PRSSA hosts Masquerade Ball

Liberty students had the chance to dress up and dance the night away at the Masquerade Ball, hosted by Liberty’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter, Thursday night, Nov. 6.

More than 200 students arrived in masks, gowns and suits to enjoy live music, chocolate and cheese fountains and a chance to learn about the public relations club.

“We started planning the event about a month ago,” PRSSA Vice President Joshua Gordon said. “We got the idea from a brainstorming session within the executive team. We really wanted to throw an event for the entire student body. The turnout proved that a masquerade ball is something Liberty students are interested in.”

The event, which was a fundraiser for their Innovations Team, which provides professional work experience for students, raised $1,025 for the organization.

“We wanted to have the classiest event on campus,” PRSSA Creative Director Brittany Jones said. “Promotions is our job as an organization. We love our members, but we wanted to be able to reach out to students on campus.”

Both Gordon and Jones said the turnout was bigger than the club could have imagined.

“This was the first time PRSSA had put on an event like this, so we really didn’t know what to expect,” Gordon said. “I’m really impressed. We actually ran out of food and had to go out and get more. Our band is even all the way from Virginia Beach.”

Junior Keilah Soward was excited to attend the event since it gave her a chance to wear an authentic 18th century-style gown that she made herself.

“Probably my favorite part of the night (was) all the people coming up to me and asking about my dress,” Soward said.

Soward said she and some of her friends made the dress some time ago.

“I just had it sitting in my closet,” Soward said. “This was the perfect excuse to be able to go out and wear it.”

Gordon said the ball is not the only thing PRSSA has planned for the rest of the school year.

“We have a LinkedIn Workshop and Breaking into the Industry Workshop coming up for members,” Gordon said. “As far as campuswide events, we are having an Etiquette Banquet on Nov. 13.”

Gordon and Jones also confirmed that PRSSA is working on another formal event for next semester. The theme is Great Gatsby.

To learn more about PRSSA, visit their Facebook page at facbook.com/LibertyPRSSA or on Twitter @LibertyPRSSA.

WALSH is a feature reporter.