Beeson Ball is an event for students to come together for a fun time of dancing and exploring the McWane Science Center in Downtown Birmingham. This year’s Beeson Ball is being held on Friday, March 22.
What makes the Beeson Ball so unique is that it was originally a dance for just students who were not in any Greek organizations. Many students who are not involved in any Greek organizations on campus live in Beeson Woods. Since so many students involved in Greek Life have so many formal and semi-formal dances, Beeson Ball gives independent students an opportunity to dress up and have some fun with their friends.
Tom Holsteen, the Residence Life coordinator for Beeson Woods, said the Beeson Ball has grown over the years with both Greek and independent students attending every year.
“It is now an entrenched, beloved Samford tradition with around 800 students attending annually,” Holsteen said.
Beeson Ball will be held in the science museum, which is only a short distance from campus — approximately six or seven miles. Its close proximity and fun atmosphere mean many students attend the Beeson Ball and enjoy not just the dance, but the whole building as well. Sophomore Exercise Science major Morgan Sullivan, who is a resident assistant in Evergreen Hall, attended last year’s Beeson Ball and said she enjoyed exploring the science center and having fun with her friends.
“It was so much fun! Exploring the McWane Center was such an added bonus of fun,” Sullivan said. “Getting to dance with friends at a non-Greek function was so cool, especially since I’m not in a sorority.”
Beeson Ball is an opportunity for all students to have fun, whether with a group of friends or with a date. The entire event will include a DJ, a dancefloor, and access to the McWane Science Center for students to explore and take pictures, Holsteen said.
“We have partnered with the McWane Science Center for several years now, and the space there is excellent for our needs because it makes Beeson Ball more than just a dance,” Holsteen said. “We will have a dancefloor and DJ with a fantastic playlist on the top level, but attendees will have access to the entire McWane Center. If you’ve never been, it is an awesome place to explore.”
This year’s theme for Beeson Ball is “Dancing with the Stars,” a theme that Holsteen believes is fresh and makes for great decorations.
“We wanted to go with something that let us bring a creative and fresh approach to our decorations while also including a pun in the name — the ‘stars’ in this case being actual stars rather than celebrities,” Holsteen said .
Sullivan said she highly recommends students to attend and enjoy a fun time off campus.
“Beeson Ball is such a great way to go to a free function with all of campus and get away from responsibilities and de-stress,” Sullivan said.
