Computer Science Major a Spinning Success on Wheel of Fortune

UAlbany Junior Logan Stone (Photo by Carol Kaelson)

ALBANY, N.Y.  (May 21, 2019) — For as far back as Logan Stone can remember, he has enjoyed tinkering with electronics. His early passion for computers and programming may have been rivaled by an equally early love of watching "Wheel of Fortune" with his parents and grandparents every night of the week.

“I took every computer science course that was available to me throughout high school, and the more I learned, the more I fell in love with it,” said Stone, a junior from Ballston Lake. “I knew it was the path I wanted to take in college. When I first visited University at Albany, there was the sense of a community, a great reputation and opportunities aplenty available for me to explore. It was an easy choice to come to UAlbany and pursue Computer Science for my major.”

Stone took advantage of the academic and extracurricular activities offered by UAlbany from the outset. He added a minor in film studies, joined the Ultimate Frisbee team, and signed up for the University at Albany Symphony Orchestra — where he plays violin and now serves as student manager.

The community experience Stone embraces at UAlbany also informs on his passion for watching Pat Sajak and Vanna White during the week with his family, enjoying the bonding time while they try to solve the current puzzle. As a student living on campus however, the viewing parties are reserved for breaks in the semester or over the summer.

Stone earned $18,000 for his performance on the College Week episode of "Wheel of Fortune." (Photo by Carol Kaelson)

It was just such an evening following the end of the spring 2018 semester that led to Stone’s appearance on "Wheel of Fortune" this past March during College Week.

“It was early June, I was sitting with my grandmother at her house, watching ‘Wheel.’ I turned to her and said, ‘You know what? I’m gonna apply to be on "Wheel."’ So, I went on my phone and submitted an online application, stating I was a student at UAlbany and maybe I could apply for their college week or just try and get on the show in general,” said Stone. “Within about two minutes I had a finished application and told my grandmother, ‘Okay, I did it,’ and she happily laughed.”

It wasn’t long before Stone received a notification of a tryout in Saratoga, and after showcasing his affable demeanor at the event, he was on his way to landing a coveted spot on the long-running game show.

“In January I received an email from "Wheel of Fortune" telling me they had a tape date for me on Friday, February 15, in Culver City, Calif., to be on "Wheel of Fortune’s" College Week,” said Stone. “I instantly called them back and confirmed my attendance and booked my flight to Los Angeles.”

In the email, the "Wheel of Fortune" production team advises students to bring sweatshirts with their school logos on them to wear on the show. This request set up another funny moment in Stone’s college journey.

“Oddly enough, I went to a UAlbany basketball game later that week and ran into President Rodríguez,” said Stone. “He was thrilled about the opportunity, and he offered to buy the sweatshirts for me to wear on the show. I thanked him for his generosity and went ahead and received two sweatshirts to wear for the show.”

Later in February, Logan and his parents flew to California for their taping of the show, which aired March 21. After a “hilariously bad first half,” Logan recovered to score four wins, $18,000 in cash and prizes (including a trip to Aruba), and a lifetime of stories to share with his family and friends.

“Getting to represent the University at Albany on 'Wheel of Fortune’s' College Week was an experience unlike any other,” said Stone. “I hope everyone can experience College Week and have as much fun as I did.”

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