The Brown & White

In an effort to raise money for the American Cancer Society, Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity is hosting the 20th annual Election for Cancer Research.

The election runs from Oct. 19 through this Friday, and voting booths were open from Oct 19 to Nov. 6.

Organizations from all aspects of campus participate in the election.

There are 24 candidates in the election this year. Participants include the chemistry department, student senate, Association of Student Alumni, the dance team and many more. This is the first year that faculty members are also participating as candidates.

According to event organizer Timothy DeVaney, '10, each organization chooses a candidate to represent them in the election. They are responsible for fundraising for their organization and getting votes.

On-campus voting booths were in the Ulrich Student Center, the University Center and Rathbone Dining Hall. Each vote serves as a donation.

A vote costs the voter $1. Goldplus is accepted for the dollar donation, and there is an online donation process.

Chloe Mullins, '11, said the election was well advertised on campus.

"I voted because it was a reasonable price for a good cause, and it's nice to get involved with the philanthropy of another Greek association," Mullins said.

Candidates also reach out to their family, friends or alumni for donations.

"Everyone knows somebody who has been affected by cancer, so it's a very inclusive effort," said Jeremy Selwyn, '10, president of Sig Ep.

Campaigns in the past have collectively raised more than $525,000 for the American Cancer Society.

As of Nov. 5, the amount raised was about $7,000. DeVaney said he hopes more will be raised this week because this is a slightly lower number than in years past.

"One of my grandpas died of cancer, so I had a personal connection too to try and help people out," DeVaney said. "You never know whose life you're going to save when you do this."

Joe Manganelli, the candidate for WLVR, is participating for the first time, and Manganelli has been a large contributor thus far.

"We decided we wanted to get involved and definitely thought we could make a difference because we are the most popular college station in the area."

There is an awards dinner on Nov. 17, where totals will be announced and the winner will be declared.