Dozens of UF students flocked to the Plaza of the Americas Friday afternoon to witness the evangelical preacher Cindy Smock, better known as “Sister Cindy,” deliver her yearly quasi-sermon on the dangers of drinking and sexual promiscuity among college-aged students.
Smock, a 66-year-old UF alum who once wrote for The Alligator, has preached her beliefs for 47 years across college campuses. This year, her tour includes stops at over 14 universities across Florida and Texas.
Smock’s “Ho No Mo” campaign, promoting modest living and denouncing college party culture, has gained traction with her 400,000 TikTok followers and turned her into a recurring spectacle on UF campus.
“I do what’s called good old fashioned sl*t shaming,” she said in an interview with The Alligator. “Everyone needs to transition from ho*ness to holiness.”
On Friday, Smock read excerpts from President Donald Trump’s inauguration speech and encouraged students to follow the word of Jesus and avoid sin, at points veering into making transphobic comments. She was joined by Woody Courtney, also known as “Jesus Professor,” another evangelist, who sang parodies of popular songs like “I Will Survive,” and “YMCA”, with lyrics centered around Jesus.
“There's a level of bigotry that is apparent,” said William Dahlmeier, a 20-year-old UF industrial engineering sophomore. “But there is also a level of fun.”
Right across from Smock’s spectacle was a tent representing UF College Democrats.
Max Kappalman, a 21-year-old UF political science sophomore and the club’s organizing coordinator, said students observe Smock’s speeches because they’re humorous.
“This is a yearly tradition of coming, sitting in Plaza through thick or thin and just watching her yell about the feminazi vampire hoes that want to suck the Jesus out of your d*ck for five margaritas just from a Mexican restaurant,” he said.
For some passersby, Smock’s performance gave a much-needed reprieve from the school day and cold weather.
“It's a little refreshing entertainment wise in between my classes,” Koushin Unber, a 19-year-old UF chemical engineering freshman, said. “You don't really get this on a private school campus.”
Alivia Kubart, an 18-year-old UF environmental engineering freshman, said she recognized Smock from her internet appearance.
“I’ve heard about her from like a couple of years ago on TikTok,” she said. “ She’s a meme.”
While Smock was preaching, students in the crowd interacted with her by cheering at some points, booing at others and shouting back at her. Smock gave out signed pins to some students who interacted with her, and took selfies when she concluded her speech.
Her next stop is the University of Central Florida Tuesday.
Contact Sofia Meyers at smeyers@alligator.org. Follow her on X @SofiaMeyer84496
