In conjunction with Valentine’s day, students celebrated at Sprinkle Some Love, a cupcake decorating event held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m in the Student Center. The event was sponsored by the Campus Activities Programming Board. 

CAPB is a student-led programming committee that puts on free events for MU students to foster a sense of belonging and inclusion on campus. In the past, CAPB has sponsored events like the Midnight BBQ, Spooktacular and Create Your Own Luck. 

“The inspiration was to create a fun and inclusive event for all students to get into the Valentine’s Day spirit and have some sweet treats,” said Payton Strausberger, MU junior and CAPB late night programming chair.

A long line of students waiting for the event stretched from the main floor of the Student Center down toward The Mizzou Store.

At the event, students designed their own Hy-Vee catered cupcake, selecting the cake flavor, color of frosting and type of sprinkles. The typical Student Center seating was cleared away, replaced with long tables covered by black tablecloths. The tables were lined with chocolate and vanilla cupcakes, colorful sprinkles and a variety of frostings. Students got to pick between red, pink, white, blue and chocolate frosting.

“Cupcakes are something fun and easy that everyone enjoys,” Strausberger said.

An assortment of sweet treats including Rice Krispies Treats, Fun Dip and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups were provided. Pink heart-shaped glasses were also offered.

Freshman Jasmine Morales wasn’t originally planning to attend Sprinkle Some Love, but she was walking by after class and spontaneously decided to stop and decorate a cupcake. Morales says her favorite thing about Valentine’s Day is the atmosphere and seeing everyone dress up. Her cupcake design paralleled this, inspired by the pink and red colors of the holiday.  

“Seeing all the pink and red on campus is really cool,” Morales said.

Morales celebrated Valentine’s Day with her boyfriend, whom she met through her freshman interest group. 

Sophomore Marianne Atup also celebrated Valentine’s Day with someone special whom she met back in her hometown. Atup attended Sprinkle Some Love and decorated her cupcake with chocolate frosting and rainbow sprinkles.   

“I love the [Valentine’s Day] merch because I love pink and red stuff,” Atup said. 

Not every student who attended Sprinkle Some Love had someone special on their mind. Sophomore Will Thives was making content for the MU International Student Ambassadors’ Instagram account in the Student Center when he first noticed the event. He decorated his cupcake with red to celebrate the Kansas City Chiefs’ Feb. 12 Super Bowl win.

“My least favorite thing [is] not having a date right now,” Thives said.

Thives planned to celebrate Valentine’s Day with his friends. Like Thives, Strausberger planned to do the same.  

“I just think [Valentine’s Day] is a fun event for anyone,” Strausberger said. “You don’t have to celebrate it with a significant other. You can celebrate it with people you love.” 

Edited by Annie Goldman | agoldman@themaneater.com 

Copy Edited by Sterling Sewell and Grace Knight