Nicholas Domescik, a secondary education major with an emphasis in biology, won the annual competition Feb. 2 during UMSL’s homecoming week. (Photos by August Jennewein)
Drawing on comedy from his favorite late-night host and sporting a new suit and the support of his friends at Delta Zeta, University of Missouri–St. Louis junior Nicholas Domescik took home the 2016 Big Man on Campus title.
Domescik, a secondary education major with an emphasis in biology, participated in the annual BMOC competition, which is a staple of UMSL’s homecoming week celebrations.
The competition pits male students against each other for a fun night of school spirit and humor, with the pageant including four categories: sportswear, talent, formal attire and a Q&A. All proceeds from the competition were donated to Girls Inc., a nonprofit youth organization in north St. Louis County.
UMSL Daily talked to Domescik about the experience and what his newly won title means to him.
Nicholas Domescik riffed off of a Jimmy Fallon skit called “Thank You Notes” as his talent for the 2016 Big Man on Campus title.
Why did you participate in Big Man on Campus this year?
Prior to this year I have never participated in Big Man on Campus. However, I participated in a similar competition in my high school, Granite City Senior High School. I chose to participate this year because I love these types of competitions. I believe that they are fun and exciting for everyone involved.
Who sponsored you, and what is your connection to the group?
The wonderful ladies of Delta Zeta sponsored me, and I’m friends with many of the girls in the sorority because we lived together at Oak Hall.
What was your talent?
For my talent, I used Jimmy Fallon’s “Thank You Notes” skit and made it special to UMSL. I used things like “thank you, shuttles, for ensuring that I never make it to class on time” and “thank you, delicious quesadilla from the Nosh, for making my freshman 15 a reality.” The skit got pretty good laughs.
How did you feel when you learned you had won?
The competition was insane, and I was honestly unsure of who was going to take the win. I was shocked when I heard that I had won.
UMSL junior Nicholas Domescik (center) poses with the ladies of Delta Zeta. The sorority sponsored Domescik in his bid for the 2016 Big Man on Campus title, which he won Feb. 2 during Homecoming Week.
What does being Big Man on Campus mean to you?
To me, being a Big Man on Campus is important because it shows that I am involved. I feel that college is not only about the education, but also about the experience. I love college, and I love all of the connections I have made due to being involved. I just feel that you have to be involved in extracurricular activities to make the best of your college experience.
I absolutely love UMSL. I love the people that I have met, and I feel like I am gaining a wonderful education from faculty and staff that truly care about their students.
What activities are you involved with on campus?
I am the president of the Pierre Laclede Honors College Student Association, director of new member engagement for the Golden Key International Honors Society, and a mentor in both SMART and SUCCEED.
Why did you choose UMSL?
I chose UMSL because of the people. When I came on a tour, the people were very nice and made UMSL seem exciting. It hasn’t proven me wrong.
