Resident assistants and Residential Life staff recently let their hair down for a night of dancing and fun at the second annual Rakosnik Legacy Gala, an opportunity to say thank you to an outstanding group of students and honor the legacy of Bill and Barbara Rakosnik.
The gala was established thanks to the generosity of alumni Bill and Barbara Rakosnik. A semi-formal dance, the gala provides RAs and Residential Life staff with a special celebration to thank and reward them for their exceptional efforts on behalf of their University Residences communities. Now in its second year, the gala and elements of the celebration are becoming beloved traditions – including an annual flash mob performed by professional staff – all held in the beautiful setting of the Shively Club in Ross-Ade Stadium.
“Our second annual gala, affectionately referred to as ‘RA Prom,’ was another great success!” said Renee Kashawlic, alumni relationships & special events director for University Residences and Dining & Culinary. “What a night – delicious food, incredible desserts, friendship bracelets, a gratitude station, build-your-own stuffies, dancing, a professional staff flash mob and a truly wonderful couple that has made it all possible. The vision started simply as an opportunity to recognize the hard, emotional work of Purdue’s resident assistants and Residential Life team. It has become a truly memorable affair honoring the top student leaders of Purdue University. We are ever grateful for the work of our Residential Life team and for both the generosity and legacy of Bill and Barbara Rakosnik.”
One of the activities RAs and Residential Life staff could participate in this year was sharing reflections on gratitude and what that means to them in their experiences in University Residences. Those who submitted reflections chose to focus on the fun they were having at the gala.
“The gala brings together the fun parts of University Residences for a night,” wrote Vi Raparthi, an RA in Hillenbrand Hall. “It shows us all that despite the challenges, at the end of the day, we’re all just people who get a little too into the Cupid Shuffle and need time to unwind. Also, UR couples are adorable.”
“Thank you so much for giving us a night to enjoy with our friends!” wrote Beck Spieth, an RA in Hilltop Apartments. “It gives us such a wonderful memory as a staff and another reason to see that being an RA is amazing!”
The creation of the gala was inspired by the memories and generosity of Bill and Barbara Rakosnik, who cherished the time they spent together attending formal dances while they were students during the late 1960s. Women’s and men’s residence halls traditionally held formal dances throughout the year. Couples would meet and dine in their residence halls before heading to the Purdue Memorial Union to dance the night away. Bill and Barbara attended their first formal dance in December 1966, a few months after they met. University Residences thanks Bill and Barbara for their support in establishing the gala to provide today’s students with the opportunity to create cherished memories.
Please enjoy more photos from the gala below. Hover over the photo and click the right arrow to advance through the gallery.
