What started as a simple idea a few years ago has grown into one of Newman University’s most anticipated events of the year.
The fourth annual Trivia Night, held on Feb. 27 as part of Heritage Month, drew a record 188 participants across 32 teams, raising $4,485 that — combined with a $1,000 Giving Day match — delivers nearly $5,500 to support Student Life programming and student organizations.
For Director of Student Activities Joshua Schoenecker-Prilliman, who coordinates and emcees the event, the night exceeded even his own expectations.
“I was completely overwhelmed by the numbers this year,” he said. “Even though I said I wanted over 170 participants, that does not mean someone is always prepared to stand in front of a room in a green suit and see 170 people looking right at me.”
The growth has been steady and striking. Trivia Night drew roughly 125 participants in its first year, climbed to approximately 147 the following year and surged to 188 this year. Fundraising has followed a similar trajectory, more than doubling from a previous benchmark of $2,400.
Top 3 trivia teams
The evening featured fierce but friendly competition, with first place going to alumnus and current staff member Austin Schwartz ’23 and his team, earning $300 in gift cards to Target, Walmart and Dillons. Staffer Maggie Slack and her team claimed second place and $150 in gift cards, while a team made up of the family members of alumnus Jack Schafer ’20 finished third place and took home $120 in gift cards to the same retailers.
“We use those three stores because most people can find a way to use those and they are worthwhile to win, rather than someone winning a card to McDonald’s in which they do not eat fast food,” Schoenecker-Prilliman said.
A wide-ranging raffle added to the night’s energy, featuring donations from local businesses and community supporters. Dani Given, a Newman alumna and owner of the Chunky Poodle Cookie Company, donated cookie cakes and sugar almond cookies. Wizard’s Alley, a sponsor for the third consecutive year, contributed several board games including Minecraft Labyrinth and Tapestry. First-time sponsor the Wichita Thunder brought significant excitement, donating a bag of team merchandise, four center ice tickets and a full team-signed jersey.
ASA and HALO provide food
The Asian Student Association sold out of food during the event, while the Hispanic American Leadership Organization sold most of their aguas frescas — a sign, Schoenecker-Prilliman said, of just how much the event has grown.
“ASA sold out of food, HALO sold most of their aguas frescas, people were laughing and people came together for a night of fun and relaxation,” he said.
Planning committee starts months ago
None of it happened without months of behind-the-scenes work. A faculty and staff planning team — Shannon Johnston, Jack Schafer, Ashton Clarkson, Patrick Nance, Melissa Castle, Kristi Edwards and Andi Giesen — began meeting in September, with sessions increasing to twice monthly by February. Five students also volunteered the day of the event to help transform the Board of Trustees meeting room into Trivia Night headquarters.
“This year’s success does not happen without them,” Schoenecker-Prilliman said. “I might as well have hit the lottery with them at my side.”
The funds raised will support a broad range of Student Life initiatives, from larger events like the Color Run and Homecoming to smaller club and organization needs throughout the year.
“I like to think of our office as the extra support when clubs may not have all the funds they require for an event,” Schoenecker-Prilliman said. “Any funds we receive really help us to be fluid for student needs from year to year.”
Looking to the future
As for a fifth annual Trivia Night, Schoenecker-Prilliman did not hesitate.
“I would love to run these events until someone tells me that it is no longer necessary or possible,” he said. “I usually start talking about next year the following week, just trying to adjust some things to get a little better.”
His measure of success, however, goes well beyond the fundraising total.
“If someone next month is sitting at home and just shares a random laugh with their family because of the experience they had here — if they leave this event and then rewatch a movie they have not seen since childhood — then I know that Trivia Night served a bigger purpose than raising money for Student Life and Newman University.”
The Newman Difference
Newman University is a nationally recognized college in Wichita, KS with award-winning programs that create graduates empowered to positively impact society.
