Gala at the Great Hall

Save the Date
Dec. 5, 2026 | 6:30 p.m.
The Great Hall

In 1933, during the throes of the Great Depression, Monmouth opened its doors as a junior college to offer quality education to local students aspiring to earn a college degree. Providing deserving students access to higher education, regardless of their economic circumstance, has always been paramount to Monmouth University’s mission. As Monmouth evolved—first into a four-year college, and soon into a nationally ranked university boasting doctoral programs, Division I athletics, and state-of-the-art facilities—our commitment to student access has remained steadfast.

To differentiate ourselves in an increasingly competitive market, Monmouth University aims to become a national leader at integrating excellence and access by becoming the most highly ranked institution with our access measures in our category. To achieve this distinction, Monmouth University must become both more excellent and more accessible, with the support of local, regional, and national friends.

While the Excellence. Access. Ambition. campaign has come to a successful close, our commitment to expanding educational opportunity continues. The Access Fund remains a vital resource, helping to remove financial barriers so that deserving students can pursue a Monmouth University education and fully engage in the academic, leadership, and campus experiences that define the Monmouth experience. Your support of this year’s Gala at the Great Hall directly benefits the Access Fund, strengthening our mission and empowering the next generation of Hawks.

Event Details

This year, please join Monmouth University on Saturday, December 5, for the Gala at the Great Hall. At this time, we will also recognize Joan D. Mercer and Henry D. Mercer, III ’87 ’17HN as this year’s President’s Medal recipients in honor of their lifelong commitment to the University.

The evening will feature a seated dinner in Monmouth’s marquee building—the Great Hall—a space and setting befitting of such a special evening. We hope you consider joining us for dinner and entertainment provided by Brian Kirk and the Jirks to help kick off the holiday season while benefiting the Access Fund, which provides scholarship support to students with unmet financial need.