BINGO at Assumption: How One Game Became a Campus Ritual

Danielle Aiken

Editor in Chief

“Show me the money!” someone yells, holding their BINGO card high in the air, and the room fills with a collective hum of excitement. It’s a scene that could be happening in any local church hall—except this is on a college campus, where students trade in a night out for the competitive buzz of BINGO night.

At Assumption University, BINGO isn’t just a game, it’s a tradition. It’s about how a simple student idea became a multigenerational tradition, evolving over time while uniting students across generations and creating a lasting sense of community. But behind this success lies the story of how one student’s idea sparked a ritual that continues to unite the community.

In 1994, first-year Andrea Svagdys-Gumbrell pitched the idea to Assumption’s Campus Activities Board (CAB) after seeing the appeal of the game in local church halls. Little did she know that the game would evolve into a beloved campus event, with students gathering in record numbers each semester.

“The first night we held BINGO was unlike anything we had expected. We didn’t know how many people would come, but students just kept pouring in. We had a blast,” Svagdys-Gumbrell recalled. “As students left, they said, ‘When are we doing this again?’ We knew we had something special on our hands.”

At the heart of BINGO’s appeal is its simplicity, combined with a sense of community that is rarely seen in other events. Svagdys-Gumbrell emphasized that it was always about more than just the prizes. “It was a fun night with a hum in the air, the anticipation as students waited to hear their number called,” she said. “Everyone just loved the social aspect of it.”

Abigail Block, the previous CAB President and Assumption graduate with a Psychology major, had played an instrumental role in continuing the BINGO tradition. Block, who first joined the CAB executive board in 2022, believes that keeping the essence of BINGO alive, while adapting to the times, has been a key to its continued success. “BINGO still brings the student body together just as it did when Andrea started it,” Block said. “We’ve incorporated some new elements, like using an online BINGO roller, which makes it easier for students to follow along from any seat in the room. Although, students tend to like the old-fashioned way much better,” she said.

Despite the advent of new technology, some students still crave the old-school charm of the manual roller that Svagdys-Gumbrell helped introduce. “There’s something about hearing the clink of the balls as they roll, the sound of the numbers being called,” Block said. “It’s just not the same when it’s on a screen.”

In fact, the ability to blend tradition with modern technology has kept students coming back for more. “We still use the original BINGO roller from Andrea’s days, but we’ve also added a live camera feed to give everyone a close-up view,” Block explained. “Students love it, and it’s a great way to keep the excitement going.”

Sydney Barber, a senior Biology and Pre-Clinical Health Science student, has attended multiple BINGO nights during her past three years at Assumption. She notably sees the event as a symbol of the close-knit community at the school. “It’s the thrill of potentially winning and just having a fun time with friends,” Barber said. “I think BINGO has lasted this long because it’s more than just a game. It’s about being together, laughing, and creating memories.”

Even as CAB continues to host traditional BINGO nights, other clubs at Assumption have begun to adopt the game, sometimes adding unique twists. “Recently, AU Allies held a ‘Wig BINGO’ event where participants wore colorful wigs, and the game was paired with lessons about drag history,” Block said. “It was a fantastic way to incorporate both fun and education into the event.”

Yet, as with any tradition, BINGO has faced its challenges. Barber noted that the frequency of the event has made it somewhat less exciting over the years. “When I first came here, BINGO was a rare event, maybe once every couple of months. It was something we looked forward to,” Barber said. “Now, it feels like it’s happening all the time. I think the anticipation is what originally made it so special.”

Block agreed that keeping the event exclusive would serve as one of the key factors in maintaining its excitement. “We’ve worked hard to try and find the right balance when we can, making sure it doesn’t lose its charm,” she said. “The prizes certainly help draw in crowds. A PS5 giveaway or tickets to a Red Sox game? You can’t beat that.”

As much as prizes like Apple products or gift cards attract students, the sense of community remains the central draw for many. “It’s a great way to meet new people and bond with others,” Barber said. “Even if you don’t win anything, you still have a blast just being there.”

BINGO has also become a space for students to be themselves, a place where humor and camaraderie flow freely. One of the more humorous traditions that has emerged is the chant that goes along with the number ‘B4’. Block recalls, “When the number is called, students shout in unison, ‘Not after, but…’ and the room erupts with a resounding ‘B4!’” It’s a small but cherished line that highlights how BINGO has become more than just a game — it’s a shared experience.

But it’s not just students who participate in the game. During special events, like Family Weekend, BINGO becomes a cross-generational affair. “We had a tie during one of our Family Weekend BINGOs between a college student and a grandmother,” Block mentioned with a laugh. “They had to play rock-paper-scissors to decide who got the PS5. It was hilarious to watch, and the whole room was cheering them on.”

Looking ahead, both Svagdys-Gumbrell and Block see BINGO as an enduring part of Assumption’s student culture. “It’s one of those traditions that just keeps going, and I think it will continue to be a favorite for years to come,” Svagdys-Gumbrell said.

As for Block, she remained committed to ensuring the event stays fresh and exciting for current students. “I hope that as I leave, BINGO continues to evolve with the times while still keeping its heart,” she said. “It’s about creating a space where everyone feels welcome, whether you’re a first-year or a senior.”

For students like Barber, the appeal of BINGO is simple: it’s a reminder of the bonds they share with their classmates, even if they’re just sitting around a table, waiting for the next number to be called. “I think BINGO is a perfect reflection of what Assumption is all about — bringing people together, having fun, and making memories,” Barber said.

In the end, BINGO is more than just a game at Assumption University. It’s a tradition that has withstood the test of time, continuing to unite students, families, and staff in a shared experience that will likely remain a staple of the school’s culture for years to come.