History of the Event
2012- The Emerald Ball Goes Green at UNT's Apogee Stadium
The theme for 2012 reflected the importance of sustainability at UNT. In teaching, research and daily practice, the goal of finding solutions to meet the needs of the present while not compromising resources for future generations is woven into the fabric of the university. For example, UNT scientists are creating bioproducts using properties found in plants and other UNT researchers have established the world's first environmental philosophy, science and policy field station at the southern tip of Chile, building on UNT's strength in sub-Antarctic biocultural conservation and environmental science.
2011 – Emerald Ball “Goes Gatsby” at the Belo Mansion, Dallas
President V. Lane Rawlins announced a new partnership between the Emerald Eagle Scholars program and the Children's Defense Fund – Texas Beat the Odds® scholarship program.
The Children's Defense Fund's Beat the Odds scholarship program, which is awarded in Texas, Washington, D.C. and three other states, rewards outstanding high school seniors who have overcome tremendous adversity to achieve academically and demonstrate leadership in their communities. In addition to financial scholarships, CDF's Beat the Odds award provides mentoring, support and leadership training to create future advocates for children.
Since it began in 2007, the Emerald Eagle Scholars program has helped more than 1,900 young people realize their dream of attending college.
2010 – Emerald “Super” Ball at the Gaylord Texan, Grapevine
Ivonne Pereira
After becoming a member of the first group of Scholars, Ivonne Pereira became the program's first graduate when she received her bachelor's degree in international studies in December 2009.
Year-round fundraising, plus proceeds from each Emerald Ball, secured more than $1.2 million in endowed scholarship funding for the Emerald Eagle Scholars program.
In 2009, 1,151 students representing 95 Texas counties were participating in the program. Seventy-three percent are the first in their families to attend college.
Net income from the ball and donations made directly to the program added another $53,000 to the Emerald Eagle Scholars Endowment. A total of $12,000 was directed to a 1-to-1 match made possible when the university received funds through the Department of Education's Title III program.
2009 – Emerald Ball “Goes Wild” at the Fort Worth Zoo
Emerald Eagle Scholars
at the 2009 ball
The University of North Texas earned its third consecutive Texas Higher Education Star Award signifying its advances in meeting the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's Closing the Gaps program. UNT's Emerald Eagle Scholars program earned the award for the university's work to ensure the university is among the leaders in Texas in increasing enrollment and degrees awarded.
2008 – Emerald Ball “Goes Texan” at the University Union, Denton
Guests enjoyed western music and art at the 2008 ball.
The Emerald Eagle Scholars program welcomed its first students in fall 2007.
The second annual Emerald Ball raised funds to support the Emerald Eagle Scholars program, designed to give Texas' academically talented undergraduates with high financial need the best chance to receive a college education.
With help from Emerald Ball proceeds, the Emerald Eagle Scholars Endowment surpassed $390,000 by June 2008.
2007 – Emerald Eagle Scholars program and endowment established
2007 Inaugural Emerald Ball
The Emerald Ball began at UNT in spring 2007 as a way to welcome the 14th president, Dr. Gretchen M. Bataille, to the university family. Dr. Bataille took the opportunity to reinforce her mission – and the university's – to provide opportunities for aspiring college students by creating the Emerald Eagle Scholars program.
The Emerald Eagle Scholars program is founded on three philosophical pillars – financial support, academic success and campus connection. It is available to incoming, fully admitted freshmen from Texas households with an annual income of $40,000 or less.
Eligible students must maintain a 2.5 grade point average and adhere to a course plan that will enable them to earn their degrees in four years. They also must be actively engaged in university life, including campus activities, mentoring and other student support programs.
Proceeds from the Emerald Ball and other support from a combination of individual donations and federal, state and university funds made more than $283,000 available to establish the Emerald Eagle Scholars Endowment.