Around 20 students gathered in front of Cone Chapel on Dec. 3 to find the closest resemblance President Stephen Thorsett — a new sensation that has been named a “look-alike competition.” The approximately seven participants were judged on their “commitment to Thorsett’s character and general vibes,” and judging was not reserved to “just looking like an old white guy” according to a promotional flyer posted about the event.
What attendees did not know was that it was Thorsett’s birthday, and the university president eventually joined the festivities, adorning a Christmas sweater, khakis and brown shoes. Students in attendance sang him “Happy Birthday.” Organizer Teya Fukuhara (’27) was dedicated to bringing the look-alike contest trend to the forefront of the Willamette community.
Fukuhara’s plans for the event began after seeing the first “look-alike competition” on Oct. 27 with Timothée Chalamet in New York City. With the success of this competition — and Chalamet himself making an appearance — the competitions have become a national trend in major cities like Chicago, with celebrities ranging from Jeremy Allen White to Dylan Minnette. Seeing these events pop up around the country inspired Fukuhara’s local spin on the trend. “I woke up and was scrolling on Instagram and came up with the idea,” Fukuhara explained. These competitions are a way to create community and have fun while also hoping for the celebrity to make an appearance. When planning the event, Fukuhara “immediately thought of Thorsett.”
Fukuhara is planning on doing this again in future years, possibly beginning a tradition of luring Thorsett out of his office at the top of Waller Hall to meet the victors. “He’s just such a symbol,” Fukuhara declared. At other recent look-alike contests there has often been a cash prize, and the prize for this competition was a $25 Bistro gift card. Some victors were Maya Darski (’28) for “aura,” Lola Cordero (’28) for “best dressed,” and Amaya Supancich-McCord (’26) for the overall embodiment of President Thorsett. They were even featured on Willamette’s Instagram account.
Comments