The University of New Orleans celebrated homecoming during the week of Nov. 4, a move from its traditional springtime observation. In another new development, the Student Activities Council, which sponsors the homecoming court competition, shifted to a more gender inclusive format for the royal court.
Because the court included candidates from across the gender identity spectrum, students were encouraged to self-identify their royal titles if elected by Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s student body, said Kathy Jones, assistant director of the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership.
More than 1,200 student votes were cast, resulting in the naming of two queens: Amber Lemelle, a sophomore marketing major from Leonville, La., who was sponsored by Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Orientation Leaders and junior political science major LaMarÃa Phillips of Baton Rouge, sponsored by the Progressive Black Student Union.
The homecoming court was recognized Nov. 5 during halftime of the Privateers men’s basketball season opener against Spring Hill College at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s Lakefront Arena.
Other members of the homecoming court were:
• Alexis Chivatero is a junior from Marrero, La.
Major: Accounting and Anthropology
Sponsored by: Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Orientation Leaders
• Alexus Day is a junior from Denham Springs, La.
Major: Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
Sponsored by: Sigma Kappa Sorority
• Grace Gilpin is a junior from Baton Rouge, La.
Major: Film
Sponsored by: Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority
• Jayson Ray Jr. is a junior from Houma, La.
Major: Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Administration
Sponsored by: Student Government Association
• Mason Willis is a freshman from Garland, Texas.
Major: Theatre
Sponsored by: Progressive Black Student Union
