‘All we need is love ... or not’
Residence Hall Association to host free Valentine’s Ball
Saturday in the Student Center

By Chrissy Braden
Staff Reporter

Even after red velvet-covered, heart-shaped boxes filled with wrappers of decadent chocolates are thrown away with wilted bouquets of flowers, the air is still filled with celebrations of love.

The Valentine’s Ball, “All We Need Is Love... Or Not,” hosted by the Residence Hall Association, will be held from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday in the Student Center Ballroom.

Free food, live music and dancing for singles and couples will be offered at the free event, open to all students.

Terry James, a sophomore political science major and RHA member, said the ball is after Valentine’s Day so more people can attend without feeling the pressures of bringing a significant other.
“We want the whole student body to be able to come out and enjoy themselves and have a good time,” James said.

Nathan Newquist, a freshman premajor, said he thought the dance would be fun, and he would go if he didn’t have to work.

“It’s pretty neat because it’s not on Valentine’s Day,” Newquist said. “It will help newer students meet more people on campus.”

James said he hopes the ball will help get RHA’s gain name recognition on campus.

Jessi Mullins, a sophomore biology major and RHA member, said last year was the first time RHA had the ball. She said about 150 to 200 people attended last year’s ball, and even more people are expected to attend this year.

Jenna Spain, a sophomore broadcast journalism major and president of RHA, said the association is given a budget by TCU each semester to spend on various activities.

“RHA gets $2 for each resident,” Spain said. “About $2,500 of this budget is being spent on the ball.”
About 2,670 students live on campus this semester.

Mindy Edwards, the RHA advisor and hall director of Wiggins Hall, said RHA’s budget was about $5,000 this semester.

Spain said RHA is composed of four members from each residence hall who try to improve dorm life for students.

The organization discussed plans at its meeting Tuesday to give out snacks during finals week, have a Tan Day on the lawn between Sherley Hall and Colby Hall and a video-rental system in Wiggins.

“The message we’re trying to communicate is that we can do something for everyone,” Spain said.

James said he wants people to know RHA is a legitimate organization that can do a lot on campus. He said people should voice their concerns to the association.

“RHA has a lot of potential to be big on this campus,” James said. “Students are free and more than welcome to talk to us about issues.”

RHA meets at 3:30 p.m. every other Tuesday in the Student Center, Room 207.

Chrissy Braden
l.c.braden@student.tcu.edu