Columbus State University’s annual Legacy Celebration banquet, to be held on Wednesday, March 26, will honor students, employees, alumni and partners for their advocacy, leadership and accomplishments.

The dinner program begins at 6 p.m. in the university’s Cunningham Center on its Main Campus. Keynoting the event will be James H. Blanchard, who led Synovus Bank (formerly Columbus Bank & Trust) for more than 30 years. Appointed its president at 28, he navigated the bank's significant growth within its five-state footprint, helped establish the spin-off credit card processing giant TSYS (now a Global Payments company), and was instrumental in creating Uptown Columbus and developing the city’s downtown business district.

Blanchard’s unwavering commitment to servant leadership—a philosophy he deeply integrated into the company's culture—defined his tenure and created an environment that led to the company being named the best place in the country to work. He prioritized collaboration, trust and ethics while emphasizing that every employee deserved respect, and that the company's success stemmed from these core values. His focus on "servant leadership" wasn't just a management strategy; it was the foundation of Synovus's identity, shaping its ethical practices and creating a unique, people-centric corporate culture that distinguished it within the financial industry.  

In 2006, he partnered with Columbus State's Cunningham Center for Leadership Development to create the Jim Blanchard Leadership Forum, attracting some of the world's most influential political, military and business leaders to Columbus.

The university’s annual Legacy Celebration awards presented that evening will recognize students, employees, alumni and community partners for their influence at Columbus State and in the community.

Tickets to the banquet can be purchased online individually for $25 or as tables of eight for $200. The priority ticket deadline is Friday, March 14. For more information, contact Carlie Hinson, assistant director of student life and development, at hinson_carlie@columbusstate.edu.