“Party On!” These were the words Father Jeffrey von Arx S.J. left the stage with at Alumni Hall after his student address during the Inaugural Ball last Friday.
Upon exiting the stage, the 700 plus students in attendance showered Fairfield’s new president with enthusiastic yells and shouts of approval.
The Inaugural Committee, who is in charge of all Inaugural week events, also undertook the organization of the ball as well.
Originally, Father von Arx himself, who suggested having an all-student activity incorporated into the week, spearheaded the dance.
The Inaugural Ball arose from this suggestion and it was the event that kicked off the week of Inaugural festivities for Father von Arx, at a cost of $55,000.
For those students who got dressed up in formal attire on Friday, Alumni Hall looked nothing like it usually does.
Decorated by Big Wave International Entertainment, black curtains were placed around the perimeter of the gym to mask all bleachers and unsightly physical equipment.
An elaborate faux ceiling was created to make Alumni Hall into more of a dance club rather than a volleyball court. High cocktail tables were mixed with low dining tables, allowing ample space to mingle and eat the spread of food provided.
There was also a large screen televison at the head of the gym that played music videos and occasionally switched to a live feed of students dancing.
To add to the elegant atmosphere, Sodexho provided hor d’ouvers and soft drinks. Waiters and waitresses served from platters with a never-ending stream of mini egg rolls, chicken fingers, small quiche, cheese sticks, and assorted other finger foods.
There were also trays of dessert that were professionally prepared, although the cookies did bear some resemblance to the Barone staple.
The media center was also involved in the festivities, having created a video entitled “The Doors” that documented the life and career of Fr. von Arx.
Paul Duffy ’05, described the video by saying it allowed students to take a look at all the doors Fr. Von Arx had passed through during his life.
From the doors of his home, college days and various other career moves, students caught a personal glimpse at the man who is their new president.
Then, in a moment that could be mistaken for a pop star entrance, a path was cleared down the center of Alumni Hall as Father von Arx made a very presidential entrance to the front stage, pausing to shake hands with jumping and screaming students.
His address to the class was brief but heartfelt. He was touched to be welcomed by the students in such a supportive and positive way. Von Arx is anxious to meet and work with members of the student body.
The comments that resonated from students were extremely positive.
“Alumni Hall looked great and I felt like I was reliving my senior prom…especially when I saw a girl in a Cinderella ball gown,” said Denise Moura ’05. Stephanie Stote ’05 agreed with Moura: “Our gym was totally transformed into a club-like atmosphere with people dressed up in prom attire and waiters and waitresses holding up Sodexo hors d’oeuvres.”
Chris Miller ’05, also thought highly of the president’s ball: “I thought the dance was pretty good. I got a little worried when they rolled the Von Arx video that he wouldn’t show up in person. But he did and I think he connected with the students really well.”
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