Editorial Revision 2/5- The original article had wrongly stated that events featured in former years at the event were included this year.
Grand Valley State University’s Campus Activities Board (CAB) hosted the annual Presidents’ Ball on Friday, Jan. 31. The tradition, which has taken place since 1987, featured music, dancing, food and plenty of photo opportunities. This year’s dance took place at GLC Live at 20 Monroe and flaunted a disco theme.
On top of a full dance floor, the event boasted hors d’oeuvres, a dessert table, soft drinks and snacks that were available for purchase all night. The dance’s disco vibe was a welcome addition to the tradition that uplifted students’ mood and motivated attendees to get on the dance floor.
“Last year, it (the Presidents’ Ball) was at DeVos Place and this year it’s at GLC Live at 20 Monroe,” said Ava Cybulski, part of CAB’s Traditions Team, who helps plan event themes and decorations. “This is a huge change that (brought) a different vibe than last year, one that includes elegance and a party aesthetic.”
Andrew Cavrell, a GVSU senior, attended the Presidents’ Ball for the first time this year, and danced the night away with fellow students in celebration of his final semester.
“The venue had a really fun environment, the students brought a ton of energy and all of that was matched with amazing performances,” said Cavrell, highlighting special appearances from Ignite Dance Co and the Laker Dance Team.
According to Katie Garrett, the assistant director of programming in the Office of Student Life (OSL), CAB’s Leadership, Traditions and Advisors teams collaborated extensively to decide the event’s theme. Every year, CAB brainstorms how to implement new ideas, themes and accommodations to ensure that every student in attendance can enjoy the night to the fullest.
“The (Traditions Team) directors help advise and shape how the event appeals to current students and their interests,” Garrett said. “Due to the large-scale nature of this event, the advisors manage a lot of the communication with external vendors and campus partners.”
Garrett noted that OSL was a major supporter of the event, as they helped to promote, implement and enhance the overall experience of this event.
At the Presidents’ Ball, members of the Traditions Team could also be seen volunteering at activity stations, such as the photo booth and sensory-safe room.
“This year, our sensory safe room (was) completely revamped,” Cybulski said. “Our goal (was) to make the Presidents Ball accessible to everyone.”
In previous years, the occasion featured a combined dinner and award ceremony before the dancing commenced, which recognized recipients of the Presidential Appreciation Award, Student Award for Faculty Excellence and the Laker of the Year Award. However, this time, an emphasis was placed on fostering a more casual atmosphere for the event. CAB’s planning teams aimed to provide an easily accessible and fun-filled night for all students.
“The structure (was) more free-flowing this year,” said Garrett. “Instead of a formal program, the main emphasis of the event (was) the dance. Students (were) able to enjoy time with their friends and the greater GVSU community.”
The combination of the change in venue, emphasis on accessibility and disco theme resulted in a fresh interpretation that entertained students and helped them form lasting memories with friends.
Garrett explained that since GVSU is a younger institution, the University’s list of traditions is smaller than other schools’ repertoires. However, Garrett believes the Presidents’ Ball is one of the University’s longest-standing and beloved events.
“This event has always been to honor and bring together the campus community,” Garrett said. “As the tradition has continued over time, the event has evolved to meet the expectations and interests of the current student body. Our hopes remain the same as when it started, to bring together the GVSU community for a night of fun and to celebrate who we are as a community.”