Miss University of Mobile 2008 Pageant Scheduled for February 2

Seven young women will compete for the title of Miss University of Mobile on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008 at 7 p.m. in Weaver Auditorium on the University’s campus. The winner will compete in the Miss Alabama pageant, a preliminary that leads to the 2009 Miss America Pageant.

Tickets for the event are $5 for students and $10 for non-students. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. To obtain advance tickets or for more information about the Miss University of Mobile 2008 pageant, contact Buff McNickle, UM’s director of student leadership and involvement, at 251-442-2311. Tickets will be available at the door.

Contestants will be judged in talent, interview, evening gown and swimsuit. Keri Campbell, Miss University of Mobile 1996 will be the emcee. The winner of Miss UM will receive a one year tuition scholarship; the first runner up will receive an $800 scholarship; and the second runner up will receive a $600 in scholarship.

Miss University of Mobile serves as the official hostesses of the university. Her responsibilities include participation in alumni activities, homecoming, dedications, receptions, and various community and student events.

Competing for the title of Miss University of Mobile 2008 are:

	Sage Dykes of Mobile, a junior majoring in psychology. She is the daughter of James and Lynn Dykes of Mobile.
	Lauren French of Cordele, Ga., a freshman majoring in music education. She is the daughter of Dwayne and Kim French of Cordele.
	Joelle Rosen of Mobile, a freshman majoring in communication. She is the daughter of Arnie Rosen and Roxanne Rosen, both of Mobile.
	Jennie Alana Swindler of Lexington, S.C., a sophomore majoring in theatre and music with a concentration in vocal performance. She is the daughter of John and Jennie Swindler of Lexington.
	Heather Szymanski of Mobile, a junior majoring in communication. She is the daughter of Michael and Deanna Szymanski of Saraland.
	Tiffani Tallent of Dalton, Ga., a freshman majoring in music education. She is the daughter of Greg and Pam Tallent of Dalton.
	Stacey Whitfield of Gulfport, Miss., a junior majoring in social science education. She is the daughter of Bill and Anita Whitfield of Gulfport.

The Miss America Organization is one of the nation's leading achievement programs and the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women. Last year, the Miss America Organization and its state and local organizations made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance. This assistance is not just for the handful of young women who become Miss America, but is available to the over 12,000 young women who compete in the state and local competitions as well.

Sponsors of the Miss University of Mobile 2008 pageant are: Minton’s, Michelle Quimby Photography, Postmark Ink, The Rose Bud, No Tan Lines, Belle Bouquet, Saraland YMCA, Catfish Junction, Ellen’s, Gwin’s, Tressie Howell, Merle Norman, and Polish.

The University of Mobile is a private university affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention. Nearly 1,600 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Christian Studies, School of Education, School of Nursing, Center for Performing Arts and Center for Adult Programs. For more information about the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at1-800-WIN-RAMS or (251) 442-2273.