Central ND News

Dickinson State University has announced the nominees for the 2025 Homecoming King. Five students are in the running, each recognized for their campus involvement and school spirit.

Jesse Clawson, a junior majoring in Exercise Science from Plentywood, Montana, highlighted his favorite tradition as attending the football game. “Being a Blue Hawk means being at the right place at the right time, experiencing everything DSU has to offer, and meeting amazing people,” Clawson said. He recalled attending last year’s basketball conference championship against Jamestown as a standout memory. Clawson is active in the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program, serves as a DSU Pacesetter, and works as an athletic trainer student assistant. “I hope to take away all of the connections and relationships I’ve built and stay connected wherever we all end up,” he added.

Jose Eduardo Gonzalez is a senior double majoring in Computer Science and Mathematics. His favorite Homecoming event is the tailgate because “it shows the unity of Blue Hawk country.” Gonzalez described being a Blue Hawk as “seizing your opportunity to soar, chasing greatness.” A key moment for him was qualifying for Nationals during his sophomore year. On campus, he captains the wrestling team and works as a Resident Assistant. “I hope to take away the meaning of overcoming adversity, seizing opportunity, and living with gratitude,” he said.

Jaymn Medlock is a senior studying Exercise Science Professional Track from St. Johns, Michigan. Medlock enjoys playing in the football game during Homecoming and seeing alumni return to campus. “Being a Blue Hawk means striving to be a good person in the real world and always having support from people who came before you,” Medlock said. He noted that his favorite memories are victories with his football teammates. Medlock also serves as a student ambassador alongside participating on the football team. “I hope I can take what I’ve learned on the football field and in the classroom and apply it to real-life situations to succeed,” he added.

Johnnie Lewis Raymond McClusky Jr., now in his fifth year majoring in Health and Physical Education from Billings, Montana, values attending Homecoming’s football game most of all traditions. “It means the world to me. Being a Blue Hawk means being a brother, friend, leader, and being my best self,” McClusky stated. His top DSU memory involves celebrating with teammates after winning last fall’s conference championship in football. McClusky participates in football, choir, and SEA on campus. “I hope to take away my undergraduate degree and all the experiences that come with it,” he added.

Caleb Rist is a senior Accounting major from Burlington, North Dakota who appreciates Homecoming week’s energy: “The homecoming game and everything leading up to it on game day makes a great environment with all the support from alumni and the campus community,” Rist said. For him, being part of DSU is about community involvement: “being a part of the community and striving to be your best for yourself and the people who came before you.” He cited winning last season’s home playoff game against Kansas Wesleyan as his favorite memory at DSU so far. Rist contributes through participation in TRHLP (Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program), plays on DSU’s football team, and attends Blue Hawk Catholic Bible studies.“I hope I can take away leadership qualities from the great leaders around me,” he said.

These five nominees reflect various aspects of Dickinson State University life through academics, athletics, leadership roles on campus teams or organizations.