Michigan State University has named 10 outstanding senior ambassadors to its 2013-14 Homecoming Court.
Ambassadors, who were endorsed by an individual or an organization, were chosen through a highly selective process. The students were evaluated based on his or her leadership, community involvement, academic excellence and Spartan pride.
A group of MSU faculty, staff, alumni and students conducted personal interviews with students to select the final 10 court ambassadors.
The students will begin their duties as ambassadors this summer, as they will represent the MSU student body at various alumni, community and university engagements. They will continue their commitment through the 2013-14 school year.
“The students on the Homecoming Court represent the rich diversity of opportunities that are available at MSU,” said Jodi Roberto Hancock, Homecoming Court co-coordinator. “They are passionate about their Spartan experiences and excited for their futures, while eager to share their stories and love for MSU. Serving on court and representing their fellow students is an honor that they embrace, while also understanding the incredible impact they can have on others through their service.”
During homecoming week, October 7-12, ambassadors will attend many functions, including the parade on Oct. 11 and the football game on Oct. 12.
Visitors can learn more about the Homecoming Court ambassadors, as well as follow along with their journeys, by checking out the Homecoming Court blog. Leading up to homecoming, two ambassadors will be profiled each week.
“It is a great privilege and honor for me to be selected to be a member on the Homecoming Court and to take part in MSU's homecoming tradition,” said Audrey Mabiza, 2013-14 Homecoming Court ambassador. “I know this opportunity will provide me a forum to hear other people's Spartan experiences and at the same time it will allow me to share my Spartan saga. I am excited to see MSU through the lens of all the people I am going to meet.”
The 2013-14 court includes:
- Kara Brewer, of Essexville, is the daughter of Michael and Kelly Brewer. She is majoring in international relations in James Madison College with a French minor and a specialization in business.
- Mairin Chesney, of Brighton, is the daughter of David and Jean Chesney. She is double majoring in computer science in the College of Engineering and Chinese in the College of Arts and Letters. She is a member of the Honors College.
- Zachary DeRade, of Byron Center, is the son of John and Lori DeRade. He is majoring in genomics and molecular genetics in Lyman Briggs College with a specialization in health promotions and a pre-medical focus.
- Audrey Mabiza, of Harare, Zimbabwe, is the daughter of Louis and Virginia Mabiza. She is a chemical engineering major in the College of Engineering. She is a member of the Honors College.
- Janisse Martinez, of Miami, is the daughter of Beatriz Julieth Patino She is a communication major in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences with a specialization in public relations, sales communication and the Bailey Scholars Communicative Learning Specialization.
- Craig Pearson, of Bloomfield Hills, is the son of Steve and Jean Pearson. He is triple majoring in neuroscience in the College of Natural Science, biochemistry and molecular biology in the College of Natural Science and English in the College of Arts and Letters. He is a member of the Honors College.
- Jessica Pedersen, of Eastpointe, is the daughter of Rick and Nancy Pedersen. She is a journalism major in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences with a specialization in public relations and a minor in women’s and gender studies. She is a member of the Honors College.
- Lexis Zeidan, of Dearborn, is the daughter of Issam and Jacklin Zeidan. She is a communication major in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences with a specialization in public relations and a minor in sociology. She is a member of the Honors College.
- Mingming Zhou, of Chongqing, China, is the daughter of Xiaolan Ou and Lingde Zhou. She is a hospitality business major in the Broad College of Business.
- Elliot Zirulnik, of Royal Oak, is the son of Gary Zirulnik and Susan Orbach. He is a media and information major in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences with a concentration in TV, cinema and radio and a specialization in connected learning.