Students were given the opportunity to take photos in front of the “Love is in the Air” display throughout Valentine’s Day on February 14, 2017.

Valentine’s Day is not just about expressing love to your significant other. It is also a day to show love to your friends, family, and fellow peers! Pastor Gregory Johnson, the Co-founder of American University of Health Sciences (AUHS), expressed love and admiration for his students, faculty, and staff by giving them beautiful red roses. Maria Maloles, the AUHS Director of Marketing and Publications, visited every classroom in the university on Pastor Johnson’s behalf and surprised each student with a rose on Tuesday morning, February 14, 2017.

The students smiled, giggled and whispered to one another excitedly as Maloles approached them with hugs and flowers.

“I hope you all have a lovely Valentine’s Day!” Maloles said to one classroom after she finished passing out the roses, “We have some balloons in the lobby if you want to take a selfie!”

The university created a display in the main lobby with red heart-shaped and gold letter balloons that spelled out the word, “Love.” Maloles called the spectacle, “Love is in the Air.” Students had the opportunity to take photos in front of the display throughout the day.

Not only did Maloles surprise students with a single red rose but also gave a bouquet of a dozen roses to AUHS faculty and staff. This thoughtf

ul gift helped everyone at the university reflect on the meaning of love and Valentine’s day. Dr. Christina Baker, an AUHS General Studies Professor, expressed what the holiday meant to her.

Maria Maloles, the AUHS Director of Marketing and Publications, surprises nursing students with roses on Tuesday, February 14, 2017.

“Valentine’s Day means love and friendship,” said Dr. Baker, “On Valentine’s day, I like to celebrate with my friends, family, faculty, and students. This is not just a day for couples, it is also a day for friends.”Jeanetta Mastron, an AUHS Teaching Assistant, also explained what Valentine’s Day meant to her.

“My family has five birthdays in February so to me, Valentine’s Day means family,” said Mastron.

Mastron also had some advice for students visiting the library on Valentine’s Day.

“If you are ever in the library, I would tell you to brush up on your cardiology!” Mastron said.

Maria Maloles, the AUHS Director of Marketing and Publications, surprises nursing students with roses on Tuesday, February 14, 2017.Chantal Jura, the AUHS Director of Career Services and Affiliations, shared how she thought Valentine’s Day should be celebrated throughout the year.

“All you need is love but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt,” Jura said, “Valentine’s Day is a holiday for people to remember to do nice things but we should always show love and gratitude to one another every day.”

American University of Health Sciences (AUHS) is a private, for-profit, minority owned, minority serving, Christian-based university whose mission is to educate and equip students with life careers and to produce quality health care professionals for the community, the nation, and the world. It is a university where appreciation of life and one’s spiritual reason for existence can be nurtured.  AUHS offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS) and a Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR). To request more information, email admissions@auhs.edu or call (562) 988-2278. For the latest news, pictures and videos of American University of Health Sciences’ events, like us on Facebook @auhs.edu and follow us on Twitter @AUHS_Campus and Instagram @auhsedu.