Nine Social Science affiliated students are on the 2025 MSU Homecoming Court

October 2, 2025 - Anna Ludlow

Seven students with College of Social Science majors and two with College of Social minors are on the MSU Homecoming Court this year. The 2025 Homecoming Parade is scheduled for Friday, October 10th beginning at 6p.m. in downtown East Lansing on Michigan State University's campus.

 

The Social Science students are: 

• Name: Jessica Arvizu
• Hometown: South Haven, MI
• Colleges: College of Arts and Letters; College of Education; College of Social Science
• Major: Human Development and Family Studies
• Minors: Health Promotion; Human Behavior and Social Services 

Meet Jessica Arvizu — a compassionate leader and advocate from South Haven, Michigan, whose Spartan journey has been marked by resilience, representation and a powerful sense of purpose. Majoring in Human Development and Family Studies with minors in Health Promotion and Human Behavior and Social Services, Jessica is proud to represent Michigan State University on the 2025 Homecoming Court.

As a first-generation college student, Jessica has embraced the challenges and opportunities of her MSU experience with courage and determination. From day one, she found a community that empowered her to grow into a confident student leader, supported by mentors, resources and friendships that have left a lasting impact. Jessica’s favorite spot on campus, 1855 Place, is a symbol of her everyday Spartan life — filled with connections, memories and a sense of home.

Jessica’s goal is to become a school social worker, advocating for the emotional and academic well-being of students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. She plans to pursue a Master of Social Work and continue championing mental health resources, educational equity and culturally responsive support in schools. Her education abroad experience has also shaped her advocacy lens — encouraging global learning and personal growth that she brings back to her community.

At MSU, Jessica has made it her mission to amplify the voices of first-gen students and women in leadership, challenging systemic barriers and creating inclusive spaces wherever she goes. Her impact is rooted in connection and her leadership is defined by authenticity and empathy. 

 

 

• Name: Kaylin Casper
• Hometown: Burbank, CA
• Colleges: College of Arts and Letters; Honors College; College of Social Science
• Majors: Sociology; Humanities Pre-Law
• Minors: American Indian and Indigenous Studies; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Sexuality Studies 

Meet Kaylin Casper — a bold, brilliant and deeply compassionate senior from Burbank, California. As a double major in Sociology and Humanities Pre-Law with minors in American Indian and Indigenous Studies and LGBTQ+ and Sexuality Studies, Kaylin has made her mark on MSU through scholarship, advocacy and community building. She is proud to represent Michigan State University on the 2025 Homecoming Court.

Kaylin’s time at MSU has been transformational. As a queer Native woman, she has often navigated spaces where she’s been the only person like herself — but she’s also found strength, support and the confidence to use her voice. MSU has been the place where she’s grown into herself, taken on leadership roles, built community and fought for visibility and justice. Her favorite spots on campus — the new Multicultural Center and the Union, with its comforting mix of Strange Matter donuts and study sessions — are reminders of where she’s found joy and connection.

Inspired by the teachings of Seven Generations, Kaylin is committed to building a more equitable future for Indigenous youth and other marginalized communities. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a dual JD/PhD in sociology, focusing on legislative reform, Indigenous rights, education access and poverty reduction. Her long-term vision includes advancing Native representation in public service and reshaping systems to serve those they’ve historically excluded — all while imagining a future that includes a cozy book-filled cottage and a few rescued senior dogs.

As a Homecoming Court representative, Kaylin sees her impact as one rooted in visibility, gratitude and collective strength. 

 

• Name: Kathryn Harding
• Hometown: Wauconda, IL
• Colleges: College of Arts and Letters; College of Social Science
• Major: Political Science
• Minors: Business; Creative Writing; International Development 

Meet Kathryn Harding — a proud Spartan from Wauconda, Illinois who has a heart for leadership and advocacy. A Political Science major with minors in Business, Creative Writing and International Development, Kathryn is a student in both the College of Arts & Letters and the College of Social Science. With a passion for public service and creative expression, she is honored to serve on the 2025 Michigan State University Homecoming Court.

Kathryn’s connection to MSU runs deep — her grandparents met on campus and she has carried that legacy forward with immense pride. From cheering in the Izzone to serving her community, Kathryn embodies the energy, resilience and unity that define the Spartan spirit. Her love for MSU stems from its diverse and tight-knit community, which she credits for shaping her into a confident student leader.

Following graduation, Kathryn plans to pursue a career in government or public policy, with a focus on uplifting marginalized voices and creating lasting change. She is also an aspiring author, hoping to one day share her stories with the world and inspire others through the written word. Her experiences with education abroad and advocacy for women in leadership have given her a global perspective and a strong sense of purpose.

Kathryn’s favorite place on campus — the Izzone — represents her unwavering school spirit and sense of belonging. As a Homecoming Court representative, she hopes to inspire others to step into leadership and find strength in community. 

 

• Name: Jogi Katende
• Hometown: Kampala/Luwero, Uganda
• Colleges: Eli Broad College of Business; Honors College; College of Social Science
• Majors: Finance; Economics
• Minors: Quantitative Data Analysis; Entrepreneurship and Innovation 

Meet Jogi Katende — a driven and globally minded senior from Kampala/Luwero, Uganda. A student in the Eli Broad College of Business, the Honors College and the College of Social Science, Jogi is double majoring in Finance and Economics, with minors in Quantitative Data Analytics and Entrepreneurship and Innovation. With a passion for innovation, education and international collaboration, Jogi is proud to represent Michigan State University on the 2025 Homecoming Court.

Jogi’s MSU journey has been marked by excellence in both academics and leadership. As President of the MSU Taekwondo Club, he spends many hours in the IM West Fitness Center Martial Arts Room — his favorite spot on campus — where he trains, teaches and learns alongside fellow Spartans. His dedication to community and growth reflects his commitment to helping others succeed while embracing the values of perseverance and mutual respect.

MSU’s diverse and dynamic environment has deeply influenced Jogi’s personal and professional aspirations. As an international student, he is committed to uplifting the voices and stories of those who travel from around the world to pursue their education at MSU. Inspired by the trailblazing international Spartans who came before him, Jogi sees his role on the Homecoming Court as an opportunity to highlight the resilience, brilliance and contributions of international students across campus.

Following graduation, Jogi plans to attend graduate school and eventually return to East Africa to pursue impactful work in business and economics. With a long-term goal of advancing entrepreneurial ventures and sustainable development, Jogi hopes to be a catalyst for global change — beginning with the communities that shaped him. 

 

• Name: Jai Kozar-Lewis
• Hometown: East Lansing, MI
• Colleges: Eli Broad College of Business; Honors College; College of Natural Science; College of Social Science
• Major: Supply Chain Management
• Minors: Environmental and Sustainability Studies; Leadership of Organizations 

Meet Jai Kozar-Lewis — a dynamic, community-minded senior from East Lansing, Michigan, with a passion for business, sustainability and inclusive leadership. A Supply Chain Management major in the Eli Broad College of Business, Jai is also a proud member of the Honors College, the College of Natural Science and the College of Social Science. His studies are complemented by minors in Environmental and Sustainability Studies and Leadership of Organizations. Deeply rooted in the Spartan community, Jai is honored to represent Michigan State University as a member of the 2025 Homecoming Court.

Having grown up in East Lansing, Jai’s connection to MSU began long before his first class. From attending Spartan events as a child to volunteering at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Dinner and Spartan Days of Service, his dedication to this campus has only grown stronger. Now, as a student, he continues to give back by uplifting others and cultivating inclusive spaces for all Spartans.

Jai finds joy and belonging through campus communities such as the Office of Multicultural Enrichment and Advocacy (OMEA) and the Spectrum Consulting Group. These organizations have helped shape his identity and provided the tools for success in his personal and professional journey. Whether through student leadership or academic excellence, Jai is committed to creating lasting impact through the values of equity, access and innovation.

After graduation, Jai aspires to pursue a career in consulting where he can help businesses implement equitable and sustainable solutions while opening doors for those who come after him — especially students from underrepresented backgrounds.

You can often find Jai in the Minskoff Pavilion, his favorite campus spot, where he's built lifelong friendships and engaged with countless resources that have supported his journey. As a Homecoming Court representative, he aims to inspire others to trust their own path. 

 

• Name: Amélie Lepley
• Hometown: Lansing, MI
• College: College of Social Science  
• Major: Sociology
• Minors: Defense Studies: Law, Justice and Public Policy; Integrated Learning and Leadership 

Meet Amélie Lepley — a resilient, determined and forward-thinking senior from Lansing, Michigan. As a Sociology major in the College of Social Science, with minors in Defense Studies and Integrated Learning and Leadership, Amélie exemplifies the power of personal growth and purpose found through the Spartan experience. She is honored to serve as a member of the 2025 MSU Homecoming Court.

Entering college unsure of her path, she found direction and clarity through the support of MSU’s faculty, mentors and peers. Her time as a Spartan has empowered her to embrace leadership, champion academic success and advocate for others navigating non-traditional educational pathways. As a strong supporter of military affiliated student services, tuition assistance programs and transfer student success initiatives, Amélie is passionate about creating equitable access to higher education.

Following her graduation this fall, Amélie will commission into the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant. With aspirations to branch into Military Intelligence, she remains open to serving in Field Artillery or Armor and plans to return to academia to further her education in the social sciences. Alongside her academic and military goals, Amélie is also pursuing her 3rd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and is committed to continuing her martial arts training after commissioning.

One of Amélie’s favorite places on campus is Demonstration Hall — a space that represents focus, discipline and tradition. As a member of the 2025 Homecoming Court, she hopes to inspire fellow Spartans to embrace the many forms that success can take and to recognize that there is no single timeline for finding one’s way.

 

• Name: Carol Massey
• Hometown: Grapevine, TX
• Colleges: Honors College; College of Natural Science; College of Social Science
• Majors: Criminal Justice; Psychology
• Minors: Philosophy; Quantitative Data Analytics

Meet Carol Massey — a thoughtful and service-driven senior from Grapevine, Texas, who has found both purpose and belonging in the heart of the Spartan Nation. As a dual major in Criminal Justice and Psychology with minors in Philosophy and Quantitative Data Analytics, Carol represents the best of academic excellence and compassionate leadership. She is proud to represent Michigan State University on the 2025 Homecoming Court.

A member of the Honors College and active across both the natural and social sciences, Carol has taken every opportunity to grow as a student and citizen. Whether through student recruitment, campus service or simply sharing meaningful moments on Adams Field — her favorite spot to study and unwind with friends — Carol has experienced firsthand the transformative impact of the MSU community.

Carol’s future goals include earning a Master’s in Social Work with a focus on helping formerly incarcerated individuals successfully reintegrate into their communities. She is passionate about restorative justice and the power of second chances, aiming to be a catalyst for support and advocacy in spaces that too often go underserved.

For Carol, what makes MSU truly special is the abundance of opportunities and the unwavering support that exists at every turn. As a Homecoming Court representative, she hopes to extend that encouragement to all Spartans. 

 

• Name: Jaelynn Smith
• Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI
• College: College of Social Science
• Major: Political Science
• Minors: Peace and Justice Studies; Philosophy and Law 

Meet Jaelynn Smith — a visionary and purpose-driven senior from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Majoring in Political Science with minors in Peace and Justice Studies and Philosophy and Law, Jaelynn has spent her time at MSU passionately advocating for equity, education and representation. Her Spartan journey has been one of self-discovery and leadership with a deep-rooted commitment to service and she is honored to represent her community as a member of the 2025 Homecoming Court.

MSU has been a transformative place for Jaelynn — shaping her into a confident and compassionate leader. Her involvement on campus reflects her drive to create positive change, particularly in the areas of student advocacy, educational equity and expanding access to pre-law and career development pathways. Through her academic and co-curricular involvement, Jaelynn has become a trusted voice for underrepresented communities, always striving to uplift others and ensure inclusivity in the Spartan experience.

After graduation, Jaelynn plans to attend law school and pursue a career as a judge, where she can advance justice with integrity and compassion. She is passionate about serving her community and aims to use her voice and platform to speak up for those who often go unheard.  

You can often find Jaelynn enjoying the serenity of the Horticulture Gardens, one of her favorite places on campus. As a Homecoming Court representative, she hopes to serve as a role model for minority students by reminding them that they can succeed without compromising their authentic selves. 

 

• Name: Taylor Toth
• Hometown: Milford, MI
• Colleges: Eli Broad College of Business; Honors College; James Madison College; College of Social Science
• Majors: Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy; Social Relations and Policy
• Minors: Business; History; European Studies 

Meet Taylor Toth — a spirited and engaged senior from Milford, Michigan, whose Spartan pride runs deep. A double major in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy and Social Relations and Policy, Taylor is a member of the Honors College, James Madison College, the College of Social Science and the Broad College of Business. With a passion for leadership, service and law, she is honored to represent Michigan State University as part of the 2025 Homecoming Court.

For Taylor, MSU is more than a university — it’s a second home, shaped by family tradition and personal growth. As the daughter of Spartan alums, she grew up attending MSU games, shows and events, falling in love with the campus long before receiving her acceptance letter. Her favorite spaces, like the JMC Student Senate Office and the Beal Botanical Gardens, are places where she’s built lasting friendships, honed her leadership and found balance through joy and reflection.

Taylor’s experience at MSU has been defined by her active commitment to community. As Internal President of Empowering Women in Law, President of the James Madison College Student Senate and a frequent volunteer through the Center for Community Engaged Learning, she has worked to ensure that student voices are heard, supported and represented. After graduation, Taylor plans to attend law school and continue using her voice to champion equity, justice and access — wherever her legal journey leads.

As a Homecoming Court representative, Taylor hopes to inspire others to get involved in ways that are meaningful to them — no matter how big or small. 

 

The original version of these profiles appeared on the MSU Alumni Office site here.