The Nitty Gritty of DSU’s 2023 Homecoming
It is that time of year again when campus events are a little more fun, music is a little louder, and classes seem a little bit longer. Yes, Dakota State, it is homecoming season yet again! A week packed with day-long events and the exploration of campus, let us recap one of DSU’s most active weeks!
On September 14th, DSU hosted their annual Day of Service, where students can sign up with a group, or in singles to go around Madison to contribute to the wellness of the community by completing acts of community service. This ranges from washing windows at the nursing home to picking up trash alongside the roads.
On September 16th, the homecoming parade traced its way through Madison celebrating our students, faculty, and staff alike at 10A.M! The homecoming court, our various sports teams, cheerleaders, and countless more showed up to celebrate the preparation for the upcoming events, specifically the homecoming game in the evening, against North Dakota’s Valley City State! An alumni game at Flynn Field took place at 11 A.M, followed by a tailgate at the Beacom complex with Lizzy Hofer offering entertainment. At 4 P.M., it was time for the big event! The kick-off for the homecoming game! Fans of all majors, disciplines, and ages rounded up to show their Trojan Pride for our football team! At halftime, the homecoming king and queen received recognition.
The homecoming court for king and queen was filled with many wonderful students from clubs all across campus! Our wonderful royalty, Tyler Thomas and Blen Asgedom represented DSU well and brought pride to their campus. Tyler is a fourth year student, soon to have a masters in Computer Science (Cyber Operations) from Minnesota. He represents DSU’s Student Senate. Blen is a second year student, also majoring in computer science, from Ethiopia! She represents the International Club!
The other royalties of the court include Santiago Colla, (Cyber Operations) representing the Newman Club, Cody Farland, (Cyber Operations) representing Pi Beta Kappa, Casey Te Grotenhuis, (Artificial Intelligence and Math Cryptography) representing the Artificial Intelligence Club, Kalani Mangin, (Computer Science and Professional Accountancy) representing the CEO Club, Casey Olson, (Professional Accountancy) representing the FBLA Club, and Alexandra Smith, (Artificial Intelligence and Math) representing the Artificial Intelligence Club!
Alexandra, member of the homecoming court, was kind enough to answer a few of my questions about the process of homecoming!
Tris(T): “How did you get nominated? Where you a part of that process? What was the acceptance process, if there was any?”
Alex(A): “With AI club we were discussing involved members and eligibility for nomination. We didn’t have any eligible active female members, so I was nominated. I hope as the club continues to grow, our diversity will grow with it.”
T: “How many (if any) events are you expected to participate in while being on the court?”
A: “We have the ceremony on Monday night at the beginning of homecoming week then the parade on Saturday”
T: “What are you most excited about? How do you feel being a part of the court?”
A: “I’m ecstatic to represent my club and by being on the court. It’s a good feeling when you are chosen, for me, it means I’ve left some positive impact on the people I interact with. In addition, having previous positions to help other students on campus, I imagine I was able to help them.”
A special thank you to Alex for being open to my questions! You were a huge help!
Homecoming brings around the spirit of DSU in full force, celebrating our diversity and strength as students and alumni! The annual, week long party not only showcases the enduring spirit of Dakota State, but also provides a unique opportunity for alumni to rekindle their ties, share their wisdom, and inspire current students to carry on the legacy, and improve upon the environment. Homecoming serves as a living testament to the enduring strength of the college community, reminding all that once you become a part of it, you’re always welcomed back home.
