Tenth NonCon takes it to next level

A green-haired video game character, reminiscent of an iconic red-capped Italian plumber, runs toward a pixilated Main Building in the fliers for this year's No Such Convention, affectionately referred to as NonCon. The years in which most Vassar students were Super Mario Bros. aficionados has long past, but NonCon nevertheless promises to bring video-game enthusiasts, board-game lovers, comic-book fans and everyone in between together for a weekend of gaming- and comics-oriented fun. This year's convention is bigger than ever, featuring prominent guests such as fantasy author Tamora Pierce and video game developer Ken Levine '88. 

NonCon is an annual event now in its 10th year, and will take place Feb. 19 to 21. The convention is sponsored by No Such Organization (NSO), Vassar's "all-around sci-fi/fantasy/comic book/video game/anime/etc. fan's organization," as they comprehensively describe themselves on their website. NonCon will take over several parts of Main Building to host an array of panels, talks, tournaments, games, as well as a unique musical performance.

No Such Organization's interests are without a doubt all-encompassing. With around 60 active members, and attracting many more students to the organization's events in one way or another, NSO is one of the largest student organizations on campus. NSO's Convention Chair Suzanne Rozier '10 said of the group's interests: "We have members who are interested in things [like] board games, comics, videogames, anime, Magic: The Gathering, tabletop games…we have a pretty broad range of interests that we cover."

While NSO members put on weekly events, such as a comic-book drawing group and card games of Magic: The Gathering throughout the semester, they also organize one larger event every semester: a production of Rocky Horror Picture Show in the fall, and NonCon in the spring. While Rocky Horror Picture Show has consistently been a campus favorite, only lately has NonCon been gaining popularity. "[It] originally was one room with people playing board games for 24 hours," said Rozier. In recent years, NonCon has been attracting guests not only from Vassar, but from the greater community. "We have a lot of people coming from other colleges like Marist, from Poughkeepsie and from surrounding areas," explained Lauren Scanlan '10. "Last year we had about 150 people from off-campus," added Rozier enthusiastically.

It is not by chance that NonCon is growing so rapidly. NSO has significantly increased their advertising efforts, reaching out to comic-book stores and related organizations all over New York. "We got into contact with similar organizations from other colleges and invited them to come to NonCon," said Rozier.

NonCon has an impressive list of events planned out this year and an even more impressive guest list. A schedule of activities can be found at the convention's official website: noncon.vassar.edu. From a calligraphy workshop to gaming competitions (with gaming-themed prizes nonetheless) to an Artist's Alley to a karaoke night, NonCon has something exciting planned for people of all interests.

As for this year's guests, NonCon is branching out. "Every year we've gotten someone bigger," exclaimed Rozier. Vassar graduate Ken Levine '88, co-founder, President and Creative Director of Irrational Games, the company that released the award winning, best-selling game "BioShock," will be doing a panel and so will Tamora Pierce, a New York Times bestselling fantasy author for young adults. Guests include many more graphic novel and webcomic authors, as well as NonCon's first musical performer. Random a.k.a. Mega Ran, the rapper who put lyrics to the music of the videogame "Mega Man," will perform in the Villard Room at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20.

All in all, the ever-expanding NonCon promises to entertain Vassar students and members of the local community, whether they're long-standing members of some fandom or not. "I would encourage people to come check it out, it's a very open and fun event," said Rozier.