STEER DINNER & AUCTION

Avila University alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends raised more than $950,000 in student scholarship funds during the first-ever virtual Steer Dinner & Auction on Saturday, February 6.

In its 45th year, the annual celebration brings together the entire Avila community to celebrate the University and support student scholarships. Traditionally held in Downtown Kansas City, the challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic forced the event to be held online. Despite the limitations of social distancing, the Avila community lived up to the event’s theme, ‘Better Together.’

Emcee, Greg Lever ’85, President, Ron Slepitza, Ph.D., CSJA and emcee, Shawna Pena-Downing ’12

better together

AVILA UNIVERSITY • 45TH VIRTUAL STEER DINNER AUCTION

From left to right: Behind the scenes, Landers Visions produced the annual event; Honorary Chairs Greg Kratofil, Jr. and Kristin Kratofil; S. Olive Louise Dallavis with Jimmy C. in 1977. When Jimmy C. was donated by several area businessmen to S. Olive Louise Dallavis, CSJ then president of Avila, she needed to turn the gift into cash. The school cafeteria was moderately decorated, tables set and steaks served. Since the first dinner 45 years ago, alumni, family and friends have contributed more than $14 million – assuring that 98% of Avila undergraduate students receive scholarships.