Bringing the Heat: students compete at “Hot Takes”
Editor’s Note: A quote has been partially removed from this article after publication due to false information.
The Utah State University School of Graduate Studies hosted an event that set taste buds ablaze while fundraising. The “2025 Hot Takes” event, inspired by the popular YouTube show “Hot Ones,” aimed to support the Graduate Student Emergency Hardship Fund, cultivating both community spirit and financial aid for students in need.
The goal was to raise $1,500, and the contests were able to raise around $500, with a lively and supportive audience cheering on the participants.
“Our goal is to create an engaging, fun-filled activity that would appeal to a broad audience and address the growing financial needs of graduate students facing unexpected hardships,” said Mike Morales, marketing director for graduate studies and one of the event’s organizers.
From conceptualization to execution, graduate studies played a pivotal role in ensuring the event’s success. The planning process involved coordination with Dining Services, who provided more than 60 different spicy wing sauces and wings, all of which attendees could sample, alongside meal deals and free popcorn to enhance the event’s festive atmosphere.
Participants braved escalating levels of heat, each bite testing their spice tolerance and determination. The contest was structured to progressively challenge the contestants while asking them questions, with wings increasing in spiciness per round, finishing with Da Bomb Hot Sauce, known for its intense heat with more than 1.5 million Scoville units.
Macy Gustavus, coordinator of aquatics and safety for Campus Recreation, was the first to wave the white flag, admitting defeat. This was followed by Logan Baker, USU Hurd Committee member and later Matt Richey, USUSA president.
Richey confidently declared, “I’m literally willing to die on the stage.”
Despite the heat, contestants displayed remarkable resilience, embodying the spirit of friendly competition and mutual support.
“I’m scared. It’s making me sweaty just thinking about it,” said Jamie Parry, graduate studies senator, before the event.
The energy in the room was amplified by an entertaining twist: Every time someone donated money, a little jingle saying “Add a little bit of spice” would cue, prompting the contestants to take another bite dipped in that spice level.
Richard Cutler, senior vice provost of graduate studies, stood out for his impressive composure, seemingly unfazed by the intense spice levels. Meanwhile, Parry emerged as the overall winner, scoring the most points based on crowd approval, her answers to trivia questions, the number of wings and dips she consumed and her ability to eat the spiciest chocolate at the end.
The event also sparked lively debates among attendees, with takes including disagreeing with losing a past election and Gustavus saying “Aggie Ice Cream is overrated.” There was also trivia, such as knowing how many stairs are in Old Main.
“It’s really about building connections among grad students, undergrads and the local community,” Morales said.
The turnout had enthusiastic support from students, faculty and residents, all eager to cheer on the brave participants.
Attendees enjoyed not just the spectacle of the spicy challenge but also the opportunity to engage with peers, support a vital cause and experience the vibrant campus culture. As the last wings were devoured and the final flags waved, the contest stood as proof of the power of creativity, collaboration and a little bit of spice to make a significant impact.
Graduate studies and organizers shared hopes to make this an annual tradition, continuing to support students and strengthen the Aggie community within the school through innovative and engaging events.