The reign of NIU’s 1988 Homecoming king and queen will involve a lot more than “just wearing the crown for a day.”

Willie Fowler, a junior political science major, and Marthony Longo, a junior special education major, were elected last weekend to reign over NIU’s 82nd annual Homecoming festivities. The royal couple was coronated in the Duke Ellington Ballroom in the Holmes Student Center after a talent show last Friday.

Fowler, nominated to represent the Black Interhall Council, said he “feels pretty good” about being elected to represent the student population at NIU. He said he believes the position of Homecoming king should be taken seriously and that the position is more than just a title.

“I want to go out to communities, to high schools, and I want to talk to students about drugs and drinking,” Fowler said.

He said he hopes the high school students will respect his position and listen to him when he tells them that alcohol and drug abuse is wrong.

Longo, nominated to represent Grant Towers South, said that being elected as Homecoming queen was “exciting” and “a big honor.”

She said she enjoys being a part of NIU and, as queen, she will be more than happy to become involved in projects to promote school spirit.

As a resident assistant, Longo said she plans several activities for her floor and residence hall, but too many students go home on weekends and do not participate in her activities.

She said she hopes to instill more school spirit into students during her reign.

Fowler currently is serving as president of the Residence Hall Association and is a member of several university organizations, including the University Council, the Judicial Advisory Board, the Academic Affairs Policy Committee and the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

Fowler also is the recipient of the national Outstanding Young American Award and the Illinois Student Tuition Waiver.

Longo is a resident assistant for the Grant Towers South program for the hearing impaired and a member of the Black Student Caucus.

She also is a member of Huskie Highlights, a new campus organization that welcomes NIU football recruits.

Fowler and Longo were nominated and selected as two of 10 royalty finalists based on their leadership abilities, community services, school spirit and scholastic and academic achievement.