On March 29, Andrews students attended the AUSA banquet at the Palais Royale in South Bend, where they walked down a red carpet and posed for photographers in a paparazzi-like atmosphere, lined with gold and black decorations. For some, the best part was the Glambot, for others, it was the glamorous venue.
The organizers’ goal was to create a classy atmosphere where people could “have a moment to really pop out and dress up,” said Mariann Forbes, Andrews University Student Association vice president. AUSA leaders intentionally designed the banquet, from the red carpet entrance to student photographers capturing each arrival, to create a space where students could feel “really special” through an elegant, immersive experience, Forbes said.
“When we walked in, there was like cameras… I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, am I on the red carpet?’” said Bryn Johns, a senior who described the experience as classy and elegant. She highlighted the spacious venue and the thought for students, describing it as an opportunity to “make some memories.”
“For me, I always really just like being with friends and taking photos, chatting, socializing,” said Johns.
The night was filled with instrumental music, and the program balanced entertainment with live performances. Vocal duets and instrumental sets included a cover of “If Only” by Dahlia Campillo, followed by “So Easy To Fall In Love” by Natasha Masengo, blending smooth vocals with rhythmic accompaniment to fulfill the Oscars-inspired atmosphere. Between performances, students enjoyed a Movie-themed Kahoot game, along with event-themed memes and a comedy set. Many students enjoyed dinner, which featured a vegetarian menu including a starter and main course, and the chance to mingle, take photos and soak in the ambiance. Additionally, AUSA recognized attendees with awards for best-dressed female, male and couples. They also awarded sophomore Samuel Arroyo for a standout comedy performance.
From music to games, food and awards, every detail contributed to a memorable night where students felt celebrated.
Despite the outcomes, the AUSA team faced multiple planning challenges—from budget arrangements to securing the venue. Forbes explained the struggle to find an appropriate place.
“A couple venues kind of fell through, and then we were like, ‘Oh my gosh, what are we gonna do?’” she said.
In addition to pre-event arrangements, early setup and close communication among team members ensured a satisfying contribution that met their banquet’s expectations. Forbes also explained that negotiations and budget trade-offs were part of the planning process, as well as walkie-talkie use during the event. Finally, she expressed satisfaction with the result, hoping that the special night helped students feel energized to end the school year strong.
Reagan Westerman, a senior, attended the banquet with the intention of making the most out of her final campus experiences. She appreciated how the Oscars theme encouraged attendees to dress more formally, contributing to an elevated atmosphere. Compared to previous years, Westerman noted improvements in the venue, describing it as more spacious and comfortable. “The venue’s nice and big. There’s spaces to walk around,” she said. While she enjoyed aspects such as the food and the overall setting, Westerman also noticed areas of the program that could be improved.
“For me, I felt like there were some kind of down… dull moments where there could have been more entertainment,” she said.
As the night came to a close, “Starstruck” stood out not only for its elegance but for the experience it created for students. Between red carpet moments, awards, and shared laughter, the banquet served as a pause for celebration and a reminder of community. After a closing prayer, the evening of AUSA’s 2026 banquet demonstrated how a mindful effort can create something meaningful and long-lasting.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.