By: Bailey Simpson
In a university that has everything, there is one thing we can always use more of: love! While Valentine’s Day has been honored as a holiday for couples, there’s nothing stopping you from sharing your love with everyone on the 14th. Iowa State University offers wonderful activities for everyone to showcase their compassion, regardless of their relationship status.
Galentine’s Day: February 13th
Carrie Chapman Catt, a Women’s Suffrage leader, feminist, and Iowa State Alum, would be proud of a holiday like this. If you’re looking for a way to celebrate yourself and your favorite ladies instead of getting caught up with romantic relationships, have a Galentine’s Day celebration! Galentine’s Day is on February 13th and is a day for “ladies celebrating ladies”: a perfect excuse to get together as a group and go out for dinner and a movie or have a nice night in. Women make up 43% of Iowa State’s current enrollment, and they deserve a day of love and recognition!
Walk-In Craft–Valentine’s Day Cards: February 13th
Struggling to find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your sweetheart or best friend? The Student Activities Center is here to help! On Tuesday, February 13th from 2:00 to 10:00pm, a Valentine’s Day Card Walk-In Craft will be hosted at The Workspace in the Memorial Union. Bring $4 and your creativity (and your friends!) to get involved with unlimited crafting. The Workspace will have all the supplies you need to make the perfect Valentine!
Iowa State Tradition: Lake LaVerne
The two swans of Lake LaVerne, Lancelot and Elaine, are a great symbol of true love. Because swans are often couples for life, legend has it that Lancelot and Elaine’s love is eternal! If you yearn to demonstrate your love to your partner, take them for a walk around Lake LaVerne on Valentine’s Day. If you’re able to stroll around the lake three times in complete silence, you’re destined to be together.
Iowa State Tradition: Campaniling
Want to have a romantic date on campus, but on a college budget? Take your partner Campaniling! The story of the Campanile is a love story of Edgar Stanton, who established the Campanile in honor of his wife, Margaret. According to the tradition, a student becomes an “official” Iowa Stater when they are kissed under the campanile at the stroke of midnight. This could be a unique way to kick-off your Valentine’s Day, or the perfect ending to it.
What is love?: Student Counseling Services
While Valentine’s Day is an excellent time of year to celebrate your love, it’s important to understand what “love” is and warning signs in relationships. If you, a friend, or a loved one wants assistance in relationship management, couples counseling, maintaining mental health, or any other personal challenges, show love by heading over to Student Counseling Services on the third floor of the Student Services Building. Stop in any time between 8:00am and 3:00pm Monday through Thursday for cost-free services and support, visit the Student Counseling Services website, or call (515) 294-5056 for any additional information. The most important and meaningful thing you can do this Valentine’s Day is love yourself!
