The Grand Valley State University Student Senate is partnering with President Thomas Haas to host the 26th annual Presidents’ Ball at DeVos Place on Feb. 17.

“Student Senate looks forward to hosting the annual President’s Ball because it is an opportunity for students to celebrate with faculty and staff,” said Ali Zimmer, executive vice president of the Student Senate.

Amenities and decorations will all reflect this year’s “Alice in Wonderland” theme.

“This year’s theme is ‘Wandering in Wonderland,’ and there will be references to the classic children’s story, ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ throughout the evening,” said LeaAnn Tibbe, assistant director of Student Life. “Spotlight (Productions) will be showing the Tim Burton version of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ in the big screen theatre during the week so we’re hoping students will pick up the book or watch the movie to refresh their memory. Guests will see a lot of references to hares, mad hatters, queens and, of course, tea parties.”

Tibbe said about 4,500 people came to the dance last year, and 500 came for dinner.

“This event is one of the largest student attended events outside of football games,” she said. “The past couple years, it’s been sold out. It’s become quite a Grand Valley tradition.”

She added that even Haas gets excited for the ball, which graduates return to participate in.

“This is one of (Haas’) favorite events, I would dare say,” Tibbe said.

Haas is in charge of the Laker 5 campaign, the winners of which will be announced during the ball.

The university will also celebrate the Student Award for Faculty Excellence and the Laker of the Year.

Tibbe said the university will provide many amenities, like smoothies and candy. Mixed drinks will be between $4 and $6, and beers will be about $3 for attendees 21 and older.

Tickets for dinner and the dance cost $30, and tickets for only the dance are $10. Shuttles will be available to transport students between the Kirkhof Center and DeVos Place.

Cocktails will begin at 5:30 p.m., and dinner will follow at 6:30 p.m. with doors closing at 7:15 p.m. Dancing will be from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. with doors closing at 11 p.m.

Students must bring photo I.D.s for entry into the ball. Tickets can be purchased at the 2020 desk in the Kirkhof Center.

news@lanthorn.com