The University of Scranton Case Study
Making an Everyday Location Extraordinary
Client: The University of Scranton
Event: Capital Campaign Gala
Objective
To create a seamless event that would celebrate the university’s achievements, communicate the message of the capital campaign and be an extraordinary gathering for the university all within the confines of the University’s Byron Recreation Complex gymnasium.
The Program
The University of Scranton, unveiled its “Pride, Passion, Promise Campaign to Transform Our Campus and Secure Our Future” at a gala in the Byron Recreation Complex on campus.
Inspiring alumni and friends to give is always a challenge for universities and this event was the vehicle for The University of Scranton to tell its story of a great community, academic excellence, Jesuit tradition and a continuing desire to enhance its first-rate campus. Roberts Event Group, Inc. worked with the University to create a seamless event that would celebrate its achievements, communicate the message of the campaign and be an extraordinary social gathering for the university. With the event objective to motivate and inspire support for the school, creative choices were made to produce an elegant and sophisticated evening, while being watchful not to go over the top.
Roberts Event Group, Inc. transformed the gymnasium of Byron Recreation Complex for the black-tie gala. Guests walked through a red-carpeted tent entrance that also served in part as a cocktail reception area. Wait staff was standing by with trays of wine and hors d’oeuvres as The University of Scranton President Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., and other university dignitaries greeted guests.
As the cocktail hour ended, a drape was opened to reveal the recreation complex transformation. University students were strategically stationed around the room to assist guests to find their tables. The walls were draped from ceiling to floor with of the University’s colors of purple and white and highlighted with gold accents. A large stage was backed with multi-layered swags of fabric that opened and closed throughout the evening to reveal various designs. Two large screens encased with gold frames flanked the stage to allow for image magnification of speakers and project campaign videos.
An opaque curtain was lifted to reveal a closed shear curtain that silhouetted the band as they performed background music during dinner. Following the dinner, the curtain was raised and it was time for the crowd of 500 in attendance to dance and celebrate.
The dinner program was carefully timed to present the campaign pillars of Pride, Passion and Promise to correspond between courses. Each segment was introduced by a video, after which a student, faculty member or alumni presented each a compelling story about their personal relationship to the university. Throughout the evening, members of the student body participated and performed, including the presentation of colors by the student ROTC, the University of Scranton Concert Choir and the school’s Jazz Ensemble.
The in-house caterer ARAMARK served hors d’oeuvres and a three-course plated dinner with a dual entrée and personalized dessert. Roberts Event Group, Inc. worked with the caterer to design a kitchen and back of house area within the confines of the recreation space, develop the menu and choose and procure china, flatware, glassware and other rental items to accommodate the large group.
Roberts Event Group, Inc. transformed a university recreation center into an elegant ballroom and infused the campaign’s message in all aspects of the evening to inspire support for the campaign.
The Response
“The launch of The University of Scranton’s Pride, Passion, Promise Campaign was a seminal moment in our history. This 500-person gala celebration had to be first-class, and the execution had to be flawless. The Roberts Event Group was our partner every step of the way. Our expectations were high and they exceeded them. We will partner with them again here at the University.”
Patrick Leahy, Vice President for University Relations
The University of Scranton
