A Night of Self Care, Despite the Snow: Eighth Annual Silver Ball

Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor single-digit temperatures could keep Silver School of Social Work students from the 8th Annual Silver Ball. On Saturday, February 21, a well-dressed contingent of students braved the weather and congregated on the top floor of the NYU Kimmel Center for University Life for an evening of well-deserved self-care. Attendees were treated to a smorgasbord of finger foods and drinks, while a photo booth (with a fully-stocked prop table) provided hilarious photographic memorabilia of the evening. A DJ spun the latest records, and the spectacular NYC skyline views were quickly obscured as the windows fogged over from the enthusiasm of the social workers on the dance floor.

"The Silver Ball is a proud tradition of the NYU Silver School of Social Work,” said Dean Lynn Videka, who was on hand to emcee the event. “It is an evening for relaxation and socializing, dressing up and enjoying great music, dancing, and friends. This year the Rosenthal Pavilion was packed despite the snow. Everyone was dancing and singing, and students were lined up fifty-deep to take photos with funny props."

At a time of year when students begin preparing for life after school, the stress of the impending real world—coupled with the demands of class, field placement, and the relentlessness of February weather—can be overpowering. So the Silver Ball, an evening explicitly dedicated to letting loose and celebrating with colleagues, felt timely for many attendees. “Silver Ball was just what the doctor—or should I say social worker—ordered!” said Kimberly Pinkney, MSW ’15. “The Silver Ball gave me a chance to leave all of my problems at home! I put on my dress and danced the night away like I didn’t have a care in the world! I talked to people that I see all the time but had never spoken to. I truly enjoyed myself. Now I feel super refreshed and recharged, and I am ready to work!”

“This year's Silver Ball was truly memorable and exceeded my expectations. I love that I can look back at my photo booth strips to remember such a great night,” said Elizabeth Chon, MSW ’15, president of Silver’s Phi Alpha Honors Society. Carly Herschmann, MSW ’15, echoed the sentiment: “The photo booth allowed us to dress up and make lasting memories with some awesome people. If that’s not self-care, I don’t know what is.”

Margaret Woods, MSW ’15, summed up the evening nicely: “[It was] a room filled with love, joy, happiness, self-care and some wicked dance moves!”

Nicole McCullough, MSW ’15, echoed the sentiment: "The 8th annual Silver Ball was such a success! An amazing night filled with food, fun, and friends. Can I come back again next year?"

View photos from the event’s photo booth.