MAGNOLIA, Ark.— More than 25 organizations pulled out their Crock Pots Tuesday and prepared for a battle of which student organization would be voted as having the best chili.
During lunch, students, faculty and staff meandered around the plaza of the Donald W. Reynolds Campus and Community Center, trying and sometimes retrying the different chili concoctions just to make sure which one was their favorite. Some took the time to scatter shredded cheese, Fritos or saline crackers on top, others dug right in and quickly declared a winner, but then they visited the next table and making a decision grew more confusing.
In the end, winners selected by an official judging team of Michael Everhart, Michael Priest and Steve Sutton, were the Students Activities Board who won $150, Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority which won $100 and Alpha Gamma Rho which won $50. However, members of Alpha Gamma Rho were the big winners because they picked up an additional $150 for being selected as the People’s Choice, meaning they received the most overall votes. Phi Mu Fraternity won $100 for the best decorated table at the event.
Jennifer Bilbo, a graduate assistant who worked on preparing for the project with others in the office of Student Activities, said each year it is deemed a success.
“People seem to enjoy this every fall and mark their calendars for this event,” said Bilbo of Amity, Ark., who is pursing a master’s degree in library media. “We had quite a good turnout — several organizations ran out of chili today. It is also a good opportunity for organizations to recruit new members.”
Bilbo also mentioned her appreciation for Shalonda McCoy, a coworker in Student Activies, who agreed to judge the tables at the event.
