All across campus yesterday, students could be spotted in pink and red outfits, carrying roses, bouquets of flowers, chocolates, and cheesy drug store cards. Not only was love undeniably in the air this Valentine’s Day at LMU; certain Lions showed how for them, today was about a lot more than that special someone.
Sarah Ish is a junior women and gender studies major, whose favorite holiday happens to be Valentine’s Day. She bought candy for the people in her life, as she believes that today is not just for happy couples.
“I bought like a bunch of little mini Ghirardelli stuff, not just for my teachers, but also for all my coworkers at Starbucks, and the crossing guards and the maintenance staff worker in my [dorm], just to show appreciation,” she said.
Alpha Chi Omega chose to celebrate Valentine’s Day by selling roses and carnations on Palm Walk to raise money for their philanthropy, domestic violence awareness – particularly for the Alexandria House. Their chapter is celebrating their philanthropy event through Healthy Relationships Week.
“We’re trying to…educate the community on how to spot signs of an unhealthy relationship and how to form a healthy relationship…to reflect on what love is,” said Kiara Backstrom, a junior political science major and the Director of Service and Philanthropy.
LMU Dance Marathon is a prominent student run organization on campus that also did something special for Valentines Day.
“[We benefit] The B+ Foundation that raises funds and awareness for the fight against childhood cancer. This year we sold roses for Valentine’s day to raise money,” said Claire Duisenberg, Assistant Executive Director of LMU DM.
The roses were delivered all over campus, including to Sorority and Fraternity Lip Sync Dance Practices. Lip Sync is also an event that benefits the B+ Foundation, where chapters on campus engage in a dance performance and competition.
“It was so sweet that LMU DM did that, we were all so excited, and loved that it was for charity,” said Katie Shepherd, Junior Psychology major, about her and her friends in her sorority receiving roses.
Pi Beta Phi is another sorority that celebrated Valentine’s Day, going with a sisterhood event on Sunken Gardens. At sunset, girls in the chapter met for a picnic to spend time together and enjoy each other’s company.
“I got to enjoy dinner with my sorority sisters at sunset on Sunken!” said Emily Koncki, Vice President of Operations for Pi Phi. “Nothing beats a good Galentine’s.”
