News Summary
The Mr. University pageant at the University of Mississippi concluded with Garrett Holland winning the title. The event fostered community spirit and raised funds for local charity, Grove Grocery, showcasing a blend of talent, beauty, and philanthropy among contestants. Holland expressed joy in representing his university, while fellow contestants impressed audiences with their talents and initiatives, emphasizing the event’s focus on community support.
Garrett Holland Takes Home the Crown at Mr. University Event in Oxford
Oxford, Mississippi – What a night it was at the University of Mississippi on March 20, as the highly anticipated Mr. University pageant returned to scoop up hearts, laughter, and funds for a worthwhile cause! The excitement was palpable in the air, and the crowd was buzzing with energy as students gathered to support their favorites among the ten contestants vying for the coveted title.
Meet the Crowned Champion
Garrett Holland, a bright-eyed senior accounting major hailing from the bustling town of Brentwood, Tennessee, was the shining star of the evening. The pride of the Rebels, Holland, took home the title of the third Mr. University, much to the surprise and delight of all in attendance. The moment was truly magical as Holland expressed his pure joy about winning, reminiscing about how it feels to represent such a lively and spirited university.
More Than Just a Crown
In addition to being crowned Mr. University, Holland also snagged the title of Mr. Know-It-All. He earned this accolade by scoring the highest points during the grueling interview portion of the competition. Talk about brainpower combined with charm!
Talent Takes Center Stage
Not to be outdone, Rob Embry, a senior majoring in computer science from Madison, Mississippi, wowed the crowd by performing a stunning cover of “Feeling Good,” earning the title of Mr. Talent. His voice filled the auditorium, leaving people cheering and clapping for more! The talent pool didn’t stop there; Byron Swetman, another senior computer science major from Latimer, Mississippi, was deemed Mr. Congeniality. His warm personality and charming first impression simply won over the judges.
Giving Back to the Community
When it comes to philanthropy, Downing Koestler, a senior mechanical engineering major from Oxford, showcased his heart of gold by becoming Mr. Philanthropy. His efforts in collecting the most canned goods from the audience to benefit Grove Grocery, the university’s free food pantry, truly emphasized the night’s mission of community support and outreach.
A Night of Glamour and Community Spirit
As the evening began, contestants strutted their stuff in a formal wear round, each one more dapper than the last, winning cheers and applause from friends and supporters. The event was graciously emceed by Mackenzie Cox, Miss University and a junior public policy leadership and marketing communications double major, alongside Jakota White, Mr. Ole Miss and a senior integrated marketing communications major. These two kept the momentum going with their charisma and charm!
A New Chapter in Tradition
One of the foundational figures behind bringing back the Mr. University event after a year of absence was Jack Walker, the senior class president. The dedication shown by Walker and his fellow senior class officers, Kam Holt and Phoebe Gremaud, set the stage for a night to remember. Gathering friends and family together for this farewell event before commencement was a bittersweet and heartwarming experience for many, highlighting the strong ties forged during university life.
Judging the Contestants
The panel of judges took on the daunting task of evaluating the delightful, talented contestants. With a collective experience in pageantry and performance, judges Natasha Jeter, Trimiesha Joyner, and Jordain Hamill complimented the creativity and enthusiasm exhibited throughout the competition. For everyone involved, the event was much more than a contest; it was an opportunity to unite students from diverse backgrounds and support a noble cause.
Fundraising for a Noble Cause
Raising funds wasn’t just confined to ticket sales; the generosity of the audience brought in a bounty of canned donations for Grove Grocery. The event showcased that beauty and talent could indeed go hand in hand with charitable acts.
Looking Ahead
In his closing remarks, Holland passionately highlighted the essence of community and representation at the University of Mississippi. With hearts full of joy and a focus on helping those in need, the Mr. University event proved that there’s always room for laughter, unity, and support within the Ole Miss community.
With the crown now resting on Holland’s head, his journey as Mr. University is set to inspire many as he continues to spread joy and serve his fellow students!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mr. University Contest Returns to Ole Miss in Oxford
Additional Resources
- The Daily Mississippian: Ford Center Gets Glamorous
- Wikipedia: University of Mississippi
- The Daily Mississippian: Jakota White Elected Mr. Ole Miss
- Google Search: Mr. University Ole Miss
- Meridian Star: Northeast High Grad Elected Mr. Ole Miss
- Google Scholar: Mr. University
- The Daily Mississippian: Meet Your 2024 Homecoming Candidates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homecoming
- The Daily Mississippian: Mr. University Men Take Their Turn on Stage
- Google News: Mr. University Event
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
