Friends, colleagues, and longtime supporters of Dr. Leroy Bynum Jr., former dean of the Albany State University College of Arts and Humanities, will bid him farewell at the “Roast and Toast Scholarship Gala.” The event honors Bynum’s legacy at ASU and will take place Friday, Aug. 15 from 7 - 10 p.m.in the ASU Student Center Ballroom. Reserved seating is $75 per person. All proceeds benefit the Dr. Leroy E. Bynum Scholarship Fund.

The “roasters” include Dr. T. Marshall Jones, retired ASU chair and professor of music and fine arts; and Travis Pratt, ASU alumnus and nationally recognized leading tenor. ASU Interim President, Dr. Art Dunning, will serve as the “toaster” for the occasion.

The world-renowned tenor served at Albany State for 22 years and is considered a music connoisseur. Bynum shared his love for the arts with Southwest Georgia residents by bringing talented performers from all genres to the city.

During his tenure at ASU, Bynum directed six academic departments that offer 12 bachelor’s degree and four master’s degree programs.

“Dr. Bynum has been an excellent leader. We certainly hate to see him go,” Hill said. “We appreciate his service to Albany State University and we wish him well in the future.”

Bynum received a doctorate in music and vocal performance at the University of Georgia and a master's degree in music and vocal performance at the University of South Florida.

His new role as dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at The College of Saint Rose began July 14. The institution is located in Albany, N.Y.

For more information about the scholarship benefit, contact the ASU Office of Institutional Advancement at 229-430-4660.