Student poker players and spectators filled The Varsity Thursday night as the East Asian Student Association (EASA) hosted their annual spring event. With the room appropriately decorated with a string of playing cards, their theme consisted of luck, strategy, and having that straight “poker face” as the participants took part in a tough game of Texas Hold ‘Em.
The event, appropriately titled, “All or Nothing,” allowed SMU students, as well as those from other surrounding universities, to join in a night of fun and relaxation. “I think this is great that we can all come tonight to show support for another organization on campus before things get crazy with finals!” said Sharyne Ng, junior Art History major. The students mingled and socialized with each other among hot dogs and drinks.
Extra poker tables were brought in as the number of participants continued to increase. “We weren’t expecting this many players, but this is great,” said David Tiro, the incoming 2005-2006 EASA president. With the successful turn-out of students of all ethnicities and backgrounds, school involvement among minority students continues to stay strong.
Tables of nine players each competed among each other for the ultimate prizes, an Ipod Shuffle and the bragging rights to the title of Poker Champion. Those not keen to playing poker were given the choice of competing in the popular X-Box game, Halo. Two televisions set up for an intense game for four players. Students were also able to play for donated gift-certificates to nearby restaurants.
Though, the majority of players were male students, female students joined in as a cheering team for the players. “I’m here to support EASA,” said Lien Dang, sophomore Finance major. Students were able to enjoy the night of festivities even as spectators.
As the night draws to a close, both winners and losers were able to display their talents and share a couple of laughs. Though one player may walk away a winner, it is the journey that counts.
To learn more about EASA and how you can participate, you can visit http://people.smu.edu/easa/about.html. EASA is an organization under Asian Council, the parent advisory board. To learn more about Asian Council, you can visit http://people.smu.edu/ac/ or contact Karen Click at 8-4582.
