Saturday, May 16th, the Fairlane Club will be hosting the first annual President’s Gala. Coming about as a combination of ideas, this event is not an award ceremony for our president; it is a Presidential Award ceremony in which “the exceptional generosity of the HFC faculty, staff, major donors, community leaders, and Foundation Partners” (hfcc.edu) are recognized for their ongoing support for Henry Ford College. In President Dr. Jensen’s own words, “the purpose (of this gala) is to recognize people that have contributed, and sacrificed and given to our college in various ways, and to celebrate accomplishments of this past year and every year ahead.” This event is an opportunity for HFC to give a big thank you to all of its donor and community members.

Shai James-Boyd, Henry Ford College’s Senior Development Officer, says that “another aspect of this gala is to highlight as many student programs and students as possible.” In this way, HFC is truly in a league of its own. The people we think of as conventional supporters of HFC will not be the only ones who are honored. Among the classes of awards are: Community Leadership Giving, an award issued to a community forerunner for outstanding work they’ve put in toward the college; the Transformational Giving Award, celebrating an individual who has contributed much to the college, and an HFC Retiree will also be honored. All honorees will be the initial recipients of these awards which will be passed down through HFC history. Dr. Jensen will also be commending a very deserving HFC student with the Presidential Scholar award; a scholarship of $1500!

From the president himself and other board members, to the teachers and faculty, administration genuinely cares about what you – the students – think of the college and they are always looking for ways to improve it. They make it possible for students to make a difference and therefore an impact on the institution we go to. More than ten HFC division/department representatives will be in attendance to celebrate the college and build unity. Students, staff and faculty members are all encouraged to come. The night will be full of dinner, dancing, and other various forms of fun. Food and entertainment will be supplied by HFC’s very own students. Desserts will be prepared by Henry Ford culinary students; the HFC Big Band, a student pianist, the HFC jazz band other students will contribute to the nights musical numbers. May 16th promises to be a fun night!

Tickets are 125 dollars and a payroll deduction option is available. For more information, contact Shai James-Boyd of the Foundation Office at 313-317-1710 or sjames25@hfcc.edu.