Sacramento State celebrated the achievements of Destination 2010 Friday night during the fifth Green and Gold Gala in the University Union Ballroom.

“It was seven years ago that we launched our initiative to improve Sacramento State, and just look how far we’ve come,” said Sac State President Alexander Gonzalez to about 360 people at the gala. “We have dispelled the notion that we are an isolated institution by reaching out to the community, forming exciting new partnerships and generating unprecedented levels of support. We dreamed big, and we succeeded.”

Tickets to the event were $200 apiece, with a $50 discount for Sac State faculty and staff. Proceeds went toward student scholarships, according to a Sac State press release. The event’s featured sponsor, Wells Fargo, donated $100,000 to Sac State for student veterans’ scholarships.

Carole Hayashino, vice president of the Office of University Advancement, said the gala aims to increase the campus’ visibility and make a connection with the community.

“We really focused on our friends in the community and our alums,” Hayashino said. “Tonight is a nice balance of both community and campus to come together, which was one of the four tenets of Destination 2010, so I think the gala tonight really illustrates its success.”

Although Sac State students were not given a discount to attend, seats were reserved for sponsored students from the Honors, Student Veteran Success and Guardian Scholars programs, and Associated Students Inc.

“We actually have more students this year, which is great,” Hayashino said. “We’re really thrilled to have students represented throughout our program this evening. Our students have been great about even volunteering as ambassadors and greeters for our guests tonight as well as being part of the entertainment.”

The gala included a reception, dinner, dancing and entertainment by pop band Clean Slate, as well as a skit from the musical comedy act, Nunsense.

Hayashino said this year’s gala focused more on recognizing the collective efforts of Sac State faculty, staff, students and alumni, and community members in achieving the goals of Destination 2010, than honoring a single person like it did in the past four years.

“We are recognizing that it really takes a community for the success of Sacramento State,” Hayashino said. “That’s why there’s such joy and celebration tonight, is because everyone’s been a part of Destination 2010, and they feel so much like a part of the university now.”

Hayashino said there is more to Destination 2010’s success than the construction of new buildings.

“What has been more difficult to measure is the great sense of pride our alumni are feeling about their alma mater,” Hayashino said. “Our alumni are much more connected, and I think it shows not only in our alumni activities, but also in the private gifts coming to the university. We’ve been receiving multi-million dollar gifts, and it’s all going to students, faculty and classrooms.”

The University Foundation of Sac State manages the financial donations given to the campus. Pam Stewart, its chief financial officer, said the gala allows people in the community to come together to and learn more about how to support the university.

“I go to social events because I’m a volunteer in the community, and a lot of times they are obligations,” Stewart said. “This, however, is a joy. Everyone here is committed to the university, so no matter who I talk to, I talk about some of the university initiatives that we’re trying to promote, and they get excited about it, which doesn’t happen everywhere you go. It’s exciting.”

Stewart said her favorite part of the night was a video detailing the effects Destination 2010 has had on the campus.

“What was exciting tonight was being able to see up there on that screen where we’ve come, because you forget,” Stewart said. “You forget, and then all of a sudden, it’s happening. It’s so exciting. It’s all about the students. They’re why we’re here.”

Stewart said the community needs to learn more about the initiatives that the University Foundation is trying to promote because Sac State can use as much support as it can get.

“I would also like to hear from the students if there is more we can do to promote what we’re doing so they understand that we are acting on their behalf. Again, it’s all about you; you’re why we’re here. I have kids where you are, and there are people who are helping them. That’s why I do it.”

Gonzalez said this year’s gala did not just focus on the past, but also marked a new beginning for Sac State.

“We want Sacramento State to be the epicenter of Sacramento’s intellectual, cultural and economic prosperity,” Gonzalez said. “This includes world-class academic programs that prepare graduates for the workforce; centers of excellence that will make us a regional hub for innovation; and facilities and attractions that make our campus a destination for events and entertainment. We’ll go into more detail in the spring, and I hope all of you stay with us as we work to create an even brighter future at Sacramento State.”

Micah Stevenson can be reached at [email protected].