For those of you who do not know, George Mason’s Zeta Tau Alpha put on their annual fundraiser for breast cancer awareness on October 16th. The Big Man on Campus (BMOC) fundraiser is a beauty pagent for the guys of GMU, where they strut their stuff on stage and raise money for a cause. I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. BMOC 2013 and Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s eminent archon (president), Matt Crush, on winning the title and what it means to him.
Her Campus: What made you want participate in BMOC?
Matt Crush: I didn’t really consider participating in BMOC. I have a really busy schedule lately and had to think about it. But then one of my close friends in Zeta contacted me to run for it, and that’s when I decided to do it. I was nervous at first because I was out of my comfort zone. But my grandmother died of cancer, and I knew this was a good cause. So, when I started raising the funds and doing stuff for the benefit, it made me want to give it a shot. Also, the new experience was great.
HC: Were you nervous at all during your performance?
MC: Absolutely! My biggest fears came out when I sang. I chose the song the night before and wasn’t totally sure about the lyrics. I haven’t done any singing on stage since high school, so I was pretty nervous.
HC: You could have fooled us, Matt! He graced the audience and judges with a stellar performance of Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love.
HC: What prompted the song choice?
MC: Elvis is a legend first of all, but also, the song fit my voice well. Originally, I was going to sing Sway by Dean Martin. The night before when I was practicing, I enjoyed it, but didn’t think it was me as much as the other one.
HC: So you’re more of an Elvis guy?
MC: I’m more of an Elvis guy.
HC: How does it feel to be crowned Mr. BMOC?
MC: It feels great! During the contest, they asked me what it meant to me. To be the representative for this year for the organization, and the fact that I was able to raise nearly $1600, feels amazing.
HC: What is your advice to GMU students to help raise awareness, not only for breast cancer, but also for other diseases?
MC: I found that it was a lot easier than I thought it would be because no one is willing to say no to a worthy cause. Stan Heaney, my big brother, was in BMOC last year, and everyone would donate to him. But my strategy was different. I would say, “Hey do you have $20 for breast cancer awareness?” Some people would decline, but offer what they could afford. Ask for what you want and for what the cause deserves, and people will respond in turn.
HC: Well said, Matt!
HC: Is there anything else you want GMU to know about your experience during BMOC?
MC: I would encourage more people to participate in the BMOC pageant because I met a lot of great people though this. I not only made great connections, but friends. We were goof balls on stage, and it’s a different roll guys get to play. It’s a good time for a worthy cause, and I recommend as many guys participate as possible!