Central Michigan Life

Issue date: 3/28/08 Section: News

Clarkston freshman Jes Palace reenacts a scene from "Superbad" with St. Johns freshman Landon Winowiecki during the Speed Dating Extravaganza on Thursday night in Bovee University Center Down Under Food Court. [Click to enlarge]

Lathrup Village freshman Gerren Appling, left, and Detroit freshman Derrecka Ellis fidget during the Speed Dating Extravaganza on Thursday. [Click to enlarge]

Brittany Armstrong usually doesn't go out of her way to talk to unfamiliar guys.

But her conservative nature quickly changed Thursday evening.

Armstrong participated in a speed dating event in the Bovee University Center Down Under Food Court. She got the opportunity to start many new conversations in a matter of minutes.

"I can go get my man now," said Armstrong, Kalmazoo freshman, laughing.

Sophisticated Women of Color sponsored the dating event, and drew approximately 40 people.

Participants were able to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere as they sat down to start the evening.

Red and white balloons and glass votive candle holders with Hershey's kisses lined a long table where the group was seated. Guys and girls were given two minutes to talk before the pairs were switched up. This provided just enough time for basic conversation without the pressure of getting too in-depth.

"It was really a good way to meet people," said Clarence Richardson, a Milan senior. "There were a lot of freshmen, but I got to hear all of the experiences they've had of living in the dorms."

Richardson remembered one humorous conversation he had about the frustrations of community showers.

Many other conversations highlighted topics such as the participants' majors, class standing and extra-curricular activities.

"I had a good time, but do wish there would have been more time to talk to the guys," said Amy Paggeot, Shelby junior.

Paggeot said it was her first time speed dating, but she wants to be able to do something like it more often.

"Maybe nothing will come of it, but it was still fun," Paggeot said.

Graduate Student Hasfa Salih agreed.

Salih is an international student from Africa, and has attended other speed dating events in his country.

"It's a good experience ... I love the experience," Salih said. "Everyone is open. You get to meet so many different people and it's something I can usually get other guys to go to with me."

Though the number of women did outnumber that of men, SWC President Jennifer Frazier saw the event as a success.

"It was new, so a lot of people were nervous about coming," the Detroit junior said. "I hope to do more promotion (next year) so that more people will want to come."


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