Homecoming Court 2024
Sponsored by the OSU Alumni Association, Homecoming Court Ambassadors are chosen based on their contributions and involvement at OSU. As a student who embodies the spirit, integrity and achievements of Beaver Nation, those selected as ambassadors will receive a one-time scholarship of $1,000, gain access to university leadership and alumni and share their Beaver pride and voice at university events throughout the year.
Encourage a student leader you know to apply! The 2024 Homecoming Court application is now open. Candidates will be accepted through April 22.
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Javier Garcia, ’24 Javier is a senior in the College of Engineering, majoring in computer science with a minor in business. He is a first-generation bilingual student, the youngest of three, and both of his siblings are proud alumni of Oregon State's computer science program. Javier is passionate about empowering students and breaking down education barriers. As part of the Catalyst Scholars Program, he collaborates with College of Engineering leadership and engages with donors to highlight scholarship achievements that support low-income students. During his freshman year in the STEM Leaders Program, Javier conducted research to develop a specialized computer science curriculum, now taught at Linus Pauling Middle School in Corvallis. In his sophomore year, he served as a teaching assistant for the first-year Engineering+ series. Additionally, he is the former Family Relations Chair and current Scholarship Chair for his fraternity, Phi Kappa Psi. In his free time, Javier enjoys participating in the intramural soccer league at OSU and is an active member of the Ballroom Dance Club. Javier is also passionate about technology and spent the summer of 2023 as a software engineer intern at Atlassian in Manhattan, New York. Post-graduation, Javier is set to return to Atlassian full-time in July 2024. |
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Carissa O’Donnell, ’25Aside from being a Homecoming Ambassador, Carissa O'Donnell (she/her) is currently a third year honors student studying environmental economics and policy. She currently serves as the ASOSU President. Outside of her studies, she is in a local band that has played at numerous events on campus — like Plaza Palooza! She enjoys skiing, playing tennis, and writing. Her honors thesis revolves around designing an implementation model for shared micromobility on college campuses by bringing a bike and electric scooter-sharing program to the OSU Corvallis Campus. She is honored to be a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, Mortar Board, a recipient of the Waldo-Cummings Outstanding Student Award and a Homecoming Ambassador for the upcoming academic year. |
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Maya Sonpatki, ’24Maya Sonpatki is a senior in the College of Science, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Honors College. She is majoring in biohealth sciences and Spanish with a certificate in medical humanities. Maya is dedicated to increasing the accessibility of health resources both on and off campus. She has been involved with the ASOSU student government for three years, first as the Accessibility and Wellness Coordinator in the Executive Branch and now as the Judicial Council Chair. Outside of OSU, she is a Spanish interpreter at the Community Outreach Inc. medical clinic in Corvallis, teaches diabetes education classes for Spanish-speaking patients in Albany, and volunteers with the migrant camp outreach efforts of Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center in Portland. She has also helped create an after-school Spanish program at Franklin K-8 school in Corvallis through an internship with the OSU Spanish department. Maya is passionate about research as well. She works in Dr. Elisar Barbar’s biochemistry and biophysics laboratory where she studies 53BP1, a tumor suppressor protein. She has won the OSU Biophysical Society award for best undergraduate poster presentation and has presented her work at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology’s annual conference in Seattle. She is also a part of the Gorman Lab’s Thriving After Cancer Team within the College of Health and is currently working to analyze advocacy efforts to reduce the financial burden of oncofertility on cancer survivors. Additionally, Maya is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies and a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship, the Waldo-Cummings Outstanding Student Award, the ASOSU Social Justice Award, and the Merrill Family Foundation Scholarship, among others. |
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Carly Thorkildson, ’24Carly Thorkildson is a senior in the Honors College and College of Engineering, majoring in chemical engineering, with a minor in chemistry. Carly is the president for the Sigma Delta Omega Sorority, which is a sorority unique to Oregon State University that brings members together via a love of STEM and STEM education and works to raise money for the local STEM Academy. Carly is also the president of the Engineering Student Council for the College of Engineering which works to assist the college and engineering-based clubs. This has given them the opportunity to assist by being a student on the CoE Mental Health Advisory Board and help the school with mental health efforts moving forward. In addition, Carly is also a third year returning Academic Learning Assistant in the residence halls where they work to help both new and returning students find academic opportunities and resources on campus. Carly is also a member and ambassador for the Honors College where she is completing her thesis looking into diversity and inclusion in affinity organizations within the College of Engineering and how to continue to raise retention among historically underrepresented minorities in STEM. Carly has found great success in making the most out of the opportunities OSU has whether that be in her school or in the residence halls. By being engaged in several leadership positions across campus, she tries to leave OSU better than she found it and make sure that all individuals have a community they can turn to if they need it |
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Anusha Vasudevan, ’24Anusha Vasudevan is a senior in the College of Science and Honors College, majoring in biohealth sciences with minors in chemistry and public health, as well as a medical humanities certificate. Anusha is currently the Secretary of Sigma Delta Omega, a science interest-based sorority, and has previously served as the organization's Public Relations Chair. She is also the Email and Sponsorship Lead for OSU's Indian Students Association and has been involved in the PERIOD chapter at OSU since her freshman year, as a general member, Vice President of Programming, and then President. Additionally, she works as a research assistant in the Ho Lab within the Linus Pauling Institute. Anusha is deeply passionate about serving the community and volunteering with various organizations. As a clinic coordinator at Community Outreach, Inc., she supports clinic operations so that patients receive the healthcare they need in a timely and efficient manner. Through her sorority, Anusha has volunteered as a mentor for OSU’s AWSEM club as well as Discovering the Scientist Within, through which she engaged with local middle and high school students on hands-on science activities, which allowed her to share her experiences and to positively impact and encourage young girls interested in STEM fields. During her time as an officer for OSU's PERIOD chapter, Anusha organized several hygiene product drives around campus and around town, as well as tabling events outside of stores in Corvallis, informing community members about the issue of menstrual inequity and how they could take action. She helped increase awareness and along with other club members, collected thousands of menstrual products to donate to local charities and shelters. |
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Kate Walsh, ’24Kate Walsh is a senior College of Liberal Arts student, majoring in political science with a focus in law and politics with a minor in sociology. Kate is originally from Plano, TX and is a second-generation OSU student. Kate is currently serving as the Vice President of Recruitment for the Panhellenic Council, is a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, and is the Chapter President for the Order of Omega Greek Honor Society, and a member of the Pre-Law Society. Kate is passionate about building community and creating an inclusive, welcoming and supportive environment everywhere she goes. Kate is also a Senior Career Assistant in OSU’s Career Development Center and has valued the past three years learning how to support student success after graduation through career exploration and overall career development. Kate was recently awarded the Scholar of the Year award for the Panhellenic Council at the 2023 Greek Awards and has had opportunities to work with the transition committee for OSU President Dr. Jayathi Murthy this past year. She was recently awarded the Waldo-Cummings Student Award. |
My Homecoming Court experience was yet another example of what makes OSU a home away from home. It was an honor to attend the President's tailgate, watch the football game from the VES, be recognized on the field, and visit the President's box.
Alexa Dietz, ’21
Being on the OSU Homecoming Court is such a huge privilege. My two court experiences have already opened up so many new doors and opportunities for me, and the academic year is just starting.
Marisol de la Torre, ’21
“The OSU Homecoming Court strengthens your passion and engagement with your Alma Mater, and it greatly inspires you to become a lifetime supporter of OSU! I’ve been inspired by the many passionate and enthusiastic OSU Alumni + Leaders that I’ve had the opportunity to meet through this wonderful opportunity, and I can’t wait to give back to OSU as a future Alumni!”
Elsa Moreno Rangel, ‘23
“Beyond grateful to stand alongside such inspiring individuals on the Oregon State University Homecoming Court! Thank you for the opportunity to connect with amazing students, alumni, and leaders and create lasting memories. Homecoming is a time to unite and here at OSU it emphasizes and celebrates the idea that no matter what connection you have to the university, there will always be a home for you here. I feel grateful and proud to forever be a part of the support system and network that is Beaver Nation.”
Carissa O’Donnell ‘25
“I was able to meet so many amazing OSU alumni as a member of the homecoming court and I felt truly inspired by their experiences and seeing just how far OSU has taken them in their careers and lives.”
Carly Thorkildson ‘24
“It was a true honor to stand as a representative of OSU alongside such inspiring fellow students. The Homecoming Court experience was undoubtedly one of the most memorable highlights of my four years at OSU. This opportunity not only allowed me to form valuable connections with OSU Alumni and Leaders but also enriched my overall university experience."
Javier Garcia ‘24
"To be given the privilege to network with talented peers, invested faculty, and industry leaders -- the Homecoming Court is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I am grateful to have gotten, and I highly recommend that everyone apply!"
Santosh Ramesh '23