Students danced the night away under the Corcoran Gallery of Art’s marble statues on Feb. 26.
More than 550 students attended this year’s Founders’ Day Ball. Fewer than 20 tickets were left unsold.
Attendees seemed to love the downtown location.
“The Washington Monument is right there,” said Alyssa Myers, a freshman in the School of International Service. “We’re in this really classy art gallery.”
Three busses shuttled students back and forth for free between campus and the Corcoran. Inside the event, students were served sushi, pita, hummus, stuffed grape leaves and mini sandwiches, as well as a variety of desserts. A bar served beer and wine for students 21 and older.
Student Union Board Director Greg Cornell DJ’d first, followed by mashup artist E-603.
“I really like the mashup style of music. I think there’s something in there for everyone,” said Jasmine Bostock, a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences. “I like all the throwbacks to what was popular in like senior year of high school.”
But the style raised a few eyebrows.
“He [E-603] should not be mashing up with Vanessa Carlton,” said Danielle Raso, a junior in SIS. “‘Windows to the Walls’ with Billy Joel? Not feeling it.”
This year, only AU students were allowed to attend.
“We wanted as many AU specific kids to be able to experience the event,” said Co-director Ben Schorr. “We wanted it to be an AU experience.”
Students went all out to prepare for the black-tie event.
“We got ready for six straight hours,” Myers said. “Lots of hair. Lots of makeup. Lots of confused guys.”
The primping efforts paid off. Students could get their pictures taken for free at the event. A prom-style photo booth was set up in the Corcoran, where students could get their pictures taken and then printed out within half an hour.
At the end of the night, students were given a Founders’ Day picture frame to go with their free photos.
Last year, the ball never happened due to a series of setbacks, including issues with weather, contracts, funding and staffing.
“It’s sad that last year got canceled,” said Daniela Castaneda, a sophomore in the School of Public Affairs. “It builds community and it’s a lot of fun.”
mzoglo@theeagleonline.com
