Newly crowned royalty involved on campus

By: Ashley Lapadula/Staff Writer

Panther fans cheered as the winners of both Homecoming courts for the Modesto A. Maidique Campus and Biscayne Bay Campus were announced and crowned. On Oct. 2, the University hosted their Homecoming football game against Duke University.

With more than 20,000 people in attendance, the University gladly honored its tradition by introducing the Homecoming court and winners during halftime. Homecoming is known to unite the student body and welcome back alumni.

Alfredo Roig and Jacky Negret were both crowned as this year’s Homecoming king and queen for MMC, while Lindsay Burnett and Pablo Haspel were the winners for BBC. With so many overwhelming emotions, both the kings and queens were smiling from ear to ear as they posed for photos.

Roig, a senior, is studying sports management with a certificate in leadership studies. He hopes to pursue a master’s degree in mass communications. He was nominated by Pi Kappa Phi, his fraternity, to represent his organization in the Homecoming court.

“We [Pi Kappa Phi] couldn’t be happier to know [Roig] won the Homecoming King title. He is certainly going to make FIU proud,” said Matthew Hanlon, a senior and Pi Kappa Phi member.

With an extensive list of involvements on campus, Roig takes pride in all that he has given to his fellow Panther community. His involvement on campus includes being part of the Week of Welcome committee, GO Team, Homecoming Council, Dance Marathon and Panther Camp.

“Honestly, it was very overwhelming. I was so happy that I was able to share the experience with my mom and dad that night. I still can’t believe that I’ve been so blessed … It is an incredible honor to be Homecoming King,” said Roig.

Burnett, a public relations major, wore a beautiful red gown that sparkled as she stood on the field, anxious about the results.

“I was super excited when I won! I tried hard not to smile too big on the field. I was more nervous about being on that huge screen,” said Burnett.

Burnett has demonstrated various leadership roles. She is the finance chair of Panther Power, a member of the Student Programming Council and a site leader for Alternative Breaks. She hopes to represent BBC as well as she can.

Haspel, a senior, received the Homecoming King title for BBC. He is currently the Honors College senator, president of the FIU-BBC Badminton club and involved with the Student Government Council — amongst other leadership roles.

“I feel honored to have been given the opportunity to represent BBC,” he said.

That, however, did not stop him from being voted into the Homecoming court by fellow SGA members, who believed it would be a good opportunity for him to hold the title just before graduating. Haspel encourages students to participate in Homecoming court in years to come.

“If you feel like doing it, do it. Don’t be intimidated by the process or anything. It is really not as difficult or challenging as it might seem, and by the time you are done, you will have realized how much fun the whole experience was,” said Haspel.

Negret, a senior, was nominated by her sorority sisters in Phi Sigma Sigma to run for this year’s Homecoming court. She was extremely thrilled not only to represent her sorority, but also the entire campus as queen just before graduating.

“Having my dad by my side just made everything that much greater. It still feels so surreal. The sense of accomplishment and gratefulness towards everyone who supported me is hard to put into words,” said Negret.

The MMC queen is currently the sister development chair for Phi Sigma Sigma. In the past, she has been a peer advisor, resident advisor and Panther Camp facilitator. Jacky is a double major in international business and business management, and although her hands may seem full with her dedication and over-involvement at the University, she is dedicated to participating in University events.

“I look forward to fostering my pride with the entire student body through active participation and interaction. As President Rosenberg says, ‘Every student counts,’” said Negret.

One thing these newly crowned kings and queens have in common is that they have definitely felt the overwhelming happiness flood their lives.

They share the common grounds of being proud to have this position in their hands. They all, joyfully, look forward to a great year of activities.