Delivering love songs on Valentine’s Day

Ian Empen  ’26 and fellow members of Phi Mu Alpha–Zeta Beta sang love songs to surprised students, faculty and staff in classrooms and offices across campus on Valentine’s Day.

The day was especially meaningful to Empen, the music fraternity’s vice president. His dad, Daryl Empen  ’91 was president of Phi Mu Alpha when the vocal valentines fundraiser started.

Daryl isn’t sure exactly who had the initial idea for vocal valentines, but it might have been Matt Haeger  ’93. Regardless, it has been a tradition at Augustana until COVID-19 — and one that had grown through the decades. This year, Phi Mu Alpha rehearsed for months, and delivered no fewer than 100 vocal valentines.

“They have certainly taken this to a new level!” Daryl said. “I don't recall wearing tuxedos, and I’m guessing we did five to six performances, tops. I know one of our first selections was 'You've Lost that Lovin Feelin’ — which in hindsight, perhaps was not the best selection for Valentine's Day! And perhaps Elvis' classic 'Can't Help Falling in Love with You.’ That was it.”

One of Ian’s favorite parts about showing up in unlikely places and singing love songs, especially during classes, is the reactions they get. “Seeing the smiles on faces makes us feel good about spreading love on Valentine’s Day,” he said.

Learn more about Phi Mu Alpha at Augustana.