By Nicole Noce
Elm Staff Writer
Zeta Tau Alpha’s Pink Week ended by bringing the Wild West to Decker Theatre on Friday, Oct. 26 for their annual Big Man on Campus male beauty pageant.
The ladies of ZTA held various events leading up to Friday’s pageant.
“Monday we had a banner for students to sign that shows breast cancer awareness and we plan on donating it to a waiting room,” said ZTA Vice-President, junior April Jones.
Tuesday featured a pink out at the men’s soccer game, Wednesday offered an evening Zumba class taught by Zeta senior Kelsey McNaul, and Thursday gave students the opportunity to vote for the Big Man on Campus with the sexiest leg.
By the time Friday rolled around, students and participants were preparing for the highlight of Pink Week, Big Man on Campus.
“I’m looking forward to everyone having a good time while supporting a good cause,” said Big Man on Campus participant, sophomore Derrick Carter, in anticipation of the event.
Senior ZTA members Rachel Treglia and Ali Zdrojewski hosted the event, which featured a judging panel from one member of each sorority on campus and Washington College President, Kurt Landgraf.
The night kicked off with a group dance choreographed by Zdrojewski and sophomore Haley Wilt.
“We practiced [the dance] a lot and there’s a lot of complex moves,” said Big Man on Campus participant junior Sam Rubin.
Following introductions was a question and answer portion and the talent section.
“Each Big Man has a sponsor that is a Zeta sister who helps them come up and execute a talent. This year the Big Men really outdid themselves; I have never been more proud of a group of guys. They put all their efforts into making this year the absolute best,” Jones said.
No beauty pageant is complete without awards, and Big Man on Campus did not disappoint. Winning Best Dressed was junior Jon Luciani, Sexiest Leg went to Rubin, Best Talent was awarded to senior Andrew Walters, and senior Karl Melchior earned Mr. Think Pink.
At the end of the competition, junior Jack Gribble was crowned Big Man on Campus for 2018.
Although the event involved a significant portion of hilarity and healthy competition, the focus of Big Man on Campus is raising money for Breast Cancer education and awareness.
“It’s not about winning awards or any of the guys, really. It’s all about having fun and supporting a great cause. We’ve got a great group of guys this year that are really fun to work [with],” Rubin said.
The money raised from ticket sales is donated to the ZTA Foundation, who then funds organizations such as Bright Pink and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation.
According to Jones, Bright Pink is a ZTA- sponsored program that travels to campuses nationwide to teach students precautionary measures to prevent and check for cancer.
“As of yesterday, we have raised $3,200, the most we have ever raised. This year was truly the most amazing year and I am so honored to have been such a huge part in it. Zeta and all the big men really outdid themselves; I can’t wait for next year,” Jones said.