As the date of the anniversary gala, October 15, draws closer, the organizing students are spending more and more time on the event. It started out with brainstorming sessions about the theme, music and decoration of the venue. Now they have reached the stage of working out the details.

“We need to know what happens where at every moment. Where should the scissor lift be? What time do we need a microphone on stage in the Blauwe Zaal? Which band plays in the Senaatszaal, and which one in the main hall? How many barrels of wine do we need to have available?” says Cromsigt, a master’s student in Architecture, giving a few examples.

Taking the initiative

The idea for a gala came from treasurer and Data Science student Gonsalves. He was previously involved in the TU/e anniversary committee as a student and believes the university cannot celebrate its 70th anniversary without an evening where students and staff can dance in an elegant setting.

The committee chose Connected Constellations as its theme. This will be reflected in the lighting of the Voorhof and Senaatszaal on the west side of the Auditorium, as well as in the large hall on the east side. The Blauwe Zaal will remain closed on October 15, and guests will not be allowed on the second floor either.

Making adjustments

One of the challenges that emerged during the organization of the gala is the distribution of male and female restrooms — which is far from a 50/50 split. The black flooring sections in the hall are another obstacle. But both issues can be addressed. Arranging these kinds of things is exactly what energizes Cromsigt and Gonsalves.

“It’s really fun to do, and the satisfaction will be huge when we’ve given students a unique experience — when they’re drinking a beer at two in the morning in the building where they normally attend lectures.”

Bands and ballroom dancing

For the live music, the committee looked within familiar circles. MAVO, a band featuring Mechanical Engineering alumni, Kordaat, with E.S.C. students, and Down South from Studentproof will perform in the main hall. In the Senaatszaal, guests can listen to Ko&co and Sleutel 13, both with roots in Demos.

Anyone who would like to ballroom dance in a gala dress, suit, tuxedo or another festive outfit will also get the chance. The committee will conclude the official welcome with a traditional opening dance, which everyone is invited to join.

Tickets

So far, around two hundred tickets have been sold. The committee is not worried about that: “There’s still plenty of time,” they say. Nor do they think the ticket price is too high. Tickets cost €62 for students and €72 for staff and alumni.

“It can’t be cheaper. We receive financial contributions from Wervingsdagen and several companies, but more is needed to put on a good party. All ticket revenue will be used for the gala.”

Volunteers wanted

The committee deliberately did not recruit volunteers until after the Introduction had finished. Now, however, the treasurer wants to announce that volunteers are needed for ticketing and age checks, the cloakroom, setting up, and cleaning up decorations. There may also be opportunities to help serve snacks. Anyone interested can sign up here.

For Gonzalves and Cromsigt, the university’s 70th anniversary is a very special occasion. They are eagerly looking forward to the festive week in October, and their gala dress and tuxedo are already being made.

On Sunday, both will run half of the ASML Marathon Eindhoven, which takes place at the start of the anniversary week. They won’t be drinking at the gala, as they will remain responsible until the last guests have left and the Auditorium has been restored to its usual state. “Our party will be at Fluxfield the next day, when we’ll go to the staff party.”

This article was translated using AI-assisted tools and reviewed by an editor.