The Columbia Black Business Students Association raised more than $36,000 for the School’s general scholarship fund at its 20th annual auction. Big-ticket items at the February 23 auction included an all-inclusive trip to Mexico, which sold for $3,100, and dinner with Spike Lee, which raised $2,000. Courtside Knicks tickets, complete with dinner and limo, sold for $2,800. The theme of this year’s auction, “Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Future,” commemorated Black History Month and recognized the contributions of Professor Safwan Masri, who has served as auctioneer for many years. The event featured performances by Raw Elementz, a hip-hop fusion dance group of Columbia undergraduates, and a salsa group whose members include MBA student Folake Oguntebi ’07. The BBSA was founded in 1973 to promote the well-being and professional development of black students and to serve the community. The Financial Aid Office selects recipients for the scholarship based on need, demonstrated leadership, commitment to diversity and dedication to community service.