Last night the ladies of Lambda Theta Alpha crowned senior business student Travis Boyd "Big Man on Campus 2007."

Five contestants strutted their stuff last night at the Ethnic Cultural Theatre, battling for the "Big Man on Campus" crown. As well as being a scholarship competition, this was also a benefit event, with the $1,000 raised going to the non-profit organization New Beginnings.

"Big Man on Campus" Boyd said he is thrilled to have won the competition in its first year.

"It's definitely an honor to walk away with this award, especially as the event is supporting such a great cause," he said.

As well as taking home the "Big Man on Campus" title, Boyd won a $200 scholarship and a VIP pass for all Lambda Theta Alpha events for the next year.

"I've definitely not done anything like this before," he said. "I'm glad a lot of my teammates are here to cheer me on."

Although he didn't win the crown, contestant Jovon O'Connor didn't feel like he left empty handed.

"At 6'5", I already feel like a big man on campus," O'Connor said.

The show consisted of three main parts: the talent portion, formal wear and a question-and-answer section.

The talent portion of the event certainly delivered, with each of the guys providing an entertaining performance.

Boyd opened the talent section with a memorable dance to Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean," then followed with a self-composed rap about being a member of the UW cross country team.

Luke Kinter, winner of the competition's Mr. Congeniality and First Prince awards, fused hip-hop and tap in a self-choreographed routine that made for a really energetic and exciting performance.

Contestant Anthony Greer made his talent a family affair, bringing his grandmother onstage to perform a skit.

"I can't dance, I can't sing and I can't play any instruments," Greer said.

As part of the question-and-answer section, each of the five contestants were asked to comment on why they thought it was important to end domestic and dating violence.

In their answers, the men displayed compassion and intelligence regarding the topic.

Throughout the show it was clear that domestic violence was the main focus of the event.

Eli Crawford, a spokesperson from New Beginnings, gave a brief talk about the work of the organization, including statistics about domestic violence.

Facts show one out of every three teenage girls will experience dating violence by the time they are 18. Also, one out of every two women will be in an abusive relationship at some point in her lifetime.

Erica Macias, one of the event's coordinators, was very pleased at how the event went.

"This event has been a big success for us, everything really fell into place," she said. "We will certainly be making this [an] annual event."

Reach reporter Jessalin Fraser at news@thedaily.washington.edu.