Back to the Future

Photo by Steve Stenzel

The 80's, a decade known for great music, bad hairstyles, questionable color and fashion combinations, and "who shot J.R.?" After having viewed all 158 images from the spring ball that took place on Friday, April 25, I'm happy to announce that CVA students did a wonderful job in bringing back to life the sights, sounds, and icons of a time many of us remember, and many more try to forget.

Prior to the ball, Rudy and Sam put great effort into building an enormous Rubik’s Cube, that would become the centerpiece for the event. Their hard work exceeded the expectations of the ball committee, while the cube itself exceeded the width of the door from the lounge, preventing its redeployment. Sam and Rudy had to take the cube apart and rebuild it in the ballroom, which is in reality our drawing studio. The ball committee opened the photography classroom, and with Steve Stenzel taking the lead, held a three-hour photo session for anyone wanting their picture taken with life-size pinups of Cyndi Lauper, Richard Simmons, and David Bowie (who may have received at least one formal marriage proposal).

For those of you who don't remember the 80's, or who missed the ball, you're in luck. Steve uploaded the images to the 302 Server for all to see.

The ballroom was decorated with colorful streamers that draped from the rafters to the floor. The Cube was suspended in the center of the room, above the models platform, upon which sat our still-life mannequins, each crowned with an 80's style gold wig. The center of the ballroom was illuminated from above by several colored lights, while 99 balloons were scattered about the dance floor (ok, not quite 99 balloons). An eclectic mix of 80's hits, from DEVO to Run-DMC, played throughout the evening. Two rounds of musical chairs and a dance contest were impromptu events whose contestants were greatly ballyhooed. Light refreshments consisted of marshmallows and the famed chocolate fountain, assorted chips, salsa, nacho cheese, and homemade cupcakes from Ruth. Safety and Facilities Director Shawn Leko provided a veggie tray, and Danny, our security officer, said that he had never seen college students have as much fun as he witnessed that night. Not known for his sense of humor, Danny got caught up in the festivities, as well, posing for a few shots with the students, as well as directing traffic during musical chairs.

Nick Knutson provided additional music towards the end of the evening, and in keeping with CVA tradition, when the lights came on at 12:01 a.m., the remaining students all shared in the cleanup of the studio in anticipation of the drawing co-op scheduled on Saturdays (our final co-op of the year is Saturday, May 3, sign up here). A few students (as well as some of the official cleanup crew) covertly moonwalked through the back door to the karaoke bar, which is a weekly event with Section C. Smooth criminals, indeed.

Many, many thanks to ball committee members: Megan, Amanda O, Rudy, Ruth, Andrew C, Mandy, Gail, Hannah, Jessica F, Lauren. Special thanks to Sam for making the posters, and our friends at Aveda Institute. This event could not have happened without the continued dedication of the spring ball committee, so be sure to give them their, "two thumbs up!"



STUDENT COUNCIL ELECTIONS

Anyone interested in representing their program on Student Council next year needs to sign up on their respective program sheet, located near the mailboxes in Summit. I'd love to have multiple representatives from each program, but if fewer than three students are signed up on a given form, those three will serve as representatives for the year. Deadline is this Friday. ballot boxes will be placed in Summit on May 2. You may only vote for your program representatives. Ballots will be placed in your mailboxes Monday evening. Election results will be announced here and throughout the campus buildings.

Student Council has been established for students to voice concerns to administration, and to raise awareness among the student body. Without student participation, the council will cease to exist. Get involved. Stay involved.

Stop by my office if you have any questions.


CVA COOKOUT

Yes, there will be a CVA cookout. No, we do not yet have a date scheduled, but it will likely be a Friday, and most likely after the semester ends. I will keep you posted.

Enjoy the week!
PLG