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Table of Contents 4 A COVID-19 Homecoming 5 Bears in the wild How have MSU alumni been?
6 Canceled: Yell Like Hell 7 The Bear Games: A MarooNation Scavenger Hunt 8 A21 Global Freedom Summit 9 High hopes for Homecoming A freshman’s perpsective about Homecoming
Candidate Profiles 10 Cara Connor, Evan Ellis 11 Jarett Fickbohm 12 Allison Garrett, Onnie Lewis 13 Aaron Luhm 14 James McCann, Mackenzie Morris 15 Adam Pellegrini, Drew Rudolph
Advertising staff
Kayla Thompson advertising sales director Joel Grieshaber advertising representative Madison Harper advertising production director Anne Roberts accounting director
Editors
Greta Cross editor-in-chief Desiree Nixon news editor Todd Dearing life editor Stephen Terrill sports editor Diana Dudenhoeffer digital editor Jaylen Early visual editor Allison Davis copy editor Kaitlynne Atchley copy editor Maquelle Huntley copy editor Shannon Noonan copy editor Victoria Conway copy editor
Reporters
Afton Harper breaking news reporter Ash Garza arts reporter Blake Haynes staff reporter Brayden Ash sports reporter Britney Huish academia/campus clubs reporter Caroline Mund health reporter Cole Sutton sports reporter Cole Trumble food reporter Jack McGee sga reporter Jade Morrow, sports reporter Kamran Choudry staff reporter Lauren Johns music reporter Noah Tucker sports reporter Paige Nicewaner staff reporter
Reginald Lee Jr. sports reporter Scott Campbell general assignment reporter T.J. Scott senior sports reporter Tinsley Merriman msu admin reporter
Columnists
Blake Haynes columnist Gianna Kelley critic Lillian Durr columnist Paige Nicewaner columnist Olivia Davis columnist
Visual Staff
Caleb Stafford designer Dayton Chambers, photographer Katie Batliner designer/illustrator Sydney Arlt designer Lainey Sanders videographer Leah Stiefermann photographer Russ Bray photographer Sinjin Delmore photographer Jadie Arnett designer Madison Harper designer/illustrator Kaitlyn Stratman senior photographer
Distribution
Sarah Longworth distribution director Shania Wolf distributor Kara Smith distributor
Professional staff
Jack Dimond faculty adviser
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Cover design by Madison Harper
Standard staff
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A COVID-19 Homecoming GRETA CROSS Editor-in-Chief @gretacrossphoto As masking on campus and virtual lectures continued on, Missouri State’s Homecoming committee prepared for Homecoming week festivities, which look a bit different this year. Homecoming committee chair Katherine Morton, senior entertainment management major, said it was “inevitable” COVID-19 would impact Homecoming, but the committee has worked hard to create a week as close to normalcy as possible. “My number one priority has become keeping the community safe while having fun,” Sofia Smith, Homecoming committee vice chair, said. “The students have had to undergo so many changes and sacrifices over the past several months, and we wanted to give them the same sense of community and MSU pride that we have on a non-COVID year.” Only a few events have been canceled entirely this year, including the Homecoming Parade, Yell like Hell and traditional royalty coronation. The pep rally and Rockstar are still being held this year, along with being livestreamed. Those not attending in person can stream the events via the Missouri State Homecoming social media — @mostatehoco. One new event, MoState Live, has also been added to the week’s event list.
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for this new culturally competent event and hope that students enjoy it.”
Maroon and White Night
Although the traditional Maroon and White Night was not canceled this year, the chili cookoff portion of the event was removed. “This year, (Maroon and White Night) is an event for anyone to come and grab food and tie dye,” Morton said. “Feel free to come by and grab some food and make a t-shirt.” Students may enjoy Maroon and White Night on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 5 p.m. on the North Mall.
Royalty
Homecoming isn’t Homecoming without a royalty court, and Cara Hawks, this year’s royalty coordinator, didn’t let the pandemic hinder her initial plans. Although she has adapted in her position throughout the semester, Hawks said her primary mission, to guide the five queen and king candidates through Homecoming and crowning, has remained the same. The biggest change to royalty, according to Hawks, was the interview process, which was held via Zoom this year to decrease unnecessary close contact. As for candidate campaigning, each candidate had Sept. 24 through Oct. 7 to campaign, including talking to 15 organizations, utilizing social media, handing out promotional materials and doing giveaways, Hawks said. As many in-person festivities have been canceled, so has the traditional halftime coroIllustration by Madison Harper/THE STANDARD nation. “I wouldn’t let our candidates be on court Despite COVID-19, Homecoming is still happening at MSU, with some changes. without getting a coronation ceremony,” Hawks MoState Live said. “We will be doing a coronation ceremony According to the Office of Student Engage- 15 from 7-10 p.m., allows organizations to to Shine — and one Missouri State Tradition. at 1 p.m. on Sat, Oct. 17 at Plaster Stadium. ment Student Homecoming webpage, MoState compete against one another through skits in“MoState Live is the new version of Yell There will be limited entry for the ceremony, Live, which will be hosted on Thursday, Oct. corporating the Homecoming theme — Time like Hell,” Morton said. “We are very excited but I plan to livestream it so all can watch it.”
Homecoming 2020 Schedule of Events GRETA CROSS Editor-in-Chief @gretacrossphoto
from 6-7:30 p.m. via Zoom • Class of 2020 Spring Commencements: Saturday, Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at JQH Arena • Class of 1970 50-Year Reunion Celebration: Saturday, Oct. 17 at 11 a.m. via Zoom • Royalty Coronation: Saturday, Oct. 17 at 1 p.m. at Robert W. Plaster Stadium • Bears and Lady Bears Scrimmage: Saturday, Oct. 17 at 1 p.m. at JQH Arena • Golden Bears Reunion: Saturday, Oct. 17 at 3 p.m. via Zoom • Football Bears vs. Central Arkansas: Saturday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. at Robert W. Plaster Stadium
Although Missouri State’s 2020 Homecoming has been impacted by COVID-19, there are still many events, in-person and virtual, students can enjoy throughout the remainder of the week. • Maroon and White Night: Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 5 p.m. on the North Mall • MoState Live: Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. in Hammons Student Center • Homecoming Staycation Trivia Night: Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. via Zoom • Field Day: Friday, Oct. 16 at 3 p.m. at Foster Recreation Center • Royalty Candidate Voting Closes: Friday, Oct. 16 at 5 p.m. • Virtual Bear Painting Class: Friday, Oct. 16
Illustration by Katie Batliner/THE STANDARD
Many in-person events will also be available virtually. For more information about each event, visit the Missouri State Alumni Association Homecoming webpage.
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Bears in the wild
How have MSU alumni been? TINSLEY MERRIMAN MSU Admin Reporter @merrimantinsley Every year, Missouri State’s Homecoming is filled with events for those on campus. MSU alumni are also invited to see how their alma mater has changed since they have left. Alumni are still able to return to campus this year, though most events have been moved online due to COVID-19. In spite of the pandemic, many alumni are functioning well post-graduation. George Winston graduated in 1993 and has since gone on to become the director of admissions at Washington University in St. Louis. He is also president of MSU’s Black Alumni Council. Winston said “support and structures” at MSU have come a long way since he was a student and he would return if offered the chance. “I think those (supports and structures) are a benefit compared to where I was when I was an undergraduate student at the campus, and I think
that those things would definitely help me continue to grow,” Winston said. Winston is mainly involved in higher education, and his job has not been affected greatly by the pandemic. This has allowed him to remain employed, and he said he feels blessed and fortunate for it. Nick Wegner was a former university ambassador before his graduation in 2005. Since graduation, Wegner has gone on to become a director at the Entertainment Software Association and part of the Recording Industry Association of America. Both have allowed Wegner to work with music, be it in the video game world or reality. Wegner said his graduating class made history by being the last class of Southwest Missouri State University, prior to the change of name to Missouri State University. Wegner said he also met his wife while on campus and has attended eight prior Homecoming events. Wegner said while it is unfortunate Homecoming couldn’t be done “normally” this year, MSU is doing everything in its power to include
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students and alumni in events. Elizabeth Rogers is a graduate of 2017. She was a four year member and senior captain of the Sugar Bears Dance Team. After graduating, she became Director of Recruitment & Selection at Northwestern Mutual, a financial services company. She said she was inspired by a “wise professor” from her MKT 485 course, Marketing Yourself, to get involved with her community after settling into a career. Rogers said her work has been largely unaffected by the Graphic by Caleb Stafford/THE STANDARD pandemic. She has continued working and is thankful her Even though Homecoming won’t look the same as it company has remained success- has in previous years, planners are doing what they ful. can to include students and alumni in events. Rogers said she would return to campus “in a heartbeat” and continues to keep is best for the general population of the campus. up a correspondence with her past professors, For a full list of events and schedules during Homecoming, the Missouri State Alumni Assoroommates, teammates and friends. She said MSU has “done well” in handling ciation has the full details on their website, alumCOVID-19 by communicating and doing what ni.missouristate.edu/homecoming
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CANCELED: Yell Like Hell PAIGE NICEWANER Columnist @i_am_paiger
After finishing up a week of midterms, Missouri State’s 2020 Homecoming week is something to look forward to. Because of COVID-19, some events have been modified to allow for social distancing, moved to a virtual format or were just canceled. In the past, Yell Like Hell, a choreographed dance and chanting competition, was a traditional Homecoming week event.This is the first year it has been removed and replaced with a different event, MoState Live. Yell Like Hell was a popular Homecoming competition, especially for Greek Life at MSU, but it remained a divisive issue within the community. Walter Kayesse, former president of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Missouri State alumnus said that the FSL community had been distanced from each other for a while. “IFC, PHA and NPHC have always had sort of an estranged relationship in a way,” Kayesse said. “When I was NPHC president in 2017, it Illustration by Jadie Arnett/THE STANDARD was the same.” Formerly an FSL staple during Homecoming, Yell Like Hell is now canceled in There had been controversy over how other FSL chapters were participating in Yell Like Hell. more than one way. ternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Phi “I know there was a time when there were Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho NPHC organizations that performed with IFC and PHA, but more recently, they wouldn’t partSorority, Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. ner with us and yet, we would see them use our These nine organizations make up the Nationorganization’s moves on video,” Kayesse said. al Pan-Hellenic Council that formed in 1930 at “It was a pretty big issue because the other memHoward University. bers felt a very exploitative energy from the whole Stepping and strolling, when performed, repordeal. I don’t remember if we got a formal apolresent strength and unity and are meaningful to ogy.” NPHC. Stepping and strolling are not just dance Predominantly white fraternities and sororities moves; they are cultural movements that can be at MSU have been criticized for stealing step and traced back to African roots, specifically the gumstroll routines without crediting NPHC or underboot dance, which originated in South Africa. standing what the dance moves symbolize. According to the World of Step organization, “It’s not a fad. It’s not some cool Black dance. during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, South It is historical, cultural and most importantly, it’s African migrant workers were forced to endure about identity,” Kayesse said. “I encourage peogrueling work conditions, suffering from severe ple to do their research and learn something new health issues, standing in water for hours. Huninstead of just seeking to appropriate it.” dreds of people were killed every year. The Homecoming committee in years past Instead of fixing the drainage system, white have dealt with concerns of cultural appropriation. bosses would hand out wellington boots - gumThis year, the event was completely removed. boots - for the workers to protect their feet. Since Katherine Morton, the 2020 Homecoming they weren’t allowed to talk, the miners would committee chair, said that the event had been canceled because there had been issues of culturcommunicate with each other by slapping their hands on the boots. Thus, the gumboot dance was al appropriation in the past. born. “It has been in the works for many years to In its modern use, stepping and strolling can change Yell Like Hell,” Morton said. “Stepping be credited to the Black Greek letter organizations and strolling is cultural appropriation, and that is made up of the Divine Nine chapters: Alpha Kapsomething that is not tolerated on this campus. pa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha FraterStepping and strolling is a part of NPHC’s histonity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Iota ry and is not something that should be exploited by organizations not educated or dedicated to Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fra-
“Stepping and strolling is cultural appropriation, and that is something that is not tolerated on this campus. Stepping and strolling is a part of NPHC’s history and is not something that should be exploited by organizations not educated or dedicated to their history.” - Katherine Morton, 2020 Homecoming Committee Chair
“It’s not some cool Black dance. It is historical, cultural and most importantly, it’s about identity. I encourage people to do their research and learn something new instead of just seeking to appropriate it.” - Walter Kayesse, former president of Phi Beta Sigma
their history.” Other members of FSL chapters also voiced their concern about Yell Like Hell and called for its removal. Sydney Neal, Homecoming co-chair for Gamma Phi Beta, said she was not going to compete in Yell Like Hell this year, unless it was modified. “I wasn’t going to have my chapter participate in Yell Like Hell if they didn’t change it,” Neal said. With recent heightened racial tensions in America, Yell Like Hell had become a prominent issue for some members of the FSL community. “Because of all the Black Lives Matter movements, I think people were putting a lot of pressure on the committee to change it. I think I had finally just taken the time to educate myself. Stepping and strolling is meaningful for historically Black sororities and fraternities, and it’s just not right for the rest of the Greek community to stick a silly name on it and give it less meaning,” Neal said. For this year’s Homecoming, Yell Like Hell will be replaced with MoState Live, an event where organizations can make up a skit, dance or both in a way that is related to a Missouri State tradition. Although Yell Like Hell will not take place at Homecoming this year, its controversy and ethical concerns still remain. Looking forward, taking into consideration how MSU handles cultural competence, one of the public affairs pillars, is something to think about when issues like this arise.
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The BearGames:
A MarooNation Scavenger Hunt
Screenshot from Missouri State University Alumni Association website
The Bear Games: Scavenger Hunt is a week-long virtual event, available to both students and alumni. Teams of up to four participants may complete “missions,” including answering prompts with text, photos or videos. The top student and alumni teams will receive prize packs. GRETA CROSS Editor-in-Chief @gretacrossphoto Despite the cancelation of many Homecoming events this year, alumni can still connect with their alma mater by participating in The Bear Games: A MarooNation Scavenger Hunt. In this virtual scavenger hunt — a competition between current students and alumni — participants complete as many “missions” as possible to earn points using an iPhone or Android device, according to the MarooNation website. Players will complete missions — available Oct. 11-18 — by answering questions and prompts with text, photos and video. According to Brynna Plaster, alumni relations event coordinator, some of the missions contain Missouri State trivia, while others are just fun, creative activities for participants. “We got the idea for a Homecoming scavenger hunt from talking with other schools early on about what they were doing to engage their alumni and students during the pandemic,” Plaster said. “The virtual scavenger hunt rose to the top of our list because it’s something that all Bears can participate in.” After the Sunday, Oct. 11 start date, new missions will be added to the scavenger hunt on Tuesday, Oct. 13, Thursday, Oct. 15 and Saturday, Oct. 17, with 50 new missions added daily — a total of 200 available missions,
Plaster said. Current students and alumni may create teams of up to four people. The top alumni and student teams will be awarded Missouri State swag prize packs. Registration for the scavenger hunt is free through the Missouri State Alumni Association and can be completed there. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email with instructions and a password to enter the game, the MarooNation website states. Plaster said there is no registration deadline; participants can register all the way up until the end of the event. The top student and alumni teams will be awarded prize packs, including Missouri State merchandise. As of Wednesday, Oct. 7, over 50 individuals have registered for the scavenger hunt, according to Plaster. Along with the virtual scavenger hunt, a number of new virtual Homecoming events have been added to this year’s calendar, including: • Homecoming Staycation Trivia Night (Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. via Zoom) • Virtual Bear Painting Class (Oct. 16 from 6-7:30 p.m. via Zoom) • The Boomer’s Virtual 5K Run and Walk (ends Oct. 31)
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Human trafficking awareness in the Ozarks A21 Global Freedom Summit
About one hundred Missouri State students, faculty, staff and members of the Springfield community walk along Cherry Street in silence during the A21 Global Freedom Summit on Oct. 19, 2019. File photos by Jaylen Early/THE STANDARD
“You can’t end something you don’t know exists. That’s the issue with human trafficking: it’s hiding in the dark.” -Cameron Jordan, former SGA Chief Interpersonal Violence Prevention Commissioner
BLAKE HAYNES Columnist @blamahay On the morning of the final day of Homecoming week, students may wake up early to support their friends and organizations in the Homecoming parade, then walk over to the BearFest Village Tailgate. Due to COVID-19, this year will look much different. In lieu of the parade and tailgate, students can attend the A21 Global Freedom Summit — a21. org, an international 24-hour event that sheds light on human trafficking awarness across the globe. A21 stands for Aboloshing Slavery in the 21st Century. 2020 is the seventh year the walk has been held internationally and will be the third time it’s been hosted in Springfield. The date of this year’s walk is Saturday, Oct. 17. It will be held at Jordan Valley Park and put on by Springfield’s STAND or Stand Against Human Trafficking. STAND — standagainsttrafficking.org — works to educate the Ozarks area about human trafficking occurring in their communities. The A21 Global Freedom Summit walk is completely silent, but participants can walk around with signs. As defined on A21’s website, human trafficking is “the illegal trade of human beings, the recruitment, control and use of people for their bodies and for their labor.”
Last year’s walk was hosted by the Student Government Association and STAND, largely in part to former SGA Chief Interpersonal Violence Prevention Commissioner Cameron Jordan. The walk had 135 participants from both campus and Springfield attend. “You can’t end something you don’t know exists,” Jordan said. “That’s the issue with human trafficking: it’s hiding in the dark. The A21 Walk for Freedom is the biggest single global attempt to tell people that we won’t stand for trafficking anymore and to invite others to join us.” Making the effort to attend the walk gives Missouri State students the opportunity to support a cause bigger than themselves. “Our age demographic is the prime target of a lot of human trafficking,” said SGA Chief Interpersonal Violence Prevention Commissioner Emily Taylor. “So, being able to know it, understand it and acknowledge it will help with overall prevention.” According to 417 Magazine, this modern day slavery takes place across Southwest Missouri with cases all along I-44. Due to COVID-19, if students or members of the Springfield community are unable to attend the walk, they can watch a live broadcast via A21’s website or Instagram — @a21. For those interested in attending, complete the local registration link on the a21 website prior to the walk.
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High hopes for OLIVIA DAVIS Columnist @Oliviadiane One of the most exciting events of the fall semester, without fail, is Homecoming. Homecoming is a college staple, known for bringing students of all types together to celebrate. A student’s first Homecoming is one of the most anticipated events of their freshman year. However, due to the current state of the world, freshmen are wondering if they have set their expectations a little too high. One of the things I noticed while choosing a college to attend was all of the colleges loved to brag about their Homecoming festivities. Which college did it first? Which did it best? There’s no real answer to either of those questions, but colleges really seemed to push that their Homecoming was the best Homecoming.
Of course, because of this, my Homecoming expectations were set high. Coming from a smaller high school, the idea of a college Homecoming celebration was magical. All I could imagine were days of parties, parades, games and goofing off. I was excited to see the Homecoming court and take part in all of the events leading up to the big day. However, the pandemic has changed all of that and more. My entire first semester of college, and every event included in that, has been completely altered. So, I had to take a look back at my expectations for Homecoming. Masks would be on everyone, crowds would be dispersed and the events would be socially distanced. The realization that Homecoming would no longer be the grand party I had once imagined it to be was not a fun one. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. My thoughs on how Homecoming was supposed to be were seemingly ruined, it only
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led me to think that every other event would inevitably suffer the same. This thinking is pessimistic, but for a time, it was all I could think. My senior year of high school had already been ruined. Why not my freshman year of college as well? I am sure many other freshmen suffered the same negative thoughts. All I could do was wallow in self-pity. However, I have come to realize thinking negatively is not going to help. Lamenting the loss of what could have been is never healthy. I am holding tight to my high hopes for Homecoming. Sure, Homecoming might be different from what I had originally expected, but that does not mean it is inferior. In fact, it could be quite the opposite. This version of Homecoming could be the best Homecoming Missouri State has ever seen, if we simply think of it that way. While reality might be very different from Illustration by Sydney Arlt/THE STANDARD my original expectations for Homecoming, I am determined to make the most of the sitLike many other events during the uation we are in. A simple change of perfall semester, Homecoming has seen spective can change this seemingly dismal changes brought on by the ongoing circumstance into a fun time for everyone. COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, To anyone whose hopes for Homecoming some events are canceled completely were dashed, I highly encourage you to do the same, and turn your outlook on everything and other, in-person events are being around. After all, life is only what we ourlivestreamed. selves make of it, and with a positive outlook, we can make every Homecoming the best one ever.
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Homecoming Queen candidate
CARA CONNOR
Sponsored event: MoState Live on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. in Hammons Student Center ASH GARZA Arts Reporter @Ash_Hufflesnuff Question: What is your year and major at Missouri State? Answer: I am a senior communications major with double minors in ethical leadership and advertising and promotions. Q: Where are you from? A: I’m from Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Go Chiefs! Q: What organization are you
Jaylen Early/THE STANDARD representing as a candidate?
Students can follow Connor’s candidate campaign on Instagram, A: I am representing University @cara4queen. Ambassadors.
Q: What other organizations are you involved in at Missouri State? A: I am also involved in the Student Government Association as the Director of Student Affairs, as well as Alpha Delta Pi. I have also been a part of Homecoming Committee, Greek Week Committee and Fraternity & Sorority Leaders for Social Awareness. Q: What are some of your hobbies outside of Missouri State? A: Some of my hobbies are hiking, knitting and I also love to binge watch TV shows.
Q: How are you keeping positive amid this COVID-19-impacted semester? A: I am keeping positive by surrounding myself with people who uplift me. The campus community I have formed at MSU has been a blessing through this stressful pandemic, so I am very grateful for all the connections I have made. Q: What are your plans for post-graduation? A: My post-graduation plans are to pursue my Master’s degree in higher education & student affairs.
Homecoming King candidate
EVAN ELLIS
Sponsored event: Can We Build It? on Monday, Oct. 12 at 4 p.m. on Trottier Plaza JACK MCGEE SGA Reporter @jvckmcgee on Instagram Question: What is your year and major at Missouri State? Answer: I am a senior entertainment management major. Q: Where are you from? A: I am from Springfield, Missouri. Q: What organization are you representing as candidate royalty, if you are representing one? A: I am being supported by both Jaylen Early/THE STANDARD Theta Chi and University
Students can follow Ellis’ candidate campaign on Instagram, @evan4king.
Ambassadors. Q: What other organizations are you involved in at Missouri State? A: I am also involved in the Entertainment Management Association and have been a SOAR leader the past two summers. Q: What are some of your hobbies, outside of Missouri State? A: I have always been involved in various sports as well as having an interest in cars.
Q: How are you keeping positive amid this COVID-19-impacted semester? A: I have started to look forward to events such as Homecoming, rather than focusing on what we have lost, as that makes it easier to stay positive and focused. Q: What are your plans post-graduation? A: I am currently looking into different internships for the upcoming summer and hope to work with a professional sports franchise alongside completing my MBA online.
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Homecoming King candidate
JARETT FICKBOHM Sponsored event: MoState Live on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. in Hammons Student Center
Jaylen Early/THE STANDARD
Students can follow Fickbohm’s candidate campaign on Instagram, @jarett4king. M. TODD DEARING Lifestyle Editor @mtodddearing Question: What is your year and major at Missouri State? Answer: I am a senior majoring in human resources management. Q: Where are you from? A: I am from Willard, Missouri. Q: What organization are you representing as a candidate? A: I am representing Delta Sigma Phi.
Q: What other organizations are you involved in at Missouri State? A: I have been a part of the Student Government Association for three years, holding Director of Student Affairs and Director of Information Services. I have also served on advisory boards to advocate for students.
Q: What are some of your other hobbies, outside of Missouri State? A: Some of my hobbies are sand volleyball, taking hikes, being with my family down at the lake and just being outside as much as I can. I also love hanging out with my best friends and making everlasting memories.
Q: How are you keeping positive amid the COVID-19-impacted semester? A: I am just being optimistic and celebrating the little things. I know times are hard and classes aren’t easy, but I’m always trying to see the positive outcomes. I am also understanding, knowing that some things are different, but that is okay because we can adjust and make them better for the future. Q: What are your plans post-graduation? A: I am pursuing my Master’s in business and public administration. I am not sure what I want to do yet, but I know I want to make an impactful change.
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Homecoming Queen candidate Homecoming Queen candidate
ALLISON GARRETT ONNIE
LEWIS
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Sponsored event: Maroon and White Night on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 5 p.m. on the North Mall
Students can follow Garrett’s candidate campaign on Instagram, @allison4queen. CAROLINE MUND Health Reporter @cemund32 Question: What is your year and major at Missouri State? Answer: I’m a senior studying political science/pre-law. Q: Where are you from? A: I’m from Nixa, Missouri. Q: What organizations are you representing as a candidate? A: I’m representing my sorority, Gamma Phi Beta. Q: What other organizations are you involved in at MSU? A: I’ve been involved in the Student Government Association for three years, and I’m currently serving as
Senior Class President. I’ve also served as Vice President of Membership Development on the Panhellenic Executive Board and was a Pi Chi during 2020 recruitment. Q: What are some of your other hobbies, outside of Missouri State? A: In my free time, I volunteer with Girls on the Run of Southwest Missouri, a national nonprofit that encourages girls to be “healthy, joyful and confident.” I’ve served as an assistant coach for three seasons, and I’ve always worked as their community outreach intern. Q: How are you keeping positive amid the
COVID-19-impacted semester? A: I’m reminding myself of how I can impact the student body as a leader. I keep the hope because I know our university leadership is doing all they can to keep everyone safe and well. I want everyone to feel secure in knowing the college experience is alive and well, it’s just a little different for now. Keeping our heads up and staying together during hard times is what Bears do best. Q: What are your plans post-graduation? A: I recently took the Law School Admissions Test and am hoping to begin working towards my Juris Doctorate.
Sponsored event: Rockstar on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. in Hammons Student Center
Students can follow Lewis’ candidate campaign on Instagram, @onnie4queen. LAUREN JOHNS Music Reporter @lje2017 Q: What is your year and major at Missouri state? A: I am a senior studying, middle school social studies education.
A: When I’m not watching TikToks, you can find me giving tours as a University Ambassador or working at the front desk of the College of Education Advising Center in Hill Hall.
Q: What are some of your other hobbies, outside of Q: What organizations are Missouri State? you representing as a A: I love listening to music candidate? and watching TikToks for A: I am representing Sigma two consecutive hours per Kappa. day. Q: What other organizations are you involved in at Missouri State?
Q: How have you been staying positive amidst this pandemic?
A: I have been taking life day-by-day and always make sure to do things that I genuinely enjoy. I think that making the most out of what is going on is what has been keeping me uplifted. Q: What are your plans after graduation? A: I hope to get a job in a seventh or eighth grade classroom and teach American History. I’m not sure where I’d like to live, but I’m excited to begin my job search soon.
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Homecoming King candidate
AARON LUHM
Sponsored event: Rockstar on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. in Hammons Student Center BLAKE HAYNES Columnist @blamahay Question: What is your year and major at Missouri State? Answer: I am currently a junior majoring in conflict and interpersonal communications, with a minor in psychology. Q: Where are you from? A: I am from St. Louis, Missouri! The Lou’. Q: What organization are you representing as a candidate? A: I am representing the Sigma Jaylen Early/THE STANDARD Chi Fraternity.
Students can follow Luhm’s candidate campaign on Instagram, @aaronluhm4king
Q: What other organizations are you involved in at Missouri State? A: I have been a SOAR Leader, an URSA Major and I currently work at the Boys and Girls Club, employed through the Leaders in Community Service program. Q: What are some of your hobbies, outside of Missouri State? A: I really enjoy being outdoors and hiking. I love hanging out with people and socializing, and I would consider that a passion of mine. I love playing basketball and volleyball, watching sports and playing games like MarioKart and Super Smash Bros. Finally, I love playing a game of
Monopoly. Q: How are you keeping positive amid this COVID-19-impacted semester? A: I’ve been spending time outside and focusing on ways to better myself! Also, (there’s) nothin’ a quarter pounder can’t fix. Q: What are your plans post-graduation? A: I am looking to work in education because I feel like my calling is to work to develop and influence minds from my own experience — whether that be through being a high school counselor, finding my way into a teaching role or even eventually working as an administrator.
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Homecoming King candidate
JAMES McCANN Sponsored event: Kickoff on Sunday, Oct. 11
GRETA CROSS Editor-in-Chief @gretacrossphoto Question: What is your year and major at Missouri State? Answer: I am a junior accounting major. Q: Where are you from? A: I am from Lake Ozark, Missouri.
Q: What other organizations are you involved in at Missouri State? A: I am also the Vice President of Academics of the Interfraternity Council. Q: What are some of your other hobbies, outside of Missouri State? A: I enjoy golf, boating at the lake and stealing my sister’s dog Sunny.
Q: What organization are you representing as a candidate? Q: How are you keeping A: I am representing Pi positive amid the Kappa Alpha, or PIKE. COVID-19-impacted semesJaylen Early/THE STANDARD ter?
A: I’ve stayed positive by enjoying the fact that we have been able to remain on campus. Even though school is still impacted by COVID-19, I still feel I am able to get a college experience. Q: What are your plans post-graduation? A: My plans post-graduation are to attend law school and then pursue a certified public accountant license after.
Students can follow McCann’s candidate campaign on Instagram, @mccann4king.
Homecoming Queen candidate
MACKENZIE MORRIS Sponsored event: Can We Build It? on Monday, Oct. 12 at 4 p.m. on Trottier Plaza SCOTT CAMPBELL General Assignment Reporter @ScottCa81380794 Question: What is your year and major at Missouri State? Answer: I am a senior and my majors are math and economics with minors in spanish, Latin American and Caribbean Studies and computer science. Q: Where are you from? A: I’m from St. Peters, Missouri. Q: What organizations are you representing as a candidate? Jaylen Early/THE STANDARD A: I am representing the Missouri State Improv Team.
Students can follow Morris’ candidate campaign on Instagram, @mackforqueen.
Q: What other organizations are you involved in at Missouri State? A: I serve as Chief Sustainability Commissioner for the Student Government Association. Q: What are some of your other hobbies outside of Missouri State? A: Sewing has always been a hobby of mine, and I even made my own prom dress during my senior year of high school. I also love to cook. My favorite foods to make are all types of curries, soups and stir fry. Almost everything I make is vegan.
Q: How are you keeping positive amid the COVID-19-impacted semester? A: I stay as organized as possible and keep up on assignments so I don’t get overwhelmed. I also recently picked up painting because it’s a good way to cut down on screen-time now that classes and work are all virtual. It’s also so relaxing! Q: What are your plans post-graduation? A: I am planning to start my Ph.D. in environmental economics next fall.
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Homecoming Queen candidate Homecoming King candidate
ANNA PELLEGRINI DREW RUDOLPH Sponsored event: Kickoff on Sunday, Oct. 11
Sponsored event: Maroon and White Night on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 5 p.m. on the North Mall
Jaylen Early/THE STANDARD
Jaylen Early/THE STANDARD
Students can follow Pellegrini’s candidate campaign on Instagram, @annap4queen.
Students can follow Rudolph’s candidate campaign on Instagram, @drudolph4king.
AFTON HARPER Breaking News Reporter @cemund32 Question: What is your year and major at Missouri State? Answer: I am a senior majoring in organizational communication with minors in psychology and leadership. Q: Where are you from? A: I am from Chicago, Illinois. Q: What organization are you representing as a candidate? A: I am representing myself but competing in events with my sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi.
Q: What other organizations are you involved in at MSU? A: I am involved in Alpha Omicron Pi, where last year I served as Chapter President. I have been in SGA for three years now. Last year, I served as the Chief Communication Officer, and this year I serve as the Director of Administrative Services. I have been a SOAR leader for the past two summers and am currently the Orientation Assistant for the SOAR program. I serve on the Student Affairs Advisory Board. I was involved in the Traditions Council during my first two years at Missouri State. I served as the Spirit Events Chair in my sophomore year.
Q: How are you keeping positive amid this COVID-19-impacted semester? A: A way I try to stay positive is realizing all the good things that have happened ever since quarantine. I was able to catch up on school and start researching grad schools. Moving home last semester, I was able to spend a lot of time with my family and was able to focus on myself. I am happy Missouri State is still having in-person classes and is still having socially-distanced events. Although this is not how I pictured my senior year, I am happy that I can still experience my last year of school.
DIANA DUDENHOEFFER Digital Editor @lje2017 Question: What is your year and major at Missouri State? Answer: I am a junior wildlife niology major. Q: Where are you from? A: I am from Blue Springs, Missouri.
Q: What other organizations are you involved in at Missouri State? A: I am involved in the American Fisheries Society, Student Government Association, University Ambassadors and the Missouri State men’s choir.
Q: What are some of your hobbies, outside of Missouri State? Q: What organization are A: My hobbies include you representing as a fishing, hanging out with candidate? friends and watching the A: I am representing Sigma Chiefs win. Tau Gamma. Q: How are you keeping positive amid this COVID-19-impacted semester?
A: I’ve been talking a lot more with my friends, more than I typically have in the past. It can feel like you’re very alone, but in actuality, you’re not. Just because we are physically distanced doesn’t mean we have to stay socially distanced. You can still socialize. Q: What are your plans post-graduation? A: I have lots of plans. My dream right now is to go up to Wisconsin and do fish population studies.
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