The Alabama A&M University Selma-Dallas County Alumni Chapter hosted “An Elegant Night of Jazz” on Saturday night at the Pride of Alabama Elks Lodge Ballroom.

The evening was more than just a chance for people to come out and experience the live entertainment provided by Dr. Reginal Jackson.

Proceeds collected from Friday night’s festivities will benefit The Alabama A&M University Selma-Dallas County Alumni Chapter Scholarship Fund.

The Jazz festival was put on to recognize the outstanding young individuals awarded scholarships as well as raise money for the Chapter’s scholarship fund.

“The purpose of this event,” said Chapter President Nivory Gordon, “Is to keep students motivated and show the community that we are here as a vessel to try and enhance lives and to help people build better communities.”

Alabama A&M Alumni Chapter Member Collins Pettaway, III said that the Alumni Chapter was honored to be able to provide new paths for young people.

“We can provide avenues of education for our students, especially in areas such as Selma where people feel there are no opportunities,” said Pettaway. “We can’t pay their entire tuition, but we can certainly give them a leg up in helping them peruse whatever dreams they want to.”

For Tyler Burrell, a graduate of Linden High School, the scholarship is a way for him to fulfill his dreams of becoming an electrical engineer.

“This means a lot to me and my family,” said Burrell.

Two Selma High School Graduates, Kourtney Tabb and Jessica Coleman also received an Alumni Chapter Scholarship.