By Alyssa Grogan '15
Hundreds of people packed into the Maloney Great Room to see the highly anticipated "Mr. Siena" show. The annual mock beauty pageant starring select Siena students raises money for Habitat for Humanity, an international organization that works towards providing affordable housing to those who need it.
Ten men representing each of Siena's classes competed in three different categories in hopes of winning the "Mr. Siena" crown. In the first portion of the show, called "Habitat Wear," each contestant creatively demonstrated how Habitat for Humanity builds homes for those who can not afford housing. Hosts Fr. Dennis Tamburello '75, O.F.M., Ph.D.and last year's "Mr. Siena" Tim Quinn '12 kept the crowd entertained and the show moving as the contestants completed the talent and formal wear portions of the show. Throughout these performances, the contestants were given the chance to show off their outgoing personalities in hopes of convincing the panel of judges that they should be "Mr. Siena 2012."
“It was an entertaining way for guys to ‘strut their stuff’ while showing school spirit,” said Abigail Schimelpfenig '15. People in the audience laughed and cheered for their fellow classmates as they performed elaborate dance routines and comedy sketches or sang classic pop songs and contemporary country hits.
While they had fun performing, the contestants were also excited to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. “I saw an opportunity to do service,” said Leyvon Washington '14. “What better way to do that than through talent?”
Habitat has built more than 500,000 homes for more than two million people worldwide. The organization was founded in 1976 and has been helping low-income families find affordable housing ever since. During this year's spring break, Siena College students will be making five trips to different Habitat for Humanity sites. “It’s a great cause for great people,” said contestant Mike Silk '15.
When the acts were over, the judges tallied up points and crowned Ryan Murphy '14 "Mr. Siena 2012." His favorite part about participating was the amount of fun he had with the other contestants. “The ten of us became one giant family," Murphy said. “The experience was truly once in a lifetime.”
All of the contestants enjoyed being together on stage and “goofing off” while at the same time, raising money for a good cause.
