Come See the Wonders of the Queen’s Science Formal

For Immediate Release
October 31, 2011 –

Come See the Wonders of the Queen’s Science Formal

For one day only, and in support of United Way serving KFL&A, Queen’s Engineering students will open the doors of the 109^thScience Formal and give the community a sneak peak of their highly anticipated event. This year’s Latin name is Grandae-urbes-orbis, which translates to Great Cities of the World.

The Science Formal began in 1903 as an annual dance and evolved into a formal black-tie affair that commemorates the hardwork, talents, and pride of the graduating class of Engineering students. It was not until 1923 that the students proposed the idea of elaborate designs and large structures. 1943 marked the beginning of major themes such as James Bond, Atlantis, and Planet Earth. This tradition continues to live today and it is marked by brilliant structures that transform Grant Hall and Kingston Hall.

Design, construction and logistics for the event take over a year in planning and preparation. With a sponsored budget of $80,000, over 600 students come together to commit to a combined total of 35,000 hours of construction. Listed as one of the 10 Best Black Tie events in North America, the engineering class of 2012 is hoping to astonish attendees with an impressive theme.

A total of 11 rooms will be transformed:

• Rome is the main city and the Coliseum is the Main Structure
• New Orleans is the basement of Grant Hall
• Hollywood is Grant Hall hallway, with a Oscar statue
• London is the transition room between Grant and Kingston Hall
• Rio is the photography room
• Beijing is the Red Room with a Traditional Lion
• Moscow has St. Basel’s Cathedral
• NYC has taxi cab and is the chocolate fountain room
• Tokyo has a sushi bar
• Paris has a champagne bar and an Eiffel Tower
• Sydney has the Opera House

The walk-through is an exclusive opportunity to see the creativity and design of Queen’s Engineering Students and is held in support of the United Way. There is no charge for entry; donations to the United Way will be accepted at the door. Last year’s Science Formal Open House raised close to $2,000 for the United Way.

Established in 1941, United Way serving KFL&A has worked to strengthen lives by bringing together the financial resources of the community – business, labour, individuals and government – in support of a network of social service and health agencies. Through these agencies and their programs, people find help and in many cases, opportunity for a better life. Over 74,000 people in KFL&A received help last year from a United Way funded service.

Media Contacts:
Bhavana Varma
President & CEO
United Way KFL&A
613-542-2674 ext. 2
bvarma@unitedwaykfla.ca