Cal State Fullerton’s “Arianators” adorned their cat ears and gathered together in the Titan Student Union for a night of fun-filled crafts, raffles and trivia — accompanied by the sweet sounds of Ariana Grande’s large discography.
The two-hour-long event, hosted by ASI, was organized by student programmers Grace Cazares and Amanda Banuelos and held in anticipation of Grande’s upcoming tour.
“We wanted to do an Ari night because her tour is coming up and a lot of people had trouble getting tickets,” said Cazares, a fourth-year communication disorders major. “We thought it would be good to have a night themed around her with free food, photo op (and) her music just so people could still enjoy that feeling (of the tour).”
After signing in via a QR code, event participants could enter their name in a raffle to win one of two prizes — a vinyl record of Grande’s debut album, “Yours Truly,” or a CD of her most recent album, “Eternal Sunshine.” Included with both prizes were also an Owala and HydroFlask tumbler cup.
Also at the event were craft tables where participants could make DIY bag charms with music notes and other charms or decorate notebooks with newspaper style lettering in accordance with Grande’s album “Thank U, Next.”
“I like Ariana Grande and I saw the Instagram edits and they did look pretty fun,” said Lauren Fernandez, a second-year child development major. “I was like ‘I’m gonna go and see what activities they have,’ It just looked fun.”
Photo opportunities with glittering back-drops and decorative balloons stating “Ari Night” were scattered about the room for participants to take advantage of to remember the evening.
Jersey Mike’s sandwiches were provided by ASI, along with mini Nothing Bundt Cakes and Krispy Kreme doughnuts that were decorated with pink icing to remain on theme with the event.
ASI aims to host music themed nights every two weeks or so in hopes to bring students together over common musical interests as a fun way for students to take a break and relax from classes. They previously hosted a Bad Bunny themed night on Feb. 6 in anticipation of the Super Bowl halftime performance.
“I went to the Bad Bunny night a couple of weeks ago,” said Zack Poland, a fourth-year finance major. “I’ve been a huge fan of Ariana Grande for at least 10 years and I like that the school puts on events that are related to my interests.”
After students had the opportunity to complete their crafts, eat and jam out to Grande’s musical medleys, the participants were led in themed trivia via Kahoot where the winner received extra entries into the raffle to increase their chances of receiving one of the prizes.
Banuelos said the most rewarding part of putting together the events is seeing students show up and knowing everyone is enjoying it.
“I just wanted to find a place to make friends. Being a first-year I just wanted to throw myself into the college atmosphere,” Banuelos said. “I thought it would be a good idea to help plan these events and I feel like I’ve gotten very close with my coworkers so I’m happy to work with ASI.”
Events like these are a great way to make new connections over shared common interests. The communal-style seating aids students in conversation and allows them to branch out of their comfort zone to converse with students they may not have otherwise met.
If the two-week pattern remains true, the anticipation is increasing for what music artist-themed night will be announced next for March.
“I feel like these activities brought people together,” Banuelos said. “It makes me happy when I see people happy because that’s what the event is for.”