Holtz to highlight Trine Scholarship Gala

ANGOLA (11/15/2018) — Hall of Fame college football coach, analyst and motivational speaker Lou Holtz will bring his wit and wisdom to Trine University's 16th annual Scholarship Gala on Feb. 9.

"My life and career has been dedicated to helping young people, whether that meant providing them opportunities on the field or encouraging them to excel in the classroom or their professions," said Holtz. "Trine University's Scholarship Gala offers an excellent opportunity to support students as they seek a quality education in preparation for their lives and careers, and I am proud to be part of this event."

It is the fourth speaking appearance for Holtz at Trine, who has drawn more-than-capacity crowds to the T. Furth Center for Performing Arts twice as part of the university's Distinguished Speaker Series, and served as Commencement speaker in 2011, when the university presented him an honorary doctorate. Holtz also is an emeritus member of Trine's Board of Trustees and the namesake for Trine's Lou Holtz Master of Science in Leadership program.

The only coach in the history of college football to take six different teams to a bowl game, win five bowl games with different teams and have four different teams ranked in the final Top 20 poll, Holtz was head coach at Notre Dame, South Carolina, Minnesota, Arkansas, North Carolina State and William & Mary. Until 2014, he was a college football studio analyst on ESPN.

Today, he is a widely sought-after speaker and author of three New York Times best-selling books.

"Speaking from his many experiences as a football coach as well as a husband and father, Lou Holtz is always engaging and offers practical and often humorous insights on life and leadership," said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine University president. "We greatly appreciate his support of the Scholarship Gala and of Trine University, and look forward to what he has to share."

The Gala starts at 6 p.m. in the Keith E. Busse/Steel Dynamics, Inc. Athletic Recreation Center on the Trine campus. In addition to Holtz's presentation, the evening will feature wine tasting, a gourmet dinner by Bon Appetit, live music provided by the Trine University Jazz Band, and live and silent auctions including Notre Dame football memorabilia, vacations, jewelry, experience packages and artwork.

Sponsorship packages and tickets are available through Feb. 2. To reserve tickets ($100 each), donate an auction item or get sponsorship details, visit trine.edu/gala or call (260) 665-4114.

Since its inception, the Scholarship Gala has raised millions of dollars for Trine University student scholarships, including nearly $800,000 at the 2018 event. Scholarship funds are a critical part of allowing students to attend Trine, which awarded more than $31 million in institutional aid in 2017-18.

The university will offer the opportunity to fund $500 Books and Beyond Scholarships during the Gala. Contributions to the Books and Beyond Scholarship program go directly to financially disadvantaged students, allowing them to purchase needed books, computers, school and lab supplies, and meals. Funds also help students pay modest account balances that will allow them to register next semester for classes.

Trine board chair and alumnus Dr. Rick L. James and his wife, Dr. Vicki L. James, and The James Foundation, Inc., as they have for the past few years, are offering a matching grant for Books and Beyond scholarships. This year the match will be $250,000.

"As the beneficiary of a Trine University education, I am glad to once again support the Scholarship Gala and Books and Beyond Scholarships," said Rick James. "We know many students have needs not covered by traditional financial aid, and Books and Beyond plays a key role in filling this gap."

For more information on the 2019 Trine Scholarship Gala, contact Mary Ditmars at ditmarsm@trine.edu or Maureen Bernath at bernathm@trine.edu, or call (260) 665-4114.

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