Students Share Outfits and Interests at 10th Annual Presidents Ball

Adrianna Delaney (’25) dances at the 10th annual Presidents Ball on Feb. 6. (Gerardo Trujillo)

The bass from the DJ’s booth vibrated the floorboards of the Frick Center, creating a heartbeat for the room packed with sparkles, silk, and sweat. Friday, March 6. marked the 10th anniversary of Elmhurst University’s Presidents Ball, a night where students gather for food, drinks, and dancing, but for those in the crowd that night, it felt like much more than just a party.  

For senior Jason Yost and his fiancée, alumna Meghan Fortier, the ball represented the story of how two unlikely individuals met and fell in love. 

Fortier, who had graduated the year prior with a degree in Special Education, attended the ball every year. Now, as a graduate, she goes with Yost, as the two reminisce about their shared time together, and reunite with friends. 

“It was nice seeing what Elmhurst does for its students,” Fortier said. 

She was a member of Kappa Delta Pi, a sorority centered on training future educators and equipping them to be successful in the world of education. 

Yost, wearing all-black attire, save for an intricate gold trim whose sequins shone in the party light upon his blazer, was lounging on the ground floor with Fortier. Yost, who has been a part of the e-sports club since his freshman year, is now the president, commemorating a successful Valorant season. 

“Our Valorant team made playoffs this season,” Yost said. “It’s a great season, we’re undefeated.” 

Sitting together, sipping on their drinks, the two spent the rest of their evening together, occasionally mingling with some of their friends. 

“Be grateful for opportunities like these,” Yost said. “We feel like we might not have time for these parties again.” 

Brian Tacastacas is part of the music program and drummer for the EU Jazz Band. Tacastacas attended the ball with a black button shirt tucked neatly inside his dress pants and a big, charismatic grin as he encouraged other attendees to dance on the floor. 

“I haven’t been to the Presidents Ball in two years, but I’m very happy to be back,” Tacastacas said. 

Tacastacas celebrates a successful jazz festival by partying. The music never stops for Tacastacas, when not dancing the night away and playing in school ensembles, Tacastacas is the drummer for the local Chicago-based group “Fangled.” 

On the dance floor, Adrianna Delaney, another alumna, was front and center, near the DJ, leading the group of sweaty, half-drunk bodies in the “Macarena.” Delaney, clad in a white dress with a sparkly, sky blue vest, her long black hair highlighted by the silver twinkle of her tiara and matching silk scarf.

It was her fourth consecutive year attending the ball. 

Students take a photo with a GoPro camera at the Presidents Ball on Feb. 6. (Gerardo Trujillo)

“The ball makes me feel excited,” Delaney said, before strutting back to the dance floor, where she spent most of her evening. 

Nataleigh Blackman, a junior, was caught at the ball in an elegant black dress and neat eyeliner that spiked at the corners of her eyes. Blackman works as an intern at the Elmhurst Art Museum and is involved in the Elmhurst Pride Club. 

LGBTQ+ students often worry about finding a sense of community as states across the country debate and pass legislation addressing gender identity and related policies. Having grown up in a small town, Blackman understands how the lack of community can leave a negative impact on LGBTQ+ people.

“The Presidents Ball is important because it provides a sense of community,” Blackman said. 

Travelling downstairs to the Roost, a group of students sat catching a break from the noise and lights. Games of pool were being played, as well as a pick-up session of “One Night Ultimate Werewolf.” 

Robin Leonard, a freshman, was one of these students resting from the excitement. Leonard sported black attire, including a leather jacket with a tie worn not around their neck but around the waist as a belt. Their black and blue hair gave off that alternative look. 

Leonard attended the ball with their friends yet remained out of the action. 

“It’s hot and loud up there,” Leonard said. Their arms were crossed while they sat in the chair beside the pool table. Leonard was more interested in sharing the night with their friends than actually getting sweaty on the floor. 

Leonard helped create the props for the production of “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane,” which ran from March 12 to 15.

“They needed help with making props,” Leonard said. “I helped make the outfits the bunny wears.” 

The night was a celebration of appreciation and love for EU. From students honoring their academic and extracurricular achievements to a thrilling dance performance in front of a lively crowd, the atmosphere was electric. 

Even alumni returned for another round of festivities. One thing was clear: the Presidents Ball was the place to be.

All traces of the monumental night were erased by the Monday following the Presidents Ball; the glitter and balloons disappeared, but the connections made and deepened remained with the guests.