There were many social events on the Pleasantville Campus at Pace University, but Tyler McShane, a Psychology BA/Mental Health Counseling MS student and vice president of the Psychology Club, saw an opportunity for something different. He wanted to create a space specifically for couples—both romantic and platonic—to connect in a deeper way.
McShane said, “…the idea of an event focused on relationship wellness and couples’ growth was meaningful to me.” He explained that his own long-term relationship inspired him to advocate for an event centered on relationships. “Before becoming vice president of the Psychology Club, I had long believed that the organization should host an event centered on relationships,” he said. “My boyfriend and I have been together for nearly five years, so the idea of an event focused on relationship wellness and couples’ growth was meaningful to me.”
Hearts & Minds Date Night became that event. According to McShane, “None of the other events I saw were specifically tailored to couples,” he said. “I think one of the reasons this event was so successful has to with how novel the idea was.”
The club invited Christine Romano, PhD, assistant professor in Dyson College of Arts and Sciences and a practicing sex and relationships therapist, to lead a communication activity during the evening. Participants worked in pairs: one described an abstract image while the other tried to recreate it without seeing it. Romano described her approach: “This event focused on creating a safe, open, and judgment-free space to explore communication, emotions, and sexuality in an intentional and empowering way,” she said. “My goal was to blend psychology, real-life examples, and an interactive activity—such as the drawing communication exercise—to educate the audience on improving interpersonal dynamics and day-to-day interactions with the people they care about.”
More than 50 students attended with their partners or guests from off campus. McShane noted that it provided students with a rare chance to include significant others in campus life: “It also gave students an opportunity to bring their off campus significant others on campus for the first time, which I noticed was quite common,” he said.
The atmosphere featured decorations and soft lighting intended to foster connection. When student Nelson Lovell passed by and noticed the setup, he volunteered as photographer for free.
Guests enjoyed Italian food, photo backdrops, gift bags, as well as activities led by Romano. Attendees shared positive feedback about their experiences at Hearts & Minds Date Night.
Alex attended with his partner Vanessa: “This event was my first introduction to Pace University,” he said. “I thoroughly enjoyed it—it exceeded my expectations. The food, the activities, the photographers—everything was amazing. It actually made me a little jealous of their events.”
Annalia attended with her boyfriend Cole: “Professor Romano’s communication activity was fun and engaging,” she said. “The food was great, and the photographer captured some really special moments of us.”
McShane reflected on what set this gathering apart: “I think that level of intimacy and bonding our event explored was something new and exciting that people wanted to try out.”
Following its success—with over 50 attendees—the Psychology Club is planning another relationship-focused gathering called Hearts, Minds & Valentines for February 10 at 7 p.m., again in Kessel Gottesman Room at Pleasantville Campus.
Romano will return as speaker: “Expect a guided, interactive experience designed to deepen emotional connection—through love map questions, love languages, and intentional communication that helps partners feel seen, understood, and valued,” she said.
McShane concluded by saying there is clear interest among students for more such events: “Clearly there is a want for more. And we aim to deliver.”
