By Anastasia Benstead, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
In an effort to promote the Ireland short-term study abroad program, Dr. Penny Avery hosted an Irish themed bingo night at the Moose on Sept. 10.
“We chose bingo because we thought it would be a fun and great way for students to see some of the themes,” Dr. Avery said. Each of the bingo cards were completely unique and created with a random generator. Students were visually able to see some of the places they would visit on the study abroad as each of the squares contained a photo Dr. Avery had taken while on her last Aquinas study-abroad trip.
Dr. Penny Avery and her husband, Todd Avery, dress festively for Irish bingo – photo by Todd Avery
Furthering the symbolism of Irish luck, pennies were used as bingo markers throughout the game. Instead of calling out a letter and a number, as is traditional with bingo, Dr. Avery would tell a story and students had to match her description to the photo on their card, adding another level of engagement to the game.
Example of the photo bingo card – Photo by Anastasia Benstead
Any bingo game would not be complete without prizes, and Dr. Avery worked very hard on creating little leprechaun figurines which were made from a miniature pot, a leprechaun, a small clover flag, gold coins and fake moss on a wooden cross section all hot glued together. If that disinterested students they could instead pick leprechaun stickers with customizable accessories.
Little lucky leprechaun diorama handmade by Dr. Avery – Photo by Anastasia Benstead
The first winners of the night were Maeve Comfort and Isabelle Bartlett who both selected the diorama.
Comfort (left) and Bartlett (right) smile with their prizes after the first round – Photo by Anastasia Benstead
“I came tonight because I am interested in going on the trip,” Myca Johnson said. Stating the most common reason participants decided to come, but in the case of students like Natalie Parhill she came because she is an international student from Ireland curious about the event.
Irish bingo was just one of several events that happened during International Education Week to promote the many opportunities Aquinas students have to travel as a community. “It’s really fun to talk to people about the various ways they can study abroad,” Hannah Betchold, director of International Programming, said. “Often I’m dispelling myths about it being cost prohibitive or helping them imagine how the experience might further their future careers.”
Applications to study abroad for short term programs in May of 2026 are due Oct. 1. Additionally, students can reach out to Betchold at any time to discuss winter, summer or semester long programs.
Students have fun at Irish bingo – Photo by Anastasia Benstead
The Saint 