These stories originally appeared on the MSU Alumni website.
Meet Anastasia — 2026 Homecoming Court Member
Anastasia Breen is an International Relations and Acting student whose interdisciplinary creativity and global advocacy reflect the passion and purpose-driven spirit of the Spartan community.
By: Anna Ludlow
- Hometown: Bay City, Michigan
- Colleges: College of Arts and Letters; James Madison College; Honors College
- Majors: International Relations; Acting
- Minors: Musical Theatre; Science; Technology; Environment and Public Policy
Meet Anastasia — a dynamic and passionate senior from Bay City, Michigan, whose Michigan State University journey reflects a commitment to creativity, advocacy and pursuing multiple passions with purpose. Majoring in International Relations and Acting, with a double minor in Musical Theatre and Science, Technology, Environment and Public Policy, Anastasia is a dual-enrolled student in the College of Arts and Letters and James Madison College, as well as a proud member of the Honors College. She is honored to represent Michigan State University on the 2026 Homecoming Court.
Anastasia’s experience at MSU has been defined by her ability to bridge the arts and global advocacy. From theatre rehearsals to policy discussions, she has embraced an interdisciplinary path that allows her to tell stories both on stage and through her academic work. Her involvement in research, on-campus employment and education abroad has further enriched her perspective and strengthened her commitment to creating meaningful impact.
For Anastasia, MSU stands out as a place where students can truly pursue all of their passions while still finding a strong sense of community. She values the unique balance of a Big Ten university experience with the close-knit connections formed through her academic programs and creative spaces.
One of her favorite places on campus, the Auditorium Building, reflects this blend of artistry and community. Whether studying, rehearsing or connecting with peers, it is a space where creativity and collaboration come to life.
Looking ahead, Anastasia plans to pursue a multifaceted career that combines her interests in professional theatre, arts education and international human rights law. She hopes to travel the world telling impactful stories — whether through performance or by advocating for justice on a global scale.
Anastasia is especially passionate about women in leadership, interdisciplinary learning and empowering students to embrace all of their interests. As a Homecoming Court representative, she hopes to inspire others to pursue their passions fully and fearlessly, while using their voices to advocate for meaningful change.
Meet Taylor — 2026 Homecoming Court Member
Taylor Regester is an International Relations and Arabic student whose commitment to cultural understanding and inclusive leadership reflects the global perspective and sense of belonging within the Spartan community.
By: Anna Ludlow
- Hometown: West Bloomfield, Michigan
- Colleges: College of Arts and Letters; Eli Broad College of Business; James Madison College
- Majors: International Relations; Arabic
- Minors: Business; Muslim Studies
Meet Taylor — a passionate and globally minded senior whose journey at Michigan State University has been shaped by identity, advocacy and a deep commitment to connection. From West Bloomfield, Michigan, Taylor is majoring in International Relations and Arabic with minors in Business and Muslim Studies. As a student in the College of Arts and Letters, the Eli Broad College of Business and James Madison College, she brings an interdisciplinary perspective rooted in cultural understanding and global engagement. She is honored to represent Michigan State University on the 2026 Homecoming Court.
Taylor’s MSU experience reflects the richness of navigating multiple identities and finding belonging within a diverse community. With Palestinian and Irish roots, she has embraced opportunities to explore culture, language and global perspectives through her academic programs and campus involvement. Her experiences as a resident assistant and student leader have deepened her commitment to building inclusive spaces where all students feel supported, seen and valued.
Throughout her time at MSU, Taylor has taken full advantage of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. The faculty and peers she has worked alongside in James Madison College and within her Arabic studies program have not only shaped her academic and personal growth, but allowed her to engage with complex global issues. She has also gained valuable professional experience through internships and campus leadership, while forming lasting friendships and connections within the Spartan community.
Taylor’s favorite places on campus represent her love for both reflection and connection — from reading in the Beal Botanical Gardens during the warmer months to studying in the MSU Union with a coffee from Strange Matter in the winter. These spaces represent the balance she has found between personal growth and academic ambition.
Looking ahead, Taylor hopes to pursue a career in diplomacy, with plans to take the Foreign Service Officer Test and work toward becoming a United States diplomat. She also aspires to become a Fulbright Scholar in the West Bank, where she can continue developing her Arabic language skills while engaging more deeply with a region that is central to her family’s story. Through her work, she hopes to foster cross-cultural understanding and contribute to meaningful global change.
Taylor is especially passionate about mental health awareness, cultural identity and belonging, advocacy and empowering students to embrace their unique journeys. As a Homecoming Court representative, she hopes to create a space where students feel confident in who they are and encouraged to pursue opportunities that challenge and inspire them.
These stories originally appeared on the MSU Alumni website.