The Arts & Science Students’ Union presents their second annual Arts & Science Gala, celebrating the success of USask College of Arts & Science students.

For the second year in a row, the Arts & Science Students’ Union (ASSU) is hosting a gala at Louis’ Pub on January 17, to recognize student success and display some recent work done by the college’s students. Fourth-year history student and ASSU President Owen Deis hopes to expand the event compared to last year.

Deis, who served the ASSU as the Vice President of Academic Affairs last year, explained that last year’s gala “inspired [the ASSU] to a point — the way we look at it is we just want to make it bigger.”

The gala will be held at Louis’ Pub in the Memorial Union Building on the evening of January 17.  Among music, food, and dancing, it will include a Student Research Symposium open to all Arts & Science undergraduate students and a silent art auction. Students auctioning their art pieces receive most of the profit, but a portion is used to fund Arts & Science scholarships provided by the ASSU. 

Last year’s gala was very successful according to Deis. Including food, dancing, a silent art auction, and undergraduate research posters, the event was attended by many guests and raised around $1,500, which was directed towards providing scholarships for Arts & Science students. Maya Soifer, a third-year political studies major and the Vice President of External Affairs for the ASSU, explained that they are incorporating the silent art auction and undergraduate research displays in this year’s gala as well.

Deis also expressed that he’s most looking forward to “seeing the student research,  and art, being able to showcase what the Arts & Science College is capable of — what our students are capable of.” He added that part of the goal of the gala is to connect students with alumni, faculty, and hopefully outside organizations, as well as provide an opportunity for students to further their research and art skills.

According to Soifer, a major focus of the gala is community building. “We’ve talked about this a few times between  [ASSU Executives], how a lot of the time in Arts & Science, because it’s such a big college, there’s not very much interaction between departments. People tend to be close in their groups, but there’s not necessarily that connection between different people,” she explained. “So we’re hoping to have an event where we can bring together all of the different departments, all of the students, and give people the opportunity to network with faculty and alumni and create that sense of community.”

The 2025 ASSU Gala will be held on January 17 at 8 p.m. at Louis’ Pub (93 Campus Drive). It is a 19+ event. 

For students, “early bird” tickets are available online through the ASSU website and can be purchased for $15 until January 16. Tickets can also be obtained at the ASSU Office, located in Arts 218 (on the second floor of the Arts Building, walking straight ahead from the ramp into the hallway). Alternatively, tickets will be sold at the reception for $20. Please note that a student ID or confirmation of enrollment will be required upon entry to the gala. For non-students, tickets are available for $25 and can be obtained online. 

Undergraduate Arts & Science students interested in submitting artwork or original research to be auctioned or displayed (respectively) at the 2025 ASSU Gala, should visit their website for the appropriate link and complete their submission before January 10. All forms of visual art are acceptable and should a piece be sold, 85% of the proceeds will go to the artist while the rest will fund the ASSU Scholarship. Research from all College of Arts & Science departments is eligible for display. Students who are successful in their submissions will receive free admission to the event but most importantly, will have their work exposed to other students, faculty, and the broader community.

The Arts & Science Students’ Union welcomes USask students to attend the gala for a night of entertainment and enlightenment. For College of Arts & Science students wishing to get involved with the ASSU, weekly meetings are held on Wednesdays at 5 p.m., at a location announced weekly. Becoming a member of the ASSU costs $5 for the academic year and gets you many benefits, including access to the office space, discounts, and eligibility to vote for ASSU Executives come election time. The sign-up sheet is available through their website or by following the link below. Ensure to follow all steps to successfully become a member of the ASSU.

SIGN-UP Sheet

For more information or any inquiries regarding the 2025 ASSU Gala, reach out to VP External Affairs Maya Soifer at assu.external@usask.ca. For general ASSU inquiries including membership questions, reach out to President Owen Deis at assu.president@usask.ca. 

Join us in congratulating the ASSU for organizing and hosting the second-ever Arts & Science Gala and in wishing that it turns out successfully. We hope to see many of you there!