Grand Finale Gala

Grand Finale Gala
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President Genshaft
Rhea Law
Quentin Earl Darrington
Kerry Sanders

TAMPA, Fla. (Dec. 8, 2006)  - The University of South Florida’s first gala benefit, marking the conclusion of its year-long 50th anniversary celebration, brought forth exclamations of “beautiful,” “elegant,” “exquisite” and “fun” over and over, from one corner of the Hyatt Regency ballroom to the other last Saturday evening. 

The room was aglow with twinkling lights and striking golden candelabras amidst roses and hydrangea.  A dramatic gold organza canopy over the stage framed NBC News correspondent and USF alumnus Kerry Sanders who served as master of ceremonies.  He introduced remarks by USF Board of Trustees Chair Rhea Law and USF President Judy Genshaft.  Another USF alumnus, theater performer Quentin Earl Darrington, backed up by the USF Jazz Ensemble, entertained and delighted the audience as well.  Darrington will be seen in The Color Purple touring company this spring and has appeared in national road companies of Ragtime and The Lion King.

The guests included a veritable who’s who of elected officials, donors, business and community leaders and partners, university leadership, faculty, staff and students.   Even the Bulls’ mascot Rocky was on hand in a tuxedo, right at home in the sartorial splendor on display. 

Major sponsors included Barnes and Noble College Booksellers, TECO Energy, USF Federal Credit Union, SKANSKA and Fowler White Boggs Banker P.A.