Oregon State University - Beaver Yearbook (Corvallis, OR)

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audience before introducing the next performer. Photo by Justine Rykken Above middle: Ms. Mercedes Platinum, a perfect example of makeup magic, performs for a devil in the audience. Above right: Sporting the perfect way to top any performer Appleonia Peach List, continues on her dramatic dance. Photos by Justine Rykken Above: Ms. Vegas Beyoncc performs towards the end of the drag show. Her exhibition was a spotlighted song and dance finale. Photo by Justine Rykken

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draa Z c (j a , ( ( ( c h t c a Zenyexlcocry-onc o 'Sco e (oo Zlfro n a new je sftec wo Both men anti women participated in the Rainbow Continuum’s fourth annual Drag Competition in the MU Ballroom on Oct. 28. A mere SI2 could get a person a Friday night that included glitter, glam ami gender. Before the show, the chairs filled up with a chattering, excited audience. Cameras were readied, places were taken, and shocks were in store for the evening. Drag queens were walking around talking with friends, family and new people while the audience waited for the show to start. It was a great opener of what to expect. Senior l.uke Sugie, also known as I.ucilla, was the co-director of the Rainbow Continuum and the former 2003 and 2004 queen. She and Mona, another former queen, honored their memories by hosting this years Drag Competition. A lot of preparation went into the show. The performers had to find clothes that tit and were glamorous while learning the aura of being a woman. Dan Nguyen (Riki) commented that it took four weeks for the trans- formation from masculinity to femininity to become complete. “We have to walk the walk and talk the talk which doesn’t come easily,” he said. l;or the show, it only took about three hours to prepare everybody in their makeup ami costumes for their skits. latcilla and Mona introduced each performer with funny wit and creative outfits, spotlighting the great shows and shocks. Seven people competed on stage for the king and queen of the show. Fach danced and played out their act to the top dance music of the 1990s ami 2005. The crowd responded positively. Dollar bills were flying, a nice tip especially for those that were performing for their first time this year! The king and queen were chosen after each performer presented two separate routines. During intermission, the audience voted on their favorite male and female drag performer. The show then went on to provide more entertaining, somewhat scandalous exhibitions before the crowning. More skin was revealed, a total eye opener for the audience! Towards the end of the night, each vote was taken into account ami totaled to reveal the audience’s love for the 2005 Drag Competition king and queen: Brock and Lady Rcmcdios! What a night students could have for only SI2! Since the Drag Competition was a success, the Rainbow Continuum planned to host a spring drag show where professional drag queens from Portland would perform. Also, other just as enjoyable events promoting the queer pride at OSL' were planned. Story by Izabela Chamot vents . Trot Cio fX

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homecomma drad ons a e comcd Q8eao(' ? o dcmdnao ? a cddra on o Or I dsJj v'it Homecoming celebrations took on many forms this year and lasted the entire week leading up to the football game. These events gave students a chance to enjoy Beaver spirit and participate in competitions of their own. Greek houses and campus residence halls took part in an annual competition of decorating their houses with the best Beaver spirit they could find. Football fields and Beaver pride filled the yards and windows of QSU student living facilities Friday afternoon. In the spirit of I lomecoming students helped to Paint the Town Orange,” the theme of this years Homecoming. Orange and black signs tilled the lawns and windows displaying “Beaver Nation,” “Beaver Believer” and “Dam those Wildcats.” Miniature football games, graveyards, boxing rings and tailgaters were all yard themes. The winners of this year’s competition were Acacia and Pi Beta Phi who created a W ildcat graveyard. It was the traditional football field with the same beaver that occupies the center of Reser Stadium and a boxing ring complete with Benny duking it out with the Wildcat. Another celebration was Benny’s Birthday Bash which was held in the Memorial I'nion quad on Oct. 2. Throughout the quad many of Benny’s fans were able to enjoy the music and entertainment. People cat cake, and t(K k pictures with Benny the Beaver. There were raffles and many activities. People had fun while celebrating 53 years of Benny. A man who had graduated from Oregon State in 1952 said, “Benny used to be so mean looking, and now I l x k at him, wanting to take a picture with him. It’s a wonder what happens over a few years. At Benny’s bash those who came to celebrate were also able to learn about his life, how he became our mascot, and about the changes in costuming. Benny the Beaver was not the first mascot of Oregon State. Instead, a coyote named Jimmy was in fact the first official mascot. A bulldog, who was never recognized as an official mascot. followed him and in 1893 there was an actual human mascot named John Robert Newton Bell who was the team’s most avid fan. In 1945 Benny the Beaver was introduced. Ken Austin was the first student to appear as Benny at an C )regon State athletic event, which was in Sep. 1951. Austin, who graduated in 1953 was recognized as an outstanding student for his sch x l spirit. With time, the Benny costume came to have many faces; in particular an angry face and a calm face. The angry face was for games and the calm one was to interact with his fans. To conclude the week, the Beaver football team t x k on the University of Arizona. The game brought many students, as well as alumni who had attended class reunions, together to cheer on the Beavers. All the festivities created a great game day atmosphere. The football team played hard, making the game close, but in the end lost to University of Arizona 29-27. Story by Vanessa Bosch, Devon Faber and Amy Jack Events i. 7ra( fions