A common University Valentine’s Day practice will be held at its traditional time this year.Students will head to the Memorial Tower for their special midnight kiss this Valentine’s Day morning. The event was moved from midnight to 8 p.m. last year because of safety concerns when a string of armed robberies occurred on campus. But the event has been scheduled for its traditional time this year.The tradition holds that students aren’t true LSU co-eds until they share a kiss when the clock strikes midnight and the bells begin to chime love songs.”The tradition is not as well-known or practiced as it was years ago,” said Katie Cicardo, Student Government director of student involvement. “But this is still a unique and treasured event for LSU students.”Cicardo said it’s important for SG to continue these traditions and encourage students to participate in them.About 30 to 40 students partake in the event each year, she said.”The LSU experience is about more than just attending classes or tailgating at football games,” she said. “It is about the amazing people you meet and the experiences you share with them.”SG made arrangements to provide increased security at the event to ensure the safety of all the students, Cicardo said.Cicardo said the last few SG administrations have sponsored this event, and the event will be even more memorable with the renovations to the Memorial Tower’s chimes.The Memorial Tower is programmed to play a list of 15 songs, and SG is still in the process of finding the perfect love songs instead of the traditional chimes.SG paid to revamp the bell system last year through its surplus fund. The songs selected will remain a secret until the stroke of midnight.”This tradition is a representation of those special college experiences that only happen once in your life.” Cicardo said.
—-  Contact Leslie Presnall at [email protected]