Early in Paige Galperin’s time at The Ohio State University, she received a piece of advice she still follows.
“There’s always going to be a reason not to do something,” said Galperin, now a junior double-majoring in communications and psychology and a student intern in University Communications, “so why not go for it?”
Following that advice is how Galperin found herself a member of the university’s 2025 Homecoming Court, an unusual accomplishment for a third-year student.
“I think there is this idea that as college students, we’re too young or we don’t have enough experience or we don’t have a long resume,” she said. “It was cool to be on the court as a junior. I showed people that you can do things early and you don’t need to be held back by feeling like you’re too young.”
Earning a spot on the Homecoming Court is not easy. Students must have completed 60 academic credits by the end of the summer, maintained a cumulative 2.5 GPA and be in good standing. They must complete a written application highlighting their contribution to the university community and how they embody the Homecoming Court’s values – leadership, integrity, spirit and achievement. Lastly, they are interviewed by the Office of Student Life and prior Homecoming Court members.
“I think spirit is the one that differentiates between people who end up on the court versus those who don’t,” Galperin said. “You can do all the right things, but you have to love Ohio State and its traditions, you have to want to make it a better place. That’s what brings the court together.”
Prior to Homecoming weekend, court members serve as university ambassadors at events like Convocation. They also fundraise for a cause that is meaningful to them. The 2025 Homecoming Court raised a record-breaking $22,420 for 20 projects.
Galperin chose to focus on resources for people living with dementia and their caregivers. She saw the challenges both face firsthand when her grandmother was diagnosed with the disease and her grandfather became responsible for his wife’s care.
“I think the caregiving aspect often gets overlooked,” she said. “That is just as impactful as dementia, if not more. I want people to be aware of that and take care of themselves, even when they’re taking care of other people. You can’t give your full self to others unless you’re showing up for yourself first.”
The events were a great experience, Galperin said. One that sticks out in her mind is the Homecoming alumni luncheon. Seated at her table was a member of the 1965 Homecoming Court.
“It was so neat, hearing how the court has evolved over time,” she said. “In 1965, it was only women. And how they were selected was very different. But it was still rooted in love for Ohio State, in school spirit.”
Galperin’s experience came to a close at the university’s 113th Homecoming celebration. While she wasn’t elected as one of the two Royal Buckeyes, she and the other court members were invited onto the football field at Ohio Stadium during the Oct. 4 game against the University of Minnesota.
“It was so cool,” Galperin said. “I’d been on the field before, but never when the stands were full. It was surreal. We kept saying to each other, ‘This doesn’t feel real.’ Having our experience culminate in that moment, that was awesome.”
Although Galperin is eligible for next year’s court, she’s not planning to apply again.
“I want someone else to have that opportunity,” she said. “I think people sometimes hold themselves back, but they should go for it.”