Two Michigan State University College of Engineering students will join an elite group during Homecoming Week that represent the university's mission and educational values.
Leah Flores-Cabrera and Rochisshil Varma are among 12 students who were named to Homecoming Court, considered one of the university's highest honors for seniors.
Both Flores-Cabrera and Varma study Applied Engineering Sciences and have roots outside the U.S.
Flores-Cabrera was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and moved with her family to the U.S. at age 2. Varma was born in Kolkata, West Bengal, one of India's largest cities.
"At Michigan State, no matter where you come from, you get to be yourself and get all the opportunities you need," Varma said of the honor.
Students were selected to Homecoming Court by a committee composed of MSU officials, alumni and community members. The committee considered students that make an impact on campus and beyond through their leadership involvement and academic successes.
Students had to meet these requirements:
- At least 90 completed credits by Aug. 28
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Plans to graduate in Dec. 2023 or later
- Good academic and disciplinary standing
- A letter of support from an MSU community member
- Written responses to three application questions
Following a review of all applications, the committee selected finalists to vie for the 12 spots. The final round required each student to conduct virtual interviews.
"The process is definitely something you want to take seriously," Flores-Cabrera said. "It's a lot different than high school. You can't campaign, promote yourself, give people cookies and say 'Vote for me!'"
All members of Homecoming Court will attend events during the week of Sept. 18, including the Homecoming Parade, President's Homecoming Reception and the Spartans' Sept. 23 home football game against Maryland.
Brennan named grand marshal
While at GM, she won the first World Solar Challenge, setting solar and electric world speed records.
College of Engineering graduate Molly Brennan (Class of 1982) received the honor of being named the 2023 Homecoming grand marshal.
Brennan has excelled in academics, athletics and manufacturing. She was an MSU Honors College graduate, a two-time track and field All-American, and a General Motors group manager.
For more on Brennan, check out her interview with MSUToday podcast host Russ White.
Homecoming Parade details
The Homecoming Parade, featuring 115 float entries, starts at 6 pm Friday, Sept. 22 at the corner of Abbot Road and Burcham Drive.
At least three of this year's floats have ties to the College of Engineering: MSU's Formula Racing Team, Broadening Participation K-12/Women in Engineering, and The Harmony Collective.
The parade ends on MSU's campus in the area of Farm and Shaw lanes. A parade map can be found here: https://shorturl.at/kvEN4. For more information about all Homecoming-related activities visit alumni.msu.edu/homecoming.
Engineering Communications contact: Eric Lacy, lacyeric@msu.edu