Seniors, UC Davis students waltz the night away
Jennifer Pedersen, Davis Enterprise correspondent
Published May 16, 2008

Blue and gold balloons filled the entranceways, the smooth sounds of Frank Sinatra played from the speakers, paper cups were full to the brim with a foamy green punch made with mint ice cream and Sprite, and couples box-stepped back and forth across the dance floor. However, this wasn't the scene of a Davis High School dance; it all took place in the lobby of the senior living community Atria Covell Gardens. In attendance were the members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and the Pi Beta Phi sorority.

Covell Gardens throws annual holiday dances for its residents, but there are always more ladies than there are male partners to go around. "So many of the ladies got asked to dance tonight," said manager Kathy Green, "and even if they didn't dance, every female knows it's nice to be asked."

The students who decorated, provided the music and even arranged for Wednesday night ballroom dance lessons were led by third-year student Max Schmitz of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and Bridget Botelho, a second-year student and the Pi Beta Phi sorority's philanthropic chairwoman. The fraternity is involved in multiple service projects throughout the year. In fact, to keep its national charter, it must earn at least a thousand dollars for the Children's Miracle Network. However, events like this one allow the fraternity to be more hands-on in its community endeavors. "Its fun. You really connect on a whole different level," Schmitz said. Botelho agreed, saying that while most of the time university students are surrounded by only people their own age, "here you see a different side of Davis."

With everyone looking their best, students and residents filled up all corners of the lobby chatting and snacking. Second-year student Molly Stetler looked as if she had stepped straight out of a 1940s film in her flowing white dress, breaded clutch purse and pearls. However, she hadn't yet graced the dance floor. "I'm shy," Stetler said, "but all the residents seem so appreciative that we're here."

The conversations flowed even on the dance floor. "I danced with one resident who was a German citizen during World War II," said Bradford Leaser, who just graduated from UC Davis over winter quarter. "The dancing is a little more retro than I'm used to, but my mom insisted I learn the box step when I was 10," Leaser said. "We went to a lot of weddings."  

"This was their idea and they got in touch with us," Green said. "It touches the heart."

"They were bright, intelligent, and charming," said Atria Covell Gardens resident Arthur Hzalkan of the Pi Beta Phi ladies, "and next time we'll have a live band!"