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After 7 and Miki Howard to Headline the Gala

Saturday Mar, 02 2013

(AUSTIN, Texas) — Rhythm and blues performers After 7 and Grammy-award nominee Miki Howard will headline Huston-Tillotson University’s Decennial President’s Mankind Assisting Students Kindle Educational Dreams (MASKED) Gala. The black-tie affair is scheduled for Saturday, March 2, 2013 at the Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol, 701 East 11^th Street, at 6 p.m.

Popular pop and R&B artist “Babyface” Edmond organized his brothers, Melvin and Kevon, as After 7 in 1987 along with Keith Mitchell.  The trio hit the charts with their self-titled debut album with hits such as “Heat of the Moment,” “Can’t Stop,” and “Ready or Not.”  In addition, “Nights Like This” from the Five Heartbeats soundtrack also made them popular. Grammy-award nominee Miki Howard will emcee the gala and perform during the evening of dining and dancing.  Howard, whose parents were gospel singers, acquired a love of music at an early age.  Her first single from the “Come Share My Love,” release hit the R&B top ten charts, reaching number five. She later reached number one on the charts with “Ain’t Nuthin’ in the World” followed by “Love under New Management,” for the number two spot.  She also shared Billie Holiday memories with a recording of Miki Sings Billie and earned her Grammy nomination for “Three Wishes” before releasing “Miki Sings the Classics” and “Private Collection.”

This year’s Gala marks the tenth year for the event that has generated more than one million dollars for the University and featured up close and personal performances from artists such as Regina Belle, Will Downing, Johnny Gill, Jennifer Holliday, Kenny Lattimore, Najee, and Pieces of a Dream.  In addition, celebrity guest appearances from Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Judge Mablean Ephriam, and Emmanuel Lewis have headlined the University’s signature event.

The all-star line up of musical talent also features the HT Jazz Combo, under the direction of Javier Stuppard, and graduates from the Jazz Combo who formed Soulkitchan to round out the evening’s entertainment in addition to the silent auction and Parade of Masks competition.

Community leader, political activist, businesswoman, and alumna Bertha Sadler Means was named the Honorary Chair.  Means, a 1945 graduate of Tillotson College, a predecessor institution to Huston-Tillotson University, is a pioneer and accomplished HT graduate with deeply-rooted ties to the Austin community. “I’m confident that the community will join me in supporting not just the gala, but Austin’s oldest institution of higher education,” Means stated. “As someone who lived during a period of segregation and fought for educational access to anyone seeking a college degree, I can’t think of a more worthy and just cause.”

To date, sponsorships are as follows: Platinum sponsors:  Institute for Professional Development | The Mitte Foundation | Time Warner Cable of Austin | Wells Fargo Bank.  Gold Sponsors:  George Brothers Kincaid & Horton, L.L.P. | Seton Family of Hospitals | The University of Texas at Austin/Office of the President and Office of the Vice President for Diversity and Engagement | University Federal Credit Union (UCFU).  Silver Sponsors:  Austin Coca-Cola Bottling Company | Henna Chevrolet | Sterling Acura of Austin.  Bronze Sponsors:  Arnold Oil Company | Austin Cab Company | Dr. and Mrs. Don W. Brown | Capitol Partners, Inc. | Donna D. Carter | J.E. Dunn Construction | Dr. Larry L. Earvin | GSD&M | Graves Dougherty Hearon & Moody | Greater Texas Federal Credit Union | Huston-Tillotson University International Alumni Association | Image Net Consulting | Trennis Jones | Krause & Associates, L.P. | Lee Tilford Agency | Dr. and Mrs. C. Mark Melliar-Smith | Terrance D. Grant-Malone | Prosperity Bank | Regions Bank | Scott Schmidt and Dr. Carol McDonald | Texas Methodist Foundation | A. Leon Thompson, Jr.

Huston-Tillotson University recently celebrated its 137-year anniversary, is experiencing its highest enrollment, and is in the final stages of campus renovations to the library and communication center.

Guests may purchase their admission for $125 and sponsors may secure seating at one of the sponsorship levels by calling 512.505.3073.

Click to view past gala pictures and more.

 

Alumna Bertha Sadler Means Named HT’s Gala Honorary Chair

Community leader, political activist, businesswoman, and alumna Bertha Sadler Means was named Huston-Tillotson University’s Decennial President’s Mankind Assisting Students Kindle Educational Dreams (MASKED) Gala honorary chair. The black-tie affair is scheduled for Saturday, March 2, 2013 at the Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol.

Means, a 1945 graduate of Tillotson College, a predecessor institution to Huston-Tillotson University, is a pioneer and accomplished HT graduated with deeply-rooted ties to the Austin community. She earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Texas at Austin and enjoyed a long career in education before retiring from the Austin Independent School District (AISD).  Means was awarded the W. Charles Akins African American Heritage Award in 2002 for her exemplary character, leadership, and community service.  She also served on the HT Board of Trustees from 2004 to 2008 and is the owner of Austin Cab Company.  The Bertha Sadler Means African American Resource Center located in the Anthony and Louise Viaer-Alumni Hall on the HT campus was named in her honor for her philanthropic support.  “HT is in my heart, and I have always contributed as much as possible,” said Means who discovered the institution when she was recruited to play basketball.

“I’m confident that the community will join me in supporting not just the gala, but Austin’s oldest institution of higher education,” Means stated. “As someone who lived during a period of segregation and fought for educational access to anyone seeking a college degree, I can’t think of a more worthy and just cause.”

The MASKED gala has generated more than one million dollars for the University and featured up close and personal performances from artists such as Regina Belle, Will Downing, Johnny Gill, Jennifer Holliday, Kenny Lattimore, Najee, and Pieces of a Dream.  In addition, celebrity guest appearances from Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Judge Mablean Ephriam, and Emmanuel Lewis have headlined the University’s signature event.

Huston-Tillotson University recently celebrated its 137-year anniversary, is experiencing its highest enrollment, and is in the final stages of campus renovations to the library and communication center.

For more information, or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, call 512.505.3073 or visit the gala section of the  Web site.