The USF College of Arts and Sciences Humanities Institute’s (HI) held their annual Blind Date With a Book on April 25 outside the Tampa campus library.
Open to all students, the event consists of books wrapped with “dating profile” clues to help the reader find their perfect “match.”
Each book is wrapped with clues about what the book might be about. (Photo by Jade von Werder)
Students browse wrapped books. (Photo by Jade von Werder)
Each year the books, provided by the HI, center around a theme voted on by students
the previous year via Instagram.
This year’s theme was mystery.
“This is a project we began in 2017 with the goal of providing a fun and educational way of engaging with our students, getting them to join our social media, and be more involved with all the opportunities that the Humanities Institute offers,” said Liz Kicak, continuing associate professor in the Department of English and director of the HI.
Students get to keep the book they choose, according to Kicak.
Vivianne Vincenty, who works part time for the HI, has organized the event for the last two semesters and researched each book chosen, wrote the book clues, and marketed the event to students.
“I don’t read mystery novels very often and it’s fun to let them choose for me with these kinds of descriptions,” said Jenna Gatley, a student majoring in English. “It’s a fun break, especially during finals. I think it engages students to take part in something they would not always do themselves.”
Students browse wrapped books. (Photo by Jade von Werder)
English students Jenna Gatley (left) and Emma Frank (right) both unwrapping their mystery books. (Photo by Anna Mayor)
“I love books and crime is one of my favorite genres,” said Kristine Nguyen, a mechanical
engineering major. “I was here last semester, so my friend and I have been waiting
for the next round. I think this is a great stress reliever.”
Follow the HI on Instagram to keep up-to-date about next year’s Blind Date With a Book event.