A group of students are organizing a semi-formal mixer, the Student Groups’ Spring Ball, to promote relationships between undergraduates, graduate students and alumni from all different disciplines. The event, which is scheduled to take place on May 11, will cost around $15,000.
“The idea started off as an art auction to promote student groups from the Daniels College of Business,” said Nicholas Nittolo, who is head of the committee organizing the event and the president of the Real Estate and Construction Management club. “Then it turned into much more than that. We wanted to include student groups from all different disciplines.”
A large portion of the mixer will still be an art auction. The student groups involved will auction off paintings by Jarod Farver, a friend of Nittolo’s. Nittolo’s pieces often go for $500 or $600 in a variety of fine art galleries. All proceeds will go to the student groups that “sponsor” the event by helping the committee to spread the word.
The event will also have entertainment, dancing and food. Entertainment will include the Hazel Miller Band, as well as “Naughty Pierre” from Lannie’s Clocktower cabaret, a Denver comedy group.
There will also be an open bar for alumni and students over 21, catered appetizers and likely a DJ, Nittolo said.
The $15,000 budget for the party is coming from a variety of different sources. Nittolo first spoke with the Chancellor’s Office, which promised to work with the committee to find different departments that would be willing to fund the event. Currently, the committee is looking into funding from the Morgridge College of Education as well as the Daniels School of Business. Nittolo also said most of the funds will likely come from Daniels.
“I’ll be frank,” said Nittolo. “It’s going to be an expensive party.”
Nittolo said he expects the party to be held at the Cable Center, which could cost between $3,000 and $6,000.
“We’ve never had to pay for a venue before,” he said. “But with the number of alumni and students, we want to invite, this is our best option.”
The committee said they hope the party will gather around 200 alumni and 300 students. Invitations, entertainment, food and drinks are expected to cost $15,000.
“By no means was this our maximum or minimum budget,” said Nittolo. “But it was a ballpark we agreed upon.”
Nittolo said he believes the benefits of the event will be worth the price.
“As students progress in their majors, they tend to lose touch with people from other disciplines,” he said. “This will be a great opportunity for students and alumni to remember their roots at DU. In addition, DU graduates have so much to offer as advice to undergraduates.”
According to Nittolo, the last time the university held an event similar to this was in 2009. Since then, Winter Carnival has been the main event held to bring students together.
“The problem is that Winter Carnival is a destination vacation,” said Nittolo. “Our event will be right next to campus so that it is walkable and easy to attend for everyone. In addition, tickets should only cost around $5.”
Nittolo encourages “all students who think it could be even remotely entertaining,” to come. The committee is also looking for other student groups who are interested in sponsoring the event by offering their time and assistance.
Anyone interested should contact Nittolo at president.recm@gmail.com.
