The annual CAFES Scholarship Banquet is a night dedicated to celebrating student success and honoring the donors who make those achievements possible.
The event was held on Nov. 13 at Club 71, located in Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. The event brought together students, their guests and dozens of scholarship donors.
The banquet was expected to host 259 students and guests this year, including 172 student scholarship recipients, 87 family members or friends and 58 sponsors. With faculty included, program assistant, Nadeen St-Pierre, estimated total attendance at about 355 people. She said the banquet’s main purpose is to allow donors and students to connect and appreciate one another.
Joseph Cassady, dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, said the purpose of the banquet is “to celebrate our students and the generosity of the donors who provide them with critical financial resources.” He said that they anticipated a stronger student turnout this year compared to previous banquets.
Scholarships also support SDSU’s land-grant mission by helping students afford their education and remain enrolled. Cassady said he hopes students left the banquet with gratitude and an understanding of the people who believe in their potential.
The Office of Academic Programs is responsible for planning and coordinating the event.
“They manage every component of the event, from invitations and venue reservations to developing the scholarship presentation, hiring a photographer and overseeing all catering arrangements,” Cassady said. “It’s a big operation, but it’s worth it.”
He also emphasized the importance of students and donors meeting face to face during the banquet. Donors, he said, want to see the students who are receiving their support.
“It’s important for donors to meet the students whose education they are funding,” Cassady said. “It gives them fulfillment to know their contributions are going to a good cause and being used wisely.”
According to Cassady, scholarship opportunities in CAFES have continued to grow in both number and total dollar amount awarded. One of the most meaningful parts of the evening, he said, is watching the conversations and connections formed between donors and recipients.
“As dean of the college, I’m honored to celebrate the achievements of our students and the remarkable generosity our donors invest in their success,” he said.
Mary Christensen, CAFES assistant dean for Academic Programs, also emphasized the importance of recognition and connection. She said the banquet provides students with the opportunity to personally thank donors and gain insight into the people behind their support.
Most CAFES scholarships range from $1,000 to $3,000, with about 30 awards under $1,000 and 30 above $4,000. Christensen noted that the largest scholarship in the college, the Klingbeil Scholars Endowment, awards $10,000. Additional funding, distributed through Yellow & Blue Scholarships and department committees, brings the total CAFES scholarship support to over $1.5 million across all sources.
As the college’s liaison to the Financial Aid Office, Christensen helps ensure scholarships are reviewed and distributed appropriately. She said donor support is especially important because many students face financial stress. Scholarships help make college more affordable and reward academic effort.
Christensen hopes students leave the banquet feeling proud of their accomplishments and appreciative of those who support them. She said the event consistently receives positive feedback for its meaningful recognition and smooth program.
Christensen and her husband, Cody, both SDSU alumni, also sponsor a scholarship because they believe in supporting future students just as they were supported.
St-Pierre, provided insight into the scale and coordination behind the banquet. She said hundreds of scholarships are awarded annually within CAFES, though not all are formally recognized during the event. This year’s banquet highlights 277 scholarships, totaling $639,200, which she noted is consistent with previous years.
St-Pierre oversees invitations, sponsor and student communication, catering, the venue, certificates, programs, seating and photography. The script is written by Sherie Aulner, with Christensen and Brad Blaha assisting in preparing the emcees.
