There are few things that can get dedicated female students out of the house during midterms week, but a party is certainly one of them.
Hundreds of campus co-eds celebrated a girls’ night out Thursday night with author Marian Jordan in the Cotillion Ballroom in the Student Union.
Jordan has been touring college campuses in recent months to discuss her latest book, “Sex and the City Uncovered: Exposing the Emptiness and Healing the Hurt,” which details her journey through her early 20s and the love she found after getting to know God.
In her book, Jordan uses scenarios from the popular television series “Sex and the City” to describe what she experienced.
Cru, a Christian student organization at the University, brought Jordan to campus because its staff members believed her story would resonate with many women on campus.
“We meet with women and hear their stories,” said Ali Enos, women’s ministry director for Cru. “A lot of the time, they’re dealing with exactly what the book talks about.”
Attendees were treated to $2,500 worth of door prizes including spa services, gym memberships and restaurant gift certificates.
The organization also offered to donate $500 to the philanthropy of sororities that brought more than 75 members to the event.
When Jordan took the stage, she spoke to students about their relationships and the issues many women face on college campuses today.
Jordan, who is engaged to be married next month, said she spent most of her time as a single woman having girls’ nights with her best friends, a memory she tried to recreate for the students in attendance.
“I feel like I have a responsibility to all of you,” she said. “It’s my job as a big sister to pass on the truth to you.”
Jordan spoke about her college years, when she fell into what she called a downward spiral of alcoholism, partying and casual sex, and how it made her feel.
“My pastor says there’s no condom for the heart,” Jordan said. “I know that to be true.”
She explained to the crowd how she came to know and love God.
“I was in bondage to addictions, to insecurity and to expectations,” she said. “But meeting Jesus set me free.”
Communication studies sophomore Kellie Blake and political science sophomore Quinn Brown said they heard about the event through friends.
“One of my friends is reading [Jordan’s] book and she loves her,” Blake said.
The girls said they were excited to hear about a girls-only event on campus.
“There really hasn’t been anything like this on campus that I know of,” Blake said.
 
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Contact Rachel Warren at [email protected]