Phi Mu sorority did not let rain stop its 2003 Man of the Year competition held Thursday night in the Union Theatre. Emcee Aaron LaRose, last year’s Man of the Year, kicked off the event by introducing the 16 LSU contestants.
Contestant Scott Dunbar introduced himself with his phone number, “in case anyone was wondering.”
The contestants competed in the talent portion first, showing the audience the variety of their skills. John Eustis, who wore a bee outfit, was the first to perform in the talent portion. He danced around stage to a Blind Melon tune.
Justin Sylvester performed the LSU fight song on his drums and made the audience cheer. Danny Rockwell rounded out the talent portion singing “Piano Man” with his guitar and harmonica, inducing the audience to sing the last verse in unison.
The Golden Girls performed a dance routine from “Rent” during intermission. The guys vowed to outdo them with a dance routine of their own.
      After intermission, contestants returned to the stage in formal wear for the top 10 to be announced. Then, each top 10 contestant was asked one question.
Most of the contestants made a laughing matter of the questions, but two answered them sincerely.
While the judges tallied the votes, the guys came out for one last performance — they strutted their stuff on the cat-walk to “I’m Too Sexy.”
Afterward, LaRose returned to the stage to announce the winner, runners-up and people’s choice.
Dave Ancar received the People’s Choice award for his inspiring dance and song performance. Steven Scales received second runner-up and Scott Sutton received first runner-up.
Emcee LaRose teased the audience as they patiently waited for him to announce the Man of the Year.
“And the 2003 Phi Mu Man of the Year is Danny Rockwell!” LaRose said.
“It was completely unexpected, but I was very happy to win the award and help the children,” Rockwell said after being crowned.
Audience members showed support and enthusiasm for the competition.
“I loved it,” said Ashley Collins, an education freshman and Delta Zeta member. Collins said her favorite part was the talent portion.
Veronica Ricca, a pre-nursing freshman, said her favorite part was the talent portion because it was so funny.
Phi Mu has been able to raise over $15,000 locally and $5,000 nationally for the Children’s Miracle Network through the Man of the Year benefit, LaRose said.
Emily Richardson, chairperson of the event, said it took her about three months to put the entire event together.