Rising comedian Gibran Saleem is set to perform in the University Center Ballroom, thanks to Entertainment Unlimited, the campus programming board.
Saleem, known for his use of comedic misdirection, began doing stand up while attending graduate school for psychology at New York University. He has worked for several companies as a social media strategist.
Evan Pazkowski, President of Entertainment Unlimited, is excited to bring Saleem to campus. According to Pazkowski, comedy is what works here at Ferris.
“I’m really glad we’re bringing comedians back. Gibran is hilarious,” Pazkowski said. “[Entertainment Unlimited] puts out campus surveys all the time. Typically comedians, magicians and hypnotists are the three that usually top the list.”
One student in attendance will be Kayla Garrett, a junior in hospitality.
“I’m looking forward to seeing his style of comedy,” said Garrett. “Laughter really is the best medicine, and it really helps alleviate a lot of stress that comes with college.”
Entertainment Unlimited usually brings in several comedians throughout each academic year. Following the Freestyle Funny Comedy Show last semester, Gibran Saleem is the first stand up comedian EU has brought to campus this year.
It used to be that the Rankin Center’s dome room served as a venue for comedians. A typical show would fill quickly and leave students standing or sitting on the floor. According to Pazkowski, the new University Center Ballroom and stage in front of Starbucks provide EU more opportunities to bring comedy to campus.
“This semester, we have the new venue, so we’re trying to bring some comedians back,” Pazkowski said. We also want to use the stage in the University Center for ‘coffee house’ types of shows.”
Pazkowski also mentioned that under his administration, EU has greatly increased its collaboration with other campus organizations. Entertainment Unlimited, one of Ferris’ largest RSOs, has a variety of events lined up to finish out the semester, including Ferris Has Talent on Feb. 24, Five Star Event C.L. Lindsay on March 31 and Ferris Fest on April 25.
Gibran Saleem will perform at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17 in the University Center Ballroom. For more information, find Entertainment Unlimited on Facebook.