A well-loved campus tradition turns fifteen this year: the annual Founder’s Day Ball, set to take place on February 23, 2024 from 7-11 p.m. at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City. This year’s ball commemorates the founding of the university back in February 15, 1870, which at the time of celebration will be 154 years past.
In 1868, Edwin A Stevens’ $750,000 bequest, alongside his donation of the Stevens family estate, made possible the establishment of the Stevens Institute of Technology, a vision fulfilled two years after his passing. Over the subsequent decades, Stevens Institute of Technology saw success in cutting-edge research and education in engineering and applied sciences. Burgeoning student pride and culture ushered in new traditions, including the 2009 debut of the historically student-run Founder’s Day Ball.
Founder’s Day Ball is a joint venture between Student Life and the Entertainment Committee (EC). Sara Wolf, the EC’s Festivities Director, shared with the Stute that Student Life now manages the heavy logistical lifting of the event, including the venue and financial affairs, while the EC maintains the student vision, encompassing student input, marketing, logo design, and event giveaways.
This year’s venue is a repeat of last year’s: the Liberty Science Center — an interactive science museum that neighbors Hoboken, boasting the largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. In years past, attendees of the ball were granted access to roam select first floor exhibits during the cocktail hour — a unique opportunity to experience the exhibits after hours with friends.
Undergraduate students are welcomed to don their fancy apparel and enjoy an evening of celebration at the museum, complete with cocktail hour, dancing, dinner and giveaways. Tickets went on sale this past Wednesday at 4 p.m. and will continue to be available for purchase through February 16, 2024. Tickets include admission, transportation from the base of the Babbio Patio stairs, cocktail hour, and dinner.
Admission prices begin at $65 for Stevens students and $85 for non-Stevens students under the age of 21, with the option of $10 ticket surcharge for those over the age of 21 who wish to enjoy alcoholic beverages during the cocktail hour and dinner.
Guest tickets must be purchased by Stevens undergraduates through the ticket portal, and there will be no ticket transfers accepted. Refunds are offered through February 16, 2024. For those interested in attending, be sure to purchase your tickets soon as there is a limited quantity. Further information can be found on @foundersdayball on Instagram, and you may contact fdb@stevens.edu with any further questions.
