Brenau’s Annual Spring Cotillion was held on Friday, March 7th, 2025 at the Brenau Downtown Center on 301 Main St. from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. This year’s theme was ‘At Last I See the Light’ inspired by the Disney adaptation film Tangled. This spring semi-formal event has been a staple at Brenau to celebrate the senior class and also signify the end of another successful academic year at the University.
Cotillion is a time where students as well as faculty come together to make priceless memories that will last a lifetime in the Brenau community. This event would not have been possible without the tremendous work that the Department of Student Development and Engagement has done in order to provide a place where students are able to freely express themselves and have fun on campus.
“This event is open to all students and is meant to be a celebration for the student body to look forward to every spring. It provides an opportunity to see each other in a different light rather than just inside a dorm or class room! We hope this event can make students feel they are part of a caring community,” Ashley Blair, the Director of Undergraduate Engagement said.
Blair works to organize events such as Cotillion for all students here on Campus. Her duties as Director represent a wide variety of different roles such as planning of Brenau events that focus on traditions within the Undergraduate College, facilitating the start of new student organizations, and working with other departments to collaborate on events.
Other faculty within the Department of Student Engagement much like Blair work to ensure that students have a great time outside of the classroom as a part of student life here on Brenau’s campus. Encouraging cultural diversity within the student body across all areas of student life and serving as a place for all students to come together to foster change.
Holly Taylor, the Dean of Student Life and Development works within the Department of Student Engagement and her role as Dean encompasses many different aspects. Taylor advises student-led organizations such as the Student Government and Senior Leadership Society, implementing the student conduct process, and student leadership training as well. Her office works to design programs that foster an inclusive environment for students by providing resources and events that celebrate diverse backgrounds and perspectives for students.
When asked about her favorite memories from Cotillion, Taylor said it was hard to choose but last years had her heart.
“Every year is a blast, but the masquerade theme last year brought out so much creativity in our students, many of whom made their own outfits and masks,” Taylor said.
The Department of Student Engagement and Development works together to foster an inclusive community where all students can feel valued, seen, and heard at Brenau University whether that is through fun campus events like Cotillion or valuable campus traditions such as May Day where class levels are passed down from peer to peer. Creating a safe environment where students can express themselves and feel seen for who they are is the ultimate goal.
“The best way I try to foster community is by getting everyone involved and together as much as possible. Student Life is not just limited to the classroom so making opportunities for students to gather and have fun is the main goal. By gathering together for a shared experience there will be lasting memories made and hopefully contribute to students returning to Brenau year after year,” said Blair.
As we near the end of another academic year at Brenau it is important to remember that events like Cotillion are a chance where we can all come together with our peers to build on Brenau’s’ ideals and make memories that will last a lifetime for years to come.
Leave a Reply