Gateway

Issue date: 4/28/09 Section: Entertainment

Timothy Gaskin (left) introduces Nikki Ivey (second from left) for the evening wear portion at the Mr. and Miss UNO Talent show. Contestants competed in several categories including business wear, swimsuit, talent and a question portion. (Courtesy of Shukura Huggins) [Click to enlarge]

Sophomore Jimmie Pinkham played "Rusty Old Boat" by Paul Gilbert. Pinkham won Mr. UNO (Courtesy of Erin Cron.) [Click to enlarge]

It was that time of the year again for students to have the chance to show off their talents and compete for the Mr. and Miss UNO Talent show.

Several students walked away with new titles on Friday. Passion Johnson won Miss UNO while Jimmie Pinkham took Mr. UNO. Johnson sang while Pinkham played guitar for the show.

Brittany Thompson and Gateway writer Jared Spence were named runners-up. Nikki Ivey, Israel Pommels and Josh Buda also competed in the talent show while Goodrich Scholar Timothy Gaskin hosted the event.

"I was a little hesitant and nervous about competing at first, but once I got there on Friday all of my nerves turned to excitement," Spence said. "I am really glad that I made the decision to participate in the contest. It was really great to get up on stage in front of everyone and just have fun."

The contest was open to all UNO students.

Johnson and Pinkham, in addition to winning Mr. and Miss UNO, won a free limousine ride and dinner for two at Spaghetti Works in downtown Omaha.

Mona Lisa King-Ward, staff secretary II in the UNO Multicultural Affairs office, said this event was a chance for students to come together, socialize and network.

"The purpose of holding an event like this is to get students of different cultural backgrounds and other organizations to participate and showcase their talent, meet new and interesting people, provide kinship between students and make lasting friendships," King-Ward said.

Every year, the UNO National Council for Negro Women, Inc. along with the Multicultural Affairs Office, hosts its annual Mr. and Miss UNO Talent show where students sign up and compete to see who best represent the university.

The talent show included prizes from event sponsors Shamrock Limo, Jimmy Johns, Olive Garden, Rave Theater at Westroads mall and Hy-Vee.

Proceeds from the event are going towards the National Council of Negro Women's 10-year anniversary celebration on Nov. 6.

"Our events also are fundraising events to provide funds for our 10 year Anniversary Heritage Ball and our community service projects," King-Ward said. "For example, Adopt a Family at Christmas provides snacks at tutoring for Elementary students, Lil Brothers Friends of the Elderly, Mother's Day baskets and other community events."



Entertainment Editor Andrea Barbe contributed to this report.

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