Approximately 800 people are expected to attend the first Senior Gala at the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art on April 16 to celebrate the 2016 senior class at Cornell, according to Bobby Dougherty ’16, co-chair of Senior Days.
“Every year, students look forward to their last semester and all the fun events to commemorate senior year,” Dougherty said.
The Cornellian Senior Gala is supposed to be a wonderful way to celebrate four great years on campus in the classy setting of the Johnson Museum.”
The black-tie event will feature three cash bars, catered food, live jazz performances, three DJs, and two dance floors, according to the event’s Facebook page.
Seniors and their guests will walk down the “Red Carpet” when they arrive, greeted by a jazz quartet, Dougherty explained.
“As people walk throughout the museum, there will be catered spreads and bars, and they can also enjoy many beautiful art pieces ranging from a laser light exhibit to ink painting from Southeast Asia,” she said.
Guests will have access to two different dance floors — one overlooking Cayuga Lake and the other under the sparkling star ‘Cosmos’ exhibit. At 10 p.m., Ryan Lombardi, Vice President for student and campus life, will give a toast in honor of both the Class of 2016 and Elizabeth Garrett, Dougherty said.
“We hope to create a memorable night to lead into the last few weeks at Cornell,” she added.
John Lowry ’16, president of the class of 2016, will also give a toast at the gala, representing the senior class council.
“We are about to start a new stage in our lives and it is important to not forget how remarkable our four years were,” he said.
Lowry further emphasized the importance of graduating Cornellians coming together as a class.
“That’s the spirit that has filled the heart of the Senior Gala from its beginning,” Lowry said. “April 16 will be one of those special nights where we can gather and celebrate, identified not by the fraternities, sororities, or groups we belong to, but rather who we are as a senior class.”