A campuswide trivia hour brought students from all seven UMB schools together for nostalgia, connection, and fun.
Campus Clash: Y2K and 2010’s Trivia Hour brought a full dose of nostalgia, friendly competition, and campuswide connection to the Elm Ballroom in late October. Students from across all seven UMB schools showed up ready to test their knowledge of flip phones, early social media, iconic music videos, and the TV shows that defined two very different decades. What unfolded was a lively hour of laughter, quick thinking, and the kind of spirited teamwork that reminds us how energizing it can be to simply play together.
The ballroom quickly filled with a buzz that only trivia nights can produce. Teams huddled, friends whisper-debated which Disney Channel star debuted first, and entire tables erupted when they landed a question that had everyone else stumped. More than a few students marveled at how long ago the 2000s now feel, while others enthusiastically carried the flag for the 2010s. The mix of generations, backgrounds, and memories made the competition both unpredictable and extremely entertaining.
Beyond the competition, the event offered space for students to unwind from the intensity of the semester. It was a moment to swap stories about childhood gadgets, reminisce about the early days of YouTube, and laugh and learn at just how seriously everyone used to take their MySpace “Top 8.” More importantly, it was a chance to meet peers from other schools. Students who share similar schedules, pressures, and passions but don’t always have the chance to gather socially were able to connect. Several attendees mentioned how refreshing it felt to connect with new people in a setting designed purely for fun.
Campus Clash succeeded not just because of its theme, but because it created space for students to unplug, build community, and enjoy each other’s company across programs and disciplines. Events like this strengthen the social fabric at UMB, reminding us that belonging grows from small, shared moments like submitting the correct answer just before the bell rings.
If you have ideas for future engagement events, or an era of pop culture you think deserves its own trivia showdown, the Office of Student Success, Leadership, and Engagement would love to hear from you. Share your suggestions at DL-SSLE@umaryland.edu.