Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Pierre/FIUSM Staff
By Jeffrey Pierre / Staff Writer
While the world had their eyes fixed on the U.S. Century Bank Arena for the Miss Universe Pageant, the University hosted its own students for the Miss and Mr. FIU Scholarship Pageant.
On Saturday, the day before the Miss Universe pageant, eight women and and eight men showcased their talents and finesse at the Biscayne Bay Campus’ Mary Ann Wolfe Theatre. Torya Whittaker, a sophomore broadcast media major, won Miss FIU; and Michael Cabral, a senior majoring in management information systems, was crowned Mr. FIU.
Whittaker received a $1500 scholarship and Cabral received a $500 scholarship. Miss FIU is part of the Miss America organization and will go on to participate in future events and competitions. Louis Macias, the assistant director for the Multicultural Programs and Service office and executive director for Mr. and Miss FIU says this is the first year the Mr. FIU winner received a scholarship.
“We want to try and grow as an organization,” said Macias, the first time executive director. “We’re hoping that it gains popularity.”
The Miss Universe Pageant attracted negative attention— from the community, students and faculty— for spending University money for what many are calling crass use of funds. Macias says the Mr. and Miss FIU competition is, however, an empowering experience based on the “well-roundedness” of students contestants.
“Physical beauty is heavily weighted with the Miss USA [pageant],” Macias said. He adds that the talent and interview portion hold more weight than lifestyle and fitness. “That says something about what’s valued.”
The contestants agree.
Yeferson Acosta, a senior majoring in psychology, says he entered the competition to connect and build with new people. Acosta, who is involved with Baptist Collegiate Ministry on campus, says he wants to encourage students to be more proactive during their college years.
“It’s a bit intimidating for students to get involved,” Acosta said. Acosta was one of the founding members of BCM at FIU, and helped the organization grow to 115 members. He says personal engagement can help break the ice for shy or unengaged students. “Personal invitation is much better than social media. [Social Media] is important too, but personal invitations will always get students to join organizations and becoming active on campus.”
Macias said each contestant, like Acosta, had character and aspirations, but in choosing a winner, they looked for the most “dynamic” individual who could “think on their feet.”
In March, the University will host their annual Torch Awards where Miss FIU will be greeting donors and working directly with the University president Mark B. Rosenberg. In June, Miss FIU will go on to represent the University in Miss Florida.
“We needed someone who is ready for all that,” Macias said.
jeffrey.pierre@fiusm.com
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