Homecoming week began April 23 and the events kicked off with free T-shirts and food just outside of the Jerome Richfield building.

Giveaways followed a dance showcase on Tuesday, a day fair on Wednesday, a movie and free food by the dorm apartments on Thursday, and a red rally at a CSUN baseball game on Friday. That same Friday, “Matador Nights” was hosted by the University Student Union. Later that night the homecoming winners were crowned.

Last Wednesday on the lawn in front of the bookstore homecoming candidates gave speeches for the election that was held on Friday. The election was for students who hoped to become homecoming queen, princess and king.

The homecoming competition results: Robert Press won for king, Erica Bjorndahl won for queen, Joey Henderson won for prince, and Cassaundra Rodriguez won for princess, .

The duties of the elected officials generally include, but are not limited to, making speeches during CSUN sponsored events. The events range from sporting events, social events, and in some cases CSUN business related events.

After the candidates made their speeches, they shared their personal comments.

“Well I got involved with homecoming because I am always in the Associated Students office and thought that being part of the court would be a good opportunity to meet new people, promote campus events on campus, and gain some nice college experiences,” Cassaundra Rodriguez, an enthusiastic homecoming supporter said.

“Luckily, I won for princess, I feel that it really was a great experience volunteering at all these events because the homecoming committee was very friendly and I got an inside look on what it takes to actually have a successful event on campus,” Rodriguez continued. “Next year I look forward to Homecoming Week, because I plan on joining the homecoming committee.”

A few students who chose to remain anonymous expressed their derision of the event and the approximate $17,000 it cost to put on.

“I applied for homecoming court because I really like getting involved on campus and doing community events, so I thought this would be a great way to do that,” said Amy Gubman, a student who ran unsuccessfully to be part of the homecoming court.

“This experience has brought me closer to a different part of the CSUN community outside of the Greek system, which I’ve been apart of for the past three and a half years. I really hoped to have the results in my favor on Friday when they announce the winner. But no matter what, I am still going to definitely stay involved with CSUN in the years to come. It’s a great campus with great people and I want to keep contributing to both aspects.”

Jahmai Webster ran for king but did not win.

“Well I was just running for homecoming king so I can represent my fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha and bring more representation to the black student population,” Webster said. “Basically I just wanted to have a good time and get myself involved in something that has school spirit. I did not win, but I felt robbed because the system of choosing the king was all based on a point system. The popular vote was on the web portal, and it was like minimal. So although I did not come out on top for king, it was still a great experience.”