“Are you from Memphis? Because you’re the only 10 I see,” was one of the three finalists in the pick-up line contest, part of the second annual Peer Education At Creighton-sponsored Speed Dating event in the Mike & Josie Harper Center Ballroom Nov. 12.
In the ballroom, long tables were fitted with maroon tablecloths, leafy centerpieces, candles and speed dating booklets, as Creighton students, composed of 18 women and 15 men, participated. Free and open to all willing students, the event sought to educate Creighton students on healthy relationships.
“It was a group PEAC effort,” said peer educator, Arts & Sciences junior Bianca Patel. “This year we had more participants, especially men, and we used the feedback from last year to change a couple of things, including breaking up the long lines of tables and creating a warmer and more relaxing atmosphere.”
The event opened with a presentation highlighting several topics on dating and relationships, beginning with ways women and men show interest in dating and ending with promoting ways to ensure an enjoyable date.
A “good” date included several tips for both men and women such as listening skills.
“We want to raise relationship awareness by demonstrating healthy ways of building one,” said Emily Thibault, PEAC vice president of campus outreach.
Women sat across from men, and the men rotated dates after the designated two minutes, in which the dates were encouraged to introduce each other and share a bit about themselves.
After two minutes, a buzzer signaled the end of the date. Each person then had one minute to write down the name of his or her date and what was memorable about it.
“I heard about it through word-of-mouth and thought it would be a good way to meet new people,” Arts & Sciences freshman Megan Kresha said. “Maybe I will meet the ‘man of my dreams.’ “
Several raffles for smaller prizes were held periodically during the event, as well as a pick-up line competition.
“One of my friends in PEAC invited me,” said Business junior Luke Ulrich. “It was fun since I have never done anything like it before and didn’t really know what to expect.”
After the event, participants ranked their top six dates in a booklet. The booklets were gathered and will be evaluated by PEAC members, who will then pair couples through mutual selection. The couples will be informed via e-mail if there is a match.
For the mutually paired couples, several date packages were offered, including bowling and movies, as well as restaurant gift certificates.
“I would do it again,” Arts & Sciences freshman Matt Bauer said. “And next time I would bring more guys.”