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UWG Community Raises $220K at 2026 Presidential Black Tie Gala Share this page
The University of West Georgia changes lives by turning potential into progress. That mission came to life Saturday evening as more than 350 supporters, alumni, students and community leaders gathered for the 2026 Presidential Black Tie Gala, the university’s signature fundraising event.
Together, they helped raise more than $220,000 to expand access to scholarships and student‑success initiatives. Hosted in partnership with the UWG Foundation, the celebration showcased the transformative impact of philanthropy on students’ lives – and the powerful role the university plays in fueling economic vitality, community partnership and generational opportunity across the region.
President Dr. Michael Johnson, delivering his first gala address since taking office in 2025, underscored UWG’s “no-excuses” commitment to student success.
“Everything begins with student success,” Johnson said. “When our students succeed, everything else follows, and sometimes a few hundred dollars is all that stands between a student and a degree. When you give, you change not just one life but the lives of families for generations. That is the difference you make.”
Johnson highlighted the university’s momentum – from record enrollment and groundbreaking research to its transition to NCAA Division I – noting UWG’s contribution to the regional economy each year and its support of nearly 5,000 local jobs. That “college‑town effect,” he shared, exemplifies how campus and community strengthen one another.
“It’s hard to define what it means to live in a true college town, but you can feel it in the people, the rhythm and the shared identity shaped by its university,” he said. “A thriving university energizes the community around it, contributing more than $654 million to our regional economy and supporting nearly 5,000 local jobs. These numbers represent families, opportunity and momentum for an entire region of our state. We’re growing together, and we strengthen each other every day.”
The heart of the evening centered on stories of impact. Donors Tony and Mary Tritt shared how their family’s journey led to establishing the Tritt Family Foundation Scholarship to support UWG students, particularly student‑athletes far from home. Current students and scholarship recipients Jalen Adams and Elora Kennard offered moving reflections on the support that has shaped their academic paths.
Guests also enjoyed an exciting live auction conducted by UWG alumni and trustees Zach Steed ’89 and Andy Johnson ’04 ’06, featuring four exclusive packages whose proceeds directly benefited student scholarships. During the “Live Impact” paddle-raise, attendees made gifts at a range of levels – from $3,500, which provides a semester of housing, to contributions of any amount to support the university’s SOS Fund, which assists students facing unexpected financial emergencies.
Allyson Bretch ’14, vice president for university advancement and CEO of UWG’s philanthropic foundations, celebrated the community’s generosity during the evening’s proceeds announcement.
“Your partnership strengthens this university and transforms students’ lives,” Bretch shared with the audience as she announced the proceeds raised. “Because of your generosity, we are opening doors of opportunity for the next generation of Wolves. Thank you.”
Student emcee Lauren O’Bryan, a graduating senior in mass communications, set the tone for the evening by sharing her own UWG story – a journey shaped by mentorship, involvement, and transformative experiences that prepared her for graduate study and beyond.
“The experiences, support and opportunities I’ve had at the University of West Georgia have completely shaped who I am today,” O’Bryan said. “My decision to stay West has led me to moments like this one, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Students in the UWG Jazz Combo performed musical selections during dinner. After the program, guests danced late into the evening to entertainment by Block Party Experience, celebrating the impact they helped create.
To learn more about how you can support transformative student experiences at the University of West Georgia, visit Give West.
photography by Becca Campbell and Brian Carmichael