LSA junior Lauree Sugar has been waiting for many years to pose for Playboy.
But other women on campus aren't ready to take their clothes off in the presence of Playboy photographers on campus.
Playboy looked for student models on campus yesterday for its Big Ten calendar - but magazine officials found many protesters hoping to discourage women from showing their stuff.
"I have been waiting to pose since I was a little kid," said Sugar, who is among the 40 University students vying for one of three open spots. "I feel no embarrassment at all."
But while photographers interviewed possible playmates, protesters outside the Campus Inn made it clear they were not as excited to have the magazine on campus.
About 40 protesters gathered to chant against Playboy's presence while the magazine conducted interviews during the first stop in the magazine's 11-week search for models.
David Mecey, contributing photographer for Playboy, said he was happy with the student-models from the University.
"If we don't see anymore, I know I could find enough right now," Mecey said, adding that candidates have to meet certain qualifications.
"The models will have to be comfortable with their bodies," Mecey said. "They also have to have enough confidence to deal with the controversy that will be involved."
Among the protesters who gathered outside was LSA sophomore Colette Stevenson, who said the group of protesters spontaneously gathered based on an e-mail message.
"We believe in ourselves," Stevenson said. "We do not have to be told by Playboy that we are only a body because we are much more than that."
However, Playboy hair and makeup stylist Karen Lynn said protesters actually help bring publicity to Playboy.
"(This means) more publicity for us," Lynn said.
Mecey said the protesters bring more attention and might alert students who had been unaware of Playboy's arrival on campus.
"Protesters help shine a great spotlight that we are here without us having to rely on the media," Mecey said. "Students being so busy might not listen to the radio. With the protesters we might get coverage."
Mecey said he was impressed to see students speak their minds.
"I think it's great for students to be outspoken," Mecey said. "(Students) are young, (and) are learning how to be good adults."
During the interview process, photographers took a Polaroid of fully-clothed applicants. Mecey and Lynn said they will make their final selection of three students by the time they leave campus late today.
Protesters were forced outside by hotel security and were not allowed into the hotel to witness any of the interviewing process.
But Stevenson said security roadblocks did not hinder protesters' efforts.
"We are making our point by just being united," Stevenson said.
Mecey said the protesters were wasting time speaking against Playboy.
"All we are here to do is find college girls who want to be models for our calendar," Mecey said. "They should protest something more national - issues like homelessness."
Lynn also said that many of the protesters are misinformed.
"The protesters are misguided," Lynn said. "I do not think many of those girls have ever looked through a Playboy."
JOSH BIGGS/Daily
Neela Ghoshal joins a host of women's groups that incited a protest yesterday in reaction to Playboy's presence on campus.