The Student Union Building Treehouse Courtyard with special decorations for Blue Hour
Written by Delana Ornelas
All photos by Madelaine Brown
Just after the sun sets and right before it rises, the sky enters a brief twilight known as the “blue hour.” Most people rarely pause long enough to notice it, as school, work and daily responsibilities take over. ASI Student Programming Board (SPB) invited students to take a night off from academic stress and experience that moment together. For one night, Sept. 17, the Student Union Building Treehouse Courtyard was transformed into something entirely different, with the night sky serving as the backdrop for an atmosphere meant to help students unwind, connect and remember that part of campus life includes making memories that will last a lifetime. Beyond entertainment, the event reflected the importance of belonging, especially for freshman and transfer students adjusting to CI.
Students pose for a picture on the dancefloor
DJ DaPechmode provides the music and entertainment for the event
Ekho the Dolphin joins the party and dances with students
The blue lights shine brightly on the dancing students
Students laugh and smile while enjoying the glitter decor on the dancefloor
Stickers showing off CI’s new blue color and party favors available for students
Nachos and blue drink from Ekho’s cafe, made exclusively for Blue Hour
Students line dance on the dancefloor
Iron-on patches available for students to decorate their own mini totes with as a souvenir of the night
Blue Hour’s inspiration came from SPB’s desire to build a community where everyone feels welcome. “Blue Hour is our big welcome to CI and welcome back to CI,” Associated Student Inc. Events & Engagement Coordinator Brit Jacinto Campos said. “It’s our chance to really introduce ourselves: ‘Hi, we’re SPB, and we’re excited to create these experiences for you. I hope we can create that moment where someone stops, looks around at their friends and everything happening, and thinks, ‘Wow, I chose the right campus.’” Her perspective reflects the heart of Blue Hour.
