Betsy Manning
These are just several of many Temple students who received hugs Wednesday as part of the Residence Hall Association (RHA)'s free-hugs campaign, a kick off for the first RHA Week.
Brooke Damore, Class of 2018, walked up Liacouras Walk near 7-Eleven, shielding herself with an umbrella from the cold rain. She paused, considering a convenient pick-me-up.
Not coffee. Not candy. A hug.
Damore was one of dozens, if not hundreds, of Temple students who received free hugs Wednesday as part of a campaign by Temple’s Residence Hall Association (RHA), the student governing body for anyone living in residence halls.
The RHA, which represents the residential student population through advocacy, civic engagement and leadership development, kicked off its first RHA Week with the free-hugs campaign, designed to spread love across Temple and to raise awareness about the organization.
“There were some students who really embraced it,” said RHA President Connor Stinson, Class of 2017, speaking literally and figuratively.
RHA Secretary Rebecca Pinkhasov, Class of 2017, saw a good friend who hugged her twice—once by picking her up and twirling her around.
“I’ve gotten, ‘What’s the catch?’” she said of other students’ reactions. “We just want to give you some love.”
Leah Jacobs, a Class of 2018 finance major and member of the Community Council—a student body in each residence hall that works to improve the residential life experience—at 1940 Residence Hall, said one student thanked her for a hug because it gave him a boost en route to an exam.
Alfi Nurdin, a Class of 2018 visual studies major, had a similar reaction.
“It’s pretty cool,” Nurdin said. “I think the majority of people like affection. It’s a nice gesture.”
This evening at 8 p.m., the RHA is showing a screening of Bridesmaids at the Underground in the Student Center. Blankets and snacks will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Tomorrow, March 27, the organization is hosting a headphone dance party in the Founder’s Garden. For the full event schedule, visit https://sites.temple.edu/rhatemple.
“RHA Week reflects students’ desire to make this organization known on campus,” said RHA advisor Steve Dexter, assistant director of residential life. “This week is dedicated to engaging students, getting them out of the buildings, getting to know people and ending the year on a high.”
–Brandon Lausch