By Hannah Melcher
For the first time in nearly five years, Bellarmine’s annual homecoming dance will take place on campus.
“We reached out to numerous off-campus venues,” said Bryan Hamann, interim director for Bellarmine’s Student Activities Center. “But because of Covid, no one was willing to host any events right now.”
The dance will take place in Frazier Hall on Feb. 6, beginning at 9 p.m. The event is free and requires no ticket.
“Covid has caused us to make a lot of changes for this year’s dance,” Hamann said. “But students should still expect to have a wonderful evening.”
Hamann said if extra space is needed, the University Dining Hall will be available so students can maintain physical distancing.
Students will still be able to eat and drink at the dance.
“All food and drinks will be served outside Frazier,” Hamann said. “We have a tent set up to allow for airflow so students can safely take their masks off to eat or drink. There will also be heaters located throughout the patio.”
Students who are 21 and over can purchase drinks at the bar as well, Hamann said.
In addition to requiring students to social distance and wear masks, Hamann said doors will be propped open frequently to encourage airflow.
“Frazier is one of our larger areas on campus,” Hamann said. “So we are really focused on getting clean air throughout the space as much as we can.”
Jeanyene Szwec said she has high expectations for the dance despite precautions due to Covid-19.
“I know this year’s dance will be much different from the others I have gone to,” Szwec said. “Having to dance at a distance will be interesting, but I still expect a great time with my friends.”
Szwec said she believes that the dance will be safe for students to attend.
“With the guidelines in place I do feel safe,” Szwec said. “If everyone follows them then I expect no problems throughout the night.”
Hamann said students can wear clothes they are most comfortable with, but he said he anticipates students to dress in semi-formal or business casual attire.
“I think that is ingrained into our culture here at Bellarmine,” Hamann said.
Christine Lipscomb said she and her boyfriend, who are both seniors, are looking forward to the dance.
“It is our final homecoming,” Lipscomb said. “So it has become kind of like a tradition for the both of us.”
Lipscomb said the dance is one of her favorite Bellarmine homecoming events.
“We both love to dance,” Lipscomb said. “And the dance is a good way for us to dress up and have fun with each other and our friends.”
The two winners of Bellarmine’s Knight of Honor award will be announced during the dance.
“Usually this is done during halftime of the basketball game,” Hamann said. “But because no one is allowed onto the court, we will be doing it at the dance.”
Meredith Travis, a student involvement specialist at the Student Activities Center, said she believes the dance is a great way for students to have a break from the stress this school year has brought.
“With this being my senior year and having to be 100% virtual, it has been hard to create many memories,” Travis said. “For those that are able to attend, I believe that this is a great way to do so “