A long-haired, dancing and lip-synching Spice Girl imitator performed at Meacham Auditorium on Friday. An hour later, the man was named Mr. Asian OU 2006.

Haaris Syed Nizami, accounting sophomore, was dressed in a blond wig, red shiny dress and black tights as he kept the audience laughing and singing for his talent portion of the 2006 Mr. and Miss Asian OU pageant.

Jenifer Stoker, psychology senior, took a different approach to the talent portion en route to being named Miss Asian OU.

She sang and followed up the song with a Spanish-influenced dance combining a fan dance and a flag dance.

"Now that I have this position, I know I can do so much for the Asian community, both on campus and around the Norman community," Stoker said.

Stoker said she wasn't truly aware of her Filipino culture until she began singing and dancing as a child.

"Now I really love it because I can share it with other people," she said.

Nizami said he is looking forward to representing the Asian culture and getting involved with a community service project he will create with Stoker.

Stoker and Nizami each received a $200 scholarship.

Levi Do, zoology junior, won the male runner-up title.

Valerie Truong, University College freshman, won the female runner-up title.

Long Hoang, finance sophomore, won Mr. Congeniality.

Nizami won the titles of most talented and people's choice.

In the female division, Truong took all three titles as well as runner-up.

Truong said to win four plaques was very surprising and overwhelming.

"All of the contestants were wonderful," she said.

Angela Tran, Asian-American Student Association president and journalism sophomore, said she was happy to have co-coordinated the event.

"This year there was such a good variety of contestants representing different cultures all throughout Asia," Tran said.

OU Asian Pageant

o Haaris Syed Nizami named Mr. Asian OU

o Jenifer Stoker named Miss Asian OU

o Eight students competed in the pageant

o A $200 scholarship was awarded to the winners

o Long Hoang, finance sophomore, was named Mr. Congeniality.

Source: www.ou.edu/student/aasa

Judges included George Henderson, director of advanced studies in human relations; David Tan, adult and higher education professor; Michael To, 2001-2002 Mr. Asian OU; Carlisha Williams, 2006 Miss Black OU and entrepreneurship and venture management junior; and Brandon Brooks, coordinator of special programs for Student Affairs.

"We were looking for the total package. Someone poised, culturally aware, cool under pressure and well-rounded," Brooks said.

Williams said it was a good idea to have a judge with pageant experience.

"I could feel the nervousness of the contestants," Williams said.

Like the Miss Black OU pageant, the Mr. and Miss Asian OU pageant was truly a celebration of culture, Williams said.

In addition to the talent competition, each contestant was required to answer an impromptu question.

Contestants responded to the question, "What are the three most important characteristics Mr. or Miss Asian OU should possess, and out of those, which is your strongest characteristic?"

Nizami said three important characteristics are leadership, openness and willingness to listen.

Stoker said the most important qualities are honesty, intelligence and a deep understanding of one's culture.

For pictures of this event, click here.
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