ASU Polytechnic’s GameCon mixes gaming and giving back

A unique event at ASU’s Polytechnic campus helps engage technology students and gamers with Sun Devils’ passion for giving back. Sophomore Hannah Stirewalt is the student coordinator for Changemaker Central at the Polytechnic campus and was one of the students who led the planning of  the annual event, known as GameCon, in spring 2020.

“Gaming and technology are something that many Polytechnic students enjoy, as technical majors such as information technology and various types of engineering are highly popular,” Stirewalt said. “Gaming for charity is a great way to involve these students on campus while raising money for something important to the Sun Devil community.” 

On the evening of Feb. 27, Changemaker Central hosted their eighth annual event on the Polytechnic campus to help raise money for charity, using a somewhat unusual and innovative method to do so — video games. While the event was free, students were encouraged to give either a monetary donation or bring canned foods to donate. The proceeds benefited Valley of the Sun United Way, a charity focused on breaking the cycle of poverty in Maricopa County.

GameCon invites Sun Devils from all over to test their skills in various video game tournaments or relax while playing with friends and peers, all with the goal of raising money and collecting canned foods.

For students who might not be as video game-savvy, the event offered other opportunities for participation that appealed to a variety of interests  according to Stirewalt, including  physical activities, board games and food vendors. 

“GameCon is a fantastic way to network with students on campus and get them involved in other things that they are passionate about,” Stirewalt said. “GameCon is one of the biggest projects the Changemaker team is lucky to work on, and seeing the impact it has on students is the most rewarding thing that the team could get out of the event.”

Stirewalt and her team worked hard to ensure that the event was one that would be rewarding for those who participated. The event attracts many students each year, perhaps because of its creative approach to helping charity while promoting a fun outlet.   

“There is nothing better than having fun, meeting new people and helping the community and even broader groups of people at the same time,” Stirewalt said.

GameCon 2020 participants at the ASU Polytechnic campus in February