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Last weekend, St. Patrick�s Coffee Shop in St. Cecilia Hall was transformed into a jazz �bar� for the annual Cecilian Corner speed-dating event. Activities director Anna Van Wijk (�24) and veteran coffee shop employee Baylor Gee (�24) spearheaded the transformation, decorating tables with candles and tasteful sprigs of lavender, while Mr. Gee planned an elaborate menu of mocktails for the occasion.

At 7:00 p.m., guests convened on the Corner, dressed to the nines, invitations in hand. While the hard-working coffee shop crew fashioned drinks at the bar, sisters Cecelia (�23) and Annette Morlino (�25) performed jazz classics in the corner. Mocktails in hand, guests began the main event: speed-dating �rounds.� Gentlemen had four rounds to approach four different ladies, and ladies had a Sadie Hawkins round to approach the gentlemen.

Miss Van Wijk emceed each round, mingling with different couples and guiding their conversations with a question or two before moving on to another couple. Faith, family, and art were among the topics to which she steered couples, ensuring them a chance to move beyond small-talk into substance.

With a dessert of tarts to conclude the final round, guests departed in high spirits, making this year�s Cecilian Corner a smash. �The night as a whole went really well,� said Miss Van Wijk. �We had an incredible team.� Added Mr. Gee, �It�s one of my favorite events to plan.� Given the turnout, it is a favorite event to attend, as well!