Homecoming 2015

2 | October 2015 | Homecoming

The Standard

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Contents

14 Homecoming Court

4 Bears Breaking Barriers

16 Rachel Becker 17 Megan Bradley

5 Homecoming calendar

19 Julie Daoust

6 Homecoming ballot 7 Homecoming banners 8 Tailgate traditions

20 Brandon Dick 21 Shelby Greninger 22 Dylan Meyers

9 “I’m on a float!”

23 Justin Roberts

10 Bears on the Square 11 Homecoming court: Where are they now?

25 Meagan Tarrant 26 Weston Thomas 27 Bradley White

12-13 Football

Standard staff Editorial staff Eli Wohlenhaus Editor-in-Chief Peyson Shields Managing Editor Emily McTavish Photo Editor Nicole Roberts News Editor Rebecca Biundo Design Editor

Bart Anders Sports Editor Kayla Seabaugh Copy Editor Taylor Balleau Copy Editor Courtney Smith Copy Editor Reporters/Photographers Keenan Andrea Columnist Courtney Cramer Reporter Lacey Curtis Reporter Maddy Cushman Photographer Ben Gilbert Reporter Emma Jones Reporter Emily Joshu Reporter

Eric Knifong Reporter Anita Lumley Reporter Spencer Martin Columnist Sydni Moore Reporter Kristen Stacy Photographer Mike Ursery Reporter Ryan Welch Photographer Brian Wright Reporter Han Zhao Reporter Professional staff Jack Dimond faculty adviser Sandy King ad manager

Homecoming 2015 Cover design by Zach LaMarre

Advertising staff Lindsay Daggett sales Tyler Krtek sales Mark Phillips sales Zach LaMarre design Christina Harper office assistant

is published by The Standard, Missouri State University’s student-produced newspaper. The university has not approved and is not responsible for its content, which is produced and edited by The Standard staff.

The Standard 901 S. National Ave. Springfield, MO 65897 417-836-5272

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4 | October 2015 | Homecoming

The Standard

Homecoming 2015: Bears Breaking Barriers

By Lacey Curtis Staff Reporter @lncurtis318

There are many exciting events during homecoming, and each year a theme is selected to tie all those events together as a whole. This year, that theme is “breaking barriers.”

For Kevin Sikes, homecoming advisor and graduate assistant for spirit and traditions, breaking barriers means surpassing expectations. “It’s about being the best version of yourself, no matter the outlook of others. To me, what this could mean to Missouri

State is how we have broken barriers with enrollment this year.”

Missouri State had its highest number of first-time students enroll this fall semester since the 80’s, and Sikes believes this shows how successful MSU is as a university.

“With the enormous freshmen class that just enrolled here, it can certainly be said that MSU has an ‘it’ factor that other schools in the state are lacking as those institutions are seeing declines in attendance,” said Sikes.

“More and more students are saying their decision was based on MSU, ‘feeling right’ or ‘feeling like home’ upon their initial visit, which is a sign that we are doing great things

here. I am certain that the university wants to continue supporting initiatives to keep “breaking barriers” on attendance here in Springfield.”

The Alumni Association also played a large part in how homecoming is shaped from year to year, and the Executive Director of Alumni Relations Lori Fan had similar thoughts on how the bears are breaking barriers this semester.

“Homecoming is an annual celebration of the entire campus community, so Bears Breaking Barriers, I think, is an outgrowth of the institution’s tremendous improvements, accomplishments, and enthusiasm of our stu-

The windows outside the PSU are painted for competition during the 2015 homecoming week.

dents, alumni, faculty and staff. From new facilities to enrollment records, to cutting edge programs, our University is on the rise - breaking records and barriers!”

As far as how the theme is chosen each year, the homecoming committee, made up of both students and staff from Missouri State, has the final say in the theme.

Fan explained the students’ voice was the most important when deciding the theme.

“We present several ideas to the group, and each takes them back to their own departments and committees to discuss before bringing the recommendation back to the Homecoming committee,” said Fan.

Emily McTavish/THE STANDARD

this weekend

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Thursday, Oct. 15

Friday, Oct. 16

SAC After Hours presents Headphone Disco

Bears on the Square

Yell Like Hell Pep Rally

Homecoming Alumni Reception presented by COAL

9-11 p.m.

PSU Ballroom East

6-8:30 p.m.

Hammons Student Center

#TeamThursday

All day Share a picture on social media with team members.

All day Downtown Springfield

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Springfield Brewing Co.

#BearUpFriday

All day Share a picture on social media of your BearWear.

Saturday, Oct. 17 Band of Bears Parade

9-11 a.m.

John Q. Hammons Parkway

Tailgate

11 a.m.-2 p.m.

BearFest Village

Homecoming Football Game 2:04 p.m.

Plaster Sports Complex

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The Standard

Homecoming ballot Taylor Health and Wellness referendum tops the list of issues students can vote on

By Anita Lumley Staff Reporter @lumleyanita

While voting for this year’s homecoming king and queen, students will also have the opportunity to vote on the Taylor Health and Wellness referendum and a ratification of the Student Government Association’s constitution.

The Taylor Health and Wellness referendum will cost students $29 a semester. The money will go to an entirely new building on its current site, which will be twice its size and would break ground in November of 2016. However, the new building wouldn’t open until fall 2017, which is also when students would start paying the $29.

The planned changes and expanded amenities include: •Women’s health center •Sports medicine clinic

•Fast track clinic for basic health care

•Free strep tests, mono tests, CBC blood test and urinalysis •Drive-thru pharmacy •Expanded hours

•Travel clinic with free consultation services for students •Mental health counseling

•Dedicated consultant space

The fee will also include any maintenance and upkeep for the estimated 36,000 squarefoot building.

The Student Government Association felt like the student body should have input and decided to put the referendum on the homecoming ballot for more student exposure during the vote for Homecoming Queen and King.

“We made the decision that this was something that we feel, that obvious from the surveys and focus groups, that students really care about this and that it matters to students,” Ashley Crisafulli, student body president, said.

Also up for vote is the ratification of the constitution, which would allow for more student representatives in the student senate.

Currently, there are 50 senators: 25 class senators and 25 at-large senators. The change would allow the senate to expand to 100 senators: 50 class senators and 50 at-large senators.

“It is not necessarily right at this time that we’re completely at capacity, but the potential for growth is there, and last year we were very close to that 50 line,” Crisafulli said.

Crisafulli stated that the increase in enrollment, interest in the organization and size of the student government were factors for the ratification.

Emily McTavish/THE STANDARD

Go to elections.missouristate.edu.

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Bear banners around campus

Emily McTavish/THE  STANDARD

Banners line the fence by the Greenwood Laboratory playground.

The stairwell leading to the first floor of the PSU is covered in creativity.

Candidates’ campaigners paint the windows of the PSU.

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The Standard

The tailgating tradition... Or are there any?

By Ben Gilbert and Mike Ursery Staff Reporters @TheGilb24 and @MikeUrsery

File photo by Kristen Stacy/THE STANDARD

Fans dance and cheer during the football home opener on September 12.

The following is a conversation that took place between Ben Gilbert and Mike Ursery, reporters for The Standard, after attending the tailgate at BearFest Village on Oct. 3.

The two reporters attended the tailgate prior to the Missouri State Bears’ 2 p.m. game against the Indiana State Sycamores.

Their goal was to find out if tailgaters at MSU host any traditions.

Mike Ursery: So, there were a lot of people there, but what were they doing?

Ben Gilbert: I got there at 10:30 a.m., started walking around and looking for people and found people setting up.

MU: I showed up around 11:15 a.m., because I went to the bookstore before meeting you. We walked around together, and we stayed in the parking lot across Grand St. first because there were a lot of people there.

We went to that big tent in the very back. I can’t remember what fraternity it was, but I remember going there to ask for an interview. We were greeted with these

looks of “What are you doing here?”

So, we tell them who we are and what we’re doing. The only thing they can tell us is “We like to get (expletive) up.”

BG: Then we proceed to go to BearFest Village, which is basically the tradition of Missouri State, or at least is trying to be a tradition. As we turn the corner, it’s basically a larger tailgate closer to campus.

Now, if you’re going to try to create a tradition, make it more than a big tailgate with tents.

MU: That’s really all it is. It’s a bunch of tents thrown up with tables set up. People go there and hang out, but there’s no organization to it. Every group is kept to themselves. I went to talk to ROTC, but they didn’t seem interested. I told them I was a veteran, but they acted like they didn’t want to give me the time of day.

BG: Basically, what we’re getting at is that traditions at Missouri State are nonexistent. It feels like people go to games to drink and then leave.

MU: And you don’t have to go to the tailgates just to drink. You can sit at home and drink. You can go to a bar and drink. I know people do it because people drink alcohol socially. But if you’re going there

just to drink, you’re doing it wrong.

After it was done, we wanted to compare notes and talk about everything we saw. So, we went to Bair’s nearby, and a lot of people that we saw at the tailgate also went to Bair’s before kickoff. They sat at Bair’s and watched other football games.

Why don’t they just go to Bair’s at 11 a.m.?

BG: I’ve seen tailgate traditions at other schools. I’ve been to OU games and to Arkansas games. Alumni show up with traditions and invite people with open arms.

There are not any closed-arms, “keep-outof-this-tent” attitude that we saw, which I think is a shame. It’s going to keep people away, especially the students. People complain about students not showing. Maybe start some tradition and people might show up.

MU: Do something to get the students involved, something that they'll enjoy. You have people on campus on a Saturday, but they don’t stay for the games. It’s really sad. If Missouri State wants to be taken seriously as an athletic school, building stadiums is not enough. Bringing in a bigname coach is not enough. It’s going to take making a sports culture, and it’s going to take student involvement to do that.

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What goes into a homecoming float

File photo/THE STANDARD

Fraternities and sororities are paired up for homecoming and decorate together.

By Brian Wright Staff Reporter

The homecoming parade features a lot of music, candy and waving, but it’s really all about the floats. And this year should be no different.

Luke Wiesboeck, the Homecoming Chair of Sigma Nu, has big plans for his float.

Sigma Nu is partnering with Gamma Phi Beta and Kappa Sigma for a tremendous float that will be featured in Saturday’s parade.

“Our plans are to build a fountain on this trailer,” Wiesboeck said. “It will be pulled by a truck. We’ll have speakers in the back of the truck to play some music. We’ll have a cut out of a wooden Hercules riding his horse because that's our theme. And we will have a

poster of the back with all the fraternity and sorority pairings.”

The team only has homecoming week to work on the float and he expects about 10 hours from each individual to get it done.

“We’re actually going to go to Lowe’s because we won a $100 gift card,” Wiesboeck said. “We’re going to go to Lowe’s and we will be buying all kinds of types of woods, paint and rollers.”

There will also be pomping which, according to Wiesboeck, is a lot of hard work that includes glue and paper.

“It’s mostly wood and paint, that’s the bulk of it. And getting that drilled down onto each other, building things onto the trailer,” Wiesboeck said.

This year’s parade floats certainly will be full of creative ideas.

File photo/THE STANDARD

The Coca-Cola Bear supports his cousin Boomer in last year’s Homecoming.

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The Standard

‘Bears on the Squares’ offers students discounts Nineteen downtown businesses participate in homecoming

ERNIE BIGGS

BIG WHISKEY’S

PIZZERIA

One of the main events for students during homecoming will be “Bears on the Square,” on Oct. 16-17. Many local businesses will host specials on food and beverages all throughout downtown Springfield.

Lori Fan, executive director of Alumni Relations, said there will not be as many events on the square as last year.

“We are engaging more of the local vendors to participate throughout Friday and Saturday,” Fan said. “We look forward to seeing all the maroon and white around downtown.”

There are 19 total businesses taking part in the event. These range from pizza places to nightclubs. The full comprehensive list can be found at alumni.missouristate.edu/homecoming.

Below are eight out of the 19 specials, but be sure to check out all of the participants and enjoy the event responsibly: Big Whiskey’s Downtown- ten percent discount for anyone wearing Bear Wear, $4 Sugar Bear cocktails, $4 Mother’s Octoberfest drafts.

BYOP- $7.99 for one residential unlimited pizza, one salad and one drink.

The Coffee Ethic- ten percent off espresso drinks, $1 off draft beers.

Discovery Center- $2 off for wearing Bear Wear or with MSU ID. Ernie Biggs Dueling Piano Bar- FREE cover for anyone wearing Bear Wear along with drink specials.

Finnegan’s Wake- $4 Boomer cocktails, $3 MSU shots, and $3 drafts and $2 well drinks during Happy Hour from 3-7 p.m.

The Outland- $2 off cover with MSU ID. Concerts on both nights.

PaPPo’s Pizzeria- fifteen percent discount for with Bear Wear or MSU ID.

PAPPO’S

By Ben Gilbert Staff Report @TheGilb24

THE COFFEE ETHIC

P O Y B

THE

D

AN L T U O

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Homecoming Court 2014: Where are they now and what are they up to?

By Sydni Moore Staff Reporter @sydnimmoore

Homecoming is all about tradition and alumni so The Standard reached out to last year’s Homecoming King and Queen to see what they are up to.

• Slayton Boone, Homecoming King 2014 What is your favorite memory from your time here at Missouri State?

My first weekend at Missouri State was filled with excitement and fear. I will never forget sitting in my dorm room and realizing I only knew a handful of students at the university. The fear of not fitting in was weighing heavy on my shoulders and filled my mind with anxiety and doubt. As time passed, I realized that the only way to fit in at Missouri State was to be yourself. When I started to be myself, friendships were made and doors were opened. So, my favorite memory of Missouri State was realizing that I just needed to be myself.

What are you up to at Missouri State?

I’m currently in graduate school at Missouri State getting my master’s in communication. While in graduate school, I’m a Teaching Assistant for first year programs.

This allows me to teach three sections of GEP 101 each semester I’m in graduate school. As Homecoming King, my platform was to help incoming students find their place at Missouri State, and this allows me to do just that. My goal as a GEP teacher is to help each student find their place at Missouri State, and watching them grow as adults and young professionals has been extremely rewarding.

How do you remember homecoming 2014?

I’ve never been a huge fan of waking up early, but the sound of my alarm did not bother me when it was time to get ready for homecoming 2014. There are several moments I will not forget about that day. However, the support of my family and friends throughout the entire experience is something that I will never forget. Homecoming 2014 will always be one of the best weeks of my life.

Homecoming 2015 is all about breaking barriers. What advice do you have for younger students who are facing tough barriers?

When faced with a tough barrier, some will give you the advice to not let others see your weaknesses. That advice does not hold true at Missouri State. We all have our weaknesses, but we should never let our weaknesses define who we are as a person.

Do not be afraid of failure, because if we were all afraid of failure, nothing would get done. The only barrier you face is your-

self. So believe in yourself, take chances and Bear Up! My message for Taylor: Taylor, for the past twenty-two years, you’ve been a 10-minute drive away. From preschool, church camps, youth group, high school dances, Missouri State and Homecoming King and Queen, you’ve always been by my side. I’m not sure how we’re going to live in separate places come December, but thank you for bringing the bootheel to Missouri State.

• Taylor Moody, Homecoming Queen 2014 What is your favorite memory from your time here at Missouri State?

I honestly cannot pinpoint one memory at Missouri State to call my favorite; I have thousands. I have enjoyed meeting my best friends and making memories with them the past four years, and I have enjoyed every single leadership opportunity I have been given.

However, the first time I met Clif, and homecoming last year are definitely two at the top of my list of favorite memories.

What are you up to at Missouri State?

I will be graduating in December with a BS in entertainment management, and I am currently an intern at JQH Arena/Hammons Student Center.

How do you remember homecoming 2014?

I remember homecoming 2014 as one of my greatest days at Missouri State. My family was here, my friends were all having a great time, it was sunny and I was able to share the day with one of my oldest friends as Homecoming King. It was a great day, and such a fun week! The day was amazing, and I often wish I could go back.

Homecoming 2015 is all about breaking barriers. What advice do you have for younger students who are facing tough barriers?

You are at one of the most accepting universities with people who truly want to make a difference. I would say to be yourself, and do what makes you happy, no matter what.

Barriers are tough, but they are not unbreakable.

My message for Slayton: Slayton, I wouldn’t have wanted to be Homecoming Queen with anyone else. You are one of the greatest people I know, and I know I speak for a lot of people when I say I’m lucky to have you as a friend. You’ve made such a positive impact on Missouri State, and I know you’re the coolest GEP teacher around. Thanks for being just as bad at emceeing events as I am. It must be because the only crowd we spoke in front of in high school was Lynn Oak General Baptist, population 35.

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The Standard

Bears set to host last season’s national runner-up

By John Robinson Staff Reporter @SaxmanJohn

File photo/THE STANDARD

Sophomore wide receiver Malik Earl is up ended against Indiana State on Oct. 3.

Normally, the prediction is saved for the final paragraph in these preview stories, but it’s homecoming week, so let’s change things up by starting off with how I think this matchup against Illinois State will go.

The Bears will lose.

OK, now that that’s out of the way, let’s get to the how and why of it. With the Illinois State Redbirds, it all starts with one player on the offense — senior quarterback Tre Roberson.

The University of Indiana transfer was a major factor in ISU’s success in 2014 and he is picking up right where he left off. Roberson has 32 completions on 67 attempts for 642 yards, six touchdowns and only one interception. Roberson is also the second leading rusher on the team with 166 yards on 35 attempts.

Senior running back Marshaun Coprich is the force on the ground for the Redbirds with 640 yards on 122 attempts and eight touchdowns.

Coprich is averaging over 100 yards per game, 200 yards less than what MSU gives up on average every game.

Junior Anthony Warrum is the main wide

receiving target for Roberson. The junior has 397 yards on 19 catches and five touchdowns. Warrum is averaging 19 yards per catch and 76 per game.

The Redbirds are just as solid on defense, allowing an average of only 23 points per game to opponents collecting five interceptions and forcing five fumbles.

The Bears are not on the same level as the Redbirds. Going into the season, the expectation would be head coach Dave Steckel would have a decent defense to offset an offense, which would see a lot of new faces. So far this season, the defense has been atrocious.

The Bears have given up 2741 yards of total offense this year which comes to 548 yards per game, and the only opponent to not score over 50 points against the Bears this season has been Division II opponent, Chadron State.

With the defense blowing coverages and missing tackles and gaps it doesn’t matter how well the offense performs if opponents can move the ball at will.

It’s hard, if not impossible, with the way the Bears’ defense has performed this season, to see a way they can suddenly turn it around to get a win against Illinois State. And the rest of the schedule doesn’t look much better for Missouri State.

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A season shrouded in disappointment Listing out the struggles of the football Bears’ dim season

By Eli Wohlenhaus Editor-in-Chief @eliwohlenhaus

If you have read anything about the football program at Missouri State University, then you have heard about the struggles of the offense, defense, special teams and waterboy.

You then undoubtedly have heard the phrase “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” and “It takes time to develop a team.”

We know.

Sports fans know all these narratives when new coaches and players take over. We understand the criticisms and we understand the positive ways of looking at things. Yet, one thing needs to be cleared up about the Bears

and this downward-spiraling season. The maroon-clad squad is not where they should be.

Head coach Dave Steckel was going to come in and change the atmosphere. He gave us Twitter hashtags and billboards. He brought in a young group of coaches, and his recruiting prowess got football fans in Springfield more hyped in April than this city has been in a long time.

Then, the season started.

Despite the off-season push and excitement and hype, once practice started, it became clear there were a lot of uncertainties.

Who would play quarterback? Who is going to protect him on offense and rush him on defense?

Answers were found, if for a moment. But now that the Bears are five games in and 1-4 with an average of 65.5 points against them from Division I opponents, those answers were hopefully written in pencil.

I truly am sympathetic to the fact that it takes time to develop a system, a routine and especially a culture. However, it is time to discuss the mid-season shortcomings with the homecoming game against the FCS runner-up looming.

1. Junior linebacker Dylan Cole is not Batman.

He isn’t even in the Gotham City Police Department at this rate. With an ex-FBS defensive coordinator coming in to take the reins, if one person was going to take off even more it would be Cole. Instead, the different schemes that the Bears have implemented have seemed to take the wind out of his sails, even if he does lead the team in tackles so far.

I still hold the belief that he should be moved back to strong safety so as to give him the best opportunity to reach the next level, because he is that talented. In the words of Zeus in the movie “Clash of the Titans,” the Bears need to “release the Kraken.”

2. The play-calling on offense has not changed from seasons past.

I noticed it in game one against Memphis, but chalked it up to the Bears just trying to get familiar with themselves against a far superior opponent. Then, I saw it against Chadron State, a team the Bears should, by all means, have obliterated. The short screens and the poorly-blocked runs have done nothing but given me dark visions of the days of old. Yes, MO State has had two different first-time starter quarterbacks already this season. But we the fans need to see something new, so as to glimpse into the future juggernaut that will be Bears football in the years to come.

3. Attendance is still bad at home.

This is being nitpicky. Attendance only rises when teams win, but sometimes the egg has to come before the chicken. If real support showed up for four quarters of play, something magical may happen.

14 | October 2015 | Homecoming

The Standard

the

By Courtney Cramer, Emily Joshu, Sydni Moore and Han Zhao @CourtneyRCramer, @EmilyJoshu, @sydnimmoore and @hanzhao0620 Campus is decorated with banners and posters encouraging students to vote for particular candidates on the 2015 Homecoming Court. Get to know a little more about each king and queen candidate over the next few pages.

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meet

The Standard

Year: Senior | Major: Child and Family Development Affiliation: Alpha Chi Omega & University Ambassadors Social Media: #B4Queen

Emily McTavish/THE STANDARD

What barrier do you want to break on campus?

I am very passionate about helping new students get accustomed to college and Missouri State. I feel like a big barrier here is that freshmen do not know how to get involved here or are worried about what others think of them. My wish for every freshman is that they find their confidence here, and find themselves. I want everyone here to be more open, kind and genuine to every person. We are a body and a community and I think it is so important we all come together, especially when it means being a role model to younger students. Each younger student deserves a role model and someone who can help them find their home here.

Why do you want to be the Homecoming Queen?

It would be a huge honor to be Missouri State’s next Homecoming Queen. I never thought in a million years I would be in this position. I was extremely shy and lonely as a freshman and I would love to be queen to inspire younger students. I know how hard it is to go out of your comfort zone and how scary coming to college to be. I would want to encourage students that it is so possible to find their place and passion here just like I was able to.

Advice for freshmen: My biggest advice is to have confidence in yourself. Believe in yourself and do not underestimate yourself. There are so many opportunities that await you here at Missouri State. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and meet all the people you can. Be around people who make you better and help you accomplish the things you never thought possible.

Future plans: I plan on going to graduate school for social work and counseling. I also want to do mission work overseas in the near future.

Favorite Part of MSU: My favorite part of MSU would have to be the fact that our student body is large, but our campus is so compact. I love that you are constantly seeing people you know. This place is so connected which is something I have always loved.

What do you do with free time?

I love reading, long runs outside and long drives with the windows rolled down. I spend all my free time with friends and enjoy spontaneous adventures and eating on the patio at Ebbets Field.

meet

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Year: Junior | Major: Graphic Design and Illustration Affiliation: Xi Omicron Iota Social Media: #votemeganb4queen

What organizations are you involved with on campus?

I am involved in Xi Omicron Iota, Panhellenic Judicial Board, Plaster Student Union Graphic Design Center and Greek Week Committee 2015.

Why did you pick your major?

There is something about seeing my work in print that I just live for. Whether it’s just a poster on the wall or seeing someone in a Tshirt I designed, there is this great feeling of joy knowing the time and effort I put into my work can be seen by so many.

Ryan Welch/THE STANDARD

Best advice you have ever received?

Never regret the things you have done, learn from the mistakes and live for the opportunities.

How do you put yourself in a good mood?

Going to concerts, anything art related and going to the gym.

What does Homecoming mean to you?

Homecoming to me means a time to make memories as students and celebrate the traditions that so many great alumni before us established. Its a time for floats, tailgates, football and a whole lot of maroon and white. It is my favorite time of year, because so much talent is expressed. Homecoming will always have a special place in my heart.

Since the Homecoming theme is Bears Breaking Barriers, what barriers are you going to be breaking?

I would love to break the barriers between academic departments. I feel like many students only know what’s going on within their own college or department, but don’t get to What is your favorite thing about see all the other amazing things other students are doing. We all have our struggles in Springfield? college and I think by breaking these barriers P-WHIP!!! we can be more empathetic of our peers.

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Year: Senior | Major: Communications Studies Affiliation: Alpha Sigma Alpha | Social Media: #daoo4queen

Ryan Welch/THE STANDARD

Homecoming 2015’s theme is all about breaking barriers. What kind of barriers have you faced and broken as a college student?

Some barriers that I’ve faced and broken as a college student include working two part-time jobs, being a full-time student and being actively involved in student organizations all while excelling academically and being a volunteer in the Springfield community. There have been times where it’s been difficult to balance everything, and I didn’t think I could handle it all. However, through it all I’ve learned the value of time management, and being busy has helped push me to get the most out of my undergraduate time at Missouri State University.

Why did you choose a “Hunger Games” theme to represent your campaign?

I chose “Hunger Games” because I knew I could call it the “Homecoming” Games and do a spinoff of the “Hunger Games”. I had a few really cool ideas that I knew could be incorporated into this theme too. I also wanted to get my little with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks involved in my campaign, and she’s been a perfect Prim, as I’ve taken on the role of Katniss.

If you were famous, what would you like to be famous for?

If I were to be famous, I would want it to be for something positive that would make the world a better place.

What is your major, and why is it amazing?

My major is communication studies, with an emphasis in public relations. This major is so great because I can essentially do anything I want with it after I graduate. I am learning valuable skills that will help me adjust to any job that I hold in the future.

Where is your favorite place to be on campus?

My favorite place on campus is the fountain outside of the library. Anytime I walk by it and it’s running, I instantly get a smile on my face! Our campus is beautiful and I love all the updates we’ve been adding over the years. Go Bears!

You’re in line at Starbucks in the PSU. What are you getting?

Depends on the season. Right now, I would be getting either a Pumpkin Spice Latte or a Toasted Graham Latte.

meet

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The Standard

Year: Junior | Major: Marketing Affiliation: Sigma Pi | Social Media: #dickdynasty What kind of barriers have you faced and broken as a college student?

One barrier I faced coming into college was the distance away from my family. I’m from Kansas City, so home isn’t too far away, but I’m the oldest of 12 kids so it is a little bit of a different dynamic having my own room! I overcame that barrier by getting involved in a number of different areas around campus and finding my own family down here at Missouri State.

What are you studying, and why is it amazing?

I am currently in the College of Business studying marketing.

My end goal is to go into graduate school for student affairs and work for university life. I am very passionate about the college experience because I know how much growth I have experienced here at Missouri State myself. This university has helped me become the man I am today and I want to help others experience the same growth.

Why did you choose a Duck Dynasty theme to represent your campaign?

I decided to go with Duck Dynasty for a couple of reasons. First off, it was an easy play on words because of my last name.

Second, and most importantly, Duck Dynasty is a very familyoriented show, which is something that holds a lot of value to me coming from a big family.

Where is your favorite place to go in Springfield?

My favorite place to go in Springfield is definitely any of the parks in the surrounding area. There is nothing better than spending the afternoon grilling or throwing the football around with a couple of friends!

If you could be president of Missouri State for a day, what would be your first order of business?

If I could be president of Missouri State for one day, I would implement a mandatory hour of sleep/Netflix time in the afternoon.

Emily McTavish/THE STANDARD

What is your go-to restaurant at the PSU? My go to restaurant in the PSU has got to be Chick-fil-A. It got so bad that they ended up remembering my face every time I made a trip there. I keep telling myself that they remember me from my kind interactions with them, but I’m sure it has much more to do with the frequency of my trips.

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Year: Senior | Major: Marketing/Advertising Affiliation: Alpha Delta Pi | Social Media: #Shelby4Queen2015

What organizations are you involved with?

I have been very involved in many areas of the Fraternity and Sorority Life community for the past four years. I am a member of Alpha Delta Pi and Order of Omega. I have served as a Panhellenic Counselor, a Greek Week Committee Coordinator and as the Fraternity and Sorority Life Student Specialist. I have also been involved with the Student Government Association for three years now. This is my second year on the Executive Cabinet, and I serve as the Chief Communications Officer.

What is your favorite animal and why?

Well Bears, of course. It is something Missouri State students pride ourselves on. #BearUp What is your favorite thing to eat at a dining hall?

For sure the ice cream cones.

What advice would you give freshman?

My advice to freshmen is, “You can do it!”

Don’t be afraid to say yes to opportunities your freshman year. Get involved in an organization that you are passionate about and get out of your comfort zone to meet new people who, you will quickly find out, will be some of your best friends as you embark on your senior year. Start impacting our university and making a difference now!

Ryan Welch/THE STANDARD

Why are you running and why do you think you should win?

If I was chosen to be Homecoming Queen, I would be very humbled. I do not see it as a title or sash, but an opportunity to give back to the students and the university I’ve come to care so much about. As students, our biggest vow to each other is to offer support.

If chosen, I would advocate for making an effort to get out of your comfort zone and appreciate the talents of all our students, because together we make this one Missouri State.

What is your favorite thing about Missouri State?

My favorite thing about Missouri State is hands-down the students. I think they make our campus a place that is very welcoming, a place where you can quickly feel comfortable and a place you feel at home.

The homecoming theme this year is “Breaking Barriers.” What barriers have you broken in your life?

This immediately makes me think of my junior year of high school when my hometown of Joplin, Missouri was hit by an E-F5 tornado. It is truly amazing how such a devastating loss helped us gain much more than we could have ever imagined; a stronger community, more love, more compassion, more hope. There were lots of changes in my life I wasn’t exactly ready for as a result of the tornado, but being able to break these barriers and overcome adversity has made me the person I am today.

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Year: Senior | Major: Special Education Affiliation: Pi Kappa Alpha | Social Media: #votedillygoat

Why do you want to be the Homecoming King?

I want to be king to represent my fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha, and all of the organizations I have been a part of on Missouri State’s campus.

What organizations are you involved with on campus?

I am involved in Pi Kappa Alpha as Director of New Member Education,Order of Omega as Vice President of Membership, Emerging Leaders as a participant and facilitator, Inter-Fraternity Council as Director of New Member Education, and Phi Sigma Upsilon as the Vice President of Recruitment and Student Mobilization Do you have any advice for freshmen?

Don’t be scared to step outside your comfort zone; that is where opportunity for growth is crucial.

Emily McTavish/THE STANDARD

Do you have any future plans after Missouri State?

I plan to get my degree in special

education and teach at a local high school in St. Louis.

What is your favorite part of Missouri State?

The opportunity for personal growth.

Favorite hang out on campus?

The Betty and Bobby Allison recreational fields, playing on various recreational sport teams.

What do you do with free time?

I enjoy spending time with my friends, going on adventures.

What is your phone background right now?

Jesus Christ carrying his cross, reminding me to pick up my cross daily.

What barrier do you want to break on campus?

I believe we need to start understanding the importance of each individual for who they are and understand that everyone has hopes and dreams, just like ourselves.

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Why do you want to be Homecoming King?

I would love to be king and be able to help new students become more acclimated with campus as well as teaching them MO State traditions to better our athletics and raise the profile of our university.

Which organizations involved with on campus?

I’m involved with Theta Chi, SOAR and Student Government Association.

Year: Senior | Major: Organizational Communication and Philosophy Affiliation: Theta Chi | Social Media: #VoteJustinVote What is your favorite part of MSU? Favorite part of MSU is the faculty, staff and students and the cohesiveness of everyone working better to make this campus the best it can possibly be.

What do you do with free time?

A lot of sleep. iPhone or Android?

Team iPhone.

Do you have any future plans after graduation?

Hopefully attending graduate school here at MO State.

Emily McTavish/THE  STANDARD

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Year: Senior | Major: Elementary Education Affiliation: Delta Zeta Social Media: #MeaganT4HocoQueen

Emily McTavish/THE STANDARD

Since the homecoming theme is Bears Breaking Barriers, what barriers are you going to break?

One barrier that comes to mind is that students are not always aware of the resources and opportunities that they have here. In order to break this barrier, I would like to be a resource for students and educate them on all that Missouri State has to offer. As a member of various organizations I do not solely label myself based off those organizations but on the fact that I am a Missouri State student. I often find that we distance ourselves from one another based on where we feel comfortable and I would like to break this barrier and create a more unified atmosphere. While we all are different, we are all Missouri State Bears!

Why did you pick your major?

I have wanted to be an elementary school teacher my whole life. The role of an elementary school teacher is so much more than a person who teaches the curriculum, but someone who helps shape children's lives.

I want to be a positive influence in my students’ lives, a role model, and someone they can trust. Teaching is my passion, and working with children every day is something I can't wait to do. I cannot think of anything more rewarding.

If you were a raindrop, where would you fall?

Somewhere warm and tropical... so probably Hawaii.

Why is homecoming important to you?

Homecoming is important to me because it is a time we all come together to celebrate the university that has given us all so much.

It serves as a reminder of why I chose to attend Missouri State; Not only did I want to receive a great education but I wanted somewhere I felt at home, as well. While Missouri State students come from different places and study different things, homecoming is the time that we all celebrate what we have in common... our love for this university.

If you win, what is the first thing you will do?

If I win, the first thing I will do is hug my family. They are my strength, support system, biggest cheerleaders, and endless supply of laughs. Without them, I would not be the person I am today.

Best advice you have ever received?

The best advice I have ever received is to not sweat the small stuff and focus on the positive. This advice has allowed me to live a happier life.

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What organizations are you currently involved with?

I am currently involved in Student Government Association, University Ambassadors, Student Activities Council, the Missouri State Hibernotes, Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Entertainment Management Association and the Relay for Life Planning Committee.

What are your plans for the future?

As of now, I don’t have any concrete plans for the future. However, ideally, I would like to travel to New York City or LA and work for a theatre production company. In addition, I would like to get involved with local arts organizations. No matter what I end up doing, I hope to be successful and leave a positive impact wherever I go.

Are you a cat person or a dog person and why?

I love dogs and cats! I am a total animal lover-ask my family. Dogs and cats can instantly put a smile on my face, not to mention they always make great cuddle buddies.

What song could you play on repeat for hours at a time?

I’m the worst at picking favorite songs, but a few

The Standard

Year: Senior | Major: Entertainment Management Affiliation: Hutchens House | Social Media: #TappingWithThomas

that get me moving are “Anaconda,” “Watch Me,” and “Happy Birthday.”

Why are you running for Homecoming King?

As an arts advocate native from the Springfield, MO area and with some Missouri State alumni throughout my family, I have been around Missouri State for the entirety of my life — it’s in my blood.

However, I am certainly not running to gain personal fame for myself. I am running in hopes of further connecting our student body, making impacts throughout our community both at Missouri State and in Springfield and inspiring others to do the same. Specifically, I would like to focus on partnering with student organizations and other arts organizations throughout Springfield to provide opportunities of artistic expression to those individuals with disabilities.

What barriers have you broken in your life?

In all honesty, I think we all break our own barriers in day-to-day life. For me, just where I stand in life has been my greatest barrier that I have broken.

From all the high points and accomplishments in my life to all the low points and obstacles that I have had to overcome. I simply hope to keep living life and facing the challenges — leaving a positive impact wherever life takes me.

Ryan Welch/THE STANDARD

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Year: Senior | Major: Organizational Communication Affiliation: Pi Kappa Phi | Social Media: #Bradley4King

What organizations are you currently involved with?

Senior Class President. Best Buddies – Chapter President. Pi Kappa Phi.

How do you spend your free time?

I do not have a lot of free time due to all of my organizational involvement, two jobs and being a full time student. However, when I do have free time I enjoy relaxing and watching Netflix. I enjoy hanging with friends and eating food. Trying new restaurants is always a fun thing to do as well.

Where is your favorite place to spend time on campus?

My favorite place to spend time on campus would be the Plaster Student Union because it is where a lot of people hang out. I enjoy seeing a lot of my friends there. Also, it’s where Chick-Fil-A is, so who wouldn’t want to be there?

Do you have any advice for underclassmen?

My advice for underclassmen would be don’t wish your time away. I know that in college that academics can get tough and stressful at times, but it will all be OK. I know that there was many times where I wished that I could just graduate and get a job. However, looking back, it flew by. I would just say make sure

Ryan Welch/THE STANDARD

and enjoy every moment because sadly, it will be over before you know it.

Why are you running for Homecoming King, and why do you think you should win?

I am running for Homecoming King because I want to share a message of inclusion.

Instead of running on a theme and platform about myself I have decided to change the game and run for others. I believe that instead of sharing a message that is only about me, I can hopefully make a difference and share message that is more impactful.

The message that I am sharing is Spread the Word to End the Word. This is a national campaign, in which the goal is to end the use of the R-word. I believe I should win because my campaign is original and impactful. We as Missouri State University students have the opportunity to show that we want to make a difference in the lives of others and to create a more inclusive environment. By choosing me as your Homecoming King, you are making a real difference.

What barriers have you broken in your life?

The most recent “barrier” I have broken is my homecoming theme and platform. Instead of running a campaign about myself, I have chosen to run a campaign about others.

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