Two young black women are smiling while holding signs. One sign says #SIUHOMECOMING, and the other sign says SIU. There are people seen in the background, walking around.

File photo

October 07, 2022

Ten vie for SIU homecoming court crowns

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Ten Southern Illinois University Carbondale students compose the 2022 homecoming royalty.

The top two candidates will be crowned during halftime of the 2 p.m. football game on Saturday, Oct. 15, at Saluki Stadium. Online student voting takes place Oct. 10-13.

The 10 finalists, chosen by committee following interviews, are:

  • JulianAcevedo-sm.jpgJulian Acevedo, a senior zoology major with Spanish and environmental science minors from Plainfield, Illinois, Aceveo enjoys travel and collecting tools in countries visited to carry for future visits to different places.
  • GraceGonzalez-sm.jpgGrace Gonzalez, a senior early childhood major with American Sign Language minor from Chicago is president of Sigma Kappa.
  • AriannaGoss-sm.jpgArianna Goss, a senior health care management major with minors in long-term care administration, health informatics/information management and communications, from Sainte Marie, Illinois. Goss has been active in Delta Zeta sorority, Undergraduate Student Government, the Research-Enriched Academic Challenge (REACH) program and volunteer work.
  • AlainaHerman-sm.jpgAlaina Herman, a senior dental hygiene major from Jerseyville, Illinois, Herman has been involved in Greek life since arriving at SIU and held numerous leadership positions.
  • RobHodges-sm.jpgRobert Hodges, a junior aviation technology major with helicopter maintenance minor from Chicago is president of the Gamma Upsilon chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi.
  • KylenLunn-sm.jpgKylen Lunn, a senior cinema major with photography minor from Swansea, Illinois, Lunn is passionate about cultivating and sharing the Saluki experience with current and future students through cinematography and social media.
  • RoseSouth-sm.jpgJaci “Rose” South, a junior computer science major with psychology minor from Chester, Illinois. South focuses on scholarship, leadership and service.
  • RavenSpears-sm.jpgRaven Spears, a senior criminal justice and criminology major with sociology minor from East St. Louis, Illinois. Spears wants to become a criminal defense attorney and enjoys building connections and meeting new people.
  • JacobVezensky-sm.jpgJacob Vezensky, a senior architecture major with environmental studies minor from Lakemoore, Illinois. Vezensky enjoys sports, Greek life, attending concerts and being a residence hall adviser.
  • BrittanyWendel-sm.jpgBrittany Wendel, a senior dental hygiene major from Streamwood, Illinois. Wendel works at the Tutoring Center, records TikTok videos for the Student Center and gives campus tours, calling herself Saluki obsessed.

To qualify as a homecoming court candidate, a student must be an undergraduate junior or senior in good academic standing with a GPA of at least 2.5.

Find the complete schedule of events and additional information about SIU’s 2022 homecoming festivities at homecoming.siu.edu.