Every year, the sisters of Alpha Chi Omega’s Loyola chapter present a spirited and meaningful event called Mr. AXO. The pageant takes place in the fall semester and is held on campus to ensure many students are able to come. Mr. AXO brings together fraternities, campus organizations, students, faculty and various different male contestants who volunteer to participate.
Each contestant competes in a variety of different categories – including a talent portion and two Q&A segments at the beginning and end of the event. The women of AXO organize and put on the event from start to finish. They recruit contestants, control applications, sell tickets, coordinate a location, set up the stage, run, and judge the show. Meanwhile, other campus organizations and students come to cheer on their peers, making the event both competitive and community-oriented, all making memories along the way.
Mr. AXO is more than just a fun pageant – it is a philanthropy event. Alpha Chi Omega has long raised awareness for domestic violence. This is no different for an event like Mr. AXO. Domestic violence is a huge problem in our society, with 1 in 3 women experiencing domestic violence in their lifetime.
Alpha Chi Omega makes it their mission to raise money for the New Orleans Family Justice Center, while educating the general population about the signs of domestic violence, what they can do to help, and so much more. The Zeta Psi chapter uses this event to highlight the mission of raising funds via ticket sales and donations, and proceeds go towards the New Orleans Family Justice Center. The purpose of the event is to engage and educate students about domestic violence awareness and the things that they can do to help. The event is typically around two hours in the evening.
Mr. AXO opens up with opening remarks, followed by consistent introductions, the first Q&A round, followed by the talent portion, the second Q&A, then finally, the panel votes on the overall winner of the event. While voting, the audience also has the opportunity to pick a fan favorite through a volume vote. The winners of this year’s event were Gerardo Santana, fan favorite, and Jack Roan, Mr. AXO, giving them bragging rights and the satisfaction of knowing that they helped make a difference.
Overall, Mr. AXO is a great balance of fun and philanthropy, and I recommend everyone reading this to attend next year to show your support and enjoy the event.
