It’s not about the face that breaks the most mirrors on campus, or students who have really low self-esteem.
The “Ugly Man” on campus at MSU is cancer - and the purpose of the Ugly Man on Campus contest, sponsored by Alpha Phi Omega and Modern Skate and Surf, is to beat him.
The annual contest, which began Monday and ends tonight, hopes to raise as much as $1,000 for the American Cancer Society.
Nine contestants paid a $25 entry fee to have their faces posted on brightly colored buckets, each to collect as much pocket change and donations from passersby as possible.
Members of Alpha Phi Omega set up tables with the buckets daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Union, the International Center and outside of Bessey Hall. The sorority members also go to different residence halls each night.
Alpha Phi Omega member Liz Sands said the contest was going well so far.
“A lot of people have been really open and come to talk to us and participate,” said Sands, an elementary education freshman.
“Some of the participants have been doing this for several years hoping they’ll win.”
The winner - or the face that collects the most money - will have the entire donation to the American Cancer Society made in their name.
Area businesses have also donated gift certificates to participants.
Biosystems engineering Professor Bradley Marks allowed his students, members of the Society for Engineering and Agricultural, Food and Biological Engineering, to enter him in the contest.
“This is an honor,” Marks said. “It’s for a good cause, and I was certainly willing to help.”
The Ugly Man on Campus contest has been around for at least 30 years, and takes place at college campuses around the nation.
Surtida Bhandari was entered in the contest by the Campbell Hall government.
“They think I’m someone people would know and thought it would be funny,” said Bhandari, the complex director for Campbell and Mayo halls.
Bhandari said she would consider entering the contest again next year as well.
“I think it’s great to help out for an organization like (the American Cancer Society),” she said.
“If I can help by being in the Ugly Man on Campus contest, why not? My self-esteem can take it.”
