Although St. Valentine is no longer given a feast day by the Catholic Church, his former day of recognition has become a cultural touchstone worldwide. Love and friendship are honored by romantic - often cheesy - but always earnest gestures. Aquinas College abides with tradition by offering alumni and students a range of festivities centered on Valentine’s Day to enjoy in company of romantic interests, colleagues, and friends.

Brigid Avery, Director of Alumni Relations, extends an invitation to alumni to celebrate their “Aquinas Love Affair” at a romantic AQ Date Night party. There will be music and food. Guests can expect gourmet tapas paired with wine selections by AQ’s Chef Tim Ruehs. Edye Evans Hyde '79 and Michael Hyde '78 will perform a Valentine Jazz Caberet. Each couple has the option to be photographed in the elegant Nowak trustee boardroom by Sara (Dondzilla) Wood '04 with assistant and husband Jeremy Wood '99. Avery promises attendees, “More surprises and guests to be named. Last year over 70 people attended and had an awesome time!”

Reservations for the evening may be made on the alumni website. Guests may submit their love story to be eligible for a prize. Guests will also receive a special keepsake. The celebration of AQ friendship happens Friday, February 10, 2012, at Holmdene Manor on the Aquinas campus. The party begins at 6 p.m. and continues until 9 p.m.

For students, faculty, and community members on campus February 14, the Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center (JHIWSC) is hosting its annual Equality Bake Sale, a socially-conscious way to buy sweet treats for your Valentine. Each year the Equality Bake Sale raises awareness of wage disparity based on gender, race, and age in the workplace. The JHIWSC will vary the prices of baked goods for each customer depending on his/her demographic situation. For example, with Michigan women earning 77 cents on the dollar in comparison to men, a similar 75 cent ratio is applied to each purchase at the bake sale. Goodies are available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the lobby of the Academic Building. Proceeds will be donated to the Women’s Resource Center of Grand Rapids.

AQ Campus Dining also has plans for a cheerful campus dining experience on February 14. Students and customers at the Wege Café, the Moose Café, and the Corner Café can expect decorations and Valentine’s Day-themed desserts, drinks, and treats. Andrea Faber, Dining Services Manager, is concerned with creating community through campus dining. “We try our best to give [students] the sense of being ‘at home’ when dining with us,” said Faber, “So these mini-events become important to them and give them traditions.”