Unconventional date night for commuters
night out — Married students had the opportunity to gather together in a time of fellowship March 24. Photo Credit: Soonwook Lee.
A quiet, romantic dinner was held for engaged and married Liberty University commuter students by the Office of Commuter Affairs. The event was held March 24 in the Executive Dining Room at the Reber-Thomas Dining Hall.
The couples enjoyed a stress free evening with each other, away from the pressures of homework and classes. The candlelight and music added to the romantic atmosphere as the couples visited with each other.
Dean of Students Keith Anderson and Vice President for Student Affairs Mark Hine both made an appearance at the dinner.
“I know that these events are important to alleviate some of the pressures on a relationship,” Anderson said. “Events like this provide that positive experience and help us know that all our sacrifice and time spent on an education will pay off.”
Students were welcomed into the room and seated at elegantly decorated tables. A three-course meal was served by Sodexo throughout the evening.
The event was planned by Director of Commuter Affairs Larry Provost in order to give the married and engaged students a chance to spend an evening mingling with other couples. The office’s main goal was to be of service to the students, according to Provost.
“I asked myself, what would be good for our married students?” Provost said. “A good, decent, godly, romantic time with their spouse.”
The couples enjoyed this evening of relaxing, making new friends, and exchanging contact information to keep in touch with each other.
“It’s our date night,” seminary student Kathy Smith said. “Normally we’re home studying and studying. This is a really nice break.”
Towards the end of the evening Provost gave a short speech encouraging the students to be strong amidst the stress of combining school and marriage.
More than 25 couples signed up to attend this event. Based on the positive reaction of the students, Commuter Affairs plans on hosting another dinner in the future.
“This was exactly what I was needing,” commuter Ashley Irizarry Torruella said.
She and her husband Berto Irizarry Torruella both expressed their eager anticipation of similar future events.
“I think it turned out exceptionally well,” Provost said. “The Commuter Office is committed to helping our off campus Champions in every way possible.”