Homecoming royalty crowned at DSU
September 20, 2022
Jackson Heiberger and Gwendolyn Vongkasemsiri were crowned king and queen at Dakota State’s Sept. 19 coronation ceremony.
“Homecoming is filled with traditions, and I am happy to be a part of one of the longest traditions, crowning two students to reign over the homecoming week,” said Amy Crissinger, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.
Members of the homecoming court represent various clubs and organizations on campus and are elected by the student body.
Heiberger is a junior Cyber Operations and Network Security and Administration double major from Beresford, S.D. He participates in a variety of activities on campus, including Computer Club, Projects and Activities Club, CybHER, AIS Club, and AI Club. He is a member of the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition team, a tech fellow, and a Trojan Ambassador. Heiberger represented the Computer Club.
Vongkasemsiri is a freshman Cyber Operations major from Nashville, Tenn. She is involved in several activities on campus, including the Newman Club, Computer Club, CybHER, and is a member of the Trojan Volleyball team. Vongkasemsiri represented the Newman Club.
Members of the Homecoming Court also included:
- Nicholas Carlson, a junior Elementary Education major from Lake Preston, S.D., representing Cru.
- Tara Freeburg, a sophomore Computer Science and Mathematics major from Sioux Falls, S.D., representing the Cooking and Gardening Club.
- Jonny Derenge, a junior Cyber Operations major from Sioux Falls, S.D., representing the Fitness Club.
- Irina Pecherskaia, a freshman Computer Science major from St. Cloud, Minn., representing the International Club.
- Landan Hand, a sophomore Cyber Operations major from Sturgis, S.D., representing the Esports Club.
- Alexandra Smith, a junior Artificial Intelligence and Mathematics major from Sioux Falls, S.D., representing the AI Club.
DSU’s homecoming activities will continue throughout the week with student activities, athletic events, and an office and building decorating contest. The week culminates with several activities on Saturday, Sept. 24, beginning with the Trojan Days parade at 10 a.m., and the football game with DSU facing off against Iowa Wesleyan at 4 p.m.