Going for a third time and sold.

No, the Baker University gala is not going away, it has, in fact, set a standard for galas to come.

This year’s gala, which was Nov. 20 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kansas City, Mo., not only auctioned off extravagant vacations and decorated baskets, it sold student success.

With the theme, “Live from the Orange Carpet,” it was only fitting that the university was able to showcase some of the most unique and motivating stories that really brought home why people are so passionate about Baker.

Not only were these short videos well-produced, some of the students or graduates who were showcased actually attended the gala. In fact, one of these graduates, Cynthia Johnson, also known as Momma-J, sang immediately after her video. Having her there made her success that much more real to all the guests that night.

Johnson is now a principal at Grandview Middle School and has also remained active in her singing, recording six songs for a gospel album.

It was particularly good that so many students were given the chance to attend. Many BU alumni donate a great deal of time and money and it is nice for them to have the opportunity to be able to see the successful students they are supporting through the gala, as it is an event where every last penny goes toward student scholarships.

In addition to the involvement of Parmentors, one Baker student even provided piano playing for the evening and several students from the music department provided music during the time before dinner.

At the same time, the gala provided a great place for students to be able to network with some of Baker’s most passionate and successful graduates. What better place to find connections than a fundraiser that is entirely for you as a student.

It is really good to know how interested the involved alumni are with Baker students and their success and efforts to continue to strive for achievements on and off campus. Making these known will not only help alumni to further support the scholarships of future students, it may also lead to more students and a better image to prospective students.

There is no doubt the balance between alumni and current students, as well as successful alumni being in the attendance, was able to help in raising the approximately $150,000, a nearly 50 percent increase from last year.

It may be in Baker’s interest to expand the gala to not only include more alumni, but also more students and faculty.

The gala provides not only an opportunity to showcase, but also to honor.