Search

ARCHIVES
CONTACT US
WORLD NEWS

Arizona students dress down for local charity

Spring break is officially over for the UA, but some Arizona students still plan on sashaying around in their beachwear this weekend for the first annual "Mr. and Ms. U of A Pageant."

Overseeing the pageant are sophomore business students Brian Benoit and Andrea Bell, both of whom feel this is an important event for the university and the Tucson community.

"It is our belief that UA organizations do not put forth enough effort into integrating the entire campus," Benoit said "This pageant will enable us to intertwine all the cultural and ethnic backgrounds that this university has to offer, while benefiting charity."

So far, more than 60 applications have been received, all of which feature UA students between the ages of 18 and 25. Originally, there were 50 spots open - 25 for males and 25 for females.

Benoit, however, said the ratio of applications has been somewhat biased because most of the applicants have been female.

Bell added that "Girls have more experience. Also, most guys are not prone to going on stage for a pageant. I think the word 'pageant' throws people off, but we will see in the end. There are some very brave people that are attempting this."

"As I can see, a lot of people wanted to do it at first, but then found out the audience size and what it entailed," she added.

Benoit said the field has been narrowed down to 25 women and may be narrowed down to 10 or 15 men.

While the event is being organized by two greek houses, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and Pi Beta Phi Sorority, and 15 percent of the applicants are greek, but Benoit and Bell both said the pageant does not cater to greeks.

"Just because we are greeks that put on this event does not mean it is geared toward us," Bell said. "It just gives us a platform to go from. This is an all-campus event, but judging by the applications, most of the contestants are non-greek."

Benoit agreed, saying the entire campus should enjoy the event, regardless of greek affiliation.

"We are extremely excited to see this many non-greeks come out and participate," Benoit said. "It was designed so that the greek community can mesh with non-greeks. This shows us that the message of unity has been getting out."

Though the pageant features a swim wear category, those involved say physique is not the bottom line of the pageant.

Bell said the competition is geared towards raising money for the Ronald McDonald House. The funds raised will go to financially disadvantaged families of hospitalized children.

The competition will be judged in a number of rounds, which include introductions, talent and formal wear.

Benoit said that the contestants will also be viewed on "form, poise, stage presence and in general, if they're having fun."

In the end, winners will walk away with such prizes as free round-trip airfare and gift certificates to local shops.

Bell said setting up for the big event has been somewhat tedious.

"I think that we both did not know exactly what we needed to go on in order for this pageant to work," Bell said. "There is a lot of busy work involved, such as researching, calling sponsors, et cetera."

Bell said she is still enthusiastic about the project despite the hard work and said she feels others are also excited "to see something like this because it is new."

Benoit said they are also encouraged by the range of applicants.

"We have interviewed applicants with no pageant experience, and some have done as much as entered the Miss Teen USA Pageant," he said.

The first annual "Mr. & Ms. U of A Pageant" will take place on Sunday, March 26, at 12:30 p.m. in the Arizona Student Union Ballroom. Advance tickets are $5 and can be purchased at Centennial Hall. Admission is $6 if you buy tickets at the door.