Intricate table decorations made form paper created by Mike Lees and his volunteers highlighted the things Leonard loves.
Bobbie and Leonard Fant pose with the caricature of of Leonard.
Lin Miao, one of the 2014-15 First in the Family Scholarship recipients, with Dr. James L. Catanzaro, president of Chattanooga State.
Leonard Fant during his rebuttal of the roast.
Toasters and roasters with the guest of honor. From left: Claude Ramsey, Jed Mescon, Grady Williams, James Catanzaro, Leonard Fant, Rhonda Catanzaro, John Germ and Warren Logan.
The event planning begins almost a year in advance. The honoree is chosen, committees are formed, meetings ensue and as momentum builds, it culminates in an evening that honors a respected and well-known community leader who is the first in his or her family to graduate college. This is the annual Dinner of Firsts…funding First in the Family scholarships for Chattanooga State students who are first-generation college students attending classes full-time. Since 2012, the number of students who benefit from this scholarship has grown from 12 recipients to 27.
This year, more than 375 guests helped Chattanooga State honor community leader Leonard Fant and support its first generation of scholars. Mr. Fant, the youngest of nine children and the first in his family to graduate college, is well known for his love of family, philanthropic efforts, and fundraising skills.
Event chair Grady Williams, with toasters and major sponsors Keith Sanford of First Tennessee and Greg Vital of Morning Pointe, joined roasters John F. Germ, Warren E. Logan, Rhonda Catanzaro, and Claude Ramsey for some good-natured ribbing of Fant. James Rogers also presented a tribute via video, performing an original song entitled, “Give it up for Leonard Fant.”
A highlight of the evening was hearing from 2014-15 First in the Family scholar Lin Miao who received a standing ovation after her remarks. “Your generosity means much more beyond financial help, it profoundly encourages me to rebuild the confidences and outlook of my life. I want to say thank you to you and to all of my teachers, faculty members, employer and friends. I will always remind myself to be a better person and to help others like you have helped me.”
A talented and hardworking group of volunteers helped make all the magic happen including Grady Williams’ Planning Committee members: Beverlee Bartley, Rhonda Catanzaro, Stefanie Crowe, Rose Decosimo, Bobbie Fant, Lori Hensley Hairrell, Linda Hisey, Katye Jones, Donna Knowles Killian, Randall Peters, Jude Weidner, Doris White and Mike Lees. Mr. Lees led a stellar Décor Committee who hand made incredible paper flowers and personalized centerpieces featuring things Leonard loves. Decor volunteers included Sheila Albritton, Betty Bishop, Judy Carscadden, Peggy Lees, Marion Reeves, Anne Roza, Dolores Wolfe, and Joy Worley.
For more information on First in the Family Scholarships or other giving opportunities, visit http://www.chattanoogastate.edu/alumni-donors/foundation or call 423 697-3359.