The University Programming Council and Collegiate Panhellenic Council hosted a “Bridgerton”-themed Galentine’s Day event on Feb. 11, with a pastel color theme and interactive activity stations for students. The event included jewelry making, candle making and finger foods, giving students many ways to participate throughout the evening, and offering a way to celebrate the holiday with friends.
Lindy Aney, a junior business administration major and head coordinator of the event, explained what she and her team hoped to accomplish through the night. “For every single UPC event, the one thing they told me when I first started was that, even if not many people come to your event, if one person showed up, that’s one person who didn’t have anything to do that night,” Aney said. “And it feels good knowing that your event made them feel comfortable and welcome because we want students to enjoy their time at our events.”
Along with making the student body feel welcome, students have also expressed that the Galentine’s event felt different from other events. Caroline Blanchard, a senior health and exercise science major, talked about how the event created opportunities for connection beyond Greek life.
“This event feels more special because it’s open to all women, rather than just CPC’s. So, this allows us to meet people who aren’t in Greek life, who may be interested. And it’s always a fun time getting to share our sisterhood with other students,” Blanchard said.
Jadyn Brunk, a senior psychology major and event coordinator, said the event also serves as a reminder that Valentine’s Day can be celebrated beyond romantic relationships. “Valentine’s Day can be a relationship-focused holiday, but I think girlhood is equally important. You know, showing these girls on campus that they are loved and giving them something to dress pretty for and creating a space for women to meet each other is a wonderful thing to celebrate,” Brunk said.
The event highlighted the importance of creating campus spaces where students feel seen and included. Through planning and a focus on connection, Galentine’s gave women an opportunity to celebrate friendship and build community at Northwestern State University.
