Six College of Social Science students are on the MSU Homecoming Court this year. The 2024 Homecoming Parade is scheduled for Friday, October 18th beginning at 6 p.m. in downtown East Lansing on the Michigan State University campus.
The Social Science students are:
Name: Tazkira Amin
Hometown: Warren, MI
Major: Social Work
Favorite place on campus: The library is Tazkira’s most beloved place on campus, as she enjoys being surrounded by books and being able to find solace in the serene halls. Tazkira is honored to represent Michigan State on the 2024 Homecoming Court and hopes that her presence will send out a call to action to fellow Spartans about the powerful impact that serving our communities can have on those around us.
Words of wisdom: “If I could share anything, I would urge everyone to move outside of transactional interactions. There is so much love to be shared and beauty in the people on this campus. I encourage everyone to smile more often at people passing by, get to know the person sitting next to you on the bus and thank the unsung heroes of this campus (custodial staff, bus drivers, etc.) when you see them. It will fill you with contentment.”
Tazkira believes that one of the things that makes MSU such a special place is its celebration of the individuals that have created our sense of Spartan pride. From civil rights leaders to professional athletes, Tazkira is honored to be able to represent such a diverse and vibrant community as a member of this year's Homecoming Court. Throughout her time at MSU, Tazkira has continuously demonstrated the concept of Spartan service. Her involvement with organizations both on and off campus has reverberated changes across communities. Working with organizations such as the Center for Community Engaged Learning at MSU, Humanity for Prisoners and the Honors College Service Club is just a glimpse into her compassionate nature and dedication to advocating for others. Tazkira is a shining example of a Spartan who serves.
Name: Erin Caldwell
Hometown: Brighton, MI
Major: Social Work
Favorite place on campus: In her spare time, Erin can be found enjoying the outdoor spaces around Shaw Hall and near the Red Cedar River; she has also begun playing water polo. Erin’s dedication to her studies and compassion for others truly demonstrates what it means to be a proud Spartan and she is honored to represent MSU as a member of the 2024 Homecoming Court.
Words of wisdom: “Get involved and stay involved! There is something for everyone at MSU, you just have to take the time to find out what that means for you. This may be cliche advice...but my college experience became so much more meaningful when I found things I cared about and spent time doing them. I have met some amazing people and been able to do some amazing things because I got involved. I encourage everyone to take a look and find out how they can make their MSU experience their own.”
Different experiences throughout her time at MSU gave Erin the opportunity to discover her passions. Erin’s participation on campus demonstrates her embodiment of equity and Spartan excellence. With her continued commitment to providing a sense of community, equity and promotion of belonging, it comes as no surprise that MSU helped to foster her passions. Erin serves as the 55th President of the Residence Halls Association and dedicates herself to advocating for on-campus Spartans through student government. When she is not in class, Erin devotedly works with the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) as a peer mentor. Her work with the RCPD has led her to become a strong advocate for MSU students with disabilities and has sparked her interest in pursuing working with persons with disabilities in her future role as a social worker.
Name: Jerome Hamilton Jr.
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Major: Political Science Pre-Law
Favorite place on campus: When taking a break from his studies, Jerome can be found at his favorite place on campus—the banks of the Red Cedar River where he enjoys the calming natural space. Jerome hopes that being a part of the 2024 MSU Homecoming Court will demonstrate to others the impact that being a Spartan has on oneself and on those around us.
Words of wisdom: “The small things matter so much, especially as a large university like Michigan State. In a place as large as MSU, it is important for Spartans to be kind to one another. Inclusion is very important for making people feel comfortable at the university. Inviting a new person to Spartan Stadium for a football game or to join a club can make a huge difference in their lives and enhance their Spartan experience.”
Jerome is a brilliant example of what being a Spartan means, both on and off campus. With a passion for civil rights, diversity and inclusion, Jerome has persevered in the realm of research, undergoing topics such as energy affordability for low-income Americans and the influences of implicit racial bias on public perceptions. Outside of academics, Jerome is also dedicated to serving the MSU and East Lansing communities. In addition to regularly volunteering at a community garden which provides food for a nearby homeless shelter, Jerome is also a member of a service initiative called, The Seniors Ambassadors Program, where he works with local seniors at risk of loneliness. Jerome is a compassionate and brilliant individual and with his passion for academics and community service, his future is bright.
Name: Connor Le
Hometown: Lansing, MI
Major: History and Political Science
Words of wisdom: “No matter how impossible a feat may be, anything is achievable. Especially as a Spartan.”
Connor serves as the current Student Body President and President of the Associated Students of Michigan State University, the undergraduate student government for MSU. Within this position and his former positions as Vice President for Internal Administration and Representative for the MSU Asian Pacific American Student Organization, Connor has been passionate and committed to enacting change, both on and off campus. As a proud Vietnamese American, Connor has been an instrumental player in MSU’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). His leadership and compassion led him to aid students without insurance to receive healthcare, help facilitate East Lansing’s sanctuary status for undocumented immigrants, and review MSU’s Donor Accountability Policy to ensure that donors uphold MSU’s DEI commitment. Connor’s compassion for others and dedication to uplifting minority communities has made him an integral part of the Spartan Community and he is thrilled to demonstrate what it means to be a Spartan on this year’s Homecoming Court.
Name: Abigail Rodriguez
Hometown: Sunland Park, NM
Major: Political Science Pre-Law and Arts & Humanities
Favorite place on campus: Some of Abigail’s favorite spots on campus include the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities Student Center because of its inclusive, welcoming and comforting atmosphere. She also enjoys frequenting Peoples’ Park to destress and feed the squirrels. As a member of the Homecoming Court, she aspires to be a role model for other first-generation minority students- showcasing that with determination, resilience and support, anything is possible.
Words of wisdom: “As Spartans, we are all capable of so much and we hold so much power at our fingertips! We are a force for change when we all come together. Together, we can overcome any challenges and create a positive change in the world! Go Green! Go White! Forever, Spartans!”
Abigail’s passions thrived throughout her time at MSU. As the proud granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, her unwavering commitment to social justice, particularly within Latino communities, was instilled in her from a young age and only grew stronger when she became a Spartan. With interests in contributing to MSU’s rich culture and the desire to engage with diverse groups of students, faculty and staff, Abigail has proudly participated in numerous research projects exploring inequities experienced by Latino communities. She also serves as the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities (RCAH) Representative for the Associated Students of Michigan State University and a mentor for RCAH Sister Circle, an initiative which supports the academic, professional and holistic well-being of women-of-color undergraduate and graduate students. Abigail’s undergraduate career has further empowered her to advocate for the appreciation and recognition of diverse voices within the realm of social justice — none of which would have been possible without her experiences as a Spartan.
Name: Lily Wenkel
Hometown: O’Fallon, IL
Major: Political Science Pre-Law and Psychology
Favorite place on campus: Beaumont Tower is Lily’s favorite place on campus. She loves walking around the area in every season, whether she is watching the leaves fall or the flowers bloom. Lily is thrilled to be representing MSU on the 2024 Homecoming Court and is a shining example of what being a Spartan means.
Words of wisdom: “It is not how you start, but how you finish. Your past is in the past for a reason, use that motivation to finish strong and create a better-looking future for not only yourself, but the students who come after you. At the end of the day, you and others will not remember the hardships you went through during the process, they will remember how you used those experiences to come out the other side a better and stronger version of yourself.”
Lily believes in the power of the Spartan community. As an out-of-state student, Lily wants her position on Homecoming Court to showcase the importance of believing and investing in yourself and the relationships with your community. Her involvement in multiple organizations over the past three years at Michigan State has been a prime example of how putting yourself out there can benefit both you as a student as well as the greater campus as a whole. For Lily, it is the students one meets, the relationships created with faculty and staff and the memories and connections that make MSU so special.
The original version of these profiles appeared on the MSU Alumni Office site here.