Shenandoah, Clint Black help raise over $1.5 million for student scholarships during FHU’s celebration at the Ryman - WBBJ-TV

Sections
Secondary
WBBJ-TV
Nashville, Tennessee — (Jan. 24, 2025) — Freed-Hardeman University celebrated its 60th Annual Benefit Dinner with an evening at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Held Thursday, Jan. 16, the event raised more than $1.5 million for student scholarships, with performances by country music legends Shenandoah and Clint Black.
(l to r) FHU President David R. Shannon talks with GRAMMY-winning artist Clint Black.
The Ryman Auditorium, best known as the birthplace of the Grand Ole Opry, has deep spiritual roots and a special connection to FHU. Built in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle, the venue was originally designed for religious revivals. In 1922, N.B. Hardeman, former FHU president and renowned gospel preacher, delivered sermons on the same stage to overflow crowds.
“The evening blended the venue’s rich history with reflections on FHU’s ongoing mission,” said FHU President David R. Shannon. “I wish that Brother Hardeman could stand beside us right here tonight. I also wish he could stand in the middle of campus and in the middle of our student body. I think he would be proud of what’s happened because what he was doing is what we are still doing—and that is all for the glory of God.”
GRAMMY, CMA, and ACM-winning group Shenandoah, led by Marty Raybon, delivered a performance full of energy during the 60th Annual Benefit Dinner at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
The program also took a moment to reflect on the event’s rich legacy with a video segment featuring FHU leaders reminiscing about the Benefit Dinner’s history. Former Vice President of Advancement Frank McMeen shared, “What we did here for 60 years was something that doesn’t normally happen in a town the size of Henderson. People think of Freed-Hardeman as a small place until they see the impact of filling this place up and raising over a million dollars in a night. It’s an amazing, impressive thing for Freed-Hardeman and for Henderson.”
GRAMMY, CMA, and ACM-winning group Shenandoah, led by Marty Raybon, delivered a performance full of energy and nostalgia. The audience sang along to classics like “Mama Knows” and “Next to You, Next to Me,” while Raybon shared uplifting messages that resonated with the crowd.
Later, GRAMMY-winning artist Clint Black shared stories from his legendary career. Reflecting on his journey from humble beginnings to stardom, Black said, “First and foremost, I’m an entertainer… I’ve just been traveling around, looking for another group to sing for!”
The $1,556,029 raised through ticket sales, donations, and commemorative merchandise will provide vital scholarships, ensuring future generations can benefit from FHU’s faith-based education. The next Benefit Dinner will be held in the newly remodeled Dryden Auditorium on FHU’s campus in December 2025.
The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.
For more Tennessee news, click here.