It was a night of delicacies and dancing at the third annual Presidential Fall Ball. On Tuesday, Nov. 15, 150 guests mingled and sampled a rich assortment of chocolates and fruit as they chatted amongst themselves. Being the only formal dance of the school year, attendees’ attire ranged from suits to tuxedos for the men and simple little black dresses to elaborate gowns for the ladies.
The tradition of holding the Fall Ball began three years ago with university President Holland’s inauguration. According to Rebeka Grulich, Director of Student Activities, the student leaders wanted to do something special to welcome President Holland to the university. The tradition has continued each year, though this is the first time it has occurred in conjunction with Homecoming.
Aside from President Holland and his wife Paige, other members of the administration were in attendance including Val Petersen, Vice President of Finance and Administration, Val Hale, Vice President for University Relations, Cory Duckworth, Vice President of Student Affairs and Bob Rasmussen, Dean of Students and Assistant Vice President of Student Life. The rest of the 150 attendees consisted of students, including 40 or so members of UVUSA who helped orchestrate the ball.
After the reception, the crowd filed into the ballroom. The Ballroom Dance Company performed a Viennese Waltz, followed by a modern dance performance by Miss UVU Alisha Lee. After Lee’s performance, President Holland and his wife walked to the center of the room and to have their traditional first dance. Afterward, they gestured for the rest of the crowd to join them. Couples crowded the dance floor, swaying slowly to the music.
After the song “Hear You Me,” by Jimmy Eat World, the music stopped and everyone crowded around Jared Roberts. Standing by him was his girlfriend of four and a half months, Ginny Cannon. Roberts explained to Cannon that he requested that song especially for her, as it was the first song they ever danced to. An obviously nervous Roberts stumbled over his words as he expressed his love for Cannon. He then got down on one knee as the crowd erupted with cheers. Cannon, knowing what Roberts was going to ask, began to jump up and down with excitement. After answering “yes” to his proposal, the crowd cheered as they embraced.
The rest of the evening was spent with students dancing in groups or as couples to the wide range of music. MAWL President Madison Leavitt was in attendance and thought the evening was a success.
“I thought it was really fun. It’s a very unique event, comparatively,” Leavitt said.
By Kelly Cannon – Life Editor
Photos by Jeff Jacobsen
