Junior Class Hosts Cardinal Ball

On Feb. 21 at 8 p.m., the junior class of Union University’s Student Government Association hosted Cardinal Ball at the New Southern Hotel. The event was open to all students, and people from numerous clubs, organizations and sports teams attended. Each year, the junior class hosts Cardinal Ball, and it is one of the most well-attended events of the year. 

Caleb Stubbs, a junior political science major and the junior class council president, played a key role in planning Cardinal Ball. Stubbs shared his experience hosting the event and how the organizers worked to make it accessible to all students.  

“We moved it earlier this year to try and separate it from fraternity and sorority formals so more people could come,” Stubbs said. “We would love for it to be something where the whole campus is involved and it doesn’t just become sectional.” 

“The whole point of SGA is to break up cliques and unite campus, SGA President Lane Pyron, junior business administration major, said. “Everybody is represented. Cardinal Ball is a great example of a majority of these people who would never go to a Greek life thing, but they come here and have an awesome time.  We want to create a space where everybody drops those labels, and Cardinal Ball is one of the best ways we do that.” 

The theme of the event was inspired by the film “La La Land,” which drew strong interest from students.  

“There were a bunch of different themes thrown around, but as soon as that was mentioned everybody loved it,” Stubbs said. 

Cardinal Ball has been hosted by the junior class for several years. Stubbs described this event as a capstone experience of serving on SGA’s council. Many members look forward to their junior year for the opportunity to help plan one of the campus’ largest events.  

“Junior year can feel lowkey sometimes. You’re not a senior about to leave; you’re not a freshman figuring it out, or a sophomore who is trying to hit their stride. Junior year is where you get to relax and have a little bit of fun,” Pyron said. 

Students described Cardinal Ball as successful due to the efforts of the junior council. 

“I think the junior class really enjoys getting to be involved on campus and throw something that everyone can be a part of before they hit their senior year and start thinking about the future,” Pyron said.