FAU's Soirée 65 Raises More Than $2.5 Million for Student Success

Florida Atlantic University celebrated its 65th year in record-breaking fashion at Soirée 65, the annual President's Gala held at The Boca Raton, raising more than $2.5 million in support of student-success initiatives.

More than 1,000 friends of the university joined FAU President Adam Hasner and First Lady Jillian Hasner for the milestone evening. Funds raised will directly support paid community and nonprofit internships as well as housing scholarships to help students navigate the high cost of living off campus.

The evening's energy reflected something much bigger than a fundraiser. 

"The university had never had a gala like this in the past. And so, we didn't know what to expect. And certainly, we could have never imagined raising $2.5 million and having 1,000 people show up at 5:00 and 6:00 at night to celebrate 65 years with us and express such an amazing interest and level of support. It has been so moving," said gala co-chair Stacey Packer.

Soirée 65 was presented by Cathy and Abdol Moabery, longtime FAU champions. 

"For the university to achieve top 100 and R1 status in terms of a nationally recognized research university is next level," said Abdol Moabery. "We dreamt about it while we were on the board. We fought for it, and it's here today. And that is incredible."

The ripple effect of FAU reaches far beyond campus. 

"When I think of FAU, I think of them as a driver of Palm Beach County's economy. Without the workforce and the education, we would not be driving as solid as we are right now. FAU is in the middle of it all, providing the talent that these companies need that make this area so rich in economic assets,” said Palm Beach County Commissioner Maria Marino.

"We've got a lot of great people here that all love FAU, that are all here to support our university, not just athletics, not just football, but the university as a whole," said FAU Director of Athletics Brian White speaking to the heart of the night and community. 

Perhaps the most personal reflection of the night came from Cameron Jackson '25, a Graduate Assistant in the Office of the President. 

"The university really does mean everything to me. Just back in February, it gave me my fiancée, I met her here at Florida Atlantic," said Jackson. 

Looking ahead, Jackson plans to pursue a career in the U.S. Navy, adding, "I want to give back because I feel like so many people poured it into my glass, and I want to give that back to the next generation."