As someone who describes themselves as an old lady in a young person’s body, it is a rare occasion when I stay up past 11 p.m. What can I say, I enjoy my naptime!
But as a new student on campus, my philosophy definitely hindered my social life. That is why I was thrilled, but curious when I learned about DUiN Ball.
At the time, I was only a writer for Drake University Independent News, or better known as DUiN, Drake’s satire magazine. My only commitment was to show up for meetings and write my articles. Although it was a great way to strengthen my creative writing skills, I did not get an opportunity to connect with other students in the organization. When DUiN Ball was mentioned at a meeting, I asked what exactly it was. The editor-in-chief that year, Carl Yaeger, described it as an alternative prom. The theme that year was outer space, so he was hoping that people would not only wear prom attire, but alien or astronaut costumes as well—and they did!
When the day finally arrived, I showed up in a floor-length white dress, excited to see what this event was about. To my surprise, I had so much fun. Even as the publication’s current editor-in-chief, I had initial hesitancy about a satirical magazine throwing a prom-like ball.
At DUiN Ball 2023, my first time attending, there was free Dough Co. Pizza, cornhole with Marty Martin’s face and even live music. However, my favorite part of the night, after I finished all of the activities, was mingling my way through the crowd and getting to catch up with people that the semester had let slip by. There was so much singing, dancing and talking with people. It was like Peggy’s Tent but legal for a first-year!
However, I think my favorite memory at DUiN Ball happened during DUiN Ball 2024, where my friend and I spent the entirety of the event in the ball pit. I wasn’t the most social that year, but it was a great opportunity to just sit down and talk to someone when our schedules had prevented us from hanging out more often.
Now, as we approach DUiN Ball 2026, The Wet Ball, I couldn’t be more excited. Ever since becoming the publication’s leader, I have wanted to make this ball the most popular one yet.
This year, we have events that will correlate with this semester’s theme, DUiN Under the Sea. We’ll still have Dough Co. Pizza, live music from the band Rutabaga, the ball pit and cornhole, but there are going to be many great additions as well, like a mocktail bar, a photo area and a kiddie pool. And did I mention that this is all free?
As a Drake student, DUiN Ball is one of the constants I look forward to as a part of my Drake experience. It’s an event where I get to connect with others and celebrate the end of the academic year, when I know this campus has worked so hard to make it the best year it can be. Being a senior this year makes this event the most sentimental yet, and my tears will be an addition to this year’s wetness. Until then, I hope to see you all present at DUiN Ball 2026 on April 1 from 5 to 9 p.m. in Fisher Stelter-Hall in the Johansen Student Center. It’ll be the best one yet!
