TYLER LYBOLT
Special to The Leader
Many freshmen and sophomores studying at SUNY Fredonia missed their high school junior and senior proms due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The Residence Assistance Program (RAP) wanted to provide an experience for those who may have missed the opportunity to dress up for a formal dance and decided to throw the Fredonia Spring Formal.
The Spring Formal was held on Saturday, April 2. The event initially started out as a small prom last semester, hosted by a few resident assistants in a residence hall. After its success, it was encouraged to become a campus-wide event by RAP.
The theme for this semester’s event was “Step into Wonderland.” Many people sported this theme with Alice in Wonderland-esque accessories such as top hats. Some students dressed to the nines, wearing full ball gowns and tuxedos, and others went for a more casual look, such as button up shirts and spring dresses.
The dance was held in the Williams Center’s Multi-Purpose Room (MPR), and the room was decorated with large playing cards and mushrooms to allude to the spring and wonderland theme. The dance was catered by the Faculty-Student Association, who provided an array of finger foods such as veggies and fruits, a small nacho bar and beverages such as fruit punch and virgin mimosas.
Ronny Nissen, a graduate student and the advisor for RAP, was one of the organizers of the event.
Nissen was thrilled with the turnout and overall vibe of the event. He stated all of the reviews coming through YikYak, an anonymous message board popular with college students, have been overwhelmingly positive. Nissen said he would like to make this a yearly event.
“I had a great time. The music was just as good as my senior prom,” said Emmett Gallinger, a junior education major who attended the formal. Gallenger added, “I wish there was more food, but the cake was great. Everyone went all out in their outfits.” Gallinger also agreed that this event should happen annually.
The DJ of the dance played hits from today, such as “WAP” by Cardi B, along with older songs, such as “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey.
Students were able to jam out with their friends to Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo songs, while classic pre-choreographed songs like “Cotton Eyed Joe” and “Cha Cha Slide” had people jumping in unison. Tender ballads such as “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw provided slow-dance moments for attendees.
The event was open to guests who do not attend Fredonia, so students were able to enjoy the dance with their friends or significant others, much like a junior/senior prom. Some students came all the way from Cornell University in Ithaca to attend the dance.
A few small door prizes were offered as well, which came with the $5 purchase of a ticket to the dance.
Overall, students seemed to enjoy the Spring Formal and would like to see it happen again.
See “Photo gallery: SUNY Fredonia Spring Formal 2022” for more images.