This Friday, Feb. 24, Black Student Alliance (BSA) and Women of Excellence (WOE) are hosting the second annual Celebration of Excellence Ball with help from the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Access. Tickets are currently sold out for the event, donations are still being accepted by both the Black Student Alliance and Women of Excellence.

The Celebration of Excellence Ball is a philanthropic event with the purpose of raising funds for a local LGBT+ charity “Love on a Mission”, which is also attending the event.

The event is meant to answer the question “what does love mean” and has an emphasis on highlighting marginalized communities on campus and in the greater community. Activities such as speeches and dancing can be expected as well as food and drinks for those who have purchased tickets. Tickets are $12 a person or $100 for a table of ten.

The support the event gives is felt throughout campus.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the love within these communities. It’s comforting to me as a student to know there are supportive people on this campus,” said BSA Treasurer Alena Aguayo.

Others show their appreciation to those involved in giving back to the community.

According to BSA President Ashley Speight, “The Excellence ball is a great way for people to come together to give back to a community. It is also a great way to show off the hard work of student lead organizations with their efforts in hosting the ball.”

Cara McKeown, vice president of WOE and BSA, added, “I’m glad to be a part of this and I am excited to see all these proceeds going to a good cause like Love on a Mission.”

The Celebration of Excellence Ball was hosted yearly with one planned for 2020 but was canceled due to the outbreak of COVID-19. This marks the second year the event has been hosted and those involved are hoping to bring the event back to its annual status.

With nearly 100 people attending, this marks the largest Excellence Ball to date.