CBC held its seventh annual Scholarship Gala on Friday, March 6, at Antioch Baptist Church in Conway. The event brought together students, faculty, donors and community members to celebrate and support scholarships for CBC students.
Guest speaker Jonathan Falwell, chancellor of Liberty University, spoke about the importance of faith-based institutions in higher education and thanked donors for their continued support of CBC.
He emphasized that their contributions are vital not only to the institution but also to the advancement of God’s kingdom. Falwell encouraged those in attendance to remain committed to truth and stand firm in their faith.
The fine arts department took the stage as the string ensemble, band, and worship choir all performed throughout the night. Choir director Max Sullivan said the gala was one of the department’s biggest opportunities of the semester.
“This is arguably the largest thing that we’re going to do all semester,” Sullivan said. “It incorporates all of our fundraising and the funds that we need for scholarships, but it’s also an outreach event, so we want to make sure we have prepared quality music, but at the same time God-glorifying music as well.”
Sullivan said he was especially excited about the choir’s finale, a new arrangement of the hymn “I’ll Fly Away.”
“Everybody knows the old hymn ‘I’ll Fly Away,’ but this is sort of a new take,” Sullivan said.
Throughout the evening, several videos produced by Tower Media video staff were shown. The videos featured students sharing their testimonies and describing how CBC has impacted their lives and strengthened their walk with Christ.
“It was great, and I’m getting some positive feedback from the videos shown here tonight at the gala,” freshman Ethan Ball shared
The videos highlighted students from across campus and demonstrated the wide-ranging impact CBC has had on its student body.
The three-course meal opened with an iceberg wedge salad topped with a balsamic drizzle and parmesan-peppercorn dressing. The main entrée featured a beef medallion served with caramelized carrots and roasted petite potatoes. Dessert concluded the meal with fresh strawberry cake topped with whipped cream cheese icing.
Chef Billie Rodriguez, dining services director, shared insight into the planning that goes into preparing the annual meal.
“We started months ago coordinating and gathering what we needed,” Rodriguez said.
Preparation for the meal began nearly 24 hours in advance. Rodriguez and a staff of eight prepared food for approximately 425 guests. Volunteers, including CBC students and members of Renewal Ranch, assisted with plating and serving throughout the evening.
President Jeremy Langley delivered closing remarks, thanking donors for their ongoing support. Langley emphasized that their generosity impacts not only the institution but also the lives of students across campus.
He reaffirmed the college’s mission to transform lives through education by integrating Christian faith and academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment.
Langley announced that the gala raised $551,640 during the evening, bringing the total amount raised to $993,728.
Local pastor Michael Treat reflected on the significance of the event.
“It is very encouraging to see so many people united in Christ-centered gratitude, passion and vision to make a kingdom impact in, for and through generations of students,” Treat said. “The gala each year continues to be a beacon of light for the campus and a reminder that God will provide.”
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