NEO Golden Gala raises record-breaking $200,000 for student scholarships

Miami, Okla. — The Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College Development Foundation raised more than $200,000 for student scholarships during the 2026 NEO Golden Gala on Thursday, Nov. 5, in the Calcagno Family Ballroom.

A caller at the NEO Golden Gala shouting out a bid on a live auction item The annual fundraising event brought together NEO alumni, supporters, community members, and friends of the college to invest in educational opportunities for current and future NEO students.

Funds raised through the NEO Golden Gala support Foundation scholarships for NEO students, as well as scholarships for high school students seeking to take concurrent courses at NEO.

The 2026 event marks the most successful Golden Gala in the event's history, surpassing the previous record of just over $150,000 raised in 2025.

Throughout the evening, guests had several opportunities to support NEO students, including bidding on 11 live auction items and over 75 silent auction items, making call-to-action gifts, and purchasing one of 30 teddy bears for $1,000 each. Each teddy bear purchase was matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact of those contributions.

Current NEO student and Student Government Association President Paige Harrison also addressed attendees during the event, sharing how Foundation scholarships have supported her educational goals and provided opportunities throughout her time at NEO. Her story highlighted the direct impact donors can have on the lives and futures of NEO students.

"Raising more than $200,000 for student scholarships through this year's Golden Gala is a testament to the generosity of our alumni, community partners, and friends of NEO," said NEO Foundation Director Ryan Orcutt. "What makes this achievement so meaningful is knowing that every dollar raised represents an opportunity to change students' lives. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who made this historic evening possible."

Proceeds from the Golden Gala allow the NEO Development Foundation to continue expanding scholarship opportunities and helping reduce financial barriers for students pursuing their education at NEO. Support for concurrent scholarships also provides high school students an opportunity to begin earning college credit while still in high school.

NEO and the NEO Development Foundation extend their sincere appreciation to the sponsors, donors, auction contributors, volunteers, attendees, and community partners who helped make the 2026 Golden Gala a record-breaking success.

Every bid, donation, sponsorship, and contribution represents an investment in the future of NEO students and helps provide opportunities for the next generation of Norsemen.