Penn, Drexel join to adapt game shows

Spurred on by the recent craze and revitalization of the television game show, students at Penn and Drexel universities have teamed up to bring to campus modified versions of Who Wants To Be a Millionaire and The Dating Game. Run in conjunction with Penn's annual Lovefest weekend, traditionally held the weekend before Valentine's Day, the events represent a partnership between several Penn and Drexel student groups, including the Social Planning and Events Committee and the Tangible Change Committee. "Since we are both here in University City, it is good for us to plan stuff together, especially because we are such close neighbors," Drexel student and Campus Activities Board President Greg Mattox said of the joint venture. The Dating Game will maintain its traditional format, with student contestants participating from both Drexel and Penn. If the single person asking the questions is a Penn student, then the three possible dates will be from Drexel, and vice versa, explained SPEC Co-Chairman and Wharton senior Jon Herrmann. The game will have four rounds, and the lucky couples will each be treated to a date. Herrmann said a dinner and a movie will be one of the prizes. Penn alum Malik Wilson, one of the founders of Philly2nite.com, will act as host for one round of the game. The contest will be held at Drexel's Creese Student Center in the Dragon's Den on February 9 and is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. The current hit Who Wants to Be a Millionaire will come to campus in a slightly different form. Instead of winning varying amounts of money for questions answered correctly, students will win meals. "It goes from eating at Wawa to eating at Le Bec-Fin," Herrmann said. Who Wants to Eat Like a Millionaire is scheduled for February 10 at Penn and will reward a range of dining prizes. The stipulation for the contest is that participants must choose their prospective dinner date before they compete in the show. The person they choose will then also act as their "phone a friend" life line, Herrmann said. Andrew Exum, a College senior and Daily Pennsylvanian columnist, will take on the role of Regis Philbin as acting host for the show. Student leaders at both Penn and Drexel were eager to embark on this joint venture. "I have been in touch with Greg, trying to identify an event we could work together on," Herrmann said. "The two game shows will allow Penn and Drexel students to meet and interact," Herrmann added. Lovefest weekend is sponsored by the Tangible Change Initiative. Last year, the popular MTV talk show Loveline visited the Penn campus. For those interested in auditioning for the events, online registration is available for either show at specevents.com. Registration will continue until Wednesday at midnight.