In celebration of President Huxman’s incredible legacy and the contagious joy of LovEMU Giving Day, on Monday, March 31, all students, faculty, and staff were encouraged to dress up as the president in hopes of finding her doppelganger. Students, faculty, and staff gathered in the Student Union for the official President Huxman Look-Alike Contest . 

The competition was judged by Huxman and the audience’s cheers on who had the best presentation and impression of President Huxman. The competitors had a chance to go  on stage,showcase their outfit, and give their best impression of Huxman by saying a few words or phrases the president would say herself. 

The winning prize for the competition was a fancy dinner at Huxman’s house, with 3  guests of their choice. The winner also gets 3 LovEMU votes for their favorite club, academic department, and athletic team. 

Tyler Goss, Director for Student Engagement and Leadership Development, hosted the competition. The participants were four EMU faculty members and two students. Faculty members Christina Harman, Celeste Thomas, Hannah Beck, and Nicole Litwiller. Seniors Mana Acosta and Cassidy Williams rounded out the participants with junior Leah Beachy making an appearance as Huxman’s husband, partnering with Acosta and wearing a bald cap to complete the look. 

To begin the event, a painter, portrayed by Goss, brought out a portrait of Huxman that was displayed on stage for the duration of the event.. The participants  then went  on stage to give their showcase and recited their Huxmanisims. All the participants received praise for their impressions of Huxman, but determined by the loud cheers of the audience and  Huxman herself, the winners of the contest were Acosta and Beachy. 

Before voicing her winner, Huxman exclaimed, “It’s spooky because I use all of those words,” and “You all used the correct enunciation and everything.” 

Acosta shared some words after winning the contest: “It really was a royal time, I felt really nervous public speaking but as soon as I was embodying Susan I was just rolling and calming my talk with a slow voice.” Acosta also mentioned her partner Beachy, “it was also fun to have Leah pretend to be Jesse Huxman.” 

The President Huxman Look-Alike Contest was one of many events planned for LovEMU day. Head to page four to view more photos from various LovEMU day events.