By Madeline Alvarez, Editor-In-Chief
Long-time Newman community members will remember the annual Christmas party hosted each year by SGA for senators and students alike.
Since COVID-19 has changed a lot of things this year, such as pushing classes online from the week of Thanksgiving break through the end of the semester, campus will be empty much sooner than it would have been during normal years.
SGA President Gabrielle Altenor said that she still wanted to have a party for students so that they can enjoy each other’s company one last time before heading off to the virtual learning world. She, along with some presidents of other clubs, came up with the idea of having an event they are calling a Unity Masquerade. It’s scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 18.
SGA is collaborating with the Hispanic American Leadership Organization, Multicultural Leadership Organization, Asian Student Association and Diversity Round Table for the event.
Masquerade masks will not be worn at the event, Altenor said. The name of the event is a take on face masks that people have had to wear because of the pandemic.
“The Unity Masquerade kind of became our little idea to promote unity of students and the clubs and the organizations around campus as well as remembering why we want to promote unity…we have to wear masks so that we can promote unity and keep everyone around us safe,” Altenor said. “But we can still come together and enjoy each other’s company and enjoy each other’s lives and how rich we can become in that.”
The Unity Masquerade will provide students the opportunity to have food, play games and receive a care package, SGA Secretary Shanice Gitungo said.
Gitungo said that pasta from Pasta Express, a local restaurant, will be served. Students will also be given a care package, which will include a ceramic mug, hot chocolate, tea, candy and cough drops.
“We know that it’s been a very tough semester and self-care is very important as the semester is dwindling down,” Gitungo said.
The care packages will be given on a first-come-first-served basis.
Altenor said the Unity Masquerade will provide students an opportunity to engage with SGA and the clubs present at the event.
“It’ll be a great way for students to...see how all these different cultures can come together and still be one in the name of student body, in the name of being Newman students here together,” Altenor said.
Gitungo said that the event might also encourage students to join the clubs present at the event.
The location of the event is still being determined. No RSVP is needed. Masks and physical distancing will be required.
PHOTO: Courtesy Photo, unsplash.com
