The Black Student Union (BSU) hosted a game night Oct. 12 in The Perch to build community and encourage students to interact outside their typical classroom setting.

Donavin Gomez ’24, BSU secretary, said the game night, featuring games like Uno, Spoons, Jenga and pool, was intended to get students to meet new people.

“You just kind of are forced to interact with people that you may not have known before,” Gomez said.

Selynne Ochieng ’25, BSU treasurer, said the game night gave students the chance to clear their minds by stepping away from academics.

“It’s really important for mental health,” Ochieng said. “Especially as a college student, when we can get really easily caught up with a lot of the stuff that is going on with our classes and assignments.”

At least 20 students showed up for the game night. Gomez said he was happy with the turnout because a significant number of first-year students attended.

“It’s really reassuring that this year’s freshman class is actually coming out,” Gomez said. “It’s like the new generation bringing in new life to our organization.”

The first-year students were particularly invested in the games, Gomez said. Ochieng said she enjoyed seeing how the games brought out students’ competitiveness.

“I like the fact that they were really enjoying their time; getting really in tune with the game and sharing laughs with each other from their competitive skills,” Ochieng said.

Darryl Warwick ’27, who participated in the game night, said connections he built were just as memorable as the games. He said communicating with other students was one of his favorite aspects of the game night.

“Just talking to one another is always fun,” Warwick said.

Gomez also said games help students reconnect with their childish sense of fun and make them feel more comfortable.

“As you get older, you lose time for simple things like games, so it’s good for us — for me personally — to let loose, have a little fun,” Gomez said. “When you come to play card games, you really just come to play and it’s easier to just relax and enjoy the space.”