On Campus: Homecoming Royalty

“Through these Gates” pass the greatest fans and this includes our 2023 Homecoming Royalty. This year’s finalists are: Dylan Anderson, Grant Auman, Jayven Brandt, Ritsa Giannakas, Isha Kishore, Hannah-Kate Kinney, Preston Kotik, Rachel Morros, Nyarial Nyoak, Paul Owens, Paul Pechous, Bridget Peterkin, Samuel Phillips, Phoenix Sadd, Whitney Schwisow, Megan-Francis Snow, Sam Spethman, Lydia Storm, Madison Stracke, Cordell Vrbka.

Royalty candidate Grant Auman—a senior political science, economics and Spanish major from Overland Park, Kansas—is utilizing this opportunity to show Huskers how special the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is as a member on court. Celebrating an untouchable legacy of 100 years in Memorial Stadium, this year’s homecoming court has the privilege to contribute to Nebraska’s rich history of tradition.

Talk about why you decided to apply for Homecoming Court.

I applied for Homecoming Court because I wanted other students to be able to see what the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has done for me. Almost every success or moment of growth that I have had over the past four years were afforded to me by connections and experiences that I have had as a result of this institution. To me, being on Homecoming Court means that I have the opportunity to show other Cornhuskers about all of the amazing things that this special place can do for them.

What event, activity or experience are you most looking forward to participating in as a royalty candidate?

The football game. We need a big home win against Purdue to keep rolling through Coach Rhule’s first season.

How does homecoming and being on homecoming court allow you to connect with campus and the greater Lincoln community?

I have met so many incredibly talented people by being on Homecoming Court. All of the finalists are equally unique and talented. Getting to know them has been a pleasure, and I wish that I could have met them even sooner in my time here.

What is your favorite Husker homecoming tradition?

My favorite Husker homecoming tradition is all of the decorations across campus. The floats and the sets in front of all the Greek houses are always so impressive and are a tangible symbol of the intense pride of this student body.

How is Nebraska’s homecoming special? Talk a bit about this year’s theme and explain what it means to be celebrating 100 years of Memorial Stadium.

The history and culture of Nebraska and Memorial Stadium is like no other. Admittedly, I was not raised a Cornhusker, but I have been quickly adopted as one. Through this process, I have been indoctrinated into the rich prestige and culture of winning. Over the last 100 years of Memorial Stadium, nobody has come close to Nebraska. Between National Championships, sell-out streaks and Guinness World Records, our legacy has been untouched, and there is no reason that will change over the next century.

Why did you choose Nebraska?

I chose Nebraska because of my family. My older brother, Chase, made the decision to come here. He shared stories of involvement opportunities, envigorating education backed by passionate professors, and a football experience like no other. After four years, I can confidently say that it is some of the best advice that I have ever taken.

What is one piece of advice you would give younger students looking to make an impact on campus?

Get involved with something that excites you. In my mind, there is no worse feeling than having nothing to do and feeling as though you could be spending your time doing something greater. There are so many organizations on campus that cater to different interests; just find one that fits yours. Through these groups, you will meet other Huskers that are just as passionate as you. Together, you will soar to higher levels than you previously thought you could.

What is something you have learned during your time at Nebraska that you will take with you?

One thing that I will always remember from my time at Nebraska is the importance of enjoying the moment. The past four years have gone by much faster than I would have liked. It has been very easy to lose myself to my commitments, goals, and other external pressures along the way. Learning how to take a deep breath and enjoy time with my friends has been the best part of my collegiate experience. Lincoln is full of fun things to do — make sure that you prioritize a healthy balance between working hard and enjoying yourself!

What do you hope to do after graduation?

Following graduation, I plan to apply to law school.

Throughout your time at Nebraska, is there a specific faculty member who has had a lasting impact on your experience?

One faculty member who has had a lasting impact on my experience is Dr. Tyler White. After my first semester with Dr. White, I asked him what class he was teaching next semester and enrolled without a second thought — and then I did that until I had taken all of his courses that I could! He is the model professor, who understands how to convey heavy topics like nuclear proliferation or decades-long ethnic conflict to his students in ways that are engaging and understandable. I credit my vested interest and desire for a career in international affairs and politics to Dr. White’s instruction.

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