International Prom

The International Prom was held on Friday in the Union Ballroom at the University of Oklahoma.

International students at OU got to experience an American prom for the first time.

“We’ve had a lot of internationals express interests that they never got to experience an American prom,” International Advisory Committee President Hillary Medina said.

“This is my first international prom, so I’m really excited,” international student Debaroti Ghosh said.

Students and IAC members danced all night to music native to different parts of the world, and enjoyed a variety of food that was provided by Union Catering.

“It’s so good to see people from all around the world here, you have the Bollywood music playing and Spanish music playing over here and all kinds of music,” Vice President of the India Student Association Subramaniyam Iyer said.

Joe Loveless and Hillary Medina, who is the IAC president, won prom king and queen.

Participants of the International Prom voted for prom king and queen. The DJ announced the winners towards the end of the night.

“I was out her at the booth asking people to vote for me and I’m glad they did,” Loveless said.

“I’m slightly surprised, Medina said. “I thought people would all vote for themselves.”

Everyone cleared the floor as Loveless and Medina shared a dance to “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston.

IAC sold 100 tickets. Participants came in prom attire along with friends or their dates.

“I’m just like so stoked to be here,” IAC Sub-C member said. “It’s just such an amazing thing.”

Dance lessons began at 8:00 p.m., and the prom kicked off at 8:30 p.m.

IAC held their first international prom two years ago, according to Medina.

This year IAC combined their annual winter ball with the international prom, making it one event that serves as a fundraiser and a fun cultural exchange.

The money generated from the International Prom goes towards IAC's Emergency Scholarship, which they award to students every spring, according to the IAC Facebook page.

Tickets were $5 at the IAC booth in the Student Union, and $7 at the door.

Most of the funding for the prom came from the IAC budget. IAC’s yearly budget comes from the Student Government Association.

The IAC is an executive student organization that represents international students, and coordinates the efforts of all international student organizations, according to the IAC website.

“I just love the cultural exchange that goes on,” Medina said.

“I’m having a blast right now, everyone is having a great time,” International Prom attendee Paul Schaettle said.