Dickinson State University (DSU) students are gearing up for Homecoming, and this year’s royal court features a talented group of nominees for Homecoming King. Each nominee shared their favorite DSU memories, campus involvement, and what being a Blue Hawk means to them. 

Jesse Clawson 
Jesse Clawson, a junior Exercise Science major from Plentywood, Montana, said his favorite Homecoming tradition is attending the football game. “Being a Blue Hawk means being at the right place at the right time, experiencing everything DSU has to offer, and meeting amazing people,” he said. His favorite memory is attending the basketball conference championship against Jamestown last year. Clawson is involved with the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program, DSU Pacesetter, and serves as an athletic trainer student assistant. “I hope to take away all of the connections and relationships I’ve built and stay connected wherever we all end up,” he said. 

Jose Gonzalez 
Jose Eduardo Gonzalez, a senior double major in Computer Science and Mathematics, said his favorite Homecoming tradition is the tailgate because “it shows the unity of Blue Hawk country.” Gonzalez described being a Blue Hawk as “seizing your opportunity to soar, chasing greatness.” His favorite DSU memory is qualifying for Nationals for the first time as a sophomore. On campus, he serves as a captain of the wrestling team and works as a Resident Assistant. “I hope to take away the meaning of overcoming adversity, seizing opportunity, and living with gratitude,” he said. 

Jaymn Medlock 
Jaymn Medlock, a senior Exercise Science Professional Track major from St. Johns, Michigan, said his favorite Homecoming tradition is playing in the football game and seeing all the alumni who return to campus. “Being a Blue Hawk means striving to be a good person in the real world and always having support from people who came before you,” he said. Medlock’s favorite DSU memories are the wins he has been part of with the football team. On campus, he is a student ambassador and a member of the football team. “I hope I can take what I’ve learned on the football field and in the classroom and apply it to real-life situations to succeed,” he added. 

Johnnie McClusky 
Johnnie Lewis Raymond McClusky Jr., a fifth-year Health and Physical Education major from Billings, Montana, said his favorite Homecoming tradition is the football game. “It means the world to me. Being a Blue Hawk means being a brother, friend, leader, and being my best self,” he said. His favorite DSU memory is hanging out with his teammates after the football team won the conference last fall. On campus, McClusky is involved with football, choir, and SEA. “I hope to take away my undergraduate degree and all the experiences that come with it,” he added. 

Caleb Rist 
Caleb Rist, a senior Accounting major from Burlington, North Dakota, enjoys the excitement of Homecoming week. “The homecoming game and everything leading up to it on game day makes a great environment with all the support from alumni and the campus community,” he said. Rist described being a Blue Hawk as “being a part of the community and striving to be your best for yourself and the people who came before you.” His favorite DSU memory is winning the home playoff game against Kansas Wesleyan. Rist is involved with the TRHLP, the football program, and Blue Hawk Catholic Bible studies. “I hope I can take away leadership qualities from the great leaders around me,” he said. 

These five students represent the spirit, leadership, and pride of DSU. As Homecoming approaches, the campus looks forward to celebrating their accomplishments and seeing who will be crowned the 2025 Homecoming King.