By Emer C. Walsh

Staff Writer

MARPLE, Pa.—On Thursday, Feb. 12, during Q-time, students and faculty came together in Founders Hall to celebrate all forms of love at a Valentine’s Day festival. Tables lined the hallway with a variety of activities, toys, trinkets, and sweet treats. Numerous clubs and organizations united to make this a special day for the Delaware County Community College community.

A long line quickly formed to grab materials for “Stuff-A-Pillow,” an activity organized and provided by Campus Engagement. Students were seen throughout the cafeteria and lobby stuffing their heart-shaped Valentine’s pillows with filling while bonding with one another. Earlier on Tuesday, Feb. 10, there was an Un-wine event, where students painted wine glasses in the lobby decorated with red balloons and heart-shaped confetti.

On Thursday, the Latinx Student Association hosted a creative game where participants poked holes through tissue paper covering a plastic cup to collect prizes like stickers, snap bracelets, and chocolates. Angie Perez, president of the association, said the game was inspired by her heritage.

“In our culture, we improvise with what we have at parties and make games out of it,” Perez said. The game served as a festive act of community engagement.

The Multicultural Club featured a large whiteboard where students could write “I love you” in different languages, celebrating the diversity of the college. Languages represented on the board included German, Turkish, French, and Moroccan.

The Hospitality and Culinary Club also held a bake sale fundraiser. Led by club president Kenny Jenkins, the group sold delights such as chocolate chip and red velvet cookies, as well as Valentine’s Day cards and boxes of chocolate.

Photos By Emer C. Walsh and Emiliano Villagomez-Lopez

The Student Government Association (SGA) facilitated “speed-friending,” a speed-dating-inspired activity that aims to give students the chance to meet new people. When asked about the recurring event, SGA member Dan Pimenov said some students “need a little bit of a push” when it comes to breaking the ice.

“Making a move is the hardest part,” Pimenov said.

Each table featured paper slips with thought-provoking questions for pairs to ask each other, such as “What is the meaning of your name?”, “How did you meet your best friend?”, and “If you could swap lives with anyone for a day, who would it be?” The SGA’s goal was to encourage students to learn more about each other and step out of their shells.

The “Love Yourself” event was hosted by college counselors and the Suicide Prevention Committee. They provided cardstock for participants to write down the ways they love themselves, which were then taped to a poster board for all to see. They also encouraged attendees to write “love yourself” messages and positive affirmations on Post-it notes. These were collected for a “Random Acts of Kindness” event that will take place on campus throughout next week.

Sam Sheckells, a second-semester student and participant in the festivities, shared a personal view on the holiday.

“I never really celebrated Valentine’s Day, but now it’s a day of self-care and self-love—a day to remind myself of how amazing I am,” Sheckells said.

The college’s celebration of Valentine’s Day highlighted more than just romantic love. Self-love was a key theme, alongside the appreciation shared among friends, faculty, and fellow students.