The common tradition of a Homecoming Court is not a part of the Homecoming festivities at Iowa State.

Dave Critchlow, communication specialist for alumni services and Homecoming Central adviser, said many things led to the elimination of the Homecoming Royal Court.

He said that in 1998, the Homecoming Central Committee decided to discontinue having Homecoming royalty, as it was believed that this ceremony was not representative of the student population.

“We had also found that the same individuals were continually being recognized,” Critchlow said.

“This, which was an honor in the past, was not fulfilling the spirit of Homecoming here at Iowa State University.”

Critchlow also said a survey was done comparing peer institutions — or schools relatively similar to Iowa State in size and makeup — and noticed that many of those institutions did not have a Homecoming Court or Royalty.

“The results of the survey confirmed the recommendation of the Homecoming Advisory Committee to discontinue Homecoming Royalty,” Critchlow said.

Overall, students on campus don’t seem to mind the absence of Homecoming Royalty.

Chris Ambroson, sophomore in aerospace engineering, said he isn’t bothered by the lack of Homecoming Royalty.

“Iowa State shouldn’t have a Homecoming Court because of the huge number of people enrolled here,” he said. “There would be very little reason to choose someone besides looks, and that would defeat the purpose.”

Katherine Currie, sophomore in elementary education, also thought choosing a court would be difficult because of the number of students.

“How would we find just a few people out of this huge university?” she said.

“There are so many awesome people on this campus that have so much to offer to this university.

“Also, it’s just another way to single people out,” she said. “That’s not representative of the spirit of Homecoming at Iowa State.”