Southwest Celebrates 25 Years of Saluqi Pride at Homecoming 2025

Southwest marked its 25th anniversary with a spirited Homecoming 2025 celebration Oct. 27–Nov. 1, bringing together students, alumni, faculty, staff and community partners for a week of service, tradition and Saluqi pride.

The festivities began with a Day of Service in partnership with the Memphis Rotary Club. Faculty, staff, students, athletes and cheerleaders distributed food to hundreds of families at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, setting the tone for a week centered on community and connection.

Spirit Days and Student Events 
The week featured themed days across campuses, including Twins Day and Hat Day, where students and staff showcased their creativity and school spirit. Students also tested their knowledge at a lively Trivia Party on the Union Avenue Campus, answering questions on pop culture and Southwest history.

At Macon Cove, the Transfer Fair connected students with representatives from 12 colleges across Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas, offering resources and guidance for their next academic steps.

Western Day brought boots, hats and line dancing to the Union Avenue Campus with the “Boots on the Ground” party, while the Saluqi Coffeehouse at the Macon Cove Campus provided an open mic stage for music, poetry and storytelling. 

Pep Rally and Big Reveals 
The Homecoming Pep Rally electrified the Verties Sails Jr. Gym with performances by the Saluqi Cheer Team and appearances from the men’s and women’s basketball teams. The rally also featured two historic firsts: the unveiling of the college’s refreshed mascot, officially named Suki the Saluqi following a student vote, and the crowning of Southwest’s inaugural Homecoming Royalty—Robrecus “Rico” Parker as King and Grace Hernandez as Queen.

Meanwhile, nearly 100 students competed in the week-long Saluqi Scavenger Hunt, chasing points and prizes in a spirited, campus-wide competition. The top three winners are: Quineshia Townsel, who led the pack by capturing first place; Navpreet Kaur, in second place; and Annika Easley, in third place.

Alumni and Community Connections 
The Silver Saluqi Alumni, Supporters & Friends Mixer brought together alumni, faculty, staff and community partners for an elegant evening of music, connection and celebration. 

Highlights included a City of Memphis proclamation honoring Southwest’s 25-year legacy, video tributes from leaders and alumni, and a surprise appearance by Suki the Saluqi, who led the crowd in line dancing.

Halloween Fun and Boo Bash
The Halloween Boo Bash transformed Union Avenue into a haunted hotspot with costumes, games, food and music. Students competed in a costume contest, with Taylor Williams, RJ Falkner and Rachel Maxwell taking top honors.

Tailgating and Game Day Pride 
Homecoming culminated in a Tailgating Party at the Union Avenue Campus, where students, faculty, staff and athletes came together for a feast of burgers, ribs, grilled chicken and sweet treats. 

A live DJ kept the energy high as students joined games and activities, with the Pitch Burst game—where faculty, staff and athletes braved the splash seat—drawing big laughs.

The celebration concluded with a spirited performance by the Overton High School drumline, which energized the crowd for the Homecoming basketball showdowns. Inside the packed Verties Sails Jr. Gym, the atmosphere was electric. Retirees were recognized by President Tracy D. Hall with a photo tribute and a buffet of delish eats, while Suki the Saluqi made a high-energy debut tossing T-shirts into the crowd. The Saluqis dominated on the court, with the women’s team defeating LeMoyne-Owen College 70–30 and the men’s team securing a 97–83 victory.

A Homecoming to Remember 
From service projects to spirit days, poetry jams to pep rallies, tailgating to game day victories, Homecoming 2025 honored Southwest’s past while looking ahead to the next 25 years of excellence, inclusion and Saluqi pride.