Charlsie Fowler was named Miss K-State in an auditorium filled with laughter, friends and family gathered to celebrate the strong and diverse women and organizations that Kansas State has to offer.
The women — who represented a variety of organizations — showed their Wildcat pride, special talents, demonstrated why they have chosen their career paths and answered questions as to how they will make an impact here at Kansas State.
“Tonight is about bringing everyone together no matter what organization they are apart of,” Kurt Winter, vice president of philanthropy for Delta Upsilon fraternity and junior in chemical engineering, said.
The message of diversity and inclusion was echoed by many of the participants, particularly Fowler, Union Program Council representative and senior in apparel and textile design, who was crowned Miss K-State.
Fowler said her goal in participating in Miss K-State was to inspire other K-State students.
In addition to inspiring K-State students with an event focused on celebrating strong and diverse women, it was also designed to support the Global Service Initiative. The initiative, which is Delta Upsilon’s philanthropy, is meant to raise money for school construction as well as home building for underprivileged people living in Jamaica.
Bernard Franklin, special assistant to the president and alumnus of Delta Upsilon, said he is a strong supporter of the work being carried out by the fraternity.
“The global service initiative is a very important thing to the men of Delta Upsilon,” Franklin said. “It is our desire to give to those who are most deserving and it is great that we can serve our world in an area that desperately needs us.”
Addy Potter, junior in animal sciences and industry, said she thought the event represented a kind of campus-wide unity.
“I thought it was really awesome, and I liked seeing all of the interaction and getting all of the organizations together,” Potter said.
Second runner-up Jillian Borel, KSU Marching Band representative and junior in elementary education, said the experience was very positive.
“Participating was really nerve-wracking and totally out of my comfort zone, but I had a lot of fun,” Borel said.
After crowning Fowler Miss K-State, Bill Snyder addressed the participants of the pageant.
“You are all beautiful and talented, and I thank you for what you do on campus,” Snyder said. “It boils down to what I believe, you all work diligently to help others because K-State is about people who care about people.”
