Each year during Family Weekend, Alpha Omicron Pi hosts Mr. MSU, a pageant between fraternity nominees that combines talent, charm and philanthropy to raise funds for the Arthritis Foundation.
The 43rd annual Mr. MSU pageant will take place on Friday, Sept. 13, in Lovett Auditorium, with this year’s theme being “Mamma Mia.”
The event stands as a different activity for Family Weekend attendees to participant in. Camri McReaken, Alpha Omicron Pi’s director of philanthropy, said the event is always a night of laughter and fun.
“Mr. MSU has quickly become a cherished tradition for not only Greek life on campus but for anyone and everyone,” McReaken said.
The 14 nominated contestants will participate in three competition categories: interview, talent and formal attire. Earlier in the day, contestants will have completed interviews with the judges. Contestants will also perform a choreographed dance alongside the Alpha Omicron Pi juniors. At the end of the night, an award ceremony will be held, concluding with the crowning of Mr. MSU.
“In Mr. MSU, we look for strong confident men who love Murray State,” McReaken said.“Chapters are asked to nominate men that they think would give their all on stage, have good sportsmanship, work well with others and be happy while doing it.”
The title of Mr. MSU isn’t solely based on the nominees performance; it also factors in the amount each contestant has raised throughout the week during Change Wars, a donation opportunity in the Curris Center. Additionally, the Crowd Favorite Award is earned by attendees donating money in support of their favorite contestant, with the one receiving the most donations earning the award.
Last year, the Mr. MSU pageant raised $20,000 for the Arthritis Foundation. This year, Alpha Omicron Pi hopes to match or surpass that amount.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, support is an investment in a pain-free future for the 1 in 4 adults and 300,000 children and teenagers living with arthritis.
“I think students and their families should come out to see Mr. MSU because it’s for a really good cause,” Cameden Lupfer, Mr. MSU nominee, said. “I am friends with a few of my competitors, and I know they are going to prepare well and give it their all during their performance.”
Tickets are available for $8 throughout the week at tabling in the Curris Center or directly from any Alpha Omicron Pi member. They can also be purchased at the door for $10. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with the event starting at 6 p.m.
