Albany State University exceeds goal for Rams in the Roses and Beyond campaign

ALBANY — Albany State University has exceeded its goal to raise $270,000 for the “Rams in the Roses and Beyond” campaign. The campaign raised $332,775; thanks to supporters, the Albany State University Marching Band will head to the 2016 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif. The remaining funds will be used to support need-based scholarships.

“This is an outstanding accomplishment for the university and the hundreds of supporters who donated, not only funds, but time and effort to help us send this talented group of scholar musicians to Pasadena,” said Chanta Haywood, vice president of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the ASU Foundation.

The ASU Marching Band is the only Georgia band, the only university band from the southeastern United States, and the only historically black university band in the nation to participate in the event that serves as a prelude to the nation’s oldest bowl game.

“We really can’t thank everyone enough who donated to help us get to Pasadena,” said Band Director Michael Decuir. “All of the alumni, students, and supporters in Albany and around the nation, on behalf of the band, I want to let you know that we couldn’t have done this without you. We’re ready to show the world what it means to be a Golden Ram.”

Funds raised are being used for travel and expenses associated with sending the band to California.

Band members will leave for Pasadena on Dec. 28 for a week long stay that includes band performances, television interviews, community service projects, and visits to top California tourist attractions such as the Grammy Museum and Museum of Tolerance.

“These students will have cultural and educational experiences and memories that will last them a lifetime,” said ASU President Art Dunning, who contributed to the fundraising campaign with his wife Karen Baynes-Dunning. The Dunnings’ also matched donated gifts in the month of October, dollar for dollar, for up to $25,000. “For many of our students, this will be their first time in California and we want to provide them with enriching experiences that will benefit them, academically and culturally.”

Student buses will depart from Reese Hall at Albany State at 6 a.m. and the Walmart Supercenter at 6020 Harrison Road in Macon at 7 a.m. Community members and supporters are invited to attend the sendoff. Event participants will depart from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and arrive at Los Angeles International Airport.

Soon after the band returns from Pasadena, Albany State will officially launch the second phase of its fundraising campaign, which includes the Tom Joyner Foundation School of the Month. As the School of the Month, the TJF will promote raising funds for the university and highlight its programs for the entire year, although ASU will be featured daily during its designated month of November.

“The TJF designation allows us to expand our fundraising to the millions of listeners and website visitors of Mr. Joyner’s show. We can’t put a price tag on this level of exposure. The fact that very single dollar given to ASU via Mr. Joyner’s Foundation flows directly back to the university shows his commitment to the success of HBCUs,” Haywood said. “The Rams in the Roses campaign was a testament to what we as a community are capable of doing for our students and the university. I anticipate an even higher level of enthusiasm and support for this institution through the ‘Tom Joyner Foundation School of the Month designation’. ”

The university also received $47,000 in in pledges, which are not included in the fundraising total. Those funds, when received, will support student scholarships.

Donors can start donating to ASU through the Tom Joyner Foundation today by going to http://igfn.us/vf/Albanyrams.

The Albany State University Marching Band will appear as No. 25 of 93 participants in the New Year’s Day, two-hour live special that will air at 11 a.m., EST). Broadcast outlets include: ABC, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, KTLA5, NBC, Univision, RFDTV, FamilyNet, Rural Radio Channel 147 SiriusX-M Satellite Radio.