NASHVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Austin Peay State University held its 41st annual Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on Saturday, bringing together supporters, alumni, and community members for an evening of giving. The event successfully raised over $220,000 for student scholarships.
Guests enjoyed live music from Sam McCray & The Mix and watched a live art demonstration by Clarksville artist Olasubomi “Ola” Aka-Bashorun. The night featured dinner, dancing and giving. The fundraising goal of $200,000 was surpassed early in the evening.
The Meltons at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The Chesters at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
Eric Yow and Erin Yow at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
Marco and Opa at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
Miss Austin Peay at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The Robinsons at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
Brian Rives at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The Evanses at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
Michael Licari at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The Rauschs at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
Kevin and Rhonda Kennedy at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The Kennedys at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
Aubrey Tate, Eric Yow, and Erin Yow at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The Chownings at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
Amelia Magette, Ginna Holleman, and Cecy Rocconi at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The Bellamys at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
Joe Maynard at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
Lorneth Peters and Darwin Eldridge at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The Egberts at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
Sam McCray & The Mix at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The Riveses at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
Michael Licari at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The Williamses at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
Sam McCray & The Mix at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
Thomas Brennan and Scott Giles at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The Gov at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
Steve and Pennie at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
Tate and Megan at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The Adamsons at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The Gov, Michael Licari, and Kimberly Wiggins dance at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The Dempseys at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
The Hayeses at the 41st Austin Peay State University Candlelight Ball at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on May 3, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
This year’s Governor Sponsor, the 2024 Title Sponsor for the Candlelight Ball, was Wyatt Johnson Toyota. The dealership also donated a brand new 2025 Toyota RAV4 for a raffle to benefit the university.
The Candlelight Ball is a longstanding Austin Peay tradition that was first established in 1984 by the late retired Army Brig. Gen. Wendell H. Gilbert. Gilbert, who served as APSU’s Vice President for Development and University Relations for 17 years, created the event to help raise scholarship funds for students attending the university.
Since its founding, the event has grown into a fundraiser for APSU, supporting not only scholarships but also improvements to the campus. Through the contributions of underwriters and guests, the Candlelight Ball provides opportunities for students at Austin Peay.
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