First-year Honors College Student Julie Stinson Crowned Miss WCU 2022
(February 6, 2022) —West Chester University Honors College student Julie Stinson, a business management major with a minor in dance performance, was
crowned Miss West Chester University (WCU) during the 23rd live competition held on Saturday, February 5, in Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall on the University’s campus. Allison Short, Miss West Chester University 2020, completed her final duty as she
crowned Stinson, a first-year student from Lancaster, PA, as the 23rd titleholder.
Stinson is prepared to spend the upcoming year sharing her platform, Inspire Through the Arts: Music and Arts Education, with the University community as well as the greater Chester County community.
"I am incredibly honored to be the new Miss WCU 2022,” said Stinson in an interview following the ceremony that drew numerous students, friends and family. “As Miss WCU, I plan to promote my platform through collaboration with campus and community performing arts groups, as well as serving as a representative of a University I love so much. I want to be known as a personable and approachable Miss WCU who exemplifies kindness and passion for her University and the arts.”
Also receiving honors at the Miss WCU Competition were first runner-up and Lake Wynonah, PA resident Madelyn Rowan, an international business major, and
second runner-up and York, PA resident Kayleigh Deisley, a communication sciences and disorders major with minors in American Sign Language & special education.
Miss WCU was coordinated this year by past Miss WCU recipients and was sponsored by the University’s Residence Life and Housing Services. During the competition, nine women currently studying at WCU competed for $3,000+ in scholarships through an inclusive contest that gave awards based on interviews, platform development, leadership, academic achievement, and service to the community. Contestants participated in a pre-interview with judges, and on stage, competed in such categories as talent, casual wear, evening gown, as well as an on-stage interview. In addition to the categories, judges also considered each contestant’s ability to represent West Chester University during the upcoming year
Philadelphia Flyers In-Arena and Flyers TV Host Andrea Helfrich, a former Miss WCU, hosted the competition, while spotlight performances featured the WCU Dance Team and Under A Rest A Cappella.
Following the University's health and social-distancing protocols, audience members were required to wear masks, and contestants wore masks when appearing in groups on stage.
Miss WCU was created in 1998 by a resident assistant in Killinger Hall. In 1999, Director of Residence Life Marion McKinney served as one of the judges for Miss WCU, was impressed with the program and worked to incorporate Miss WCU as a signature program within Residence Life and Housing Services.
Since its development, the Miss WCU Scholarship Organization has provided close to $60,000 in scholarships to nearly 500 WCU women who have since become successful professionals.
"I am very much looking forward to working with Julie Stinson, Miss WCU 2022, in spreading her message to the WCU campus and the greater community," said McKinney following the crowning of Stinson. “Miss WCU is a unique women's leadership development program. Every woman who has participated in the past has commented on how this experience has changed their lives. The formers assist with interview skills, platform development, building confidence, sisterhood, and mentorship. What the contestants receive from former titleholders is unmatched. The women who participate in Miss WCU are recognized and celebrated for their academic accomplishments, their ability to lead, and the intentional way that they impact their communities."
