Clubs Host Magical Evening

Last updated on Apr 17, 2019

By Ashley Bowden

Co-Editor-In-Chief

The Rainbow Alliance and the Forensic Science clubs co-sponsored the Disney Ball in the Tilles Atrium on Feb. 13. About 30 attendees enjoyed dressing in themed costumes, listening to well-known Disney songs, eating Italian food catered by Aramark, and participating in activities and games. Students paid a $10 admission fee at the event’s table in Hillwood or $15 admission fee at the door.

“[The] Forensics Science Club and us wanted to do something special together, and we decided that a Valentine’s event would be cool,” Nicole Ludwig, sophomore psychology major and president of the Rainbow Alliance, said. The Disney concept was a way to bring the community together.

“The event is very fun, it has lively tables and people to talk to, and free food,” Reese Roselle, freshman game design major, said. Throughout the evening, the soundtrack consisted of “the Disney music that you would recognize right away whether you hate [it] or not,” Roselle said. This included songs such as “Colors of the Wind” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”

The clubs met to choose what decorations, games, and music would be featured. It took about two weeks to plan the event. Each table for eight had decorations inspired by different Disney films including “Moana,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Cinderella.” Attendees played Disney Pictionary, trivia, and participated in karaoke. Winners received prizes in the form of $20 gift cards for Subway, Starbucks and Dominos.

Erin Gorden, senior forensic science major and president of the Forensic Science Club, decided to co-sponsor the event with the Rainbow Alliance when she heard both clubs were interested in hosting something for Valentine’s Day. “I’m looking forward to people having fun however way they want to have fun,” Gorden said. People sang along and danced to the well- known songs playing over the speakers. “That’s the best part of any event.”

“I’ve always loved Disney, and [I] love going to Disney World with my friends and my family, so I when I heard about this, I definitely wanted to come,” Danielle Fasano, junior childhood and special education major, said. The clubs advertised the Disney Ball over social media. The iconic image of Cinderella’s castle hung on the wall. “Having the castle up is cool, it makes me feel like we’re in Disney World,” Fasano said.

Some attendees dressed up for the occasion. “Some people are wearing different things like Minnie Mouse bows and actual outfits from Disney movies.” Roselle said. Fasano donned “Beauty and the Beast” themed Minnie Mouse ears that she brought from a previous Disney World trip.

Tiffany Holtje, junior art education major, enjoyed the food at the event. Garlic knots were an overall favorite of the evening. “This event in college, it makes you feel like a kid again,” Holtje said.

Since she is graduating in May, Gorden would be happy to see more events like the Disney Ball take place again with more clubs involved. “I would love to see stuff like that happen, where I’m leaving behind something while I’m gone.”

“It’s a good event because Disney happens to be one of the most childhood-oriented things you could think of,” Roselle said. “It’s just really nostalgic and it feels nice.”