By Alison Limoncelli

Every fall semester the GSA (Graduate Student Association) holds their annual gala. Usually there is a theme, and this year it was The Roaring 20s…in other words GATSBY! Which was perfect timing seeing that the remake of The Great Gatsby came out this year – if you haven’t seen the film yet, you must. Visual masterpiece is a total understatement, and the costumes…GAH. I swooned over everything.

Our GSA always does a standout job but this year one of my besties is in charge of all of the GSA events so I’m biased at how awesome it turned out. Sparing no expense Bentley held the event at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in the heart of the downtown Boston. LOVE IT.

Upton arrival you were greeted by a tower of champagne glasses, from then on out you knew it was going to be a great night.

The festivities began with a cocktail hour; crudité tables filled with cheeses, fruits and vegetables, pop up bars tended by men in tuxes. Hugs were happening everywhere…even though we were all in classes together earlier that week. Of course all of the girls gushing over each other’s dresses – lets be honest, everyone loves an occasion to dress up! And the drink tickets were disappearing just as fast as they were being given out. The party had begun.

One of my favorite parts about the night was the fact that little 20s themed goodies were given out all night – gangster hats, strings of pearls and candy cigarettes; it was so cute.

Walking into the banquet hall we were surprised with not only a DJ…BUT A JAZZ BAND! HEYOOOOO. Once we all sat down for dinner glasses of champagne were passed out and you cold hear the cheers of toasts all over the room. After a few words from members of the GSA something incredible happened…A PROPOSAL. It was so exciting! She said yes! But who wouldn’t to someone who was singing “marry me” into a microphone.

Dinner was delicious and once our plates were cleared the fun began. Mingling was in full force, and the dance floor was heating up – and not only by students! Professional dancers were brought in and it was fabulous! Flapper costumes, suspenders and pin stripes – the entertainment was awesome.

The night progressed and the party went on into the wee hours of the morning. You could tell everyone was having a blast. Next thing you know it was time to leave – but time flies when you’re having fun right?

It’s always so great to spend time with your colleagues outside of class and meetings. Nights like these I realize that I’m making friendships that are going to last far longer than our days spent at Bentley. I can’t wait until the spring boat cruise…but that a post you’ll have to wait until May for!