11th Annual Founder’s Day Ball

Riddle time! What do you get when you cross Attila the Duck, a dance floor, and the Dean of Students?

Founder’s Day Ball!

A night of food, dance, photos, and more, Founder’s Day Ball is a night that many students look forward to every year.

Last Friday, February 21, was the 11th Annual Founder’s Day Ball. This year’s celebration was held at a new venue, the Westin Jersey City Newport, and welcomed over 615 attendees.

Organized by Stevens’ Entertainment Committee, Founder’s Day Ball began as a commemoration of Stevens’ founding on February 15, 1890. For the past 11 years, students have looked forward to the end of February to dress up in formal attire, polish up their dancing shoes, and spend the night with their fellow students.

For some, this year was their first Founder’s Day Ball. For others, it was their last. Upperclassmen, in particular, may have noticed a change in setting; in years past, Founder’s Day Ball was held at the Liberty Science Center. Senior Alex Murtagh said, “I really enjoyed Founder’s Day Ball this year! While it felt different from being at the Liberty Science Center, I still got to have a good time with all of my friends. I really wish that I wasn’t graduating so that I could go again next year.”

Entertainment Committee’s Festivities Event Co-Chair, Julia Dwight, commented on this year’s change of venue, saying, “In moving to a new venue, our event managers and Stevens administration were so helpful in making the transition happen so we could welcome 70 more guests than last year. After our first time planning this event in 2019, we aimed to make it even bigger and better, and have heard great student responses so far.”

Olivia Scott, the other co-chair, said, “I hope everyone had a fun time. We’re excited to see what the future of Founder’s Day Ball holds.” She also apologized for not doing the toast.

For freshman Bryan Kang and senior Julian Hernandez, the night was an opportunity to DJ the event and keep the packed dance floor moving. Hernandez said, “It’s been a goal of mine for a long time to DJ Founder’s Day Ball. I started DJing because I wanted to change the culture of just typical EDM and pop that I saw getting played at Stevens events.” For Hernandez, DJing the night gave him the space to play songs across all genres and cultures that would speak to all students. His goal was for any student to hear at least one song that they would be able to connect to.

Regardless of class level, Founder’s Day Ball is an opportunity for students of all ages and classes to connect with one another. With midterms creeping up, many students can get lost in busy schedules and homework piles. Events such as the annual Founder’s Day Ball allow an escape for students to take a break from work and celebrate with the Stevens community.

Looking at survey results of attendees and building on their event planning experiences, the Entertainment Committee Festivities Event Co-Chairs already have some ideas for next year and can’t wait to start planning for Founder’s Day Ball 2021!