On Wednesday, April 17, the UMaine chapter of Her Campus hosted the first Ultimate Campus Cutie Competition in the Donald P. Corbett Business Building. Male Athletes Against Violence teamed up with the staff of Her Campus to raise money for the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence.
According to the website, the coalition’s missions statement is “[t]o create and encourage a social, political and economic environment in which domestic violence no longer exists, and to ensure that all people affected by domestic abuse and violence are supported and that batterers are held accountable.”
Katrina Horgan, a campus correspondent, reported the event was something Her Campus thought of last year, but they were finally able to pull it off this year.
Her Campus, the popular online magazine among female college students, selects a “campus cutie” every week. Each cutie is profiled and recognized on the Her Campus website.
Candidates competing for the ultimate title of Ultimate Campus Cutie event were past cuties.
“[It was] an interesting way to get kids involved,” Horgan said.
The cuties had to compete in several events including a talent portion, a first date explanation, a beer pong final-cup shot and finally each cutie had to recap selected parts of their original interview with Her Campus.
Some cuties had fairly impressive talents, including hand stands, guitar solos, crash symbols and strip teases. They also smooth-talked their way through a first date experience.
Contestants included Derek Pratt, Mark Anthoine, Tyson Thongsavath, Jon Swavely, Johnny Jagger and Garrett Bernardo. The girls of Her Campus walked around throughout the show to raise money for each individual. A contestant’s place in the competition was dependent on audience donations as well as the judges decisions.
The event raised approximately $200 for MCEDV. The money was raised through the cover fee and donations from audience members to each contestant.
Jon Swavely took home the Ultimate Campus Cutie title complete with a white sash. Swavely, a third-year finance student, reported that Her Campus and MAAV did a great job putting on the event.
“I’m glad I was able to participate and help donate to a great cause,” Swavely said. “I’m thankful for everyone who came out and donated.
“This is something that should be done in the future,” Swavely added.
Taylor Emhart, the event’s master of ceremonies, is set to take over the campus correspondent position from the graduating correspondents Horgan and Olivia Fournier.
Emhart reported she was excited to put on an event from beginning to end.
“This is my first event,” Emhart said. “It was dramatic [but] smooth overall.
“It was a great way to interact with students,” Emhart added.
Emhart hinted that the Ultimate Campus Cutie even might happen again next year.