Third time for Gala a charm
By Courtney Crutcher
With the Science Center transformed into a ballroom, the College held its third annual Gala. There was food and drink stations, professor-student socializing and the jazz group, Rob Houze quartet to set the mood. Waiters and Waitresses made rounds throughout the night while students and professors alike danced in the center of the lobby.
The gala was successful in bringing students and professors together to get to know each other outside of the classroom setting. Krista Emmelman '12 (Indianapolis, Ind.) thought that it was refreshing to see the professors "without their guard up." Dr. Madlen Batchvarova, who directs Hanover's Chamber/Concert Choir, agreed, saying that it was "great to see students in a different atmosphere to get to know them better."
President DeWine originally thought of the Gala before her inauguration, two years ago. She thought it would be a great way to start her presidency at Hanover by bringing students and professors together to welcome her. The turnout was so great that the College decided to hold it again last year.
According to President DeWine, "the third year makes it a tradition"! Sodexo sponsored the event for free, providing all of the refreshments and food. Students enjoyed the food, including Anthony Forthofer '12 (Batesville, Ind.) and Spencer Gray '11 (Richmond, Ind.), enjoyed the sparkling grape juice, apple cider fountain and many assortments of cheese, fruit and salad.
The gala also provided an "opportunity to get to know your professors and meet new people," said freshman Ian Ragains.
The Gala is not just for Hanover students and professors, either. Alumna Tiffany Shigeta '08 came back to campus for the event to "catch up with everyone that's still here". It also gives a great impression for those who would never have seen Hanover otherwise, such as Jacob Duncan from the Rob Houze Quartet.
Yet, the facility may need a change. When the crowd was at its best, one couldn't get through the main floor without bumping arms and brushing backs. Many of the guests were scattered between both floors, in hallways and side lobbies as well.
The decorations were also very humorous in contrast. The statues in the Science Center, normally used as an academic facility, looked very out of place. "It's great to see all of the people in their fancy outfits sitting next to a stuffed musk ox," said Christopher Tookey '12 (Washington, Ill.).
All in all, the Gala was a great event to bring the campus together to celebrate the new school year.
Courtney Crutcher '12 (Cincinnati, Ohio) is a communications major. She serves as features editor for the student newspaper, The Triangle, sings in the Hanover's choir, works with Big Brothers Big Sisters and is a member of Campus Crusade.
