Grand Valley State University students celebrated Harry Styles’ birthday on Monday, Feb. 3 with a celebration hosted by the University’s Campus Activities Board (CAB).
The party featured a birthday cake, themed drinks and activities. Guests decorated heart-shaped sunglasses and participated in trivia about the singer’s songs and life, while a life-size cutout of Styles provided a photo opportunity for attendants.
Lauryn Comstock, one of CAB’s Activities Team directors, took charge in hosting the event. Comstock has been a fan of Styles since his One Direction days.
“I went to a One Direction concert and had (a) ‘team Harry’ sign and little Harry tattoos,” Comstock reminisced.
Comstock said her appreciation for both Styles’ music and personality stems from the singer’s genuine nature.
“I just feel like following someone and supporting someone who really, truly believes in treating people with respect and kindness is something that is so uplifting,” Comstock said.
The notion of treating people with kindness comes from Styles’ song, “Treat People With Kindness,” which was released on the album “Fine Line” in 2019. The song’s message has since resonated with many fans and has become a motto of sorts. “TPWK” can be found on many pieces of Styles’ merchandise, including water bottles, keychains and sweatshirts.
Attending GVSU students, Jenae Danowski and Courtney Schmidt, also said they have been longtime fans of Styles, and even attended one of his concerts together.
Schmidt said she appreciates Styles for more than just his music, but the lasting impact he has on listeners.
“(I like) how honest he is in his music and when he’s talking to fans,” Schmidt said.
Danowski added that she selected Styles as her favorite One Direction member years ago, and has stuck with the decision ever since.
“(Styles) has a different energy (compared to other singer),” Danowski said. “He gives modern-day David Bowie.”
Like Bowie, Styles has a theatrical stage presence that many fans find magnetic. He is recognizable by his outfits both on and off stage, which influence his fans’ fashion choices. Bowie also never confined himself to one genre of music, a trend that Styles has experimented with throughout his career.
GVSU student Yadira De La Cruz agreed with the aforementioned impact that Styles has on fans. She added that his personality shines through when he performs on stage.
“He’s just really open, even at concerts,” De La Cruz said. “He’s playful (and) that’s beautiful.”
De La Cruz said her love for Styles grew after One Direction’s breakup. She became a stronger fan of Styles when he began his journey as a solo artist.
“(When) he released (his) first solo album, I was like, ‘Wow,'” De La Cruz said. “I was crying.”
De La Cruz added that Styles’ initial solo album gave her a new perspective on him as an artist by showing off what skills he possesses, as well as who he is as an individual.
Comstock said that Styles is worth celebrating because he is a role model to those who enjoy his music.
“(Styles) is super genuine and supportive of all types of people,” Comstock said. “We can all stand to learn from having that openness and kindness toward everybody.”
