Saturday, May 4, 2024

Meet the 2023 homecoming court

September 20, 2023
<p>The 2023 homecoming court poses in front of Spartan Stadium. Photo courtesy of Michigan State University. </p>

The 2023 homecoming court poses in front of Spartan Stadium. Photo courtesy of Michigan State University.

As MSU kicks off its annual homecoming celebration, 12 seniors have been selected to serve on homecoming court. These seniors will represent the university in the homecoming parade, homecoming football game and other activities this week.

Who's on the court?

Kelsey Abner

Kelsey Abner is a supply chain management senior from Farmington Hills, Michigan. In addition to being in both the Broad College of Business and Honors College, she is minoring in global public health and epidemiology.

Abner is committed to advocating for diverse student groups. She desires to make sure every student is heard, especially students from marginalized groups. 

In her role on the court, Abner hopes to spread positivity and represent MSU with integrity. Even though Abner appreciates MSU for its academia, the architecture in buildings, such as the Minskoff Pavilion where she spends most of her time, also catches her eye. 

"Be curious, be resilient, be respectful, be Spartan strong," Abner said. 

53189153251_e7149e382b_o

Leah Flores-Cabrera 

Leah Flores-Cabrera is an applied engineering sciences senior from Troy, Michigan. She is minoring in supply chain management and is involved in student organizations such as the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. 

Flores-Cabrera is passionate about minority voices being heard. She strives to develop more professional and educational opportunities for underrepresented students. 

Flores-Cabrera appreciates the culture and community at MSU, as well as its campus. Her favorite spots on campus are the Wells Hall Courtyard and the Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions, her go-to place to connect with the community. 

"Prioritize doing the things you enjoy," Flores-Cabrera said. "You might have some tedious classes at times, but make time to pursue hobbies/extracurriculars that you like and spend time with people you care about." 

53188433182_c4dca72bf2_o

Lily Florian

Hailing from Stevensville, Michigan, Lily Florian is a senior studying psychology with a minor in youth and society and educational studies. She is also a member of the Honors College.

Florian has a passion for human rights, mental health and effective communication. These are qualities that shape her dedication to MSU and influence her work to make a difference on campus. She’s ambitious in her goal to help students find their home at MSU. 

In her free time, Florian enjoys baking and photography. She also finds peace of mind by spending time in the Horticulture Gardens on campus.

"Take advantage of the various opportunities presented to you," Florian said. "Every opportunity, big or small, has the potential to bring something new into your life."

53188433112_6484846be3_o

Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.

Brandon Foster 

Brandon Foster, a senior from Orchard Lake, Michigan, is pursuing communications with a minor in public relations. Foster aspires to use his degree to uplift diversity, equity and inclusion in marketing and sales. 

Foster is committed to being involved with his MSU community. He is a member of various campus organizations such as the MSU National Pan-Hellenic Council, MSU Black Alumni and National Association of Black Journalists. 

Foster also is enthusiastic on MSU's diverse student body and lifestyle. When getting away from student life on campus, Foster likes to spend time at the Red Cedar Springs. 

Foster quoted Rapper Nas saying, "If you’re scared to take chances, you’ll never have the answers."

53189516483_34b878af96_o

Caleb Fraser

Caleb Fraser is a nursing senior from Worland, Wyoming. He takes pride as a Spartan as a member of the Spartan Marching Band and singing in the Spartan Dischords, all-male acapella group. 

Fraser is passionate about mental health and understanding the complexity of grief, as he has experienced losing a loved one. Fraser dedicates time to volunteer at Ele’s Place in Lansing, where he has observed the impact of grief counseling and the importance of having a support system. 

One philosophy that Fraser holds in his life is to "leave things better than when you found it," which has influenced his position on homecoming court. 

"I think that the most important thing you can learn is how to be an empathetic person," Fraser said. "Empathy coupled with a desire to connect with people around you is what truly makes the world a better place."

53189348850_863581d41b_o

Emily Hoyumpa

From Shelby Township, Michigan, Emily Hoyumpa is a social relations and policy senior with minors in French and Asian Pacific American Studies. She is also a member of the Honors College.

Hoyumpa is dedicated to the Spartan community as the student body president of the Associated Students of Michigan State University. She is honored to represent the resilience and perseverance of the Spartan community through serving on homecoming court. 

Hoyumpa is grateful to represent the community through her work and interests relating to diversity, equity and inclusion, leadership, community, sustainability, foreign languages and culture. 

"Being a Spartan means something different to all of us," Hoyumpa said. "Whether it means screaming in the student section at sporting events, studying abroad, having the opportunity to do life-changing research, or joining an extracurricular, no one has the exact same Spartan experience."

53188433412_9c689034ab_o

Alyssa Konesky

From Howell Michigan, Alyssa Konesky is a political science senior with minors in German and quantitative data analytics. As a first-generation college student, Konesky overcame many challenges throughout her academic journey that sparked her passion for student advocacy. 

Konesky has advocated for education and allyship to end antisemitism. She also has contributed to MSU's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Foundations, promoting a welcoming and inclusive community. After graduation, Konesky aspires to continue advocating for positive change nationwide. 

"To fellow MSU students, you’re doing amazing," Konesky said. "You are loved, you are valued and you are a positive force in your communities."

53189348290_8ea90f3d81_o

Nikita Nel

Hailing from Toledo, Ohio, Honors College senior Nikita Nel is a biochemistry and molecular biology/biotechnology student in the Lyman Briggs College with a minor in bioethics. 

Nel, who immigrated from South Africa as a first-generation immigrant, has a strong interest in exploring the connections between socioeconomic, environmental factors and human health. Throughout her academic experience, Nel has highlighted the impact of culture on health. 

Nel appreciates her friendships, mentors and learning experience on campus. She encourages students to use MSU's resources to pursue their dreams and find their community. 

"As a Spartan, there are endless possibilities at your fingertips," Nel said. "Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone to seek new experiences."

53189348250_6c4835c19b_o

George Ramirez-Madrigal 

George Ramirez-Madrigal is an elementary education senior minoring in Spanish from Comstock Park, Michigan. Ramirez-Madrigal is honored to showcase the hard work of first-generation students through his position on homecoming court. He hopes to leave a positive impact on those he collaborates with.

Ramirez-Madrigal showed his leadership skills in various groups and through his classes. He believes in leading by example and encourages everyone to keep this mindset. 

"Sí se puede," Ramirez-Madrigal said. "You can do it all with the right mindset and a supportive environment. Yes, we'll have times where we would like to give up, but those are learning moments that will help us grow." 

53189515943_92a83a8a28_o

Taylor Sutton 

Originally from Chesapeake, Virginia, Taylor Sutton is social work senior with two minors in defense studies and leadership and human behavior and social services. Sutton believes MSU is an institution that stands out for its community.

During their time at MSU, Sutton has cherished the number of discussions around equity. Sutton is grateful for the people, opportunities and resources that have allowed them to grow as a student. 

"Class of 2024, we made it," Sutton said. "This wasn’t easy for me, and I know this wasn’t easy for any of you either. The class who lost our senior year of high school and our freshman year of college and yet still stand here today as a testament of determination and success. Take the time to congratulate yourself and your peers."

53189219544_7722a5172c_o

Rochisshil Varma

Rochisshil Varma is an applied engineering sciences senior with minors in business and entrepreneurship and innovation. Varma, from Kolkata, India, is proud to represent Global Spartans and minority communities. This year is prominent to Varma as the 150th anniversary of international students attending MSU. 

In his role on homecoming court, Varma said he has a unique responsibility to represent international students at MSU. As an international student, Varma found a home at MSU with fellow international Spartans from diverse backgrounds. His favorite spot on campus is the International Center. 

"To my fellow Spartans, I want you all to know that together we can create a truly inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels valued and heard," Varma said. 

53189153041_b54cf08e3d_o

Devin Woodruff

Hailing from Southfield, Michigan, Devin Woodruff is a public policy senior with minors in law, justice and public policy and business. As an avid representative and student advocate, he believes all students deserve the best support from their community. 

Woodruff is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in hopes of creating a safe space on campus so students can freely express themselves, their cultural backgrounds and identities. Woodruff also believes if a student is comfortable with their identity on campus, they are more likely to thrive and graduate in a timely manner. 

Woodruff takes pride in how the community unites as a Spartan family. 

"It is truly your world," Woodruff said. "Students, don’t let anyone dim your light or tell you what you can or cannot do. You have a lot more power than you may think."

53188433462_bd99c439d5_o

Discussion

Share and discuss “Meet the 2023 homecoming court” on social media.