Students connect through dominoes

Students gathered in the Multicultural Center on March 4 for Dominoes y Dialogue, an event hosted by the Organization of Latin American Students that invited participants to socialize and learn a game rooted in many Latin American cultures.

The event, held from 2:30-3:30 p.m., encouraged students to bring friends, play dominoes and connect with others.

“Based on the Super Bowl that just happened, Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rican, and dominoes is a big part of Puerto Rico and Caribbean cultures,” biology major Melany Villavicencio, a junior and the president of OLAS, said.

“We thought it would be nice to do something that’s really Latin-based.” Tables were arranged with domino sets as students filtered into the room between classes, some learning the rules while others shared their familiarity with the traditional game.

Dominoes hold cultural significance across many Latin American and Caribbean communities, where the game is often played during family gatherings and community celebrations. By bringing the tradition to campus, OLAS aimed to introduce students to a familiar pastime while also encouraging cultural exchange.

For some participants, the event served as a reminder of traditions seen at home. Villavicencio said she has watched relatives play the game for years and wanted to reconnect with that cultural practice by sharing it with students on campus.

“Dominoes brings people together from Puerto Rican, Haitian, Cuban and other Caribbean cultures,” Villavicencio said. “But it also brings people who maybe don’t know the game or haven’t played it before and gives them the chance to learn.”

Students stopped by the event throughout the afternoon, some stayed for a game while others briefly visited between classes. Laughter and conversation filled the room as players asked questions about the rules and shared stories about playing with family members.

For many participants, the activity created a familiar atmosphere that blended cultural tradition with the everyday rhythm of campus life. Creating spaces for connection is especially important during busy points in the semester when students may feel overwhelmed by academic responsibilities.

With midterms approaching, organizers hoped the event would provide a short break from studying while allowing students to unwind and meet new people. OLAS regularly hosts events that highlight cultural traditions while creating opportunities for students across campus to connect.

Activities such as Dominoes y Dialogue allow the group to share elements of Latin American culture in a relaxed environment that welcomes both members and students who may be encountering these traditions for the first time.

Villavicencio said events like Dominoes y Dialogue help students meet new people and build relationships that can extend beyond college.

“I think connection is a big part of our future,” Villavicencio said. “Everything after graduation is about connections, and it starts with building those relationships in clubs and organizations here. Especially with midterms coming up, this is a great way to relax.”