Before coming to Tuck, Brooke Szostak T'08 lived in New York City and often took charge of planning events for friends and not-for-profit organizations. So when student board elections were held in the fall of her first year at Tuck, she decided to run for the position of social chair. "It seemed like a perfect opportunity to use my skills and get to know the greater Tuck community," she recalls.
Szostak was elected social co-chair along with classmate Charlie Schilling T'08. "It's been a fun year," says Szostak. "We try to create an array of fun events based on the traditions of the past and on interests of current students. Our student volunteers, the facilities staff, and the MBA program office work together on each event to ensure its success."
Traditional events include Tuck Vegas and Winter Formal. During the Tuck Diversity Conference, Szostak and Schilling transformed Cohen Great Hall into a casino for Tuck Vegas, and hired professional card dealers for the evening. The event raised more than $2,000 for a local food bank. For the Winter Formal, they turned Stell Hall into a winter wonderland, with dozens of snowflakes, lights, and other holiday decorations.
Szostak and Schilling have also scheduled new events throughout the year, including a Beach Bash and one particularly memorable karaoke night at a local restaurant. Says Szostak, "We learned a lot about the hidden talents of our classmates that night!"
Reflecting on her position, Szostak says, "It has given me greater perspective on what makes Tuck so special. Every one of our attracts interest. Above all, I have learned that this is a close-knit community that values the chance to spend time together outside the classroom."
