New Awards Presented, Endowed Scholarship Created During 2024 Trustee Benefit Concert
An interactive concert of Beatles favorites and the presentation of two new awards made the 2024 Trustee Benefit a fresh experience for Dominican University supporters this year.
The Annual Trustee Benefit Concert for Scholarships, held May 9, raised just over $530,000 for Dominican University 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 Dominican Board of Trustees for 27 years, completing his final term this year.
The Nolls were the recipients of the inaugural Heart of Dominican Award, recognizing them as long-time advocates for Dominican 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 Dominican 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 Dominican holds dear,” Acosta noted.
The Darley family has deep ties to Dominican University. 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 Dominican’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.
