10/03/2026
We're thr-I-L-L-ed about all the LAS representation on the 2026 Homecoming Court!
Dontavious Williams is majoring in clinical/community psychology with a minor in public health. He strives to advocate for minority mental health and education, as he plans to pursue a doctorate degree in school psychology. He's also studied abroad in Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro!
Fernanda Castillo studies psychology and Spanish with a minor in social work. Admitted through the Access and Achievement Program, she serves as President of the United Greek Council and as a Counseling Center Paraprofessional, and previously as a Residential Advisor and a Student Programming Coordinator at La Casa Cultural Latina.
Da’Miya Jackson is studying molecular and cellular biology on the pre-nursing track. She serves as President of the Black Greek Council, Co-President of 100 STRONG, and President of DiverseCurlz. She also works as a Student Intern at BNAACC and as a GUARD Facilitator with the Women’s Resources Center.
R. Fisher Houston is an Integrative Biology Honors Program student and researcher in the Marks Lab, studying how desiccation-tolerant resurrection plants survive harsh droughts. As a Chancellor’s Scholar, Fisher spent the summer representing Illinois in Japan as the 2026 Yanai Goodwill Ambassador!
Kirsten Schaefer is studying biochemistry and public health. She researches antibiotic resistance and helps with REACT, a chemistry education outreach program. She's also the President of the human rights organization Amnesty International and Vice President of the YMCA Student Board.
Christiana Coco Pembele studies sociology and communication with a minor in criminology, law, and society. She has served in various LAS roles, including Access & Achievement Program Student Intern, First-Year Experience Peer Mentor, and also as Brand Ambassador!
Anius Love-Finch is double majoring in industrial organizational psychology and organizational communication. On campus, he is a Director for the Illini Union Board and holds executive positions in BNAACC, Men of Impact, and three other organizations. He is also a Dean’s List scholar!
Norah Springborn is a double major in English and communication. After studying abroad in the UK, she put her passions for international education, intercultural communications, and higher education into action through her work with the LAS International Programs and Undergrad Admissions as a campus tour guide!
Akbiyke Omurzakova is studying clinical psychology with a minor in social work, aspiring to become a therapist. A Dean's List honoree and Equity & Inclusion Leadership Certificate Fellow, she has focused her research and advocacy on women's rights, leading The Healing Project. She is an intern with the Student Engagement Center's MarCom team and serves as an SAA Ambassador.
Read more about these impactful students at the link in the comments.
University of Illinois Psychology Department Spanish & Portuguese at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign University of Illinois School of Molecular & Cellular Biology Integrative Biology at Illinois Chemistry at Illinois University of Illinois Department of Communication Illinois English
