After a decade‑long hiatus, we are thrilled to bring back a premier, not‑to‑be‑missed Cornell Scholarship Gala — an evening that will celebrate our DC–Cornell legacy and rally our community around an audacious goal: raising at least $100,000 to support deserving DC‑area students.
This is more than an event. It’s a moment to stand together and expand the pipeline of Big Red talent from the nation’s capital.
The evening will include:
- - Cocktail hour
- - Expansive sit-down buffet dinner featuring renowned Executive Chef Chris Mayo
- - Program featuring Colleen Barry, Inaugural Dean of the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy and Ryan Lombardi, Vice President for Student & Campus Life, as well as current/prior scholarship awardees.
- - DJ dance party for those who don’t want the night to end
A Legacy Worth Lifting
From Cornell in Washington to the University’s Government Relations presence, the connection between Cornell and the Metropolitan Washington, DC region has always been vibrant and deeply rooted.
A cornerstone of that connection is the endowed scholarships supporting sophomores, juniors, and seniors from our region — honoring proud DC Cornellians Howard Epstein ’58, Law ’61; Austin Kiplinger ’39; Robert McKinless ’48; and Robert Ladd ’43.
These funds exist because alumni stepped up. Now it’s our turn to build on that legacy.
How You Can Get Involved
Your participation is essential to reaching — and exceeding — our goal.
- Attend! Tickets are on sale now at https://cornellclubdc.org/event-6636692
- Bring your people! Rally your class year, your CBAA network, your affinity group — fill a table with Big Red spirit.
- Sponsor! Corporate, family, individual, affinity — sponsorships are the engine of our fundraising success.
- Donate! We’re seeking live auction items like boxes or tickets to sporting events, premier hotel or vacation stays, or exclusive experiences like Dinner with the CEO
- Activate your network! Encourage Cornellians and Cornell‑owned businesses to sponsor or attend.
Host Committee:
Dwight Bush
Janet & Michael Cornfeld
Nicole DelToro
Mike Flanagan
Mark Fornasiero
Terry Horner
Gil Keteltas
Cathy Merrill
Jeff Shapiro
Dale Rosenthal
Recent Grad Host Committee:
JT Baker
Julia Buffinton
Siobhan Chambers
Jake Lawson
Corey Littman
Sara Gonzalez
Questions: fundraiser@cornellclubdc.org
Individual Tickets
Individual Ticket: $375
- One (1) ticket
- Cocktail reception with passed hors d’oeuvres and open bar
- Seated dinner (open seating)
- Curated entertainment
Recent Alumni Ticket (Undergrad Classes of 2017-2026): $195
- One (1) ticket
- Cocktail reception with passed hors d’oeuvres and open bar
- Seated dinner (open seating)
- Curated entertainment
Tickets for a Group
Sponsor Levels & Benefits
Sponsors can be individual, family, or corporate.
Big Red Sponsor: $3,000
- Table with eight (8) tickets
- Guaranteed group seating
- Cocktail reception with passed hors d’ oeuvres and open bar
- Seated dinner
- Curated entertainment
- Acknowledgement and listing in Event Program
Libe Slope Sponsor: $7,500
- Table with eight (8) tickets
- Guaranteed group seating with preferred seating location
- Cocktail reception with passed hors d’ oeuvres and open bar
- Seated dinner
- Curated entertainment
- Acknowledgement and listing in Event Program
- Ad size: Quarter page
- Recognition from the stage
McGraw Clock Tower Sponsor: $15,000
- Table with ten (10) tickets
- Guaranteed group seating with prime seating location
- Cocktail reception with passed hors d’ oeuvres and open bar
- Seated dinner
- Curated entertainment
- Acknowledgement and listing in Event Program
- Logo and name displayed on signage at the event
- Ad size: Quarter page
- Sponsorship spotlight on social media
- Recognition from the stage
A.D. White Sponsor: $20,000
- Table with ten (10) tickets
- Guaranteed group seating with prime seating location
- Cocktail reception with passed hors d’ oeuvres and open bar
- Seated dinner
- Curated entertainment
- Acknowledgement and listing in Event Program
- Logo and name displayed on signage at the event
- Ad size: Half page
- Sponsorship spotlight on social media
- Recognition from the stage
- Opportunity to present at event
Ezra Cornell Sponsor: $25,000
- Table with ten (10) tickets
- Guaranteed group seating with prime seating location
- Cocktail reception with passed hors d’ oeuvres and open bar
- Seated Dinner
- Curated entertainment
- Acknowledgement and listing in Event Program
- Logo and name displayed on signage at the event
- Ad size: Full page
- Sponsorship spotlight on social media
- Recognition from the stage
Founders Sponsor: $100,000
- Naming rights to Scholarship
- Table with ten (10) tickets
- Guaranteed group seating with prime seating location
- Cocktail reception with passed hors d’ oeuvres and open bar
- Seated dinner
- Curated entertainment
- Acknowledgement and listing in Event Program
- Logo and name displayed on signage at the event
- Ad size: Full page
- Sponsorship spotlight on social media
- Recognition from the stage
Other Sponsorship Opportunities
Photo Booth Sponsor: $3,500
Put your brand in every memory captured.
- Branded photo booth experience with custom frames or digital branding
- Two (2) Premier Tickets
- Recognition in Event Program
Beverage Sponsor: $5,500
- Sponsorship of a branded specialty cocktail (e.g. “Legacy Libation” or “Visionary Vibe”)
- Two (2) Premier Tickets
- Recognition in Event Program
Entertainment Sponsor: $7,500
Align your brand with the energy and celebration of the night.
- Branding tied to the DJ, band, or live performers
- Verbal acknowledgement during the Event
- Logo placement on stage signage during performances
- Two (2) Premier Tickets
- Recognition in Event Program
Swag Sponsor: $7,500
- Work with event planners to select Cornell swag for attendees
- Two (2) Premier Tickets
- Recognition in Event Program
Questions? We will be so proud of what we accomplish TOGETHER!
Contact: fundraiser@cornellclubdc.org
