News and Events

The Legends Gala is an annual event hosted by the Alexandria Technical and Community College Foundation to raise funds for student scholarships and other student-focused initiatives.

More than 140 community leaders, donors, alumni, friends of the college and past college presidents attended this year’s gala. The event started with a social, followed by a dinner catered by A’BriTin Catering. Musician Michael Shynes provided the entertainment for the evening.

After the dinner, Alexandria College’s Foundation honored the college’s legacy and donors by recognizing the Philanthropists of the Year, 2023: Frank Starke, a former Alexandria College president, and Knute Nelson.

The speakers of the night included Esperanza Andrade, who studies Nursing at ATCC and currently is working at Knute Nelson as a CNA, and Jairo Martinez Coto, a student in the Professional Truck Driving program. Coto graduated with a Welding certificate in 2023 but returned this fall to grow his skills and continue his soccer career. Andrade is a first-generation college student, playing on the Legends golf team. These exceptional students shared their unique stories of how scholarships provided by the foundation and the community at Alexandria College helped them take the steps they needed to achieve their goals.

Tom Roos and Chato Alvarado, the Alexandria College Soccer coaches, and current college President Michael Seymour also took to the stage as speakers. They shared their gratitude for the donors and their philanthropy and talked about the importance of the Alexandria College Foundation how it serves students and the college community.

The event was highlighted by a generous gift from the J.A. Wedum Foundation. Attendees tripled the gift from the J.A. Wedum Foundation through matching gifts. These donations resulted in the establishment of the E. Franklin Starke Student Fund, dedicated to supporting the programs and student organizations that Starke was deeply passionate about during his tenure as president of the college. 

Alexandria College and the Alexandria College Foundation extend a heartfelt thank you to the guests who attended the Legends Gala. The college is grateful for your continued support. The Alexandria College Foundation looks forward to hosting the fourth-annual Legends Gala on October 4, 2024.

See the photos of the event here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAY5y4