Each year, eight students go head-to-head and compete for the title of Regatta Royalty. This year, two dedicated and involved students, Abbie Koster and Emily Lesich, were crowned at the Regatta Festival. They are the fifth and sixth students to receive this honor at IUPUI.
Koster, a senior studying interior design technology, says this has been a dream of hers since she went to her first Regatta during her freshman year. As the president of the Delta Zeta sorority, vice president of the Student Design Organization and juggling two on-campus jobs, she felt like her hard work had finally paid off.
"I never really got to participate in a homecoming-type of event in high school, and this was kind of a new chance," Koster said. "I knew that I had been involved enough and I could potentially have a shot at winning. Running was my way of showing my appreciation for IUPUI and winning has felt like their way of showing me appreciation back."
For Lesich, a senior studying exercise science, being school-spirited has been her goal since she first came to IUPUI. To stay involved, she has managed an on-campus job, is president of Spark Campus Ministry, is a student ambassador for the School of Health and Human Sciences and is a member of the Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honors Society.
Reflecting back on everything she has accomplished in her four years on campus, she wanted to make one last impact and run for Regatta Royalty.
"This was the last year I was going to be at Regatta, and I wanted to get involved and Regatta Royalty was a great way," Lesich said. "Winning made me feel that everything on campus has made a difference."
As for the $500 scholarship, it is going to help both Koster and Lesich in their future careers immensely. Koster noted that this will help her pay for tuition and housing bills, and Lesich plans to use the money towards graduate school.
"This scholarship is definitely going to help pay for school," Lesich said. "It is going to help me get ready for grad school and allow me to financially live on my own while I work on my own. This allows me to be financially supported, so I can fully focus on school."
Regatta Royalty is a tradition at IUPUI where students participate in activities and attempt to gain the most votes at Regatta-related events. Posting on social media, raising money, volunteering for Regatta service day and asking people to vote are a few ways the court obtains points.
The winners are chosen based on their application, interview and overall points gained through the process. Candidate applications are based on campus involvement and leadership qualities. Those who are crowned receive the $500 scholarship.
To learn more about how you can be a part of Regatta Royalty at next year’s Regatta, contact the Regatta coordinator of traditions at reginter@iupui.edu.