College of the Arts

2022 ArtsKSU Gala

By Kathie Beckett

Over 200 patrons attended the 2022 ArtsKSU Gala held on October 15 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.This year’s gala also celebrated the Investiture of Kennesaw State University’s Sixth President, Dr. Kathy “Kat” S. Schwaig.

Dr. Schwaig and attendees were entertained by students from all units of the College of the Arts. Guests were greeted upon arrival with music from the KSU Jazz Quartet, directed by Sam Skelton and Trey Wright. A silent auction, organized by LaSona Turk and the KSU COTA Ambassadors, offered guests a chance to bid on various items, including a gourmet lunch with KSU leadership, a hot air balloon and wine outing, and even a chance to conduct the KSU Marching Owls. Table arrangements were donated by KSU Ambassador James Weis.

Next, patrons watched “Bounce,” a contemporary dance work performed by students from the Department of Dance, featuring choreography from Dr. Ivan Pulinkala, Professor of Dance and Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.

As guests enjoyed the salad course, Brandon Lau played the Steinway piano (with the rental donated by Steinway Piano Galleries), followed by an informational video from the School of Art and Design. The KSU Percussion Ensemble, led by John Lawless, got the crowd moving with “Jośe/before John5,” before Founding Dean Joseph D. Meeks led a tribute to donor Dr. Audrey Morgan. During the main course, guests watched a video featuring four student scholars who shared how their lives were impacted by a scholarship.

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Auctioneers Tarryn and Jason Troutman, with Auction Horizons, started the highly anticipated live auction featuring a fabulous Blue Ridge getaway, a private collection wine basket, and a one-of-a-kind vessel by School of Art and Design professor Jeff Campana, and more. After the bidding wars had ended, Dr. Pulinkala and Dr. Schwaig each took the stage to welcome guests and express their heartfelt appreciation.

Finally, the Musical Theatre Ensemble, led by Music Director Amanda Wansa Morgan, performed selections of the hit musical RENT.

Proceeds from the ArtsKSU Gala benefited annual student scholarships in the College of the Arts at KSU. Next year’s gala is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. •