University of North Texas

It was a record-setting evening on the UNT campus.

• Nearly 400 guests attended the Feb. 25 Emerald Ball, held in the Club Level area of Apogee Stadium.
• Almost $400,000 was raised for the Emerald Eagle Scholar program, the largest total in the ball’s six year history. The total includes donations, sponsorships, the President's Challenge and matching funds.
• And Emerald Eagle Scholar Leidy Guarin put aside – probably forever – her stage fright.

Proceeds from the charity event support the Emerald Eagle Scholars program, which has helped more than 2,400 students attend UNT by providing free tuition and fees for four years. Above, scholar Kim Pham with guest Anna Ricco.

Members of the UNT Office of Sustainability helped the ball’s organizers with ideas for its eco-friendly, Emerald Ball Goes Green theme.

The green tie affair featured recycled and reusable materials from linens to glassware to decorations. The menu consisted of locally sourced seasonal foods, prepared by Executive Chef Joe Rosenthal and UNT Dining Services.

And Apogee Stadium is Platinum LEED Certified, the first newly-constructed college stadium to meet that environmental standard.

Guarin, an Emerald Eagle Scholar who spoke to attendees, said she was “super nervous” about speaking to the large crowd. But once at the podium, the experience wasn’t so intimidating.

“The thing I will remember the most … is seeing everyone rise out of their seats and applauding me after my speech,” she said. “I had so many people come up to me and congratulate me. It felt amazing to have finally shared my story and express to people how blessed I have been to have received the Emerald Eagle Scholarship and how their contributions have helped me succeed.”

Music by students filled almost every moment of the evening, with jazz guitarist Evan Oxenhandler and the Center Brass Quintet and the Colin Campbell Jazz Quartet performing. Guests danced to the Mars Hill Band, which includes several alumni.

Fort Worth Star-Telegram columnist and alumnus Bob Ray Sanders served as master of ceremonies introducing a roster of speakers, including President V. Lane Rawlins and Athletics Director Rick Villarreal. Emerald Eagle Scholar Anthony Gilbert also spoke.

- Meredith Dickenson, University Relations, Communications and Marketing

Below, Emerald Eagle Scholars at the Emerald Ball, from left: Edwin Chavez, Jorge Garcia, Alex Fraire, Anthony Gilbert, Leidy Guarin, Kim Pham, Hali Crutchfield, President V. Lane Rawlins, rear, Diana Askings, Kimberly Newcomb, Franchesca Burrel, Tara Myers, Brody Gibbs, Kevin Banke, Eduardo Diosdada. (Photos by Gary Payne)