Last summer, the apparel, merchandising, and design sequence within the department of family and consumer sciences lost a valued member of their team when Tricia Widner Johnson passed away. Widner Johnson left a lasting impression on all her students, and her absence has led those she affected to work toward keeping her legacy present for years to come through several fundraisers.

This Thursday, May 3, the Castle Theatre will be hosting the event Squared, Central Illinois’ hottest electronic dance party, with doors opening at 7:30 p.m.

According to Richard Kane, academic advisor and internship coordinator in the college of applied science and technology, the event will hopefully help students continue to raise money toward a scholarship in her name.

“This is the scholarship fund in the name of Tricia Widner Johnson, the late coordinator of the apparel, merchandising, and design program,” Kane said.     

“She passed away last summer. Since then, students have been trying to put together enough money to have a scholarship be in her name. As things stand, their goal is $10,000,” Kane added.

Kane explained that the apparel, merchandising, and design association (AMDA) on campus has been working to create this scholarship for Widner Johnson through several fundraising events, including their annual fashion show.

“[AMDA] has done the fashion show, they’ve done multiple fundraisers revolving around the fashion show, and they’re still about $1,000 short,” Kane said.

Those who attend the event at Castle Theater will get to see performances by DJ Zeek and Big Rich as well as Beatlab, and the show is open to anyone 18 and up.

According to Kane, proceeds from the night will be collected at the door by those interested, and the hope is that as many students who can come will give to help reach their goal.

“Certainly, the more students that come, the greater the total will end up being, but we’re going to have a donations bucket and the door people are going to watch. We hope to come out Thursday night that much closer to the $10,000 goal,” Kane said.

“I know for certain the students will be thrilled to have a scholarship that will be in the name of [Widner] Johnson so that her memory can live on in the department for years to come,” Kane added.

A night of pumping music will bring students together to have fun as well as create funding to help fashion students continue to succeed thanks to Widner Johnson.

“The intersection where fashion and music meets is dynamic and that is where we’re hoping to make an impact,” Kane said.