Homecoming Royalty

The Homecoming Committee has announced royalty candidates for the University’s 2024 Homecoming celebration.

Students may begin voting at midnight Monday, Oct. 7, by following the link in their Northwest Email via Northwest Surveys; voting ends at midnight Wednesday, Oct. 16. The king and queen will be announced Thursday, Oct. 17, at the conclusion of the Homecoming Variety Show, which begins at 7 p.m. at the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts. Variety Show tickets are $5.

King candidates

	Ben Bueneman Year: Senior Major: Geographic Information Systems: Emphasis in Geography Hometown: Born in Ternopil, Ukraine and raised in Wentzville, Missouri. Campus involvement: Grappling Club, Order of Omega, Greek Week, Interfraternity Council, Gamma Theta Upsilon, Alpha Kappa Lambda, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. What does being a Bearcat mean to you? Being a Bearcat means making my mom proud who worked so hard to put me through college. Being a Bearcat also means being involved in as much as possible and working hard on my academics so that all the work she did, was not wasted and living what she had dreamed of me now that she is gone.
	Connor Gorman Year: Senior Major: Corporate Finance Hometown: Fort Scott, Kansas Campus involvement: FBLA-NW President, Phi Sigma Kappa, and Newman Catholic Center. What does being a Bearcat mean to you? Being a Bearcat has immersed me in a dynamic community that fosters both personal and professional growth. This environment has inspired me to actively engage in various activities and new opportunities. Through these experiences, I have not only broadened my knowledge base and diversified my skillset, but I have also engaged in meaningful connections in the Bearcat community.
	Parker Ticknor Year: Senior Major: Mass Media: Broadcast Production Hometown: Monett, Missouri Campus involvement: Phi Sigma Kappa, St. Jude Bearcats, CatVision, and KNWT. What does being a Bearcat mean to you? Being a Bearcat has profoundly shaped my life, keeping me actively involved through diverse campus opportunities and leadership roles. I’ve built strong connections with peers and professionals, enriching my personal and career life. The hands-on experiences I have gained through classes have prepared me for life after college.
	Sal Bonadonna Year: Senior Major: Cybersecurity Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri Campus involvement: Tau Kappa Epsilon, Interfraternity Council, Student Senate, Order of Omega, and Student Ambassadors.  What does being a Bearcat mean to you? Being a Bearcat means I have a whole pack of Bearcats that I can call family and always come to home to.
	Spencer Cupp Year: Senior Major: Applied Health Science: Sports Medicine Hometown: Platte City, Missouri Campus involvement: Sigma Tau Gamma, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Order of Omega, Northwest Honors Program, and Natural Sciences Tutor. What does being a Bearcat mean to you? Being a Bearcat to me is about being a part of a community dedicated to unity. It is like joining one big family that truly cares for one another and strives to see everybody succeed.

Queen candidates

	Abigail Dewert Year: Senior Major: Agricultural Education Hometown: Union, Missouri Campus involvement: Student Activities Council - VP of Retention and Recruitment, Collegiate FFA - President, and Delta Tau Alpha - Agriculture Honor Socitey - Vice President. What does being a Bearcat mean to you? Being a Bearcat means finding a community that is there to support you. No matter where you go in your journey, there is always a Bearcat that is willing to help lead you into the next step.
	Callie Spunaugle Year: Senior Major: Agriculture Business Hometown: Lincoln, Missouri Campus involvement: Gamma Sigma Epsilon, St. Jude Bearcats, Student Senate, Student Success Center, and Collegiate Farm Bureau. What does being a Bearcat mean to you?  Being a Bearcat is a legacy of tradition, pride, and excellence that unites us across generations. Ever since I was a child, I wanted to be a part of the Bearcat legacy. As Bearcats, we belong to a family that commits to growth, integrity, and support. We push ourselves to excel. We uplift one another. We create an environment where success is meant to thrive. To be a Bearcat means embracing our journey with purpose through the acceptance we are part of something greater. Bearcats leave a lasting impact on each other and our university.
	Chloe DeVries Year: Senior Major: Biochemistry Hometown: Red Oak, Iowa Campus involvement: Student Senate, Phi Mu, Gamma Sigma Epsilon, and Student Ambassadors. What does being a Bearcat mean to you? Being a Bearcat to me means having a community that cares about you, supports you, and helps you become the best version of yourself. Bearcats go the extra mile for one another and give you a place to always call home.
	Erin Frink Year: Senior Major: Speech and Theater Education with a Minor in English Education. Hometown: York, Nebraska Campus involvement: Bearcats Going Green and Northwest Theater. What does being a Bearcat mean to you? Being a Bearcat means that you will always feel a sense of belonging and will always be a part of a very large and supportive community. It has been very empowering to be surrounded by people who allow me to be my best and true self.
	McKenna Grimmer Year: Senior Major: Elementary Education Hometown: Hannibal, Missouri Campus involvement: Alpha Sigma Alpha, Student Senate, and Student Ambassadors. What does being a Bearcat mean to you? Being a Bearcat to me means not being afraid to take every opportunity that comes your way, because you know you are surrounded by the most amazing people and support system you could ask for.