Say the word "DeBartolo" to a new freshman, and he thinks, "Classroom building." Say the word "DeBartolo" to a seasoned upperclassman, and he thinks of the jungle of people that plants itself immediately outside the main doors of the building.

At the annual BCAC Fashion Show this Saturday, visiting prospects will see a side of Notre Dame from those who experience it first-hand – those who know it well enough to poke fun at the idiosyncrasies that make Notre Dame what it is.

"The show is a humorous look at life at Notre Dame," said Veronica Berger, president of the Black Cultural Arts Council. ""It's meant to be taken lightly and enjoyed."

"Life at Notre Dame: Tell It Like It Is" is a fashion show with a story line. The models do not speak, so through the help of a PowerPoint back screen depicting instant messenger conversations or text messaging, the audience follows Notre Dame students through the inevitable: spring visitation, first day of classes, Boat Club and graduation. Each scene is a parody of the event from the students' perspective.

"In some aspects it has to do with African American life at ND," said one of the show's coordinators, Andrea deVries. "But it really has to do with everybody."

While the show does parody experiences that the broad spectrum of Notre Dame students undergoes, such as sweaty, under-age groping at the local dive, some elements specifically target what it is like to be a minority at Notre Dame. Berger and deVries report that a scene in the show will depict a freshman swimming class comprised of mainly minorities, and expect that while non-minorities will understand the parody, minorities will appreciate it because they have experienced it.

The models represent a cross section of students, many of whom participated in Asian Allure this past fall. Iris Outlaw, director of Multicultural Student Programs and Services at Notre Dame, feels that the BCAC show has been much more inclusive as a result of the African American students at Notre Dame becoming much more involved in the community.

"They encourage their friends to be models, and the diverse group reflects a greater unification on campus," Outlaw said.

The show takes place during Visitation Week, which is not a coincidence. Notre Dame wants prospects to see the opportunities available for diversity on campus. Freshmen Fabiola Quinones and Rhea Boyd as well as many others attended the BCAC Fashion Show last year as high school seniors and thought it was funny. DeVries reported that in surveys taken by prospects after Visitation Week, the BCAC ranked as one of the favorite activities. Those involved with this years show are determined to maintain that status.

"We have been working for three hours at a time, two times a week, and sometimes on Saturday since January," said Boyd. "The people in the show are all working hard to do a good job and make sure people have a good time."

Outlaw would like to see the Notre Dame community come out to support the efforts of its peers, as well.

"It will be entertaining, and will not only celebrate the African American presence on campus," said Outlaw. "It also raises funds for the Thurogood Marshall scholarship, which is given to a female and male African American non-athlete each year."

Though the focus of the show will be the Notre Dame experience, it is still a fashion show, and the models will be wearing clothes from local stores such as D.E.M.O., Casual Corner, Gingis, Day Furs, Inspire Me and the Hammes Bookstore, all of which donated the clothes for the length of the show.

The students involved in the show find different motivations for their involvement. Junior Sonjia Stanley has been doing the show for three years, and said that her all-time favorite part of doing the show was the actual performance.

"You just get a rush being up there under the lights with all of your friends clapping for you," said Stanley. "It's such an adrenaline rush."

Fifth year senior Yogeld Andre was also upfront about why he is participating in the show.

"My girlfriend," said Andre.

Her involvement resulted in his, and he will be dancing an updated version of the tango come this Saturday,

Tickets for the BCAC fashion show are $6 dollars for students and $7 for non-students, which include the price of dinner. The doors of the Stepan Center will open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8.

Quinones promises a good time for all who attend, whether they are prospective students or seasoned veterans at breaking parietals.

"It will be a laugh," she said. "I can't tell you why. If you want to know, you have to come and find out."

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