As the clock struck five, the women came downstairs to find the men waiting for them in the foyer. Bennett Monahan (27) and Ben Purtell (26) shared their musical talents, providing soft piano music to set the mood. Each woman was warmly greeted and given a long-stemmed red rose. After a brief period of mingling, the ladies were led into the dining room and seated at tables. Chaplain Rev. Carlos Viego said grace, invoking the Blessed Virgin Mary to watch over the College.
Dinner began with a cranberry goat cheese salad, which earned rave reviews from attendees. 淭his is actually one of the best salads I檝e ever had, said Therese Lickona (28). Before the start of the next course, Sam Peterson (25) made the opening remarks. 淭he women of this campus bring so much beauty and perspective to us, their male classmates, he said. 淟adies, we appreciate you!
The servers then brought out the main course of honey-Dijon chicken, broccoli and rice. 淚 feel like I檓 at a restaurant! gushed Sonia Johnson (28). The men watched proudly from the kitchen as the ladies enjoyed their meal. Following dinner, Samuel Livingston (25) and a chorus of other men serenaded the room with 淚n the Bleak Midwinter, followed by 淎ve Maria. Of course, it wouldn檛 be the Rose Dinner without a rendition of 淩ed Is the Rose, which earned enthusiastic applause.
Then came dessert: an indulgent dark chocolate espresso cake. 淚 could eat this every day, laughed Anastasia Toma (25). After dinner, the ladies were chauffeured down to Olivia Music Hall for hours of dancing. 淚 just love the Rose Dinner, it檚 so special! said Stephanie Wolfe (28). 淭he guys worked so hard. It was so sweet!