Investing in Momentum:
The Nazareth University Inauguration Scholarship Gala

Every scholarship creates opportunity. Every opportunity transforms a life.

Join President Maureen F. Finney — following her momentous inauguration and investiture as Nazareth’s 11th president — and the Nazareth University community for an elegant evening celebrating the transformative power of a Nazareth education.

As the final Inauguration Day event, the Scholarship Gala will bring together alumni, friends, corporate partners, and community leaders in support of talented students whose aspirations will shape the future. Together, we will expand access to a Nazareth education and invest in the next generation of compassionate leaders, innovative thinkers, and engaged citizens.

Thank you to our Scholarship Gala co-chairs, trustee Anne McCaffrey '89 and her husband, Chris McCaffrey '87.

Saturday, October 24, 2026

Irondequoit Country Club
4045 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618

• Black tie
• Valet parking will be provided.

An Evening of Celebration and Impact

Guests will enjoy an elegant cocktail reception, a seated dinner, inspiring student stories, remarks from President Finney, live music, and dancing.

The evening’s program will serve as the celebratory finale of Inauguration Day, highlighting the profound difference scholarship support makes in the lives of Nazareth students — and the lasting impact those students make in their professions, communities, and the world.

Evening Schedule
Dinner Selections

Guests may select one of the following entrées during registration:

  • Butternut Squash Ravioli (Vegetarian): Artisan ravioli, butternut squash purée, nutmeg mascarpone crème, and spiced roasted pecans
  • New York Strip Steak (Gluten-Free): Grilled 12-ounce Angus strip steak with wild mushroom glace de viande
  • Chicken Asiago: Sautéed chicken breast with an herb and Asiago crust, artichokes, wild mushrooms, and Chardonnay lemon-garlic sauce
  • Herb-Crusted Halibut: East Coast halibut with an herb-Parmesan panko crust and lemon beurre blanc

Please identify any dietary restrictions when registering.

Individual Tickets

Individual tickets are $350 per person and include the cocktail reception, seated dinner, program, live entertainment, and dancing. Note that this is an exclusive event and seating is limited.

Purchase individual tickets

Sponsorship Opportunities

Gala sponsors play a leading role in expanding educational opportunities for Nazareth students. We invite our corporate partners and devoted friends to sponsor a table of 10 for $10,000.

Sponsorship benefits include ten tickets to the event, reserved seating, access to the private VIP reception with President Finney, and your name listed on the Gala website and in the printed program.

Become a sponsor

Invest in a Student’s Future

Every gift to scholarship support helps make a Nazareth education possible. Your generosity can provide students with the resources, confidence, and opportunity they need to pursue their ambitions.

Scholarship Giving Opportunities

  • $25,000 — Presidential Scholar
  • $10,000 — Opportunity Scholarship
  • $5,000 — Student Success Scholarship
  • $2,500 — Semester Scholarship Support
  • $1,000 — Books and Student Success Resources
  • Any amount — Scholarship Fund

Whether or not you are able to personally attend the Gala, you can help create opportunity and transform a student’s life.

Make a scholarship gift

Advance registration is required. Please register by September 24, 2026.

For questions about tickets, sponsorships, or accessibility accommodations, please contact the Advancement Office at dev@naz.edu or 585-389-2415.

Thank you to our generous Gala sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Zeke and Jane Duda

Gold Sponsors

Cathy '84G and Dick Rasmussen

Nazareth University
Purple Sponsors

Anne '89 and Chris McCaffrey '87

John '83 and Dena Drain '84

Table Sponsors
  • Andy and Karen Gallina
  • Harter Secrest & Emery LLP
  • LaBella Associates
  • Robert and Janice Miller 
  • Coral Surgeon and Bradford Berk
Additional Scholarship Support
  • Carol Fitzsimmons '84 and James Sauer
Gift-in-Kind Sponsors
  • Reflex Offset