Penn State Lehigh Valley will host the Charles W. Dent Blue & White Gala, 6:30 - 7:30?p.m. May 20, 2021,?as a virtual event, which is free and open to the public.

Gala proceeds benefit the Charles W. Dent STEM wing, part of Penn State?Lehigh?Valley’s $14.4-million?campus?expansion?project, with most of the structure expected to be completed by June.

The evening?is a tribute to?the former congressman?for his years of service to the community.

Dent is a political commentator for CNN.

Dent joined DLA Piper as a senior policy advisor after serving in the U.S. House of Representatives for seven terms representing the 15th?District of Pennsylvania.

Originally planned as in-person event, the on-line?gala?will?feature?CNN personality Mike Smerconish and testaments to Dent from top?Lehigh Valley?leaders.

Former CBS anchor-Penn State Lehigh Valley?faculty member?Liz?Keptner is?master of ceremonies.

The Allentown High School Chorale will perform.

A?silent auction?opens May 13, one week prior to the event.

Auction items, ranging from Penn State memorabilia, designer handbags, a New York Giants game experience, art and entertainment packages, will be open for bids?on?the Gala?website.

The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Wing?will include an organic chemistry lab and student?resources?that match?skill sets?desired by regional employers and allow?students to?complete undergraduate courses required?to apply?for medical school?locally.

“For decades, the former Congressman?has worked to bring educational?opportunity?and resources to the region,” said Tina Q. Richardson, chancellor, Penn State Lehigh Valley.

“We are so pleased that he is continuing his efforts by?helping us raise essential funds for the?expansion?and,?in particular, our?STEM wing.

“This?space matches the needs of our community and will provide unique?and local?access to one of the strongest and globally known universities in the world, Charlie’s alma mater, Penn State [Class of 1982].”

“We would like to?thank our?Leadership Sponsors to?date:?Alvin H. Butz,?Inc.;?B. Braun Medical?Inc.;?PPL?Corp.,?and Bill and Denise Spence?for their support.”

Information: Kate Ginnard, Penn State Lehigh Valley Development Office, 610-285-5072; Charles W. Dent Blue & White Gala website:

https://lehighvalley.psu.edu/gala