This week, Oct. 6-11, Michigan State University celebrates Homecoming Week, and one of the highlights of this week is the Homecoming Court. This year’s MSU Homecoming Court includes two College of Arts & Letters students. They are Kaylin Casper and Kathryn Harding, who are among the 12 MSU seniors that make up the 2025 Homecoming Court.

Considered one of the highest honors for seniors, students are selected for the Homecoming Court to represent the university based on their “ability to exemplify the qualities of leadership, spirit, integrity, and achievement through their contributions and involvement at MSU.”

Kaylin Casper

Kaylin Casper, a senior from Burbank, California, has a double major in Humanities Pre-Law offered by the College of Arts & Letters and in Sociology from the College of Social Science. She also has minors in American Indian and Indigenous Studies and LGBTQ+ and Sexuality Studies and is a member of the Honors College. She has made her mark on MSU through scholarship, advocacy, and community building.

As a queer Native woman, she has often navigated spaces where she’s been the only person like herself — but she’s also found strength, support, and the confidence to use her voice. MSU has been the place where she’s grown into herself, taken on leadership roles, built community, and fought for visibility and justice.

Her favorite spots on campus — the new Multicultural Center and the MSU Union, with its comforting mix of Strange Matter donuts and study sessions — are reminders of where she’s found joy and connection.

As a Homecoming Court representative, Casper sees her impact as one rooted in visibility, gratitude, and collective strength. 

“I’m not here just for myself. I carry my ancestors, my mentors, and every student who’s ever felt unseen,” she said. “I want others to see themselves reflected in my story and to know they belong. Spartans show up for each other and I’m proud to stand for the kind of leadership that listens, lifts, and loves with intention.”

“I’m not here just for myself. I carry my ancestors, my mentors, and every student who’s ever felt unseen. I want others to see themselves reflected in my story and to know they belong.”

Kaylin Casper

Inspired by the teachings of Seven Generations, Casper is committed to building a more equitable future for Indigenous youth and other marginalized communities. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a dual JD/Ph.D. in Sociology, focusing on legislative reform, Indigenous rights, education access, and poverty reduction.

Her long-term vision includes advancing Native representation in public service and reshaping systems to serve those they’ve historically excluded — all while imagining a future that includes a cozy book-filled cottage and a few rescued senior dogs.

Kathryn Harding

Kathryn Harding, a senior from Wauconda, Illinois, is a Political Science major with minors in Business, Creative Writing, and International Development. With a passion for public service and creative expression, she has a heart for leadership and advocacy.

Harding’s connection to MSU runs deep — her grandparents met on campus and she has carried that legacy forward with immense pride. From cheering in the Izzone to serving her community, Harding embodies the energy, resilience, and unity that define the Spartan spirit. Her love for MSU stems from its diverse and tight-knit community, which she credits for shaping her into a confident student leader.

Harding’s favorite place on campus — the Izzone — represents her unwavering school spirit and sense of belonging. As a Homecoming Court representative, she hopes to inspire others to step into leadership and find strength in community. 

“There is power in community and we as Spartans are strongest when we are together,” she said. “I hope my presence on Homecoming Court shows others that when you put yourself out there and surround yourself with support, there’s no limit to how far you can go.”

“There is power in community and we as Spartans are strongest when we are together.”

Kathryn Harding

Following graduation, Harding plans to pursue a career in government or public policy, with a focus on uplifting marginalized voices and creating lasting change. She is also an aspiring author, hoping to one day share her stories with the world and inspire others through the written word. Her experiences with education abroad and advocacy for women in leadership have given her a global perspective and a strong sense of purpose.