Featured Image: (Pacer Graphic / Darby Self)
On Tuesday, Feb. 24, University of Tennessee at Martin Chancellor Yancy Freeman and first lady Rafielle Boone Freeman partnered with the UT Martin Flight Crew to host Bing-Glow, which took place on the second floor of the University Center.
The event started at 6 p.m. and was open to all students with a student event pass. Included at the event was a complimentary taco bar, allowing students to receive a free dinner as well as participate in the games.
Within a few minutes of the event starting, the tables were full of people ready to play while wearing their glow stick glasses and balancing plates of food. There were many prizes available to win, including a speaker, a cordless vacuum, a nice chair for a dorm room and even a laptop.
The event started off with regular bingo, and each time a number was called, the tension grew as people got closer to getting a bingo. When someone finally called out “Bingo!” the room erupted into both cheers and playful groans from those who were only one number away. Some students laughed and compared cards, insisting they had almost won.
After a few rounds, there was a small break in playing as Dr. Freeman and his wife asked participants a few questions about wellness. This night of Bingo was the first in a new series by the Freemans focused on student wellness.
“Me and Student Health and Counseling wanted to create a wellness series, and I wanted to do something that was a signature program for the campus, especially for students focusing on wellness,” said Freeman when asked about the series.
Many of the students who attended the event loved it and are looking forward to the next one, including student Tyreke Jenkins.
“I loved this event. I love bingo. I love going out and doing games and stuff like that,” said Jenkins.
After all of the prizes were handed out, it was revealed that there was one more prize: a scholarship that would be decided by a drawing. Everyone who had their event pass scanned at the beginning of the event was automatically put into the drawing. The lucky student walked away with a $250 scholarship.
Students can check Runway for information as to where and when the next event will be held. Dr. Freeman encouraged students to be on the lookout for emails regarding updates and future events that will be a part of the wellness series.
