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. “This is actually one of the best salads I’ve ever had,” said Therese Lickona (’28). Before the start of the next course, Sam Peterson (’25) made the opening remarks. “The women of this campus bring so much beauty and perspective to us, their male classmates,” he said. “Ladies, we appreciate you!”
The servers then brought out the main course of honey-Dijon chicken, broccoli and rice. “I feel like I’m 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 “In the Bleak Midwinter,” followed by “Ave Maria.” Of course, it wouldn’t be the Rose Dinner without a rendition of “Red Is the Rose,” which earned enthusiastic applause.
Then came dessert: an indulgent dark chocolate espresso cake. “I could eat this every day,” laughed Anastasia Toma (’25). After dinner, the ladies were chauffeured down to Olivia Music Hall for hours of dancing. “I just love the Rose Dinner, it’s so special!” said Stephanie Wolfe (’28). “The guys worked so hard. It was so sweet!”