A large tent and red lights on Chambers Hall were the setting for a dinner with donors Thursday night at Davidson College. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

Hours after announcing its biggest donation ever (a $45 million gift from the Duke Endowment) on Thursday, Davidson College was toasting with donors at a big party on the front lawn of Chambers Hall.

Red lights on Chambers (Callan Bryan photo)

Members of the college’s Ne Ultra Society, which recognizes major donors, gathered under one of the largest tents we’ve ever seen. As dusk fell, bright red spotlights bathed the Chambers columns in a red glow, as donors drank, dined and listened to President Carol Quillen and other speakers.

The Ne Ultra Society includes those who give at least $2,000. The name comes from the college seal and is Latin for “none higher.” The college says Ne Ultra donors account for 89 percent of individual donations to the college – $25 million last year.