Union University will be hosting its 22nd annual scholarship banquet, the school’s premier fundraising event of the year, on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, featuring Christian music singer and songwriter, Chris Tomlin.
“A couple of years ago, Catherine Kwasigroh, vice president of institutional advancement, had the idea to change the event from what has been a speaker series in the past, to more of a celebration and entertainment type of event,” said Jason Vaughan, director of institutional advancement. “That started last year with getting MercyMe, and it turned out that Union’s donor base enjoyed it. And that’s how we decided to move forward with Chris Tomlin.”
Although the scholarship banquet is largely directed toward donors, the school strongly encourages current students to participate in the event and looks to find speakers or performers that would interest students as well as donors.
“I enjoyed last year’s banquet because it gives us as students an opportunity to thank the donors that make attending Union possible for so many,” said SaraBeth Conley, junior public relations major. “Even by showing up, students can show their appreciation.”
Tomlin’s impact is so deep that on any given Sunday upwards of 30 million Christians across the globe are singing at least one of his songs. He is still an active member of Passion and plays on college campuses all over the nation.
“Chris Tomlin has been at the forefront of Christian worship for almost two decades now,” said Vaughan. “But he actually got his start doing Passion conferences in the late 90s, which are still going on even today, and are geared toward college students and young adults. Chris is deeply moved by helping college students work with and understand their relationship with God.”
In addition to his performance, Tomlin will also do an interview with Union University president, Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver.
“Getting to hear his story and ministry- what moves him and how he helps people relate to God- is kind of a neat opportunity for students,” said Vaughan.
To learn more about the event or purchase tickets, visit uu.edu/events/scholarshipbanquet.
Students can purchase tickets at a discounted price by using the code uufamily2019 when checking out.
