The Institute hosted its first fundraising event this evening at the historic Stephen Decatur House on Lafayette Square. All of the Institute’s scholars and local alumni were present in the Decatur House courtyard to greet guests, who had been invited to the event by Institute trustees. The lovely setting was ideal for informal conversation between the scholars and guests. Food and beverage were also served in the courtyard.

After about 90 minutes of mingling, everyone went indoors, where they were treated to an hour-long musical performance by five scholars and alumni. Barron Ryan (’08, University of Oklahoma), accompanied the singers and performed a piano piece that he had written. John Harper (’07, Oberlin College), Clarence Mitchell (’08, University of Maryland), David Wilford (’07, LaSalle University), and Brandon Piper (’08 DePauw University) sang individually and as a group.

The event was underwritten by the Lynde & Harry Bradley Foundation, which provided a generous grant to sponsor the Institute’s 5th Anniversary celebration. Other sponsors included Epstein Becker & Green PC, Foley & Lardner LLP, Schering-Plough Corporation, the Triad Foundation, Dezenhall Resources, Marathon Oil, the Community Financial Services Association, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, and SoBran Inc. Individual sponsors included Mr. Earl W. Stafford, Mr. Christopher Cowan, Mr. Cliff Hancock and Mrs. Bonnie Wagman, Mr. Paul C. Harris, Dr. Andrea and Dr. Leslie Kingslow, Mr. John T. Schell and Mrs. Anna Bruce, Mr. Frank R. Walker, Mr. Alvin Williams, and Mr. & Mrs. William A. Keyes.