by Connie Kim

    Several students gathered in the University Center Ballroom on Tuesday, Oct. 18, to participate in Casino Night. This was one of the many on-campus events hosted by PAC in celebration of CMU’s homecoming week.

    “We had a really great turn out and I think the event is going really well,” PAC member Stavan Vanscoy said. “This is definitely something to consider doing again; it’s our very first casino night ever, so I’m glad people are enjoying it.”

    Vanscoy is responsible for spearheading the Casino Night event for the week.

    There was an array of different card games occurring, ranging from Blackjack to Texas Hold ’em. For each win, the student was giving a ticket they could redeem for a drawing to win prizes. Some prize options were an Apple TV, a Fitbit, hiking backpack and a pop-up tent. Several students were eager to play and bid their tickets.

    For many students, this was their first time playing casino-type card games. Dealers, who were student volunteers, had to teach newcomers how to play the variety of different games.

    “I honestly had no idea what I was doing, but now, I’m actually doing pretty good,” student Brianna Ah Nee-Tanouye said regarding blackjack. “I’m surprised that I turned out to be okay at it. Who would have thought this would be the highlight of my Tuesday night?”

    The event lasted for two hours, and more than 100 students came in to participate.

    “It was so much fun,” student Irene Kuikahi said. “I’ve never played poker before. It was cool to learn. PAC did a great job.”