Co-Lin students have chance at ‘Millionaire’ hot seat

Published 12:00 am Thursday, November 16, 2000

Some 14 students sweated over questions, called on their lifelines and dreamed of winning &uot;millionaire bucks&uot; while music from the actual television show played in the background.

Mark LaFrancis, Co-Lin director of public information, said he organized the show as a way to create campus fun in addition to helping the campus clubs and the community.

&uot;I thought, ‘What’s the most popular contest in America?’&uot; LaFrancis said. &uot;We tried to replicate (the show) as closely as possible.&uot;

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Members of the audience each paid a $2 admission fee to help campus clubs meet their expenses.

The audience also brought canned goods to donate to local food pantries.

Sam Jones of 107 Oldies served as master of ceremonies while Co-Lin history instructor Jim &uot;Regis&uot; Wiggins acted as host.

Wiggins had the extra distinction of having his wife, Co-Lin English instructor Judy Wiggins, selected as the &uot;ask an instructor&uot; lifeline at least five times during the night, answering correctly all her questions.

&uot;That Judy Wiggins is on today,&uot; Jim Wiggins said.

The contestants could answer up to seven questions which increased in difficulty.

One contestant was especially stumped by a question asking for Don Quixote’s sidekick.

&uot;Can I ask a question?&uot; said Pam Domanick. &uot;Who was he to begin with?&uot;

And the local presidential election did not fail to enter into the lighthearted banter.

Jones noticed how members of the audience raised their hands hesitantly when answering a difficult lifeline question.

&uot;Those voters were from Florida,&uot; Jones said.

At least five contestants earned 1 million &uot;millionaire bucks,&uot; which they used to &uot;buy&uot; prizes.

LaFrancis said he was pleased with the outcome of the fast-paced event.

&uot;I think it’s going far better than I thought it would go,&uot; he said. &uot;It’s been fun, and the whole purpose is to have a fun event for a good cause.&uot;