As part of its annual Homecoming celebration, Indiana University of Pennsylvania continued its tradition of selecting students for the Crimson Court.
Each year, students are chosen as representatives of their academic colleges through a university-wide student vote to serve on the Crimson Court. Traditionally, the court participates in the parade, attends the Crimson Huddle alumni and friends event before the football game, and is honored on the field during halftime. They also are invited to participate in specific college-related activities by the college dean. Because of the pandemic, Homecoming events were virtual this year, but each Crimson Court member was honored with a medal, sash, and flowers.
The 2020 Crimson Court
From left: Emily Kostelnik, Jillian Black, Madison Frederick, Hannah Wood, Sydney Hicks, and Mikayla Dokos
“Our Crimson Court reflects students who are academically strong and great representatives of their college and IUP,” Betsy Sarneso, assistant director of Fraternity/Sorority Life and Student Engagement, said. “While they weren't able to be part of the traditional events because of the pandemic, IUP wanted to maintain this long-standing tradition and provide an opportunity to honor outstanding students.”
To qualify for the Crimson Court, students must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade-point average and be in good judicial standing. IUP's 2020 Crimson Court includes:
College of Education and Communications
Jillian Black, an early childhood and special education major from Indiana. Daughter of Beth and Michael Black, she is a 2018 graduate of Indiana Area Senior High School. A member of the Cook Honors College, she is a dean's list student and winner of the IUP Women's Leadership Award for the sophomore class in 2019–20. She serves IUP as an admissions recruiter for the College of Education and Communications and is a Student Success Leader for new student orientation. She is the co-president of IUP's chapter of Kappa Delta Pi international education society; the Best Buddies fundraising chair, walk coordinator, and peer buddy; founding board member and club secretary for the IUP Special Olympics; and a member of the Council for Exceptional Children, Association for Early Childhood Educators and Pre-Service Teachers in Mathematics. Black works at Camp Orenda, a residential summer health camp for persons with disabilities, and is a tutor at IUP and in the Indiana community.
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Sydney Hicks, a sociology major with a minor in LGBTQIA+ studies from Monroeville. Daughter of Kristin and Curtis Hicks, she is a 2017 graduate of Gateway High School. She is the recipient of the Esko E. Newhill Award for Excellence and an Experience IUP scholarship. She is a Dean's List student and is a member of the International Honor Society for sociology, Alpha Kappa Delta. She is president of the IUP Sociology Club, the marketing president of the Pan-African Student Association, and a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.
John J. and Char Kopchick College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Mikayla Dokos, a mathematics education and mathematics major from Homer City. Daughter of Michelle and Theodore McCaulley and Phoebus Dokos, she is a 2018 graduate of Homer-Center Junior/Senior High School. She is the recipient of the Terry Serafini Math Scholarship, a Sutton Scholarship, Mildred M. Reigh Memorial Scholarship, Ida Arms Math Scholarship and has been a Dean's List student for four semesters. She is the president of IUP Ambassadors, co-president of the IUP Math Club, and a member of the Pre-Service Teachers of Mathematics Club. She is a student worker in the Office of the Vice President of University Advancement and is an undergraduate assistant in Developmental Math.
College of Fine Arts
Hannah Wood, a studio art-graphic design major from Shelocta. Daughter of Robert and Valerie Wood, she is a 2017 graduate of Indiana Area Senior High School. She is active in the Coalition for Christian Outreach at IUP, a member of the IUP Ambassadors, and a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. She is a student assistant in the Office of Alumni and Friends and is a graphic designer for the Eberly College of Business and Information Technology.
Eberly College of Business and Information Technology
Emily Kostelnik, a marketing major from Pittsburgh. Daughter of Jeffrey and Melissa Kostelnik, she is a 2017 graduate of Taylor Allderdice High School. A Dean's List student and provost scholar, she is in the Business Honors Program. She is the president of both Phi Gamma Nu Professional Business Organization and Eberly College of Business and Information Technology Student Advisory Council. She is a member of the Economics Club and a member of the Social Equity Committee for the Eberly College.
College of Health and Human Services
Madison Frederick, a hospitality management major from Bethlehem. Supported by aunt and uncle Tracy and Gary Lahue, she is a 2016 Parkland High School graduate and is a Dean's List student. She is the president of IUP's Panhellenic Association; secretary, Club Manager's Association of America; member of Sigma Kappa Sorority; and member of Eta Sigma Delta International Hospitality Management Society. She previously served as a Student Success Leader for new student orientation and as a peer mentor for the University College.
Alumni and friends celebrated Homecoming with a virtual Spirit Week October 3–11, including a live-stream concert by IUP's Marching Band and a virtual Homecoming parade video that showcased images of parades and games held during the last 50 years. It was followed by The Coach's Show Special featuring Frank Cignetti discussing the 2005 IUP vs. Slippery Rock Homecoming game. Videos are available on IUP's YouTube channel and social media.