Where in DC can you find a gargoyle that looks like Darth Vader? And who is the only US president to be buried in the nation’s capital?

American University faculty and staff were put to the test with those queries during the 25-question Quiz Pro Quo trivia event at the University Club on October 23. (As competitors learned, Washington National Cathedral boasts a depiction of the famed Star Wars villain and is the final resting place of Woodrow Wilson.)

The fun DC trivia get-together was the first in a series of events aimed at faculty and staff that will be held at the U-Club this fall. Informal and free, the events— sponsored by AU Kitchen, the Office of the Dean of Faculty, the Office of Inclusive Excellence, AhealthyU, and human resources—are designed to build community and break down siloes across campus.

“The idea is that [everyone] can come together, have a bunch of laughs, do something fun, and enjoy slight competition over food and drinks,” said Priya Doshi, associate dean for faculty and inclusive excellence and a senior professorial lecturer in strategic communications. “This is the engine that we’re starting to rev to really bring back community and foster a sense of belonging.”

Last week, the team Mighty KC—senior literature professorial lecturer Chelsea Horne and environmental science professor and department chair Karen Knee—finished atop the leaderboard.

“I love trivia,” Horne said. “This was [also] a chance to meet colleagues and have a little bit of a break in the middle of the week.”

The U-Club reopened this fall in Lydecker Tunnel, offering an elevated dining experience specifically for faculty and staff. (A reservation-only $19 per-person meal is available from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Monday through Thursday.) Outside of those hours, the U-Club is a gathering space for AU faculty and staff.

Did you miss the trivia? Sign up for other upcoming events:

• The Meet and Eat lunch series for faculty and staff continues on November 12 and December 4. Reservations are required for a special lunch rate of $11.
• Prose and Cons on November 13 will showcase  the talents of faculty and staff.
• Coffee Talk is open to staff. Grab coffee and a bite to eat and catch up with colleagues from 9­–11 a.m., December 3.
• Final Exam Breakfast Breather gives faculty a chance to gather and destress from 8–10 a.m. on December 4.
• Holiday Cookie Contest will showcase staff’s holiday baking skills from 3–5 p.m., December 10.