A Night of Generosity

C.H. Sandage School of Business Dinner & Auction Raises Funds for a Brighter Future

The Great Room in Newcom Student Union hummed with laughter and conversation as members of the Lamoni and Graceland community gathered for the C.H. Sandage School of Business Dinner & Auction. The event, organized by the faculty and students of the School of Business, was a night of joy, celebration, and camaraderie.

The evening started with a welcome from Associate Professor of Business Max Pitt ’86 and a brief message from President Patricia H. Draves discussing the event’s theme: Blue, Gold & Bold. Student Isaac Hall ’23 gave the invocation, and all the attendees sat down for a delicious dinner and admired the auction items.

As the world-renowned auctioneer took the stage, the live auction began with a bang. One of the highlights of the evening was a Jeff Criswell ’86 signed Kansas City Chiefs jersey commemorating the Graceland football legend’s time in the NFL. Homemade pies from agricultural business students were another delicious crowd favorite.

“Our students, donors, and employees share a vision of Graceland making a difference for people. The shared experience of gathering and being generous reconnects people to each other and to Graceland.”

Max Pitt, MBA, CMA, ʼ86
Associate Professor of Business

Cydney Stables ’25, an agricultural business student and key organizer of the auction, said, “This event took a lot of preparation from members of the Graceland Agricultural Business Club — they were asked to gather donations for the auction, help set up tables and chairs, and volunteer their time to make the night possible. This event was truly by students for students!”

The night ended with a roar of cheerful commotion as attendees congratulated each other on their successful bids and favorite parts of the evening. The School of Business Dinner & Auction was a resounding success, not only in raising crucial funds but also in fostering a sense of community, philanthropy, and support for the next generation of business leaders.

When asked about the evening, Pitt said, “The School of Business Dinner & Auction built upon the years of successful Ag Dinners and Auctions. Our students, donors, and employees share a vision of Graceland making a difference for people. The shared experience of gathering and being generous reconnects people to each other and to Graceland. What a great evening!”