American University’s annual Founder’s Week came to a close on Tuesday after a week of successful and fun events.
The most anticipated event of the week was the Founder’s Day Ball, held at the National Portrait Gallery in downtown Washington, D.C. on Saturday February 20. The ball was the biggest in American University’s history, hosting over 2,300 guests.
Sydney Baldwin, senior and Director of Founder’s Week, said the venue was chosen because, “There is something so engaging about attending a prestigious museum after hours, and the Portrait Gallery is such a beautiful space.”
Baldwin was amazed of how the American University Student Government and the Residence Hall Association put all-hands-on-deck for the entire week. She also thanks AUSG Vice President Jack Fitzpatrick, whom she “couldn’t have done [this event] without.”
This year’s Founder’s Week also held the inaugural Founder’s Week Game, where AU Men’s Basketball won in overtime against the Lafayette Leopards last Wednesday night. There was also a Founder’s Day cake served Wednesday in MGC for all students.
“In terms of the week’s programming, we were able to take some great steps forward this year with the Founder’s Men’s Basketball Game and a philanthropic event with the School of International Service Undergraduate Council,” Student Government Vice President Jack Fitzpatrick said.
“I think it brought a different crowd into the game, and was an awesome way to drive up school spirit,” Baldwin recalls.
As we approach the second half of the semester, Baldwin is reflecting on her time as director, saying, “If you are interested in event planning, apply for this position, regardless of AUSG experience. I feel like I accomplished something great, and I encourage anyone interest in working on massive projects like this to get involved, because I haven’t experienced any better feeling than watching that party happen Saturday night.”
Photo Credits: AUSG and author’s own