On Saturday, March 25 at 7 p.m., Gillette Hall will host their annual banquet at the Old Library in Olean, New York. The theme for this year’s banquet, “Be Our Guest,” will feature red roses, candles, and high bookshelves to bring guests into the magical world of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The banquet will include music and dancing, with unlimited dessert, including multiple flavors of cheesecake, apple pie, fruit, and a chocolate fountain.
This year’s banquet is a continuation of a long standing tradition in Gillette Hall. A history so long, according to Resident Director (RD) Laura Cunningham, “I’m not sure when it actually began. It has always, just, existed.” Cunningham said she even checked with René Stempert, Head of Custodial in Gillette, who has worked at Houghton for 23 years. Stempert said the banquet was already a tradition when she began working at Houghton. In regards to the location of the banquet every year, Cunningham said that it varies. “During my time here it’s been held in Mount Morris, Olean and Wellsville.” She continued, “I like that we explore different venues in the area and encourages residents to visit different communities outside of campus.”
Rebecca Firstbrook ’18, Assistant Resident Director (ARD) of Gillette, is the one in charge of overseeing the event. About the banquet, she said, “This is one of our three dorm identity building events and it is often considered the most significant because it is off campus and people pay to attend.” Firstbrook said that her favorite part of planning the banquet is watching the Resident Assistants (RAs) come together to help organize and pull off the event. “This will only be the second year where RAs are overseeing the entire event, it used to be overseen by the Event Planning Committee,” she said. Firstbrook is also excited for this year’s theme and venue of the Old Library center. “The towns that they [banquets] are hosted in are a chance to hangout with friends” she said. “A lot of fun memories are made there.”
This will be the third year Kathryn Moore ’18, an RA in Gillette, attends the banquet. She said, “I have always loved seeing classmates get dressed up and for us to all share an experience off campus.” This year, she has been a part of the planning process for the banquet. “It has been an amazing experience” she said, and then went on to describe her specific role in helping to plan the banquet. “I had the opportunity of helping out with the playlist this year, which is one of my favorite things to do. I love the thought of bringing people together through music, and I am confident that the music this year will do that,” she said. “There will be some classics played, a swing dance song, current pop music, some rap, Disney, oldies but goodies, and lots more,” she added. Moore is confident that this year’s banquet will be unforgettable, especially with the elegant venue, decorations, and desserts.
Jensyn Elliott ’17 first went to the banquet when she was a sophomore. She said, “We had a good time at the banquet. We loved the food, and we had a blast dancing as well.” Elliott also stated she felt honored to be a part of Gillette, and she plans on attending this year as well. She said, “I’m really looking forward to it.”
Gillette will also host their tradition of having a prep night on Thursday night before the banquet, which will consist of dancing lessons, makeup and nail tutorials, and crafts in the main lounge. Residents will be able to take what they learned at prep night to get ready for Saturday night, when the real fun begins. Gillette Hall is looking forward to hosting a magical night for all who choose to be their guest.