By Abby Kozal, Culture Editor
Students gather at the Goei Center for Spring Formal – Photo by Abby Kozal
Aquinas College held its annual Spring Formal on Saturday, April 6. From 7 p.m.-11 p.m., attendees gathered at the Goei Center in downtown Grand Rapids for a night of dancing.
The event was primarily hosted by Student Activities and Orientation. “We had a lot of help from different departments on campus who stayed and helped make formal run correctly,” SAO Student Worker Olivia White said.
Many staff members worked the event. Some, like Esperenza Garcia, Student Engagement Coordinator, helped with tickets. Others, like Mike Ingram, of Campus Ministry, helped to chaperone the event.
Aquinas provided transportation to and from the Goei Center with a shuttle bus from Grand Rapids Affordable Limousine with buses leaving and arriving in 30 minute intervals. A cash bar and appetizers were also made available to attendees, with students over 21 being provided a wristband for the bar.
Appetizers included a veggie tray, fruit, chips, buffalo chicken dip, as well as cannoli dip. Lemonade was also provided to attendees.
“The snacks were really good,” sophomore Kerrigan Smedley said. “But I was a little sad that there wasn’t a meal like last year. But the buffalo chicken dip was so good! I was also surprised as to how good the cannoli chips and dip were.”
Guests serve themselves snacks and appetizers – Photo by Abby Kozal
Decorations were limited this year at the Goei Center. The tables were decorated with tablecloths and floral centerpieces, and Aquinas provided their own AQ letters for photo opportunities. The formal this year also lacked the caricature artists and 360° Rotating Camera Video Booth that had been provided last year. However, many students could be seen by the koi pond throughout the evening or chatting and enjoying appetizers at the tables.
“We love the venue because it offers a space for communicating, hanging out and dancing with our awesome DJ,” White said.
Aquinas block letters for photos – Photo by Abby Kozal
Music was played by DJ Gallant. The area was empty of dancers for the first hour of the event, and many students did not hit the dance floor until the playing of the Macerena. Afterwards, the space filled up, with many students dancing late into the evening.
“My favorite part was dancing with friends on the dance floor,” White said. “I got to teach Gangnam style to a pal.”
Attendance was smaller this year compared to last year, with White reporting that around 200 tickets were sold. Many students were gone competing in athletics or preparing for the upcoming play production.
Smedley said that while, “the turn out wasn’t as good as last year, I thought the vibe was overall better. It’s always fun to get dressed up and go out with your friends or a date.”
The Saint 