Nolan Fontaine was all smiles as he spoke about his future plans -- which include doing overseas ambassadorial or council work and changing the world.

Fontaine (senior-international politics) was crowned first place at the 18th Annual Mr. Black Penn State Pageant Saturday -- and he says he's just the man for the title.

The theme of the pageant, sponsored by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority was "Empowerment of the Black Man", and Fontaine said he embodies the characteristics of a Mr. Black Penn State.

Along with the trophy and the title, the first place contestant has to put together an educational program for the community.

Fontaine said he's not sure if he'll do a program based on the Empowerment of the Black Man or another he had in mind.

He'd like to focus on creating a new program called Grandmoms Gone Wild.

The program, he said, would be based on quelling teen pregnancy because women are becoming grandmothers at younger ages now, he said.

"So there isn't an adequate transfer of wisdom and knowledge, and I want to see how that affects the community in the future," he said.

He came up with the idea from experiences in his own community, where girls were having babies at 13 to 14 years of age and their own mothers weren't even 35 years old yet, he said.

During the pageant, contestants danced in traditional African clothing and were informed to choose a word that defines them.

Fontaine picked "Nakuu," which in Swahili means "ambition and tenacity" he said.

"I think in life you have to show some kind of drive in order to venture ahead," he said.

Fontaine said he wants to bridge the international divide between the black community and the perceptions that others may have of them.

Being a residence assistant and a member of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and National Association for Minorities in Communications, he seems to be well on his way.

Fontaine said he knows younger men will look up to him and his future career.

"Why limit myself to one career goal? I cut hair on the side, so I'd like to own my own barbershop. I like to draw stuff too, so I'd like set up a comic book company," he said.

I have an array of things that I want to accomplish, and I don't want to limit myself to one aspiration and goal."

After explaining how he would like to help and change the world, Fontaine's demeanor then changed from serious to suave as he talked about the very moment he was crowned Mr. Black Penn State.

With four other contestants vying for the title, Fontaine took home first place with a trophy and a book scholarship.

The four other contestants in the show were Will Dennis, the first runner-up, Amtacious Addy, second runner-up, and Anthony Armstrong and Anthony Estes. "I was just praying," Fontaine said. "I was in shock when they called my name. It took a minute to register, and then I was like, 'That's my name!' "

Dennis (sophomore-petroleum and natural gas engineering) said he didn't find it such a shock. "Knowing Nolan as a good friend, I think he deserved it. He showed more fire and heart that night," Dennis said.