Jay Stephens ’13: THE Big Man on Campus

Every year Zeta Tau Alpha hosts the biggest Greek event on campus, Big Man on Campus. Big Man on Campus, also known simply as BMOC, is a philanthropy event benefitting breast cancer awareness and education. This year, over thirty fraternity men participated in Breaststroke 4 Hope, skip-a-meals, a date auction, a runway walk at the Neon Cactus, and various other activities for BMOC. All of the activities accumulate points for the men. Finally, the night of the show arrives.

At the Big Man on Campus pageant, the men have three minutes to wow the crowd with a performance of their choice. When the night ends, the points and money raised are all tallied up and a winner is crowned. This year’s winner of Big Man on Campus is Delta Upsilon’s Jay Stephens.

Name: Jay Stephens
Year: Junior
Major: Political Science/ Mass Communication
Hometown: Gainesville, Georgia
Activities: Pre-Law Society President, National Society of Leadership, Delta Upsilon Fraternity
Interests: Writing Music, Performing, Working Out
Relationship Status: Single
 
HC: Congratulations on being crowned Zeta Tau Alpha’s 2012 Big Man on Campus! How does it feel to be BMOC?
JS: It feels absolutely incredible. I’ve dreamt of being a part of BMOC since my freshman year here at Purdue, so just having the opportunity to be a contestant was an honor. But actually being crowned this year’s BMOC is probably the best feeling I have ever had.
 
HC: What did you do for your talent in the Big Man on Campus pageant?
JS: I sang an acoustic version of Coldplay’s “Fix You,” along with a hip hop dance and step routine.
 
HC: What made you decide to be Delta Upsilon’s contestant for BMOC?
JS: I wanted to become Delta Upsilon’s contestant because I wanted to help in any way possible to rebuild our house. I am extremely dedicated to anything I am a part of, and I knew that if given the opportunity to represent my fraternity, I would give it 100 percent.
 
HC: What was your favorite part of participating in BMOC?
JS: Having the opportunity to meet all the contestants was definitely my favorite part; the time that we all spent together during the skip-a-meals and preparing for our performances allowed us to bond. I have built some great friendships with the other contestants, and we will definitely stay in touch.
 
HC: What is one thing about you that people find surprising?
JS: Probably that I love to perform and write music. It has been a passion of mine since childhood, but most people that know me now would have never guessed.
 
HC: If you could have any superpower what would it be? Why?
JS: It would be awesome to have the superpower of making dreams come true. There are so many talented people out there who just need one opportunity to show the world their skills, but never get the opportunity. If I had the opportunity to somehow make those individuals known to the right people, the world could be changed forever.
 
HC: What would be your ideal date?
JS: My ideal date would probably be with someone who knows nothing about what I’ve accomplished or isn’t too busy staring at my arms while I’m trying to have a conversation with them. They would be more interested in knowing who I am internally rather than what they can already see on the outside.