Indiana University Northwest will thank its donors, friends and alumni and celebrate 26 years of scholarship at the Annual Scholarship Gala Celebration to be held 6 p.m., Thursday, November 15 at Avalon Manor in Merrillville. The evening, filled with camaraderie, great food, spirits and desserts, will benefit IU Northwest student scholarships.

Attendees will have an opportunity to meet Daniel C. Smith, Ph.D. who became President of the IU Foundation effective October 1. Smith joins the foundation after serving for more than eight years as dean of the IU Kelley School of Business. He succeeds Eugene R. Tempel, who will be returning to the Center on Philanthropy at IU as a senior fellow to play a role in the efforts to establish a new School of Philanthropy.

Additional special guests for this year’s event include IU Vice President John Applegate, J.D., University Regional Affairs, Planning and Policy; IU Northwest Chancellor William Lowe; and five IU Northwest students who will share their academic success stories made possible through scholarship funds.

Guests will also hear from two representatives from the IU Northwest Class of 2012, who will share their inspiration for creating the first-ever graduating class endowed scholarship. The scholarship will benefit IU Northwest full- and part-time undergraduate students who are engaged in campus organizations and the community.

Reservations are $125 each. RSVP by Friday, November 9 by calling (219) 980-6801 or emailing cmezza@iun.edu.

IU Northwest gratefully recognizes The Post-Tribune as Presenting Sponsor; BP Products North America, Inc. as Benefactor Sponsor; and IU LaPorte Health; Lakeshore Public Radio 89.1 FM; St. Catherine Hospital; St. Mary Medical Center; and The Times Media Company as Program Sponsors.

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available.

The Avalon Manor is located at 3550 East Highway 30 in Merrillville.