President's Gala
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Our Purpose
The President’s Gala honors Fort Valley State University on its 130th Anniversary and salutes President Paul A. Jones alongside First Lady Sylvia Jones for 10 years of visionary leadership and representation. This momentous inaugural event brings together a stellar guest list of honorees and luminaries. Most importantly, it showcases how philanthropy and community partnership with individuals, organizations, and corporations across all industries have created a pathway to success for over 130 years. Our ambitious goal of $1.3 million is vital for continued scholarship support, innovative academic excellence, athletic program growth and career readiness for students.
Your Impact
With your partnership we have a greater opportunity to leverage shared skills and resources for the benefit of the university and the students we serve. FVSU has been a “school of opportunity” welcoming generations of first-in-the-family college graduates and providing a springboard for advancement. The cost to attend college continues to rise and while we provide support to promising students who have survived remarkable challenges to attend FVSU, more than 80% of our students receive a Pell Grant, an important metric for determining financial need. Your support of this event will play a critical role in helping educate leaders of the future and dramatically ease the burden of educational debt. Join us to celebrate “130 Years of Unapologetic Excellence” and be a part of a night to remember!
Event Details
We are excited to invite you to join us for a truly historic occasion—the 130th Anniversary President’s Gala at Fort Valley State University, taking place in September 2025. This signature event will celebrate over a century of Unapologetic Excellence and honor the legacy, leadership, and impact of FVSU.
130th Anniversary Presidential Gala Weekend – Sept. 11–13, 2025. Located in Atlanta, GA.
Weekend Itinerary
Thursday, Sept. 11: FVSU vs. Clark Atlanta Football Game - Ticketed
Kickoff: 7:00 PM ET
Location: Panther Stadium – Clark Atlanta University
691 Beckwith Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
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Friday, Sept. 12: FVSU Pre-Gala Rooftop Party
Location: Ascent Rooftop Lounge
161 Peachtree Center Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
VIP Hour (Invite-Only): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
(Sponsors, Board Members, Honorees, and Special Guests)
General Admission: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
(Open to all gala ticket holders)
Entry Fee for Non-Gala Guests (After 8:00 PM): $25 at the door
Live DJ | Rooftop Views | Passed Hors d’oeuvres | Specialty Cocktails
Saturday, Sept. 13: FVSU 130th Presidential Gala
Location: The Whitley, Atlanta Buckhead
3434 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
Cocktail Reception Begins: 6:30 PM
Ballroom Doors Open: 7:25 PM
Dinner & Program: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Dancing & Celebration: 9:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Black Tie Attire | Awards Program | Live Entertainment | Paddle Raise | Silent Auction
Goal: $1.3 million for scholarships, academic excellence, and athletics!
Hotel Room Block
To ensure your stay is comfortable and convenient, we have secured special room blocks for our guests. You are encouraged to reserve your accommodations early, as rooms are limited and expected to fill quickly.
Click here to book your room. September 11-13, 2025.
We look forward to celebrating this monumental milestone together with you.
If you have any questions or need assistance with travel arrangements, please don’t hesitate to contact Jaron Lucas at lucasj01@fvsu.edu