In an effort to be a hardworking communications employee, I tried very hard to focus on the sights and sounds of last night’s Alumni Association fundraiser. Don’t get me wrong; I was impressed with what I saw and heard, but I was repeatedly distracted by one of my other five senses… Taste.
The Taste of Ireland, a fundraiser for student scholarships, promised great food, drink and company, and the event didn’t disappoint. Alumni, faculty, students and Irish wannabes seemed to arrive at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center by Paddy Wagon, hungry and curious about the corned beef cabbage rolls, Irish leek and swiss tarts, pub ale cheddar spread, mini lamb sliders on brioche, Irish truffles and other hors d’oeuvres advertised on the invitation.
As a member of the planning committee, I’ll admit that I, too, was a little uncertain about the appeal of Irish food. But that uncertainty flew out of my mind faster than I could get the Bailey’s cheesecake in my mouth. My date and I hit up the fresh seafood bar first, admiring the clover ice sculpture before noticing the pub-style bar on the other side. With an assortment of Irish whiskeys, it seemed to be a popular party spot, along with the beer bar outside on the, uh-hmm, Paddy-O.
As the sun set outside, I watched party-goers of all ages shake hands and toast their mugs while listening to the spirited sounds of the Celtic Music Society. My date convinced me to suppress my urge to do a little jig, but around the place, I saw feet tapping… that is, when they weren’t on their way back to the potato pancakes or a Guinness.
When I left the party at its scheduled ending time of 8 p.m., there was still quite a crowd at the Alumni Center. Maybe it was the luck of the Irish, but I think it was more than just the food and drink that drew them to the event. It was the students and the need for scholarships. As a former alumni association scholarship recipient, I know first-hand how this event helps students with the stressful and rising costs of education. I am confident that many of the attendees came to the event to support the Alumni Association and the students it so graciously helps. I heard that from many, and it speaks highly of our university. But hey, while you’re there, you might as well enjoy the taste.
Here’s a glimpse of some of the party-goers:
