Los Angeles architect and developer Thomas J. Gilmore will be honored at Woodbury University's annual scholarship gala on Sunday, May 4.

The theme for the 2008 gala, featuring the 44th annual fashion show presented by the Woodbury Department of Fashion Design, is "Brilliance."

A reception and silent auction will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the show and dinner set for 7 p.m. at the Beverly Hilton, 9876 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills.

The fashion show is a showcase for the ideas and designs of Woodbury's fashion design students, and more than 600 guests attend this event every year.

Gilmore will receive the Woodbury Citizen of the Year Award, which recognizes those who embody the best characteristics of the American dream - hard work, success, compassion, community service, integrity and philanthropy.

Gilmore has been instrumental in turning downtown Los Angeles from an area with strict designations such as "commercial," "industrial" or "blighted" into neighborhoods that include retail and civic establishments that meet the needs of residents.

His work in revitalizing downtown has created new communities.

As managing partner of Gilmore Associates, Gilmore has been the driving force behind transforming empty buildings into housing in the Old Bank District of Main, Spring and Fourth streets.

He also was involved in the development of the former St. Vibiana's Cathedral as a performing arts center and the live music Regent Theatre, giving downtown residents a place to come together.

Tickets for the gala, which includes dinner, cocktails and the fashion show, are $250 per person. All net proceeds benefit Woodbury University's Scholarship Fund.

To order tickets, please call Woodbury University at 818-252-5213 or e-mail claudia.vazquez@woodbury.edu.

Founded in 1884, Woodbury University is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in Southern California. Woodbury offers bachelor's degrees from the School of Architecture, School of Business, School of Media, Culture and Design, and Institute of Transdisciplinary Studies, along with an MBA program, Master of Architecture in Real Estate Development, and Master of Organizational Leadership.

A San Diego campus offers bachelor's degree in architecture and master's degree in architecture,real estate development.