The first ever University faculty/staff homecoming king and queen both hail from the Office of Admissions.
Cerita Fowler, senior admissions counselor, and Van Wright, assistant vice provost for strategic enrollment, were crowned with the titles Tuesday night.
Fowler graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology in 2013. During her undergrad, her favorite campus involvement was working as a tour guide.
After finishing her undergrad, Fowler earned a professional position in the Office of Admissions as an admissions counselor, continuing the work she started as a tour guide.
“I just feel honored to be able to contribute to the Office of Admissions,” she said.
She was recently promoted to senior admissions counselor, and she travels to Cincinnati and Dayton to recruit students.
Fowler said helping students “really find BG as a home is nothing I can even put into words.”
Another admissions contributor and University graduate, Van Wright, also finds passion in helping students. He can often be seen sporting orange shoes around campus.
Wright saw his first basketball game in the Anderson Arena at 4 years old, and he would go on to graduate from the University in 1977 with a degree in public relations and a marketing minor.
He then went on to work in a propane business in Wapakoneta, Ohio, from 1979 until 2005.
Since 2005, he has worked primarily in admissions but has also worked in alumni development, athletics and student life.
“Having the opportunity to come back and work professionally (at BGSU) … recharged my life,” he said.
The thing he likes best is connecting students to what their passions are and getting where they want to be.
“If that’s Bowling Green, I’ll connect with them forever,” he said.
Other homecoming queen candidates included:
Dr. Angela Nelson, associate professor in the Department of Popular Culture, Director of the School of Cultural and Critical Studies and Interim Chair of the Department of Ethnic Studies.
Karen Eboch, senior lecturer of management, co-advisor for Supply Chain Management Association and advisor to Delta Sigma Pi.
Kelly Taylor, two-time graduate of the University and lecturer of journalism and public relations.
Dr. Lisa Hanasono, assistant professor in the Department of Communications, member of the President’s Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion and member of the College of Arts and Science Council.
Sheila Brown, associate director in the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Coordinator of the Multicultural Talent Show and serves on many other University committees.
Tiffany Dennet, advisor to Interfraternity Council and the Multicultural Greek Council.
Other nominees for homecoming king included:
Christopher Mitchell, assistant director for AIMs programs.
Dr. Heath Diehl, honors project advisor and lecturer in the Department of English and the Honors College.
Jeffrey Jackson, Assistant Vice President for Student Career Success.
Lt. Commander Steven Hopingardner, distinguished military graduate from University of Montana and decorated lieutenant.
Homecoming Director of Administration Tulsa Fearing said the idea of creating a faculty/staff homecoming court came about last spring during conversation on how to get faculty more involved in homecoming.
Homecoming planners also wanted to get students more involved, so the Homecoming Steering Committee was revamped to allow student leaders from top campus organizations to join. Members from Latino Student Union, Black Student Union and Student Athlete Advisory Committee serve on the board.
The steering committee’s three goals were to plan and support innovative, creative and diverse programing; increase student and staff engagement; and strengthen community relations.
