by The Cowl Editor on January 25, 2018
Campus
by Gabriella Pisano ’18
News Editor
Last year marked Providence College’s centennial year. To celebrate 100 years of PC, the College held many events, with perhaps the most memorable being the Black and White Ball.
On Friday, February 17, 2017, Peterson Recreation Center was transformed for the ball, marking the first dance open to all PC students in a long while. With ceiling to floor drapes and curtains, chandeliers, and lights, Peterson was unrecognizable. Because the event was such a success, another Black and White Ball for all students is happening.
The Board of Programmers (BOP) executive board and Sharon Hay, director of student activities and cultural programming, have been excitedly planning the event. Hay said, “It was wonderful to see the success of last year’s Black & White Ball which brought nearly 2,500 students together. Thanks to the generosity of Student Affairs, it’s exciting to be working with BOP to bring a second Black & White Ball to the campus. Plans are well underway to transform Peterson Center – it will be a night to remember. Be sure to get your ticket when they go on sale February 1st.”
Elizabeth Jancsy ’18, president of BOP, said, “One of the things I loved about the Black and White Ball last year was how inclusive it was. The ball welcomed faculty, staff, and all PC students. To see Peterson transformed into a beautiful ballroom for everyone to come together is amazing. We want to make it a tradition every year at PC.”
This year’s Black and White Ball, which has an estimated budget of $35 thousand, will be held on Friday, February 23. Tickets will be available to all PC students for $15.
While last year’s ball was celebrating 100 years of PC, this year’s ball will be a celebration of the College that students call home. “The Ball is a celebration of all of the students of Providence College coming together and celebrate PC as a whole,” said Jancsy.
This year’s Black and White Ball, which has an estimated budget of $35 thousand, will be held on Friday, February 23. Tickets will be available to all PC students for $15.
While last year’s ball was celebrating 100 years of PC, this year’s ball will be a celebration of the College that students call home. “The Ball is a celebration of all of the students of Providence College coming together and celebrate PC as a whole,” said Jancsy.
Nicole Murphy ’18 expressed her excitement about the ball. “I was abroad last year when the Black and White Ball happened. I’m so excited that it’s happening again so I’ll be able to take part in it,” said Murphy. “It’s nice to have an all-class dance. I think it increases community amongst the student body.”
The theme of the Black and White Ball of 2017 was the Friar colors of black and white. This year, the theme is the A Night in the City of Providence. Elements from the city of Providence will be incorporated into the event.
From the Providence State House to the food you can find on Thayer Street and Federal Hill, the ball will call attendees’ attention to the beauty of the city the College is surrounded by.
BOP and Hay began discussing the idea of having another Black and White Ball in the beginning of fall semester. Jancsy explained that the decorations, food, drink, and music will be on a larger scale than single-grade dances.
“A lot of people were blown away by the look of Peterson last year. People loved the idea of dressing up and being at an event celebrating PC,” said Jancsy. “The event was more elegant than past PC dances, and we’re hoping to recreate that atmosphere where people feel transported to a new place while still keeping it fresh and new.”
The ball will have food, a beer garden, and a live band. While last year’s entertainment included a live band and a DJ, the BOP Black and White Ball planning commit-tee decided they wanted to create an elegant aesthetic they think students will appreciate in a large-scale event.
The ball will be reminiscent of last year’s Black and White Ball, but Jancsy emphasized that the event will be unique and different. BOP put a great deal of thought into the planning of the layout of the area. Instead of the two beer gardens that were at last year’s ball, there will be one larger beer garden with multiple bars with one for beer and another for wine and specialty drinks. Jancsy explained that they want to make it a destination for everyone 21+ while still keeping the event fun for everyone to mingle.
“I hope students are excited to re-experience last year, but I want people to come with an open mind of what the new year can hold. The fact that last year was such a success makes us want to build up this even more and make it an even bigger success,” said Jancsy.
Janscy explained that BOP strives to make students feel welcome and accepted. “Having an event of this scale for everyone is so exciting. BOP wants to create an environment for students to get together with friends and meet new people and Black and White Ball accomplished this,” exclaimed Jancsy.