PRESIDENTS' BALL: THE NIGHT TIME STANDS STILL

The Presidents’ Ball is a long-standing tradition at Grand Valley State University. Students, faculty, and guests gather for a formal evening of food and dancing.

The proposed theme for the 2023 Presidents’ Ball was “The Night that Time Stands Still.” This edition of the Ball was the first since January 2020 and COVID-19, and the intention behind the theme was to create a magical experience that would "make up for lost time” so guests could be present in the moment and feel like time froze for one night.


As the designer for the event, I coordinated with the GVSU Office of Student Life to create a brand style guide and translate the brief into reality. Cinderella’s ball, time, and winter wonderland were ideas behind the 2023 design and decoration.

Presidents' Ball Podium
Guest speakers and recipients receiving the Laker of the Year Award, Student Award for Faculty Excellence, and President's Award spoke at the podium.
Stage Slideshow
During the dance and dinner, the slideshow displayed event info and social media call-to-actions. Award recipients had custom slides for the ceremony.
Programs & Table Cards
Each guest received a program for the Ball. Tables were numbered, reserved tables were designated, and meal cards organized which guests requested each dish.
Snapchat Filter
A Snapchat Geofilter was available for use at the location of the event.
DJ Booth
A three-piece foam DJ booth was designed and constructed.
Digital Sign
This design was displayed in the central building on campus, as an on an Instagram story to promote the Presidents' Ball.
Presidents' Ball Podium
Guest speakers and recipients receiving the Laker of the Year Award, Student Award for Faculty Excellence, and President's Award spoke at the podium.
Stage Slideshow
During the dance and dinner, the slideshow displayed event info and social media call-to-actions. Award recipients had custom slides for the ceremony.
Programs & Table Cards
Each guest received a program for the Ball. Tables were numbered, reserved tables were designated, and meal cards organized which guests requested each dish.
Snapchat Filter
A Snapchat Geofilter was available for use at the location of the event.
DJ Booth
A three-piece foam DJ booth was designed and constructed.
Digital Sign
This design was displayed in the central building on campus, as an on an Instagram story to promote the Presidents' Ball.
Presidents' Ball Podium
Guest speakers and recipients receiving the Laker of the Year Award, Student Award for Faculty Excellence, and President's Award spoke at the podium.
Stage Slideshow
During the dance and dinner, the slideshow displayed event info and social media call-to-actions. Award recipients had custom slides for the ceremony.
Programs & Table Cards
Each guest received a program for the Ball. Tables were numbered, reserved tables were designated, and meal cards organized which guests requested each dish.
Snapchat Filter
A Snapchat Geofilter was available for use at the location of the event.
DJ Booth
A three-piece foam DJ booth was designed and constructed.
Digital Sign
This design was displayed in the central building on campus, as an on an Instagram story to promote the Presidents' Ball.



The poster for the Presidents' Ball featured illustrations of the Cook Carillon Clock Tower, a central landmark on GVSU’s campus, and the clock face border with a changing pattern.

These illustrations inspired by Art Deco became main assets of the branding as the project expanded. I used these elements to connect the theme of time standing still with something unique to the university.

Other materials designed for the event and promotion included a vinyl welcome banner, staff badges, yard signs, a web header, social media graphics, an email notice, directional signs for coat check, and a life-size cut-out of the clocktower illustration.




Professional photos by Mason Whitaker

The text treatment and clock tower graphic were featured in the 2023 Presidents' Ball announcement video.

Using Format