President’s Ball to return Saturday

The President’s Ball, an annual, long-standing Lawrence tradition, is coming back in full capacity this Saturday, Apr. 9 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. in the Somerset room at the Warch Campus Center. Student Organization for University Planning (SOUP) is hosting the festivities.  

In accordance with Lawrence University’s latest masking policies, the event is mask friendly, making it the first big-scale event since 2020 where students will not be masked. SOUP is expecting 1000 students to attend, according to SOUP co-president and junior Taeen Jidaan. 

The theme of this year’s ball is Enchanted Forest, with a 360-degree photo booth, decorations, finger food and a mocktail bar. The music will consist of variation between a big band and a DJ, with a surprise swing dance element.  

Since the President’s Ball usually happens at the end of Winter Carnival in Winter Term, SOUP has been planning it for months, explained Jidaan.  

 “Moving it seems to have worked out for us perfectly, as students can now go into this knowing the COVID situation on campus is much better,” Jidaan said. “We went all out with the decorations, and one can expect the night to be nothing short of magical.” 

SOUP co-president and first-year Lillian Thompson also expressed her enthusiasm and suggested that students come early. There will be many different varieties of food, but it is all going to be on a first-come, first-serve basis. If students want to eat, they should come early, Thompson said.   

 “As a first-year student, I am eagerly waiting to experience my first President’s Ball,” Thompson said. “I can’t wait to interact with the President and meet all the students that will attend.”