Columbus State University Alumni Association to Honor Distinguished Alumni During Homecoming Week

By Janell Williams

COLUMBUS, Ga. — The Columbus State University Alumni Association will recognize several outstanding alumni and supporters at its annual awards dinner on Thursday, Oct. 24. The event, part of CSU’s Homecoming Week, will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center on the university’s Main Campus.

This year’s awards will honor individuals for their professional achievements, leadership, and contributions to the university. The honorees include:

Tim Money (Class of 1986) will receive the Thomas Y. Whitley Distinguished Alumnus Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Alumni Association. Money, the founder of The Money Advisor Group, led his firm until it was acquired by BIP Wealth in 2024, where he now serves as president. His leadership extends to the CSU Foundation Board, and he has been involved in various university advisory roles. The award, named after Columbus State's first president, honors alumni who exemplify the university’s values.

Meg and Frank Schley will receive the Frank D. Brown Achievement & Leadership Excellence Award for their decades of support for CSU, particularly its arts programs. Meg Schley chairs the Joyce & Henry Schwob School of Music’s Board of Advisors, and Frank Schley has played a significant role in guiding CSU Foundation’s investment strategies. The couple also supports various other arts organizations in the community. The award is named for the university’s third president and is given in recognition of exceptional contributions to CSU’s educational mission.

Jon Ingram (Class of 2011) will be recognized with the Young Alumni Award for his work as the director of corporate relations for the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta. Ingram raises more than $2.2 million annually for the center’s artistic institutions, including the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and High Museum of Art. The Young Alumni Award is presented to alumni who have graduated within the past 15 years and have demonstrated excellence in their post-collegiate endeavors.

Twiyla Toombs (Class of 2005) will receive the Alumni Service Award for her dedicated volunteer service to the CSU Alumni Association. Toombs, who holds a master’s degree in school counseling, has held various leadership roles within the Alumni Association, including serving as president. She also remains active in her local community, contributing through her involvement with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

The Hon. Tom Kirkbride (Class of 2001 and 2005) will receive the Distinguished Alumnus in Military/Public Service Award. Kirkbride, an Army veteran and former federal air marshal, now serves as a municipal court judge in Morrow, Ga., and operates a private law practice. In addition to his legal career, Kirkbride teaches at CSU’s Command College and has been an active member of the CSU Alumni Association board since 2019.

Jay Entlich, head coach of CSU’s women’s soccer team, will receive the Faculty/Staff Appreciation Award. Entlich, who is in his 21st season with the Lady Cougars, is the Peach Belt Conference’s winningest coach and ranks among the top 10 coaches in NCAA Division II history. Under his leadership, the team has won 14 conference regular-season championships and reached the national semifinals twice. His commitment to his players extends beyond the field, as many of his athletes rank among the university’s top students academically.

The CSU Alumni Association will also bestow honorary alumni status on Ross White, a participant in the Miracle Riders’ 2024 campaign to fund a neonatal intensive care unit simulation lab. White joins previous Miracle Riders recognized for their efforts to support CSU’s School of Nursing.

The Alumni Association has been recognizing alumni for their achievements since 1980, beginning with the Thomas Y. Whitley Distinguished Alumnus Award. Over the years, additional awards have been introduced to celebrate the diverse contributions of CSU alumni to the university and the community.

Tickets for the awards dinner are available for purchase, with individual tickets and tables of eight offered.