Leavey Community Enjoys A Roaring Good Time at ‘20s-themed Centennial Gala
Under a star-filled sky, more than 100 smartly attired guests wearing flapper dresses, headpieces, and zoot suits walked the red carpet into a swanky, roaring 20s-themed gala to celebrate 100 years of business education at the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University.
Enthusiastic alumni and guests gathered in the University’s Leavey Center to kick up their heels, reconnect with each other and the school, and enjoy the festivities.
Upon arrival, guests posed for photos in front of a shiny classic Buick Eight fit for Jay Gatsby. Inside, the evening started with a pre-prohibition era cocktail reception–featuring the Side Car, the Old Fashioned, and the Gin Rickey–followed by dinner, a viewing of the Leavey School’s Centennial video, and remarks by Dean Ed Grier. Grier briefly shared highlights from the school’s history, then talked about the future of the school, which he plans to realize through its Leavey PLUS strategic plan.
The party kicked into high gear after dinner when the musicians, Isaiah Pickett and his Dance Band, took to the stage and the Centennial Casino welcomed guests to its tables to play Texas Hold ’em, Roulette, Craps, and Black Jack. Each guest was given $500 in play chips to try their luck. The top three players with the highest value in chips by the end of the evening won prizes comprising show and sporting events tickets. Everyone went home with a commemorative Leavey School of Business Centennial coin.
“Over the past century, Leavey has grown from a few select courses to a School known for its exceptional programs and accomplished graduates,” said Grier. “The gala provided us with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate this milestone with our alumni community. Our success is a direct result of their support and achievement, and I can’t wait to see what we achieve together as we embark on the next 100 years.”
Leavey will continue to celebrate its Centennial through graduation in June, marking one hundred years since the University’s first business students finished their inaugural year in 1924. Next up among the anniversary activities is the publication of a history book that tells the story of 100 years of business education at Santa Clara University.