Building 600 is usually reserved for academic meetings, seminars and award ceremonies. But as the clock struck 5:30 p.m. last Friday, it transformed into a dance floor for students to boogie their stresses away. Much like the fairy godmother magically transformed Cinderella into a princess, the Associated Student Organization (ASO) sprinkled their own magic on Pierce College.
Pierce’s ASO hosted the first Block Party event on the Mall in front of the Library. The party was the brainchild of ASO President Gayane Zazyan, who wanted to help build a sense of community among students during her final semester at Pierce.
“I hope this is something they remember me by,” Zazyan said. “I hope this is something they continue doing.”
Zazyan said she wanted to help students unwind as midterms and Spring Break approaches.
“I felt like the students needed something to de-stress,” Zazyan said. “They needed this good vibe, so I brought it to Pierce.”
The party was sponsored by Raising Cane’s and also had food from Pizzasaurus Rex and The Stand. Churro Man, a churro food truck, and DD Catering, a bartender mixing “mock-tails,” were also present.
On the dance floor, DJ Raz Davidov manned the turntables. He played hits and remixes ranging from Rihanna to Usher, although it was the Cupid Shuffle that drew the most participation.
Outreach and some administration staff were on-hand to make sure things ran smoothly.
There were hula hoops, glow-sticks and games such as cornhole and connect four. The Brahma Bull mascot walked around high-fiving people and taking selfies like Spongebob Squarepants at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Zazyan said she hopes that future ASO students will host another block party after she is done at Pierce.
“I’m glad to see how much feedback I got from students,” Zazyan said. “I think that’s making all my hard work and effort definitely worth it.”
Dean of Student Engagement Juan Carlos Astorga served pizza to party-goers.
Astorga said ASO utilized social media to promote the event and try to get as many people as possible to join.
“I think it was an amazing idea to just do something for our campus,” Astorga said. “We can celebrate and spend time with each other.”
Former Pierce and current CSUN student Mariana Alvarado said she attended the block party with her boyfriend to meet new people.
She made an unexpected friend in Markus, a pigeon.
Girls Who Code Club Vice President Daphne Tenne brought Markus along and the bird spent the party meeting many students. Tenne would hand over a little fluffy bee toy and off Markus went to play with his new friend.
“It was so cool to have him on my shoulder,” Alvarado said. “I could hear him coo and he was so in love with his toy.”
Zazyan said she was happy the party was a success after it was over.
“Everyone was having an amazing time and that’s all I wanted from the beginning,” Zazyan said. “I didn’t expect so many people to show up but I’m really proud.”
