Back in 1985, then CAB Co-President Brad Duhaime had an idea. At the time, the only way to attend a formal dance was through a Greek organization.

“He got to thinking about the other 80 percent of the campus and how if they weren’t involved in a sorority or fraternity they had no opportunity to attend a formal dance,” Sophomore Communication Studies and Music Major Chris Duhaime said, who is also Brad Duhaime’s son. “The first President’s Ball was a success with a couple hundred people in attendance.”

Twenty-five years later, the Ball is as popular as ever. The dance’s organizers, Senior Psychology Major Erin Watt and Senior Sociology/Anthropology and Spanish Major Carleen Crouse are keen on maintaining the Ball’s tradition without making it seem stuffy.

“It started as a way for students and their professors to be together outside of the classroom,” Crouse said. Both she and Watt were eager to talk about why the dance was so exciting.

“It’s a fun, alternative thing to do,” Watt said. “It’s a great opportunity to have a fun night dancing with your friends, with great music and a great meal.”

This year, food will be catered by D’Amico and Sons, with music provided by the Rockin’ Hollywoods. The music played by the Hollywoods is described as “Solid Gold Rock & Roll,” from the ‘50s through the ‘80s.

President Ohle will deliver an opening speech at the event, but the evening is more geared towards entertainment. The event begins with a social hour at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m. and dancing at 7:00 p.m. Both Quintessence and the Gustavus Swing Club will be performing dances during the evening.

The first time Crouse went, it was because she had heard people talking about how much fun they had. “You don’t have to have a date to go,” Watt said. “You can go with groups of friends and have as much, if not more, fun.”

Even though the Ball involves formal wear and a catered dinner, it is far from a prom. The organizers describe it as more like a wedding, except no one gets married. “You could pretend you’re a wedding crasher,” Watt said.

Tickets for President’s Ball cost $30 each, and transportation to the International Market Square is an additional $5. The Ball is on Saturday, March 20, and the bus will leave from Three Flags at 3:30 p.m.

Tickets are on sale until Friday, March 12, and can be purchased at the Student Activities Office desk or online at www.gustavustickets.com.