Two students will be crowned university royalty during halftime at the homecoming game Saturday against Texas Tech University.
The titles of Mr. and Ms. TCU will be awarded to two of the ten students remaining in the competition. According to the homecoming webpage, the contest is based on a resume, a short essay, a popular vote and an interview process. Student voting concluded on the Oct.15, when the candidate fields were reduced from 10 candidates to five candidates.
The final five candidates for Mr. TCU are Kyle Cochran, Will Hardy, Brian McDermott, Pratik Mehta and Clay York.
The final five contestants for Ms. TCU are Andrea Hein, Alyssa Isaguirre, Hayley Lyddon, Seannie Nahas and Vanessa Norris.
The candidates participated in a Q&A session with TCU 360's Kendall Morris. The questions are in boldface and the answers follow.
Here are the responses from the candidates from Mr. TCU (Placed in alphabetical order):
CANDIDATE #1
Name: Kyle Cochran
Major: Marketing
1) What activities have you been involved in at TCU?
Orientation Student Assistant, Sigma Phi Epsilon- Secretary of Academics, Internal Philanthropy Chair, Chapter Resident Assistant; BNSF Next Generation Leadership Program; Frog Camp Facilitator; Monday at TCU Keynote Speaker; First Year Experience Spring Training Facilitator; Student Government Association- Chief of Staff, Frog Aides, House of Student Representatives
2) Why do you think you should be Mr. TCU?
TCU is a community that fosters the growth of each of its members. By providing opportunities in student organizations, in classes, and in everything in between, TCU encourages its students to find their passion and discover themselves, something from which I have personally benefited. I feel as though I have contributed to this mission by serving as a leader during all my interactions at TCU. Through my roles in Orientation, Frog Camp, SigEp, the business school, and other activities, I have aimed to help students be the best versions of themselves.
3) What do you think the purpose of Mr. TCU is?
Mr. TCU is a way to identify individuals who have made the most of their time within the TCU community. By getting involved in student organizations, working hard in the classroom, and developing relationships that will stay with them for the rest of their lives, the students nominated show all that TCU has to offer. By highlighting the successes that can be had in these areas, hopefully others will be encouraged to maximize their experiences as well, which will do nothing but make TCU a better place.
CANDIDATE #2
Name: Will Hardy
Major: Accounting with a Pre-Med Track
What activities have you been involved in at TCU?
Orientation Executive Director, SGA-Frog Aides Co-Director, Beta Theta Pi – Founding Father and VP of Communications, Resident Assistant Sophomore and Junior year, Alpha Epsilon Delta – VP of Special Events, Chancellors Leadership Program.
Why do you think you should be Mr. TCU?
I'm not exactly sure why I should be Mr. TCU. I like to think that I can be considered Mr. TCU not because of what I have done or positions I have held, but because TCU has done so much to help me develop into the person I am today. The person I am today is because of the opportunities I have been given and people I have met at TCU. I guess I could be considered Mr. TCU because perhaps I am able to represent the great parts about this school and the people here who have changed me for the better out in the global community.
What do you think the purpose of Mr. TCU is?
I think the purpose of Mr. TCU is to identify students who have given time and effort for the betterment of TCU. It also gives all the students on campus a way to honor and support those students who they feel have had an impact on their time at TCU.
CANDIDATE #3
Name: Brian McDermott
Major: Economics
What activities have you been involved in at TCU?
Sigma Phi Epsilon President, Frog Camp Director, Leadership for Life Executive Director
Why do you think you should be Mr. TCU?
* Candidate declined to comment on this question.
What do you think the purpose of Mr. TCU is?
I think the purpose of Mr. TCU is to allow organizations to recognize a member they feel has made a significant contribution to their organization [during] their undergraduate career at TCU.
CANDIDATE #4
Name: Pratik Mehta
Major: Accounting
What activities have you been involved in at TCU?
Resident Assistant, GrandMarc (2011-12),Steering Committee, Chancellors Leadership Program (2011-12),President, Students for Asian Indian Cultural Awareness – SAICA (2011-12), Director, Connections, TCU First Year Experience (2011-12),Facilitator, Frog Camp, TCU First Year Experience (2011-12), Active Member, Omega Delta Phi Fraternity Inc.
Why do you think you should be Mr. TCU?
Since I came here to TCU, I have always tried my level best to experience everything that the university had to offer. I have tried to step outside of my comfort zone every time because I believe that one cannot learn much if one stays inside one’s own comfort bubble. I fell in love with TCU the day I arrived here, and since then I have tried my level best to give back to this TCU community in every way I can and contribute in bettering its excellence. I have been involved in a number of organizations on campus, and I have loved being a part of every single one of them. I try to live by TCU's mission statement everyday and have inculcated a strong passion towards my alma mater. Coming from a different country altogether, my strength lies in my diverse background and different outlook towards things. I am an honest, fun-loving and social person. I cannot explain in words how much I love TCU, but if I were to bleed right now, I'd really bleed purple.
3. What do you think the purpose of Mr. TCU is?
The purpose of Mr. TCU is to set an example for all the students here at TCU. Mr. TCU should be a guy who is not only excelling in academics but also involved in various organizations on campus. Mr. TCU is a guy who makes an effort to know his peers and is always available to help them out or connect them with the right resources on campus. Mr. TCU is a guy who will always look for opportunities to help others grow and develop to their fullest potential. Mr. TCU has a passion and drive to make others see beyond the TCU bubble. He is a leader who knows that leading is not only done from the front, but sometimes it also means getting in the back of the line and letting others take the lead. He should be selfless, dedicated, and committed to TCU's cause.
CANDIDATE #5
Name: Clay Louis Alexander York
Major: Ballet, Modern Dance, and News-Editorial Journalism
What activities have you been involved in at TCU?
TCU Housing and Residence Life- Assistant Hall Director, Resident Assistant; William L. Adams Center for Writing- Peer Tutor; TCU Daily Skiff- Reporter; TCU First Year Experience- Connections Director, Mentor, Orientation Student Assistant, Frog Camp Facilitator; Frogs First Facilitator; Frog Aides; Hall Council/Hall Crew; Residence Hall Association Executive Board; TCU Leaps; Programming Council/The Crew;
Why do you think you should be Mr. TCU?
It is extremely difficult for me to categorize why I should be Mr. TCU. I guess I can say the cliché things about being extremely involved on campus since I have attended the school, loving the university with the entirety of my heart, and striving to embody the mission statement with every action I take. That is all true; however, that doesn’t mean I should win the title. Should is an extremely relative thing. Thus by saying that I should, I am also saying others should not. That inverse relationship troubles me, for I look up to Brian, Pratik, Will and Kyle as students who I feel are extremely qualified to hold the accolade. They too love this school, they too strive for academic excellence, they too work to embody the mission statement and they too are equally involved in the extracurricular life of the university. None of us should win more than others in my mind. What happens happens, and I look forward to seeing the results. I’ll be filled with pride either way because, again, they all are fantastic representatives of the TCU community.
What do you think the purpose of Mr. TCU is?
This is a great question, for I feel a lot of people don’t truly understand the purpose of the accolade and why it’s a big deal. Most people see this as a popularity contest; however, I feel Mr. TCU—even a nomination to be considered for the title—is a reflection of the impact that a male student has had on campus. Being nominated for the honor of Mr. TCU by RHA has been humbling and incredible in itself and has helped me realize me my intention to positively impact the TCU community and every being I come into contact with was at least successful for a microcosm of the university population. I work to carry myself in a manner that would make TCU proud and serve as an example for my fellow Horned Frogs of all demographics. I hope RHA’s warm nomination was indicative of the success of that effort and the impact I have made in my three plus years at the greatest place in the universe. I strive each day to help TCU become an environment where every member of our community feels known, loved and appreciated. As humans, we are intrinsically connected by our desire to give and receive love. I hope to be that source of love and light in as many people’s lives as possible. I feel that I can say that all of the nominees, and especially the finalists, hope to be that source too. It’s amazing and humbling to even be considered for the accolade of Mr. TCU alongside such amazing men of principle, scholarship and heart.
Next, the five candidates for Ms. TCU respond to questions:
CANDIDATE #1
Name: Andrea Hein
Major: Double Speech-Language Pathology and Strategic Communication
What activities have you been involved in at TCU?
Connections Mentor (Awarded Most Dedicated for the Connections Team), Frogs First Leader, Resident Assistant 3 years Samuelson/Carter-served on RA Council one year, Eta Iota Sigma (HIS)- served as Faith Circle Leader, Leadership Scholar Program, Student Foundation, Alpha Omicron Pi Colony Member, TCU LEAPS, NSSHLA, Calling in Action (CIA), Campus Recreation Member Services, Harris College Communication Intern
Why do you think you should be Ms. TCU?
I believe Ms. TCU should embody a person who cares first about others and has repeatedly shown commitment to enhancing the lives of students by being involved on campus and spending time in the TCU community. The winner should be someone who has displayed her passion for the school and its success by repeatedly engaging as part of the community in multiple ways by investing in various aspects of the student experience. It should be someone who has a heart for each student's success and the reputation of the university as a whole.
What do you think the purpose of Ms. TCU is?
Ms. TCU's role is to represent the university and the student body as someone who has upheld the mission statement and served as a student leader for students from any background. This person should be looked up to and respected and should consistently be approachable, honorable and representative of the values held at TCU in all situations. They should be an ambassador for the university as often as possible during their collegiate experience, and continue to be an ethical leader.
CANDIDATE #2
Name: Alyssa Isaguirre
Major: Communication Studies
What activities have you been involved in at TCU?
Gamma Phi Beta Sorority- New Member Educator, Personal and Chapter Enrichment Chairwoman, House Manager; Student Mobilization- President, Leadership Team, Kaleo Discipleship Group Leader; LEAPS- Executive Team Leader Coordinator; Meals on Wheels Volunteer; Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society
Why do you think you should be Ms. TCU?
I am worthy of representing the university through being Ms. TCU because I have a huge heart for our Horned Frog community. My involvement around campus has led to my own personal growth and opened doors to see the world from new perspectives. The most rewarding things I have participated in have been the area in our community that has pushed me towards the highest form of womanhood and developed the leadership qualities I now possess. As a result, I strive to inspire the same growth for other students on campus.
What do you think the purpose of Ms. TCU is?
I believe the purpose of Ms. TCU is to put a personal face on the university. Ms. TCU should represent the ideals and purposes of TCU. Ms. TCU is a woman that represents our Horned Frog community well and applies the university mission statement to her college career and seeks to carry it out into her life after graduation.
CANDIDATE #3
Name: Hayley Lyddon
Major: Psychology
What activities have you involved in at TCU?
Kappa Alpha Theta, Frog Camp Facilitator, Frog Camp Director Board, Student Foundation, Panhellenic Extension Committee
Why do you think you should be Ms. TCU?
I believe that I should be Ms. TCU because I have been very appreciative of everything the university has provided me with. I feel like I could never give back as much as TCU has given me. Every student I have met here has helped me become the person I am today, and I am beyond grateful for that. Having two older siblings who graduated from TCU, I have been able to see what our school really stands for. Throughout my time here I have worked hard to integrate those qualities into my life to challenge myself to become better. Plus, I really, really love TCU!!
What do you think the purpose of Ms. TCU is?
I feel that the purpose of Ms. TCU is to recognize a female senior student that represents the different characteristics that are embedded throughout TCU's campus. This student should exemplify the university's mission statement by encouraging other students to be ethical leaders through personal example.
CANDIDATE #4
Name: Seannie Nahas
Major: Fashion Merchandising Major
What activities have you been involved in at TCU?
TCU Ambassadors, Sigma Kappa Sorority, TCU 360 reporter
Why do you think you should be Ms. TCU?
I think I should be Ms. TCU because I love TCU, and the moral and ethical standards of the university are what I strive to live by day to day!
What do you think the purpose of Ms. TCU is? The purpose of Ms. TCU is to find a representative that the student body finds fit that embodies TCU as a whole.
CANDIDATE #5
Name: Vanessa Norris
Major: Biology, Pre-Med Program
What activities have you been involved in at TCU?
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.– Vice President (2010-present), Frog Camp Director Board & Facilitator- Spain, Summit, Community Service (2011-present), Ambassadors Leadership Team (2011-present), Chancellor's Leadership Program Fellow, Chancellor's Scholar, Clark Scholar, Community Scholar, National Pan-Hellenic Council Executive Board (2010-2011), Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Health Honor Society– Big/Little Mentor, Honors College Cabinet (2010-2011), LEAPS Liaison (2010-2011)
Why do you think you should be Ms. TCU?
I believe I should be Ms. TCU because of my love for the university and my passion for its students and the opportunities available to them. I have made it my mission to be plugged in to the university through involvement and service in various activities, from the First-Year Experience to the Pre-Med program, and through these experiences I have been able to connect to different cultural and social communities on campus. I have also been a resource to prospective students through my work in Ambassadors, and I am able to promote the university in a sincere, positive way. No matter if I'm chosen as Ms. TCU or not, I am honored to be a finalist!
What do you think the purpose of Ms. TCU is?
The purpose of Ms. TCU is to be an example of an exceptional student and to represent the best aspects of the student experience. TCU is full of extraordinary students in various majors and organizations, and so both Mr. and Ms. TCU should be well-rounded to accurately represent those people.
J.D. Moore contributed to this report.