Two CSE students chosen to be part of 2025 Homecoming Court

Eight students were chosen for how they exemplify what it means to be a Gopher

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (09/29/2025) — Two University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering students were chosen as part of the 2025 Homecoming Court.

Homecoming Royalty Court members serve as student ambassadors throughout Homecoming Week, representing the University of Minnesota at a variety of events from Oct. 6-11, 2025. At the Homecoming football game on October 11, two students who best embody Gopher pride will be crowned the 2025 Homecoming Royals and each awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

Sam Fider, an electrical and computer engineering major from Minneapolis, and Brenen Olson, a computer science major from Blaine, Minn., were two out of the eight students chosen to be part of the Homecoming Court this year. 

In the Q+A below, Fider and Olson share why they wanted to be part of the Homecoming Court and more about their University of Minnesota experience.

Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?

Sam: My main motivation was a huge love for the state of Minnesota and no desire to leave our climate. We have such great people living here and enough seasonal variety that the days don't blend together too much. Beyond that, the University of Minnesota has so many opportunities and resources open to students, from hundreds of student activities to legal support and mental health counseling. The network available to students is unmatched, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. 

Brenen: I spent most of my high school years planning on going to a private school that all of my family had gone to. It felt like the obvious choice, safe, familiar, and expected. I knew I wanted to study computer science, and the program there simply didn’t compare to the strength and reputation of the University of Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering. After many conversations with my family, I took a leap and applied to CSE. I’ll never forget something my aunt from Brazil told me while I was torn between schools: the others would be “safe,” but the University of Minnesota would be “daring.” That stuck with me. So, I chose to be daring, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

What has been the highlight of your University of Minnesota/College of Science and Engineering experience?

Sam: The highlight of my experience has been the camaraderie between my peers in electrical and computer engineering. Throughout our time at the University, there have been many classes that everyone in electrical and computer engineering is required to take as a group. My graduating class has had ample opportunity to bond. Because of this, we've organized extracurricular activities including class picnics, a run club, joint birthday parties and many other fun events. I feel like this is an experience unique to CSE and especially electrical and computer engineering, as the small class sizes promote so many interpersonal connections. 

Brenen: The most meaningful part of my time at the University of Minnesota has been the communities that have supported, challenged, and shaped me. A definite standout is the University of Minnesota Marching band, bringing me lifelong friends and unforgettable memories of performance and travel. Another major influence has been Cru, which opened doors for me to build relationships with students from across the country and grow in my faith. These communities are far more than extracurricular activities; they're the very heart of my college experience.

Why did you want to be a part of the Homecoming Court?

Sam: To me, Homecoming Court represents everything good about the University. It includes students from a variety of backgrounds that demonstrate academic excellence, involvement in their communities, and a huge amount of Gopher Spirit. I am honored to be a part of it, and I hope to live up to the reputation throughout Homecoming week. 

Brenen: I wanted to join the Homecoming Court because I believe I represent a wide range of students here at the University of Minnesota. I represent the ones who said “yes” to trying everything this campus has to offer, and the ones who wrestled with doubts and fears along the way. I represent every organization I’ve been part of, not just in the highlights, but also in the challenges, mistakes, and lessons learned. I represent the people who’ve shaped me, the people I’ve poured into, and those I’ve yet to meet before I graduate. Being on the court is a way to celebrate all of that, the full, authentic journey.

What are your future plans?

Sam: After my graduation in Spring 2026, I plan to spend an additional year completing a Master's in Electrical and Computer Engineering. This was made possible by the Integrated Degree Program and my ability to continue as a Community Advisor in the residence halls. After graduation I hope to work in the robotics field, particularly focusing on machine learning, med tech, or automotive robotics. 

Brenen: I am graduating this December, and I plan to use the following spring semester to fully dive into my passion for building software. My focus will be on launching a new software startup, applying all the knowledge I’ve gained from my internship and classes to create something meaningful for the world. While it’s ambitious, I am committed to making an impact with my skills. After the spring, I plan to either return to the company I interned at as a full-time software engineer or to seek new opportunities that allow me to grow, innovate, and expand my network.

Current University of Minnesota students can vote for who they would like to be crowned the 2025 Homecoming Court Royals. Voting opens on Oct. 6 and closes at noon on Oct. 10 on the University of Minnesota Student Unions & Activities website.

College of Science and Engineering alumni can join fellow alumni and friends for the Homecoming Celebration on Oct. 10, 2025. Learn more about the homecoming events for CSE alumni on the event’s webpage.

Scholarship impact

Both students are supported by a variety of scholarships from the College of Science and Engineering and the University of Minnesota. Sam Fider was the recipient of 2024-2025 Roger Nordby Electrical Engineering Scholarship, 2024-2025 Hartig Scholar and the 2022-2025 Iron Range Scholarship. Brenen Olson was the recipient of the 2025 Discovery Scholar, 2025 Anthony and Laurie Ryan Marching Band Scholarship and the 2022-2025 Buuck Family Scholarship.

Find out more about how you can make a gift to support students.

Story by Kalie Pluchel