For many girls, Valentine’s Day no longer revolves solely around couples, roses and candlelit dinners. Instead, a growing number are turning their attention to something just as meaningful: friendship.

Across campus, Galentine’s Day — an unofficial holiday celebrating female friendships — has become a cherished tradition, especially within sorority life. For members of Alpha Sigma Tau, and other sororities on campus, the celebration represents far more than pink decorations and heart-shaped snacks. It symbolizes connection, support, and sisterhood.

Beth White, vice president of finance and marketing for Alpha Sigma Tau, says Galentine’s Day brings women together beyond individual chapters.

“The two sororities on campus come together through Panhellenic,” White explained. “We’re not just our own sisters, we’re campus sisters. It’s really about building that sisterhood.”

Each year, members gather for events filled with food, music and conversation. From fruit and cheese platters to the ever-present Dr Pepper, the celebrations may be simple but their meaning runs deep.

Students say the growing popularity of Galentine’s Day reflects a cultural shift in how people view love, and, for many students, Galentine’s Day became more prominent after joining a sorority.

“I didn’t really celebrate before I joined,” said Ana Vargas, a member of Alpha Sigma Tau. “After that, we started having full events, and it became a tradition.”

Delanie Wetherington shared a similar experience.

“In high school, I celebrated with friends sometimes,” she said. “But in the sorority, it became a real event. It’s a way to relax and bond.”

“It’s uplifting to see sisters come together and lean on each other,” White said. “It’s like a public showing of, ‘These are my girls.’ No matter if we’re dating someone or not, I still have them.”

Friendship Deserves the Spotlight

“We’re moving away from only celebrating romantic love,” Vargas said. “Now it’s about celebrating all kinds of love, especially friendship.”

Wetherington added that the holiday gives students who are single a space to feel included.

“People who aren’t in relationships can feel left out on Valentine’s Day,” she said. “But we still have love to give, so we make it about our friends.”

Unlike romantic relationships, friendships rarely come with formal milestones.

“You don’t have anniversaries for friendships,” White said. “You don’t have date nights. But you lean on each other just as much, if not more.”

Vargas believes that long-lasting friendships can be just as impactful. Stating, “we’re moving away from only celebrating romantic love…Now it’s about celebrating all kinds of love, especially friendship.” “You’ve gone through good and bad together,” she said. “That connection is really special.”

Empowerment Through Sisterhood

Beyond celebration, many students see Galentine’s Day as a form of empowerment.

“When you have a group of women in one room, it shows how powerful that can be,” White said. “We’re not defined by our differences. We unite over being women.”

Vargas believes the holiday challenges negative stereotypes about female friendships.

“It shows support instead of competition,” she said. “It takes away those fake stereotypes about girl groups.”

Wetherington agrees. “It’s women coming together to support each other,” she said. “We’re empowering each other instead of stressing about relationships.”

For many, these gatherings reinforce the idea that women thrive when they uplift one another. Wetherington emphasized the importance of her support system.

“We’re becoming adults,” she said. “Having girls who understand your struggles makes all the difference.”

Vargas added that these bonds often last well beyond graduation.

“It’s a lifelong connection,” she said. “Not just for college.”