Dearest Gentle Reader,
‘Tis the season of heartfelt declarations, swoonworthy dance moves, and free candy. It’s almost Valentine’s day, and campus is getting in the mood with a variety of activities. Ancient Greeks had multiple words to represent the many different kinds of love that exist, which is perfect to represent all the events happening on campus.
First is Xenia, which can roughly be translated to “guest-friendship,” and is comparable to modern hospitality, especially towards foreigners or travellers. On Feb. 5, the Asian and Pacific Islander Organization (APIO) hosted an event making valentines cards for immigrant families in Lincoln. Freshman Surah Al-Zubiadi, an executive board member for APIO, said, “The point of the valentines is to make them feel welcome, especially in a time with all this hate.” She explained that Lincoln is “a very immigrant-centered community,” and APIO wanted to do something impactful.
People for the Rights of Individual Sexual Minorities (PRISM) is hosting a variety of events during the week of Valentine’s Day as part of Doane is Love. Events include a movie night, bracelet making, and multiple collaborations around campus. Philia is the word most commonly associated with platonic love, or the love between friends. It’s often translated as “between equals,” a love that requires equality.
Agape is with “great affection,” however, modern Christian contexts have redefined it as “to will the good of another.” As a way to raise money for Relay For Life, the Student Programming Board (SPB) teamed up with Fresh Ideas for a raffle. Three lucky winners will get a four-course dinner date prepared by Chef Shack. SPB has said the courses will include crostini, pan-seared halibut, grilled beef tenderloin, and chocolate mousse, along with assorted side dishes. It also comes with a complimentary bottle of sparkling cider. Non-alcoholic of course.
The word Storge is most often interpreted as parental love, something students can experience by bringing home a new stuffed animal Wednesday Feb. 12. An annual favorite, Build-A-Boo, hosted by PRISM and SPB, allows 200 students to take home their own stuffed sloth, moose, wolf, tiger, or axolotl. There will be 100 stuffed animals available in Lakeside from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and another 100 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 13, the writing center will be celebrating International Book Giving Day by letting students go on a blind date with a book. Wrapped books will be in the Library all day, students can read the clues on these books and take a chance on the one they want. Practice some philautia, or self-love, by curling up with a good book this Valentine’s weekend.
