MSU-Northern celebrates Homecoming Week with classic school spirit

Press release

Montana State University-Northern wrapped up last week a memorable Homecoming Week filled with campus spirit, community events, and long-standing traditions that brought students, faculty, alumni, and community members together. The festivities, which began with the third annual "Lighting of the N" ceremony, culminated on Saturday with the highly anticipated Homecoming football game and the crowning of the 2024 Homecoming Royal Lights.

The week kicked off Monday evening as students, faculty, and supporters gathered in front of Donaldson Hall for the Lighting of the N. The Northern Lights football team led the crowd in the Northern Fight Song, with inspiring words from Head Football Coach Jerome Souers.

On Tuesday, students were offered the chance to participate in the Glow Games, held in the Student Union Building. The Glow Games, a series of glow-in-the-dark activities, culminated in the annual Glow Run where students could don glow sticks and other illuminated items for a late-night jaunt. Wednesday featured an old-fashioned kickball game on the SUB Lawn, followed by a spirited volleyball match in the Armory Gym, where the Skylights battled Rocky Mountain College's Battlin' Bears.

Thursday's events brought the community together for the annual Trunk or Treat in the SUB Ballroom, hosted by the Association of Student Athletes and ASMSUN Inter-Organizational Council, giving local youth a safe and fun way to celebrate Halloween with MSU-Northern students. Friday saw a community Ultimate Frisbee game on Tilleman Field, followed by a BBQ for participants and spectators, hosted by ASMSUN and the MSUN Alumni Foundation.

The highlight of the week was the Homecoming football game on Saturday at Tilleman Field, where the Northern Lights faced off against the UM-Western Bulldogs. During halftime, the excitement peaked with the announcement of the 2024 Homecoming "Royal Lights." This honor recognizes students who embody leadership, involvement, and dedication to campus life. Nominees, introduced to the crowd and escorted to midfield, included outstanding students from diverse academic backgrounds and interests.

Aiden Perkins - A junior from Culbertson, Montana, majoring in Business Administration with minors in Accounting and Small Business Management, Aiden is involved as the ASMSUN Senate Business Manager, a second-year Resident Assistant, and a member of multiple student organizations.

Andrew "AJ" Harris - A sophomore Diesel Technology major from Edwardsburg, Michigan, AJ serves as Vice President of the ASMSUN Senate, a Resident Assistant in Morgan Hall, and a member of the Northern Lights Wrestling Team.

Bridger Beach - Hailing from Kalispell, Montana, Bridger is a senior in Automotive Technology with a minor in Business Technology and serves as President of ASMSUN Senate, Resident Director of MacKenzie Hall, and an active member of the DnD Club.

Caedon Seymour - A sophomore in Diesel Technology from Kalispell, Montana, Caedon is the Secretary of Chi Alpha, a member of the campus DnD Club, and a proud veteran of the United States Coast Guard.

Elaine Reed - A sophomore from Columbia Falls, Montana, studying Business Administration, Elaine is the Vice President of Chi Alpha, a Resident Assistant, and a dedicated writing tutor in Student Support Services.

Jesus Raygoza - Jesus, a senior from Moses Lake, Washington, is studying Diesel Technology with a minor in Small Business Management and is a member of the Northern Lights Football team.

John Toth - A senior Criminal Justice major from Sacramento, California, with a minor in Native American Studies, John is a second-year Resident Assistant in Morgan Hall and a member of the Northern Lights Football team.

Kaiya Doney - From Columbus, Montana, Kaiya is in her second year of the Nursing program and serves as a Resident Assistant, Intra-Organizational Council representative for the Nursing Club, and the ASMSUN Student Senate's Administrative Assistant.

Kaley Kuhn - Kaley, a first-year Nursing student from Kalispell, Montana, was nominated by the Nursing Club and was joined by her 3-year-old son, Logan, as she represented the program.

Mya Spencer - The only first-year nominee, Mya is a Welding Technology student from Billings, Montana, nominated by Sweetgrass Society.

Noah McDermott - A senior in Diesel Technology from Spokane, Washington, Noah serves as an Assistant Resident Director in Morgan Hall, with previous experience as ASMSUN Senate Vice President and a Northern Ambassador.

Vice Chancellor Jennifer Brown, city councilmember Josh Gomez, and two past Homecoming royalty members Eric and Ristina Wilting crowned this year's winners. The 2024 Royal Lights were: Aiden Perkins, Kaiya Doney, Bridger Beach, and Elaine Reed.

The week concluded with a Halloween-themed Homecoming dance in the SUB Ballroom, offering students a final chance to celebrate the week's events. MSU-Northern would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this week a success.