On Friday, Feb. 13, Millersville University hosted the Valentine’s Day Trail. Run by the Office of Campus Life, the Trail was attended by various clubs and organizations at Millersville, stationed at different locations all over the campus. Each station provided activities, goodies, and even food and snacks.
The trail began in the Student Memorial Center’s atrium, at a table hosted by Campus Life. Students and attendees could stuff heart plushes, sign and create Valentines, and indulge in fondue with the chocolate fountain.
“It’s just a way to get students involved and engaged and have a fun event for Valentine’s day, and to get everyone in the spirit,” said Grace Norfleet, a member and representative of Campus Life. “It’s really fun to collaborate with a bunch of different departments on campus, and we’re really happy about the participation.”
One of the first stops on the Trail was the studio of WIXQ 91.7, Millersville University’s college radio station and one of the largest organizations on campus. The station had candy for students to take, and construction paper and markers to make Valentine’s Day cards. Jaxon Coulbourn, the station’s operations manager, even took part in making a card.
“I’m helping WIXQ run it this semester,” Coulbourn commented on the station’s involvement with the trail. “We have a bunch of candy out. We’re making cards…heart cards for WIXQ, and we’re gonna put them all over the table and in the station.”
During and even in the days before the Trail, different groups set up tables and events in the SMC. The Letters of Love club set up a table where students could take candy and create candy grams for people for $1 each. Organizations such as Alpha Sigma Alpha, Alpha Sigma Tau, Sigma Alpha Iota, and Millersville’s Black Student Union gave away roses and bouquets of flowers to celebrate the season. Millersville’s CHEP Peer Educator’s group took part in the event by making slushies of different flavors and educating students about the green and red flags of relationships.
Beyond the SMC, the Health Services center championed the idea of self-love, providing various lotions, ointments, and medical supplies to prioritize one’s self-care. The McNairy Library Writing Center hosted a table full of colorful stickers with words of affirmation, and students could stop by the on-site Starbucks for Valentine’s themed drinks and snacks. In Dilworth Hall, the Title IX office was decorated with cupcakes, cards, and a message about safe practices in relationships, saying “Love Shouldn’t Hurt”.
Dr. Miguel Pereira, the Title IX Coordinator and Labor Relations Manager, commented on the Office’s involvement with the Trail. “I think that this event particularly talks about safety, safety online, safety of relationships, and then also understanding healthy and unhealthy relationships,” Pereira said. “Not only the offices that help our students out every day, but also just the services like counseling services, or another service that might be on campus that could guide you in your time of need.”
