Big Man on Campus raises more than $24,000

The Theta Phi Alpha sorority at Trine University raised $24,347.18 for the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer at this year’s Big Man on Campus (BMOC) event.

Madison Clutinger, BMOC chair for Theta Phi Alpha, said she was very thrilled with the outcome of the event.

“My sisters helped me out tremendously. I couldn’t do it without their help,” said Clutinger. “There is a lot of planning, scheduling and managing the boys that had to be done and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help of everyone in the sorority.”

Caleb Kruse, a mechanical engineering major from Auburn, Indiana, representing the Christian Campus House, was crowned Big Man on Campus, while Lance Williamson, a civil engineering major from Decatur, Indiana, representing Student Government, was awarded Mr. Pink Ribbon, the contestant chosen by the other competitors for showing the most enthusiasm and sportsmanship during BMOC week.

Contestants were scored by money earned through Penny Wars, War Night and the Big Man on Campus pageant, held Feb. 18 in the T. Furth Center for Performing Arts.

For Penny Wars, each contestant decorated a jug and tried to get it filled with as much money as possible. During War Night, the men’s skills get put to the test in multiple aspects such as makeovers on their coaches, obstacle course with high heels and tug of war with their organization. Pageant Night included talent, What BMOC Means to Me, pick-up line, dress like your hero, and Q&A.

Lynda Houk, executive director for the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer, shared about the foundation during the pageant.

This year’s guest speaker was Sasha Williamson, mother of Theta Phi’s Lily Williamson. Sasha shared about her struggle with breast cancer and how she overcame the disease.

“I have been working on this event for the past eight months, so seeing it all come to life is amazing,” said Clutinger.

In total, Theta Phi Alpha has raised $82,551.10 for the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer since 2015.

“In my nearly five years of being involved with Theta Phi Alpha’s Big Man on Campus event, this year’s event was by far the most impactful for me,” said Clare Danner, director of student leadership at Trine and Theta Phi Alpha alumna. “I am so proud of all 10 of the contestants’ performances and the tireless work the Theta Phi Alpha women put into this event. It is absolutely incredible to say that a Trine student organization was able to raise over $24,000 for the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer. BMOC 2022 made me so proud to be both a Trine and Theta Phi Alpha alumna!”