The President’s Ball will also honor GVSU’s 50th Anniversary this year. A Golden Gala will provide a time to reflect upon the past 50 years of GVSU’s accomplishments and success.

“I am very excited for this year’s Presidents’ Ball, and I encourage all students, faculty, staff and alumni to attend the event,” said junior Ali Zimmer, chair of Presidents’ Ball 2011. “The 50th Anniversary has been a year-long celebration, and Presidents’ Ball will play a huge role in the commemoration of the university.”

The event will be held at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and the DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids. Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Then, dinner guests can travel across the skywalk to join the rest of the attendees at the dance. The dance will take place from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. in the DeVos Place.

Tickets for the event are being sold at the 20/20 desk at $30 for the dinner and dance and $10 for the dance alone. Tickets will not be sold at the event.

“Ticket sales are going quickly, so it is encouraged that individuals that plan on attending the event purchase tickets as soon as possible,” Zimmer said.

This year’s event will be larger than years past to accommodate the growing number of students and to motivate alumni to return and celebrate the occasion. Zimmer said between the two venues, event coordinators anticipate about 4,500 guests.

During the dinner event, three individuals will be recognized for their outstanding achievements. Tim Selgo will receive the Presidential Award, Dorothy Johnson will accept the Distinguished Individual Award and Danielle DeMuth will collect the Student Award for Faculty Excellence.

The dinner program will feature performances by Euphoria, a GVSU co-ed acapella group, and Momentum, a GVSU dance group. Zimmer said both Euphoria and Momentum have prepared several musical pieces to help celebrate GVSU’s history. DJ Mark Witz, a former GVSU student, will return for the dance, and student Brendan Craft will perform an original song, “Go GV”, which commemorates GVSU’s anniversary.

“All of the upperclassmen that went in years past said it was a lot of fun, and I’m really excited for the DJ and all the dancing,” said freshman Krystin Langerak.

A special addition this year is the “1960 Room,” which will be located upstairs in the DeVos Place and will include refreshments, a cash bar and a jazz band. Guests can also look forward to the expansion of the “Time Warp,” located in the lobby area of the dance floor. The “Time Warp” will feature seating, refreshments, cash bars, two shutter booth stations and a candy bar.

“I had quite a few friends who attended last year, and they told me how much fun they had,” said sophomore Ally Stephens. “I felt like I missed out on a great time. I am excited for this year. I love getting dressed up and spending time with friends.”

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