College Professionals & Students ENDORSE!
Below you will read reviews, recommendations, and endorsements from campus professionals, educators, and caring individuals such as yourself. For more testimonials, call Rita at 800-329-9390 and she will be happy to send you out an entire packet.
On this page, DISCOVER:
Feedback from Colleges & Universities
Letters from Colleges & Universities
Reactions from College STUDENTS
FEEDBACK from COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
We recently hosted Mike Domitrz here at UF and he actually spoke to all of the student athletes (including the National Championship football team!) and students “at-large” about these issues. Mike is a phenomenal speaker and comes with my highest recommendation if you are ever interested (or your Wellness program) in hosting him. His presentations are very interactive, funny but insightful and thought-provoking at the same time. He is fantastic.
Beth-Anne Blue, Ph.D., Student Mental Health Services & C.A.R.E. Coordinator
University of Florida (FL)
“First, I’d like to say how great it was to work with you again. Our students and staff really enjoyed meeting you. I know I speak for everyone at Point Park University when I say, thank you for everything you do. You have helped open the eyes of our students to consent in relationships and sexual violence issues. You have enabled them to take a stand and she the respect that everyone deserves.
Generally, student attendance at Point Park University events ranges between 40-50 students. “Can I Kiss You?” was a HUGE success at Point Park University. Our official attendance at the event was more than 225 students, making the most successful program all year . . . Many students would like you to return year after year. All the students thought this was an important issue and they appreciated how you approached the topic. According to one of our students ‘Mike provides a good balance of humor and seriousness in his program. He really gets you thinking.’ This is a sentiment that I share. I will be certain to promote this program to all my colleagues, as I know my students will to all their friends.
“Can I Kiss You?” is such a wonderful program and I highly recommend it for all colleges and universities. If I can ever serve as a reference for you please contact me at 412-392-8026 or through email.”
John M. Mayo, Jr. Community Director Coordinator, The Sophomore Experience
Point Park University (PA)
“Mike was a pleasure to work with. He was extremely professional and is clearly passionate about making a difference in people’s lives. Can I Kiss You? was a fantastic presentation that exceeded our expectations. The students were engaged from the moment he began to the moment he stopped.
We’ve brought in most of the big names on the college circuit who are doing sexual assault prevention programming and Mike’s Can I Kiss You? program tops the list of powerful programs.
We would definitely hire Mike again. I would strongly recommend him for college audiences without reservations. Can I Kiss You? shows students a simple way to vastly improve communication and proves to them that it’s worth trying because it will work!”
Rebecca Magerkorth, PhD,
University of West Florida
Listen to Mary Jo, Alcohol Prevention Coordinator, in Rapid City, SD
(Click on the play button below)
“Great Program! Touched on every aspect we were hoping it to (i.e. dating, sex, drugs/alcohol, rape, sexual assault). Definitely got all the students involved and spoke on our level. Mike is so easy to work with! The students loved him! I look forward to seeing him speak again.” Click here to download students’ comments.
Erica Lovano, Women’s Center
University of San Diego (CA)
“It was an awesome evening! Everyone really enjoyed it. You presented such important issues in such a non-threatening manner. We will definitely be asking you to return to our campus. Even one of my students, who initially came just for some extra credit, commented that he was glad he came, even if there wasn’t the extra credit, and that he really liked it.
Thank you again for this presentation. You are really on track by connecting with the audience. I will be in touch with you again, that’s for sure!”
Anonymous
“Thanks to you for your presence on campus last night. People are talking today–all good, good things, obviously. It’s just beyond cool to see students enjoying a program that I know they’re learning something from…imagine that!! Obviously I think every college would benefit from having you on campus, and the three that I’ve worked at have all experienced your magic. I’ll keep thinking about others I’d like to refer. Thanks again!!
Jayne K. Sommers, Area Coordinator & First Year Programs
Hamline University (MN)
“Can there be a more difficult audience than 500 plus college freshman required to attend a lecture on sexual assault? That’s exactly what Mike Domitrz faced when he visited Berry College on September 6, 2004 . . .
It took Mike very little time, however, to get the entire, jaded audience on his side. Five minutes into his presentation, students were falling over each other, vying for the chance to come to the front of the room and interact with Mike in front of their peers. . . . “
Katherine Powell, Director
1st-Year Experience at Berry College (GA)
“Audiences respond to the humor and energy in Mike’s writing and presentations about intimacy in relationships. After capturing their curiosity and respect, Mike leads his audience in a profoundly practical exploration of the importance of asking.”
Dr. Debra Mashek, George Mason University (VA) and Editor of
Handbook of Closeness and Intimacy
“Mike Domitrz is a very professional presenter. His presentation style captivated the audience. He uses a very unique approach to the subject matter and drew all the listeners in. . . He made the audience think and react. The students thought he was a ‘breathe of fresh air‘. His approach to dating was, ‘fresh‘, ‘different‘, and quite ‘unique‘. The presentation was only scheduled for an hour but he managed to keep them in their seats for almost two hours.
Mike was extremely easy to work with. He is a very committed performer. He is definitely going to come back to Wright State University if I have any say in the matter.”
Toyette L. Sullivan, Office of Student Life
Wright State University (OH)
“You did an amazing job and I think your presentation is highly effective. Thanks again for all that you do to spread a very important message!
Angela Oliver, Assistant Director- SILC. Emily Taylor Women’s Resource Center
University of Kansas
Have you attended the “Can I Kiss You?” program? If so, click here to help others by sharing your feedback and thoughts through the Audio Testimonial Program. Another option is to Leave a Comment. The Audio Testimonial Program is the fastest and most powerful way to share with others.
Letters from COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
Click on the school and/or conference name below to download each letter talking about the impact the “Can I Kiss You?” program and Mike Domitrz had on their students.
Feedback from College Students
loved the presentation, thought it was awesome! The skits you acted out were hysterical, but SO true, also you definitely made an impression on some of the males in the freshman class cause i’ve heard through the grape vine and from friends that the question “can i kiss you?” has been asked quite a bit!
All I can say is WOW!! I attended one of his sessions for the Peer-Ed people and his “Can I Kiss You?” program too and both were amazing. I truly enjoyed everything…and everything he had to say was so true. Guys and Girls all have a lot to learn about communication, and this is a great way to get people started talking. Along with this, I thought his approach to talking about sexual assault was very enlightening, and I have pledged to support survivors. The whole program really makes you think, about everything you’ve done or haven’t done in a relationship. So I just want to say THANK YOU MIKE! For sharing your time with us, sharing your message, and hopefully opening the eyes of those around you.
I know you won’t remember me. But I will never forget your words and your compassion!!
I have used the ‘asking first’ approach with my boyfriend and he has used it with me. It has really helped us to have great communication with each other, and we have a very healthy and happy relationship. Asking helps to make the relationship more open and comfortable. If you ask first or are asked there is a lot more trust in the relationship and the trust is maintained far more easily. I want to thank you so much. Your program has helped me to move forward past some issues I have had with men and relationships. I am now in a very happy relationship with my boyfriend who also attended your program. On our second date he used the ‘asking first” approach. It really does work, and it is so wonderful for our relationship. Again I want to thank you so much for your program ‘Can I Kiss You?’.
There was a guy on campus to ask me out and it was just after your talk so the words were fresh in my head (the poster hangs on my dorm door) so at the end of the date I asked him if I could kiss him. He seemed surprised that I would ask, but because of that we’ve become closer. We respect each other and that has become the bases for our relationship, not physical pleasure. My mum was a victim of rape and has been very worried about the same thing happening to me. I never really got it until after I heard your talk. It really made me realize things that we take for granted. I hadn’t wanted to go when I heard the title of your talk, but I will never regret going to hear you speak. Your words changed my life and how I view myself and my mum. Thank you.
I have always been that girl who had a boyfriend, but I am currently in one of the most successful relationships I’ve ever had. We’ve been dating for a really long time and haven’t lost that spark—and we’re doing the long distance thing. One thing that my boyfriend does that no one else has done is ask to do things when we’re being intimate. Even after dating for several months (approaching a year) he still asks if, and how, he can please me. He *always* asks, adding that he wants to do exactly what I want. It makes it my choice. It’s so attractive and sexy that it’s impossible to say no, but I know that if I didn’t want to do something, I could tell him. Knowing that makes our relationship so much stronger. I just wanted to reiterate your point–asking can be really sexy, and doesn’t have to ruin the moment at all. In fact, it can make the moment more amazing than it already was! Thanks for coming to our school and letting everyone know how good asking can be! (and feel free to share this story with other people!)
In the fall of 2003, you visited Luther College to give your presentation, which as a first year student I was strongly urged to attend. At the time, I thought the ‘Can I kiss you?’ idea made sense, but that it wasn’t necessarily practical. Either way, I wasn’t in a situation where a romantic relationship was a possibility, so I put it to the back of my mind and didn’t really think about it.
This summer, I met a guy who was interested in me. We decided to get together, and one night we were cuddling on a bench. I could tell that he wanted to kiss me, and I realized that I wasn’t ready for it, but I didn’t have the courage to flat-out refuse him. He wasn’t picking up on my nonverbal signals, and I was starting to get really uncomfortable. Finally, unable to think of anything else to do, I started telling him about your program. About how you’d shown us how nonverbal signals rarely work, and the importance of asking first. Wonder of wonders, he got it! He asked if he could kiss me, and I was able to tell him no (I was still nervous/embarrassed by it, but it was manageable).
That by itself is perhaps a small thing, but I think that it shaped the way the physical parts of our relationship went from that point on. He always asked before we did anything that might make me uncomfortable, and I was always comfortable with telling him to stop if I needed to. I really think that having seen your program and sharing that with him helped to make ours into a healthier relationship. So thank you, Mike, for everything you do. It really does make a difference!
I know several rape or sexual assault survivors. I don’t know why I know so many but knowing them makes my life a better life. I would never go back and say I wish I hadn’t met any of them. To support them when they are nervous or just need a reassurance is magical. It’s hard to get used to the fact that someone you truly love has been raped, you are angry and frustrated. However, being calm and just a listener is all a survivor needs most of the time, and the bond that has grown between some of my friends and I will never be broken. The things Mike said were useful to anyone. It’s true that all you have to say is “Thank you for telling me, That means a lot. I want you to know that if you need me for anything, I will always support you.” That may very well be one of the most influential statements that can be made. Thanks again, Mike!
My sister and I were both raped in the past year. She was assaulted on a Friday and by Monday, I had heard things about it around our high school. I also knew because I had acted the same way after being assaulted. I opened the door and told her that if something happened, she could tell me and I would listen. She told us what happened that night. At the police station they asked her if she said no. I agree that they should ask if he asked. It was great that Mike brought light to that situation (in the “Can I Kiss You?” program). Society does seem to focus on what the survivor does and as a survivor, I know the difference. Thank you again!!! IT (the ‘Can I Kiss You?’ program) WAS AMAZING!!
A couple weeks ago, you spoke here at Gettysburg College. Just 2 days later, I accompanied a female friend of mine to her former boyfriend’s (who had raped her) house where she confronted and said goodbye to him. She had been afraid to do so for 7 months, and she said that it was my simple supportive accompaniment that enabled her to at long last do it. So your presentation was absolutely correct, in that the thing a survivor of sexual assault needs most is just to know that people support her (or so it seems from my experience). Thus I desired to thank you for your presentation here, and I hope that other people can benefit also from it–whether they are the survivor, or the supportive friend as I was.
Hi Mike, I am an athlete on our campus who attended your seminar on Wednesday. I just wanted to let you know how much you put things into perspective. It had never really occurred to me that the simple action of asking for permission could really be that powerful. I have been with my boyfriend for about a year and a half, and we always used to joke about how me met and how the first time we ever kissed he asked me if he could. I would always laugh and say how cute it was, and of course all of his buddies would make fun of him and call him feminine names. But after listening to what you had to say, I realized that my boyfriend never really stopped asking me for my permission, even after being with me for so long. He truly respects me and my body, and for the first time, I am recognizing it. Nothing ever flagged my brain when he would say something that asked for my consent, so I never really noticed the fact that he wasn’t just doing things because HE felt like it. He wanted to make sure it was something both of us wanted. So basically, I just wanted to thank you for opening my eyes to what I have been oblivious to! I really hope your message touches everyone who hears you because I know there are good people out there who can make a difference. Thank you so much for your stories! You truly have a good heart!
The day after seeing this program, I ran into a friend of mine who had also been at the presentation as well. Jokingly, I said to him, “Can I kiss you?” At this point, I should mention that Fred is INCREDIBLY gay, and that I am a female. And he said, “Okay!” So, completely randomly, Fred and I shared a kiss, right there, in the middle of the English department building. It was completely unexpected and beautiful and it’ll probably never happen again. . . it absolutely made my day.
My boyfriend asked me if he could kiss me on our first date, and I thought it was sweet, mature and above all, respectful. We’ve been together for 6 months, and I think there is a definite possibility that he is the man i might marry. And I will always remember our first kiss being perfect. I think asking is a great way to begin an open and honest relationship.
My boyfriend and I are both Greeks on our campus. The first time he went to kiss me, he pulled back. I was a little disappointed because I really wanted to kiss him too, but then he looked me straight in the eyes, and asked if he could kiss me. It melted my heart. When it’s truly sincere, that first kiss means so much more. So I just wanted to let all those disbelievers out there know, that it really does work. If a guy were to ask me to kiss him, it would mean so much more and I would have so much more respect for that person, especially now that I’ve attended your seminar. I’ve never tried the asking first, because I was one of those girls who used to believe that ‘it’s the man’s job,’ but now I’ve realized that it’s my body.
I attended your seminar at Iowa State University in April. At the time, I was only in town for orientation, and the catchy title of your seminar got my attention. I went with my best friend who had been a victim of sexual assault, and afterward I was finally able to respond to her better, and she was able to express herself more clearly and realize it wasn’t her fault. The incident had happened over a year ago and now the healing can finally begin. Thank you for your passion and dedication – I know we weren’t the only ones who were affected.
I tried asking and it was amazingly easier to do. I would definitely ask again because it was like a load was lifted off my shoulders — the guessing game of ‘Do you really like me?’ was gone. I was asked the day after the presentation at my school. I actually told him I’d have to think about it, and the next day I said yes. I’ve been dating him for over a month now, and I’m amazed that he asks before everything. And I can’t be more appreciative.
I was at your program on Sept. 16, 2009 and I got a lot out of what you said. I didn’t realize all the things that we pretty much go through everyday of our lives that you talked about. I now have a greater feeling about myself and others on the importance of the topics you touched upon. Thank you so much for doing what it is that you do. May God Bless you and your family.
To be honest, I didn’t have very high hopes when I heard about this. I’m glad that you were able to change my mind. It was a lot of fun and it definately made me think about people’s actions and to think before I make mine. Also, I’m totally going to ask in the future.
How inspirational and informational! Presentation was perfectly honed to captivate our age group – really left an impression on me.
Thank you for learning from your experience and turning it around to help others.
The performance made change my views of people at parties and I will stand up to them if they try to get someone drunk.
I LOVED the presentation. It was fun and insrtuctional. I’ve heard some of the things said there before, but never really listened. The way it was presented at “Can I Kiss You?” definately got the message through better. I also got asked by a guy to kiss me the next day. It really does work lol.
I loved the presentation. It was hilarious, but had serious undertones. It is important that we see how asking such a simple question can impact relationships so much.
As a rape survivor, I particularly appreciated you talking about how everyone always just says “Sorry.” It is so true that we wind up consoling them, saying “It’s ok.” The night of the show I had three friends say “Thanks for sharing with me.” or “I feel honored that you shared with me.” You have no idea how great it made me feel to hear those things. It was so helpful. I don’t share for sympathy, I share so that others know that these things can happen and how to prevent them from happening. This short part of the presentation helped me so much as I am still trying to recover. It showed me that people are almost afraid and don’t know what to say, rather than just passive or not caring. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
The presentation was absolutely great. It was funny and therefore entertaining while being educational. Definitely enjoyed it and learned some things I might not have even thought about trying before. Thank you for coming to TCNJ!!!
loved the presentation..this guy actually asked can i kiss you a few nights later lol
The presentation changed my life and many people iv’e seen around. I have heard people asking “may I kiss you?” The presentation was very funny and loved every second of it and I wish many other people could see it and learn the right way to do things.
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