Scholarship Auction Continues Upward Trend
4/28/2018 8:07:00 PM | General
KENT, Ohio – Kent State welcomed back Pittsburgh Steelers' fullback Roosevelt Nix as the guest of honor Friday night during the 7th Annual Athletics Scholarship Auction at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center. The fun-filled night raised over $120,000, from 385 registered bidders.
The event helps ensure the sustainability of a first-class academic, social and athletic experience for over 400 Kent State student-athletes. Friday broke the seven-year auction record for net proceeds benefiting student-athlete scholarships.
"Kent State was the first school to offer me," reflected Nix on his decision to play football for the Golden Flashes. "They didn't care how big I was. And it was a beautiful blessing to come. It gave me an education, lifelong friends and taught me a lot about football and about myself. Most importantly it gave me a degree for after football."
The Flasher Brass band welcomed patrons on the front steps of the M.A.C. Center and later performed inside where more than 183 items were up for bid in both silent and live auctions. Auction items included a FedEx Bristol Motor Speedway package, vacation packages to Hawaii and Cabo San Lucas, a trip with the Kent State football team to Ole Miss and various sports memorabilia, including a Willie Mays signed baseball bat.
"I'd like to thank all of the staff and volunteers that help make this a truly special night for Kent State athletics," Director of Athletics Joel Nielsen said. "The growth of the auction over the last seven years is something our student-athletes will continue to benefit from. A big "thank you" to Rosie and all of our supporters for a special evening and a promising future."
The silent auction pulled in $37,145, while the live auction raised $23,500. Friday evening's event brought the annual tradition's seven-year total to $625,000.
The evening featured gourmet food stations, an open bar, a Wall of Wine and the chance to meet and mingle with numerous Kent State student-athletes, coaches and Flash.
"Kent State gave me an opportunity and all the help I needed to succeed academically," said women's track & field senior Bennisha Nunn. "I grew up in a household with 11 siblings and never thought I would go to college. I really appreciate my coaches for this opportunity. I'm going to be the first in my family to get a college degree."
At this year's event, emcee Ty Linder was joined on stage by men's basketball coach Rob Senderoff, women's basketball coach Todd Starkey and football coach Sean Lewis for the live auction. An ocean front condo package in Cabo San Lucas went for an evening-best $5,250.
Nix was joined by a number of former teammates at this year's auction. He is the only player in Kent State's history to be named to the All-Mid-American Conference First Team in four straight seasons. In 2010, he joined Jack Lambert as one of only two Golden Flashes to be named MAC Defensive Player of the Year. Nix is Kent State's career leader in tackles for loss (65) and ranks second in sacks (24).
In 2012, Nix played a key role in Kent State's Mid-American Conference East title and an 11-1 regular season. He helped the Golden Flashes advance to their first bowl game in 40 years.
Making the unique transition from defensive lineman to fullback, Nix was signed by the Atlanta Falcons in 2014. He later signed with Pittsburgh in 2015, where he has played 41 games over the last three seasons.
This past season, Nix scored his first rushing touchdown, made his first touchdown catch and earned a spot in the Pro Bowl.
Players Mentioned
