Southwestern Adventist University held its annual gala last night, themed “Under the Southwestern Stars,” at Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth, bringing together over 230 supporters for an evening dedicated to student scholarships. Against a warm Texas evening, guests enjoyed an elegant meal, live performances and the chance to connect with fellow alumni, donors, and friends of the university.

“The success of last night’s Gala is a true reflection of the generosity and commitment of our community,” said George Vander Veer, Vice President for Advancement. “Seeing guests come together to support our students shows just how deeply our donors, alumni, and friends believe in the mission of the university. This kind of engagement not only helps make education affordable and accessible for our students, but also demonstrates the vision we share for a thriving, Christ-centered campus community for years to come.”

Legacy sponsors also shared heartfelt reflections on the impact of the university. Austen Powell from Civitas Senior Living described the unique spiritual environment at SWAU: “Every day, young people encounter Christ…Why do we give to Southwestern? Because we cannot think of a better organization to support that has faith at the center of its mission, with knowledge, faith, and service.” Renee Sensabaugh added, “We are not the biggest or fanciest, but in my opinion, we are the most spiritual campus. Our faculty is praying with students, and there are opportunities to serve and grow in faith every day.”

The evening highlighted the importance of community support in sustaining SWAU’s commitment to providing high-quality, faith-centered education. Attendees helped raise more than $184,095 for student scholarships, a milestone that directly benefits current and future students by making higher education more accessible.

With laughter, music, and meaningful conversation under the stars, the gala served as a reminder of the strong, connected community that surrounds SWAU. It was not just a celebration of financial success but a recognition of the collective dedication of alumni, donors, faculty, and friends who invest in the future of students and the university itself.