Dinner of Firsts
Celebrating “Firsts” is always fun! Save the date and make plans to attend Chattanooga State’s Dinner of Firsts on Thursday evening, November 9, 2023, at The Chattanoogan Hotel. The Dinner of Firsts is our signature “FUNdraising” event with a roast honoring a community leader who is the first in their family to attend college.
This year’s annual dinner event will honor local community leader Diane Parks, with Julie Cook Elsea serving as Event Chair. In addition to being a first generation college student, Diane is a Chattanooga State alum. She served as the Director of Leadership & Community Development at the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce where she retired in 2020 after 46 years. While there she directed the Leadership Chattanooga program for 21 years. Jim Kennedy will serve as our Master of Ceremonies. Those roasting Diane are Julie Baumgardner, David Martin, Marcus McKamey, David Roddy and Janie Parks Varnell.
We are honored to have State Representative Greg Vital, President and Co-Founder of Morning Pointe Senior Living, along with Jay Dale, Market President of First Horizon Bank, as our presenting sponsors and evening co-hosts.
For more information please contact:
- Tammy Sawyers at tammy.sawyers@chattanoogastate.edu, (423) 697-3359
- Suzanne Harris at suzanne.harris@chattanoogastate.edu, (423) 697-3317
Sponsorship Levels
Presidential (one available): $7,500. Photo booth sponsor. Full-page recognition ad in the program, social media recognition, company or individual listed on large screens and sponsor boards at the event, and one table with prime seating for 8. One representative who is a first-generation college graduate is invited to be a panelist for National First Gen Day event to be held on campus Wednesday, Nov. 8 (optional).
Summa Cum Laude: $5,000. Half-page recognition ad in the program, social media recognition, listing on all sponsor boards on display at the event, and one table with priority seating for 8. One representative who is a first-generation college graduate is invited to be a panelist for National First Gen Day event to be held on campus Wednesday, Nov. 8 (optional).
Magna Cum Laude: $2,500. Quarter-page recognition ad in the program, listing on all sponsor boards on display at the event, and one table with preferred seating for 8.
Cum Laude: $2,000. Listing in the program and one table with seating for 8.
General seating is available at $250 each. If you are unable to attend, please consider a donation in honor of Diane Parks to the Tom Edd Wilson First in the Family Endowed Scholarship.
