Michigan State University has announced the 10 Spartan seniors who will serve on the 2018 Homecoming Court.
The students, nominated by an individual or organization, were hand-selected by a committee of faculty and staff for their academic achievements, community involvement, leadership and Spartan pride.
“The spirit and pride that goes along with being a Michigan State Spartan is something truly special. Our ambassadors were selected because of their impressive contributions and service to the university and community,” said John Engler, MSU interim president. “They represent what the university stands for and what it means to be a Spartan, and we’re delighted that they will be the faces of MSU for the homecoming festivities.”
The longstanding tradition of MSU’s Homecoming Court dates back more than 70 years and represents the diversity and reputation of the university’s student body. The court members, recognized as “ambassadors,” will begin their homecoming duties over the summer by attending alumni and university events.
“The 2018 Homecoming Court ambassadors are some of the most talented, brightest and involved Spartans,” said Natisha Foster, Homecoming Court adviser. “They represent MSU students through their diversity, backgrounds, experiences and identities, and I feel very humbled to work with them in the coming months.”
Nominees for Homecoming Court were asked what the 2018 theme, “Celebrating Unwavering Courage,” meant to them.
“Unwavering courage means that in the midst of trials, we continue to push because of the vision we have,” said Shavonna Green, 2018 ambassador. “Having unwavering courage means stepping up – even when odds may not appear to be in our favor. It means that we stand boldly, and that we continue to serve because on the other side of the storm is the victory.”
The 2018 Homecoming ambassadors are:
Jessica Altenberger of South Lyon. She is majoring in child development in the College of Social Science with a minor in bioethics from Lyman Briggs College.
Lauren Bernhardt of Livonia. She is a member of the Honors College, majoring in human capital and society, with minors in leadership of organizations, German and global public health in the College of Social Science.
Lamont Davis of West Bloomfield. He is majoring in hospitality business in the Eli Broad College of Business’ School of Hospitality Business.
Katie Frayer of DeWitt. She is a member of the Honors College, majoring in mechanical engineering in the College of Engineering.
Jessica Gonzalez of Mission, Texas. She is a member of the Honors College, majoring in social relations and policy in the James Madison College.
Shavonna Green of Detroit. She is a member of the Honors College, majoring in social work, with a minor in human behavior and social services in the College of Social Science.
Lauren Lahie of Ypsilanti. She is majoring in public policy with a minor in environmental and sustainability services in the College of Social Science.
Jan Mecano of Grand Rapids. She is a member of the Honors College majoring in elementary education and child development in the College of Education.
Malik Amir Mix of Detroit. He is majoring in marketing in the Eli Broad College of Business.
Katherine (Cookie) Rifiotis of Sao Paulo, Brazil. She is a member of the Honors College majoring in political theory and constitutional democracy in the James Madison College.