Mr. University rocks the UCs

By Leeza Earl
STAFF WRITER

Kappa Alpha Theta fraternity for women hosted their 12th annual Mr. University pageant, raising more than $20 thousand for the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation and their philanthropy Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children.

This event consisted of 10 male contestants, five from Greek life and five who are nonaffiliated, ranging from various clubs and academic departments.

The pageant contained three categories: talent, formal wear and a question and answer section for the final five participated in a question and answer section.

Senior Mr. U coach Ellen Rohman expressed her excitement for the accomplishment of her chapter and this event on April 4.

“We are amazed by the outcome of Mr. U,” said Rohman. “While we are still receiving donations for CASA we know as a chapter we are serving our children in CASA well.”

There was only one winner of all the categories and that was Mr. Phi Kappa Theta, Michael Peterson. Along with all of the other contestants Peterson also contributed to the CASA foundation by selling tickets to the show. In addition the audience purchased raffle tickets for various prizes ranging from a coupon to Nothing Bundt Cake to a week stay in Vegas.

Senior Mr. Theater participant Edred Utomi explained his reasons for participating in Mr. U.

“I did Mr. U because I wanted to have fun and also change a child’s life” Utomi said. “Winning was not my concern, my concern was for the children in CASA.”

According to CASA’s website CASA is a nonprofit network supporting and promoting court appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children. The national CASA has 946 local community programs to support volunteers serving children. CASA has been awarded for many achievements such as Prevention for a Safer Society Award, Outstanding Volunteer Program and most recently an award for Independent Charities Seal of Excellence.

“Some people may think Greek life is only about the social aspect, but our philanthropies are very important to us and this is a way for Theta to show USD students what Greek life is truly about; coming together through sisterhood and raising over $20,000 yearly for CASA and the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation” said Rohman.

Kappa Alpha Theta was founded in 1870 as the first Greek-letter fraternity for women.

Theta has been on USD’s campus since 2000 and is known for their 5K run in the Fall and Mr. University in the Spring.

Theta holds many other community based events throughout the year on and off campus.

Junior Theta member Katrina Bess expressed her appreciation to her sorority and their philanthropies.

“It is with great privilege that we got to serve CASA,” said Bess. “I am proud to be a part of a sorority that is driven on giving back and making a difference in the community.”

Mr. University has always been hosted in the Hahn University Center every year. However, this year it was moved to Shiley Theater which had over 700 guests and sold out of seats.
This Theta chapter has had strong momentum this semester after winning Greek Week and having a successful Mr. University.

The members of Kappa Alpha Theta hope this momentum continues into next semester and throughout the many years here at USD and in the San Diego community.