Every semester, students who work for Last Minute Productions at Western Carolina University pitch event ideas to student committees for feedback.
“It is almost like going on Shark Tank, but they get much nicer feedback if an idea needs to be tweaked a little,” said Coleman Leopard, associate director for student programs and campus activities.
After a successful pitch in the fall of 2024, Vals and Pals was introduced on Feb. 12. LMP’s student manager Lizy Resendez, a sophomore at WCU, organized the event. Though it was Resendez’s second time organizing a Valentine’s themed event this event was the first of its kind.
With Vals and Pals, Resendez aimed to highlight that Valentine’s Day is not just for couples. Students were encouraged to bring friends to the event.
“We included karaoke because karaoke usually does very well, and the friendship bracelets are super cute,” Resendez said.
While LMP’s minimum goal for all events is 300 students, Vals and Pals had a total attendance of 178. According to Resendez, factors such as rainy weather and other simultaneous events contributed to the lower turnout.
Regardless, the event was a hit with attendees. Diana Limbo, a student and regular at LMP events, said she enjoyed Vals and Pals, especially the variety of beads at the friendship bracelet station.
Cat-Tran driver Lydia Vereen stopped by during her shift to grab some Valentine-themed cookies. While she does not usually attend LMP events, she said she was glad WCU provides resources for them.
Leopard encourages students to check out future campus programs and events on WCU Engage.
