Even rain didn’t prevent the tabletop gaming club from commuting to Murray-Herrick Campus Center on a Wednesday night.

Week after week, chatter and competition fill the traditionally quiet building as students play Risk, collectable card games and fantasy role-playing.

The tabletop gaming club began nine years ago, when alumnus Nick Spangler asked music theory professor Shersten Johnson to advise the club.

“I was approached by one of my music students saying he’s a member of this club, and they needed an advisor,” Johnson said. “Many students play a lot of video games, and so a little bit more face-to-face was a great idea.”

Currently, the club has a total of 69 members and tabletop gaming club president Vito Sauro said the organization unites students of all majors.

“I know a lot of people here … a lot of people who wouldn’t meet, and it’s a great thing to be able to bring us together,” Sauro said.

Senior Emma Rudd said the club’s core purpose is to relieve stress.

“Our website says it’s a place to critically think, but it’s honestly just a place to get your mind off of homework or a stressful week,” Rudd said.

Rudd said the club also serves as a place where people can be themselves.

“For me, it was such a comfortable place to be,” Rudd said. “It was one of those places where you could walk in and wear whatever- even sweatpants.”

Sauro agreed the club’s members set it apart.

“It’s the people, and I think for a lot of things that’s the answer,” Sauro said. “We’re friends, don’t think you’re gonna come here and play board games without getting to know someone.”

Eden Checkol can be reached at chec7168@stthomas.edu.