Jackson State University Development Foundation (JSUDF) will host its third annual 1877 Derek D. Polk Signature Event at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at the Jackson Convention Center in downtown Jackson. This isn’t just any fundraiser – it’s a celebration.
Get ready to move and groove to the soulful sounds of musical guest Lari Johns’n, and JSU alum DJ Mark “Flava” Fuller on the turntables. Adding her signature humor, comedienne and JSU alumna Rita Brent will serve as host for the evening.
“The Signature Event is a celebration of Jackson State University’s enduring legacy, serves as a powerful investment in its future, and honors our former treasurer, Derek D Polk ’93. This event brings together the JSU family to not only honor our rich history but also to make a tangible impact on the lives of our most valuable asset — our students,” said Guyna G. Johnson, chair of the Jackson State University Development Foundation.
The lively affair is more than a good time – it’s an opportunity to strengthen bonds with JSU supporters and build new connections. Expect to mingle with fellow alumni, donors, and friends of JSU, alongside industry professionals, community leaders and the finest from Jackson’s entertainment scene.
“Together, we are securing financial support to ensure JSU’s long-term sustainability and provide our students with the tools needed for social mobility long after this night of celebration,” added Johnson, a class of 1992 JSU alumna.
Guests can indulge in delectable cuisine by some of the city’s top culinary masters, including wetting their palettes with an exclusive 1877 Signature Cocktail, specially crafted by Self Made Tequila. For those looking to upgrade their evening, parlay in the Bourbon and Tequila Lounges for an additional cost.
The dress code? Fresh and dressed to impress. General admission is $125, and they’re going fast, so grab yours here.
Last year, the event was renamed after Derek D. Polk, the fundraising chair, who passed away unexpectedly in 2023. Polk played a pivotal role in the event’s success, and the renaming pays tribute to his memory and dedication to JSU.