Lights Shine Bright at Annual Glendale Gala

The community was the star of Midwestern University's annual Bright Lights, Shining Stars Gala, held last weekend at the Glendale Campus. With the campus twinkling with lights and luminaria glowing around the walkway, the Sahuaro patio and Auditorium quad were the perfect setting for the silent auction, dinner, and awards ceremony.

Photo: The tables awaiting guests in front of the Auditorium

More than 520 guests attended this year's celebration, which began with a silent auction and reception and concluded with dinner and the awards celebration. The University recognized the VIP Partners who supported this event: Diamond: Chanen Construction; Platinum: Blue Cross Blue Shield and TriWest Healthcare; and Gold: DWL Architects + Planners and Wells Fargo. All proceeds go directly to student scholarships. Five students were presented with Spirit of Service Scholarships.

Photo: Dr. G and the student scholarship winners

MWU President & CEO Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., presented the COMET Award to Glendale Mayor, The Honorable Elaine Scruggs for her long service to the city and her close partnership with the University. Dr. G shared how Mayor Scruggs was instrumental in recruiting MWU to Glendale 16 years earlier and has been a strong supporter of our growth and development ever since. Upon accepting the award, Mayor Scruggs shared her pride in the University and some statistics about the continued job growth in the city. MWU was honored to be able to recognize the Mayor for all of her accomplishments and continued commitment to Glendale.

Photo: Dr. G and Dr. Art Dobbelaere present the COMET Award to Mayor Elaine Scruggs

The evening concluded with an outstanding performance by the Night Groove Band, with people hitting the dance floor and enjoying the beautiful Arizona evening.

Bright Lights, Shining Stars is Midwestern University's annual "thank you" to the community and all of our supporters. The University's growth and success is the result of so many great partnerships with the corporate, legislative, healthcare, and academic communities through the Valley. Congratulations to the student scholarship winners and to Mayor Elaine Scruggs for their well-deserved honors.