The results are in: last semester’s student-initiated °IJʿ Lymphoma Gala raised more than $11,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
On December 3, 2015, more than 400 students, faculty, and staff joined together in the beautifully decorated Hall of Presidents for a semi-formal night of dancing, mingling, and fellowship.
Attendees enjoyed food and drinks donated by Chartwells and various Greek organizations. Music was provided by DJ of Chester Springs, Pa., and the band Dangerboy, which includes , professor of mathematics and chair of the department of mathematics; , associate professor of biology and environmental studies; and , Dana Professor of psychology and neuroscience.
The event was meant to honor a fellow student recently diagnosed with lymphoma. The planning and execution involved more than 25 organizations within the °IJʿ community, including interest houses, Greek letter organizations, cultural associations, leadership groups, and many others.
“Planning the gala was an all-around amazing experience,” said Julia Kaplan ’17 of Syosset, N.Y., who was one of Delta Delta Delta’s philanthropy chairs last semester and among the core group responsible for planning the event. “It was incredible to see how much everyone was willing to help prepare for the event — it was absolutely worth all the work!”
Attendees were able to participate in a raffle and silent auction, which included prizes such as a serenade from the °IJʿ Thirteen, weekend getaways to several vacation homes owned by members of the community, gift cards to area restaurants, and use of Vice President and Dean of the College reserved parking spot for the month of January, among other things.
“It was a wonderful event and a great example of how sororities contribute positively to °IJʿ’s community,” said Nelson.
The gala was also made possible in part due to support from the dean of the college office, the (CLSI), and the (OFSA).
“It was a pleasure and so much fun to volunteer,” said Suzie Meres, program coordinator for fraternity and sorority affairs. “I had faith that the students that I worked with could pull this one off and they did. What these students accomplished demonstrated some of the greatest examples of compassion and understanding that one could offer in support of a noble cause.”