If you heard about a party on campus while hurrying to class, you heard right. Sponsored by the Black Student Center, The Back to School Bash was center stage on Friday, Sept. 30.
Everyone involved worked hard to make this event a success, and it showed. As soon as you entered the ballroom, volunteers were excited and eager to greet guests for a night of dancing and fun. DJ Flyboy filled the air with tracks ranging from hip-hop, bachata, and reggae to techno. Even the most popular songs from the 80s and early 90s were played to put students in the mood. Throughout the room, wax candles illuminated bright colors. No matter what your personal preference of music, there was something for everyone. With a huge crowd in attendance, it was great to see everyone coming together, especially new students meeting each other for the first time.
“This is so much fun. I hope other clubs do stuff like this over the school year,” said an observant student.
To get people on the dance floor, males started battling and trying to “out dance” each other. Soon their circle formed and everyone started screaming and cheering each other on. The main lights were then turned off and the only light sources that could be seen were flashes coming from cameras and cell phones. Like all good parties, there were refreshments for everyone to cool off and relax while taking a break from all the dancing. Students were asked to enter in raffles to win some prizes. Free haircuts and swag were all up for grabs. Being college students, everyone loved free things!
With such a huge turnout, all the proceeds from this event will be used to support the Black Student Center’s Graduate Recognition ceremony on May 3, 2012. Graduates will be honored for their hard work throughout their time at UMB, and will reflect on their experiences as they go out into the world and make a difference in their respected careers.
The mission of the Black Student Center is to provide students of African descent and other ethnic groups with a place to develop academically and socially and promote a positive self-image. All this contributes to facilitating access to African history and culture. Events like The Back to School Bash bring the UMB community together and give students the chance to talk about the issues that are plaguing society while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
The Black Student Center is located on the third floor of the Campus Center.
