🌟Event Overview: "First. Foremost. Future: The Celebration"🌟
Prepare yourself for a cosmic collision of legacy and innovation — Huston-Tillotson University, the first institution of higher learning in Austin and the third oldest business in the city, is launching into its Sesquicentennial Supernova with the biggest party Austin has ever seen!
Under the radiant leadership of the visionary President & CEO, Dr. Melva K. Wallace, we’re not just looking back — we’re leaping forward. This electrifying evening celebrates HT’s journey from First to Foremost — a tribute to our powerful past and a high-octane rocket boost into our brilliant future and you don’t want to miss it.

🎉THE VIBE:
Think dazzling. Think daring. Think active. Think deep future meets timeless elegance. The theme, “First. Foremost. Future: The Celebration,” sets the tone for a high-energy, hyper-immersive evening where heritage and hope dance in harmony.
🎉THE VIBE:
Think dazzling. Think daring. Think active. Think deep future meets timeless elegance. The theme, “First. Foremost. Future: The Celebration,” sets the tone for a high-energy, hyper-immersive evening where heritage and hope dance in harmony.
🚀ACTIVATIONS + ATTRACTIONS:
Prepare to have your senses captivated with interactive futurist activations — from augmented reality experiences to celestial light shows to time-travel-inspired art installations. Every moment is designed to be share-worthy, surprising, and soul-stirring. Also, if you enjoy more intimate moments, or just need a place to get off your moon boots, then find your way to Zentopia - a place to relax and talk to friends.
🎶ENTERTAINMENT THAT TRANSCENDS TIME:
The soundtrack for the night will be provided by none other than the world-renowned Huston-Tillotson University Presidents Jazz Collective — an ensemble of musical brilliance that blends popular tunes with a high-frequency futurist flair. Get ready to move, groove, and ascend.
🌠WHY IT MATTERS:
Your presence — and your generosity — powers our propulsion into the future. Proceeds from this unforgettable evening will help Huston-Tillotson University continue its trajectory as a global leader in education, innovation, and equity. Together, we’re building a future where HT is not just the first — it is foremost among the stars.
🪐DON’T MISS THIS HISTORIC, FUTURISTIC NIGHT.
Because 150 years is not just a celebration — it’s a launchpad.
Buy Your Ticket to the Future Here
Your Plans Won’t Allow You to Leave Earth But Want to Make a Donation to HT
Astro Ambassadors
Guiding us through this stellar celebration are our Astro Ambassadors — an extraordinary constellation of leaders, visionaries, and changemakers who embody the spirit of Huston-Tillotson University’s bold future. These dynamic hosts will help ignite the night with energy, elegance, and star-powered enthusiasm as we journey from First to Foremost.
Join us as a sponsor and become a vital force in launching Huston-Tillotson University into its next 150 years of excellence. Your support isn’t just a contribution — it’s a cosmic investment in education, innovation, and a future where HT shines as the foremost university in the world.
Sponsorship Packages
Astro Sponsor $200,000+
As the ultimate force behind our celebration, these sponsors power the mission and set the universe ablaze with possibility.
- Platinum VIP Area – Tickets for 10
- Premium Seating – Prime placement for Auction and Concert + Bottle Service
- Verbal Recognition from Stage
- Top Billing Logo/Name as “Presented by” in the main event logo
- Logo/Name on all collateral (Invitation, Program, Website, Emails, Signage, Video Graphics)
- Social Media Recognition – Thank-you post + 2 promotional posts before and 2 on event day
- Private Campus Tour and Update on the historic and innovative Campus Master Plan
- Exclusive Logo Placement on all promotional materials (digital, print, social media, emails)
- Minimum 2 social posts promoting the event
- Exclusive logo within the event
- Recognition as Presenting Sponsor on materials
- Speaking Opportunity at the Celebration
Meet and Greet with the President Melva K. Wallace for 10 Guests
Photos with Dr. Melva K. Wallace
Cosmic Vibes -Entertainment Sponsor $100,000
Fuel the frequency of the future by bringing world-class entertainment to life.
- Platinum VIP Area
- Seating for 10 with premium placement for Auction and Concert
- Bottle Service after dinner for Auction and Concert
- Meet and greet and photos with President Wallace (for 10 guests)
- Verbal Recognition from Stage
- Logo/Name in prominent position; listed as Entertainment Sponsor
- Logo/Name on all collateral including: Invitation, Program, Website, Emails, Signage and Video graphics
- Inclusion in social media thank you post; Inclusion in day of social media stories and posts
- Opportunity to schedule private historic tour of HT and update on the historic campus master plan
Celestial Feast- Dinner Sponsor $75,000 (1 Available)
Curate an interstellar dining experience that nourishes and dazzles our honored guests.
- Platinum VIP Area (valued at $25,000 FAIR MARKET VALUE $4,500)
- Seating for 10 with premium placement for Auction and Concert
- Bottle Service after dinner for Auction and Concert
- Premium wine selection
- Verbal Recognition from Stage
- Logo/Name on all collateral including: Invitation, Program, Website, Emails, Signage and Video graphics
- Inclusion in social media thank you post; Inclusion in day of social media stories and posts
- Logo/Name on dinner menu; “Tonight’s dinner presented by”
Photos with Dr. Melva K. Wallace
Stellar Storyline – Program Sponsor $50,000 (1 Available)
Illuminate the evening’s journey and honor the narrative of HT through stunning event programming.
- Golden VIP Area
- Seating for 10 with premium placement for Auction and Concert
- Bottle Service after dinner for Auction and Concert
- Premium wine selection
- Verbal Recognition from Stage
- Logo/Name on all collateral including: Invitation, Program, Website, Emails, Signage and Video graphics
- Inclusion in social media thank you post; Inclusion in day of social media stories and posts
- Logo/Name on program: “Tonight’s program presented by”
Photos with Dr. Melva K. Wallace
Orbit Lounge – Cocktail Reception Sponsor $30,000 (1 Available)
Toast to the next 150 years in a space where stars mingle and galaxies collide.
- Gold Seating for 10
- Premium wine selection
- Recognition from the Stage
- Logo/Name on all collateral including: Invitation, Program, Website, Emails, Signage and Video graphics
- Inclusion in social media thank you post; Inclusion in day of social media stories and posts
Photos with Dr. Melva K. Wallace
Atmosphere Architect -Decor Sponsor
$30,000 (1 Available)
Shape the visual universe of the evening with breathtaking design and décor.
- Branded Signage within the venue
- Gold Table for 10
- Premium wine selection
- Recognition from the Stage
- Logo/Name on all collateral including: Invitation, Program, Website, Emails, Signage and Video graphics
- Inclusion in social media thank you post; Inclusion in day of social media stories and posts
Photos with Dr. Melva K. Wallace
Live Auction Sponsor $25,000
- Branding with Logo on all attendee Bid Paddles
- Gold Table
- Premium wine selection
- Recognition from the Stage
- Logo/Name on all collateral including: Invitation, Program, Website, Emails, Signage and Video graphics
- Inclusion in social media thank you post; Inclusion in day of social media stories and posts
Photos with Dr. Melva K. Wallace
Supernova Spotlight – Step & Repeat
Sponsor $25,000 (1 Available)
Beam guests into the limelight with a futuristic photo experience like no other.
- Branded Photo Booth area
- Gold Seating for 10
- Premium wine selection
- Logo/Name on all collateral including: Invitation, Program, Website, Emails, Signage and Video graphics
- Inclusion in social media thank you post; Inclusion in day of social media stories and posts
Photos with Dr. Melva K. Wallace
Gravity Gate – Valet Sponsor $25,000
Provide a seamless arrival into the celebration’s orbit with stellar valet service.
- Brand Valet Drop-off/pick up signage and area at Event
- Gold Table (valued at $15,000 FAIR MARKET VALUE $3,500)
- Premium wine selection
- Listed on website as official Valet Sponsor of Glow in the Park
- Logo/Name on all collateral including: Invitation, Program, Website, Emails, Signage and Video graphics
- Opportunity to place branded swag and/or materials in guests’ vehicles.
Time Capsule Courier -Invitation Sponsor $10,000
Deliver the first spark of anticipation with beautifully designed, forward-thinking invitations.
- Logo Placement on printed invitation
- 4 Tickets
- Logo/Name on all collateral including: Invitation, Program, Website, Emails, Signage and Video graphics
- Inclusion in social media thank you post; Inclusion in day of social media stories and posts
Galaxy Glow – Powder Room $5,000 (1 Available)
Keeping guest glowing and refreshed throughout the evening
- Signage in bathrooms with opportunity for takeaway + mints, mouthwash, flossers, hairspray
- Logo/Name on all collateral including: Invitation, Program, Website, Emails, Signage and Video graphics
Stars – Friends of HT $5,000 (Limited)
Our loyal allies helping HT leap from legacy to limitless. Every gift fuels the mission.
- 2 Tickets
- Logo/Name on in Program, Website, and Video graphics at event.
Email: lyjackson@htu.edu / advancement@htu.edu
Become a Sponsor the Celebration
Sponsors
- Catina and David Godsey
- Chris Hyams and Lize Burr
- Eric and Michele Starkloff