It was an evening of laughter and tears of joy as those in the packed Great Hall welcomed and crowned the new Miss Black and Gold 2007.

The hall glittered with the sparkle of evening gowns, a lit runway, and the black and gold decorations.

Erica Austin, senior in sociology at Drake University, was the winner of this year’s Miss Black and Gold Pageant and will move onto the regional conference in April. Tameka Hilson, junior in communication studies at Iowa State, and Kelly Mayfield, junior in dietetics at Iowa State, received third and second place as Miss Black and Miss Gold, respectively.

Hosted by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Omicron Pi chapter, which is celebrating its 25th-year anniversary, the pageant was emceed by Tony King – alumni of Drake University and member of Alpha Phi Alpha. The pageant emphasizes high scholarly ability as well as elegance and dedication as its list of criteria to become at least one of the top three winners.

“It’s a fun occasion that puts a spotlight on the personality and strength of women in Iowa – and it celebrates that aspect. There are not many events similar to this,” said Craig Barton, senior in finance and member of Alpha Phi Alpha.

The nine contestants, who went through an informational/application and interview process before practicing for the competition three months ago, were all students at either Drake University or Iowa State, the two schools that make up a local district for the national competition.

Each contestant was judged based on the achievements and projection, creative and performing arts, swimwear, poise and appearance, and oral expression sections.

“It gives us a chance to get everyone together and see another side of the women on campus, outside of the norm,” Barton said.

Eboni Dale, junior in apparel merchandising, design and production, handled the apparel portion worn by each contestant throughout the evening. Steven Flagg, member of the ISU Hip Hop Dance Club, Dub H, assisted in the dance choreography. Funds for the event were raised through the ad book, which featured background information on each of the contestants, and ticket sales.

“I enjoyed tonight. It brings together minorities for an event to honor achieving young women at Iowa State who deserve to be recognized for their hard work, their beauty and of course their virtuosity,” said Babatunde Agbaje, junior in pre-business at Iowa State.

Members in charge of putting the event together were pleased at its results and are excited for the next year’s pageant.

“It went a lot more smoothly this time, it started on time and there were not as many gaps in the program. We hope that next year we can improve even more,” said Ogewu Agbese, president of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Agbese encourages all women at Iowa State to think about applying next year. He emphasized contestants do not have to be black – as long as they are under the age of 25, are unmarried and do not have children, they are eligible to apply.