Royalty
SDSUs Student Life & Leadership announced the 2019 Homecoming Royal Court on Oct. 16.
The Royal Court members represent a diverse cross-section of the student body that have exceptional records of service and leadership. They were selected from a field of 70 applicants and nominees.
Dean of Students Randy Timm and Homecoming Steering Committee Chair Kyla Blaylock announced the court to a crowd of onlookers during the Oct. 16 event.
“They really represent the spirit of our university,’” said Rogelio Becerra-Songolo, assistant director for commuter life. “They are proving that the student leaders we are developing and nurturing here really have the tools and mindset needed to better our community.”
The applications were screened by a selection committee composed of students, faculty and alumni, who narrowed the field to 10 finalists from which the two Homecoming Royals will be selected.
Melanie Amacker, a member of this year’s selection committee and a member of the 2010 Homecoming Royal Court, echoed Becerra-Songolo’s sentiments.
“Overall, the applications were really great, although the top 10 had really unique and very detailed service components, and demonstrated they really thought about their service projects, outlined how they would reach their goals and how it could impact our community,” Amacker said.
The court members will next complete a series of interviews conducted by SDSU faculty, staff and alumni, who will select the final two Royals.
The court will participate in a number of Homecoming Week activities, including volunteering at an Aztec Unity Project and attending the venerable Homecoming Brunch leading up to the Aztecs’ Nov. 9 game against the University of Nevada Wolf Pack at SDCCU Stadium.
Amacker said the experience on the court helps connect members to the university at an even deeper level than they already experience.
“I connected to a lot of people on campus and organizations that I otherwise wouldn’t have met,” Amacker said. “It was really a great experience, and overall it’s a way to feel more connected with the school, get more involved and have even greater school spirit. I think the court members are in for a great experience.”
Here are the members of the 2019 Royal Court, their majors and nominating organizations:
- Joshua Barfuss, statistics and economics, Mortar Board
- Olivia Di Santo, mechanical engineering, College of Engineering Student Council
- Matthew Leong, microbiology, SDSU Ambassadors
- Liana Marin, psychology, Alpha Gamma Delta
- Lauren McLeese, psychology and honors interdisciplinary studies, Mortar Board
- Lauryn Merriweather, speech language and hearing sciences, Campus Curlz
- Catherine Miranda, marketing, Women in Business
- Karly Nolan, journalism and media studies with an emphasis in public relations, Alpha Gamma Delta
- Marissa Regalo, biology, SDSU Ambassadors
- Parnaz Rezaie Boroon, biology, Aztec Dance Marathon
