Zeta tau alpha

Taking bold action against breast cancer

At Purdue, Zeta Tau Alpha exemplifies what student leadership can accomplish in the fight against cancer. Through events and ongoing breast cancer awareness efforts, ZTA has made a lasting impact on the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, raising critical funds, elevating visibility, and honoring survivors.

A signature event with heart

Each year, Zeta Tau Alpha hosts Big Man on Campus (BMOC), the largest philanthropic event at Purdue focused on breast cancer awareness. This high-energy male talent show draws participation from more than 50 fraternity, sorority, and cooperative houses and engages over 100 student organizers. BMOC raises significant funds to support breast cancer initiatives and is rooted in deeply personal stories of survivorship, remembrance, and solidarity. Survivors are honored on stage. Contestants share why the cause matters to them. And every performance is part of a larger effort to make a difference for those impacted by breast cancer.

Local impact with national reach

Funds raised through BMOC support ZTA’s national partnerships with organizations like the American Cancer Society and the NFL’s Crucial Catch campaign, as well as educational programs that promote early detection and self-awareness. At the local level, Zeta Tau Alpha has established an endowment to support breast cancer research at the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research: an enduring legacy of student-driven generosity and impact. Their ongoing support strengthens our ability to advance diagnostics, prevention, and treatments for a disease that touches so many lives.

A culture of leadership and care

From first-year students to seniors, every member of ZTA contributes to the planning and execution of BMOC. Many sisters begin in supporting roles and grow into leadership positions over time, often bringing their own personal connections to breast cancer into their work. Whether organizing survivor relations, managing promotions, or designing the stage, the women of Zeta show what it means to lead with purpose. Their efforts also extend beyond BMOC, from campus-wide ribbon distributions to awareness campaigns during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and their moving Night of Hope event that brings together survivors and supporters to share stories and honor those affected.