Congratulations to Lydia Ewing - the 2024 Homecoming Royal!
2024 Homecoming Royalty Court
Meet your 2024 Homecoming Royalty Court! These individuals are learners who represent the Grand Valley community and emulate what it means to be a Laker.
Homecoming Royalty Court Candidates are listed alphabetically by last name.
Name: Shrijan Bohara
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class Standing: Third-Year
Major: Biomedical Science & Pre-Med
Minor: Chemistry
Involvements: President of Nepali Student Association, Student Employee at GVSU Financial Aid Office, Mentor Resident Assistant at Niemeyer Living Center, Member of Mu Epsilon Delta (Pre-Health Fraternity), Member of Pre-Med Club, and previous student employee as a building manager in the Kirkhof Center.
What does it mean to be a member on the Homecoming Royalty Court? Being a member of the GVSU Homecoming Royalty Court as an international student means more than just recognition, it's a celebration of the diversity that makes our community strong. Through my time at GVSU, I’ve had the privilege to learn about the U.S. work culture and systems, while also sharing my own background and perspectives. This experience has helped me build meaningful connections, both within the classroom and through leadership roles like being an RA and the president of the Nepali Student Association. I am proud to represent students who contribute to GVSU’s vibrant, inclusive community. ANCHOR UP LAKERS!!!
Name: Nicole Denz
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class Standing: Fourth-Year
Majors: Biomedical Sciences
Minor: Chemistry
Involvements: Laker Marching Band Drum Major, Laker Marching Band Council President, Tutor in Anatomy Laboratory, Chemistry Research
What does it mean to be a member on the Homecoming Royalty Court? Being a member of Homecoming Royalty Court means representing what it means to be a Laker. It means celebrating our community by giving back and appreciating everything that our university has to offer. I am thankful for everything this community has to offer and it is important for me to give back and help others to grow and feel welcome!
Name: Rylie Dietz
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class Standing: Third Year
Major: Environmental & Sustainability Studies, Human Resource Management
Certificate(s): Geographic Information Science & Technology
Involvements: Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Seidman College of Business, Frederick Meijer Honors College. GVSU GLISA-ELF research assistant partnered with Muskegon Community College and West Michigan Environmental Action Council, Cook Leadership Academy fellow, Seidman mentorship program mentor, Frederick Meijer Honors College mentor. Resident Assistant (2023-2024), New Student Orientation Leader (2023,2024), Tour Guide (2023,2024), K-12 tutor (2023).
What does it mean to be a member on the Homecoming Royalty Court? It is an honor to represent the Laker community on Homecoming Royalty Court. While I believe I embody positive values of a Laker, I also recognize the uniqueness that each one of us has. The collection of individuals is what makes Grand Valley, Grand Valley. We all have diverse skills, perspectives, and experiences that push our community forward. It is a privilege to represent a fraction of the positive uniqueness Grand Valley has.
Name: Lydia Ewing
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class Standing: Fourth Year
Major(s): Environmental Science & Sustainability
Minor(s): Nonprofit Administration
Involvements: Students Leaving a Mark , Students of Citizens Climate Lobby
What does it mean to be a member on the Homecoming Royalty Court? As a devout Grand Valley State student being included in the Homecoming Royalty Court is an immense honor. My passion is centered around helping others and doing my part in the community as a dedicated volunteer. Being nominated on the Homecoming Royalty Court symbolizes the dedication and hard work I have put in as a volunteer around the Grand Valley community and Grand Rapids area. It has been a honor to be nominated and I believe I am the perfect nominee for not only Grand Valley State but the surrounding communities I have had the pleasure of volunteering for in my past four years here.
Name: Nancy Hoogwerf
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class Standing: Fourth-Year
Major(s): Political Science, International Relations
Involvements: Chair of Allocations on Student Senate, Candidate Fellow for Cook Leadership Academy, Pi Sigma Alpha, Thompson Scholars
What does it mean to be a member on the Homecoming Royalty Court? Being a member of the Homecoming Royalty Court means having the honor of representing the Laker Community while showing my Laker Pride. Over the past three years, I have strived to make change while serving on Student Senate, leave an impact on campus through the Thompson Scholars program and Cook Leadership Academy, and connect with the West Michigan community through politics. Through everything I do, I believing in speaking up for what is right as it not only reflects my beliefs, but also encourages other to stand up too. Laker Nation is filled with passionate leaders and dedicated students, which I am proud to represent on Student Senate and on the Court. I am a Laker for a lifetime and very excited to see us all wear blue when we beat Wayne State on November 2! Go Lakers!
Name: Lucero Arizaga Jimenez
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class Standing: Third Year
Major(s): Legal Studies
Minor(s): Human Rights
Certificate(s): Paralegal
Involvements: Monarcas- Ballet Folklorico (Founding President), Laker Familia (Mentor), Cook Leadership Academy Fellow Candidate, Latino Student Union, Frederik Meijer Honors College, Migrant Legal Aid (Legal Intern)
What does it mean to be a member on the Homecoming Royalty Court? I am honored to be a part of the Homecoming Royalty Court. Being able to represent my community and show how important it is to build spaces for Latinos is one of the most important things I have done at Grand Valley. This opportunity has allowed me to show my growth as a leader and acknowledge my positive impact on the GV community. I am proud of the relationships I have built and hope to continue embodying what it means to be a Laker. Anchor Up!
Name: Sheridan Maske
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class Standing: Third Year
Major(s): Human Resources Management
Involvements: Vice President of Education for Panhellenic Association; Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, Eta Delta Chapter; Girls on the Run Volunteer; GVSU Career Center Intern
What does it mean to be a member on the Homecoming Royalty Court? Being a member of GVSU Homecoming Royalty Court means that I am both a mentor and ambassador for the GVSU community. I have made sure that my time at Grand Valley has been spent maximizing opportunities and fostering an environment of community. It is an honor to be on court and prove my dedication to making the GVSU community a home for all of its students.
Name: Dallas Mathews
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class Standing: Third-Year
Major(s): Integrative Studies (Higher Education)
Involvements: President of Students Leaving A Mark, Financial Officer for the Self Care Club, Delivering the Lanthorn Newspaper, Public Speaking Consultant at the Speech Lab, Student Orientation Leader over the summer
What does it mean to be a member on the Homecoming Royalty Court? Being nominated for Homecoming Royalty at GVSU is an absolute honor. I love being involved on campus and it means the world to me that my community views me as dedicated Laker. Grand Valley has felt like home since the moment I stepped foot on campus for the very first time and I love being apart of this community. This is an exciting part of my “Laker for a Lifetime” journey and I am so thankful for the opportunity.