University of Rhode Island - Renaissance / Grist Yearbook (Kingston, RI)

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people to think together and work together. The game has proven to be a favorite for dorm students and dorm staffs alike and is rising in popularity throughout the campus. The popularity of the game spurred on the idea of a large scale ‘ Trivial Pursuit tourna- ment. Michael Lapointe and Mark Brady, both Residence Hall coordinators, organized the competitions in the Winter and again in the Spring. Six dorm teams were pitted against each other. The Office of Residential Life was the primary innovator of both tournaments. Both Lapointe and Brady had organized the semi-final com- petitons in which 14 dorm teams competed against each other in hopes of making it to the finals. The final events were held in the Memorial Union Ballroom and came complete with several television screens so the au- dience could watch the action up close. Throughout the in- tense games, the audience cheered on their players. Prize drawings were held sporadically to break up the game. Winners won Caserta Pizzas, Casey’s din- ners for four, and gift certificates. Three faculty judges were also on hand in case of a disagreement over an answer. The game is fun, Lapointe said, adding that many of the activities planned in the Residence Halls focus on physical events. Trivial Pursuit” is like mental gym- nastics and very informational. The exciting part for me, said Brady, is that the game is mental- ly stimulating. Both Lapointe and Brady observe that the audience becomes as much absorbed in the game of trivia as do the players. The audience’s applause when their winning team got a right answer and the OHs! when their players missed the trivia question made this quite evident. Trivial Pursuit” is the perfect game for a dorm activity, a party, or anywhere because the energy level of the people involved is, as Lapointe said, INFECTIOUS!” Dawn Mirone Special Events 19

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Academics 21