An Evening of Enlightenment
Students dance the night away during Cornell University’s SPS and ExP formal.
Photo courtesy of the chapter.
In a ballroom lit with candles and adorned by gold and florals, this year’s physics formal teleported attendees back to an era that shaped modern physics, the era of enlightenment. Complete with wearable powdered wigs, the end-of-year celebration was planned by a joint committee of Cornell SPS members and members of ExP, Cornell’s Applied Engineering Physics Society.
Aspiring physicists and engineers work hard on intense research projects and demanding classes. SPS and ExP exist to foster community and growth in physics and related fields, and we’ve found a formal to be the perfect way to bring everyone together and celebrate their hard work. It takes much planning and there’s lots of red tape related to the Student Business Office and Large Event Funding Grants, but it is certainly worth the effort.
We had such a memorable evening. Highlights included a photo booth featuring very fancy and on-theme props, including an ornate golden picture frame and a life-size cutout of Sir Isaac Newton, as well as custom stickers, commemorative fridge magnets, physics-themed raffles, and much more. After everyone grabbed their food and goodies, and once the raffle boxes were bulging at the seams, we all took to the dance floor and rocked out to music from the DJ.
