Graphic by Maya Uribe
By Miggy Aguilar and Melisa Rodriguez
The sound of music, the smell of freshly made food and the excitement of students dancing up and down along Central Mall filled the air yesterday evening as the Student Programming Board (SPB) held their first event of the semester here at CI. SPB, which seeks to get students involved with the planning and organizing of events, working with local businesses and vendors, creating decorations, assisting in developing advertisements for events and developing strong teamwork and project management skills had been hard at work since before beginning of the semester to make sure that students would be able to enjoy a night of festivities during their second week of the semester; a time that has proven to be stressful for many students adjusting to the academic culture and campus community of CI.
One such member of SPB who was key to the success of The 17th Annual Bash, Havana Nights, was Booking Manager, Cassandra Gil. Gil, a second year health science major, spoke with us about what it takes to host the event. The Havana Nights Bash at CI is a campus-wide event that brings a touch of Cuban flair to the university. It featured vibrant music performances, including DJ Sensual, along with dance performances and opportunities for attendees to participate in dance which takes preparation and organization! The event is held at the Central Mall on campus, decorated with colorful themes to create an immersive atmosphere. Attendees can enjoy Cuban-inspired food and drinks, making it a festive and lively gathering that celebrates Cuban culture and provides a memorable experience for the entire CI community.
Gil, a crucial player in the event’s success, shared insights into the behind-the-scenes work that goes into hosting such a grand affair. As Gil described, her role involves coordinating with vendors, managing communications and ensuring that every detail aligns with the event vision. “I book the vendors, I communicate with them, I email them, whatever they need the day of, I’m here for them. Yeah, that’s my job. And then, of course I work with an amazing team as well. They’re great. Truly, I’ve never met a team that runs so amazing,” Gil explained. Her dedication, along with the collaborative efforts of her team, ensures that every SPB event runs smoothly and exceeds expectations.
The planning process for the event is thorough and collaborative. “So from the beginning to the end, we discuss as a team the themes, what we want, how we want to lay out what vendors we’re going to have, and how every, although you might not think it, and of course, sometimes the students don’t recognize it but every little thing like even to the lights we consider for students, right? Like how our students are, are they gonna like it?” Gil detailed. The team examines mood boards, researches popular themes, and considers student feedback to ensure the success of the event. For Havana Nights this year, the team decided on the Cuban theme after researching current trends and student interests. Feedback from students about past events, like the Foodie Tuesday and mechanical bull attractions, helps the team tailor future events. Gil mentioned that the photo booth was a personal favorite, as it offers students a chance to capture and cherish their memories. “It’s always nice to see students enjoying themselves and keeping those moments as mementos,” Gil said.
As the semester progresses, the SPB remains committed to fostering a sense of community and providing stress relief through their events. Gil encouraged new students, particularly freshmen and transfers, to get involved and take advantage of the opportunities offered by SPB. “There’s always support available, and you’re never alone at CI,” Gil assured. With future events on the horizon, SPB continues to engage with students through their Instagram and general board meetings, encouraging feedback and involvement.
Whether it is volunteering for events or participating in various activities, SPB strives to make every student feel connected and valued. Havana Nights was not just a celebration but a demonstration of the dedication SPB has to enhancing the CI experience. As the Central Mall quieted down, the echoes of salsa rhythms and the laughter of students lingered, marking the success of a night well spent.
