Jax State to Host “An Evening with Terry Madigan” in Support of Marching Southerners’ Rose Parade Journey

03/11/2026

You are invited to An Evening with Terry Madigan, President and Chairman of the Board for the 2027 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. Join us for an unforgettable dinner benefiting the Marching Southerners trip to the 138th Rose Parade on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. Couples tickets cost $250 or a single ticket costs $150. Your ticket also includes VIP parking and reserved seating at Band-O-Rama at the Pete Mathews Coliseum at 7:30 p.m.Jacksonville State University will welcome supporters of the Marching Southerners on Thursday, April 2, for a special evening benefiting the band’s upcoming trip to Pasadena, California, where the Southerners will represent Jax State in the 138th Rose Parade Presented by Honda on January 1, 2027. 

“An Evening with Terry Madigan” will begin at 5:30 p.m. inside the UREC Multi-Court Gym and feature Terry Madigan, President and Chairman of the Board for the 2027 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. Madigan, who announced the Southerners’ selection during halftime of Jax State’s Homecoming game last fall, will offer guests a behind-the-scenes look at one of the nation’s most recognized New Year’s traditions and discuss what it means for the Marching Southerners to join the select group of bands invited to perform. 

Tickets are $250 per couple and $150 for individuals, with limited seating available. Each ticket also includes VIP parking and reserved seating for the annual Band-O-Rama concert at 7:30 p.m. that evening in Pete Mathews Coliseum. Band-O-Rama will feature Jax State’s concert ensembles—including Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Chamber Winds—giving guests the opportunity to continue the evening while enjoying performances by many students who also perform as members of the Marching Southerners. 

“This is a special opportunity for Jacksonville State University to welcome Terry Madigan and his team to campus and to share with them the pride we have in the Marching Southerners and in this university,” said Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., President of Jacksonville State University. “We are excited to extend the hospitality of The Friendliest Campus in the South while showcasing the excellence and spirit that make Jax State distinctive. The Rose Parade gives our students and our institution unprecedented visibility, and we are proud to invite supporters to help make that journey possible.” 

The Rose Parade Presented by Honda is viewed by more than 78 million people worldwide and draws more than 700,000 spectators along the parade route each year, making it one of the most widely recognized parades in the world. Jax State’s appearance will place the university on a global stage while continuing the Marching Southerners’ long tradition of performing in prestigious venues around the world. 

The overall goal is to raise $2.4 million to cover travel and uniform costs as the Southerners prepare for Pasadena. 

For the Marching Southerners, the evening offers an opportunity to build momentum behind what will be one of the most significant trips in program history.  

“This evening is another exciting part of the journey to Pasadena,” said Dr. Jeremy Stovall, Director of Bands. “The opportunity to perform in the Rose Parade is an extraordinary honor for our students and a chance to represent Jax State in front of millions of viewers around the world. Support from alumni, friends, and our community is what helps create these life-changing experiences, and we are grateful for everyone who wants to be part of it.” 

The Marching Southerners continue their tradition of fielding one of the largest collegiate marching bands in the nation. In 2025, the band marched 484 members, with a travel party of 527, including directors, support staff, and technical personnel. Tournament of Roses requirements call for at least 95 percent participation among band members, making fundraising critical to ensuring every student can travel. 

In addition to helping cover travel expenses, the campaign will also support the replacement of the Southerners’ uniforms, which are due for renewal after a decade of use. 

“This effort is about more than funding a trip,” said Dr. Alan Medders, Vice President for Philanthropy. “It is about making sure the Marching Southerners are fully prepared to represent Jacksonville State University at the highest level on an international stage. The uniforms are due for replacement, and there is no better time to invest in that need than as these students prepare to perform before one of the largest audiences in the world.” 

Guests attending the dinner will also enjoy a live performance by a select ensemble from the Marching Southerners, offering an early preview of the sound and spirit headed to California. Every ticket purchased supports the Marching Southerners’ journey to Pasadena and helps ensure students can represent Jax State on one of the world’s most recognized stages. 

For questions or more information, contact Jax State Director of Planned Giving Kim Dalesandro at kdalesandro@jsu.edu. Registration is available at the university’s giving page.