Law school faculty sings karaoke for student scholarship money

For Law Professor David Snyder, Wednesday was a little bit different than a normal lecture. Snyder donned a green wig and a pink tye-dye shirt in the Moot Court Room as he belted out "Uptown Girl," dancing and bobbing his head back and forth like a rock star in front of hundreds of law school students, staff and faculty.\n"I had a good time," Snyder said. "It was a memorable experience. I think the audience will also find it virtually unforgettable. I guess, let's just say, I can't sing." \nThe Public Interest Law Foundation of the IU School of Law raised over $10,000 as students donated money to the "Singing for Summer Salaries" fundraiser over the last two weeks. The drive raised money for students interested in obtaining fellowships in public interest law. IU also agreed to match any amount PILF raised. \n"We especially appreciate the faculty's support," said Tim Barteau, PILF's outgoing president. "We couldn't have done it without them." \nStudents had two weeks to raise money toward having their favorite professor sing karaoke, and yesterday was the culmination of the fundraiser as students, professors and faculty packed the Law School's Moot Court Room to continuously bid on the top five remaining professors. At that point, the attendants had 45 minutes to make last second bids on their choice of professor who would make an impromptu karaoke performance.\nThe choice for the winner literally came down to the final moments, as those in attendance dug deep into their pockets in hopes of getting to see their favorite faculty member make an absolute fool of themselves.\nEntering the final round, five faculty members received bid money, and that number soon was cut to three. Law professors Gene Shreve, Luis E. Fuentes-Rohwer and Snyder raised $392, $630 and $792 respectively. Once this cut was made, attendants had 15 minutes to place any last-minute bids to see the professor of their choice sing.\nA last-minute $100 check was left up to the crowd's applause to decide which professor's fund would receive it. The crowd cheered loudest for third place Shreve, ensuring Snyder would take the stage for the karaoke. All in all, the event raised over $10,000 between all the contestants.\nSnyder took the stage and the crowd's applause voted Billy Joel's "Uptown Girl" over the Beatles' "Twist and Shout."\n"I wasn't really given the chance to review it, that would have been a good thing," Snyder said. "(Not knowing the lyrics) wouldn't begin to describe what I did wrong. I had never done karaoke before, and it was a little hard to tell when words were supposed to be sung."\nThe crowd laughed thunderously throughout the performance, and even joined in for parts of the song. The crowd showed its appreciation by giving Snyder a standing ovation when the performance had completed.\nAfter the first song, Francis-Rohwer, the second place finisher, surprised the crowd with a duet with Snyder on "The Eye of the Tiger," the popular theme from the movie "Rocky." After the two received another standing ovation, Michigan alumnus Francis-Rohwer burst out with the Wolverines fight song, which was met by a chorus of boos.\nIncoming PILF President Anne Tucker said the event was a success.\n"We appreciate everyone's support in helping us reach our goal of funding of approximately 15 students in obtaining public interest positions," Tucker said.\nSnyder said, despite his singing difficulties, he was glad to have participated.\n"It was definitely worthwhile," Snyder said. "It was a fun time and it was for a good cause"