Student opinion varied in the wake of Missouri Southern’s first Mr. International contest.

While talents varied across the stage with singing, dancing and even the talent of giving a rose, some students found the occasion delightful.

“The guys represented their countries in a really cool way,” said Katie Hargrove, senior international studies major. “I thought it went really well. They were very creative.”

The event consisted of 13 contestants who sought to impress the audience in rounds such as talent, swimwear and eveningwear. Three hours prior to show time, the contestants were informed of the areas in which they were to compete.

“I came in there not knowing what to expect,” said Audrey Wheeler, freshman elementary education major.

The winner of the event was Mr. Australia, Josh Willis. During the interview he introduced his pet name, “The Wonder from Down Under,” which created a stir amongst the ladies.

Although the contest was expected to be a success, some had different opinions of the results. After the event, Wheeler said she was leery of the acts the contestants were to perform.

“I was unsure about the swimsuit contest, because I didn’t want to be flashed,” said Wheeler. “They appeared to be stripping, but it stopped.”

Alex Vassilev, senior computer information systems, math and Spanish major, was the interviewer for the runners up. Some students found his questions for the contestants to be suggestive. However, Vassilev said he “planned it that way.”

“I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing,” he said.

Southern’s International Club might have planned a potentially successful event, but some in the student body found disappointment.

“The talents were obviously not previewed,” said Wheeler. “Mr. Nigeria’s booty dancing gave sexual innuendos. This is not what Mr. International is about.”

Another problem students cited was the lack of attendance. Wheeler said the low level of involvement led to inaccurate voting results.

“I wish there were more people there,” she said. “The voting was biased, and they didn’t vote on what the person did.”