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An interactive concert of Beatles favorites and the presentation of two new awards made the 2024 Trustee Benefit a fresh experience for 91�鶹ӳ����ý supporters this year. 

The Annual Trustee Benefit Concert for Scholarships, held May 9, raised just over $530,000 for 91�鶹ӳ����ý students. It featured a reception on the Quad, followed by a performance in the Lund Auditorium of Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience, which put the song choices of the night in the hands of the audience.

“This year’s benefit was a tremendous success, thanks to our generous benefactors and honorees,” said Sara Acosta, vice president of University Advancement. “It was a bit of a departure in some ways, too. We hosted the event in a tent on the Quad, on a weeknight, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.”

Of the scholarship money raised, approximately $100,000 is set aside for a newly endowed scholarship in honor of Marty and Mary Lou Noll. Marty Noll served on the 91�鶹ӳ����ý Board of Trustees for 27 years, completing his final term this year. 

The Nolls were the recipients of the inaugural Heart of 91�鶹ӳ����ý Award, recognizing them as long-time advocates for 91�鶹ӳ����ý and for ensuring a network of support for many through their philanthropic efforts.

The inaugural Pillars Award was presented to W.S. Darley & Co. for exemplifying the four 91�鶹ӳ����ý pillars of faith, study, community and service. The family-owned company is a global manufacturer and distributor serving first responders and the military. 

“Both Darley and the Nolls are exemplars of the values that 91�鶹ӳ����ý holds dear,” Acosta noted.

The Darley family has deep ties to 91�鶹ӳ����ý. Jeanne Morrissy Darley ’50 and her children Mary Darley-Mattio MBA ’88, MSOM ’99, MLIS ’05; Stephen Darley ’82; and Peter Darley ’89 were all alumnae/i, and her son Paul Darley is a member of 91�鶹ӳ����ý’s Board of Trustees. Paul Darley is president of W.S. Darley & Co.

Chairing the 2024 Trustee Benefit were Tom and Deb Abrahamson, with honorary co-chairs Dr. Eugene and Clare (Sistie) McEnery ’58.