Bluffton University would normally wrap up the academic school year with its traditional May Day celebration. This tradition involves the graduation events and reuniting alumni on campus. There are also two students named May Day king and queen each year. This year Von Thomas was named king and Leslie Beasley as queen.
Thomas is a history major minoring in education, and Beasley is an intervention specialist major. Both expressed sadness about being away from campus during the time that the May Day events would be happening.
“It feels sad to not be able to be part of the May Day events as the queen because I have watched the May Day events for two years and participated as a May Day dancer my freshman year,” said Beasley. “I loved seeing everyone being celebrated and the excitement of knowing that they made it together as a class along with seeing alumni from recent to past.”
May Day Queen Leslie Beasley. Photo courtesy Leslie Beasley
Beasley said she had looked ahead on her calendar and the sight of the May Day weekend and graduation circled in color brought tears to her eyes.
“May Day continues to impact everyone throughout the years,” said Beasley. “I love my Bluffton family and all I want to do is celebrate with them.
Thomas described feeling honored and blessed to be chosen as May Day king but the chance to speak in front of his classmates was something he was looking forward to.
“As the issues that are going on in this country I completely understand the situation, but I wish I would have gotten the chance to give my speech face-to-face to my class rather than virtually,” Thomas said.
Beasley said May Day king and queen are very important to campus because the individuals chosen are unique and acknowledge the leaders on campus. With the many different individuals chosen throughout the years, Beasley wants students to know leaders are not characterized by just one thing.
May Day King Von Thomas. Photo courtesy Von Thomas
“May Day king and queen are important to campus because of the length of time this tradition has gone on,” said Thomas. “Having a May Day king and queen just brings the tradition of the past, present, as well as the future together and is just the icing on top.”
Although Beasley has been honored with this title of May Day queen, she said when she was a freshman on Bluffton’s campus, she never imagined receiving this.
“I am an introvert so at the time I felt I could not achieve the ‘social’ aspect of being voted queen,” said Beasley. “However, I realize now that while it does have to do with that, it taught me to stay true to myself and the right people will notice.
Beasley and Thomas were both highly involved during their years on campus.
Beasley was a hall director for Bren-Dell and Riley Court Apartments. She was also involved in the Multicultural Club, a Kit Guide and a C. Henry Smith Scholar. Beasley is also currently participating as a Study Buddy to complete her student teaching.
Thomas was a student-athlete for the football team all four years. He was also vice president of the Multicultural Club and a student worker for the University’s Event Complex staff.
