Godiva's Crown
Godiva's Crown (sometimes erroneously known as Godiva or Lady Godiva) is an engineering student who has been chosen to represent the spirit of Lady Godiva at Skule™. They are selected during a Godiva Week competition in which they must perform a creative act in front of a panel of judges and the reigning Godiva's Crown. The holder of the title of Godiva's Crown must click their heels on command when any Skuligan says "Godiva" or their title "Queen of ___". Godiva's Crown holds Princess, the ceremonial wooden horse, as well as the signature Crown for the year. They are present at many Skule™ events to improve Skule™ spirit.
The Crown worn by Godiva's Crown is a unique hardhat, from which a distinctive crown shape is carved, with the sides of the crown emblazoned with the suit representing the year (i.e. the Queen of Hearts or the Queen of Clubs). The 'suit' for each Godiva's Crown rotates each year in a four-year cycle.
Godiva's Crown traditionally shares the first dance at Cannonball with Mr. Blue & Gold, and starts the Bed Races, organized by the Blue & Gold Committee, during F!rosh Week each year. As a spirit head, Godiva's Crown is symbolically wed to Mr. Blue and Gold.
History
In the past, each Godiva's Crown contestant was asked to humorously use power tools to nail, hammer, drill, and screw together a small wooden object in front of the judges.
Competition
The Godiva's Crown Competition has traditionally been held on Thursday evening of Godiva Week. The competition involves a creative act which may include a skit, song, or dance. There are no requirements to the act, and many acts have involved the use of props, supporting cast, and multimedia presentations.
Judging
The judging panel usually consists of seven judges - six engineering students (mostly male, which must include exactly one F!rosh) and the reigning Godiva's Crown (who is the head judge). The judges are generally chosen by the reigning Godiva's Crown or organizers of the event, and is decided by their (humourous) responses to a series of questions.
Following each act, the judges generally write their comments on whiteboards to be read out by the MC of the night. These comments are humorous in nature, and are not meant to factor into the official judging of the act. The judges also have opportunities to ask questions to the contestants after their act.
The judges, although chosen impartially, have been known to enjoy tasty treats and refreshing BEvERages to aid in their selection of the winning contestant. Many contestants choose to make their 'bribery' in a public fashion during their act, with judges favourably receiving creative and personalized gifts.
The judges congregate in a secret location following the last act, and vote for the next Godiva's Crown. Following the decision, the reigning Godiva's Crown announces awards for each of the contestants, and the winner of the title. The new Godiva's Crown then takes the Oath, and is presented with the Godiva's Crown hardhat, the Godiva sashes, the ceremonial horse, and the flags for the Blue & Gold Bed Races.
Following the Oath, the new Mr. Blue and Gold (elected the previous night) will then propose to the new Godiva's Crown, and the two will remain "engaged" until their wedding during F!rosh week.
Past Godiva's Crowns
| Year | Winner | Title | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | CJ Conlin | MSE 2T4 | Queen of Spades |
| 2022 | Nancy Li | Indy 2T2 | Queen of Hearts |
| 2021 | Kate Whelan | NΨ 2T3 | Queen of Clubs |
| 2020 | Anaïs Poirier | ECE 2T2T1 | Queen of Diamonds |
| 2019 | Lisa Zaher | Comp 2T1 | Queen of Spades |
| 2018 | Chloe Oriotis | Mech 2T0 | Queen of Hearts |
| 2017 | Lia Codrington | NΨ 1T9 | Queen of Clubs |
| 2016 | Hema Nookala | Mech 1T8 | Queen of Diamonds |
| 2015 | Veronica Suprun | Indy 1T7T1 | Queen of Spades |
| 2014 | Elizabeth de Roode | Chem 1T6 | Queen of Hearts |
| 2013 | Pinky Chan | Chem 1T5 | Queen of Clubs |
| 2012 | Lauren Bajin | Mech 1T3T1 | Queen of Diamonds |
| 2011 | Sandra Sousa | Elec 1T3 | Queen of Spades |
| 2010 | Paulette Holtham | Indy 1T2T1 | Queen of Hearts |
| 2009 | Jennifer Eversley | Civ 1T0 | Queen of Clubs |
| 2008 | Topaz Chiu | NΨ 0T8 | Queen of Diamonds |
| 2007 | Sheena Weisman | Chem 0T7 + PEY | Queen of Spades |
| 2006 | Lise Eamer | Mech 0T7 + PEY | Queen of Hearts |
| 2005 | Stephanie McTague | Chem 0T7 | Queen of Clubs |
| 2004 | Nastassja Liebenow | Civ | Queen of Diamonds |
| 2003 | Agnes Durlik | Chem 0T5 | Queen of Spades |
| 2002 | Ashleigh Meyer Clelland | Min | Queen of Hearts |
| 2001 | Kirsten Koehl | Indy 0T2 | Queen of Clubs |