Michael Weaver and Kelsi Schlundt (both seated) were crowned the 2015 UMSL Homecoming King and Queen on Feb. 21. The other six members of the court include (from left) Adrian Liddell, Ethan Schroeder, Nick Schueddig, Elizabeth (Elle) Fitzpatrick, Devon Stegeman and Meagan Galluzzo. (Photo by Rebecca Barr)

Spending a week showing your school spirit, perfecting a lip sync performance and raising money for scholarships was exciting for all eight of the University of Missouri–St. Louis 2015 Homecoming King and Queen candidates, but for Michael Weaver and Kelsi Schlundt, the real thrill was having the experience together.

Close friends Weaver, a senior biology major and Pierre Laclede Honors College student, and Schlundt, a junior nursing major and honors college student, ran their campaigns together and were crowned as this year’s king and queen during the Homecoming Dinner & Dance on Feb. 21 at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel.

UMSL Daily chatted with the newest members of UMSL royalty this week about the experience.

What were you thinking the moment before your name was announced?

Michael: I apparently wasn’t paying very close attention, because I didn’t notice right away when they said my name. It took me a second to realize I had won.

Kelsi: Well, Mike’s name had just been announced so I was very excited for him, but I was also very anxious. I had run my campaign with Mike and couldn’t have done it without him so I was ecstatic when I was announced as well and was able to share this moment with him.

What was the most rewarding part of the homecoming process?

M: Getting to go through the whole process with Kelsi has been great, and she was extremely supportive the entire time. We have been really close friends for the last couple years, and we just decided one night that it would be fun to run together.

K: I believe the whole new process for homecoming campaigning was the most rewarding. This year instead of simply trying to win the student body vote, it was also important for the candidates to put time and effort in to a dance or lip sync competition and in to the philanthropy crowdfunding project. This really engaged the student body with the competition and helped create the homecoming feel across campus. The crowdfunding was an excellent addition in that it not only helped advertise the homecoming competition, but helped raise money for a great cause that gives back to UMSL students.

Why did you choose UMSL?

M: I chose UMSL because my high school teachers highly recommended the program and because it was more affordable than the other options I had.

K: I was one of those nerds in high school who started researching and visiting colleges my sophomore year. Through this process I came across UMSL and fell in love. The faculty and staff were so passionate about their professions and were excited to help the new and potential students find their passions as well. Their excitement drew me in.

What organization, club, team, at UMSL has been most important to you and why?

M: Sigma Pi is the organization that taught me how important it is to have a social life and have fun in college. My brothers are my closest friends and the reason I have enjoyed UMSL as much as I have.

K: If I had to choose an organization I would choose Delta Zeta. It was my gateway organization into almost everything else I was able to get involved in. Older members told me about opportunities to join Pierre Laclede Honors College Student Association and New Student Orientation. And through their suggestions I was able to get even more involved on campus. They have also provided me with lasting friendships, memories and experiences that have been some of my best here at UMSL.

What does the future hold for you?

M: Medical school is the next step for me. Long term I am hoping to go into pediatric oncology.

K: Hopefully the future holds a college graduation in 2016 with a BSN from one of the best nursing schools around, then an awesome job giving back to my community as a nurse and time to spend with my family and friends.

Last but certainly not least: In a dance off, who would win, Louie the Triton (@LouieTheTriton) or the UMSL Goose (@UMSL_goose)?

M: Whoever has Kelsi choreograph their dance.

K: UMSL Goose. Obviously if you’ve ever seen one of these guys run after a student who got too close to their nest, you would know they’ve got some moves.