On Wednesday Oct. 11, the SIUC campus will have the opportunity to select the homecoming candidates they believe will best represent the student body and the campus.

Homecoming has been a SIUC tradition since 1921. Dorothy Benner Muckelroy, the first official homecoming queen, was crowned in 1927. Ever since, homecoming queens and kings have been a part of SIUC history

The winners of the final election are determined by 70 percent popular vote and 30 percent panel interview. The candidates are interviewed by a committee consisting of at least one representative from SIUC faculty, staff, SPC, and the student body.

Advertisement

Lori DeLeo, assisant university program director, said homecoming candidates are reviewed for many different attributes.

Candidates are not just selected on a cumulative grade point average of 2.5, but also on community service.

She said the king and queen represent the student body at campus activities.

Its kind of like being a class officer, but not with such heavy duties, DeLeo said. The king and queen represent the school and campus to alumni.

Homecoming is traditionally for alumni. The alumni can come back and talk to the queen about:how the campus has changed since I went here, what events are going on, what needs the alumni support, she said.

A long standing homecoming tradition is passing down the crowns’ from the reigning king and queen to the next generation

Angie Snyder, the retiring homecoming queen, said giving her crown away will be a sad moment.

Advertisement*

I’m sad to see my reign end, it was such a memorable experience. It is a great honor and I’m glad to see someone is going to get it, she said.

Snyder said the position of homecoming queen is a responsibility not just a honor.

You are expected to hold up good standards. You represent a lot people and organizations, she said.

Snyder said many memories will be made throughout the year-the new queen must remember to make the most out of her reign.

My advice would be to have fun with it, and take it to its limits. Be proud of your position because you represent about 22,000 students and that is a great honor, she said.

Applicants must meet the following University requirements to run for Homecoming court;

n Candidates must be at least a sophomore at SIUC with 26 credit hours, and must be full time students.

n Students may be registered by only one registered student organization.

n Students not associated with a registered organization must obtain 25 signatures or a petition provided by SPC.