The Eastern Echo is hosting its second annual Student Media Gala on March 28 at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse.
The event aims to bring together Eastern Michigan University students and alumni for a night of celebrating their previous works and achievements in the realm of media.
"The gala is an accumulation of all our hard work, time, and efforts that we put into The Echo and the organizations that we're a part of, in general," Marie White, Editor-in-Chief of The Eastern Echo, said.
Organizations that will be involved and recognized at the gala are The Eastern Echo, Cellar Roots, and Eagle Radio.
Recognition at the event will take place through the presentation of various awards. Awards presented to current staff of The Eastern Echo will be Photographer of the Year, Staff Member of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Article of the Year. Additional awards will be presented to alumni of The Eastern Echo, including Echo Legend, Friend of The Echo, and The Eastern Echo Hall of Fame, which will be awarded to Rob Musial.
Musial will also address attendees with a speech following the presentation of his award.
"I think it's a great way to bring us all together, bring alumni here together, and just sort of celebrate and look back at what we've done so far," Aaron Hughes, Managing Editor of The Eastern Echo, said.
Throughout the event, there will be a silent auction taking place, with all proceeds going to the Student Media Development fund. This fund helps in financially supporting student-led media at Eastern. A variety of baskets and photographs will be available for bidding, such as an EMU Athletics basket, an EMU Foundation basket, an EMU Campus Life basket, and more.
A ticket is required for entry, with tickets costing $35 each. Included in the ticket price is catered food from Ma Lou's Fried Chicken and an assortment of beverages and desserts.
"I just hope that we'll gain more support for The Echo, people realize what we're doing here, and that we also continue to support each other throughout the years as we graduate and new people come in; that there's a reason behind all of this and it matters," Hughes said.
Doors will open at 7 p.m., with introductory remarks beginning at 7:15 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door or ahead of time by using the University's online box office.
