The CSU Ballroom was glowing — literally — Friday night as students packed in for the Glow Party x Laser Tag event hosted by the Student Events Team.
Between the neon lights, bass-heavy DJ sets and back-to-back laser tag battles, the atmosphere felt less like a campus ballroom and more like a club-meets-playground built entirely for Mavericks to unwind and connect.
Though the Events Team hosts activities throughout the year, this event stood out for one reason: It was designed to pull students in and remind them that campus life doesn’t have to be all assignments, exams and rushing between classes.
This was an event for students, by students. And you could feel it.
Event organizer Nicolas Habonimana, a software engineering major, said the purpose of the night was simple: bring students together before the semester stress peaks.
“We’re getting closer to the end of the semester and the pressure is really getting to people,” Habonimana said. “Events like this help students relieve stress and socialize. I’ve met so many friends through events like this. It brings out that Maverick energy in you.”
Attendance reflected that. Within the first half hour, nearly a hundred students had passed through the doors — and more kept coming. Habonimana estimated the final turnout could reach 250.
While MSU has held laser tag events before, this was the first time it was paired with a glow party atmosphere. The Events Team even collaborated with the MSU DJ Club, whose members spent over a week preparing a custom set list designed to keep energy high and the dance floor moving.
Watching students sprint, duck and laugh under UV lights made the idea behind the event clear: MSU students aren’t just showing up — they’re invested.
Daisy and Sun Min, exchange students in STEM fields, said the glow and music were part of what made the experience feel welcoming.
“We loved the DJ and the lights,” they said. “And it was our first time playing laser tag. It was a really fun way to meet people and try something new. We want more events like this.”
Andrew Hipsher, a Gender and Women’s Studies major and member of the Residence Hall Association, emphasized how meaningful it is that students are the ones making these events happen.
“These events are made by students for students, and the work we put into them should be appreciated,” Hipsher said. “I loved the laser tag and the music vibe tonight.”
Others kept it simple.
“The event was crazy,” said Johnson, a computer engineering major. “I enjoyed myself. There should be more of this.”
But it was Juliet Feist, a public relations major, who said what many students have been feeling this semester:
“Students are missing a fun shared experience. This gave us that.”
And the message to those who didn’t come?
You missed out.
But it doesn’t have to happen again.
Daria Oelkers, Special Events Chair, put it directly:
“This is a great way to add fun during midterms and enjoy time with friends,” she said. “Follow us on TikTok and Instagram at @studenteventsteam and sign up for text updates at 71444 so you don’t miss the next one.”
Habonimana agrees — and says the next events are going to be even bigger.
“You may have missed this one, but don’t worry,” he said. “Next semester, we’ll have way more. Just get ready.”
Photo Caption: Students got the opportunity to relax and enjoy the neon lights, dance music, and laser tag. The event was meant as a welcome distraction from upcoming finals stress. (Matt Miller/The Reporter)
Write to simon.isaac@mnsu.edu
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