Club & Greek

Theta Xi Raises Major Bucks for Philanthropic Causes

“Miss Monmouth” Brings in over $2,500 for Multiple Sclerosis and Habitat for Humanity


Theta Xi fraternity held their annual “Miss Monmouth” competition Monday, March 30, in Pollak Theater. The $2,568 raised from event went towards the fraternity’s philanthropies, multiple sclerosis and Habitat for Humanity.

The “Miss Monmouth” event is beauty pageant of University women from all types of organizations. Anthony DeFede of Theta Xi and Alessandra Buonincontri of Phi Sigma Sigma (PhiSig) hosted the event, with Theta Xi’s Jonathan Baron as DJ. The judges were Dylan Riley of Sigma Pi (SigPi), Jennifer Carter of Delta Phi Epsilon (DPhiE), Yazan Souso of Theta Xi, Matt Miller of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) and Frank Digangi of Tau Delta Phi (TDPhi).

James Pipitone, “Miss Monmouth” Committee Chairman for Theta Xi, planned the entire event. “We plan for this event by coordinating with the school for a location, microphones and tables,” Pipitone said. “We ask each Greek organization and anyone outside of Greek life to participate.”

Jon Buchalski, Assistant Director of Student Activities for Fraternity and Sorority Life, had high expectations of the event, “I would like it to be appropriate, entertaining and for it to be exciting fun for everybody.”

The show started off with the contestants coming out in their casual attire, escorted by brothers of Theta Xi, followed by a formal round, and lastly a bathing suit round. Each round also contained a series of questions for each contestant. The questions included everything from what their dream date would be to what made them the angriest. Jessica Kuck, a sister of Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA) and a University dance team member, was asked what she would tell her 8-year old self. Kuck responded, “I would tell myself not to eat that cookie.”

The night included a few surprises from contestants. Jennifer Daughtery of Alpha Omicron Pi (AOPi) and the University cheerleading squad performed a back handspring on stage as the crowd cheered. PhiSig sister Nicole DeSarno took a different spin on the bathing suit round when she came out with a wetsuit and boogie board.

The show even included a half time performance. Anthony Acurso and Adam Powers of Theta Xi performed a Red Hot Chili Peppers rendition on their guitars The audience seemed to really enjoy it.  DPhiE sister Bethany Pacifico said, “I thought they did a really good job! I was impressed.”

Anna Caruso of ZTA won the title of “Miss Monmouth,” with DPhiE’s Kelly Loebs in second place, and ZTA’s Jessica Kuck in third.