Pictured is the winning team from the Physics and Astronomy team

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Dr. Bill Marion First-Generation Scholarship Fund

With categories including world travel, computer science, animals, and governance, contestants from the Valparaiso University community tested their knowledge during Trivia Night on Tuesday, Feb. 6. The night was in honor of Dr. Bill Marion, a professor of mathematics and computer science at Valparaiso University who passed away last year. All proceeds went towards the Dr. Bill Marion First-Generation Scholarship Fund.

With 34 10-member teams participating, the Harre Union Ballroom was full. The night brought in around $5,000 through various methods: $10 per player to participate, games for $1, food, team taunts, and a silent auction hosted by the Office of Multicultural Programs. Teams played a series of 10 rounds, each with eight questions. For $1 each, teams were allowed to buy 10 mulligans for those questions that stumped them.

The winning team of the night was Physics and Astronomy. Teams from the College of Engineering and Christ College tied for second place. They were awarded a traveling trophy created by Aimee Tomasek, assistant professor of art. Members of the women’s soccer team assisted throughout the night by selling game tickets and collecting score cards. The Rev. Kevin McCarthy provided entertainment between trivia rounds by playing games with the audience such as rock, paper, scissors and “Let’s Make a Deal,” and Dean of Students Tim Jenkins served as emcee.

For more information on the Dr. Bill Marion First-Generation Scholarship Fund, visitvalpo.edu/diversity/memorialscholarship

First annual trivia night to honor professor, fund scholarship

A trivia night hosted at Valparaiso University will bring together the best and brightest minds that Valpo has to offer for an evening of intellectual entertainment along with other activities. Proceeds from the event will fund the Bill Marion First-Generation Scholarship Fund. 

At the event, students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to match wits and intelligence with the brightest personalities on campus. The fun-filled evening will include trivia games, a silent auction, and will feature music and a sock hop dance party to conclude the night. Trivia Night begins at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6, in the Harre Union Ballroom. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Marion, a professor in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, served as a faculty member at Valpo for more than 30 years. During those times, he was actively involved in supporting campus initiatives in the areas of race relations, diversity, equality, equity and social justice.  Prior to his death in November 2010, Marion asked that memorial donations be contributed to the Office of Multicultural Programs to help support student scholarships and other endeavors.  

“In this way, we can honor his past contributions and keep his memory alive. That was the goal in driving the establishment of this scholarship,” said Jane Bello-Brunson, director of the Office of Multicultural Programs.

University departments, fraternities and sororities, and other groups are encouraged to gather a diverse team of faculty, students, and staff and sponsor a team. Teams of 10 will participate in Trivia Night, with a fee of $100 per team. Teams are asked to register by Feb. 1. Individuals (for $10) can sign up in advance or at the door, and will be grouped into teams.

The registration form is available here. For more information, visit valpo.edu/diversity/memorialscholarship/index.php.

A Valentine’s Day-themed silent auction, hosted by the Office of Multicultural Programs, will take place during the event, with all proceeds benefiting the scholarship fund. 

The sock hop dance party will feature music from the 1970's and a bake sale is also part of the event. 

“This event is exciting because we are promoting community and bringing people together toward a common cause,” said Bello-Brunson. “We hope that this will become an annual tradition that grows bigger each year.”