Students, faculty, staff and family filled the IU Auditorium Friday to watch as contestants from 22 fraternities and organizations competed for the title of “Big Man on Campus” at the annual Big Man on Campus talent show.
“We have so many successful philanthropies on campus, and people really put their heart into what they do,” said Patrick Snell, a junior contestant representing IU’s Delta Upsilon chapter. “It showed last night.”
Organized by IU’s Zeta Tau Alpha chapter, the charity event seeks to end the fight against breast cancer by promoting greater awareness about the disease on campus while raising funds to facilitate research for a cure.
The show featured an assortment of individual, partner and group performances, many of which were inspired by Justin Bieber.
“All of the men participating are competing on talent, involvement and their fundraising efforts,” Liz Grote, the chapter’s co-philanthropy chair said.
Grote said the Big Man on Campus contestants provide a source of inspiration for the chapter and the community as a whole.
“As we got to know each of the men better and better throughout this process, we continued to be amazed by their talent and generosity in participating in BMOC and helping this cause,” Grote said. “They are truly the biggest difference in the show and as always, we are so lucky to have them.”
While the spotlight may have been on the boys, Grote said the event’s success would not have been possible without the behind-the-scenes efforts of the women of Zeta.
“Every day, they never cease to amaze me with inspirational stories, ideas or just the willingness to go above and beyond to benefit such a great cause,” Grote said. “Seeing college-aged women working together to change something in the future has been so humbling, and I am so thankful to be a part of this organization.”
Representing IU’s Phi Sigma Kappa chapter, Matt Vallortigara and Quintin Hunkin were named 2015’s Big Men on Campus.
Vallortigara and Hunkin were also this year’s highest philanthropic contributors, raising $12,785.
In total, the event raised $223,285.35 in donations to be divided between a variety of organizations, including Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation’s Think Pink and the NFL Pink Ribbon Project.
The chapter will also put a portion of the proceeds toward facilitating the research of a select doctor from the IU Medical Center.
“This year, we chose Dr. Hari Naksshatri,” Grote said. “Dr. Hari will be conducting research on an early detection tool for women who do not have a family history of breast cancer.”
The event also featured live performances from InMotion and Another Round, as well as an online silent auction.
Grote said she and her co-philanthropy chair, Lauren Skertich, are deeply moved by the hard work and generosity from everyone involved in making this year’s BMOC a reality.
“We just want to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for supporting us in our fight against breast cancer,” Grote said. “The disease has touched too many people, and it’s amazing to say that with everyone’s help we were able to do something to make a difference.”
