Dancing into spring

Build an event where there is dancing and loud music, and the students will come.
Students were able to escape the looming cloud of final projects and exams to celebrate in style at the annual Student Association Spring Gala at Samuel's Grand Manor in Clarence.
"Tickets were sold out faster than we all anticipated, which was a pleasant surprise," said SA President Ernesto Alvarado.
Approximately 1,000 tickets were sold, with most tickets gone well before the event Friday.
"The money made from Gala is used to replenish some of our budget lines and solidify our reserves for the following academic school year," Alvarado said. "This money is imperative because the [ticket sales] are then used for other large events such as Winter Gala or [Fall or Spring] Fests."
Students stormed the dance floor as the music began, but the highlight of Gala for some was the open bar and dinner.
However, for Alvarado it was something else.
"The best part of Gala for me is getting to enjoy a night with staff and friends outside of the office environment," said Alvarado. "Getting to meet students and actually putting a name to a face is always great as well because it's so much easier to show them that you are just another person."
With the promotional efforts of Lauren Skompinski, SA's public relations manager, the night was a huge success.
"Gala really runs itself," Skompinski said. "The most hectic thing is usually sitting down
with a graphic designer and getting the advertisement the way I want it - and of course, picking out a dress."
According to Skompinski, Spring Gala holds special significance for certain students.
"Spring Gala really belongs to the graduating seniors," Skompinski said. "It's your last time to all be together all dressed up and having a great time. This year was particularly special because I am finally one of those graduates."
Sam Burstyn, a senior health and human services major, felt the same way.
"My favorite part was being able to have one last major hurrah with all my friends before graduation," Burstyn said.
The evening began with a three-course meal, catered by Samuel's before students hit the bar and dance floor. The University Police were on hand making sure things went smoothly and when the dance ended at midnight, shuttle busses provided students with a safe ride home.
The night wasn't only a success for college students; SA's professional staff could also be spotted on the dance floor enjoying the evening.
Gala was one of the final events that the outgoing Alvarado administration will host for this academic year. It also symbolized the transition into next year's E-board with Alvarado introducing Nischal Vasant, Shervin Stoney, and Antonio Roman as the 2010 - 2011 SA leadership.
"For the most part, we try to keep the event as traditional as possible and reach out to as many students as possible with the outgoing and incoming executive boards," Alvarado said.
The evening was bittersweet for everyone involved. Gala marked one of the last times for students to get together before summer break, and for other graduating students, their last SA formal.
"I thought Gala was very successful this year. There were no major issues and everyone had a good time," Stoney said. "The best part was the sheer volume of people who attended to make the event even better."

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