On Jan. 31, the Office of Student Activities (OSA) hosted one of the most anticipated events of the semester: bingo night at The Koons Activity Venue (KAV). The atmosphere was electric, filled with excitement and anticipation as students gathered in hopes of winning some amazing prizes. The event was a heartwarming display of community spirit where joy, cheers and the occasional good-natured groan filled the room.
From the moment the game began, the energy in The KAV was palpable. Students chatted excitedly, eagerly awaiting their chance to claim a prize, and everyone seemed to share the same sense of hope and optimism. It wasn’t just about winning—it was about the fun, the camaraderie, and the thrill of possibly getting that one lucky moment.
The bingo prizes, carefully selected and varied to appeal to a wide range of interests, only added to the excitement. Prizes included a heated blanket, a Nespresso Espresso/Coffee Machine, a sensory kit, a Power Percussion Pro massage gun, a record player, outdoor camping gear, a craft kit, Beats Solo3 headphones, aquarium tickets and much more.
The atmosphere was made even more special by the crowd’s infectious energy. When someone called out “Bingo!” and it turned out to be true, the whole room erupted in cheers, claps and joyful celebration. People high-fived, laughed, and congratulated the winner, even if they had hoped to win the prize themselves. This collective happiness was a beautiful sight—students, no matter their personal outcomes, were genuinely thrilled to see others succeed. It was a night of shared joy, where winning was just a part of the fun, and the true prize seemed to be the experience of being surrounded by good friends and good vibes.
However, the real highlight of the night came when someone would call out “Bingo!” only for it to be quickly followed by a collective groan as it turned out to be false. The suspense was always intense, and the ensuing cheers from the crowd were almost as loud as the cheers for real winners. It wasn’t just about the thrill of potentially winning—it was about the shared moment of collective hope, where everyone still had a chance to win. As soon as that “Bingo” turned out to be a false alarm, the room buzzed with renewed excitement as everyone still had their chance at glory.
The prizes themselves were impressive, offering a range of goodies that could brighten anyone’s day. Whether it was a cozy heated blanket for those chilly nights, an outdoor bundle for adventure lovers or the popular Beats Solo3 headphones, there was something for everyone. The prizes reflected the interests and needs of a diverse student body, adding to the sense that OSA had thought carefully about the things students might truly enjoy.
For some, bingo night has become a beloved tradition. Bryn Hudges, a senior studying business analytics, shared her enthusiasm for the event.
“Bingo is always one of my favorite parts of the semester. Nobody seems to mind waiting in line for hours if it means winning a round,” Hudges said. “The energy in the room is always electric, and everyone is hopeful they’ll win something fun. The event itself is always well run, and I’m grateful to OSA for hosting bingo each semester!”
Another highlight of the evening, according to Hudges, was the sense of camaraderie that Bingo Night fostered.
“My favorite part of bingo is getting to see my friends or other people around me win a round,” Hudges explained. “It always makes me so happy to see everybody at the table get so excited for the person who won, and it’s just a feeling that never gets old!”
This sentiment was shared by many students who attended, creating a collective sense of community and making the event feel like a true celebration.
Loren Woodruff, a junior majoring in social work and fine arts, also shared her experience.
“I had a great time at bingo on Friday. I never miss a bingo game if I can help it and I never expect I’ll win anything,” Woodruff said. “But Friday must have been a lucky night because on the first round, I won the heated blanket. Overall I had a great time at bingo and I love playing with my friends whether we win or not.”
Loren’s story reflects the spirit of bingo night perfectly—it’s about the thrill of the game, the camaraderie with friends and the joy of experiencing the event, regardless of whether you take home a prize or not.
OSA’s bingo night wasn’t just a game—it was a reminder of the importance of community, joy and shared experiences. It’s clear that this event holds a special place in the hearts of many students, and the tradition will likely continue to be a highlight of each semester for years to come.
