Clubs, students unite to present second Gatsby Gala

This year’s Gatsby Gala — a themed, Lehigh-sponsored social event with food, drinks and entertainment — takes place Feb. 19 on the third floor of the University Center.

Much planning went into making the evening possible, with a few significant changes made from last year that the planning committee thinks will make a serious difference.

One change is the planning committee itself. Last year, the Gatsby Gala was strictly run by Student Senate, but this year, the group focused on getting other campus bodies involved.

According to Anna D’Ginto, ’16, president of Student Senate, this year’s hosts include the the dean of students, Graduate Student Senate, Interfraternity and Panhellenic councils, the Residence Hall Association, Student Auxiliary Services and Student Senate.

Another change is the location. While last year’s event was hosted on Mountaintop campus, this year’s Gatsby Gala is located in the University Center. Members of the planning committee hope this will increase ticket sales and save money, as they won’t have to account for the busing expenses in the budget.

The committee is also hoping that the location will give students more of an incentive to attend. D’Ginto said between the location and the affordable ticket pricing, the committee expects a turnout of about 500 to 600 people.

The admission cost is $5 for students and is free for faculty and staff. D’Ginto said that having faculty and staff at the event last year improved it.

In addition to providing a venue for students and faculty to socialize, the event will have entertainment and activities, including an open bar for those over 21 as well as two photo booths.

Katie Teitelbaum, ’19, said a few of the highlighted acts include student DJ Minnit, the band Steel City Sunrise and a performance from the swing club.

“It is exciting because all different parts of campus are coming together for the event,” she said.

Evan Eckersley, ’17, drummer and manager of Steel City Sunrise, said besides performing to pursue a passion for music, the band is excited to participate because playing music allows it to connect with people.

“At the Gatsby Gala, in that one-hour performance, we want to experience that bond with our many awesome fans and many new listeners,” he wrote in an email. “Every fan that we reach through our music is a goal accomplished.”

Yasmina Sirgi, ’18, said the main goal of the event is to get everyone on campus involved.

“No matter what organizations you are a part of — such as Greek life, athletics — no matter what kind of student you are on campus, this is a campus-wide event that brings us all together as a Lehigh community,” she said.

D’Ginto expressed the same enthusiasm for the Gatsby Gala.

“I think as Senate, our purpose as a student government and one of our main objectives is to provide a space for all students to come together, and dress up and just have a night of dancing and fun,” she said.

Though this may be the event’s purpose, there were details that needed to be taken into consideration when planning such a major event.

While the open bar may be a draw for those in attendance over the age of 21, it can also pose a risk for those in charge of assuring everyone’s safety.

Although this was not a problem in years past, D’Ginto explained Senate’s plan to keep everything under control.

“There will be three different check-in tables — one for people buying (tickets) the night of, one for people over 21, and one for people who are under 21,” she said. “If you are in the over-21 line, then you present your student ID and driver’s license. Also, two (Lehigh police) officers will be present: one at the bar, and one roaming around the whole event to make sure everything looks good.”

D’Ginto said the greatest challenge the planning group faced was the decoration of such a large space. Despite the difficulty, she believes the committee members have been able to work together to generate ideas that will come together tonight.