The energy on campus is palpable during LoboFest, with crowds and events around every corner.

Student Involvement hosted a variety of games at Casino Night on Friday for both students familiar with casino games and those less initiated, such as Poker, Blackjack, and then Apples to Apples, Connect 4, and PLINKO.

The turnout for Casino Night was no different, with every game table full of players from the beginning of the night. Playful casino decorations adorned the ballroom, with pizza and Crumbl cookies provided for attendees.

Students were given a box of 10 chips to start at the front door and given a whole floor of games to spend it on, being able to refill their chips at any time. Some students had almost zero chips after a few games, and others had chips practically spilling out of their boxes winning big.

At the end of the night, students cashed in their chips for raffle tickets to place on a range of 65 prizes. These prizes included a 32” TV, tickets to a basketball or football game, gift cards, all types of tech and school merchandise, and many more.

Director of Student Involvement Mo Phillips expressed pride with how LoboFest has turned out this year. “I am very happy with the events and do feel very proud of our team and the students for helping to create these opportunities. We had great turnouts for [the events]  SO yes, it has exceeded my expectations!”

Students had a few different reasons for showing up. Third-year dance major Mikaili Thomas said “I was hoping to make more friends, play the games, and maybe get a couple of fun prizes” regarding why she attended.

Fourth-year communications major Devon Bly said “I came to play some games and meet some cool people. I’m also trying to go for that Toy Story toy set.”

Bly did not end up winning that Toy Story prize, but many students won big and were satisfied with their prizes, and after all, those prizes were not the only thing to take away.

Speaking generally about the goal of LoboFest for students, Phillips said Student Involvement hopes that students will create meaningful relationships and find a sense of belonging among campus communities, as well as a sense of purpose either academically or career-wise.

Phillips said on-campus events are “all designed to give people things to do on campus that are alternatives to drinking and that are fun, help people find a community, etc.”

When all was said and done Casino Night was a pleasant and wholesome experience that brought together some of the campus. Discussing the benefit of Casino Night, Thomas said “Overall, I hope [Casino Night] will come again because it’s pretty fun,” and for those that didn’t come out for LoboFest: “don’t be nervous if you’re new coming into the events, you’ll find your people and what’s fun for you here.”