Students and staff finishing up the fun at BLOY 2025 Credit: Sarah Lewis Photography
Seeing all the decorations finally in place, programs on tables and guests in seats, I took a moment to reflect. After months of preparation, I settled into the production booth at the 8 Star Event Center, ready to execute the 47th annual Business Leader of the Year celebration. Working in perfect sync with two fantastic technicians, we masterfully delivered the iconic sounds of Rod Stewart and unleashed the one-of-a-kind visuals that made that night truly unforgettable. Looking back on the opportunity to work my first BLOY event, I’m struck by just how many moving pieces come together. I knew it would be a large production, but I didn’t quite realize it would rival a small Broadway show – minus the singing ( though we did have plenty of Jimmy Buffett). ur The celebration of Patty Mongold, CEO of Mt. McKinley Bank, simply wouldn’t have been possible without an incredible team of students and staff working in sync. We welcomed over 340 Fairbanks community members to honor Patty’s steadfast leadership on November 15th, 2025 The night raised more than $130,000 to support CBSM students, a true reflection of how deeply our community values growing the next generation of business leaders.
Anna Nevison and Adeline Berry (BNAP marketing assistant and former student marketing assistant) posing in the Usibelli Coal Mine Photo Booth with Nook. Credit: Beyond the Box When I was asked to take the lead on event-day production, I suspected it would be a challenge. Anything involving cables, lighting cues, and “just one more revision” to the student photo slideshow usually is. But under the guidance of Tammy Tragis-McCook and Paige Best, I knew the experience would be as rewarding as it was intimidating.
CBSM Marketing Team enjoying the photobooth with BLOY guests Credit: Beyond the Box My job was to take months of work created by dozens of people, compress it into a single slide deck, and then press the correct buttons at the correct moments. Simple in theory. Slightly more nerve-wracking when you’re in the booth with 340 people watching the stage while silently praying you don’t accidentally hit “next slide.” I’ve spent the past seven months as a student marketing assistant, contributing to all sorts of planning tasks, from program design and promotional materials to 3D-printed dessert toppers. However, even our most enthusiastic in-house efforts couldn’t accomplish everything. The magic of the night was made possible thanks to our generous sponsors and partners.
Digital background created by Bettisworth North Architecture and Planning The showstopper of the evening was the animated backdrop created by former Business Leader of the Year Tracy Vanairsdale and her brilliant team at Bettisworth North Architecture and Planning. They turned a one-of-a-kind commissioned Randall Compton artwork hanging in Patty’s office into a stunning backdrop. Even the artist was surprised, dare I say, awestruck, by the vivid, large-scale depiction that grabbed his attention, as he mentioned during his speech. Alyeska Pipeline Service Company sponsored the digital backdrop.
Lauren White, Anna Nevison and Paige Best Credit: Beyond the Box Having the chance to play such a meaningful role in an event of this size as a student is an opportunity for which I’m incredibly grateful. This is what sets CBSM apart. The college’s commitment to giving its students real, hands-on experiences comes alive at BLOY. For me, it was that moment in the booth, fingertip on the play button, watching months of learning and teamwork shine onstage.