Dickinson State University’s (DSU) Homecoming week is just around the corner, and the royal court features a group of remarkable students nominated for Homecoming Queen. Each nominee shared their favorite Homecoming traditions, what being a Blue Hawk means to them, and their most memorable experiences at DSU. 

Madeline Black 
Madeline Black, a junior Business/Psychology major from Circle, Montana, said her favorite Homecoming tradition is the football game. “Being a Blue Hawk means more than representing a school; it’s being part of a community that supports, lifts, and celebrates each other,” she said. Black’s favorite memory is traveling to games and tournaments while making unexpected memories with new people. She is involved in football/athletic training, Pacesetters, and women’s wrestling. “I hope to take the lessons and education I’ve received and use them to be a productive member of society,” she added. 

Kailey Brimmer 
Kailey Brimmer, a senior Ag Business and Ranch Management major from Miles City, Montana, said her favorite Homecoming tradition is seeing everyone support the parade and tailgate. “Being a Blue Hawk is having pride in my school and community and knowing that they will help me achieve my goals now and in the future,” she said. Her favorite DSU memory is getting lost on the way to her first TRHLP event during her first week. Brimmer is involved with Ag Club, Range Club, TRHLP, and Student Ambassadors. “I hope to take away new friendships and many memories to look back on,” she added. 

Rachel Dazell 
Rachel Dazell, a Dickinson, North Dakota, native double majoring in Business Administration and Accounting, said she enjoys all Homecoming events for the opportunities to connect with other Blue Hawks. “Being a Blue Hawk is a huge blessing. Both of my parents were Blue Hawks, so I grew up seeing how much DSU meant to them,” she said. Her favorite memory is supporting the basketball team during last year’s conference win. On campus, Dazell serves as a peer tutor, vice president of FBLA, and social media manager and event planner for Pacesetters Bible Study. “I hope to take away great connections and memories and grow in character through the experiences DSU has provided,” she added. 

Eniola Soetan 
Eniola Soetan, a senior Exercise Science major with a Coaching minor from Winnipeg, Manitoba, was born in Lagos, Nigeria. Her favorite Homecoming tradition is the pep rally. “I love the energy everyone brings to Scott Gym, from cheer performances to tug of war and announcing all the teams,” she said. “It’s such a fun time with all the Blue Hawks together.” Being a Blue Hawk, she said, “means being part of a tight-knit family that uplifts each other and experiences success in sports, arts, academics, and everything in between.” Soetan’s favorite memory is watching the men’s basketball team win both the regular season conference title and the conference playoffs. On campus, she is a student ambassador, choir member, secretary of the Campus Activities Board, vice president of the student senate, vice president of governmental affairs for the North Dakota Student Association, and president of the new Dickinson Girls4Sports club. “I hope to take away an appreciation for the impact of the people and community around us, because they can truly uplift us even when we cannot see it ourselves,” she said. 

Ashlee Potter 
Ashlee Potter, a senior Math Education major with a Coaching minor from Bismarck, North Dakota, said her favorite Homecoming traditions are the football game and the parade. “Being a Blue Hawk means being part of a hard-working, winning, and supportive culture,” she said. Her favorite DSU memory is winning the softball conference in 2024 and experiences with friends while serving as an RA for two years. Potter is involved in softball and as a student ambassador. “I hope to celebrate the little things and keep the relationships I’ve built throughout my four years as a Blue Hawk,” she added. 

 
These five nominees embody the spirit, leadership, and pride of DSU. As Homecoming approaches, the campus community looks forward to celebrating their achievements and crowning the 2025 Homecoming Queen.