What event combines organized dance numbers and the fight to cure breast cancer? Zeta Tau Alpha’s annual philanthropy event, Big Man on Campus, manages to do both.
Big Man on Campus is an all-male pageant run by Zeta that raises money for breast cancer education and awareness. Organizations on campus submit a contestant to represent them in the pageant, raising money against breast cancer while competing for the elusive winning crown. This year’s pageant uses a hybrid method of engagement, with video submissions posted on the @clemsonbigmanoncampus Instagram account and an in-person event in Old Main’s Memorial Auditorium on Oct. 26 at 8 p.m.
Beauty kings have the opportunity to showcase their skills on stage, including organized dance numbers, a Q&A section and an individual talent section. Fans can participate virtually by donating or liking and commenting on the video of their preferred contestant. This is all through the event’s instagram.
The panel of judges consists of Kathleen Swinney and various family members and friends of Zeta Tau Alpha sisters who are breast cancer survivors or are currently undergoing treatment.
Directors Jordan Gal and Erin Feehily say that “1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the US each year and together we fight to make the 1 in 8, none in eight.” The fundraising goal for Big Man on Campus is a whopping $100,000, as they attempt to beat the $92,000 the event raised in 2021.
Proceeds benefit the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation to fund scholarships, educational programing, leadership development and the fight against breast cancer. This also includes partnerships with Bright Pink, the National Football League and the American Cancer Society. Clemson students can support the cause by buying tickets to the event, donating directly using this link https://zta.crowdchange.co/26946 and buying a Big Man on Campus t-shirt where a portion of the proceeds go toward fundraising https://www.b-unlimited.com/collections/clemson-university-zeta-tau-alpha.
Tickets go on sale Oct. 1, but the excitement is already well underway on the @clemsonbigmanoncampus Instagram. Headshots of the men, complete with a rose, teased viewers of the now-released contestant videos.
Alejandro Meka Tejada, Central Spirit’s contestant says, “Participating in Big Man on Campus is such a great way to get involved in something that is outside of my comfort zone, it’s so rewarding to know that so much is being done to fight breast cancer.”
Be sure to keep up with the contestants on the Big Man on Campus Instagram and grab your tickets starting Oct. 1 to support a great cause and see what talent the contestants bring to the stage on Oct. 26.
