On Oct. 24, 2024, Campus Life, the LGBT Resource Center, and E Dining collaborated to put on an unforgettable evening. “Murder at Gatsby's Gala” was an immersive murder mystery that transported 80 students back to the Roaring Twenties, where they stepped into the shoes of various characters entangled in a thrilling whodunit.
Several weeks before this sold out event, students could register and choose their preference of a leading role, side character, or a small role in the storyline. Each participant received a personalized email about their role and tips on what they should wear. Formal attire was suggested, and attendees were encouraged to come dressed in their best 1920’s attire. The anticipation grew as they prepared to waltz into Jay Gatsby’s extravagant mansion for an evening of glamor and suspense.
As the doors swung open, guests were greeted by a breathtaking scene. Dressed in luxurious silk and adorned with pearls, attendees mingled among eight distinct character categories: athletes, business types, mobsters, politicians, media workers, celebrities, socialites, and veterans. Upon arrival, students were given a character folder and an accessory and name tag that matched one of the eight character groups. In their character folder, each participant had a list of characters, some fake cash, an envelope labeled “wait to open,” rules and guidelines for the night, and a sheet that listed their character’s story, traits, goals, and five objectives to start the party. Though a murder mystery set the stage, every character had a side story and worked on their own goals alongside the big case, adding more layers to the drama.
The evening flowed with laughter and lively conversation as students snacked on a delectable array of appetizers, desserts, and mocktails crafted by E Dining. Elegant tables adorned with jewels, candles, and pearls created a stunning ambiance while student volunteers dressed in flapper dresses glided through the crowd serving refreshments. The air buzzed with excitement, setting the scene for an unforgettable night.
Then, in a dramatic twist, the lights dimmed. Suddenly, someone called out, “ratatat, gunshots!” When the lights flickered back on, gasps erupted as a key character lay sprawled on the floor—“dead.” Chaos erupted, and the atmosphere shifted from celebration to investigation. Students quickly huddled into their character groups, sharing clues and speculating on the shocking murder.
Each group was then prompted to unveil the secrets hidden in their envelopes, revealing a treasure trove of new information and additional objectives tied to the murder mystery. Armed with this knowledge, the quest for truth intensified. As the night progressed, five pieces of evidence emerged, challenging students to harness their inner detectives. They interrogated suspects, decoded messages, and pieced together clues, each step bringing them closer to the truth.
The excitement reached its peak during the final group discussions, where students passionately debated their theories and selected their prime suspect. The stakes were high, and with each group presenting a different theory, the tension in the room was palpable. Using a QR code, attendees submitted their final guesses, eager to see who would be unmasked as the murderer.
When the time came to reveal the truth, the room held its breath. The host unraveled the mystery, explaining the trail of evidence that had led to the shocking conclusion. With the case closed, the energy remained vibrant as students lingered, exchanging stories, enjoying more drinks, and capturing memories against the backdrop of Gatsby's party.
As the night drew to a close, it was clear that “Murder at Gatsby's Gala” was not just an event, but a thrilling experience that sparked friendships and left everyone buzzing with excitement long after the mystery had been solved.
