Decked out in suits and ties or dresses and pantyhose, more than 350 UA students filed into the Student Union Arizona Ballroom last night to find out what honors they might receive.

They paid $6 apiece for the "Evening of Excellence" ceremony and sit-down dinner, whose main course reportedly was difficult to identify.

"The food was a surprise because it took a couple of minutes to discover what it was," said J.J. Rico, a political science and media arts sophomore who will also be a 1996-97 Associated Students senator. Rico learned last night he was accepted into Chimes junior honorary.

ASUA Sen. Gilbert Davidson, public management junior, also had problems identifying last night's main course.

"I didn't understand what was served tonight for dinner, but it was great to sit and listen to the achievements of UA students throughout the year," said Davidson, who was announced as a new member of Bobcats senior honorary.

It was never clear exactly, but rumor had it that fish or chicken comprised the main course.

Still, the event was well received.

The three-hour ceremony recognized students who have made an impact on the UA campus and community, said master of ceremonies Greg Prugh, business and public administration senior and a member of the Bobcats senior honorary.

Most of the 40 plus awards were surprises to the recipients. They included honors such a senior man and woman of the year as well as new sophomore, junior and senior academic honoraries.

Jeff Schrade, political science junior who will be a member of Chimes junior honorary next year, said, "It surprises me that students are this involved on campus."