Cupid has officially taken over Bucknell’s campus. From flowers and candy grams to cake pops, crafts and cozy movies, Bucknell students have had no shortage of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day this week. In the days leading up to Valentine’s Day and continuing today, student organizations and campus offices have transformed everyday spaces into hubs of warmth, generosity and community spirit.
The Valentine’s season kicked off earlier this month with a campus-wide sale hosted by the Radiant Rho Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Beginning on Feb. 4 and continuing through today, the organization offered classic Valentine’s gifts, including teddy bears, candy bags and flowers. Students could pre-order through a QR code or stop by the ELC Mall to purchase items in person. The fundraiser made it easy for students to spread joy across campus while supporting the sorority’s initiatives.
Food and creativity also took center stage earlier this week, with DIY Valentine’s cake pop events held on Monday and Tuesday. Hosted in Bostwick and the Bison, the events invited students to craft their own festive treats alongside Bucknell’s beloved pastry chef Morgan. Between frosting, decorating and sampling sweet creations, the cake pop stations quickly became cheerful stops between classes, and a reminder that Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be fancy to be meaningful.
Candy grams were another popular way for students to send a small but thoughtful message to one another. From Feb. 9 through today, Kappa Kappa Gamma sold Valentine’s candy grams in Bertrand Library and the ELC Mall. Each $3 bag of Hershey’s Kisses allowed students to surprise friends, partners or secret admirers on Valentine’s Day while supporting Kappa Kappa Gamma’s philanthropy, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The fundraiser blended sweetness with purpose, highlighting mental health advocacy during a season centered around care and connection.
Philanthropy remained a central theme throughout the week. Earlier this week, Chi Omega hosted a Valentine’s Day basket raffle to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The themed basket, filled with chocolates, stuffed animals and other festive items, attracted students eager to support the cause while embracing the holiday spirit. Tickets were sold for just $2 for 1 ticket or $3 for two tickets, making participation accessible for passersby between classes.
For those interested in hands-on creativity, the Seventh Street Studio & MakerSpace hosted “Crochet Love Bugs” on Feb. 11. During the event, students learned to crochet small spring-themed bugs designed to spread some extra Valentine’s cheer.
Healthy Relationships Week also took place earlier this week, from Feb. 9 through Feb. 13, with Alpha Chi Omega partnering with One Love Foundation to promote conversations around respect, care and emotional wellbeing. Held in Bertrand Library, the event invited students to buy flowers and give flowers while engaging with information about healthy relationship dynamics. The simple act of exchanging flowers doubled as both a fundraiser and a visible reminder of the importance of mutual respect in all relationships.
Today, Valentine’s-themed events continue across campus. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. is celebrating with Karnations by the Kappas, tabling in the ELC Mall this afternoon. Members of Bucknell’s Xi chapter are giving away red carnations – the fraternity’s national flower – offering students a free, meaningful way to mark the occasion.
Also today, Sigma Alpha Epsilon is hosting a flower sale in the ELC Mall to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Students purchasing flowers can choose to have a fraternity member deliver them to a recipient of their choice throughout the day, turning a simple bouquet into a personalized gesture while supporting pediatric healthcare.
From 5-9 p.m on Feb. 13, you can also create a gorgeous Valentine’s Day flower bouquet with fresh flowers at Seventh Street Studio and MakerSpace.
The celebration extends into the evening with Valentine’s Night in the ELC Hearth Space from 7 to 10pm. The event brings together a variety of activities, including stuff-a-plush stations, caricature drawings and even a Lindt truffle bar. Whether attending with friends, partners or solo, the event captures the festive spirit that has defined “Valentine’s Week” on campus.
If you’d rather embrace your artistic side, you can attend the “Sip & Paint” event from 8-11pm tonight, Feb. 13. Hosted at Uptown, the night will include snacks like charcuterie and soda, alcoholic beverages for those 21+ and painting supplies, all completely free.
Looking ahead to tomorrow, you can head over to Seventh Street Studio and MakerSpace for “Paint Night Date Night.” From 5pm to 9pm, head on over to paint and enjoy some music along with arts and crafts.
The celebration continues with Lacos for “Una Noche de Amor,” a fun-filled night on 2/14 from 9 p.m.-12 a.m. that will be jam packed with food, drinks and dancing galore.
The Valentine’s Day festivities even extend beyond campus. The Campus Theatre in downtown Lewisburg is hosting a special Valentine’s Day screening of “The Princess Bride.” Couples can purchase a themed package that includes reserved seating, snacks, sparkling wine and chocolates, while students who simply want to enjoy the film can attend for a reduced general admission price. The event offers a cozy off-campus option for those looking to celebrate the holiday with a classic love story on the big screen.
Altogether, the week’s events reflect a broader understanding of Valentine’s Day at Bucknell— one that values friendship, philanthropy and community just as much as romance. From handmade crafts to charitable fundraisers, the celebrations remind students that love comes in many forms, and that even small gestures can make a meaningful impact.
