CLEVELAND, Miss.— The 2nd Annual Green and White Donor Gala hosted by the Delta State University Foundation Board of Directors was held on Thursday, March 2 at the Cleveland Country Club to celebrate top cumulative donors to the university for their contributions and efforts over time. Four donors were honored at this year’s event for their impact on the university.
Vice President for University Advancement and External Affairs Rick Munroe said, “Delta State is blessed with friends and alumni that see the benefits of investing in our students. I am pleased to recognize our donors at the Gala for their wonderful support, especially those that were recognized with awards.”
The Pinnacle Award has been renamed the Jutta K. Ferretti Award in memory of Jutta K. Ferretti, a devoted alumna of Delta State University. The award acknowledges an alum for their impact on the university. This year’s recipient was Gary Gainspoletti of Cleveland. Gainspoletti is a 1974 graduate of Delta State University and is a member of the DSU Hall of Fame. He is a past-president of the Bolivar County DSU Alumni Association, the DSU Booster Club and the DSU Green and White Fund. He has served as a member of the DSU Accounting Advisory Board and the DSU Foundation Board.
DSU Vice President of University Advancement and External Relations Rick Munroe (L) and Gary Gainspoletti
The Charlie McGuffee Award, previously known as the President’s Award, acknowledges a foundation or corporation for their impact on the university. This year’s recipient was the Mississippi Breast Foundation. The Mississippi Breast Foundation has given close to $10.3 million dollars to Delta State University to support academic programs over the past 24 years. The award was accepted by Bill Alexander with the Mississippi Breast Foundation.
Dr. Rose Strahan (L) and Mrs. Anita Bologna
The Gladys Castle Awards, which recognize friends of the university for their impact, were presented to Dr. Rose Strahan of Cleveland and Anita Bologna of Greenville. Dr. Strahan is a Professor Emeritus of the Mathematics Department at Delta State University. She served as department chair from 1978 to 2009 and devoted her professional career to making Delta State students successful. Dr. Strahan gave the largest planned gift of any employee in DSU history and is an active member of the Dedicated Statesmen.
Bologna is a lifelong dedicated friend of DSU. She and her late husband, Dr. Nino Bologna have supported Delta State over the years in performing arts, academics, athletics, and more. She has served on the Delta State University Foundation Board and is a member of the Quadrangle Oaks Society.
The evening ended with dancing and music from The GranBoiz.
