Michigan State University has announced the nine Spartan seniors who will serve on the 2019 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.
“This year’s homecoming court displays the depth and variety of our students’ involvement and experience at MSU,” said Erik Maillard, Homecoming Court adviser. “Spartans of past and present should be proud of this group and what each of them has contributed to the greater Spartan community.”
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,” began their homecoming duties over the summer by attending alumni and university events.
“I congratulate this year’s ambassadors on their selection for the 2019 Homecoming Court,” said MSU President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D. “Their engagement in the life of this university and their Spartan Spirit are truly inspirational.”
This year’s theme, “Spartans Inspire Success,” highlights and recognizes the ways in which Spartans use their time, talents and experiences as tools to uplift and strengthen others.
Nominees for Homecoming Court were asked what the 2019 theme meant to them.
“Individually we make our own successes that help to empower ourselves and others,” said 2019 ambassador Najma Muhammad. “The moment Spartans come together we create a force that is almost unstoppable. When we are at our best, when we unite, when we hold each other accountable, when we put our best selves forward, we inspire success.”
The 2019 Homecoming ambassadors are:
Julia Alvarez of Azusa, California. She is majoring in education in the College of Education.
Allison (Alli) Bell of Prairie View, Illinois. She is majoring in mechanical engineering in the College of Engineering and neuroscience in the College of Natural Science. She is a member of the Honors College.
Dante Booker of Detroit. He is majoring in management in the Broad College of Business and human capital and society in the College of Social Science.
Alexis Edge of Detroit. She is majoring in environmental engineering in the College of Engineering.
Timothy (Tim) Herd of Detroit. He is majoring in elementary education in the College of Education.
Mario Kakos of West Bloomfield. He is majoring in political science in the College of Social Science.
Joseph (Joey) Longo of Plainfield, Illinois. He is majoring in international relations in the James Madison College and Mandarin Chinese in the College of Arts and Letters. He is a member of the Honors College.
Robert (Robby) McKay of Grand Rapids. He is majoring in physical science in the College of Natural Science. He is a member of the Honors College.
Najma Muhammad of Detroit. She is majoring in urban and regional planning in the College of Social Science.