Six Ways Students Can Celebrate Community in February

February is a month dedicated to love and community. Whether it’s celebrating relationships (platonic or romantic) on Valentine’s Day, or celebrating the Black community all month long, February is a time for Leopards to reflect on the people and connections they hold near and dear to their hearts.

Here are six February activities and events that are bringing the university’s Leopard community closer together:

1. Lunar New Year Celebration: Housing and Residence Life will host an event recognizing the importance of Lunar New Year on February 7, from 2-4 p.m. Attendees will meet at the Abraham Campus Center Room 206 and learn about the history of the holiday and the many ways people around the world celebrate. Come and learn more about Lunar New Year, celebrate, enjoy free food with friends, and have the chance to win a prize!
2. CAB Valentine’s Pitstop: This list wouldn’t be complete without ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day! The Campus Activities Board (CAB) is hosting an event on February 14, from 11-1 p.m. in Sneaky Park. This fun-filled Valentine’s Day event will feature balloon artists and prizes like conversation heart plushie. Attendees will also have access to an Afters Ice Cream truck and can participate in painting activities with friends.
3. Black History Movie Night: Black Love story: On February 14, from 8:30-11 p.m., the student organization Kings Ascension and University of La Verne step team Sanctioned are collaborating to showcase movies that are cultural staples in the Black community. University students are encouraged to bring a plus-one to this free movie date!
4. What Matters to Me and Why: On February 15, the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, Office and Black Student Services, and the Center for Multicultural Services invite you to an afternoon of reflection and community! Their “What Matters to Me and Why” event focuses on the life and experiences of guest speaker, Dr. Alexandra Burrel, the Associate Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer of the University of La Verne. From 1-2 p.m., students and faculty can hear Dr. Burrel share about what moments, memories, interactions, faith, and sense of purpose motivate her. This event is a great opportunity for attendees to see how shared experiences and perspectives are what strengthen connections within a community.
5. Coaster Painting: Housing and Residence Life will host a Coaster Painting night on February 22, from 2-4 p.m. at the Oaks F Top! This event is free to attend and guests can expect a relaxing right with opportunities for Leopards to express their creative side. Bring a friend or a partner, and enjoy free pizza, good conversation, and a great time!
6. The Frederick Douglass Human Rights Lecture Series: The Frederick Douglass Human Rights Lecture Series, which honors the legacy of the great abolitionist, is an annual event held by the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of La Verne that has been operating since 2014. It serves as a platform for distinguished speakers to share their experiences and ideas on issues related to human rights and social justice. This year, President Pardis Mahdavi will be featured, as she shares more about her research and publications on topics such as gendered labor, human trafficking, migration, human rights, and public health from the context of changing global and political structures. The event will take place in the Ann & Steve Morgan Auditorium on Wednesday, February 28 from 4-5 p.m. For additional information, contact Melanie Brown at mbrown@laverne.edu or 909-448-4734.

The month of February is a golden opportunity to pause and reflect on the relationships that empower, uplift, and define who we are. These are just some of the many opportunities for Leopards to build their community and strengthen their relationships with friends, family, or partners. Check out the university’s CampusLabs page for more information and to RSVP if required. View the page for more ways to stay engaged in campus life!