Editor's Note: The original version of this article indicated Isabella Rivera is representing Kappa Kappa Psi. That is incorrect — although she is part of Kappa Kappa Psi, she is representing Spirit Marching Band. The article has been corrected. The Daily Lobo apologizes for any confusion.
As a part of the University of New Mexico’s Homecoming Week, ASUNM Lobo Spirit and the Elections Commission will be holding elections for the Homecoming king and queen Wednesday, Sept. 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the SUB and online.
Before the election, all 15 candidates were given the opportunity to share something about themselves through interviews with reporter Madison Spratto. Not all candidates were interviewed, as Samuel Eze did not respond in time for this publication.
Homecoming King:
Vegard Busengdal
Year: Sophomore
Major: International business and entrepreneurship
Representing: Ski team
Rocky Cordova
Year: Junior
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Major: Political science and economics
Representing: Phi Delta Theta
Nelson Dominguez
Year: Senior
Major: Emergency medical services
Representing: Kappa Sigma
Jason Tarín
Year: Senior
Major: Finance, minor in statistics
Representing: Pi Kappa Alpha
Zack Tenorio
Year: Senior
Major: Organizational communication, minor in business
Representing: Alpha Tau Omega
Brandon Weis
Year: Junior
Major: Strategic communications
Representing: Sigma Chi
Homecoming Queen:
Rita-Marie Borja
Year: Senior
Major: Medical laboratory science, minor in chemistry
Representing: Powerful Movement of Educated Sisters.
Kelsey Dorsett
Year: Senior
Major: Psychology
Representing: Kappa Kappa Gamma
Tori Garcia
Year: Sophomore
Major: Dental hygiene
Representing: Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority Inc.
Shyla Lavalle-Bolden
Year: Junior
Major: Public communication and Africana Studies
Representing: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
Jaimie Lin
Year: Senior
Major: Anthropology, involved in the BA/MD program
Representing: Pi Beta Phi
Allison Mady
Year: Senior
Major: Business with a concentration in entrepreneurial studies and organizational leadership
Representing: Alpha Chi Omega, also on UNM track and field team
Olivia Padilla
Year: Senior
Major: English and international studies, minor in Spanish
Representing: Chi Omega.
Isabella Rivera
Year: Third year
Major: Biology
Representing: Spirit Marching Band
What is your favorite thing about UNM?
Homecoming King:
Busengdal
The chance to meet new people and the food are his favorite things about UNM.
Cordova
He said his favorite thing about UNM is the history and culture, adding, “I absolutely love Hodgin Hall — it is my favorite place on campus, because it is the embodiment of years of hard work mixed with UNM’s culture.”
Dominguez
“My favorite thing about UNM is all the great lifelong friends you make along the way.”
Tarín
He said he appreciates the diversity of UNM which allows him to grow as an individual, adding his favorite thing about UNM is “the opportunity to be involved in multiple student organizations, various campus events and (to) meet lifelong friends.”
Tenorio
“The atmosphere, and how it has become like a second home with all of the people I’ve met.”
Weis
His favorite thing about being a part of the University is the variety of opportunities students are given access to, he said.
Homecoming Queen:
Borja
She enjoys the community and opportunities that UNM offers, she said, adding, “The moment I became involved was when I fell in love with the University."
Dorsett
“My favorite thing about UNM is how many opportunities there are here to get involved with your passion,” she said, adding that she volunteers at the Agora Crisis Center.
Garcia
The opportunity that UNM gave her to find her “home away from home” through Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority Inc. is her favorite thing about being a part of the University, she said.
Lavalle-Bolden
"My favorite thing about UNM is the freedom to express my ideas and the culture of the student organizations."
Lin
“My favorite thing about UNM are the opportunities for involvement. You can truly create a unique and wonderful experience on this campus.”
Mady
There are multiple things she loves about UNM, including football, she said. “Though I would say my true favorite part is all of the opportunities UNM has given me to get involved and expand my network and interests.”
Padilla
Her favorite thing about UNM is the sense of community, she said.
Rivera
She said her favorite thing about attending UNM is participating in the spirit marching band.
Why are you running for homecoming king/queen?
Homecoming King:
Busengdal
“I’m from Norway, so I didn’t really know that much about the whole thing, but I figured it would be fun to try it out.”
Cordova
“I love UNM and would love the chance to represent UNM even as a figurehead.”
Dominguez
“Being involved is always fun, and I’d like to gain recognition for my student organization as well.”
Tarín
He is running to “represent the student body as someone who has given a lot to UNM and be recognized for it,” he said, adding that by being crowned king, he would “truly embody” what being a Lobo means.
Tenorio
“I’m running for king because my brother won it here at UNM a few years ago, so it would be amazing to keep that legacy.”
Weis
“I would like to represent my student organization. It would be awesome to win for them and to represent them to the best of my ability.”
Homecoming Queen:
Borja
“(I want) to share how proud I am to be a part of such a wonderful group of powerful and educated women. This is for us, not me,” she said, adding that PMES has helped her grow into an honorable, ethical and confident woman.
Dorsett
“I love to have fun. Homecoming is a fun time of year when the student population can get together and relax and have a good time,” she said, adding that college can get “very serious,” but homecoming alleviates some of the stress.
Garcia
“I am running to bring awareness to Theta Nu Xi and what we stand for. We stand for social change and acceptance of different cultures, religions, backgrounds, races and lifestyles.”
Lavalle-Bolden
"I am running for Homecoming queen to represent not only myself but the UNM Multicultural Greek Council, the African American Student Services, Mesa Vista Hall and all of the people of color at the University of New Mexico. I want to increase initiative and let people know that black men and women can get the crown — and a seat at the table too."
Lin
“I want to represent all of the organizations that I’ve been a part of during my time at UNM, and because I have a deep commitment to the mission of this University.”
Mady
She said she was drawn to run for homecoming queen by the opportunity to “finally show off my love for UNM and my commitment to the University.”
Padilla
She wants to represent UNM, which has been her home since a young age, she said, adding, “UNM has shaped me. I’m a proud Lobo!
Rivera
“I’m running for homecoming queen to bring more student appreciation to the fine arts programs on campus, specifically the Spirit Marching Band.”
