Admit it: You geek about something. And now at UWM’s Geek Week, Feb. 18-26, you can let your geek flag fly at more than two dozen events. Whether it’s gaming, crafting, fashion, planets or technology, there’s something for everyone to explore and celebrate. You can even see LeVar Burton of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” or earn the chance to outwit Chancellor Mark Mone. For full details, check the Geek Week website, but here are eight highlights to get your planning started.
Thursday, Feb. 18 –
Gasthaus Trivia: Geek Week Edition
Kick off the week’s festivities and gather a group of friends to dominate the intellectual competition at the Gasthaus in the Student Union’s basement, 8-9:30 p.m. The top three teams win spots in the Chancellor’s Tournament of Champions and a chance to compete against Chancellor Mark Mone.
Friday, Feb. 19 –
Wig Out with Arda Wigs
It’s a hairy experience, but in a good way. Join student organization Tactile, which is dedicated to the exploration of fiber art, and Arda Wigs from Chicago, from 5-8 p.m. in the Union’s Alumni Fireside Lounge. Learn about all things wig-related, from wig care to creating a bow for a wig. All you need to bring is a wig and wig head.
Saturday, Feb. 20 –
Cosplay Masquerade Ball
Don your costume and get ready to play in the Union Wisconsin Room, 8-11 p.m. Dance to music from live DJs, and be sure to arrive by 9:45 p.m. for a chance to compete in the cosplay contest. Prizes will be awarded to the top three entrants.
Monday, Feb. 22 – Anodizing Workshop
Stop by the Studio Arts and Crafts Center, noon-4 p.m., to learn how to permanently dye metal. Learn how to use vinyl cutters, electric current and acid. You’ll even be able to make a piece of art that’s wearable, colorful and, of course, geeky. It’s all sponsored by student organization Decode.
Tuesday, Feb. 23 –
Gaming Central and Laser Tag
Not all games these days need a computer chip. Join the Strategic Game Club in Union Ballroom East, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., to play Settlers of Catan, Munchkin, Dominion, Carcassonne, life-sized Jenga, and many more board and card games. And from 8 p.m.-midnight, play a few rounds of laser tag with the Campus Activities Board, also in Union Ballroom East.
Wednesday, Feb. 24 – LeVar Burton
Actor, producer and writer LeVar Burton comes to campus as a Distinguished Lecture Series speaker, 7 p.m. in the Union Wisconsin Room. You may have seen him on “Reading Rainbow.” Or perhaps you remember one of his earliest roles, when he portrayed Kunta Kinte in “Roots.” But what makes him so geeky? His role of Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge in “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” The title of Burton’s presentation is “From Roots to Reading Rainbow: The Power of Stories.” UWM students with a student ID get free tickets, which are available at the Union Information Center.
Thursday, Feb. 25 –
Chancellor’s Tournament of Champions Finale
Come and cheer on the top teams from the trivia contest’s qualifying rounds. Then watch the winning team face off in a battle of wits against Chancellor Mark Mone. It’s happening noon-2 p.m. in the Union Concourse.
Friday, Feb. 26 – Glorious Galaxies
The UWM Planetarium opens its doors for a special Geek Week showing. Take your stargazing to the next level and learn more about our vast galaxy and beyond. See images that portray the universe’s natural beauty, as well as the raw power of stellar collisions and black holes at this presentation, beginning at 8:15 p.m. Admission is free for UWM students with a student ID.
