4th Annual S.O. What! Awards and Scholarship Soiree

Schedule

Sat May 02 2026 at 05:30 pm to 09:30 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Maxine Smith University Center at the University of Memphis | Memphis, TN

Advertisement
The S.O. What! Foundation S.O. What! Awards and Scholarship Soiree celebrates stories of resilience, success, and community contributions.
About this Event

The S.O. What! Foundation is excited to announce the 4th Annual S.O. What! Awards and Scholarship Soiree—an evening destined to inspire, uplift, and empower.

This black-tie fundraising event is more than just a celebration. It’s a powerful gathering that honors the indomitable spirit of individuals who embody the S.O. What! message of resilience and who tirelessly uplift their communities and beyond.

Prepare to be moved as we shine a spotlight on exceptional stories that speak to the heart of overcoming adversity, turning challenges into triumphs, and paving the way for others to follow. Each narrative shared is a testament to the human spirit's boundless capacity for perseverance, making this event not just a celebration, but a call to action for all who attend.

By joining us at this transformative evening, you’ll not only be a part of honoring these remarkable individuals, but you’ll also contribute directly to the future of education and empowerment. The funds raised during this event support the S.O. What! Foundation’s scholarship initiatives, providing life-changing opportunities to students who, despite the odds, are determined to succeed. We are excited about the meaning behind the scholarships that will be awarded at this event, and you'll want to witness the connection to each recipient.

We are also honored to welcome Bertha Rogers Looney, the only living member of the Memphis State Eight who, like the founder of the S.O. What! Foundation, created a S.O. What! journey at the University of Memphis. Her story is one of extraordinary courage and resilience.

Attending the S.O. What! Awards and Scholarship Soiree is more than an evening out—it’s an opportunity to be inspired, to witness firsthand the power of resilience, and to play a role in transforming lives through education. Don’t miss this chance to be part of something truly meaningful and life-changing. Your presence will help write the next chapter in these incredible stories of success and perseverance.



Advertisement

Where is it happening?

Maxine Smith University Center at the University of Memphis, 499 University St., Memphis, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

USD 135.23 to USD 5337.21

Icon
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
The S.O. What! Foundation

Host or Publisher The S.O. What! Foundation

Ask AI if this event suits you:

Discover More Events in Memphis

David Lee Roth
Sat, 02 May at 01:00 am David Lee Roth

Graceland Soundstage

TRIPS-ADVENTURES
Color for Cash Course: Turn Tennessee Teal
Sat, 02 May at 09:00 am Color for Cash Course: Turn Tennessee Teal

Professionally Sassy, LLC

WORKSHOPS ART
Taverna 2026
Sat, 02 May at 11:00 am Taverna 2026

Memphis, Tennessee

CONCERTS WORKSHOPS
Memphis Cinco De Mayo Bar Crawl
Sat, 02 May at 05:00 pm Memphis Cinco De Mayo Bar Crawl

Coyote Ugly Saloon

PARTIES BAR-CRAWLS
Intermediate Watercolor Florals
Sun, 03 May at 01:30 pm Intermediate Watercolor Florals

1934 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN, United States, Tennessee 38104

ART WORKSHOPS
5th Year Celebration of The Influential 20 Black Tie Awards Gala
Sun, 03 May at 05:30 pm 5th Year Celebration of The Influential 20 Black Tie Awards Gala

Guest House at Graceland

The Heartstrings at Hi Tone w\/ Jay Jones Band THE TRAILER PARK POEMS TOUR
Sun, 03 May at 08:00 pm The Heartstrings at Hi Tone w/ Jay Jones Band THE TRAILER PARK POEMS TOUR

Hi Tone

ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC
Department 56 50th Anniversary Celebration
Mon, 04 May at 09:00 am Department 56 50th Anniversary Celebration

3600 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116

Ebony Men Black Male Revue Strip Clubs & Black Male Strippers Memphis, TN 8-10 PM
Sat, 03 Aug at 07:00 pm Ebony Men Black Male Revue Strip Clubs & Black Male Strippers Memphis, TN 8-10 PM

Ebony Men Black Male Strippers

ENTERTAINMENT PARTIES
Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt - Memphis
Sun, 21 Jun at 10:00 am Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt - Memphis

Recommended Parking to Begin Adventure

TRIPS-ADVENTURES SPORTS
Scavenger Hunt Memphis
Mon, 30 May at 10:00 am Scavenger Hunt Memphis

Memphis

KIDS
SUNDAY SERVICE BRUNCH PARTY
Sun, 04 Jun at 12:00 pm SUNDAY SERVICE BRUNCH PARTY

SERV Restaurant

BRUNCH PARTIES
Wednesday Night Vibrations
Wed, 05 Jun at 06:00 pm Wednesday Night Vibrations

CRU LOUNGE

ART
The Ready Room Open Mic
Thu, 20 Jun at 07:30 pm The Ready Room Open Mic

The READY ROOM by Hook Point Brewing

OPEN-MIC COMEDY
SocialXFridays
Fri, 12 Jul at 08:00 pm SocialXFridays

2256 N Germantown Pkwy

Memphis M**der Mystery: Death in the Shadows
Sat, 01 Mar at 01:00 pm Memphis M**der Mystery: Death in the Shadows

FedExForum

ART THEATRE
Amazing Scavenger Hunt! - Brews & Blues Bar Crawl
Mon, 31 Mar at 04:00 pm Amazing Scavenger Hunt! - Brews & Blues Bar Crawl

174 Beale St

PARTIES TRIPS-ADVENTURES
Memphis M**der Mystery: Solve the case!
Fri, 11 Apr at 05:00 pm Memphis M**der Mystery: Solve the case!

220 S B.B. King Blvd

TRIPS-ADVENTURES CONTESTS
Memphis Teambuilding M**der Mystery: Solve the case!
Thu, 15 May at 04:00 pm Memphis Teambuilding M**der Mystery: Solve the case!

220 S B.B. King Blvd

TRIPS-ADVENTURES CONTESTS
Meal with Strangers-Saturday Brunch Series (Memphis)
Sat, 24 May at 11:00 am Meal with Strangers-Saturday Brunch Series (Memphis)

A Restaurant in Memphis

BRUNCH WORKSHOPS

What's Happening Next in Memphis?

Discover Memphis Events