• What is a Gala?

The Simon Green Atkins Gala is an annual event created by the WSSU Foundation to celebrate distinguished faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners and to raise scholarship dollars for the Foundation’s endowed student scholarship program.

• Where do the funds go?

The funds raised from the Gala will go to the WSSU Foundation to support gap scholarships and to provide direct support to the School of Undergraduate Studies and Research.

• What is the dress code for the evening?

Formal: cocktail dress or evening gown, and a suit or a tux.

• Can I transfer my registration?

Registration is all being handled online. There will be no paper tickets for this event. Because of this, registrations are not able to be transferred.

• Is my registration refundable?

No, the funds raised go to scholarship dollars for WSSU students.

• How can I pay for tickets?

The easiest way to purchase a ticket is to go online. Patrons may also mail a check to WSSU Foundation, 304 Blair Hall, 601 MLK Jr. Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27110.

• Can I make a donation?

Yes! Please go here to make a donation.

• Can I register the night of the event?

Yes, however, we will have limited seats available on the night of the event.  We encourage you to purchase your seat/s before the event. This will also ensure we are able to meet any dietary needs you may require.

• Can I mail a check for payment?

Purchasing a ticket online is the preferred method of payment, however, we will also accept checks. Please mail checks to:

WSSU Foundation

304 Blair Hall

601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

Winston-Salem, NC 27110

• Do you mail Tickets?

No, we do not issue tickets.  Your name and the names of your guests are listed on our registration form.  You simply check in upon arrival and give them your name/s.

• What time does the event begin?

The Pre-Gala Reception begins at 6 pm. The Gala will start promptly at 7 pm.

• If I arrive late for the event, what should I do?

If you arrive late to the event, please check-in at the check-in table. Someone will be there to assist you with getting to your table.

• What time does the pre-receptions start/end and are there any post events?

There is a reception that will start at 6 pm and will run for an hour. The Gala will start promptly at 7 pm. There will be a post-Gala reception from 9 pm to midnight.

• What is the price and location for event parking?

There are several parking options:

> Marriott Winston-Salem — Conference Hotel; 425 N. Cherry Street; Valet $25

> LAZ Parking Deck (Cherry St & Marshall St); 402 North Cherry Street; $2/hr

> Sixth-Cherry Trade Parking Deck; 527 N Cherry St, $1/hr

> Embassy Suites — Tunnel Access to Benton; 460 N. Cherry Street; $20/day

• I have a dietary restriction. What should I do to request an alternate meal?

During registration, you will have the option to provide the name and dietary restrictions of each attendee. 

• Can I bring a camera and/or video camera?

Cameras are permitted, but not video cameras. The event will be live-streamed and recorded. There will be an opportunity to purchase a copy of the recording for those who would like to.

• Is the event being live streamed or is there a hashtag to join the social conversation around the Gala?

No

• Where and what time should guests report to check-in to receive his or her table assignment?

Table check-in will begin at 6:00 pm. There will be signs to direct you to the check-in tables.

• Is there coat check, where is it located and what is the cost?

A coat check will be available for those who need it. There will be signs at the check-in table to direct you to the coat check. Coat check is free.

• What is the address for my Uber/taxi?

Benton Convention Center, 301 W 5th Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101

• Is the space accessible for a wheelchair?

Yes! The venue has accessible parking options and an elevator.

• How are honorees selected?

Honorees are selected by their peers. WSSU University faculty, staff, and Foundation Board members vote on who will be awarded.

• What do honorees receive? 

Honorees will receive an award, and be recognized at the Gala, and throughout the year at select WSSU events.

• How can I volunteer/help out?

The Gala is put on and supported by volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering for the next gala, please email chair@wssufoundationgala.org.

• What if I can’t attend but want to make a gift in honor of the honorees?

Gifts can be made in honor of our honorees here.  If you are interested in purchasing an ad in our digital program book to share a personal message of congratulations, please contact sponsorship@wssufoundationgala.org.

• How can I become an honoree?

Honorees are selected based on a number of factors. Please download the guidelines here or read through below:

 

CHAMPION OF EDUCATION

The Winston-Salem State University Foundation Champion of Education Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of education over an extended period of time. The award seeks to honor, encourage, and reward an individual who has exhibited excellence, innovation, and effectiveness in teaching, and a commitment to student success.

Selection Criteria

• • Demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality educational experience for all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, social class, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation
  • Advocates for students as well as in the public sphere through direct action or participation in professional organizations       
  • Interacts enthusiastically and professionally with students, parents, community members, and colleagues      
  • Models professional behavior that demonstrates respect for diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural competence       
  • Actively seeks knowledge regarding best practices in creating educational excellence

 

COMMUNITY BUSINESS PARTNER

The Winston-Salem State University Foundation’s Community Business Partner Award is given annually to a community business partner who has demonstrated excellence in partnering with the WSSU Foundation by making significant contributions to the university, provides opportunities for students to engage and learn, and contributes to the overall good of the community. The Community Business Partner Award is presented to a community business partner to honor and recognize their commitment and vital role in successful collaboration that brings the campus closer to the community.

Selection Criteria

• • Business must be located in the Forsyth County area       
  • Business must have contributed to the overall good of Winston-Salem State University Foundation through philanthropy/ community involvement, delivery of unique or specialized products or services, or recognition through significant business achievement       
  • Recognized as being innovative and providing sustainable partnerships between campuses, communities, and corporations that enrich student learning/engagement and enhance community life       
  • Engages in mutually beneficial relationships with Winston-Salem State University Foundation through collaborative work that addresses identified community needs and exceeds educational objectives

 

SIMON GREEN ATKINS PHILANTHROPY AWARD

The Simon Green Atkins Philanthropy Award recognizes distinguished philanthropic contributions to Winston-Salem State University Foundation and the power of philanthropy to change lives. The award is presented to an individual, group, corporation, or nonprofit organization that demonstrates a commitment to philanthropy and serves as a role model to encourage philanthropy for Winston-Salem State University.

Named after Simon Green Atkins, for his history-making commitment to WSSU college students, the award was established in 2023 and is awarded annually to recognize extraordinary philanthropic contributions to the Winston-Salem State University Foundation. 

Selection Criteria

• • The award is presented to an individual, group, corporation, or nonprofit organization who meets all of the following criteria at a high standard:       
  • Provides direct financial support to Winston-Salem State University Foundation. The expectation is that the nominee will have made the largest financial contribution, in the course of the previous calendar year, to the WSSU Foundation       
  • Displays a leadership role, volunteers, and/or provides other benefits to help to achieve the mission of Winston-Salem State University       
  • Demonstrates commitment to philanthropy and acts as a role model to encourage philanthropy in others in support of the Winston-Salem State University Foundation

 

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The Winston-Salem State University Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes recipients for outstanding achievements in their professional lives, personal integrity, and stature and service to the university. This award is presented to an alumnus/a who has demonstrated long-term success in his or her career and who exemplifies the attributes of a Winston-Salem State University graduate, such as leadership, citizenship, community service, and/or service to his or her business or industry. 

Selection Criteria   

• • Must have attained prominence in their business, profession or vocational endeavors, and performed distinguished community service locally, regionally, nationally or globally  
  • Recipients must be a graduate of Winston-Salem State University and demonstrate a love and commitment to the university that inspires others to live the WSSU spirit       
  • The individual must be a person of such integrity, stature and proven ability that the faculty, staff, students and alumni of Winston-Salem State University will take pride in, and be inspired by their accomplishments
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• I still have questions. Who can I talk to?!

Please email: help@wssufoundationgala.org. You will receive a response within 24 hours.