Student Government Association News
Elizabeth Phan, staff writer
Poker chips lined the tables at PVCC’s Casino night on Oct. 11 from 7-11 p.m. in the main building.
The halls of PVCC were decorated with a Great Gatsby theme. Gold and black streamers greeted guests upon arrival. Every guest received play money which they could exchange for poker chips or raffle tickets. Music played loudly and a projector displayed popular music videos.
Laughter and singing filled the Bolick Student Center as students rushed to place their bets. PVCC’s Student Government Association (SGA) staffed the event and set up the poker tables.
“At casino night, we make the Bolick center look like an actual casino,” said Jacob Laxton, the president of SGA.
The SGA supplied catering from Bojangles. Chicken tenders, pizza with a gluten-free option, cookies, and vegetable trays covered two long tables in the hallway.
The event was open to anyone of any age. Coordinator of Student Engagement and Student Life Shawn Anderson said that students could invite their family or friends to enjoy the night.
Each guest received $10,000 in chips. Attendees arrived wearing formal wear to the event. Anyone who dressed up, or donated cans to the food drive, received an additional $10,000 in poker chips. As per casino night tradition, some students wore their Halloween costumes or wore cosplay. All of the poker chips and money were supplied by a casino event company.
Laxton said that casino night allows everyone to participate in events that would not otherwise be offered at PVCC.
“It gives students the chance to meet other students in a non-school driven atmosphere,” he said.
Guests played blackjack, craps, roulette, trivia, and other games to win poker chips that could later be cashed out for raffle tickets.
The raffle tickets were taken to the North Mall Meeting Room where prizes and tables were set up for the last event of the night. Some of the prizes for the raffle event included PVCC bookstore gift cards, PVCC t-shirts, and Amazon gift cards.
“My favorite part of casino night was the games. The night was a lot of fun. It was low-key, but also a nice social event,” said Phia Davis, an attendee. “Getting the word out about the event next year would be nice,” she said.
Laxton noted, “It’s a really cool experience. We always want as much people to show up to casino night as possible, so students should definitely invite everyone they know!”
To be involved in PVCC’s next casino night, email sanderson@pvcc.edu to help set up the event or become a dealer.
