The Pre-Gala Event was held at the National Airline History Museum at the Downtown Airport. The event was a party held for parents, alumnae and friends of STA. It took place Sept. 22 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The money raised benefits the fundraising for the Gala later this year. The Gala will showcase STA’s history through performance arts. The funds raised support the endowment program at STA.

This is the first year STA has decided to have the event. In the past, one Pre-Auction party was held for parents and another was held for alumnae and friends of the schools, according to Barbara Cusick, Director of Development. This year, the two were combined to just one party.

An individual ticket to the event cost $50. However, there was also an option to donate more money and become either a pilot, with a contribution of $500, or a co-pilot, with a contribution of $150. Both options provide two tickets to the event, and the pilot option also includes recognition during the evening.

This location was very special for two STA alumnae Bonnie Vontz and Jerry Schloegel. Vontz recalled her husband coming home from the Vietnam War in this airport.

“My husband came home from Vietnam here,” Vontz said. “He had been gone for 14 months. And I remember what I had on, I remember where I parked the car, I remember everything about it. Him coming down off the airplane, it was really one of my most cherished moments. He didn’t leave from here, but he came home to me here, and it was wonderful.”

Vontz and Schloegel were in the Class of 1965 together, and have been best friends for 53 years.  Schloegel also has fond memories of this airport.

“I remember breaking up with my boyfriend during spring break 1966 and coming home so sad,” Schloegel said. “And my dad picked me up with a big bottle of champagne and he said, ‘We’ll celebrate when you come together and we’ll celebrate when you go apart.’”