As we jump into spring here at Andrews University, the warm weather and blooming tulips officially commence the wedding season. This week, I spoke with Darius Bridges, assistant dean for Student Involvement, in an exclusive interview, where he shared some exciting news.
Within recent months, there has been a surge in interest regarding the use of the Campus Center’s recreational center as an event space—so much so that Andrews’ Board of Trustees had been discussing the possibility of whether the rec center should be available to rent an event hall for students and community members alike. Recently, the board, in collaboration with the Andrews University Student Association (AUSA), came to the decision that effective Aug. 1, 2025, the rec center will officially offer rental services, and one of these services will include transforming the space into a reception hall for wedding ceremonies.
There was one piece of especially exciting news: Bridges shared that he has personally been anticipating the board’s decision because he is newly engaged and ever so happy. He has worked in special connection with AUSA and has made plans to be the first booking party of the space for his own wedding!
“It has been very difficult for me to keep this a secret from my beloved Andrews community, but my fiancée and I are ecstatic to have the opportunity to tie the knot in a place that means so much to us!” Bridges said.
As an Andrews alumnus, it is no secret that Bridges has deep ties to the university, but the venue, in particular, is dear to his heart as the standing sponsor of AUSA, which oversees the affairs of the recreational center. Through this role, as he works closely with the members of AUSA, Bridges has certainly cultivated a close bond with members of AUSA, which is why he was also thrilled to announce that the current officers of AUSA will also serve as his bridal party, with AUSA President Jakob Kwon as his best man.
It is a widely known fact that the preparations necessary for a wedding require a great amount of time and detail, which is why Bridges and his bride-to-be have announced that their wedding ceremony will take place on Sept. 7, 2025, with the reception to follow in the rec center. This date is specifically set so that the wedding will be open to all Andrews’ community members, including students. However, the event will still abide by the rec center’s normal capacity of 200 persons, meaning it is first come, first serve. An RSVP link will be sent out to students via email as the date nears.
Lastly, Dean Bridges shares that similarly, as his engagement may come as a surprise to many, so will the reveal of his bride.
“My fianceé and I are both very private people, which is why we have decided that only a few select family and friends will know who my bride-to-be is,” he said. “The official face reveal is set to take place during the ceremony, during the lifting of her veil.”
We wish Dean Bridges well as he enters this new exciting chapter!
Disclaimer: This article is satire. Happy April Fools’ Day!
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.