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Michael Denkler, Riley Nowell named FGCU pageant winners

Photo+by+Tim+Murphy
Riley Nowell (left) and Michael Denkler are crowned as Mr. and Miss FGCU. (EN Photo / Tim Murphy)
After a week full of events and competition, the Mr. and Miss FGCU titles have been awarded. Congratulations to seniors Michael Denkler and Riley Nowell.
Denkler, a Communication major with a minor in theatre, was encouraged by his friends to enter the pageant.
“They told me I would be great for it so I decided to run and to give it my all,” Denkler said. “My favorite part of this whole experience has been the competition. Everyone did an amazing job, and worked so hard. That along with meeting the contestants.”
While Denkler thought he had a good chance of winning, he knew the competition would be fierce.
“I was shocked when they announced that I won,” Denkler said. “I felt really humble that I was chosen to represent my school. It was a huge honor.”
Nowell, Miss FGCU, will graduate this fall with her Bachelor’s degree in marketing and a double minor in advertising and management. She sees herself as a “comeback story” because
she went from having minimal involvement on campus during her freshman year to being a Tri-Delta who has won the coveted title of Miss FGCU her senior year.
“It really just goes to show that it is never too late to get involved,” Nowell said. “Our campus thrives on student participation. You get out of college what you put into it. Even though this past week was fun yet stressful, I had a great time getting
to know all of the contestants.” Nowell will take the experience she has gained from the pageant and will continue to grow and support initiatives that help students at FGCU.
“Aside from the title itself, I will be participating in the philanthropy events sponsored by Student Government and I am so excited!” Nowell said. “I will also be receiving a $2,000 scholarship to our wonderful university.”
Both students plan to embrace their new status by giving back to the university through service.
“It makes me really proud that I get to represent the school I love, and will continue to represent the eagles for the rest of my life,” Denkler said.

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