Meet the Entrepreneurial Leaders on MSU’s 2025 Homecoming Court

Representing Michigan State University on the Homecoming Court is considered one of the highest honors for MSU seniors. Each year, 10-12 students are selected to the Homecoming Court based on their qualities of leadership, spirit, integrity and achievement through their contributions and involvement at MSU. This year, three Entrepreneurship & Innovation students were selected for the Homecoming Court. 

jones_1

Meet Delaney Jones

Delaney Jones is a dual-degree Marketing and Communication student whose leadership, curiosity and commitment to growth reflect the spirit of MSU’s dynamic and inclusive campus community.

  • Hometown: Jackson, MI
  • Colleges: Eli Broad College of Business; College of Communication Arts and Sciences; Honors College
  • Majors: Marketing; Communication, Leadership, and Strategy
  • Minor: Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Delaney is a bold, driven and community-oriented senior from Jackson, Michigan. Earning dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Marketing and Communication, Leadership and Strategy, Delaney’s academic journey has been defined by exploration, self-discovery and a steadfast commitment to personal growth. She is honored to represent Michigan State University on the 2025 Homecoming Court.

Throughout her time at MSU, Delaney has been an active presence across campus, contributing her voice and leadership to student government, the Honors College Service Club, MSU Marketing Association, pro bono consulting, intramural volleyball and more. These varied experiences have shaped her into a well-rounded leader with a deep appreciation for what MSU offers when you step beyond your comfort zone. Her favorite place on campus — the stairwell in the Minskoff Pavilion — represents the upward momentum of her Spartan journey and the many connections she’s built along the way.

Delaney sees each chapter of her MSU experience as uniquely transformative. From childhood game days in green and white to discovering a vibrant student community devoted to progress and purpose, she has carried the Spartan spirit through every role she’s held. After graduation, Delaney plans to pursue a Master’s in Marketing or Marketing Research, followed by a career in consulting with a long-term goal of becoming a professor — hopefully back at MSU, the institution that shaped her.

As a Homecoming Court representative, Delaney hopes to empower students to define success on their own terms and embrace change without fear.

 

katende_1

Meet Jogi Katende

Jogi Katende is a Finance and Economics student whose leadership, global perspective and dedication to uplifting international voices reflect MSU’s commitment to innovation, inclusion and community impact.

  • Hometown: Kampala/Luwero, Uganda
  • Colleges: Eli Broad College of Business; Honors College; College of Social Science
  • Majors: Finance; Economics
  • Minors: Quantitative Data Analysis; Entrepreneurship and Innovation .

Jogi is a driven and globally minded senior from Kampala/Luwero, Uganda. A student in the Eli Broad College of Business, the Honors College and the College of Social Science, Jogi is double majoring in Finance and Economics, with minors in Quantitative Data Analytics and Entrepreneurship and Innovation. With a passion for innovation, education and international collaboration, Jogi is proud to represent Michigan State University on the 2025 Homecoming Court.

Jogi’s MSU journey has been marked by excellence in both academics and leadership. As President of the MSU Taekwondo Club, he spends many hours in the IM West Fitness Center Martial Arts Room — his favorite spot on campus — where he trains, teaches and learns alongside fellow Spartans. His dedication to community and growth reflects his commitment to helping others succeed while embracing the values of perseverance and mutual respect.

MSU’s diverse and dynamic environment has deeply influenced Jogi’s personal and professional aspirations. As an international student, he is committed to uplifting the voices and stories of those who travel from around the world to pursue their education at MSU. Inspired by the trailblazing international Spartans who came before him, Jogi sees his role on the Homecoming Court as an opportunity to highlight the resilience, brilliance and contributions of international students across campus.

Following graduation, Jogi plans to attend graduate school and eventually return to East Africa to pursue impactful work in business and economics. With a long-term goal of advancing entrepreneurial ventures and sustainable development, Jogi hopes to be a catalyst for global change — beginning with the communities that shaped him.

 

nair_1

Meet Om Y. Nair

Om Y. Nair is an applied engineering sciences student whose leadership in research, innovation and international student advocacy reflects MSU’s values

  • Hometown: Mumbai, India
  • Colleges: College of Engineering; Honors College
  • Major: applied engineering sciences
  • Minors: entrepreneurship and innovation; data science 

A visionary, resilient and purpose-driven senior from Mumbai, India, his Spartan journey has been shaped by leadership, innovation and a deep love for community.

Majoring in applied engineering sciences, with minors in entrepreneurship and innovation and data science, Nair is a proud student of the College of Engineering and the Honors College. He is one of 12 members on the Michigan State University 2025 Homecoming Court. The 2025 Homecoming Week is Oct. 6-11.

Since arriving at MSU, he has embraced every challenge and triumph as an opportunity to grow and uplift others. Whether that’s mentoring students, engaging in undergraduate research or championing international students.

Looking ahead, Nair plans to pursue graduate studies in data science and eventually launch his own venture focused on real-world impact — in sustainability, technology or education. Long-term, he dreams of returning to MSU to give back by establishing a scholarship fund for students with big dreams and limited means.

This content originally appeared on the MSU Alumni website.