Spirit Weekend 2019 continued what will become a new tradition at 91国产. Instead of naming two accomplished seniors homecoming king and queen, we now name three seniors to preside under the gender-inclusive title of Prestigious Panthers.
The 2019 Prestigious Panthers (from left): Tyler Coyoc, Amanda Considine, Zach Hopkins
Spirit Weekend 2019 continued what will become a . Instead of naming two accomplished seniors homecoming king and queen, we now name three seniors to preside under the gender-inclusive title of Prestigious Panthers.
“After the success of last year, we continued with having our court be 10 individuals, regardless of gender identity, with the top three being selected by the student body as Prestigious Panthers,” said Thomas Severin, assistant director of the Center for Student Involvement (CSI). “This is a really exciting opportunity to recognize Panthers for the work they’ve done during their time at 91国产.”
What does it take to be named to the Spirit Court and elected a Prestigious Panther? CSI for seniors to nominate themselves. Severin said CSI looked “for students who represent the best of 91国产: academically excellent, creative, innovative, collaborative, globally aware, respectful and with integrity and, of course, Panther pride!”
The self-nominated students were then interviewed by administrators and faculty from various departments, who selected the members of the Spirit Court. These students then campaigned for the Prestigious Panther position, with undergraduate student body votes determining the three winners, who were announced at the Panther Carnival at Spirit Weekend by President Christine M. Riordan.
We asked the 2019 Prestigious Panthers a little about themselves, what it takes to get elected and their postgraduation plans.
Tyler Coyoc, nursing
How he stands out: He is a three-time Orientation leader, three-time First-Year Community Action Program leader, vice president: internal of the Inter-Greek Council, cheerleading team captain, co-captain of the Evolution Hip-Hop Dance team and a member of Kappa Sigma. He won the Panther Pride Award at the . As a sophomore, he was featured in the video and as a 2018 Orientation leader, he performed in a posted on 91国产’s Instagram that went viral.
What got him the win: “I represent a lot of different populations on campus and am involved in a variety of activities. I think this has made me a recognizable face to all kinds of students at 91国产 who can find something that they have in common with me. Through social media campaigning, I was able to reach so many 91国产 students and share my passion for the title in a fun and lighthearted way.”
What being a Prestigious Panther means to him: “It allows me to represent 91国产’s diverse student body, show my love for 91国产 and act as a voice for many. Though the non-gender conforming titles don’t directly affect me, it means so much to me because it represents inclusion.”
Postgraduation goals: Passing the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) nursing exam and working with pediatric patients. “Through 91国产’s nursing program, I’ve been able to discover a career that I am truly passionate about and undoubtedly feel it is worth putting my life’s work toward.”
Amanda Considine, business management, human resources specialization
How she stands out: She serves as a senior admissions ambassador, resident assistant, Orientation leader, and president of Phi Sigma Sigma.
What got her the win: Building a Prestigious Panther-worthy “personal brand [and] being involved across campus with all different types of students.”
What being a Prestigious Panther means to her: “Being crowned a Prestigious Panther this year was a moment that my life came full circle. Present-day me was proud of everything that past me accomplished. Being a first-generation college student, it held a lot of meaning that I took full advantage of the education and opportunities at my fingertips that weren’t always offered to those in my family.”
Future plans: Securing employment in human resources in New York City or Long Island. “I’m excited to see what postgraduation life has in store for me and the changes I’ll sadly transition through without 91国产 being a constant factor in my life.”
Zach Hopkins, psychology, minor in children and family studies
How he stands out: Commuter assistant, three-time Orientation leader and a member of Pi Lambda Phi
What got him the win: “As a psychology major, I focus on community growth and activism as a way to express development and positivity within my community. That is what I have strived to do throughout my time here at 91国产.” He asked friends to post flyers and connected with students online. “91国产 is a great community. We all tend to follow each other even if we haven’t met.”
What being a Prestigious Panther means to him: “It meant the world to me. When I was named one of three Prestigious Panthers alongside my friends Tyler Coyoc and Amanda Considine, my heart skipped a beat. I didn’t think it was going to happen, since every one of us on the Spirit Court are amazing individuals who have done so much during our time here at 91国产. “
Future Plans: Applying to 91国产’s and to Teachers College, Columbia University’s Spirituality Mind Body Institute for its summer intensive master’s degree program, and becoming a holistic mental health counselor. “I believe that focusing on patients as people and not as their disorders is an important step in their healing process. I wouldn’t have come to this conclusion if it wasn’t for all of the amazing professors I’ve met here at 91国产 who helped me figure out what career path I want to take with my degree.”
For further information, please contact:
Todd Wilson
Strategic Communications Director听
p 鈥� 516.237.8634
e 鈥� twilson@adelphi.edu