On behalf of the University Programming Board (UPB), the University Center in Francis Marion University opened the dance floor to students on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. for Casino Royale.
Assistant Dean of Students Latasha Brand, Chair of Social Events DeSwinyana Jones, and the rest of the UPB were in charge of the event. The event has occurred every year since 2003 in efforts to engage students in homecoming week. Typically, every Casino Royale has featured the same types of activities.
The tables were decorated with black tablecloths, casino chips, paper money, and festive centerpieces.
Other decorations included an oversized set of cards with red and white balloons on the staircase and a giant money wheel. Brand was pleased with the ambiance of the event.
“The professional casino atmosphere was enjoyed. It was a big success,” Brand said. “My favorite part was seeing a lot of the students having a good time.”
Junior mass communication James Watson, also known as DJ Watts, provided the music that many of the students were dancing to. UPB provided free refreshments.
Brand said that a company based in Pineville, N.C., Your Event Source, helped host the event with different tables.
There were a craps, roulette, blackjack and Texas Hold ‘em tables as well as a big six money wheel. Brand said that the people that were operating the different tables were professional dealers.
FMU student Victoria Moulterie said that she has always enjoyed the event in past years.
“I go every year, and I like the dancing,” Moulterie said.
Brand said that Casino Royale did not specifically have a themed dress code. Some students chose to wear casual attire. Other students preferred to dress formally.
“Combining the casino décor and ball party atmosphere tied together a red carpet feel,” Brand said. “It took it up a notch.”
There were various door prizes that students could win from the different games. Brand said that the prizes included six drawstring bags, picture frames from the Patriot Bookstore, pennants, and two FMU fleece blankets.
There were leftover prizes from last year’s Casino Royale, so students who did not get the chance to win a game could walk away with a prize. Brand was proud of how much the students enjoyed the event.
“From start to finish, the students were engaged and just having a good time,” Brand said.