By Abby Anderson

Students are planning a farewell party to show their appreciation for Dr. Royce Money as he nears the end of his career as president of Abilene Christian University.

The student body is hosting the party for Money and his wife, Pam, this April to honor and celebrate his years of service and dedication.

Students from every part of campus are involved in the primary planning committee, and they have been working for more than a month. Representatives from the graduate school, Students’ Association, social clubs, athletics and every undergraduate class have come together to ensure the party is memorable.

“We tried hitting on every different group of students on campus,” said Luke Cochran, senior finance major from Round Rock; he said this was to ensure a wide variety of input and ideas.

The party, hosted in the Teague Special Events Center on April 19, is open to every student. Students on and off campus will receive a “save the date” notice and should expect to see emails and advertisements on myACU soon.

“We really want every student to be a part of this and be able to attend,” Cochran said.

All students are encouraged to participate in the fun “white-out” theme, in which students dress in all-white clothing; the style can be casual or dressy.

The Moneys will attend dressed in purple attire so they will stand out as the center of the party.

Charles Gaines, senior criminal justice major from Cedar Hill and SA president, said this party is going to be unlike anything ACU has ever seen. A performer from New York, accompanied by an ACU student band, will provide the entertainment for the evening on a large concert stage in Teague. Small bistro tables will provide seating for guests to enjoy the desserts and finger foods. Most importantly, Money will say a few parting words to the students of ACU.

“We will have more nailed down as the next few weeks go on,” Cochran said, but, he said, everything is exciting so far.

This student-hosted farewell party offers the campus community the opportunity to show appreciation for Money and enjoy an evening together before he transitions to his new role.

“This is just going to be a very exciting, memorable thing,” Gaines said.