LACEY, Wash. – Saint Martin's University's annual black-tie Gala raised $1.42 million with a significant portion going to student scholarships on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Hosted by Chef Renee Erickson, the evening brought together alumni, friends and benefactors in support of Saint Martin's students.
Held in the Hal and Inge Marcus Pavilion on the University's Lacey campus, the event featured a gourmet dinner, a celebrity chef cooking demonstration, a live auction and stories from the Saint Martin's community. Guests lived out the University's Benedictine values of hospitality, service and stewardship while supporting future Saints.
University President Bill Brownsberger thanked donors for their commitment. "Tonight showed, once again, the heart of the Saint Martin's community," Brownsberger said. "Our guests gave generously because they believe in our students and in the difference that a Saint Martin's education makes. Proceeds from the event will open doors for students who are ready to learn, lead, and serve. I am deeply grateful to everyone who joined us."
Chef Renee Erickson, a James Beard Award winner, author and co-owner of multiple Seattle restaurants, brought her love of Pacific Northwest ingredients and European-inspired cooking to the evening, taking guests on a creative journey through their local cuisine, under the sea.
Among the evening's highlights was an address from Susana Diaz, a senior social work major and first-generation Latina college student. Diaz is pursuing concentrations in addiction and trauma studies and plans to earn a master's degree in social work. Diaz described growing up in a low-income family that moved often before settling in the Tri-Cities, where her mother enrolled her in Catholic schools. She recalled sitting in her high school classroom on college application day, unsure how she could afford college. She said a merit scholarship letter from Saint Martin's changed her life, and that what moved her most was "that Saint Martin’s University already invested in me before I even began my college career."
“When it comes to scholarships and grants, you are not simply helping a student pay for college,“ Diaz said. “You are removing the barriers that can make college feel out of reach. Most importantly, you are believing in someone who may not have fully believed in themselves.”
"Susana's story and others like it is why we gather for Gala every year," said John Grossman, vice president of institutional advancement. "Our community's generosity gives students the freedom to focus on learning and pursuing the kind of transformative opportunities that will improve not only their own lives, but those of others. To every donor and sponsor who pledged their support: thank you. Our students' futures are brighter because of you. They will make you proud."
The Gala’s proceeds directly support Saint Martin’s student scholarships. Scholarships help ensure that financial barriers do not keep talented, dedicated students from earning a Saint Martin’s education.
For more information and photos from the 2026 Gala, visit www.stmartin.edu/gala. The next Gala will be held on November 6, 2027. The celebrity chef host will be announced in the coming months.
Thank you to our generous event sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor: Bon Appetit Management Company
Gala Reception Sponsor: MJR Development
Celebrity Chef Sponsor: FORMA Construction
Print Sponsor: Capitol City Press
Specialty Bar Sponsor: Peak Credit Union
Print Media Sponsor: Showcase Magazine
Hospitality Sponsor: Columbia Hospitality
Live Auction Sponsor: OlyFed
Celebrity Photo Sponsor: Sunset Air
Afterglow Sponsor: Joe and Jenn Sprague
Wine Glass Sponsor: Rudd Vision, Laser Vision Specialist
Raffle Sponsor: Panowicz Jewelers
Raffle Prize Sponsor: Frederique Constant Geneve
Valet Sponsor and Silent Auction Sponsor: Subaru - Olympia Subaru
Hors D’oeuvres Sponsor: Anthonys Homeport / Anthonys Hearthfire Grill
Coffee Sponsor: Olympia Coffee
Airline Partner Sponsor: Alaska Arlines
VIP Gift Bag Sponsor: Drees Olympia
Wine Sponsors: Winebow, Andrew Will, Joyous Society
Media Sponsor: Premier Media Group
Broadcast Media Sponsor: Cascade PBS
360 Photo Booth Sponsor: Hanna Consulting & Events, LLC
Saint Martin's Gala Table Sponsor:
Mary Louise Monaghan
Saint Benedict Table Sponsors:
Dr. Toni Christy and Mr. Carl Lew
Waite HS'65 & Patty Dalrymple
The Rants Group
Tedi Reynolds ‘71
John & Michelle Riel
Saint Gertrude Table Sponsors:
1st Security
America's Credit Union
Baker Tilly/Bellarmine Preparatory School
Christopher Thomsen SMC'80
Cliff Quisenberry/Bob Trunek
Dan HS'68 & Carla O'Neill
Heye Family
Holy Family Catholic School Lacey
Jim Vosper HS'68
Kiley Juergens Wealth Management
Lincoln Construction Inc.
Lucky Eagle Casino
Martin Collins HS'65
Miller Nash Graham & Dunn, LLP
Multicare Health Systems
Olympia Orthopaedic Associates
Providence Southwest Washington Foundation
Sam Armour/Robert Knapp
Squaxin Island Tribe
St. Michael Parish
Suzie Scott
Timberland Bank
US Bank
President’s Tables Sponsor:
Puget Sound Energy Foundation
Abbot Table Sponsor:
Connelly Law Offices
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