The top 10 student royalty candidates competed last night to impress alumni and potential judges with their wit, personality and charm.
Of the two or three dozen Ball State University alums at the Royalty Social last night, about five of them were judges. The challenge, steering committee member Kayln Long said, was that candidates didn't know who were the judges, and who were regular alumni.
Homecoming queen candidate Veronica Carona said it was an honor to be nominated, but she was a little nervous about introducing herself to all the alumni.
"I do like to meet a lot of people," she said, "but I don't know what we're being judged on. We were even joking about being judged on eating etiquette."
Carson Lance, who has been nominated two different years by different organizations, said he has enjoyed getting to know so many people just from being nominated for Homecoming king.
"It's nice getting to know people through mutual friends," he said. "I don't know if it will help me get elected this year, but I know there's nothing wrong with getting to know any and everyone."
The spectrum of candidates is vast, ranging from those who wanted to have a good time to those who hoped to make a difference.
Candidate Chris Griffith came wearing flip-flops, white pants and a tie-died polo shirt. He said he just wanted to have fun.
"I'm not a very cut and dry person," he said. "I think this is a great way to meet people, to learn more about the Alumni Center, and get to know some of the traditions of Ball State."
Candidate Kayla Prickensgill, on the other hand, said she hopes her nomination can make a lasting effect.
"I've been really busy lately with sorority stuff and SGA, but I realized just this weekend that making an impact on people's lives is what really matters," she said. "If at the end of the day you haven't made an impact on people, it's pointless."
Alumni enjoyed taking part in the tradition of homecoming, especially Don Parks, former Homecoming steering committee chairman, faculty member and vice president of the university.
"I'm expecting a big turnout," he said. "I know I'm going to have a big weekend."
Parks is a former member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and he said he expected 300 members to come back for the dedication ceremony of the new fraternity house. He and his wife also host an annual reception at their home for friends, family and fraternity brothers on the weekend of Homecoming.
Christine Lindner, who graduated two years ago, said she looks forward to Homecoming as a time to catch up with old friends.
"It's a great way to stay connected with our old traditions like going out to Scotty's and getting hotdogs at Carter's," she said.
Kelly Shock, who now works at the Alumni Center, said she looks forward to Homecoming week each year.
"It's fun to watch people walk through campus and see what's changed over the years," she said. "I think the Alumni Association does a great job of including faculty and staff in an event that is normally for the students."
Student homecoming king and queen will be determined by the impression they make on the judges at a closed dinner on Thursday night. The winners will be announced during Air Jam next week.
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