ESU raises nearly $1m in minutes of its Black & Gold Gala

EMPORIA (KSNT) - Emporia State University (ESU) reports that its Black & Gold Gala fundraiser was a success, raising over $900,000 in just a few minutes.

On Nov. 4, 2025, ESU was able to raise over $1 million for student scholarships. The university said donor matches helped turn each $5,000 donation into $30,000 in scholarships.

"Within minutes, over $900,000 was raised, reflecting an extraordinary commitment to Emporia State students," said Lindsay Thompson with ESU. "Continued contributions and subsequent gifts pushed the total to over $1 million."

Six students received awards for academic excellence, leadership and personal growth. Those awards included the Scholar Award, Trailblazer Award and the Rising Star Award.

"This milestone is about more than a number - it's about a shared belief in what's possible when we put students at the center of everything we do," said Jason Drummond, president and CEO of the Emporia State University Foundation. "Hornet Nation showed that our collective investment in students is the most powerful way to shape the future of Emporia State and Kansas."

You can find a video from the event by clicking here.

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