Photo Essay: STUBSA’s Y2K party

The dance floor was packed as students from across STU joined the celebration, making it one of the liveliest campus events of the semester so far. (Suzanne Shah/AQ)

St. Thomas University’s Black Student Association (STUBSA) kicked off the semester with a Y2K party that brought back the style, music and energy of the early 2000s. 

The event was the first under the association’s new executive team and drew a lively crowd of students that surprised the organizers.

“I was expecting it to be a small group … almost everyone showed up,” said STUBSA president Gabriel Prah.

He described the turnout as “amazing."

The Y2K theme was chosen to stand out from other campus events. 

“We wanted something that would bring all diverse cultures together to celebrate and have fun,” said Prah.

The photo booth was one of the night’s highlights, with groups of friends striking poses and capturing memories of the first STUBSA event of the year.  (Suzanne Shah/AQ)

“The semester started off very rough, so we were thinking about something to ease the tension.”

The evening began with students gathering over food and laughter, fueling up for the night ahead. 

“When the time hit seven, people just started showing up. It was amazing,” said Prah.

For the STUBSA, the party wasn’t only about the 2000s nostalgia. “We are still students, we have busy schedules … while we still have to take time to have fun,” said Prah. (Suzanne Shah/AQ)

Students embraced the Y2K theme with glittering outfits and big smiles, striking poses after hours on the dance floor. (Suzanne Shah/AQ)

Saa Andrew Gbongbor kept the crowd moving, blending throwback hits with crowd favourites. (Suzanne Shah/AQ)

Gbongbor, STU cultural diversity coordinator and part-time DJ, kept everyone dancing throughout the event.

As the night drew to a close, the STUBSA’s Y2K Party had set the tone for the semester: a mix of energy, community and celebration. (Suzanne Shah/AQ)

 “With the numbers we saw, we have a lot of eyes on us, and we have to deliver as we promised,” said the president of STUBSA.

Music from the 2000s echoed through the room and energy surged as students danced together, reconnecting and celebrating campus life. (Suzanne Shah/AQ)

Looking ahead, Prah said the executive team will continue with the traditions set by past STUBSA leaders while adding new collaborations and events. 

“All of our events have meaning and speak to a specific purpose,” he added.