Alumni honorees were Alaina Benford, a partner at global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, and Tony Wyllie, senior vice president of communications for the Washington Redskins.

Headlining the program were emcees native Houstonian Nephew Tommy, comedian and co-host of the Steve Harvey Morning Show, and Fox News Houston’s Melinda Spaulding.

Who: TSU President Austin Lane and wife Loren , Gayla and Dr. Donald Gardner, Merele Yarborough, Heidi and Marcus Smith, Connie Cochran, LaRence Snowden, Roslyn and Derrick Mitchell, Marie Bosarge, George Thomas, and Jim Brownrigg.