EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State University has named 10 outstanding seniors to its 2007 Homecoming Court. 

Members, nominated by an individual or an organization, were selected based on leadership, community involvement, academic excellence and Spartan pride. A group of MSU faculty, staff, alumni and students conducted personal interviews with 21 students to select the final 10 court members. 

“Homecoming is the time of the year when our campus really shows our green and white spirit,” said court member Mark Dobson. “To be included in this amazing group of MSU leaders on the 2007 Homecoming Court is such an honor. All 10 of us truly exemplify what it means to be a Spartan.” 

From leaders of campus organizations to James Madison College and Honors College students to a United States Marine Corps veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom I, this year’s homecoming court highlights the commitment of community service and leadership opportunities at MSU. 

“We wanted a group that represents the entire MSU population,” court co-coordinator Jodi Roberto Hancock said. “This court displays the diversity of the Spartan experience and represents a lot of campus involvement and success.” 

The court members will serve as ambassadors of the MSU community during MSU’s homecoming week scheduled for Oct. 8-13. They will attend many events including the parade on Friday, Oct. 12, the annual MSU Alumni Association Green and White Pre-Game brunch and the football game against the Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday, Oct. 13. 

“This is a neat opportunity to network with students and beyond,” court member Monica VanKlompenberg said. “It’s a great way to meet people I’ve never met before.” 

“Each member has been successful in all areas of their undergraduate endeavors and has given back to the community in many ways,” Hancock said. 

“We’re experienced, motivated Spartans who have tried to engage in so many facets of Spartan life,” court member Nicholas Reale said. “We’ve made a conscious effort to make personal connections on campus through groups and other activities.” 

The court includes: 

• Cassie Cope of Gaylord, daughter of Richard and Rebecca Cope. Majoring in political theory and constitutional democracy (James Madison College), social relations and policy, Honors College.
• Mark Dobson of Trenton, son of Mark and Ann Dobson. Majoring in political theory and constitutional democracy (James Madison College) and Spanish, secondary education certificate.
• Evan Fowler-Guzzardo of Brighton, son of Michael and Mindy Fowler-Guzzardo. Majoring in political theory and constitutional democracy and international relations (James Madison College), Honors College.
• Monica Mukerjee of Canton, daughter of Rahul and Indrani Mukerjee. Majoring in international relations (James Madison College) and psychology, Honors College.
• Joshua Preister of Clinton Twp., son of Roger and Tina Preister. Majoring in communications and public relations.
• Nicholas Reale of Livonia, son of Jerry and Genny Reale. Majoring in Spanish (premedicine).
• James Tucci of Huntington Woods, son of James Tucci and Judy Lamoreaux. Majoring in supply chain management, United States Marine Corps veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom I.
• Monica VanKlompenberg of Zeeland, daughter of Melvin and Michelle Van Klompenberg. Majoring in animal science, Honors College.
• Lydia Weiss of Marne, daughter of Curt and Lisa Weiss. Majoring in sociology with a concentration in women, gender and social justice.
• Melnevia Whaley of Oak Park, daughter of Herman Whaley and Melvinia Reese-Whaley. Majoring in business marketing. 

For a high resolution photo of the court, contact Lisa Mulcrone at mulcron2@msu.edu

For more details about each court member, visit http://www.homecoming.msu.edu/2007%20homecoming%20court%20selection.html

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