Life + Arts

UH crowns big man on campus

Some of the University’s most talented men showed off their skills, looks and prowess as they competed for the title of Mr. UH on Friday in the University Center Houston Room.

The Mr. UH competition challenged participants to prove themselves worthy of the title, as they tried to win over the crowd with a swimsuit contest, a talent show and a formal wear section.

All proceeds from ticket sales went toward the charity of the winner’s choosing.

Vivian Hernandez, the video director for Mr. UH, said that much effort was geared toward making this a yearly event.

“We want to make it a tradition, like Frontier Fiesta,” Hernandez said. “It’s a fun event. We want to have it be something students can go to and represent Cougar pride.”

Accounting sophomore Ross Coburn was named Mr. UH, winning $1821.71 for the charity Invisible Children, an organization which raises awareness against the use of child soldiers in central Africa.

“Now I know what Case Keenum feels like on a daily basis,” Coburn said in an e-mail.

Coburn said that he reluctantly joined after being pushed by his friends to participate.

“The competition was a blast,” Coburn said. “I’m so glad the Mr. UH board was able to make this event so incredibly successful.

“I look forward to seeing what they can do next year since they were able to build this from nothing and now they have a name for themselves.”

Another Mr. UH contestant, James Okpamen, joined after he was sponsored by the Nigerian Student Association.

Competing for his chosen charity, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, the biology sophomore said the event was well put together and that he was fortunate to have the privilege of participating.

“I joined the Mr. UH Competition because I feel like I have invested a lot of humanitarian hours into the University and still plan on impacting UH,” Okpamen said in an email.

Michael Cho, a hotel and restaurant management sophomore, was an audience member at the event. He said that he enjoyed seeing everything for the first time.

“It’s kind of funny, and you get to see new talent, see new stuff,” Cho said. “It’s good entertainment.”

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