coordinator of student activities at the Nebraskan Student Union, 308.865.8523
UNK- Homecoming 2008 royalty finalists were announced today at the University of Nebraska at Kearney by Jami Schaffnitt, UNK coordinator of Student Activities.
Final voting will take be on Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 6 and 7. Coronation will take place after Lip Sync competition on Thursday, Oct. 9, at the UNK Health and Sports Center. Lip Sync begins at 7 p.m.
Also candidates for the Homecoming Queen honor, listed below alphabetically, by hometown and state:
Hastings- Brittany Davidson is the daughter of Tim and Gwen Davidson. She is representing Antelope Hall. Brittany is a senior majoring in Vocational Business Education. She is involved with the Alpha Phi Sorority, the Honors Program, Circle K, Choraleers, National Residence Hall Honor Society; Mortar Board, Gold Torch Society, Nebraskats and Student Education Association of Nebraska. She is serving as the director of Student Organizations and Affairs for student government.
Kearney- Kami Jorgenson is the daughter of Kent and Lori Jorgenson. She is representing Nester Hall South. Kami is a junior majoring in art education with a minor in Spanish. She is a resident adviser and is involved with Campus Roots and Bible Study through the Berean Church.
McCook- Julia Lyons is the daughter of Phil and Diane Lyons. She represents Randall Hall. Julia is a junior majoring in middle level education with a focus in math and science. She is president of Middle Level Educators Club and vice president of Loper Programming and Activities Council. Julia is a Resident Adviser and a member of National Residence Hall Honor Society, Phi Eta Sigma, Kappa Delta Pi, the Honors Program, Gold Torch Society and a Chancellor’s Ambassador. Julia is also an active participant in The Big Event and Campus Relay for Life.
TEXAS-
Katy- Claire Bryan is the daughter of Paul and Annie Bryan. She represents Gamma Phi Beta sorority. Claire is a senior majoring in special education. She is the president of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and the St. Jude Children’s Hospital “Up’ till Dawn” programs executive board and teams chairperson. Claire is a member of UNK Women’s Tennis Team, a Chancellor’s Ambassador and a member of Order of Omega. She volunteers with Buddy Bowling and the Humane Society and works at Mosaic, a mission organization to assist mentally disabled individuals.
The four homecoming king finalists are listed below, alphabetically, by hometown:
David City – Chris Hein is the son of Nick and Marlene Hein. He is representing Mortar Board. Chris is a senior with a double major in psychology and sociology. Chris is the vice president of Loper Legion, the community service chair for Mortar Board, the community service/philanthropy chair for Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji), a member of the Honors Program and the National Residence Hall Honorary. Chris is the assistant hall director of Centennial Towers West.
Minden – Cade Craig is the son of Dave and Jane Craig. He is representing student government. Cade is a junior majoring in exercise science. Cade is the Speaker of the Student Senate, a member of his hall council, a Diplomat, Chancellor’s Ambassador and also the Health Science Club.
North Platte – Mason Doughty is the son of Marshall and Bonnie Doughty. He is a senior majoring in business management. Mason is representing Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He is a student Diplomat and is involved with the Honors Program and Loper Liaisons. Mason spent the summer working with Summer Advising and Enrollment. He is a past member of Inter-Fraternity Council and currently serves as the vice president of Order of Omega. Mason is also involved with Buddy Bowling, the Friend’s Program and the National Kidney Foundation of Nebraska. Mason is a four year Regent’s scholar.
Omaha – Tony Lopez is the son of John and JoAnne Lopez of Omaha. He is a junior majoring in computer science with a minor in mathematics. Tony is representing Nester Hall North. Tony is a resident adviser and is a member of the UNK Tennis team, RHO Alpha Sigma and Loper Programming and Activities Council.
Also candidates for the Homecoming Queen honor, listed below alphabetically, by hometown and state:
Bellevue- Corrina Wright is the daughter of Barbara Wright and Robert Kennedy and the late Richard Wright. She is a senior majoring in interior design. Corrina is representing Martin Hall. She is a resident adviser, a Chi Omega Panhellenic Delegate. She is involved with Relay for Life and University Lutheran.
Columbus- Morgan Pillen is the daughter of Tom and Debbie Pillen. She is representing Mortar Board. Morgan is a senior majoring in communication disorders and speech pathology. She serves as vice president for membership recruitment of Alpha Phi sorority. Morgan is also active in Order of Omega, Mortar Board, Circle K, Panhellenic Council executive board and Kearney Speech Language and Hearing Association. She works as a behavioral therapist and volunteers for St. Luke’s Villa Nursing Home and Kearney American Heart Association.
Columbus- Abby Weidner is the daughter of Lois Weidner. She is representing Centennial Towers West. Abbie is a junior majoring in English education. She is the vice president of recognition for National Residence Hall Honor Society, the event chair for Relay for Life and programming chair for RA Council. Abbie is a resident adviser and a member of Loper Programming and Activities Council and Loper Legion.
Grand Island- Nina Batenhorst is the daughter of Donald and Helen Batenhorst. Nina represents Centennial Towers East. She is a junior majoring in business administration with a minor in international studies. Nina is a resident advisor and is involved with Ladies Mix, Hispanic Student Association, Nebraska Cultural Unity Conference, Phi Beta Lambda, and Sigma Lambda Gamma.
Holstein- Audrey Churchill is the daughter of Ronald and Lael Churchill. She is representing Conrad Hall. Audrey is a junior majoring in interior design. A former graduate of the Central Community College in Columbus, she earned her Associates Degree in commercial art and architectural drafting.
Kearney- Amanda Calleroz is the daughter of Steve and Rosie Calleroz. She represents the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. Amanda is a senior majoring in biology with an emphasis in health science. She has been the philanthropy chair for Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, president for Mortar Board and Co-Chair of the Social Committee for the Health Science Club. Amanda is also involved with the GAMMA organization, Honors Program, Phi Eta Sigma, Gold Torch Society, and Chancellor’s Ambassadors. Amanda has consistently been on the Dean’s List and an American Chemical Society PRF SUMR Scholar.
Lincoln- Riki Klabenes is the daughter of Bill and Pam Klabenes. She is a senior majoring in mild to moderate disabilities K-12, coaching, and communication disorders. She is representing Chi Omega sorority. Riki is the vice president for Chi Omega, a member of Kappa Delta Pi and an undergraduate assistant for the UNK Volleyball Team.
Ord- Emmylou O’Brien is the daughter of Greg and Marie Nielsen. She is representing UNK Army ROTC. Emmylou is a junior majoring in biology/health science. She is a member of the Chemistry Club, Health Science Club, Antelope Artillery and Loper Legion. This summer, she joined the Nebraska Army National Guard.
Wood River- Angela Reynolds is the daughter of Mick and Debra Reynolds. She is representing Student Government. Angela is a senior majoring in business administration with an emphasis in management. She is the student body vice president and is involved with the Honors Program, Chancellor’s Ambassadors, Mortar Board, Student Government, Loper Programming and Activities Council, National Residence Hall Honor Society, SHRM, Hall Council, Cornerstone UNK and Loper Legion. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Beta Gamma Sigma, Rho Alpha Sigma, and Phi Eta Sigma.
COLORADO-
Julesburg- Aubrie Hill is the daughter of Marcia and Dennis Hill. Her sponsoring organization is Alpha Phi sorority. She is a senior majoring in multimedia. Aubrie was elected the Greek Woman of the Year for 2008 and is involved in Students in Mass Media Honor Society, Mortar Board, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.
Also candidates for the Homecoming King honor, listed below alphabetically, by hometown and state:
Allen- Aaron Smith is the son of Rick and Joy Smith. He is a double major in industrial distribution and business administration. Aaron is representing the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He is a student diplomat and serves as president of Pi Kappa fraternity. He is also involved with intramurals, student government, and the Industrial Distribution organization.
Atkinson- Kevin Vrooman is the son of Jim and Terri Vrooman. He is a junior majoring in construction management. Kevin is representing the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He is a member of the construction management organization, the Newman Center and is currently the vice president of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
Columbus- Eugene Bichlmeier is the son of Gayle Golub and Gene Bichlmeier. He represents the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity holding the treasurer/secretary chairs. Eugene is a senior majoring in broadcasting. He is actively involved with NTV, Hits 106, Y102 and KGFW. He is also involved with Storm Vision, for the production and broadcasts of the Tri-City Storm hockey games. Eugene is a member of Students in Mass Media Honor Society and is the vice president of recruitment for the Advertising/Public Relations organization.
Falls City- Mark Dunn is the son of Mike and Tami Dunn. He represents University Residence South – Pod B. A junior, Mark is majoring in business administration and management. He is a member of the Resident Adviser Council, GAMMA, Campus Crusade for Christ, Buddy Bowling, and Loper Legion. He is also a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and has held positions as Chaplin and scholarship chair. Mark was named an Outstanding Junior in the College of Business and Technology and has been consistently on the Dean’s List.
Grand Island- Kevin Kurtenbach is the son of Jim and Gerre Kurtenbach. He is a junior majoring in geography with a minor in History. Kevin is representing Nester Hall South. Kevin is a member of Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, Collegians for Integration and Accessibility, Active Minds and Peer Health Educators.
Humphrey- Anthony McPhillips is the son of Gene and Maureen McPhillips. He is representing Antelope Hall. Anthony is a junior majoring in physical education. He is involved in Hall Council, Residence Hall Association and is currently the president of Antelope/Nester Complex Community Assembly. Anthony is vice president of public relations for the National Residence Hall Honor Society.
Kearney- Andrew Loseke is the son of Mark and Lanette Loseke. He is representing Centennial Towers East. Andrew is a junior majoring in business administration with an emphasis in marketing. He is involved with Christian Student Fellowship, Phi Beta Lambda and Loper Legion.
McCook- Michael Garretson is the son of Jim and Donna Garretson. He is representing Centennial Tower West. Michael is a senior majoring in multimedia and a minor in advertising. Michael is the webmaster for KLPR and is involved with activities at Centennial Tower West.
Omaha- Ben Burklund is the son of Brad and Pam Burklund. He represents the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity. Ben is a junior majoring in business administration with a minor in marketing.
Ord- Tim Hruza is the son of Dennis and Laurie Hruza. He is a senior majoring in political science and economics. Tim represents the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Tim is the student body president/student regent, and is also a student diplomat and a member of Honors Program.
KANSAS-
Hays- Scott Phillips is the son of Tom and Donna Phillips. He is representing Martin Hall. Scott is majoring in middle level education with a focus in mathematics. He is involved with Campus Crusade for Christ, intramurals and Middle Level Educators Club.
