IU leaders selected for Homecoming Court

For the past 51 years, IU has crowned a king and queen at homecoming. This year the tradition continues.

IU seniors who have shown leadership and dedication to the Bloomington community will be recognized during the 51st annual IU Homecoming Parade.  Ten students have been selected as finalists for the 2009 Homecoming Court, and the king and queen will be announced Friday at the football team’s pep rally at the Sample Gates following the parade.

Conor McIntyre, Homecoming Court judge and director of student programs for the IU Alumni Association, said applicants had to answer a variety of questions for the Homecoming Court application. There were 29 applicants this year, he said.

McIntyre said students on the Homecoming Court have the chance to look back at their favorite memories from IU.

“I think it really gives them a lasting memory, secondly it provides an opportunity for them to represent IU,” McIntyre said. “What’s probably most interesting is the interview process. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on IU experiences.”

McIntyre said the application consists of questions about significant personal success and contribution to IU organizations, as well as accomplishments and memorable experiences from the past four years.

A committee reviews the applications. This year’s committee consisted of two professors from the Kelley School of Business and representatives from the IU Athletics Department and the Office of Student Affairs.

McIntyre said the finalists will be interviewed and will take part in the Homecoming Parade. They will also be recognized at Hoosier Village behind the DeVault Alumni Center and at the pre-game pep rally.  

“I think it’s tradition,” McIntyre said. “It’s rooted in our past but also I think it still has relevance today and adds a student focus to homecoming. It’s an opportunity for us to express IU’s appreciation for those who have given a lot back to the University.”

In addition, the king and queen will each receive a $500 scholarship and will be able to meet the Homecoming Grand Marshals, Anthony Thompson and George Taliaferro, who are the only two living IU football players in the NCAA Football Hall of Fame.  

Junior Laura Rupel, director of homecoming for the Student Athletic Board, said most of the applicants are involved in clubs and activities. Being a part of homecoming will bring the tradition “home,” she said.

“They gain a sense of involvement at IU,” Rupel said. “IU is so big, you feel lost with 40,000 kids. Being a part of homecoming, you can say ‘this is my school. This is homecoming.’”

Finalist Andrew Dahlen, this year’s Union Board president, said that in his application he talked about his abroad experience in Tanzania and his time spent with the Union Board. He said it’s an “honor” to be on the court.

“It’s really exciting to be a part of the homecoming festivities and an honor to be recognized amongst so quality and incredibly talented, exceptional student leaders throughout campus,” Dahlen said.

Dahlen said he remembers watching the pep rally in years past, and it is going to be the highlight of his week.

Fellow finalist, senior Brittany Nelson, said she was surprised and humbled to be elected for court. She emphasized the importance of leaving a mark on the University so that future students will benefit.  

Nelson has been president of the Kelley School of Business Civic Leadership Development and took part in service communities outside of Bloomington.

“It’s about creating a legacy,” Nelson said. “For younger students to think about that now, to think about how they’re going to impact their surroundings, to use college as a time to find what they’re passionate about and then to pursue those passions.”

Sometimes it’s all about making the most out of the time you have and going for your goals, said finalist and Interfraternity Council President Colin Nabity said.

“At the end of it you only have one shot to do it,” Nabity said. “Get involved in the balance to where you’re not spreading yourself out too thin. My best experience has been meeting people through campus activities and organizations ... it’s the relationships you make that are going to last. It’s not going to be about the GPA and the scores you get on a test.”