If you have been keeping up with my latest editorials, you are familiar with The Stute X SGA Alumni and Student Gala happening on February 27, 2026 (this week!). I am mixed about my feelings towards the gala.
My first thought is that this is a major stepping stone for The Stute. We constantly promise our alumni that we will invite them more often, but up until now, they have mostly been empty promises. When I see our alumni, I see the same love I have for this organization, reflected in them. It is comforting to know that this feeling will never go away. And honestly, I do not want it to.
I do not want to forget the tireless nights of layout, or the laughter in the full Stute Office, or even the smell of a freshly printed issue. And when I see our alumni talk about their time in The Stute, I know they haven’t forgotten. They smile as proudly as I am sure they did when they were in our positions.
I am proud that we have a large number of alumni showing up this Friday, and I hope to get the chance to speak with most of them.
My second thought is that I am terrified. Half of those alumni know exactly what it is like to be Editor-in-Chief, and they know I am stressed. I fear you can see every wrinkle of stress on my face. I want this gala to go beautifully, from our green and gold decorations to the food and desserts. Stressed cannot even begin to describe the truth of how I feel.
My last thought is that this is the last big event before the elections. From the way that it looks, I might be around another year, but the e-board, I have come to love and trust, will not be. They are the only reason this gala is happening. I saw them all take a deep breath the minute I suggested bringing the SGA onboard and hosting something that, from what we know, has never happened. I do not know what I would do without them. But, the beauty of The Stute is that we are always changing and evolving, and I cannot wait to see what our future holds.
This gala is about reminiscing, loving, and learning. To reminisce about the best of times and worst of times, share our common love of The Stute, and learn about our community.
To any Alumni that is reading this while at the gala, thank you for coming back. Thank you for making us what we are today and guiding us. You are a part of our community that is not seen enough, and we hope to change that.
To many more moments like this one.
