20 years strong: Freaks & Geeks unites gaming, creativity and collaboration
This interactive gaming and design event helps students make career connections.
Monday, November 3, 2025
Written by: Carla Peterson
What began two decades ago as a small LAN gaming night among students and a passionate professor has evolved into one of Seminole State College of Florida’s most anticipated student-led events – Freaks & Geeks. Founded by Professor Michael Kappers, this gaming and design event started as a way for students to unwind after exams and has since grown into a large-scale celebration of creativity, technology and collaboration — once earning the title of “Best Computer Event” by Florida Leader Magazine.
“Freaks & Geeks has always been about more than gaming,” said Kappers. “It’s about giving students a hands-on opportunity to connect with industry professionals, practice leadership skills, and celebrate the creativity that drives innovation in digital media and technology.”
Hosted by the College’s Freaks & Geeks Student Digital Media Club in collaboration with the Networking and Information Technology Association (NITA), this year’s 20th anniversary event offered an “out-of-this-word” experience with the theme “Alien Encounter.” It featured a range of gaming competitions, digital design showcases, networking opportunities and prize giveaways. Participants enjoyed retro video games, board games, contests, and creative displays that showcase the talent and imagination of Seminole State’s digital media and IT students.
Over the years, Freaks & Geeks has connected students with professionals from leading companies such as EA Sports, Disney Feature Animation, Microsoft, Bright House Networks (now Spectrum), and the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA). These partnerships provide students with valuable insight into industry trends and career opportunities in gaming, design and technology.
Freaks & Geeks gives students an opportunity to
expand learning beyond the classroom.
“Freaks & Geeks gives our students an incredible opportunity to extend their learning beyond the classroom,” said Victoria Ackerman, professor of digital media. “It’s a celebration of collaboration, innovation and community all [tied to] core values of Seminole State.”
The event remains free and open to the community, thanks to the ongoing support of volunteers, sponsors and local businesses. Anyone interested in contributing time or resources to support student success is encouraged to contact Ackerman at ackermav@seminolestate.edu.
As Freaks & Geeks marks its 20th anniversary, the event continues to embody the spirit of Seminole State — where creativity meets opportunity and students gain the experience and connections to shape their future careers.
Information Technology
To learn more about Seminole State’s information technology programs, including digital media, visit seminolestate.edu/it.
Seminole State College of Florida, established in 1965, serves more than 24,000 students across six sites in Central Florida. A full-service education provider, Seminole State has thrived by adapting to and meeting the needs of an ever-changing, vibrant community. Seminole State offers 11 bachelor’s degrees in high-demand, high-growth fields; two-year associate degrees; specialized certificates; continuing professional education; adult education and guaranteed admission via DirectConnect to UCF® to the University of Central Florida for Associate in Arts (A.A.) graduates. By offering flexible, affordable, high-quality educational programs and services, the College continues to help students learn, succeed and GO Far.
This year also marks the College’s 60th Anniversary, celebrating six decades of transforming lives through education, innovation and service to the Central Florida community.
For more about Seminole State, visit seminolestate.edu.
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