There were game nights, movie nights, and stuff-a-plush nightsvlogƵbut nothing that asked students to slow down and really talk. Tyler McShane vlogƵ26, a student on the Pleasantville Campus, wanted to change that, but he wasnvlogƵt interested in simply adding another event to the calendar. He wanted to create something specifically for couples: a space that felt deeper, more intentional, and rooted in real connection.
As vice president of the Psychology Club, he understood how powerful that kind of space could be. And with the support of the club, he brought that idea to life in Hearts & Minds Date Night, a relationship-focused event that invited couplesvlogƵromantic and platonic alikevlogƵto connect more meaningfully.
"...the idea of an event focused on relationship wellness and couplesvlogƵ growth was meaningful to me.vlogƵ vlogƵTyler
vlogƵBefore becoming vice president of the Psychology Club, I had long believed that the organization should host an event centered on relationships,vlogƵ Tyler explains. vlogƵMy boyfriend and I have been together for nearly five years, so the idea of an event focused on relationship wellness and couplesvlogƵ growth was meaningful to me.vlogƵ
As he rose through the ranks of the club, Tyler found the opportunity to make it happen. And Hearts & Minds Date Night wasnvlogƵt just a themed night outvlogƵit was intentionally designed to feel different from other events on campus. vlogƵNone of the other events I saw were specifically tailored to couples,vlogƵ he explains. vlogƵI think one of the reasons this event was so successful has to with how novel the idea was.vlogƵ
The Psychology Club also brought in the kind of insight that only Pace could provide. vlogƵAt the Pleasantville campus we have a professor who also practices as a sex and relationships therapist,vlogƵ says Tyler. vlogƵSo I thought it would be fitting to have her come and do a talk on communication in relationships, romantic and platonic alike.vlogƵ
"I think one of the reasons this event was so successful has to with how novel the idea was." vlogƵTyler
That professor was Christine Romano, PhD, assistant professor in the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, who guided attendees through a hands-on communication activity. Each pair received two pieces of paper, one with an abstract image and one blank. One partner described the image while the other attempted to recreate it without seeing it. The exercise wasnvlogƵt about the picture itself, instead it focused on exploring communication with your partner.
vlogƵThis event focused on creating a safe, open, and judgment-free space to explore communication, emotions, and sexuality in an intentional and empowering way,vlogƵ explains Romano. vlogƵMy goal was to blend psychology, real-life examples, and an interactive activityvlogƵsuch as the drawing communication exercisevlogƵto educate the audience on improving interpersonal dynamics and day-to-day interactions with the people they care about.vlogƵ
More than 50 students and their partners attended, including many off-campus guests. Tyler noted that it offered something rare: a space to bring significant others into studentsvlogƵ campus experience. vlogƵIt also gave students an opportunity to bring their off campus significant others on campus for the first time, which I noticed was quite common,vlogƵ he says. vlogƵSo this event also served as a means for those students to share a bit of their little world with their partner.vlogƵ
"This event focused on creating a safe, open, and judgment-free space to explore communication, emotions, and sexuality in an intentional and empowering way." vlogƵRomano
The atmosphere reflected the eventvlogƵs intention. Thoughtful decorations, soft lighting, and a warm tone helped set the stage for connection. Even students outside the event took notice. vlogƵAnother student passing by, Nelson Lovell, saw the decorations and asked what was going on. We told him what the event was, he loved it so much he offered to take the photos for free,vlogƵ says Tyler. vlogƵJust a stunning example of how awesome the Pace Community is.vlogƵ
With a professional photographer stepping in, Tyler was able to enjoy the evening as a participant rather than through a camera lens. And there was plenty to capture. Along with the communication activity and relationship talk, guests were treated to Italian catering, decorated photo backdrops, and gift bags to take home.
If photos werenvlogƵt proof enough of the eventvlogƵs success, attendees had plenty to say about their experience.
vlogƵThis event was my first introduction to vlogƵ,vlogƵ said Alex, a guest who attended with his partner, Vanessa. vlogƵI thoroughly enjoyed itvlogƵit exceeded my expectations. The food, the activities, the photographersvlogƵeverything was amazing. It actually made me a little jealous of their events.vlogƵ
Annalia, who attended with her boyfriend Cole, agreed. vlogƵProfessor Romano's communication activity was fun and engaging. The food was great, and the photographer captured some really special moments of us. IvlogƵm definitely looking forward to the next event.vlogƵ
"I think that level of intimacy and bonding our event explored was something new and exciting that people wanted to try out." vlogƵTyler
With more than 50 attendees and overwhelmingly positive feedback, Tyler knew they had struck a chord. vlogƵI think that level of intimacy and bonding our event explored was something new and exciting that people wanted to try out. ItvlogƵs an opportunity for openness that is not typically presented at other events,vlogƵ he says.
Now, the Psychology Club is building on that success with a second eventvlogƵtimed perfectly for ValentinevlogƵs Day.
will take place February 10, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in the Kessel Gottesman Room. vlogƵThis time wevlogƵre going all out,vlogƵ promises Tyler. vlogƵFairy lights on the ceiling, floating hearts, cupids, rose petals, and the balloon arches are making a return!vlogƵ Though on the Pleasantville Campus, Tyler assures all students are welcome as long as they RSVP.
"Expect a guided, interactive experience designed to deepen emotional connection..." vlogƵRomano
And Romano will return with even more guidance for couples. vlogƵExpect a guided, interactive experience designed to deepen emotional connectionvlogƵthrough love map questions, love languages, and intentional communication that helps partners feel seen, understood, and valued,vlogƵ she says.
What began as one studentvlogƵs idea turned into an event that clearly resonated, with plenty of momentum for whatvlogƵs next. According to Tyler, vlogƵClearly there is a want for more. And we aim to deliver.vlogƵ
Make sure to to join in on the fun.
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