Dating with speed

The era of cyber hook-ups, speed dating and online services are the new love connection, and there are more ways than ever to find Mr. or Mrs. Right.

Last Thursday evening, 120 UB students took a chance on meeting someone new at an evening of speed dating, with a twist - students of all sexual preferences participated.

"We saw that other campuses were doing it and what a success it was, and then movies like 'Hitch' came out and were a hit. We just had to try it," said Ryan Durling, a junior English major and residence halls association council vice president who organized the event for a second year in a row.

Four tables were set up forming half a square around the perimeter of the flag room in the Student Union, where most students gathered near friends, nervously chatting as they scouted out the competition. As more students piled into the room, the noise clambered to deafening heights, and the organizers scrambled to set up additional tables to accommodate the overflow, seating boys on the right side of the tables and girls opposite them on the left.

Members of RHA sat at a long table at one of the entrances to the flag room, checking students in and handing out nametags and speed dating cards. Others solicited students passing by, persuading them to join.

"This is my first time doing something like this. There is such an interesting mix of people here, it seems like it's definitely going to be a new experience," said Lindsay Milcarek, a freshman anthropology major. "I just came with friends, I'm not looking for anything serious."

Two big signs were posted at opposite ends of the room, citing the rules and regulations of the speed dating event. Each student received a nametag, with their name and a number, as well as a half sheet of paper with room for the names and phone numbers of ten potential mates.

Pandemonium broke out as the speed dating was set in motion - each date took about four minutes, two for each person to tell the other a little about themselves. One girl yelled out, "Do guys move or do girls?" Durling answered "Guys," and a resounding cheer was heard around the room from the girls.

"I came here with a friend, because I though it would be fun. I'm not really sure how I feel about it yet, I've only gone on two speed dates," said Mike Bachetet, a sophomore business major. "But it seems like it's going to be a good time, definitely a different experience."

Durling coordinated with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Association for the event. Last year's crowd drew around 80 people, and was expanded this year to accept persons of all sexual preferences.

"We aren't here as a dating service. We just want to get people out of their residence halls, so that maybe they can meet new friends that they wouldn't ordinarily get the chance to meet. But if a relationship comes out of it that's cool too," Durling said.

As the night wore on, conversations about everything from majors to preferences in music filled the air, while light jazz music played in the background, barely audible above the rumble of voices.

Durling called out the two-minute warning over the loud speaker and then returned to the rest of the RHA members crowded together near the front of the room watching the event unfold.

Some RHA members though, were brave enough to participate for themselves.

"So far I'm having an awesome time, although I came here because I had to work the event and they needed me to participate because there aren't as many girls as guys. But it's definitely been a great experience," said Tana Dipolito, a sophomore business major.

While speed dating can be a great way to meet new friends and help make a large college feel smaller and more like home, especially for a freshman or transfer student, others didn't feel the same way.

"I don't think that speed dating is the best way to meet people because it's really informal. Four minutes isn't long enough to make a decision whether you want to date a person or not," said Timothy Butler, a junior business major.

For those who were in attendance, the event, at the very least, served to break up the monotony of the semester.

"Speed dating, along with all of our other events, is just there for students to have fun," Durling said. "We try to plan a lot of them right before exam times. They make a great study break."