"Are you going to the Night of Chocolate?" The question echoed throughout Marquette's campus last week as students prepared for the annual sweets soiree. Students strutted along Wisconsin Avenue Thursday night en route to the Alumni Memorial Ballrooms— this year many in their finest semi-formal attire. Dresses. Ties. High heels. All to celebrate chocolate.
"I talk it up to as many people as I can every year," said Andy Hunt, a senior in the College of Business Administration. "It's so much fun, you have to love it."
Night of Chocolate proves to be one of Marquette University Student Government's most popular events; selling out tickets in previous years and coming up just eight tickets shy of the distinction this year.
"The reason that we continue to hold the Night of Chocolate is because it is probably one of the most popular and most anticipated traditions that MUSG has," said College of Arts & Sciences senior Dorothy Jenke, special events commissioner for MUSG's Program Board. "Where and when else can you have an entire night devoted solely to chocolate?"
The sweet scent of chocolate and lull of the jazz quartet wafted through the doorways to eagerly awaiting students.
Once inside the AMU Ballrooms, attendees beheld a sophisticated set-up of tiny dazzling lights and tables draped in theme-appropriate mint and chocolate colored cloths. The suggested semi-formal dress code impressed students, even those who weren't there for the chocolate.
"I actually don't like chocolate, but I love dressing up and hanging out with friends," said College of Communication freshman Lindsey Townsley. "I didn't expect people to really dress up and the band is fabulous. It's just so much fun."
Members of the Night of Chocolate committee discussed the event's previous success with the semi-formal attire and felt it was a great idea to continue with.
"(MUSG) did more of a classy theme last year and it went over really well," said Nicole Marquart, a freshman in the College of Business Administration. "They sold out all their tickets last year so we decided to stick with that again."
Last year the event sold all 500 tickets. Based on previous demand, MUSG made 600 tickets available this year, selling 592 at $5.
Among the rich decor, lines waited to "carpe cocoa"—or "seize the chocolate" as the event's theme dictated. But the first-class spread was its own call to action.
Attendees sampled milk chocolate, dark chocolate and white chocolate varieties of cakes, cookies, brownies and even ice cream.
The MUSG Special Events Commission adjusted its catering order to accommodate the more popular items from last year. Not just chocolate, either. Some of the items included strawberries, pineapple and marshmallows.
Another non-chocolate perennial favorite: music.
"We have a jazz band in side right now, which is really exciting," said Marquart. "We have to call them to come, but they like to be here every year. "
The jazz quintet serenaded one student with "Happy Birthday." Another group danced to Christmas songs. A festive M&M danced with her package.
Though the three chocolate fountains ran dry earlier than the end of the event, friends lingered in conversation and the love of a good treat.