Campus Dance Set For February 3

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1/29/07

Maryville University freshman Lauren Robb (pictured) is offering a cure for those winter blahs as well as a way to spice up your Saturday nights.

Robb of Smithton, Ill., an M-PACT scholar who is majoring in physical therapy, is organizing a new campus event, the Maryville Ball, a semi-formal dance which will be held from 8 – 11 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3, in the Buder Family Student Commons. The event is free and is open to University faculty, staff, students and their guests.

Robb said she became excited about her idea after attending the Fall Formal. “That was a big hit and you had to pay to get in there so I figured that if I planned something that was free, it would be twice as popular,” she remarked. Robb said she has organized the event on her own but has received guidance from Brian Gardner, program coordinator, student involvement, and Jennifer McCluskey, Ph.D., director of retention initiatives. “Brian has agreed to be my partner when I make my M-PACT presentation next fall,” Robb remarked.

The highlight of the Maryville Ball will be a toast at 9 p.m. by Acting University President Brian Nedwek, Ph.D. Dr. Nedwek will speak of the University’s past, present and future in his toast, Robb said, adding the beverage to be used for the toast will be sparkling grape juice, provided by the health and wellness office. Fresh Ideas will provide sandwiches and other snacks with Impressions Entertainment spinning the tunes.

Robb hopes the Maryville Ball will become an annual event. “I’ll look and see what worked and what didn’t work this year and I’m going to try and make it better for next year,” she said.