As University Program Board (UPB) president, senior Erika Brentar has a hand in planning many of Case Western Reserve University’s events each year. She works to organize students groups, live music and more to provide memorable events for the undergraduate student body. And although she didn’t coordinate homecoming, she probably couldn’t have planned it any better.
During the homecoming parade, Brentar, a nominee for homecoming queen, was seated next to fellow senior and king candidate Anton Spencer—foreshadowing the afternoon’s results. Spencer and Brentar also walked out on the field together before the results were announced over the loud speaker during halftime of the homecoming football game.
“When I heard his name called, I was so excited for him,” Brentar said. “Then I heard my name called and felt so overwhelmed. It was all very exciting and a great way to cap homecoming week.”
Brentar’s time in the spotlight was well deserved, as she spends a majority of her time behind the scenes. In addition to her work with UPB, the marketing major is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, SpringFest committee and the Orientation Program.
Her experience with these organizations helped Brentar realize her passion for marketing and event planning as a first-year—so much so that she changed her major from engineering to marketing.
“I really enjoy my work with UPB and SpringFest because you get to see your project evolve from beginning to the end and you get to see how it impacts others,” she said.
Despite her recent recognition, Brentar seems content to go back behind the scenes as she prepares for UPB’s big event next weekend: a concert featuring rapper Juicy J and alternative/pop band Echosmith.
“In the end, I’m just honored to have been on court with all the other candidates,” she said. “Each one is very involved in the campus community, which made being named queen even that more meaningful.”
Read more about the 2014-15 homecoming queen in this week’s five questions.
1. What is your preferred mode of transportation and why?
My preferred mode of transportation is by car because I find it relaxing to listen to music while driving.
2. What’s next on your reading list?
I started reading Arianna Huffington’s book, Thrive, over the summer but didn’t get too far. I’m going to try to read it over winter break.
3. What has been the most rewarding moment for you while at Case Western Reserve University?
The most rewarding time is orientation week. At the beginning of the week, the first-year students are nervous and anxious, and by the end of the week they are ready to take on college life. It’s nice to be able to see them grow in such a short time and remember back to when I was one of them.
4. If you had a day to do whatever you wanted, how would you spend it?
I would tour around London or somewhere in Europe for the day.
5. What is your favorite thing about Case Western Reserve?
My favorite thing about CWRU is definitely the people and sense of community on this campus. Everyone really finds their niche and finds their place on campus. There is something for everyone and very inclusive.
Want to know more about the 2014-15 homecoming king? Read the daily’s five questions with Anton Spencer from last fall.